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Leesburg council backs women-in-government kickoff events, small budget to fund activities
Summary
Council sponsors proposed a women-in-government initiative with events during Women's History Month, including a March blood drive and self-defense classes, plus a short high-school cohort pilot; staff asked to place the motions on the consent agenda for a final vote.
Councilmembers Carrie Neeson and the mayor presented a staff-supported initiative to encourage civic engagement among young women, with planned events starting in Women's History Month.
Planned activities: Staff outlined an initial set of activities: a March 31 blood drive at Bridal Park Recreation Center coordinated with INOVA; two self-defense workshops in May (one weekday, one weekend) aimed at women and girls 12 and older; and a pilot "high school cohort" modeled on the mayor-for-a-day program that would pair up to six juniors and seniors from Leesburg's three high schools with town staff for a half-day program.
Costs and funding: Staff estimated the initiative would cost about $2,200 and proposed funding the program from the town manager's contingency fund: $300 for blood-drive refreshments, $900 for two self-defense workshops (including some refreshments) and $1,000 for cohort marketing and light lunch or refreshments.
Logistics and questions: Staff said INOVA would operate the bloodmobile and registration would be managed by INOVA; organizers would explore optimal times to encourage higher participation. Council agreed to consider placing the item on the consent agenda for final approval the following day.
Ending: Councilmembers expressed support and asked staff to confirm event times, volunteer logistics and promotional plans prior to adoption.
