We encourage you to begin your application well in advance of the closing date due to the detailed nature of the application.
Who Should Apply?
Emerge Iowa seeks Democratic women who are committed to effective political leadership and are interested in running for elected office and who have:
- Evidence of political leadership experience or potential, and meaningful involvement in the workplace or community;
- Interest in running for political office;
- Ability and desire to build effective networks;
- Ability to articulate a personal political vision;
- Commitment to full participation and the attendance requirements of the training
- Applicants must be women who are Democrats and who reside in the state of Iowa.
Emerge Iowa will select up to 25 women from across the state who meet the above criteria and who we believe have the potential to be political leaders.
Emerge embraces diversity and encourages applications from all self-identified women regardless of age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, marital status, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or physical ability. Our mission to build the bench of Democratic women ready to run for office acknowledges both systemic and historic barriers to running for office as well as the barriers women impose on themselves.
Time Commitment
The success of the Emerge Iowa program depends upon commitment to the program’s entire schedule by each participant. Over the eight weeks, you’ll be expected to complete 32 hours of the core curriculum, 8 hours of cohort bonding, and at least 4.5 hours of elective, self-driven, training. Attendance on the first full day of training is mandatory (June 20th, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm), and absence for any reason will result in a deferral to the following year. Please review the schedule below to ensure your availability to attend every training day.
2020 Tentative Training Dates***
Week 1:
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- Wednesday, June 17th, 7 pm – 9 pm
- Saturday, June 20th, 9:30 am – 3 pm
Week 2:
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- Wednesday, June 24th, 7 pm – 9 pm
- Saturday, June 27th, 2 pm – 4 pm
Week 3:
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- Wednesday, July 1st, 7 pm – 9 pm
- Sunday, July 5th, 10 am – 12 pm (to avoid the Fourth of July)
Week 4:
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- Wednesday, July 8th, 7 pm – 9 pm
- Saturday, July 11th, 10 am – 12 pm
Week 5:
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- Wednesday, July 15th, 7 pm – 9 pm
- Saturday, July 18th, 10 am – 12 pm
Week 6:
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- Wednesday, July 22nd, 7 pm – 9 pm
- Saturday, July 25th, 10 am – 12 pm
Week 7:
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- Wednesday, July 29th, 7 pm – 9 pm
- Saturday, August 2nd, 10 am – 12 pm
Week 8:
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- Wednesday, August 5th, 7 pm – 9 pm
- Saturday, August 8th, 10 am – 12 pm
Interviews
Emerge Iowa will review completed written applications and select finalists for video interviews. Finalists will be invited to attend an interview with the selection committee.
A non-refundable application fee of $35 is required and must be submitted along with a completed application. The application fee can be paid here.
Tuition
The tuition for the condensed signature program is $550 (reduced to reflect online instruction). Payment plans and scholarships are available, and Emerge Iowa will assist program members with fundraising their tuition if needed.
If financial concerns are holding you back from completing your application, please reach out to contact@emergeia.org. Financial need should not be a barrier to applying to the program.
