VOX ATL Is Necessary
VOX is… Atlanta’s home for uncensored teen publishing and self-expression.
A teen-driven, professional space and a learning environment for diverse teens in metro Atlanta.
A commitment to true diversity.
Our roster of teen staff and contributors will annually include teens from all academic, geographic, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, life experience and socioeconomic backgrounds.
For Teens, By Teens.
In VOX’s first print edition, the first VOX teens wrote a letter addressed to the “General Public of Atlanta, Georgia.” This letter’s purpose was to introduce VOX to their community, to clearly state their purpose and debunk the “fallacy” of the word teenager carrying a negative context in society. On the second page of that first issue, laid out behind this letter in purple lettering, sat dozens of words that the “creators of VOX” wanted Atlanta to unlearn as negative synonyms for teen.
Lazy. Cranky. Self-Centered. Horny. Immature. Frivolous. Ungrateful.
“We come from all different backgrounds, races and creeds, creating a diverse mixture of cultures, yet we remain as one vast, conflicting stereotype,” they wrote. “The teenagers of Atlanta realize that rather than attempting to abolish this stereotype, we must dispel its influence.” So, the creators of VOX sought to address each of Atlanta’s community issues in “the sea of social issues” with an “open mind and a unifying spirit” through their coverage of their peers and their city. They pledged to “confront the negative aspects” of their world, while acknowledging the positive aspects in order to “create a positive image” of themselves.
They ended their letter with this:
“VOX is ready and willing to redefine our reputation and face the issues that concern us. After all, we are teens – and we are proud of it!”
Teens First
VOX’s motto is “teens first.” Our board and adult staff are comprised of working journalists, nonprofit professionals, corporate leaders, community volunteers, VOX alumni and current VOX teen leaders. The VOX leadership team works together to collaborate with and for teens to ensure their positive adolescent development and readiness for future success.
