In a world where community and politics play an integral role in our daily lives, the timing couldn't be more perfect for an app that brings people closer to the heart of democracy in a meaningful and engaging way. Enter The Seats, a revolutionary Civic Engagement App brought to you by The Seats Foundation Incorporated - A Non-Profit Entity, and created by Darrick Gore and Jared Jackson. Show host Phillip O’Rourke, had opportunity to sit down with them and delve into the app's unique features that make it stand out in the crowded app landscape, as well as discuss how such a meaningful and impactful project inspired these young African American entrepreneurs to action.
One of the key aspects that make The Seats a game-changer is its focus on combating misinformation and providing a platform for community representatives to interact directly with the public. As a non-profit organization, trust is their top priority, and this app is poised to transform how people access the civic process. The timing couldn't be more critical, especially in an era where truth and trust are increasingly being challenged.
In the vast sea of available apps, The Seats distinguishes itself with its engaging nature, leveraging custom AI to make users feel like they're part of a political rally right in the palms of their hands. The app's ability to answer questions directly adds an interactive element that sets it apart from the competition.
Especially relevant during Black History Month, The Seats emerges as a tool for amplifying the voices of those often unheard. This app not only connects individuals to the democratic process but also acts as a beacon of hope for impoverished communities, as well as those communities seeking to break free from systemic challenges. The transformative impact of this trailblazing app seeks to extend beyond technology, aligning seamlessly with the spirit of unity, and equality by empowering communities to actively shape their future.
“More people care about our democracy than the media lets on. ”
Darrick Gors | Linked In >>>
Founder and President of
The Seats Foundation Incorporated
Jared Jackson | Linked In
Board of Directors - IT Director
Connect with Jared Jackson on
The inspiring creators have identified a common challenge – the lack of engagement in the details of the voting process. With The Seats, they aim to address this issue head-on by focusing on three critical points: privacy, gamification, and interactivity. Users can feel confident that their privacy is protected, while the gamification aspect adds a layer of excitement and incentives for active participation. The app becomes a tool that not only informs but also makes the civic process enjoyable.
As we navigate through times where the integrity of information is under scrutiny, The Seats introduces mitigating factors that foster honest civic engagement. A significant portion of the app's information comes directly from participating community leaders, instilling a sense of authenticity and reliability. In an era where trust in information is paramount, The Seats emerges as a beacon of transparency and truth.
The Seats is not just an app; it's a transformative force that brings democracy to the fingertips of every user. With its engaging features, commitment to privacy, and emphasis on community-driven information, Darrick Gore and Jared Jackson, with your help, are creating more than an app; they’re creating a platform that empowers individuals to actively participate in the democratic process, fostering a stronger and more informed society.
💭 Challenge: When was the last time you actively engaged with your local community or political events? Consider how The Seats could transform your involvement and make a positive impact on your civic participation.
💡 Reflect on your current knowledge about the political process. How might The Seats' direct interaction and information from community leaders enhance your understanding and empower you to make more informed decisions?
🌐 In a world saturated with information, how do you verify the authenticity of the civic information you come across? Explore how The Seats' commitment to trust and reliance on community leaders could reshape your approach to staying well-informed and engaged.
Be a part of the conversation. 💬 Drop your insights, reactions, or questions below! How do you envision this app impacting YOUR involvement in community and politics? Let's spark a conversation and shape the future together! 🔥🗣️ #TheSeatsDiscussion #CivicEngagementChat
KellyAnn Tracy (Owner and Founder of Beads-N-Buddies) sits down and discusses her journey, and how she moved past the pain and found her passion for helping others.
With a background in healthcare, she merged her love for caring for others with a crafty activity, and developed Beads-N-Buddies: Providing bracelet crafting parties to help foster creativity, build community, and encourage connection - with an emphasis on Senior Living Facilities.
GET SOCIAL WITH BEADS-N-BUDDIES
👉 Website: https://www.beadsnbuddies.com
👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beadsnbuddies
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beadsnbuddies
Owner and operator of Thee Ten Bed & Breakfast in Yellow Springs, Ohio, Jim Johnson sits down on #ThePhillipShow & discusses politics, guest lodging, and how life has led to being back at home. With a focus on service and relationship, Three Ten Bed & Breakfast offers a comfortable option for those who are looking to get away but maintain a sense of home.
