Emerge Vermont seeks Democratic women and who are committed to effective political leadership, are interested in running for elective office, and who have:
Applicants must identify as women and Democrats and reside in Vermont.
Emerge Vermont will select 20-30 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, socioeconomic 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 Vermont training program, applicants must complete a written application. Written applications will be evaluated by a selection committee and qualified applicants will be invited to an interview.
The application for the Class of 2024 is now closed.
The success of the Emerge Vermont program depends upon commitment to the program’s entire schedule by each participant. Over the course of the training, approximately 80 program hours are scheduled. Our hybrid program combines several weekends with shorter, online programming. There is some homework between sessions. While emergencies sometimes arise, attendance at the first weekend of training is mandatory and absence will result in a deferral to the following year. In the event that unforeseen circumstances arise that prevent in person gatherings, trainings that are scheduled to occur in person may be transitioned to online with as much advance notice as possible.
The training will happen from January through May 2024 and will be mostly in person and some online sessions. There are two 2-day sessions; class members will have the option of staying overnight. Locations will be determined once the class composition is known. We will make every effort to hold in person sessions at locations within reasonable driving distance to all class members.
You are strongly encouraged to check your calendar before applying to ensure you are available for all training dates.
The dates for 2024 Signature Training sessions are:
Emerge Vermont will review completed written applications and select finalists for interviews. Finalists will be invited to attend an interview with two members of the selection committee. Interviews will occur online in October & November 2023. Acceptance notifications will be shared in the first week of December 2023.
An application fee of $25 must be submitted along with a completed application. Tuition for the 2024 Signature Training Program is $850 and may be subject to change for future programs. Payment plans and limited scholarships are available. Emerge Vermont encourages and trains program members on fundraising their tuition. Financial need should not be a barrier to applying to the program.
If financial concerns are holding you back from applying, reach out to elaine@emergevt.org. Financial need should not be a barrier to applying to the program.
The application for the Signature Training Class of 2024 is now closed.