A Hastily Written Intro to Zines. Thanks, I.C.E.!

A few months ago I fell in love with zines (definition coming, I promise!). As a romantic and a perfectionist, I daydreamed about writing the perfect blog post to provide y’all with the proper introduction to zines. I.C.E. is coming to Wake County and I am devastated for my community, my home. So here’s your intro to zines and some links, and let’s get to work to crushing I.C.E.

Zines (pronounced “zeens”) are self-published, homemade magazines that are usually “devoted to specialized and often unconventional subject matter”. They embrace the DIY spirit and often can be made with few supplies. Zines can cover a wide range of topics with fanzines often focusing on a band, movie, or tv shows. Perzines are a way for “Zinesters” to tell a personal story or talk about a lived experience. 

Zines come in many shapes and sizes, but today we’ll be focusing on the mini-zine! The mini-zine is an 8-page booklet folded from a single-piece of paper. This little booklet is great for sharing ideas or info in a bite-sized and accessible way. Zines can be on practically anything, but you will see a lot on advocacy topics. Below are some resources to help you start your own little advocacy printing press.

Link to a visual guide on How to Fold a Mini-Zine
How to Fold a Mini-Zine Video by Brattyxbre (a zinester I really like!)

Download this “How to Report I.C.E.” Zine
Download the Triangle/Triad Know Your Rights with I.C.E. Flyer (original copy from immdefense.org/kyr)
Download the Triangle/Triad Know Your Rights with I.C.E. Flyer in Spanish/ ¡ENTÉRATE DE TUS DERECHOS! (originally copy from immdefense.org/kyr)

Where to Distribute 

• Little Free Libraries (https://littlefreelibrary.org): Visit their website or download their app to find a community library near you. 
• Community Areas: Shopping carts, library, bus stops, restrooms (but like in a clean spot), doctor’s offices, community events, cars with cool bumper stickers, community events, high traffic areas with people from all backgrounds. 

Start your own zine library! All you need is a box (consider weatherproofing) and you can create your own zine library. Bring it with you to community events or start one for your breakroom at work.

P.S. Over the weekend our group got together and folded over 750 zines!! How incredible!!! Let us know if you come across one of the zines out in the wild!