Signature Program

Five months of training that gives you all the skills you need to run and win.

Our Program

The Emerge Maryland candidate training program is a unique opportunity for Democratic women who want to run for public office. It is the only in-depth, 5-month training program that inspires candidates to run and gives them the tools to win. You will be exposed to various campaign and election experts as a program member. You will meet an array of dynamic women who hold elected and appointed offices. You are given specific opportunities to expand your political network through Emerge Maryland. As an Emerge Maryland program member, you become a part of a supportive network.

Our Curriculum

Participants meet one or two Saturdays a month for five months and receive comprehensive training on the following topics (not limited to this list):

Public Speaking and Communication
Fundraising
Media and Messaging
Networking
Campaign Strategy
Endorsements
Technology and Media
Diversity and Inclusion
Ethical Leadership

Who Trains?

Emerge Maryland trainers comprise a premier team of campaign consultants, advisors, alumnae, and staff from all over the country. Many of them have been involved in some of the most successful campaigns and initiatives we’ve seen in recent election cycles. They come from backgrounds that span fundraising, direct mail, field strategy, communications, press management, and campaign messaging. They have won races from the city council to the State Senate to Congress.

Application Process

Emerge Maryland will select a limited number of women who meet the criteria listed below 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, or physical abilities.
Emerge Maryland will review completed applications and select finalists for the program.
Finalists will be invited to attend an interview with a selection committee. From these interviews, the program members will be selected.
Emerge Maryland’s program will deliver 5 months of training. Your success in the Emerge Maryland program depends upon your commitment to the program’s entire schedule. Some time outside of regularly scheduled seminars will be necessary for class preparation and homework.
Time Commitment
Your success in the Emerge Maryland candidate training program depends upon your commitment to the program’s entire schedule.  Some time outside of regularly scheduled seminars will be necessary for seminar preparation. 
Attendance for all classes is mandatory. Absences may result in dismissal from the program.
Classes are in-person and maybe virtual, depending on the state of the virus.
**In-person classes will meet from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm – locations TBD.
**Virtual classes will begin at 9:30 am and end at about 4:00 pm.

You will learn best practices in fundraising, networking, and coalition building, honing your message, writing a field plan and stump speech, how to seek endorsements, public speaking, dealing with the media and the press, and much more! All of these skills will make you a better and more polished candidate, giving you an edge!

During the course of the program, participants are also required to participate in fundraising activities that will benefit Emerge Maryland.
• A non-refundable application fee of $35. No late applications will be accepted.
Your application will be complete once you have:

1) completed and submitted the online application,
2) submitted the application fee, and
3) Emerge Maryland has received two letters of reference directly from your references.

You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete. Your non-refundable application fee must be paid for your application to be considered.
The link to pay the fee is included in the application, or mail a check to:
Emerge Maryland
P.O. Box 185
Monrovia, MD 21770. 

Cost

Participation in the Emerge Maryland program requires tuition of $500, including material fees, meals, etc. Please note that travel expenses are not included. There is another $500 obligation to be raised through each program member’s fundraising efforts for the program. The total obligation is $1,000.00.

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

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

Selection Criteria (keep these in mind as you fill out the application)

Emerge Maryland seeks bright, self-motivated women who are committed to effective and ethical political leadership.
Criteria for selection include:

• evidence of political leadership experience and meaningful involvement in your community;
• demonstrated an ability to bring together disparate groups to achieve a goal;
• ability to build effective networks;
• ability to articulate a personal political vision;
• demonstrated an ability to inspire others;
• commitment to full participation and attendance requirements of the training.

We are here to help you, whether you are trying to decide if running for office is for you, or you need help completing your application, or you have questions about the program.  Please contact us at contact@emergemaryland.org.

It’s Time to Step Up!

We need your participation to start a revolution! We’re looking for women who are engaged in their communities and want to effect change. It doesn’t matter if you’re considering running for the local school board or the U.S. Senate. We can help you get ready to run!