Application Process

Applications are now open!

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.

Applications are open!

https://webportalapp.com/sp/login/lorapply

Who Should Apply?

Emerge TN seeks Democratic women who are committed to effective political leadership and are interested in running for elective office and who have:

  • Evidence of political leadership experience or potential, and meaningful involvement in the workplace or community;
  • Interest in running for political office;
  • Ability and desire to build effective networks;
  • Ability to articulate a personal political vision;
  • Commitment to full participation and the attendance requirements of the trainings.
  • Applicants must be women who are Democrats and who reside in the state of Tennessee.

Emerge TN will select women from across the state who meet the above criteria and who we believe have the potential to be political leaders.

Emerge embraces diversity and encourages applications from all women regardless of age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, marital status, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, socioeconomic 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.

Interviews

Emerge Tennessee will review completed written applications and select finalists for interviews. Finalists will be invited to attend an interview with the executive director. Interviews will be held online.

Application Fee

Emerge Tennessee is $35

Tuition

Tuition for the 2026 program is $1,000 for Signature Programs and $500 for Boot Camp Training.  Tuition may be subject to change for future programs.

Signature Training Program

An application fee of $35 must be submitted along with a completed application. Tuition for the Signature Training Program is $1000 with $100 deposit to reserve your seat in the class campaign funds can be used to pay tuition. Tuition may be subject to change for future programs.

Payment plans for the Signature Training Program are available. Emerge Tennessee strongly encourages and trains Signature Training Program members on fundraising their tuition. If financial concerns are holding you back from applying, reach out to freda@emergetn.org. Financial need should not be a barrier to applying to the program.

Campaign Bootcamp

An application fee of $35 must be submitted along with a completed application. Tuition for the Campaign Bootcamp is $500.

Payment of Campaign Bootcamp tuition is due upon acceptance. Campaign funds can be used to pay tuition. Due to our 527 status, Emerge Tennessee cannot provide Campaign Bootcamp scholarships for active candidates or their staff.

The application for the 2026 Campaign Bootcamp will open in October 2025. Please sign up for our mailing list so you can be notified of future training opportunities.

Time Commitment

The success of the Emerge TN program depends upon commitment to the program’s entire schedule by each participant. Over several months, approximately 70 program hours are scheduled. Some time outside of regularly scheduled trainings will be necessary for homework and training preparation. While emergencies sometimes arise, attendance at the first day of training is mandatory and absence for any reason will result in a deferral to the following year.

In general, Signature Training Program sessions will be both in-person and online. Locations are determined once the class composition is known. Class members are responsible for their own transportation and any overnight accommodations.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to check their calendars before applying to ensure they are available for all training dates. Emerge Tennessee reserves the right to make changes to the schedule due to unforeseen circumstances; we will do our very best to keep to the published schedule.