Alive Magazine is new media for a new generation. Created by young women, for young women, it is grounded in the spirit of providing positive media and constructive, creative outlets for expression. AM is one component of Alive Arts Media, a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging women to create the media they want to see.
History
Alive Magazine began as a senior thesis project, when St. Olaf College student Heather Scheiwe designed her own major incorporating communication, religion, women's studies, psychology, media studies, and a dash of business. She longed for a space free of skinny models and sales pitches, a space where young women could freely share what they valued, hoped for, celebrated in their lives. Heather applied for a grant to print 200 copies of what "could be" a positive alternative teen magazine. Not intending to carry it forward beyond the April 2004 presentation, Heather was surprised when audience members began handing her money to continue the project. "There's nothing like this out there," one donor said, "This must keep going."
Young women began offering their services--for free--and Alive Magazine was born. Since then, the magazine has blossomed into a full-blown publication reaching young women around the world. From California to Kuwait, young women ages 13-25 are sharing their original stories, artwork, poetry, and talents with each other. Recently, AM's internship program has sprung to life, offering real-world experience to college-age women both locally and internationally.