The Emerge Massachusetts (MA) Program (the “Program”) is a non-profit political training program for Democratic women from Massachusetts who demonstrate an interest in running for elected office.  The Emerge MA Program is designed to:

·     ·     Give a thorough overview of the political process and what it takes to run a successful and effective campaign;
·     Practice and strengthen political leadership skills such as public speaking, fundraising, and campaigning;
·     Provide direction on how to develop a network of political supporters; and
·     Provide an opportunity to meet women who hold elected offices in Massachusetts.

The 2009 Program will meet once a month on weekends from January 2009 to June 2009.  Exact Program details will be announced in Fall 2008.  The following are the training dates in 2009:

·     Saturday, January 24th
·     Sunday, January 25th
·     Saturday, February 28th
·     Saturday, March 21st
·     Saturday, April 4th
·     Saturday, May 16th
·     Saturday, June 6th at the Democratic State Convention

Examples of speakers in the program have included: MA State Representative Ellen Story, Suffolk County Sheriff Andrea Cabral, Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong, Boston City Councilor President Maureen Feeney, and Lynn School Committee Member Maria Carrasco.  

The success of the Emerge MA Program depends upon commitment to the Program’s entire schedule by each participant. Over the six-month period, approximately 70 Program hours are scheduled. Some time outside of regularly scheduled seminars will be necessary for seminar preparation.  Emerge participants are also required to volunteer for a minimum of 10 hours during the six-month Program on a political campaign of their choosing.

Tuition for the Emerge Program is $350. Tuition offsets the costs of Emerge MA’s out-of pocket costs for providing the weekend training sessions.  

*Emerge MA believes that individual financial circumstances should NOT be a barrier to participation in the Emerge MA Program.  Partial and full financial aid may be awarded after admission to the Program.

SELECTION CRITERIA AND PROCESS

Emerge MA seeks bright, self-motivated women who are committed to effective political leadership and are committed to run for elective office.
 
Criteria for selection to the Program include:
·     evidence of political leadership experience or potential, and meaningful involvement in workplace or community
·     interest in running for political office
·     demonstrated ability to bring together disparate groups to achieve a goal
·     ability and desire to build effective networks
·     ability to articulate a personal political vision
·     demonstrated ability to inspire others

Emerge MA will select between up to 20 women from Massachusetts who meet the above criteria and who we believe have the potential to be political leaders.

Emerge MA 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.

Deadline
 
Completed original applications and five copies (for a total of six copies all together) for the Program must be sent to Emerge MA and postmarked no later than September 22nd, 2008.
Do not use staples for any part of the original or copies of the applications.

Interviews
Emerge MA will review completed applications and select finalists for the Program.  Finalists will be invited to attend an interview at Emerge MA between November 5th -10th. From these interviews, the 2008 Program members will be selected.