Emerge Kentucky, a non-profit organization established in 2009 to recruit and train Democratic women to run for public office, today announced that it is now accepting applications for the 2014 candidate-training program.  Up to twenty-five women will be selected to participate in the program’s fifth class that begins in January 2014.

“Emerge Kentucky is gearing up for its fifth training year.  Now is the time for you to become part of Emerge and prepare for your run.  We provide the tools, skills, and networking opportunities in order for you to succeed,” states Jennifer A. Moore, chair of Emerge Kentucky.  “We also want to hear from those who may know a woman who should run for office.  Recommend her today.”

Emerge Kentucky offers Democratic women leaders the opportunity for top-notch candidate training and mentoring, giving women the skills, confidence, and network to run effective and successful campaigns.  Emerge Kentucky’s curriculum includes training in public speaking, fundraising, campaign strategy, field operations, labor and endorsements, networking, media skills, messaging, and ethics in politics.  Participants complete seven sessions over a six-month period.  As a statewide program, classes are held at various locations around Kentucky.

The deadline for applications is November 10, 2013 and the application fee is $50.  The application is available online at http://www.Emergeky.org/apply. Those wishing to recommend a Kentucky woman for the training program should contact Executive Director Elizabeth Sawyer at [email protected] or 502-694-0009.

Emerge Kentucky’s Advisory Board includes the following members:  former Governor Martha Layne Collins, former Auditor Crit Luallen, First Lady Jane Beshear, Senator Denise Harper Angel, Former Senator Georgia Davis Powers, Senator Kathy Stein, Senator Robin Webb, Reps. Leslie Combs, Kelly Flood, Joni Jenkins, Martha Jane King, Mary Lou Marzian, Sannie Overly, Ruth Ann Palumbo, Rita Smart, and Susan Westrom, Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch, Hon. Linda Belcher, Audrey Haynes, Ashley Judd, Carolyn Belcher, Jennifer Chandler, Hon. Teresa Isaac, Hon. Eleanor Jordan, Hon. Pam Miller, Betsy Nowland-Curry, Leah McCormick-Adkins, Lillian Press, Mary Karen Stumbo, Dottie Sims, Lois Combs Weinberg, and Virginia Woodward.

Board members from across Kentucky include:  Jennifer A. Moore, Susanna French, Linda Cowan, Jeanie Embry, Priscilla Johnson, Virginia Johnson, Lindy Karns, Leann Lacy, Kathleen Lape, Caitlin Lally, Linda Marquette, Wanda Mitchell-Smith, Hon. Elaine Walker, and Mary Ellen Wiederwohl.

For information about Emerge Kentucky, contact Elizabeth Sawyer at 502-964-0009 or visit www.Emergeky.org.