A new day is coming.
Emerge Maine is changing the face of Maine politics by recruiting, training, and inspiring Democratic women to run for office. Our intensive, cohort-based six-month training program is unique. Emerge makes a long-term investment in Maine women candidates by building their leadership skills and providing extensive campaign training. As an organization, Emerge is committed to increasing the number of Democratic women in office, building a strong network of dedicated women leaders, and creating a pipeline of Maine Democratic candidates at all levels of government.
[Today],Emerge Maine will graduate 21 women in the Class of 2014. This brings our total alumnae up to 141 women from all over Maine! 141 smart and savvy Democratic women who have been recruited, trained, and inspired to run for office.
Breaking the glass ceiling?
14
Emerge Maine alumnae won their races in the 2012 cycle, out of 18 who ran in the general election.
The Emerge Program is the premier training program for Democratic women. We inspire women to run and we hone their skills to win. Our goal is clear: to increase the number of Democratic women in public office.
But why? The facts speak volumes:
Ninetieth in the world: that's where the United States ranks for women in elected office, behind Mexico, China and Pakistan
Women make up just 17% of the U.S. Congress
Only six states currently have female Governors
Only nine states currently have female Lieutenant Governors
Here is a group that is making a difference on so many levels, working with a shoestring budget. Won't you
chip in today?
Shenna Bellows (ME-Sen) is a graduate of Emerge Maine. As keynote speaker for tonight's 2014 Emerge graduation in Portland, ME, she said of Emerge,
"It's such a gift, it's a permanent sisterhood."
If you know a woman who would be a good candidate (yourself even?) encourage them to check out
Emerge America. There are branches in the 12 states listed below the fold.
Emerge Arizona founded in 2004.
Emerge California founded in 2002.
Emerge Colorado launched in 2012.
Emerge Kentucky launched in 2009.
Emerge Maine launched in 2007.
Emerge Maryland launched in 2012.
Emerge Massachusetts launched in 2008.
Emerge Nevada launched in 2006.
Emerge New Jersey launched in 2012.
Emerge New Mexico launched in 2006.
Emerge Oregon launched in 2008.
Emerge Wisconsin launched in 2007.