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 2026 starts in January and concludes in May – 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 2026 Emerge Signature Program are open. Apply here to take the first step toward your future run for elected office!
70-Hour Signature Program – 2026
| 77-Hour Signature Program | |||||||
| Class # | Day | Date | Time | # of Hours | Activity | Format | Location |
| xxx | Friday | 8/1 | xxx | xxx | APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 OPEN | Online | website |
| xxx | Saturday | 9/6 | 9-10am | 1 | OPEN Q & A ABOUT PROGRAM | Online | Zoom |
| xxx | Wednesday | 10/8 | 6-7pm | 1 | OPEN Q & A ABOUT PROGRAM | Online | Zoom |
| xxx | Friday | 11/14 | xxx | xxx | APPLICATIONS CLOSE | Online | xxx |
| xxx | Week of: | 11/17-11/26 | xxx | xxx | INTERVIEWS | Online | Zoom |
| xxx | Mon | 12/1 | xxx | xxx | ACCEPTANCE | xxx | |
| xxx | Wed | 12/10 | 6-8pm | 2 | ORIENTATION | Online | Zoom |
| xxx | Tuesday | 12/16 | 6-7pm | 1 | HOLIDAY WRAPPED EVENT | Online | Zoom |
| xxx | Friday | 1/23 | 5-7pm | 2 | CLASS KICK-OFF | In-Person | Portland |
| 1 | Saturday | 1/24 | 8:30a-5:30p | 9 | Class 1 | In-Person | Portland |
| 2 | Saturday | 1/31 | 9a-1p | 5 | Class 2 | Online | Zoom |
| xxx | Wednesday | 2/18 | 8a-12p | 4 | CAPITOL DAY | In-Person | Salem |
| 3 | Saturday | 2/21 | 8:30a-5:30p | 9 | Class 3 | In-Person | Salem |
| 4 | Saturday | 3/7 | 9a-1p | 5 | Class 4 | Online | Zoom |
| xxx | Tuesday | 3/10 | xxx | xxx | CANDIDATE FILING DEADLINE | In-Person | Local |
| 5 | Saturday | 3/14 | 8:30a-5:30p | 9 | Class 5 | In-Person | Eugene |
| 6 | Saturday | 4/4 | 9a-1p | 5 | Class 6 | Online | Zoom |
| 7 | Saturday | 4/25 | 8:30a-5:30p | 9 | Class 7 | In-Person | Tualatin |
| 8 | Saturday | 5/9 | 9a-1p | 5 | Class 8 | Online | Zoom |
| 9 | Wednesday | 5/20 | 6-9p | 3 | Class 9 | Online | Zoom |
| 10 | Saturday | 5/30 | 8:30a-3:30p | 7 | Class 10 | In-Person | Portland |
| xxx | Saturday | 5/30 | 6-8p | 2 | GRADUATION & ALUM REUNION | In-Person | Portland |
The first training day/weekend is absolutely mandatory. One absence after that day is okay.
Our Curriculum
The full cohort meets in-person monthly 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