- Of the people
- By the people
- For the people
- We the people
America: Stand for democracy! Stand with Europe!
American democracy is under attack. Join others in Switzerland and together let's do something.
We will only use your email address to inform you about upcoming events and opportunities to participate. We will not share your information.
Our Charter
Our Charter was drafted collectively by our members and describes our mission and principles.
Who are we?
We're a group of Americans living in Switzerland.Many of us have long admired Swiss democracy, and our worry has turned to horror as we have watched America's democracy begin to unwind.We want to bring awareness to Swiss and American audiences of the dangers facing one of the world's largest democracies.We are a non-partisan group: if you're for democracy and human rights, we are with you.
What do we believe?
We believe American democracy is under threat. The newly installed President has ignored court orders; threatened newspapers, universities, lawyers, judges, and businesses; he has rejected the friendship of other democracies and allied himself with Putin's Russia.Experts from across the political spectrum are sounding the alarm.But there's no better time to step up and take part.There are more than 32,000 Americans living in Switzerland. Our countries have historically close ties; the American Constitution was a direct inspiration for the Swiss one. And America is Switzerland's largest trading partner after the EU.Americans in Switzerland, and our Swiss friends and allies, are in a unique position to draw the world's attention to the threat faced by American democracy, and to help Americans everywhere wake up.
The Beacon is coming to Zürich
Starting Thursday, June 19th, at 7 PM CET, Paradeplatz
Contact organizers:
Please join us in silent vigil every Thursday 7 – 7:30 PM at Paradeplatz (on the corner with Talacker)! This will be our ongoing opportunity to build and experience a community of deeply concerned US Americans standing together in unified protest. Allies are also welcome.The Beacon was launched in New York City in January 2025, initially as an interfaith group open to all “who feel called to stand with those facing injustice. The Beacon mobilizes its diverse community members to take action. Where there is cruelty, we create visible acts of solidarity and compassion. Where there is fear, we build community and mutual understanding . . . Let’s prevent despair from becoming our dominant emotion and instead find inspiration in small powerful acts of coming together.” (Quoting the initiator of The Beacon, Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum.)There are now 17 affiliated groups predominantly in New York City but also popping up in other parts of the USA. They are people of all ages and backgrounds who stand quietly together with their signs for a half hour every week, between the local time of 7-7:30 PM. The signs convey messages of concern, anger, compassion and hope. Participation in The Beacon brings with it a commitment to nonviolent action and expression.The Beacon Zürich is the first group of its kind outside of the USA, intended to give expats who live here or are passing through the opportunity to experience community and share their feelings and concerns with each other and the world around them. Together we will feel the power of unity and conviction. Join us! (Bring your own signs!)
- Of the people
- By the people
- For the people
- We the people