To increase the number of Democratic women leaders from diverse backgrounds in public office through recruitment, training and providing a powerful network.
Emerge Maine is changing the face of politics by recruiting, training and providing a powerful network for Democratic women who want to run for office.
Our program’s trainers are comprised of an elite team of campaign consultants, advisors and staff from all over the state, who have been involved in countless successful campaigns and initiatives. Participants learn from these experts and develop practical knowledge in areas such as public speaking, fundraising, campaign strategy, voter contact, media and messaging and others. Candidates also meet an array of dynamic women who hold elected and appointed office and become a part of a supportive network, which includes a national association of Emerge alumnae, the Emerge board and advisory council members.
Emerge Maine is a state affiliate of Emerge, which has trained more than 4,000 women to run for office since 2002. Emerge alumnae across the country have won more than 1,000 elections to date and hold office at every level of government. There are currently Emerge affiliates in 26 states — Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin with plans to expand to more soon. Women who graduate from Emerge Maine’s training program are plugged into both the state network of Emerge Maine alumnae, as well as the national network of Emerge alumnae across the country.