By Erin Campbell |Staff Writer|
San Bernardino Generation Now (SBGN) is a student lead organization that focuses on influencing young adults to be knowledgeable about what is happening in their city and nation.
SBGN believes the younger generations hold the power for the future of San Bernardino. Therefore, it is very important they are aware of the political status their county holds.
The organization wants the youth of San Bernardino to cast an educated vote and hopes to show the youth why their vote counts.
SBGN started out as a five member group looking to make San Bernardino a more involved and educated city about the politics happening within San Bernardino.
A year and a half later, the group has 30 members who strive to make San Bernardino more educated with their votes.
The group emphasizes that votes are their voice and without them the city cannot speak.
“We want to increase the voter universe,” says member Christian Flores. “We’re not telling people how to vote, we’re just educating people to vote smarter.”
San Bernardino Generation Now recently paired up with Zealous Lyfe to host a music and art festival event in order to reach out to the younger generations and invite them to hear why their vote counts.
These types of events give new voters an incentive to become aware and care about the importance of their vote.
According to Flores, these events have been very successful in gaining political awareness. Another music and art festival is planned to take place after the election city cycle.
SBGN recently achieved a mention in The Wall Street Journal for their community outreach with Turn Up the Vote, which had over 200 attending participants.
The organization had the honor of collaborating with The Sun and Cal State San Bernardino chapter Pi Sigma Alpha in hosting the Mayoral Debate held in the Student Union on Jan. 22. The crowd was so big, the debate had to be split into two rooms to accommodate the attendees.
Mayoral candidates Wendy McCammack and Carey Davis discussed topics such as cultural diversity, plans to decrease homelessness and crime rates in San Bernardino, how they would communicate effectively to the city if elected and how they plan to rebuild downtown San Bernardino.
SBGN is trying to beautify the city of San Bernardino by painting murals.
The first one they created is located on 2nd St. near the San Bernardino Metrolink Station. The bright colors of the mural cannot be missed as drivers pass by and see the message of “Unity.”
Their latest creation is a mural that says “Know Hope.” It illustrates two simple words, however, they represent a thought provoking concept.
The organization plans to create more murals throughout San Bernardino in order to gain awareness towards their city.
Flores also plans on hosting video game tournaments in San Bernardino in hopes of stimulating the economy in San Bernardino. He feels as if video games are popular among the youth and as a fellow enthusiast, he believes these tournaments will receive a lot of attention.
The goal of this organization is to help people understand what is happening within their community.
They encourage the residents of San Bernardino to do research and find out the condition of their county.
Be sure to like the San Bernardino Generation Now Facebook page to get updates on the economic status of San Bernardino and ways to improve the city.
Let your voice be heard and make your vote count with SBGN.
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