Emerge Oregon seeks Democratic women who are committed to effective elected leadership, are interested in running for elected office and who have:
Our capacity for each program is different. For our signature program, Emerge Oregon will select about 25-30 women from across the state who best meet the criteria above and who we believe have the potential to be elected leaders. Our other trainings tend to serve smaller numbers of women, but capacity is largely defined by number of women who apply, we choose to accept and the training space available to us.
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 2020, applicants must complete a written application by October 12, 2019. Written applications will be evaluated by a selection committee and qualified applicants will be invited to an in-person interview in late October/early November. Invitations to join the 2020 class will be extended by December 15, 2020.
**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.**
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 Class of 2020 are: 2/1, 3/7, 4/4, 5/2, 6/6, 6/27 and 7/18. The locations for these trainings will be determined before the first training day, and the locations will be determined based on the geographic make up of the class. The first training day is absolutely mandatory. One absence after that day is okay.
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 for the signature program is $500. Of that amount, $100 is immediately due upon acceptance in our program. The remaining portion is due on the first class instruction day.
Payment plans are available and Emerge Oregon will assist program members with fundraising their tuition if needed. Financial need should not be a barrier to applying to the program.
The signature program does take place in various parts of the state. Travel and overnight accommodations may be necessary depending on your location to trainings. Emerge Oregon will endeavor to assist with supporter housing when needed, but travel costs are not covered by the program.