Application Process

We encourage you to begin your application well in advance of the closing date due to the detailed nature of the questions.

Who Should Apply?

Emerge Maryland 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 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 attendance requirements of the training.
• Applicants must be women who are Democrats and who reside in the state of Maryland.

Emerge Maryland will select up to 20 women from across the state who meet the above criteria and who we believe have the potential to be political leaders.

Emerge Maryland 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 Emerge Maryland training program, applicants must complete a written online application. Written applications will be evaluated by a selection committee and qualified applicants will be invited to an in-person interview. Invitations to join the class will be extended in within a week of the interviews.

Time Commitment

The success of the Emerge Maryland program depends upon the commitment to the program’s entire schedule by each participant.  Over the 7-month period, approximately 75 program hours are scheduled. Some time outside of regularly scheduled training will be necessary for homework and training preparation. While emergencies sometimes arise, attendance is mandatory and absence for any reason may result in dismissal from the program.  Please review the schedule below to ensure your availability to attend every training day.

2020 Training Dates – Save these dates- Attendance to all classes is mandatory.

Nov 30, 2019
Dec 14, 2019
Jan 11, 2020
Jan 22, 2020
Feb 8, 2020
March 7, 2020
March 21, 2020
April 18, 2020
May 2, 2020

SNOW DAYS – please reserve these days as well
Feb. 12 , 2020 – Wednesday SNOW DAY for Annapolis
May 9, 2020
May 16, 2020

Arrival 8-8:30am. Dismissal varies, plan on 5:00 pm

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 Maryland P.O. Box 185, Monrovia, MD 21770. ASK ABOUT THE “TASTE OF EMERGE MARYLAND” DISCOUNT contact@emergemaryland.org

Tuition

Participation in the Emerge Maryland program requires tuition of $500 which includes material fees, meals etc. Please note that travel expenses are not included. There is another $500 obligation to be raised through each program members fundraising efforts for the program.  The total obligation is $1000.00.

This money offsets but does not nearly cover, the cost of Emerge Maryland’s out-of-pocket costs for providing the training sessions. Emerge Maryland believes that individual circumstances should NOT be a barrier to participation in the program.

Partial financial aid up $150 may be awarded after admission to the program. A completed application for this aid will be required. This does not cover the fundraising requirement.

The program takes place in various parts of the state on Saturdays each month, and travel and overnight accommodations may be necessary depending on your location. Emerge Maryland will endeavor to assist with supporter housing when needed, but travel costs are not covered by the program.

If financial concerns are holding you back from completing your application, please reach out to Executive Director Diane Fink at diane@emergemaryland.org  Financial need should not be a barrier to applying to the program.