by Kathy Groob, Publisher ElectWomen Magazine

Just five years old, Emerge America is changing the face of politics in America.  By training and mentoring Democratic women to run for public office, the organization is poised to make an enormous impact on the political landscape in local, state and national elections.

Planning for growth and expansion into new states, Emerge America convened this past week in Boston for its annual conference of Emerge board members and affiliates.  The members attended sessions and workshops on finance, media and messaging, recruitment and technology.  Emerge America advisory board member, Barbara Lee, hosted a reception for the conference attendees and Emerge Massachusetts members.

Attendees heard from female Emerge candidates who have won and lost. Emerge Massachusetts member, Ayanna Pressley recently won a seat on the Boston City Council as the first African-American woman ever to do so.  Dana Kennedy spoke about her run this November for Phoenix City Council and how she dealt with the loss of a close election.

Currently working in nine states, the Emerge model develops a local, state-centered board that often includes elected officials, women leaders and funders.  Emerge states include California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Maine and its newest affiliate and first southern state, Kentucky.  The training program is an intensive, seven-month program that includes campaign techniques, networking and fundraising.

Co-founder and current President, Andrea Dew Steele made a passionate speech to open the conference saying “if you believe in more progressive policies, then we need to elect more Democratic women to office.”  Emerge America collectively has trained over 500 women.  In 2008, 82 Emerge graduates ran for public office and 42 won.

For more information about Emerge America, visit:  http://www.emergeamerica.org.