To attend the Boot Camp, you must be an active candidate, meaning you have a campaign committee & have filed to run for an elected position, at any level in 2026 or 2027.
Apply for an upcoming boot camp:
Emerge Vermont Boot Camp
Dates: August 27, 2026 – August 30, 2026
Application deadline: August 21, 2026
Boot Camp Curriculum
Emerge’s Boot Camps have been developed to give program members the skills they need as they launch their campaigns. Top political strategists and trainers will share expertise on critical elements of campaigning, including:
The application fee is $25. If accepted, the program tuition is $350.
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 Boot Camp are those who:
Who You Are: Ideal Applicants for an Emerge Training
Aligned with Emerge’s vision, mission and core values
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.
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: Our Desired Culture
Reflect their communities
Ideal applicants possess a deep understanding of the community, have a passion for service, and a vision and plan for the community once elected. As members of the community, they understand some of the challenges the community faces and aim to run for office to address them as elected leaders. As we center women
of the New American Majority– Black, Brown, and Indigenous women, women of color, LGBTQ+, young, and unmarried women, we look for leaders who have the desire and skill to bring their community’s voice to the decision-making table.
Possess the core attributes and skills to serve as a successful public servant
Ideal applicants have demonstrated a desire to learn, grow, and build their skills and network for the specific goal of running a successful campaign for elected office. Some of these skills include building consensus, effective communication, adaptability and resilience, navigating complex situations, and 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.
Proven ability and continued desire to build effective networks
Ideal applicants have demonstrated an ability to inspire others to action around a shared vision. They are able to bring disparate groups together to form a consensus to achieve a short or long term goal and build lasting relationships and networks for the good of the community.
Have established a proven track record
Emerge cohort members have already found ways to lead in their community. 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, parent teacher organization 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, running a family business, etc.
Emerge Alum Status
Program members who complete a Boot Camp will be considered an Emerge alum and will have access to alum resources, such as Emerge continuing education training and national networking opportunities.