Des Moines, Iowa—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 from now until November 1, 2018.
“Emerge Iowa is excited to begin accepting applications for our inaugural class of aspiring women leaders,” said Leslie Behaunek, Chair, Emerge Iowa Board of Directors. “Our organization is committed to selecting exceptional applicants who will seize on political opportunities once they are given the skills and tools necessary to run an effective campaign. This recruitment process is a vital part of identifying those women and putting them on a path to success.”
Emerge Iowa’s training program will offer Democratic women who want to run for public office a unique opportunity. Women who are accepted receive 70 hours of in-depth education over six months that inspires them to run for office and gives them the tools to win. Participants learn from experts to develop practical knowledge 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.
“Despite making some gains over the last decade, and an exciting Mid-Term election this year, women are still extremely underrepresented in our decision-making bodies at every level of government,” said Judy Downs, Emerge Iowa Executive Director. “At Emerge Iowa, we’re tackling this problem head on by providing the aspiring female leaders of today with the tools and training to run for elected office and elevate themselves in our political system.”
Iowa ranks 32nd in the country in terms of women’s representation in elected positions. 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.