Who Should Apply?
Emerge Connecticut 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 the 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 the attendance requirements of the trainings.
- Applicants must be women who are Democrats and who reside in the state of Connecticut.
Emerge Connecticut will select approximately 15 women from across the state who meet the above criteria and who we believe have the potential to be political leaders.
Emerge 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.
COVID Readiness
Emerge Connecticut is following CDC guidelines and Emerge America protocol. At this time, the training will be a hybrid program in 2023 with 2-4 in person trainings and 6-10 online sessions. We have had successful online trainings in the past, and are working our hardest to make sure the class of 2023 will have the best possible experience. All members of the Class of 2023 must be fully vaccinated and Covid protocols may be implemented if necessary. Please reach out to our Executive Director with any questions at mae@emergect.org.
Time Commitment
The success of the Emerge Connecticut program depends upon commitment to the program’s entire schedule by each participant. Between March and June, approximately 65 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. The first days of the Emerge Connecticut training are virtual orientation on March 21st & our In Person 1st Day of Training 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m in Hartford on March 25th. The program will meet the following days with a few additional sessions that will be scheduled in consultation with the members of the cohort:
Orientation: March 21st 7-9 p.m. virtual
First Day Training: March 25th 9:30 – 4:30 in Hartford
Virtual Trainings: April 1st and 2nd, April 15th, April 29th 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
In person Trainings: May 6th and 20th, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Interviews
Emerge Connecticut will review completed written applications and select finalists for virtual interviews. Finalists will be invited to attend an interview with the selection committee via Zoom.
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 by mail with a check payable to EMERGE CONNECTICUT, P.O. Box 722, Willimantic, CT 06226. If this fee is a concern for you, please email mae@emergect.org for a waiver
Tuition
Tuition for our Signature program is $800. Emerge Connecticut program members are encouraged to fundraise their tuition. Financial need SHOULD NOT be a barrier to applying to the program.
The program will take place primarily on Saturdays from January to May.
If financial concerns are holding you back from completing your application, please reach out to Executive Director Mae Flexer at mae@emergect.org. Financial need should not be a barrier to applying to the program.
