Written by Deborah Levine, Editor

Sally Robinson is a locally elected councilwoman who rose to leadership through various grass-roots efforts. In a recent interview we talked about the changing political environment and asked her what she thought was the biggest challenge for women running for elected office.

Robinson noted that women running for the first time had to come to terms with representing an extensive area. Like many women, she had worked in a smaller area, downtown Chattanooga, and was attempting to serve a broader area and wider base of constituents.

Councilwoman Robinson described her own effort to represent District 2. She hosted listening sessions for 90 days. Four times each week she went to pre-arranged meeting places and waited for whomever wanted to talk to her. No appointment was necessary. She was able to hear from people all over her district. Once in office, she continued to work hard to stay informed on local issues.

Being a volunteer and giving back to the community has been a life-long activity for Robinson. Her advice to woman thinking about running for office is to support a cause you care about. The networking you do as a volunteer is invaluable in helping you get elected and staying connected in office.

In the future, Robinson expects that people will want women in leadership. Its not unusual any more. Yet, women who run for office have to be good at changing gears and multi-tasking. Self-discipline is a must given women’s family responsibilities. Her 10-month old grandson is crying in the background and her voice gets distant as she takes a casserole out of the oven. As she balances several tasks she remarks, “I feel so lucky. It’s (elected office) one of the greatest opportunities I’ve been given.”