The Knowledge Is Infinite Issue

Math, history and science, these words may send chills down a person's spine, but they seem to be the lifeblood of humankind as we know it. They are filled with facts. Things we can quantify - see, taste, touch, smell and hear. Everything we encounter depends on knowledge in some way. Cell phones function through complicated math problems, are the culmination of technological history and are made of minerals found exclusively in the Congo.This issue considers young women's pursuit and use of knowledge as well as its role in their lives. Alive Magazine exists to enable young women to use knowledge to change the future.

June/July 2009
Hip Hop/Spoken Word
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The Hip Hop/Spoken Word Issue

Countless words are said everyday. Letters are scrunched together to form a word, an arbitrary symbol created to represent an idea. Thousands of ideas float around in the world. Some ideas are positive, some are negative, some are gentle, some are abrasive, some are original and some are stale. This issue focuses on Alive Magazine's goal to give a voice to young women. With fresh concepts and beautiful images and genuine relationships young women hold the power to change media forever.

April/May 2009
Concepts of Community
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The Concepts of Community Issue

This issue of Alive Magazine celebrates the fifth anniversary of the magazine by detailing the significance of community. The issue's theme, Concepts of Community, gives a glimpse into the communities of Alive readers around the world. Poetry, stories, artwork and photography centered on community give readers the opportunity to celebrate and engage with communities in areas other than their hometowns. This issue gives voice to young women in an effort to expand and contribute to their communities, and commemorate Alive's fifth birthday. Founding Editor Heather Schiewe writes, "Dreaming big is why Alive Magazine exists. It is not only the product of a big dream – collectively growing from the tiny vision I had five years ago into a beautiful kaleidoscope to which each participant adds – but Alive is also a place where others can dream freely." This issue celebrates those dreams and the communities that make those dreams possible.

February/March 2009
Health & Wellness
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The Health & Wellness Issue

"The balance between using your mind and exercising your body ... not to be skinny, but to feel good," is one reader's definition of health and wellness featured in the "Picturing Everday Beauty" section. Alive Magazine places great value on a young woman's health and wellness in every realm. Managing Editor Nicolle Westlund speaks to the readers on the subject saying, "Make your decision to be healthy and well based on what is best for you, what makes you feel complete and what gives you the healthiest view of yourself." Maybe the mountains and valleys aren't what life is all about. Maybe life is about learning to balance the good times and bad, and responding to (but not being controlled by) our environment.

December/January 2009
The Dreams Issue
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The Dreams Issue

This issue of Alive Magazine is centered on the theme of dreams. It holds poetry, artwork, photography and stories of the pursuit, relinquishment, and accomplishment of dreams all submitted by readers of Alive Magazine. It opens with a word, “In Defense of Dreams,” from the Executive Director of Alive Arts Media // Alive Magazine, Jen Dotson. Who writes, “Our greatest dreams often form in the recesses of our deepest fear.” This remark underlines the purpose of Alive Magazine, to empower young women in their creative, educational and professional endeavors no matter what their dreams.

October/November 2008
Concepts of Beauty
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Living Life Fully

“Self-awareness is directly tied to community and active civic engagement,” writes Lauren Melcher, Managing Editor for this issue of Alive Magazine. As a person becomes more self-aware, recognizing every breath, an appreciation for life begins to flow from her and refresh the people she meets. Living life fully can seem like another task on the invisible list of perfection many women have. Instead of adding to these endless lists of tasks and requirements, Alive Magazine extends an invitation to young women to value every heartbeat and every moment that passes in the presence of the world and the communities that surround them.

Celebrating Women’s History

March is Women’s History Month and the 2008 theme is “Women’s Art, Women’s Vision.” While celebrating and enjoying the opportunities the women of history have afforded young women of today women must remember to also celebrate and enjoy the small accomplishments each day. Lauren Melcher, Managing Editor writes, “We cannot let our standards become so high that they discourage creativity, exploration and innovation for fear of disappointment.” Every young woman is capable of making great strides and changing the world every day whether that is in the lives of her friends or the futures of women everywhere.

The Power of a Story

Stories are powerful. The vulnerability of a story reaches through the thickest of walls to the warmest of places in a person’s heart. The authenticity of a story dismisses the façade and confronts the true character. True community is built on boldly sharing the honest, messy stories of life. People change people. Alive Magazine encourages the surfacing of these life experiences and dedicated this issue, especially, to the power of a story.

The Choices Issue

Even the smallest of choices can reap cataclysmic consequences or pleasant surprises. Everyday a young woman is faced with choices. The choice to hit the “Snooze” button one last time, the choice between paper and plastic, the choice to rise above, the choice to live a life that commands respect. This issue tells stories of young women and the choices they’ve made – choices that have made them come alive, and choices that have not.