VOX: The Voice of Our Generation

...Teen Communications
VOX Teen Communications is a non-profit
youth-development organization located in
downtown Atlanta, GA, dedicated to giving us teens the skills and resources to raise our voices about issues that most matter to us. Through VOX, we come from all around the Atlanta area to work together, share information, explore our talents and express ourselves by writing articles, creating art and designing layouts for the VOX newspaper and Web site.
...Home of VOX Newspaper
VOX teen newspaper is metro Atlanta's only uncensored, citywide forum for expression created BY teens FOR teens. VOX reaches 80,000 of our peers each month during the school year, and is available free for teens in more than 250 schools and organizations.
...Community Programs
In addition to our newspaper and this Web site, we have developed other projects that help raise youth voices, including: peer writing groups — like our Girls Group and Girls outreach group working with our peers at Angela's House, a summer program designed for those of us serious about becoming writers and artists, a career-preparation project called Graduation Countdown, and a Web-based resource guide for teens seeking help with personal issues (www.TeenResourceATL.org), among others. We also teach what we learn at VOX by bringing our unique writing, art and team-building workshops to Atlanta schools and organizations.
...Teen-led
Our organization is special in that it's managed through a youth-adult partnership. Every aspect of running VOX— from strategic planning to financial management--starts with and involves us teens.

VOX FAQ

How many teens work at VOX?
More than 100 of us teens work out of VOX's downtown Atlanta newsroom each school year to write stories, take photos, create illustrations and graphics, lay out pages and update this Web site. In addition, 300 other teens participate in VOX through workshops held at their schools and at youth groups.
How many teens read VOX?
An estimated 80,000 our our peers read free issues of VOX eight times a year. More than 300 schools and non-profits are distributors.
If I join VOX, do I have to be in the office everyday?
No, but you are expected to attend five new member training sessions (held on Saturdays) to join, and you are expected to come into the office an average of once a week, or at least four times per month. Commitment to VOX is important, but we understand there are higher priorities in our lives such as school, family and jobs and we all work flexible schedules.
Do VOX teens get paid?
Generally, teens at VOX do not get paid. However, many of us teens have received work-study, community service or internship credit for our volunteer leadership at VOX. We join as volunteers to improve our skills, learn new things and hang out with a diverse range of peers. A few of us do earn small stipends as leadership interns and for those who participate in the summer program.
What kinds of skills and benefits will I gain from joining VOX?
Joining VOX isn't only about learning how to design a newspaper page, improve writing skills or lead a community workshop. VOX is a safe place where you can be yourself, and most of us grow on a personal level during our time spend here. As you meet people of different races, cultures and life experiences, VOX is bound to have an impact on you. At VOX you can learn about journalism and, at the same time, enhance your social and leadership skills. And again, all of us earn precious community service and volunteer hours by actively participating.
Does VOX provide transportation home?
We teens are responsible for our own transportation to and from the VOX newsroom downtown, but VOX does provide MARTA tokens or parking passes to cover transportation costs.
What fun activities happen at VOX?
Believe it or not, VOX is not all about work; we plan and participate in many fun activities. VOX holds poetry slams, spelling bees, back to school parties, ice cream extravaganzas and more. Last year on our annual fall teamretreat, everyone who wanted to learned how to climb a rock wall. And there are also great opportunities to attend concerts, youth summits and other events as a VOX reporter or photographer. Most of all, we get the chance to make friends with a diverse group of our peers.
Where can I get a copy of VOX?
Copies of VOX are distributed free to teens in most Atlanta, Clayton, DeKalb and Fulton Public Schools. VOX is also available in many private schools, some Cobb and Gwinnett County Schools, and many metro-Atlanta public libraries, health clinics and after-school programs. Feel free to call (404) 614-0040 if you have a specific question about a location or if you'd like to request free distribution for your local high school or youth group.
What are VOX alumni doing now?
VOX alumni have gone on to a variety of colleges, universities and other career education programs. Many hold exciting jobs in many fields, including journalism, public relations, teaching, law and more. Some alumni have even come back to work at VOX as members of the adult staff. Most credit VOX for giving them the skills and added confidence to succeed in life after high school.