Please read through all of the information below in its entirety. It is important to have a complete understanding of the application process and training program before you apply. We encourage you to begin your application well in advance of the closing date due to the detailed nature of the application.
Applicants with disabilities may contact us to request accommodations at any time.
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Who Should Apply?
Emerge Maine seeks Democratic women who are committed to effective political leadership and are interested in running for elective office and who have:
Evidence of political leadership experience or potential, and meaningful involvement in the workplace or community;
Interest in running for political office;
Ability and desire to build effective networks;
Ability to articulate a personal political vision;
Commitment to full participation and the attendance requirements of the trainings.
Applicants must be women who are Democrats and who reside in the state of Maine.
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 December 4th, 2020. Written applications will be evaluated by a selection committee and qualified applicants will be invited to a virtual interview. Invitations to join the 2021 class will be extended following the interview process.
Time Commitment
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 10 program hours per month are scheduled. Some time outside of regularly scheduled trainings will be necessary for homework and training preparation. While emergencies sometimes arise, attendance on 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.
2021 TRAINING DATES
Image description ID: Calendar with the following dates blocked off for the training weekend: January 8, 6-8pm, January 9th, 8-11:30am, January 10th, 8-11:30am. February 5th, 6-8pm, February 6th, 8-11:30am, February 7, 8-11:30am. March 5th, 6-8pm, March 6th, 8-11:30am, March 7th, 8-11:30am. April 9th, 6-8pm, April 10th, 8-11:30am, April 11th, 8-11:30am. May 15th, 6-8pm, May 16th, 8-11:30am, May 17th, 8-11:30am. June 11th, 6-8pm, June 12th, 8-11:30am, June 13th, 8-11:30am. Graduation Ceremony TBD, June 12th 6-9pm or June 13th 1-4pm.
In addition to these weekends of learning, the Emerge Maine team will offer weekly optional, drop-in calls every Tuesday from 4-6pm and every Thursday from 12-1pm.
Interviews
Emerge Maine will review completed written applications and select finalists for virtual interviews with the selection committee.
Application Fee
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
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 in 2021 will be entirely virtual. Emerge Maine will support all women who want to participate, difficulties with internet connectivity should not hold you back from participating. We will be sure that everyone has a great experience regardless of their connection.
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.
You can begin your application below. Please remember to save each answer before closing the window.