Three Ten Bed & Breakfast is the newest full service B&B to open in the Village of Yellow Springs. This historic two story brick home, built in 1843, is just three blocks from downtown shops, restaurants, bike paths and the Glen Helen Nature Preserve. Three Ten is your home away from home. Enjoy the elegant charm and warmth of this lovely old house, with all the modern comfort and convenience you expect when traveling today.“
With the YSKP (Yellow Springs Kids Playhouse) fundraiser coming up, Jim continues to give back to the community by helping to spread awareness and raise funds for the organization.
GET SOCIAL WITH JIM
👉 Website: https://www.threetenbedandbreakfast.com
YSKP DONATION LINK
👉 Donation Link: https://yscf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3640
With a background in management and leadership, Lena Morris launches Authentic Encounters, LLC - a company that is committed to empowering and equipping individuals, and transforming their lives through authentic relational encounters. With the motto of “Transformation Not Training,” Lena Morris invites others to challenge themselves to discover who they are and walk in their purpose.
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👉 Website: https://authenticencountersllc.com/
👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090283000655
👉 Instagram: https://instagram.com/authenticencountersllc
👉 Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/authentic-encounters-llc/
As a 3rd generation Japanese-American, Kurt Miyazaki journeyed to create a sense of community for himself and others around him. Leaving academia, he stepped into the world of service, wine and cafe-life as owner of Emporium Wines & Underdog Cafe, which continues to be a centerpiece of the eclectic Village of Yellow Springs, OH.
STAY CONNECTED WITH THE EMPORIUM
👉 Website: emporiumwines.com
👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empounder
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empounder
Robin Turley is owner of Queen Body Essentials. With a dream, and a path that pointed to entrepreneurship, she moved past her hesitations and trusted that what was for her was for her. Since 2000, QueenBody Essentials have been committed to providing customers with a range of body products. From body butters to infused body oil. There’s something for everyone - including men with a new men’s line coming soon! For everyone.
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👉 Website: https://www.QueenBodyEssentials.com
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queenbody_essentials/
In a safe atmosphere of acceptance that promotes healing and deepens understanding, Turning Inward LLC, is a counseling, private practice that supports individuals and promotes lifelong change and helps people to find more peace, contentment and an improved sense of well-being.
Tracy Hunt of Turning Inward LLC. Opens up and explains how to know when therapy may be necessary, how to find solutions during feelings of depression or anxiety, and how to remain proactive when addressing mental health.
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👉 Website: https://www.turninginwardllc.com/
👉 Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/turninginwardllc/
👉 Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/TurningInwardLLC/
Baxter, a creative film director, sits down and speaks about his passion for highlighting the beauty of culture, creativity, and difference. With a background in activism and politics, Baxter speaks of how being “othered” has inspired him to give others a voice through his media production & filmmaking. #shotbybax #multiplynotdivide
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👉 Website: https://www.baxterstapleton.com/
👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baxter.stapleton
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigbax/
Searching within himself for identity, Jonathan Alicea discusses his struggle with weight and acceptance. As a Certified Online Trainer, Jon uses his platform to not only provide physical guidance, but impact people on a personal level. “Time 2 Shine” is a company that seeks to foster growth both physically and emotionally.
“I think the company slogan expresses who I am perfectly... “Find the light. Be the light. Spread the light. It’s your time to shine."" - Jonathan Alicea
ON THIS EPISODE
1. The reason behind the brand.
2. The pressures of fitting in.
3. Finding balance when viewing oneself, and the desire to compare.
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👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TIME2SHINEKY
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/time2shine_ky/
Dara discusses what it means to encourage her son’s dreams, while still allowing him to be a child. As a 10 year-old entrepreneur, Trey of Trey’s Lemonade Stand is motivated to work, and Dara supports his vision, and now handles a growing, family business made out of originally flavored lemonade and lots of inspiration.
ON THIS EPISODE
1. What is too young to encourage a child to work?
2. The benefits of family support
3. Setting boundaries to have a well-rounded life.
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👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Treys-Lemonade-Stand-111190141264168
Natasha took her passion by the hand and made the decision to pursue her dream of storytelling and writing. The impact of the pandemic was tremendous, but for her - it gave her the opportunity of time, which she took full advantage of. Completing and publishing her first novel, Natasha Hughes Smith soon continued to create and expand the storylines of what is now the Reflections series. This series consists of four installments, with the latest being released soon. She reminds us, “If THEY can do it, so can I.”
