A COVID-19 born non-profit organization called “Start Lighthouse” from the South Bronx New York believes spreading their message of the power of the vote through online events will bring real change.
The Start Lighthouse organization hosted an online event through zoom which addressed the importance of voting during 2020. During a time when racial, social and other systemic issues are being raised, Start Lighthouse believes it is crucial for communities to start conversations.
Kenneth Burgos democratic candidate for the 85th New York State Assembly District, Felicia Singh candidate for City Council and Chantel Jackson candidate for the 79th New York State Assembly District all participated in the online event. “We spend so much time in our communities teaching people how to go through a system, rather than how to rebuild a system and change it for good and that is where we need to own our power,” said Singh.
Educating the youth, sharing and making voting more accessible to everyone were some suggested tips from the candidates on the topic of increasing voter power. Generation z specifically plays a significant role in current and future elections.
For those who can’t vote Burgos encourages adolescents to share the political conversation through pictures, videos, hashtags and more. This spreading and consuming of online political content is causing people to become involved in the voting process and conversation.
Start Lighthouse doesn’t want to be a non-profit organization that focuses primarily on their mission, they also focus on the goals of the community. Hosting this online event during COVID-19 assisted in the mutual goal of allowing voters to use their voice during the 2020 election.
“We think it is crucial that people get access to this event and learn about their local congressman,” said cofounder Anya Morales.
Furthermore, the Start Lighthouse organization was established in March 2020 by the co-founders Anya Morales and Rina Madhani. What started as a book drive soon turned into a non-profit organization that began doing mentorships, literacy kits and an online curriculum program for students in need of books.
Due to the current circumstances Start Lighthouse had to commence virtually, however, in person book distributions and monthly newsletters are used to keep those involved engaged.
“Our mission is to foster lifelong literacy, we not only want to empower students but we also want to empower the community,” said Madhani.