Campaign Bootcamp

Prepare yourself to run in 2026!

Our Campaign Bootcamp is a three-day intensive designed to give you the essential tools and skills—delivered by Vermont experts—you'll need to run a successful legislative or statewide campaign in 2026. Happening March 27-29, 2026, upon completion participants will be ready to enter the August primary race. Candidates and campaign staff are welcome to apply. Existing alums are also welcome to participate to refresh their skills; priority will be given to new applicants.

Where & When

IN PERSON

Location: Rutland County, site TBD

Dates:

Friday, March 27th, 1-6 PM

Saturday, March 28th, 8:30 AM – 6 PM
Followed by an evening gathering

Sunday, March 29th, 8:30 AM – 6 PM

Tuition

Bootcamp tuition is $400 per person (plus a $25 nonrefundable application fee). If you’re an alum interested in participating, you will not have to fill out an application or pay the app fee. First-time candidates and campaign staff will have an application and interview process. Contact elaine@emergevt.org for more information.

Campaign funds can be used to pay tuition. Due to our 527 status, Emerge Vermont cannot provide scholarships for active candidates or their staff.

Topics & Schedule

Day 1 (Friday): 1-6 PM

Topics covered: Committing to Public Service / Equity & Justice on the Campaign / Campaign Overview & Strategy

Day 2 (Saturday): 8:30 AM – 6 PM

Topics covered: Messaging / Creating a Field Plan / Building Your Team / Earned & Owned Media

Day 3 (Sunday): 8:30 AM – 6 PM

Topics covered: Endorsements / Fundraising & Budgeting / Public Speaking

A more detailed agenda will be sent to you upon acceptance to the program.

 

Time Commitment

The success of our Campaign Bootcamp depends upon commitment to the program’s entire schedule by each participant. The Campaign Bootcamp is a 3-day intensive program that requires attendance for the entire long weekend. In the event that unforeseen circumstances arise that prevent in person gatherings, the Bootcamp may be transitioned to online with as much advance notice as possible.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to check your calendar before applying to ensure you are available for all training dates and times. Emerge Vermont reserves the right to make changes to the schedule due to unforeseen circumstances; we will do our very best to keep to the published schedule.

 

Our Trainers

Our bootcamp trainers are campaign professionals from all over Vermont who are deeply familiar with our state’s political landscape and whose expertise comes from running successful races and supporting candidates from the local through Congressional levels.

 

Application

The application for Campaign Bootcamp will open in December of 2025. Emerge Vermont alums currently in office should email Emerge Vermont to apply. First-time candidates and campaign staff will need to fill out an application and must participate in an interview.  There is a nonrefundable $25 application fee payable at application submission. Tuition ($400) is due upon acceptance to the program.

Interviews

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 and the executive director. Interviews will occur online. Acceptance notifications will be shared within 2 weeks of the start of Bootcamp.