Can a magazine truly be a catalyst for change, a space where the unheard find voice and the accepted truths are challenged? Boilerplate Magazine, an independent publication emanating from Vassar College, boldly asserts that it can, and does.
The spring 2021 edition of Boilerplate Magazine, with its design and layout masterfully crafted by Harrison Gable, is more than just a collection of words and images; it's a statement. It's a declaration of intent to platform the political, the poetic, and the innovative, all while striving to amplify voices and perspectives often marginalized in mainstream discourse. This commitment is evident in every facet of the publication, from its selection of content to its very ethos. The magazine's online presence, found at boilerplate magazine.com, serves as a digital hub for the publication's mission. One of the core tenets of the magazine's mission is to challenge the status quo, prompting a re-evaluation of established norms. This mission extends beyond the pages of the magazine, fostering a broader dialogue within the Vassar College community and beyond.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Magazine Name | Boilerplate Magazine |
| Edition | Spring 2021 |
| Location | Vassar College |
| Focus | Political Commentary, Poetry, Creative Writing, Underrepresented Voices |
| Design & Layout | Harrison Gable |
| Online Presence | boilerplate magazine.com |
| Call to Action | Fossil Fuel Divestment |
| Content Examples | Essays, Poetry, Political Commentary, Creative Writing |
| Submission Guidelines | Open to all, regardless of age, background, or institutional affiliation. |
The magazine's commitment to action is palpable, most notably showcased through its active engagement with pressing social and environmental issues. A compelling example is the magazine's strong stance on fossil fuel divestment. "Vassar students from around the world live in communities that are increasingly being affected by climate change," the magazine pointedly states. It further emphasizes, "It is immoral to financially support the corporations perpetuating climate change," echoing a sentiment increasingly shared amongst students and academics nationwide. This commitment underscores Boilerplate's desire to be more than just a platform for discussion; it seeks to actively contribute to solutions and advocate for a more just and sustainable future. The magazine is not shy of promoting a radical point of view and offers a voice to those who are in the underrepresented groups.
Beyond its political and social commentary, Boilerplate also celebrates the beauty and power of creative expression. The newest publication features "Beautiful words" by Zo Bracken. Bracken's poetry, as described within the magazine, captures "an ache felt but not quite named, a joy that spirals out of control, an inner and outer critic." This highlights the publication's commitment to showcasing diverse forms of creative expression, providing a space for artists to experiment and connect with an engaged audience. The magazine published Bracken's work in February 2, 2019; the writing is raw and emotionally engaging.
The core belief of Boilerplate revolves around expanding the boundaries of what is considered successful in the realm of news and creative works. The magazine actively challenges the "boilerplate," the generally accepted truths, creating a space for a wide variety of voices and perspectives. This approach fosters a more inclusive and dynamic dialogue, pushing readers to question, analyze, and reimagine the world around them. This philosophy is central to its mission and the very essence of its identity.
Boilerplate Magazine distinguishes itself by its roots in Vassar College. The publication is more than just an online platform; it's a reflection of the vibrant intellectual community it calls home. It publishes essays, poetry, political commentary, and creative writing, all with a focus on underrepresented voices and radical thought. Boilerplate serves as a hub for challenging discourse, providing a platform for voices that are often marginalized. The content within its pages is as diverse as the community it serves.
The magazine has featured a "super important, vulnerable, and powerful conversation!" with the content that is supported by readers and contributors alike. The magazine is supported by donations. The funding is to "continue publishing articles that catalyze change." Boilerplate acknowledges the role of the readers, creators, and supporters in the pursuit of a higher standard of journalism. No worries if someone has missed content in the magazine, it will be made available online. The publication is readily accessible and adaptable. The success of the platform isn't dictated by complicated technical requirements. It underscores its commitment to accessibility and ease of use, allowing contributors and readers to engage with the content without any unnecessary barriers.
The term "boilerplate" itself carries a significant weight, both in the context of the magazine and more broadly. While the magazine actively challenges the notion of standardized, formulaic writing, the term itself refers to various applications. In programming and email, it designates standardized code, signatures, and contact data. In a more traditional sense, it can refer to pre-written text used in contracts or statements, but the magazine is actively challenging the nature of unoriginal writing. This is where Boilerplate Magazine distinguishes itself, as it is not simply a collection of pre-written ideas; instead, it is a space for original thought.
For those seeking guidance in public relations, the magazine delves into subjects such as media pitching. Boilerplate also offers a platform to discuss various topics. For those interested in web development and modern digital publication, the magazine delves into aspects of the digital landscape. Boilerplate Magazine remains a dynamic platform, adapting to the needs of its readers and the evolving digital landscape.
Boilerplate is a publication deeply connected to its environment. Beyond its online presence, the magazine finds itself in the realm of Vassar College. The magazine's reach extends beyond the college campus, engaging with global issues and communities. It is a place where readers can find diverse perspectives and challenging dialogue. It invites anyone to contribute, without the constraints of age, background, or institutional affiliation. It is a platform for a rich exchange of ideas. Boilerplate Magazine is an invitation to join a community of thinkers, creators, and change-makers.
