The Energy in the Room
We spent the bulk of our two hour drive up to the state capital discussing the events of our town’s Representative Town Meeting the previous week. Riding shotgun was a fellow member of Emerge Vermont’s inaugural class; we’d met at town meeting during a break of Brattleboro’s yearly marathon wrangle/tangle session. Clearly policy geeks, 12 hours’ worth of town meeting was not nearly enough for us. Read More
Gender Sterotypes
“I like your hair,” my partner said. “And I like how your boots are exactly the same color as your shirt.” It was our first day of training as members of the inaugural class of Emerge Vermont. Our mid-day assignment was to tell each other what we liked about the other person. I wasn’t quite sure how to respond to my partner’s appearance-based compliments other than to say, “Thank you.” Read More
My American Dream
My American DreamBy Joana Garcia, Emerge Virginia class 2014 All of us have heard about the “American Dream.” There are many versions of the dream depending on you and your background and how you envision your future. My American Dream came from my parents. I have lived the “American Dream.” I am a retired Naval Officer, a student at George Mason University, a wife to a retired Air Force Officer and a mother of two wonderful boys. Read More
Emerge Congressional Candidates Making Headlines
Featured on the DCCC's "Red to Blue" list and on MSNBC's "Women to Watch in 2014" list are our very own Rocky Lara (Emerge New Mexico Class of 2007) and Erin Bilbray (Emerge Nevada Founder). Read More
Obstacles, Strength, and Power
On my desk at work I keep a card from a little shop in Silverton, Oregon. The quote on the front reads, “Each one of us who travels further than the obstacles will know a different kind of life from that time on…” I have reflected on this statement many times over the years, as I have faced my own difficulties and as I have met folks out in the world who have overcome their own personal obstacles. However, I have never felt it quite as applicable as it is with the women of Emerge. Read More
Sanda Fluke's Decision Not to Run for Congress
In her article “Why so few women in politics? Ask Sandra Fluke,” Robin Marty laments the fact that Sandra Fluke decided against running for Congress and is instead running for the State Senate. I, for one, applaud her decision. As the founder of Emerge America, an organization that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office in 14 states, I want more than anything to see more women running for office – women of color, women from different professions, and definitely younger women. So that’s why I’m thrilled that women’s rights leader, Sandra Fluke, is running for an important legislative seat in California. There is a lot happening at the state level all over this country and she can make a real difference. Read More
Hashtag, you interviewed the male candidates, but what about the female candidates?
By Carolyn Ramsay, Emerge California Class of 2014 Los Angeles, America’s modern, progressive, all-trends-start-here city, has just one female elected official. Councilwoman Nury Martinez sits in chambers with 14 men three days a week to enact legislation for America's second largest city. I am one of several woman who is trying to make sure that her situation doesn't become a trend that started here. I'm also in the Emerge California class of 2014. Read More
Education and Opportunity
By Debbie LookEmerge CA Class of 2014 Read More
Emerge America seeks President
Emerge America PresidentLocation: Washington DC area preferred Emerge America is changing the face of American politics by identifying, training and encouraging Democratic women to run for office. Our premiere seven-month training program is currently in place in thirteen states. Emerge America seeks a candidate for the position of President who can continue to strategically expand our reach, build a national media presence and grow our fundraising base. Read More
Listen Up
When I tell the people closest to me of my political ambitions, the first thing they say is: “But you’re so quiet!” It’s true that public office does not appear the ideal or natural place for chronic introverts. Public speaking, networking, fundraising – all critical campaign activities – are not associated with the overly introspective and solitude-seeking among us. Indeed, such social activities and extemporaneous speaking can be thoroughly exhausting for an introvert. Yet, I believe that our policy and leadership benefit when extroverts and introverts are both at the table. And I am not alone in thinking this. Read More