Aaron Sussman ’07, Thomas Coen ’07, and Rebecca Littman ’08 are fed up with the news.
“The mainstream media does a poor job of telling,” Sussman said. “It does a great job of selling, but it leaves out all the information.”
This frustration has inspired three students to engineer a new publication- one that is more concerned with progress than circulation. In the coming weeks, Incite Magazine will begin publication, both on the web at InciteMagazine.org and with a periodic print edition that will be available on campus. The first printed publication will be released in November, and three more will follow second semester.
According to Sussman, the creators envision a progressive political magazine with an emphasis on social action. Their goals also include connecting politically aware students throughout campus with like-minded activists.
Part of their inspiration came from Littman’s past involvement with an organization called Campus Progress, an affiliate of the Center for American Progress, which is dedicated to keeping students around the country involved in current events. One of the purposes of Campus Progress is to provide funds for progressive publications on American campuses. With the resources from this organization in hand, Littman began talking with Coen and Sussman last semester. After dozens of conversations in the spring (and “hundreds of e-mails this summer,” according to Sussman), the editors were ready to make their vision a reality.
The Incite Magazine mission statement, available for viewing on the website, promises contributors and readers alike the opportunity to impact the changing world.
“[Incite Magazine] will not only allow students to analyze current events and politics, but give them the chance to create a link between analysis and action and activism,” Coen said.
The full version online will feature articles, commentary, and announcements.
Special features include the magazine’s “Action Calendar,” which will have event listings for every progressive activity on and around campus. The website will also feature links and contacts to make it easier for students to not only be aware, but also to get involved.
Only major pieces and the most important information will be printed and distributed free of charge on campus. Currently undecided, the distribution frequency will be determined by the editors when the publication begins to take shape.
According to Littman, the launch meeting on Sept. 27 had an exceptional turnout, but the group is still seeking contributions and interest through its website.
According to Sussman, students are more involved than the world thinks – there just hasn’t been a publication to show it.
“People sometimes criticize our lack of activism,” Sussman said. “It’s a big niche to fill.”
With his Wespeak last week, entitled “Power of insight, power to incite,” Sussman began to alert students of the magazine’s presence.
The editors of Incite Magazine still welcome contributions, which along with questions, comments, and concerns should be directed to editors@incitemagazine.org. The deadline for the first issue is Oct. 9, but submissions will be accepted throughout the year. The magazine website can be accessed at InciteMagazine.org.
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