‘The Teen View’ blog created by JCHS students continues to grow
MADISON – In 2020, a few students at James Clemens High School created a blog to express their views on local topics and individual beliefs. The blog, “The Teen View,” has grown into a larger platform with about 30 student writers and editors in three states.
“’The Teen View’ is an independent organization where we hear the youth’s take on social and political issues in the country and spread them across social media platforms to assist teenagers in gaining powerful voices for the future of this state,” Editor-in-Chief Amaan Musani said.
Students in other states are basing their work on James Clemens’ design. “The goal behind The Teen View has always been to give young people a seat at the table . . . to show that our voices matter,” Musani said. “We wanted to build a space where students could express informed opinions, explore civic engagement and learn how local decisions affect us directly.
Founders of The Teen View believed that youth deserve to engage in community conversations. “Not just observers. That’s what continues to drive our work today,” Musani said.
The Teen View has two main components:
• “The Teen View Exclusive — In-depth interview series. Students sit down with local leaders, policymakers and changemakers to give young people a front-row seat to decisions shaping the community.
“For example, in August we interviewed all Madison mayoral candidates to help students understand the vision behind each campaign,” Musani said. “Our newest project focuses on U.S. Space Command’s move to the Madison-Huntsville area. We’re speaking with city council members and experts about (impact on) our region’s future.”
• Weekly Op-Ed Series – Features student-written opinion pieces on social and political topics. Writers from Alabama and other states share diverse viewpoints on current issues while upholding commitment to respect and inclusion.
Along with Musani, who’s a junior, the staff includes senior Jack Wimberley, Editor-in-Chief, and junior Sophie Ni, Head Editor. About 30 students manage article development, interviews, editing and publication.
Most Alabama writers attend James Clemens and Bob Jones high schools. Recently, The Teen View expanded to include contributors from schools in Florida, including Destin and nearby areas.
Writers are encouraged to explore their passionate topics. The blog’s motto is: “We will write to spread awareness and maintain respect regardless of race, sex, national origin, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation and immigration status. We will defend those who do not have a voice in this fight and ensure that those who are not represented fairly have representation.”
“We believe young people are the next generation of decision-makers. It’s our responsibility to start forming opinions and engaging with important issues now. Topics are chosen through a mix of writer interests, community relevance and ongoing social conversations,” Musani said.
Students who fit the blog’s staff are determined, thoughtful, wanting positive change and willing to start meaningful conversations.
To gather material, the staff contacts local leaders for interviews by email, in-person conversations and Zoom. For opinion pieces, they use verified online sources, government databases and expert input, when possible. “The goal is always accuracy and balance,” Musani said.
In upcoming weeks, “The Teen View” staff will provide material or a weekly column in “The Madison Record.” For more information, email teenviewal@gmail.com, or visit teenview.net or Facebook/The Teen View.
