2025 Virtual Signature Program

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Our Program

The Emerge 2025 National Virtual Signature Training Program is a unique opportunity for Democratic women and non-binary folks who plan to run for public office in the next  2 – 3 election cycles. It is the only in-depth, six-month, 70-hour, fully online training program that inspires candidates to run and gives them the tools to win.

The application process opens on Thursday, August 15, 2024.

CLICK HERE TO BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION TODAY

The application deadline is Wednesday, November 13 at 11:59 PM EST – no exceptions.

The 2025 Virtual Signature Program is only for people who live in states without a full-time Emerge affiliate on the ground. Please apply for the 2025 Virtual Signature Program if you live in the following states:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming.

Program Dates & Graduation Requirements

Eligibility to graduate and receive the Emerge alumnus designation requires 100% attendance of all sessions & the orientation, tuition paid in full, and completing all evaluation forms. 

The 2025 National Signature Program will be held virtually during the following dates and times. All times are in Eastern Standard 

Thursday, January 23: 7:00 – 9:00 PM – Mandatory Orientation
Saturday, January 25: 12:00 – 6:00 PM – First Day of Training!
Sunday, January 26: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday, February 8: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday, February 23: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday, March 8: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday, March 16: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday,  April 17: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday, April 26: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday, May 15: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday, May 17: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday, May 18: 12:00 – 6:00 PM Final day of Training 
Sunday, May 18: 6:00 – 7:30 PM Graduation!

 

2025 National Signature Curriculum

Participants meet twice a month, for six months, and receive comprehensive training on the following topics:

Upcoming Virtual Information Sessions

Join us on our Virtual Recruitment Tour to learn more about the National Signature Program! We’ll cover who we are as Emerge, what the training is like, and tips on how to apply.

There are three upcoming information sessions:

Thursday, September 5 at 7:30 – 8:30 PM ET

Wednesday, September 18 at 3:00 – 4:00 PM ET

Monday, October 7 at 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET

Click on the above links to register for each session. There is no cost to attend. 

Program Eligibility

These eligibility requirements are meant to create and deliver the best possible learning environment for cohort members, and to ensure we are training in alignment with our vision, mission, and core values. We ask that applicants understand, acknowledge and respect these program eligibility requirements.

Applicants eligible for the 2025 National Signature Program are those who: 

• Are currently registered as a Democrat and/or are aligned with the values of the Democratic Party 
• Are currently running for office, or planning to run for office in the next 2 – 3 cycles
• Must commit to full program participation, meaning able to meet the 100% attendance and participation for the orientation and all virtual training days

Who You Are: Ideal Applicants for the 2025 National Signature Program

As Emerge Signature Programs are designed for those who are running for office, or planning to run for office in the next 2 – 3 election cycles. We seek leaders who want to run for office, and who reflect their communities, with a proven track record of community engagement, public service, and leadership.

Specifically, ideal applicants for the 2025 National Signature Training Program are those who: 

Reflect their communities

At Emerge, we center our work on women of the New American Majority – Black, Brown, and Indigenous women, women of color, LGBTQ+, young, and unmarried women. In building a reflective democracy, we know the value of developing leaders who have the passion and skills to bring their community’s voice to the decision-making table.

Ideal applicants have a demonstrated track record of advocating for and on behalf of their communities. They possess a deep understanding of their communities, have passion, and a plan to empower their communities in elected office. 

Have established a proven track record 

Emerge is a candidate training program and our cohort members are already  leaders in their community. They demonstrate a desire to learn, grow and build their skills and network for the specific goal of running a successful campaign for elected office. To this end, ideal applicants have a proven track record- whether this be in the form of community engagement, advocacy, public service and/or leadership positions within their families, communities, professional circles and social networks.

Examples include: caretakers, parents, CEO of their households, small business owners, members of parent teacher organizations, board members, neighborhood association leaders, volunteering to run an issue campaign,  advocating on behalf of a group or community, serving on municipal committees or commissions, leading a local or statewide nonprofit board, super volunteer on other campaigns, managing a business, etc. 

Have the core attributes necessary to serve as a successful public servant.

At Emerge, we believe that elected leaders are public servants and must build and develop the core attributes necessary to serve successfully. These include: adaptability and resilience, the ability to navigate adversity, and an openness to correction and redirection. Leadership is more than the title or position one holds and we believe these attributes are ones that set leaders apart. 

Are aligned with Emerge’s vision, mission and core values.

We are an organization driven by our vision and mission, and we are deeply committed to our core values. This is why every person within the Emerge organization – from our employees, board members, and alum to our volunteers, partners and current program members – are expected to commit to them via our Emerge Code of Conduct. 

Ideal applicants are aligned with Emerge’s vision, mission and core values, and most importantly, are committed to representing these values as a potential program member and future alum. 

Our vision, mission and core values are as follows: 

Vision

Emerge’s vision is to change the face of power, politics and leadership in this country in order to have policies that are responsive to all.

Mission 

Emerge’s mission is to increase the number of Democratic women leaders from diverse backgrounds in public office through recruitment, training and providing a powerful network.

Core Values

Emerge Alum Status 

Program members who complete a National Signature Program will be considered an Emerge alum and will have access to alum resources, such as Emerge continuing education training and national networking opportunities.

APPLY HERE