Emerge NJ….we didn’t just catch the “blue wave”, we helped create it! 

By Shawn Laurenti, Chairwoman 

I attended the Women’s March on Washington, with my sister, the day after the inauguration of Donald Trump.  I was struck by the sense of purpose shared by hundreds of thousands of Americans.  It was a powerful moment, one that set fire to a new generation of feminist activism. It was one I had not experienced since the fight for an Equal Rights Amendment in ‘70’s.   

Many of my colleagues on the Emerge NJ board also marched: in New Jersey, New York, Boston or DC.  We had to be there.  This was a call to arms! 

Amidst all of the clever signs, colorful banners and the sea of pink “pussy hats”, one sign in particular resonated.  In its simplicity, it asked the most fundamental question for change: “Have you thought about running for office lately? 

And in New Jersey, we had.  Emerge NJ had been training Democratic women to run for office since 2014.  

We are the premier candidate training program for Democratic women in the state.  What makes us unique, what makes us successful and what makes us a powerful tool for Democratic women is a six month flagship program that not only teaches the nuts and bolts of grassroots organizing, fundraising and messaging but also builds a loyal “sisterhood”. 

When Emerge NJ graduated its first class in 2014, it was the only candidate program dedicated to Democratic women.  Each subsequent year has seen an influx in applications.  We have trained nearly 90 women; almost half of whom have run for office.  We are proud that our alumnae embrace public service at all levels of government, appointed or elected.  We are on boards of education, on town councils, in the mayor’s office or in the NJ General Assembly.  Our graduates include public servants in the Murphy Administration or on staff to New Jersey legislators.  

Six Emerge NJ graduates are on this year’s ballot: Catherine Gural (Montgomery Township Council), Nicole Gillespie (Moorestown Council), Lauren McCaskill (Long Branch BOE), Tricia Maguire (Middletown Council), Kate Matteson (Sparta BOE) and Marleen Baldinger (Mayor, Lebanon Township). 

This Thursday, September 13, Emerge NJ will host its annual Build the Bench fundraiser in Trenton.  We will honor four distinguished women who have blazed a trail in their respective fields and continue to mentor a new wave of women in politics:  Julie Diaz, Michele Jaker, Rebecca Williams and Christina Zuk have earned our recognition for outstanding leadership.   

Our panel discussion will include women in elective office and in political leadership.  Moderated by Mayor Colleen Mahr, Assemblywoman Joann Downey, Mercer County Democratic Chairwoman and Mayor Janice Mironov and Atlantic County Freeholder Ashley Bennett will address the issue of women in politics today. 

If you are interested, we welcome you!  Consider joining us for breakfast.  Use the link to learn more.  https://act.myngp.com/Forms/8440733522222647040. 

Emerge NJ is a 527 organization.