Advice wanted: Hosting a tween/teen zine workshop and starting a community tween zine project..

[GypsyLoveCircus]

Hi guys.  I'm a librarian's assistance (work alot with YA programing), mom, and homeschool teacher to my two kids. 

I am trying to get more young adult involvement at our library so am considering starting a community "tween" zine.  My 11 year old daughter and I both make zines, but ours are really the only zines that most kids in our community have seen. 

Basically what I am asking is if anyone has any experience with teaching zine workshops to middle school age kids, and if you have any advice.  Thanks!

[Sarah Arr!]

I don't, but I think it would be a really cool thing to do. That sort of unedited outlet could be really valuable for people who are still forming an identity and need an outlet. 

[Krissy PonyBoy Press]

There is a whole day devoted to teens and tweens at the IPRC here in Portland once a week. At least there was not that long ago. They also do zine summer camp. Maybe looking at their site and blog would help: http://www.iprc.org/

[GypsyLoveCircus]

thanks!!  I'm getting submissions but haven't gotten a lot of involvement in layout....so far.  Maybe the kids need to see one of their zines first to get a better idea.

[Grrrl Zines A-Go-Go]

Seeing examples helps, but having them do a quick collaborative zine is important to get their juices flowing. We've found that giving topics to get them started is helpful, younger they are the more this helps, to avert the "I don't know what to do" thing.  If they're going to collaborate on a zine it would be good to have a broad topic for the issue to get them focused. Our website has a rundown on doing workshops that you might find helpful. http://gzagg.org/diyworkshop.htm

--Margarat