Erika Feresten
Emerge California class 2015
Emerge America, like other women’s political organizations, is
dedicated to getting more women to run for political office. As a
member of the Emerge California class of 2015, I see this as a most worthy
and necessary mission. Our voices are valid and important, yet often
overlooked in mainstream politics. Emerge is giving women the tools
necessary to run successful campaigns so we can have a say in the
policies that effect our communities and even our own bodies. Still,
what fires me up the most about Emerge is the dedication to replacing
the usual contentious politics with inspired politics.
Emerge advocates that running a campaign based on Vision, Values
and Purpose is a winning strategy. We are being educated as future
political candidates to stand in and speak from our highest and best
selves, thus eliminating the need for personal attacks on other
candidates. We are being taught to embrace ourselves, to find the
gifts in our flaws and past mistakes, thus freeing us to speak
truthfully, clearly and to stay focused on solutions. Most importantly
though; we are being challenged to know our “Why,” or our purpose
for running. When we approach things from a place of purpose we are
able to make all of our decisions from a place of inspiration rather than
desperation. By utilizing inspired politics we are able to apply our
personal values and our best practices to running an inspired and
winning campaign.