Women Emerge with Political Will

Portland — Seventeen women from across Maine are about to become the fourth graduating class of an intensive six-month training program that aims to increase the number of Maine women serving in state and local offices.

Emerge Maine annually selects Maine women from all ages and backgrounds to complete the comprehensive training program designed to inspire, educate and prepare democratic women for public office.

The 2010 graduating Emerge Maine class is comprised of talented Maine women who work as local leaders, teachers, parents, students and professionals. “These 17 graduates join our 51 alumnae from around the state, in filling the pipeline of Maine women leaders," said Katie Mae Simpson, director Emerge Maine. "These women are, and will be, our local and state-level political leaders.”

“I am thrilled to be a part of this year’s Emerge class,” said participant Erin McGuire of Portland. “I have watched lots of women graduate, and I always wanted to be a part of this great group of people. With all of the challenges facing us today, women have a unique opportunity and obligation to be a part of the solution, and making sure our priorities are counted.”

As part of the program, the women met with national and local experts, as well as many of the state’s top political leaders, including House Speaker Hannah Pingree, Attorney General Janet Mills, and Secretary of State Matt Dunlap, and for training sessions that focused on building leadership skills, confidence, and a commitment to public service.

The trainings began in December and culminated May 16 with the official class graduation.

Another member of the 2010 class, Allison Ouellet of Cherryfield said she is grateful for the experience and hopes to run for office in the future. “Emerge takes a lot of the fear and guesswork out of campaigning,” said Ouellet. “It gives you the tools, support, and inspiration you need to feel empowered and capable of running for public office.”

Emerge Maine trains democratic women to serve their communities by preparing them to run for office. The graduates attended all-day classes on a variety of key subjects, including ethics in leadership, campaigning, clean elections and fundraising, public speaking, networking, endorsements and media skills. Participants also traveled to the Statehouse to shadow women lawmakers and watch state government in action.

For more information, visit emergemaine.org.