DA Abroad - A Global Network of DA Supporters

The DA Abroad is the overseas network of the Democratic Alliance (DA), a Liberal Democratic party that is the second largest party in South Africa. As South Africans living overseas we are proud to support the most diverse and dynamic party in South Africa.

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Home > DA Abroad Elections > Regional Forum Office Bearer Roles & Responsibilities

Regional Forum Office Bearer Roles & Responsibilities

in DA Abroad Elections

The DA Abroad Regional Forum is made up of the Country Representatives and Chair and Deputy Chair of the National Organising Committees. The elected Chairperson of the Regional Forum represents the Regional Forum on the DA Abroad Executive.

We currently have five Regional Forums:

  1. Africa & the Middle East
  2. Americas
  3. Asia
  4. Australasia
  5. Europe

A DA Abroad Regional Forum is comprised of the following office bearers, who are elected at the inaugural meeting of each Regional Forum following the completion of the country-level elections. The responsibilities of each position are outlined below.

Chairperson

  • Represent and communicate effectively the vision and purpose of the DA
  • Guide the country teams in their activities according to the DA Constitution and DA Abroad rules and policies in a positive and supportive manner
  • Represent the Regional Forum on the DA Abroad Executive Committee and attend all relevant meetings, or if not able to attend then appoint a proxy
  • Ensure good communication between the country-level and Regional Forum structures, and the DA Abroad Executive Committee, in particular that decisions, policies and procedures agreed by leadership structures of the DA and DA Abroad are delivered to country-level teams
  • Chair the monthly Regional Forum calls, and ensure that decisions are taken and followed-up
  • Provide guidance and leadership in developing and revising strategies to further the ambitions of the DA Abroad, adapted to the region and the countries within the region, setting relevant goals and targets
  • Responsible for growth of the Regional Forum, especially where in countries with no representation. Manage a volunteer recruitment strategy and ensure new member are on-boarded and able to start performing their roles as quickly and effectively as possible
  • Provide support to the existing country teams and make sure they have everything they need to be effective in their roles, such as DA branded materials, financial support, digital tools etc. Attend National Organising Committee meetings for oversight and support purposes, especially for new committees
  • Provide guidance and leadership in creating network connections among South African communities within the region
  • Facilitate open discussion and ensure all members are given equal opportunity to share ideas and bring their own expertise to the table
  • Provide guidance and supervision regarding the use of DA Abroad social media and other forms of branded material
  • Ensure Deputy Chairperson is trained and briefed sufficiently on all Regional Forum matters and Chairperson responsibilities to be able to fulfill Chairperson role if needed

Deputy Chairperson

  • Represent and communicate effectively the vision and purpose of the DA
  • Guide the country teams in their activities according to the DA Constitution and DA Abroad rules and policies in a positive and supportive manner
  • Provide support and guidance to the Chairperson, fulfilling their role if absent
  • Assist in the follow-up of actions, monitoring and supporting country teams’ projects and performances

Secretary

  • Represent and communicate effectively the vision and purpose of the DA
  • Encourage monthly Regional Forum call attendance and ensure calendar invites and timely reminders are sent out to all invited attendees (1 week and 3 days in advance and remind attendees of 48hr RSVP limit)
  • Prepare and distribute agendas and supporting documentation for the monthly Regional Forum calls at least 48hrs in advance, and in consultation with the chairperson, and with contributions from Regional Forum members
  • Take minutes during the Regional Forum calls and provide draft to Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson before distribution
  • Ensure that quorum is present at meetings
  • Verify the membership file once a week and communicate new members to chairperson
  • Ensure country teams have welcome new members in their country, and where no country teams are present, welcome these members, sharing all relevant information about DA Abroad and the Regional Forum with them
  • Maintain all Regional Forum documentation on Office 365 shared folders, and maintain up-to-date contact information of all Regional Forum members and volunteers
  • Provide support in managing social media and creating flyers and other forms of media
  • Keep track of communication via email and WhatsApp for example, to document any decisions taken and tasks assigned. Include these in the agenda for upcoming meetings
  • Provide support in follow-up to tasks assigned to different members
  • Manage the relevant group inboxes for the Region and ensure queries are responded to in a timely manner

Treasurer

  • Assist and guide country teams in budget requisitions, facilitating the approval process with the DA Abroad Executive Committee and Federal Head Office
  • Ensure compliance with the DA finance and funding legislation, as well as any relevant DA Abroad policies and procedures
  • Initiate and lead grassroots fundraising projects and campaigns
  • Provide summary of budgetary activities at Regional Forum monthly meetings
  • With the DA Abroad Global Finance Chairperson, prepare and present financial reports
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