An organization dedicated to preparing Democratic women for the challenge of running for office will hold its inaugural graduation this weekend. The Emerge Louisiana event will honor 22 class members who completed 70 hours of in-depth candidate training. Executive Director Melanie Oubre, says the program has a history of favorable outcomes for graduates in other states.

Executive Director of Emerge Louisiana Melanie Oubre, says the program has a history of favorable outcomes for graduates.

“They have trained over 4,000 women.  The women who they have trained and who have run, they win their races at a 70% win rate.”

Oubre says woman can look forward to learning many important factors of running for office.

“Women will learn public speaking, how to fund raise, how to build a campaign team.  They will also learn how to use social media in their campaign.”

In addition to the classes that take place in the program, Oubre says participants can expect to have a supportive community from Emerge Louisiana in the time beyond graduation.

“In addition to the great ‘win number’ that our women have once they get out of the program, they have a network of support here on the state level and the national level.”

Oubre says that two women in this graduating class have already announced they will be on ballots this fall and she says others will soon be announcing their candidacy for elections happening in 2019.

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