Emerge Oregon Class of 2010 Announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:    January 13, 2010
Contact: Kathryn Firestone, 503-922-2177

Emerge Oregon announces Class of 2010:

A new and diverse generation of Oregon leaders

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     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.  (See accompanying backgrounder for further details).

     "I have no doubt the Class of 2010 - an amazingly talented, eager and dedicated group of women - will join the Alumnae of 2009 in changing the face of politics across Oregon," said Kathryn Firestone, Executive Director of Emerge Oregon.  "We are introducing an incredibly diverse group of future leaders for Oregon, including our first members from southern and eastern Oregon."

     Emerge Oregon's core mission is to identify and recruit Democratic women to run for public office, thoroughly train them, and provide them with the skills and support they need to run and win in Oregon.  Emerge Oregon will provide comprehensive training and make a long-term investment in these future leaders by honing their political skills, expanding their knowledge of local issues, and connecting them with mentors. 

     The Board of Emerge Oregon (visit http://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 contact@emergeor.org by January 29. 

     In its short existence, Emerge Oregon has already had notable successes.  Former class members who have been elected or appointed to office or who have announced they will run this year include Val Hoyle, Sandy Webb, Joelle Davis, Ann Lininger, and Deborah Barnes.

WHAT:  Meet Emerge Oregon's Class of 2010

WHO:  Emerge Oregon friends, supporters and alumnae

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

WHERE:  Urban Studio, 206 NW 10^th Avenue, Portland