ON THIS EPISODE
1. It’s never too late
2. Listening to your passion
3. Finding HOPE
GET "REFLECTIONS THE SERIES" ON AMAZON 👉 https://amzn.to/3lE98uF
Terry Moorer is a Music Business Coach, and Disability Speaker. With over 20 years in the entertainment industry, he shares his experiences of finding success while living with cerebral palsy and imparts his vast knowledge as an entrepreneur, and coach through speaking, courses, and authoring several books.
Along with business partner, legendary hip hop artist, MC Lyte, Terry Moorer launched learnthemusicbusiness.com - a membership website that teaches aspiring artists about the music industry. He has written two books, How to Launch Your Music Career in 21 Days and Fearless Dreams, and How a Disabled Kid from Brooklyn Lived his Dream in the Entertainment Business. Terry also teaches you the benefits of remaining protected by Legal Shield.
ON THIS EPISODE
1. Living a Full Life with a Disability
2. Record Deal or Independent Artist? Which is better?
3. Staying Motivated
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👉 Website: https://www.terrymoorer.com
👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terry.moorer
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terry_moorer/
Tara Omotosho, of increasebiznow.com, is a wife, mother, business woman, author, writer, speaker, marketing & website strategist, and a virtuous woman-entrepreneur of faith. With a successful business, she discusses her upcoming projects, opportunities to support people in their business development, and the impact that networking and support play in growth & achievement.
ON THIS EPISODE
1. Identifying your inspiration
2. The power of networking
3. The necessity of courage
💠 OPPORTUNITIES MENTIONED • Women CEO’s Rock Monthly Virtual Meet-ups Connect with others on different topics and opportunities to network and grow When: 4th Tuesday of each month | 7pm - 8:30pm
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👉 Website: https://taraomotosho.com
👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theonlytaraomotosho
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taraomotosho
Entrepreneur extraordinaire, Angie O., shares her journey from working for $5 per hour with a two-year-old, to being a successful business owner and launching multiple companies. During a time of extreme uncertainty, Angio O. managed to capitalize on her gift of “vision” and developed techniques and processes to ensure the continued success of entrepreneurs across the country. Sharing her strategies and tips for mindset change, get a jump start on 2022 success strategies, and start planning for reaching your NEXT LEVEL.
ON THIS EPISODE
1. Discover the business and mentality tools needed to PIVOT
2. Hear of the new resource that will soon be available to access interactive virtual group playgrounds.
3. Determine how to goal set, and set your mark for your NEXT LEVEL.
GET SOCIAL W/ ANGIE O
👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angie.onianwa
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangieo/
Joshua Miller gives us insight into how he views the world from the perspective of having a challenging past. With his father leaving when he was young, Joshua discusses how he was able to rise above, and become a successful father, and husband despite the obstacles. This open and honest look into his journey helps us all to put our past experiences into perspective and gives us the opportunity to identify how we have come to be the person that we are.
ON THIS EPISODE
1. Does blood “only” make your family?
2. Therapy. Good or bad?
3. Where are you placing your value.
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Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/millers_woodworkinginys
Prosperity Strategist & Mentor, Patrice Bobo-Miles, provides the support and education necessary to begin a life of greater prosperity by guiding clients to the cornerstone of a generational wealth building. With her premier online course CommonCent$ Money Matters, she is helping people identify their Money Trauma, by recognizing emotional spending & savings habits, and redefining relationships with money.
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👉 FB: https://www.facebook.com/pbobomiles
👉 IG: https://www.instagram.com/pbobomiles
👉 Website: https://pbobomiles.com/
Amazon best selling author, Ryan Joseph Allen, visits the show and discusses his new book, “My Drug Dealer Brought Me to God.” With a focus on post-traumatic growth after lived or perceived religious trauma within the LGBTQ+ community, he opens up about his journey to identity, sobriety, and to God in a most unconventional way. Hear his perspective regarding National Coming Out Day, and the support that is needed for people to feel safe, heard, and loved.
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👉 FB: https://www.facebook.com/RyanJosephAllen
👉 IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryanjosephallen
👉 Website: https://www.ryanjosephallen.com
👉 BUY BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09G87MNFY
ABOUT THE BOOK
Ryan Joseph Allen's life was on a downward trajectory. As a child, he felt different from other kids and struggled to fit in. Even at a tender age he contemplated suicide. In his teenage years and as a young adult, he hid his true self and numbed his emotional turmoil with alcohol, drugs, and self-destructive behaviors. When he summoned the courage to share his secret and come out to a close friend, her response added another layer of self-hatred. How could he love and accept himself as a gay man when he was taught that God and the Church considered it wrong?
