Frequently Asked Questions

Answering your questions on our Signature Program

We’re answering some of the most commonly asked questions about our Signature Candidate Training Program! Don’t see your question below? Send an email to maggie@emergega.org and we’ll get your question answered!

1. Who is this training for?

Our Signature Training is for self-identified Democratic women and nonbinary people who are interested in getting involved in political leadership and running for office! This class is designed for folks considering a run for office anytime in the next five years, at any level of office, from local school board to Congress. If that’s you or someone you know, let us know and apply now!

2. What does Emerge’s Signature Training Program cover? 

Our training program is designed to help you learn everything you need to know about running for office, including deciding where to run, telling your story, developing a campaign plan, fundraising, field, and much more. Throughout the class, we’ll have opportunities for you to put your knowledge into practice and practice your skills. By the end of the class, you’ll be able to build a fully developed campaign plan to prepare you to run whenever you’re ready.

3. Besides the training itself, what do I get out of participating in Emerge programs? 

Emerge supports our candidates all the way through your campaign and after through candidate calls, continuing education, office hours, and connections through our powerful network. By graduating from this training, you’ll become an Emerge alumna, joining 5,000 women across the country and Georgia alums including Nicole Hendrickson, Jen Jordan, and Lucy McBath.

Emerge women support each other – and we’re excited to have you on the team.

4. What’s the time commitment for the program? 

The program runs from September until early February, and includes over 70 hours of instruction, taking place over 8 training weekends. Our first training weekend (9/10-9/11) is in person, with the rest of the program including both virtual and in-person training weekends. All virtual class weekends take place over a Thursday evening and a Saturday morning training.

There is very little mandatory work outside of class for the program – most work happens in class.

5. How much does the program cost? 

The cost of the program is $750, but we encourage all participants to follow our grassroots fundraising program, training, and templates to fundraise that amount instead of paying tuition. Fundraising is hard, particularly for women candidates, and even more so for people of color running for office – which is why we provide hands-on practice in class. Program participants will receive full support in meeting their $750 fundraising goal throughout the training program, and beginning as soon as they are accepted into the class.

6. Do I have to know what office I want to run for? 

Nope! While we can definitely help if there’s a specific race you’re thinking about, it’s very normal to come into this program without knowing where you want to run yet. We’ll help you think through what seat you want to run for and how to do it.

7. What if I want to get more involved politically, but I don’t know if I’m ready to run for office yet? 

We’re here to help – and promise that you’re more ready than you think you are! Regardless, Emerge Georgia is here for you, and we’re ready to help at every step of your political journey.

Learn more about our Signature Training Program here.