Rag Bag is a teen magazine founded by, led by, and created for the youth. Our publication is committed to the cultivation of teen art, writing, and culture. The Rag Bag Magazine is a committed to combatting a unique issue that teenagers today are being increasingly threatened by: passive existence.

• The global literacy rate today is the highest it has ever been in history, yet less than 15% of teenagers read recreationally as of 2023.

• While more and more Gen Zers are surpassing the voting age limit, voter turnout for young people in the 2024 election was significantly lower in comparison to 2020.  

• There are more means of communication available today than ever, yet teens are becoming increasingly more disconnected from each other and the world.

We educate ourselves less, engage with art less, and listen to each other less. Gen Z holds the position of becoming the next dominant generation of the world. Now is not the time to allow disillusionment to move us to passivity.

The Rag Bag Magazine is a way for teenagers around the world to awaken: to reclaim their agency as active, creative, and collaborative individuals. We share artistic and literary talent and report on cultural issues and their convergence with young people’s lives. Rag Bag is based upon creative freedom as well as the collaborative creation of art. Contrary to its name, the magazine is not just a “ragbag” of collected pieces, it is a product born out of the teamwork of everyone who shares a part in it. We are a constantly evolving group of individuals striving for sincerity, connection, and expression.

Contribute your creative writing, artwork, or articles or apply to a staff position on our website. Applications and submissions are open to anyone ages 13-19.

We publish quarterly (first issue in January 2025)