By Audrey Willett:
The Teenage Telegram is a magazine for teens, by teens that creates posts on fashion, environmentalism, and racial equality—plus many more subjects. Please enjoy our interview with them below.
AW: Tell us all about you and your organization!
TT: The Teenage Telegram is an artistic and informational magazine made for and by teens. We also plan to branch out in other ways, including art-showcasing events.
AW: Why do you think it’s important for your generation to let their voices be heard?
TT: It’s important for Gen Z’s voices to be heard because expressing our opinions and passions will prepare us for being tomorrow’s leaders. In addition, it’s vital for us to share our thoughts so the world can know our unique perspectives as the upcoming generation.
AW: Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future?
TT: Currently, I’m pessimistic about the future. Between climate change hurtling on at a dramatic rate to the negative effects of social media hindering our collective mental health, things seem to be deteriorating without most people noticing. But, I still believe that it’s possible for a change to be made.
AW: What are the most important issues facing our world right now? And in the future?
TT: Right now, I’d say our most pressing issues are those of racial inequality and climate change. Until those problems are largely remedied, they’ll continue to plague us into the future.
AW: What does your organization offer that helps the world be a better place?
The Telegram allows teens to express their views on various topics and gives them a place to share their artistic talents when there’s often not many opportunities to do so.
AW: Will you be voting in the next election?
TT: Yes, I’ll be making the cut by just a couple of months.
AW: Please tell us all about your current campaigns, projects, and endeavors. Tell everyone where to find you online and on social platforms.
TT: Currently, we are publishing pieces on our Instagram and website, and we'll soon be moving on to print. In the future, we also plan to host open mics for teen writers, summits with other magazines/organizations, movie screenings for teen filmmakers, and concerts for teen musicians.
Audrey Willett is a southern California sophomore in high school. She is an activist and aspiring filmmaker, and the Social Media Outreach coordinator for The Gen Z Collective.