We encourage you to begin your application well in advance of the closing date due to the detailed nature of the application.
You can begin your application here. Please remember to save each answer before closing the window.
Emerge Maine seeks Democratic women who are committed to effective political leadership and are interested in running for elective office and who have:
Emerge Maine will select 20-25 women from across the state who meet the above criteria and who we believe have the potential to be political leaders.
Emerge embraces diversity and encourages applications from all women regardless of age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, marital status, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or physical ability. Our mission to build the bench of Democratic women ready to run for office acknowledges both systemic and historic barriers to running for office as well as the barriers women impose on themselves.
To be considered for the 2019 Emerge Maine training program, applicants must complete a written application by June 30, 2019. Written applications will be evaluated by a selection committee and qualified applicants will be invited to an in-person interview in July 2019. Invitations to join the 2019 class will be extended following the interview process.
The success of the Emerge Maine program depends upon commitment to the program’s entire schedule by each participant. Over the six-month period, approximately 70 program hours are scheduled. Some time outside of regularly scheduled trainings will be necessary for homework and training preparation. While emergencies sometimes arise, attendance at the first day of training is mandatory and absence for any reason will result in a deferral to the following year. Please review the schedule below to ensure your availability to attend every training day.
Weekend One
September 22st & 22nd in Portland, may include a social event after training.
Weekend Two
October 19th in Orono
Weekend Three
November 16th in Lewiston
Weekend Four
December 7th in Augusta
Weekend Five
January 11th & 12th in Brunswick
Day at the State House
February 5th Day at the State House, Augusta (social)
Make up date in case of a snow day cancellation
TBD – Tuesday, Feb 4th or Tuesday, Feb 11th
Weekend Six
February 9th, Last Day of Training, Portland
Make up date in case of a snow day cancellation
Feb 22nd, Portland
Graduation Celebration
TBD
Emerge Maine will review completed written applications and select finalists for in-person interviews. Finalists will be invited to attend an interview with the selection committee July 9-20 in Augusta and Portland.
A non-refundable application fee of $35 is required and must be submitted along with a completed application. The application fee can be paid here or by mail with a check payable to Emerge Maine.
Tuition for the program is $750. Payment plans are available and Emerge Maine will assist program members with fundraising their tuition as part of the training. Financial need should not be a barrier to applying to the program.
We encourage our applicants to use the opportunity to try fundraising for their tuition as a way to build fundraising skills as part of our program. If accepted, a donation link can be made for you to share and some further information and support can be provided.
The six-month program does take place in various parts of the state one Saturday each month, but travel and overnight accommodations may be necessary depending on your proximity to trainings. Emerge Maine will endeavor to assist with supporter housing when needed, but travel costs are not covered by the program.
If financial concerns are holding you back from completing your application, please reach out to Executive Director Ashley McCurry at ashley@emergemaine.org. Financial need should not be a barrier to applying to the program.