COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCIV) — Emerge South Carolina, the state’s candidate training program for Democratic women, announced graduates from its April 2020 Boot Camp training.
Seventeen women completed the Emerge South Carolina Boot Camp training over the weekend. This is the first boot camp Emerge held. The class was made up of women from ten counties, including Anderson, Beaufort, Charleston, Colleton, Greenville, Greenwood, Lexington, Oconee, Pickens, and Richland.
“Our 17 boot camp alumnae will join an amazing network of Emerge alumnae not only in South Carolina but across the nation,” said Melissa N. Watson, Emerge South Carolina Executive Director. “We now have 24 women on the ballot for 2020 Emerge alumnae make up almost 16% of the women running as Democrats in South Carolina this year.”
Emerge South Carolina’s boot camp training program is so Democratic women who want to run for public office a unique opportunity. Women who are accepted receive three days of in-depth education that helps to give them the tools to win. The program’s trainers are comprised of an elite team of campaign consultants, advisors and staff from all over the nation, who have been involved in successful campaigns and initiatives seen in recent election cycles.
Participants learn from these experts and develop practical knowledge in areas such as public speaking, fundraising, campaign strategy, voter contact, media and messaging and others. Candidates also meet an array of dynamic women who hold elected and appointed office and become a part of a supportive network, which includes a national association of Emerge alumnae, the Emerge board and advisory council members.
Emerge South Carolina is intentional about recruiting women who represent communities from across the state. The class represents 13 towns and cities in South Carolina and includes women from a diverse set of professional backgrounds, including education, social work, law enforcement, science, and the military.