Emerge Oregon seeks Democratic women who are committed to effective elected leadership, are interested in running for elected office and who have:
Emerge Oregon will select about 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 the 2019 Emerge Oregon training program, applicants must complete a written application by October 12, 2018. 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 2019 class will be extended by December 15, 2018.
The success of the Emerge Oregon program depends upon commitment to the program’s entire schedule by each participant. Over the seven-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.
Our 2019 program will begin with our annual Your Candidacy Begins Today event in Portland on the evening of Friday, January 25. At that event, we introduce the women we’ve accepted into our program!
To follow, trainings will take place on the following dates. Locations are TBD.
Saturday, January 26 – Absolutely Mandatory Attendance
February 23
March 16 and 17
April 27
May 25
June 22
July 20
The program concludes with our annual graduation event, which will occur after our final training day in the evening of July 20 in 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 mail a check payable to Emerge Oregon, PO Box 3493, Portland, Oregon 97208.
Tuition for the seven-month program is $450. 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 seven-month 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.