Application Process

Our Signature Program
Start YOUR Application TODAY! 

The Emerge training program is a unique opportunity for individuals who identify as women, who are registered Democrats and who want to run for public office! We offer an in-depth, 70-hour training program that provides prospective women candidates the best practices in fundraising, networking, outreach, voter engagement, core campaign communications, political endorsements, press and more. We train one weekend a month and expect 100% attendance in our program. By participating fully, women graduate with a foundation from which to run a successful campaign.

Participants will also have the opportunity to interact with political professionals and Emerge alumnae who have gone on to run for office. And once an Emerge alumnae, our women become a part of a supportive network.

By design, we select no more than 25 women in each cohort for our signature program. We like to develop deeper relationships with our participants, which allows us to better assist our alumnae in choosing the right race at the right time.

Training for the Class of 2025 starts in February and ends in June — Classes will be held in person and virtually. The first training day is absolutely mandatory. One absence after that day is okay.

Applications for the 2025 Emerge Signature Program are open. Apply here to take the first step toward your future run for elected office!

The 70-Hour Signature Program will run from February 2025 to June 2025 and involves two trainings per month, held on Saturdays.

Our Curriculum

The full cohort meets once in-person monthly and once online monthly for the duration of the program, and receives comprehensive training on the following topics:

• Public Speaking and Communication
• Fundraising
• Media and Messaging
• Networking
• Campaign Strategy
• Field Operations
• Labor and Endorsements
• Technology and New Media
• Equity and Justice
• Ethical Leadership

Who Should Apply?

Emerge Oregon seeks individuals who identify as women, who are registered Democrats and who want to run for public office. We also look for:

• Evidence of professional or voluntary public policy or political leadership experience;
• Meaningful involvement in their community;
• Genuine interest in running for political office;
• Ability and desire to build effective networks;
• Ability to articulate a personal political vision; and
• Commitment to full participation and attendance requirements of the trainings.

For our signature program, Emerge Oregon will select no more than 25 women from across the state who best meet the criteria above and who we believe have the potential to be elected leaders.

Emerge embraces diversity and encourages applications from all individuals who identify as 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.

To be considered for our signature program in 2025, applicants must complete a written application. Written applications will be evaluated by a selection committee and qualified applicants will be invited to an in-person or video conference interview in November and December.

**Applications, for any of our programs, will not be considered complete until references have responded to the message our system sends once an email address is entered and the application fee has been paid.**

Apply today!

Time Commitment

The success of the Emerge Oregon program depends upon commitment to the program’s entire schedule by each participant.  For our signature program, 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.

Training Dates for the 2025 Signature Program

The first training day/weekend is absolutely mandatory. One absence after that day is okay.

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 mail a check payable to Emerge Oregon, PO Box 3493, Portland, Oregon 97208.

Tuition

Tuition for the signature program is $800. Of that amount, $150 is immediately due upon acceptance in our program. The remaining portion is due by the last training day.

Payment plans are available and Emerge Oregon will assist — and train! — program members with fundraising their tuition if needed. Financial need should not be a barrier to applying to the program. The majority of our cohort members raise their tuition over the course of the training.