Women of Douglasville founder says online group became pandemic lifeline, urges research on data centers

Karen Campbell, founder and leader of Women of Douglasville, told Commissioner Martin Raxton that the Facebook group she launched in 2014 evolved from coupon-and-school chatter into a community resource used for urgent needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. "The group became a true resource of, you know, how to set up your living room as a classroom or, you know, where to find toilet paper," Campbell said.

Campbell described active moderation and volunteer administrators who approve posts and keep the space inclusive: "I pride myself on that too…we read every single post." She said the group expanded capacity by hosting a radio show on HSN 92.3 and by supporting local businesses and events.

On recent online concerns about large facilities in the area, Campbell said residents should verify claims before sharing them. "Just do your own research on anything that's going on," she said, urging neighbors not to jump on a bandwagon when posts claim data centers will "take all the water and the lights." She said the trending posts about data centers on Riverside have prompted questions about jobs, environment and direct effects on families.

Campbell also described an increase in requests for basic help among group members, including families sleeping in cars and requests for small grocery orders. "At least twice a week, I'm doing a grocery order…just something of $25–30," she said, and called on county leaders to help raise visibility of existing programs and services.

The group offers a Women of Douglasville business directory for affiliates and invites women across West Georgia and Atlanta to join on Facebook and Instagram. Commissioner Raxton closed the segment by encouraging residents to reach out to county offices for support and information.