Des Moines, Iowa — The deadline for Emerge Iowa’s 2019 candidate training has been extended to November 30 to accommodate increasing interest in training for potential candidates following the 2018 midterm election on November 6. Democratic women who are interested in running for office can learn more by visiting www.emergeia.org/training/signature-program/.
Emerge Iowa, Iowa’s premier organization for recruiting and training Democratic women to run for political office, has begun its recruiting process for the class of 2019. The organization seeks bright, self-motivated Democratic women who are committed to effective and ethical political leadership. The multi-part application process will remain open until November 30, 2018.
“Women across our state have been inspired by both the record-breaking number of women candidates in 2018, but also by the strength of their campaigns. Women are volunteering, voting early, and considering a run themselves in the next election cycle. By extending our deadline to November 30, we hope to assemble a strong, diverse, and passionate class of future elected officials,” said Leslie Behaunek, Chair, Emerge Iowa Board of Directors.
Emerge Iowa’s training program will offer Democratic women who want to run for public office a unique opportunity. Women who are accepted into the program receive 70 hours of in-depth education over six months to prepare them to run for office, including the tools to win. Participants learn from experts to develop practical knowledge and skills in areas such as public speaking, fundraising, campaign strategy, voter contact, media and messaging, and more. Candidates also meet an array of dynamic women who hold elected and appointed office and become a part of a supportive network, which includes a national association of Emerge alumnae, the Emerge board, and advisory council members.
Iowa ranks 32nd in the country in terms of women’s representation in elected positions. As of the date of this release, women make up a mere 22% of the Iowa Legislature, and Iowa has never elected a Democratic woman to Congress. Emerge Iowa is working hard to improve these numbers by recruiting, training, and supporting Democratic women to give them the critical skills, confidence, and network they need to run for office and win.
For more information about the application process, please visit Emerge Iowa’s website here.
For more information about Emerge Iowa, please contact Executive Director Judy Downs at 515-314-5762 or judy@emergeia.org.
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