NORFOLK, Va. — There's a new effort to encourage young people to become more civically engaged.
A group of Norfolk siblings launched a social media app that helps people learn about and get involved with key issues facing their communities.
Johnathan Celestin, and his sisters, Stacy and Sarah Celestin, are hoping to make a difference in the next generation.
The Norfolk-based trio launched their own social media app, called myBalbo.
"It's short for 'My Ballot Box,'" said Celestin, co-founder and CEO of myBalbo.
It's a free, non-partisan app that encourages people ages 13 and up to engage and learn about politics and the key issues affecting their communities.
In the palm of their hand, people can find all they need to know about their local voting process and the elected officials in their area.
They can chat about current issues from politics to culture.
"More importantly, we offer you the opportunity to hop into round tables with people who may not share those opportunities with you and offer you the opportunity to have a really powerful conversation with those people," said Celestin.
The siblings came up with the idea during the pandemic when they noticed people couldn't name their local representatives and didn't know how to reach them.
Their goal is to empower Gen Z and Millennials to become civic leaders.
Right now, they're visiting high schools across Hampton Roads, including I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth.
"We you think about climate change. When you think about some of these really big issues, a lot of us will not be here to feel some of those effects," said Celestin. "But these young people will. So getting them a part of these conversations early, they are really important because it lets them know they are centered in the decision making we have even if they can't vote."
On Feb. 13 at 8 p.m., myBalbo is partnering with Vote.org for a youth roundtable discussion on the power of the Black vote and the pivotal influence of young voters. The panel will feature local high school students and representatives from several groups, including the non-partisan voter engagement organization started by former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Celestin said regardless of people's political views, we are a better democracy when young people are engaged.
People can join the discussion by downloading the 'myBalbo' app on Google Play or the App Store.