Emerge Oregon announces Class of 2010: A new and diverse generation of Oregon leaders

Paulie Brading

The Board of Emerge Oregon (visit www.emergeor.org for a complete list) will host a kick-off celebration for the Class of 2010 on Saturday, February, 6 at Urban Studio. Anyone wishing to attend should RSVP to [email protected] by January 29.

WHAT: Meet Emerge Oregon's Class of 2010

WHO: Emerge Oregon Board members, supporters and the Class of 2009

WHEN: Saturday, February 6, 2010 6:30 -8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Urban Studio 206 NW 10th Ave, Portland

Emerge Oregon, a statewide, non-profit organization established last year to recruit and train Democratic women who want to run for public office, today announced its class of 2010. The new class which represents Oregon's diverse geography, cultures and backgrounds, includes members from Ashland, Bend, Eugene, Gresham, North Bend, Pendleton, Portland, Springfield, The Dalles, and Tualatin.

In it's short esistance, Emerge Oregon has already had notable successes. Former class members who have been elected or appointed to an office or who have announced they will run this year include, Val Hoyle, Sandy Webb, Joelle Davis, Ann Lininger, and Deborah Barnes. Emerge Board member Lynn Howe is also running for office this year.

Emerge Oregon's core mission is to identify and recruit Democratic women to run for public office, thoroughly train them, provide them with skills and support they need to run and win in Oregon.

At a glance:

• They range in age from their 20's through their 60s
• More than a third of them are from outside Portland
• They represent the fields of law, health care, education, entrepreneurship and small business, public advocacy, environment, children, education, consultancy and management
• They are moms and grandmothers, policy wonks, students, retired and launching second careers, advisors, mentors and passionate activists and advocates all
• A third are women of color
• And perhaps most importantly, they are united in their desire to serve their communities and the state.

Mark February 6th on your calendar. RSVP to [email protected] by January 29.

Full disclosure: Paulie serves on the Emerge Oregon board

By Paulie Brading Jan. 12, 2010