A Call For Women Political Candidates From "Emerge Wisconsin"

Melissa Malott, chair of Emerge Wisconsin, offers this Guest Post:

To Progressives:

As I read about opportunities on this website about positive change in our government system, I think about the important change that the right people in the right situation can make. Think about the positive influence that one person can make.

For example, Senator Russ Feingold sets an amazing example for politicians. Every lobbyist in Washington knows that they aren't going to buy favors with Sen. Feingold's staff because of the strong ethic in the office. The right people make a huge difference.

The good news is that there are so many people who could make the changes that our political and government systems need, but they aren't running for office. Part of it is simply that they aren't inspired and trained to do so.

Fortunately, there is an organization dedicated to changing this.

Emerge Wisconsin identifies, inspires, and educates Democratic women about campaigning, and is offering its next intensive training program for Democratic women in Wisconsin in January, 2008.

We are looking for women who would be great leaders in local or state offices, and extend this invitation to readers of this blog and their friends to be part of our class.

Think about that woman in your life, whether a teacher, your mother, or sister, who made all the difference to you. Think about what they could have done in office.

Emerge Wisconsin's training sessions are held monthly from January through June 2008, with two sessions in March. The majority of sessions will be held in Milwaukee or Madison.

Program participants will learn how to become an effective candidate, from building a staff to giving a great interview. There will also be a Legislative Day when program participants will shadow Democratic women who hold public office.

Thanks to the contributions of those concerned about the need for more Democratic women in public office, the total cost of the six-month program, which includes materials, meals, and some lodging, is only $250.

Emerge Wisconsin believes that individual financial circumstances should NOT be a barrier to participation; partial and full financial aid may be awarded after admission to the program.

Please visit http://www.emergewi.org/ for more information or e-mail http://us.f541.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=kate@emergewi.org to have an application sent to you via electronic or U.S. mail.

The application deadline is approaching on December 5th, 2007.

We hope that you will take this opportunity to develop and strengthen your leadership skills along with other amazing women from across Wisconsin.

If you have any questions, or would like further details, please contact Kate Moen, Emerge Wisconsin Program Director, at Kate@emergewi.org.

Sincerely, Melissa Malott, Emerge Wisconsin Chair