The 2022 election cycle in Leon County saw the first candidate forums hosted exclusively by women’s groups. Ten groups serving women and girls collaborated on two such events, one for mayoral candidates and another for county commission races. Now they’re laying the groundwork for greater change.
The women’s groups asked the candidates questions they don’t usually get, on issues such as domestic violence, human trafficking and child care. One of the groups is the Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center, which serves trafficking victims. Robin Hassler Thompson, its executive director, says it’s vital to address issues affecting the most vulnerable people in the community.