Emerge California’s signature program is a 6-month, intensive training program for Democratic women who are planning to run for elected office. The training equips leaders with the resources, knowledge, connections and community of support necessary for a successful run as a candidate. Emerge California is intentional about recruiting Democratic women from groups that have been historically excluded from politics, including the New American Majority – Black, Brown and Indigenous women, women of color, LGBTQ+ women, young, and unmarried women.
We train approximately two full days per month, typically on weekends or weekday evenings, throughout the 6-month candidate training program. The Class of 2024 candidate training will include six training sessions, for a total of 12 training days.
Attendance at all training sessions is required upon acceptance into the program — no exceptions.
Please note that the Class of 2024 format will be hybrid, with both in-person and virtual trainings.
The virtual training sessions will be conducted via Zoom and require a relatively quiet space with internet and computer access, as we do require participation via video. If you have limited access to any of these items, we will work with you to help ensure you can successfully participate. All virtual training sessions include adequate breaks, and we are continuously learning and adopting best practices for virtual training to ensure each training session is effective and engaging.
The Travel Policy for in-person trainings is as follows:
For our first training weekend, travel will be reimbursed for those who need to fly to the training location and for those who need to drive more than 100 miles. Hotel stay for Friday and Saturday night will be covered by Emerge CA and is mandatory, regardless of where you live.
For regional-based trainings, no hotel stays will be needed. Ground transportation will be reimbursed for those who need to drive more than 100 miles to the training location.
CLASS OF 2024 TRAINING SCHEDULE
Emerge California Class of 2024: Orientation
Virtual Meeting
Wednesday, January 10
12:00 – 1:30 PM OR 5:00 – 6:30 PM
Training Session 1
Saturday and Sunday, January 20*-21 (In-Person in Los Angeles)
*Mandatory Overnight
Class of 2024 Welcome Reception
Saturday, January 20 (evening)
Training Session 2
Saturday, February 3 (Virtual)
Saturday, February 10 (In-Person with Regional Cohort)
Training Session 3
Wednesday, March 13 (In-Person all day in Sacramento)
Monday, March 18 (Virtual in evening)
Monday, March 25 (Virtual in evening)
Training Session 4
Saturday, April 20 (Virtual)
Saturday, April 27 (Virtual)
Training Session 5
Saturday, May 18 (In-Person with Regional Cohort)
Saturday, May 25 (Virtual)
Training Session 6 and Graduation
Saturday, June 1 (Virtual)
Saturday, June 8 (In-Person Regional Cohort Training + Graduation)
Sunday, June 9 (In-Person Regional Cohort Training + Graduation)
Saturday, June 15 (In-Person Regional Cohort Training + Graduation)
Given that we don’t yet know the exact geography of each cohort region, please save all three regional cohort dates in your calendar. We will communicate with you regarding your regional cohort assignment upon acceptance into the program.