Who Should Apply?
Emerge Connecticut seeks Democratic women and non-binary folks that are comfortable in women centered spaces 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 and non-binary folks ready to run for office acknowledges both systemic and historic barriers to running for office as well as the barriers people impose on themselves. Applicants should apply by Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
Time Commitment
The success of the Emerge Connecticut program depends upon commitment to the program’s entire schedule by each participant. Between February 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 on Saturday, March 1st from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Hartford is mandatory. A full tentative schedule is below:
March 1 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in person
March 2 – 12 to 6 p.m. virtual training
March 22 – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. virtual training
April 5 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. virtual training
April 12 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in person training
April 26 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. virtual or in person training (TBD)
May 3 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. virtual or in person training (TBD)
May 10th – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. virtual training
May 27, 28 or 29 – in person training (date to be chosen in consultation with the class)
Three virtual evening session will take place in May, dates will be chosen in consultation with the class
June 12 or 17 – Class Graduation
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. These interviews will take place in January & February 2024.
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.
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.
