Early Choices on the Path to Politics

By Melanie Scheible, Emerge California Class of 2013   Last month in our training session we had our first discussion about ballot designations.  When our presenter asked what kinds of designations should be avoided we answered, seemingly in unison, “lawyer.” The moniker elicits a remarkable mix of admiration and disdain… Read More

One Small Victory In A Very Long Battle

By Fran Cronin, Emerge Massachusetts Class of 2013   Last week’s turbulent passage of the expanded version of VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) was a vivid reminder of the political vulnerability of women in this country, especially those marginalized by race, ethnicity, gender orientation and poverty.   Sen. Dianne Feinstein… Read More

Awake, Engaged, Inspired

By Karen Vieth, Emerge Wisconsin Class of 2013   For the first ten years of my teaching career, I thought teaching and voting were enough. I was  doing what I loved and I was fulfilling my civic duty. I will never forget the day that all of this changed. It was February 11th, 2011. Like clockwork, a student brought in my classroom copy of the Wisconsin State Journal and set it on the table beside me. Read More

Encouraging and Supportive

By Lisa Gauthier, East Palo Alto City Councilmember and Emerge California Class 2013   Recently I received a congratulations greeting card with a handwritten note from a lady I met months ago during a luncheon honoring women in Berkeley, CA.  During our brief conversation, we chatted about my candidacy, platform,… Read More

Recognizing Talent in An Unexpected Context

By Venus D. Johnson, Emerge California Class of 2013   I came across this phrase a few weeks ago in an article I was reading. Something about it grabbed me, so I quickly copied it down on a post-it note and tucked away it in a safe place. As I prepared to sit down and write my blog, I pulled out my post-it note and began to write …    Too often women are overlooked when it comes to jobs, promotions, appointments, elected office, appointments, and so on and so on. Read More

Running for Office and My Dying Cat

By Katy Miessner, Emerge California Class of 2013    On June 5, 2005, a decrepit, starving gray cat, which had been hanging around our house, was lying in the middle of the street.  On my way home from errands, I drove up to him.  Was he hit by a car?… Read More

WE

By Nicole Golden, Emerge Maine Class of 2013   As women we often need prodding beyond our reason to enter politics. Consider this my nudge to you.  As women we often need external validation to think being elected is a possibility for us. This is me telling you “You can!” As women we often need to feel as though we know it all before committing.  This is me telling you “You know enough just having lived this life.” I can say, and do, all of this because Emerge Maine and the people associated with it have done the same for me. Read More

Refusing to Allow the Perfect to Be the Enemy of the Good

By Amy Rose, Emerge California Class of 2013   This weekend, as part of our second Emerge California training session (on “planning your campaign”), my Emerge sisters and I explored a lengthy list of questions to ask ourselves before running for office: Questions about the skeletons that may lurk in… Read More

Inaugural Weekend

Jeannette Flores, Emerge California Class of 2013 This historic weekend marked the inauguration of our great president and celebrated the accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  As we cheered and celebrated, we were reminded of the struggles of leaders that came before us and the need for humility, strength… Read More