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  • "Now more than ever, women's voices and experiences are desperately needed in the halls of Congress and in state legislatures. Emerge's commitment to training and mentoring women candidates is vital to making that happen."

    Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House

    Emerge Maine 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.

What Is Emerge?

Emerge Maine is a political leadership training program for Democratic women in the state.  Emerge Maine is part of Emerge America, a national movement to address the under-representation of women in office at the local, state, and federal level.  Click here to find out more about Emerge America.

The Emerge Maine mission is to identify, educate, and inspire Democratic women who want to pursue a career in politics at the local and state level in Maine.

We are dedicated to making a long-term investment in these future leaders by developing their political and media skills, expanding their knowledge of local issues, and connecting them with mentors.

The Emerge model was originally founded in 2002 by a group of Bay Area Democratic women who passionately believe that we need a larger representation of women in public office at every level. Currently, Emerge Maine is the only organization in the state and one of only two in the country that provides Democratic women with the comprehensive training they need to achieve their political aspirations.

Emerge Maine was founded to fill this vacuum, not just in the state, but across the country, and to create a legion of Democratic women leaders for generations to come.

 

Emerge Maine Disclaimer

Emerge Maine (EME) provides this site as a service to its supporters, to those interested in women's leadership, and to the public, in furtherance of EO's mission as a 501(c)(4) not-for-profit organization. For full disclaimer click here.

Suddenly, Without Warning! When the Call To Serve Comes

Sun, 2010-03-07 16:29 — Katie Mae

Sitting quietly in my Emerge Maine class a couple of weeks ago, I was listening intently to an Emerge graduate explain the pleasure and pain of running for state office--and losing...  Suddenly, from nowhere, a voice in my head yelled, "RUN"!  Not run out the door, but RUN FOR OFFICE!  Now, you might think that the reason for being in the Emerge Maine class of 2010 is for that exact reason. Aren't we all, as active Democratic women, here to train to serve? Well, yeah, but now? This year? That was NOT in my plan. My thoughts were more along the lines of --well, maybe in 2012 when my district rep seat is open, and if my work winds down a bit, or maybe I'll help out behind the scenes (in 2012) on someone else's campaign. This year I'm busy!  My career is in one of its up cycles. I am in the midst of three big creative projects. I travel a lot for my work, plus I now have a part-time job at home doing something else I am passionate about. People are depending on me!

I don't have time to run this year!  But for some reason, I am not listening to myself!  I find myself telling family members and friends that I am thinking of running for State Representative in my district.  I meet with the district Democratic chair. I drive to the State House, and hour away, to pick up my clean election petition sheets. I seem to excited about all this--and though questioning myself the entire time--the voice keeps saying "RUN"--and find myself obeying!  

 

This is what Emerge Maine is doing for me. I feel inspired--insprired by the women in my class--of all ages and walks of life, recent college grads and retirees and working moms with school age kids. All of them striving to find a way to a better life--not only for themselves, but for their communities. I am inspired by those who have gone before and those who are currently serving, who come to our class and share the truth--the whole truth--about being a public servant. All have sacrified much to serve their towns, our state, and indeed our nation. So I am running! The time is now. The passion in my heart has spoken louder than the logic in my head and win or lose, I know this campaign will be a truly incredible experience.  Wish me luck! And to all my Emerge comrades who are following that same loud, unrelenting voice--you, go girls!!
--
Cindy Bullens

Emerge Maine Class of 2010