Applications are now CLOSED for the 2023 Cohort. We will hold a virtual Boot Camp in June for current cycle candidates. Please contact Emily@EmergeWA.org with any questions.
Please read through all of the information below in its entirety. It is important to have a complete understanding of the application process and training program before you apply.
For questions, please contact Emily@EmergeWA.org.
We encourage you to begin your application well in advance of the closing date due to the detailed nature of the application. References are required.
APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO November 18, 2022
Emerge Washington seeks Democratic women who are committed to effective political leadership and are interested in running for elected office and who have:
Applicants must identify as women who are Democrats and who reside in the state of Washington.
Emerge Washington will select a group of women from across the state who meet the above criteria and who we believe have the potential to be political leaders.
Emerge Washington embraces diversity and encourages applications from all women regardless of age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, marital status, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or physical ability. Our mission to build the bench of Democratic women ready to run for office acknowledges both systemic and historic barriers to running for office as well as the barriers women impose on themselves.
To be considered for the Emerge WA 2023 class, applicants must complete a written application by the stated deadline. Written applications will be evaluated by a selection committee and qualified applicants will be invited to a virtual interview. Invitations to join the 2023 class will be extended in early December.
The success of the Emerge Washington program depends upon commitment to the program’s entire schedule by each participant. Over the multi-month period, approximately 65 program hours are scheduled. Some time outside of regularly scheduled trainings will be necessary for homework and preparation. While emergencies sometimes arise, attendance at the first weekend of training is mandatory and absence for any reason will result in a deferral to the following year. Missing an entire weekend or two entire days of training will also result in a deferral to the following year. Please review the schedule below to ensure your availability to attend every training day.
The dates for the 2023 cohort, which will be a combination of in-person and virtual training, are as follows*:
Wednesday, December 14, 2022: Virtual orientation, evening
Saturday January 21 and Sunday January 22: In person, Seattle/Tacoma area
Sunday, January 29: Virtual, full day
Sunday, February 12 and Monday, February 13: In person, Olympia, including a Monday at the Capitol
Saturday, March 4: Virtual, full day
Saturday, March 25: Virtual, full day
Saturday, April 22: Virtual, full day
Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7: In person, location TBD
*dates subject to change
Emerge Washington will review completed written applications and select finalists, who will be invited to attend an interview with the selection committee via Zoom.
A non-refundable application fee of $25 is required and must be submitted along with a completed application. Waivers for this fee are available; email Emily@EmergeWA.org to request one.
Tuition for the 2023 class is $800. Payment plans and scholarships are available. Emerge WA encourages and trains program members on fundraising their tuition. Financial need should not be a barrier to applying to the program.
The multi-month program takes place in various parts of the state. Three of the weekends will include in-person training, public health restrictions permitting, and the other days will be completely virtual. Travel and overnight accommodations may be necessary depending on your location to training sites. Emerge Washington will assist with finding housing when possible, but travel costs are not covered by the program.
If financial concerns are holding you back from completing your application, please reach out to Emily Carmichael at emily@emergewa.org.