Cut Paste Protest! Community-based activism in the digital era
Welcome to the magical world of Rosie’s feminist zine workshop: Cut Paste Protest!
Since 2014, Rosie has been committed to uplifting young feminists and helping them find their activist voice. However, in a time marked by digital saturation and increasing isolation, social connection is more necessary than ever.
That is why Rosie is creating physical spaces that allow for authentic connection and community building.
The workshop was centred on deconstructing the world around us through a feminist lens by creating tangible, politically powerful zines that express the concerns and creative approaches of young feminists.
Zines are basically mini-magazines. They hark back to DIY forms of activism, where feminists were disseminating radical ideas in pamphlets that went against the status quo. In this digital era, we don’t often have time for some good old consciousness raising!
The vibe in the room was electric, as we discovered new ideas and made meaningful connections, demonstrating the profound importance of community-based activism in an era defined by digital division.
We got to know each other and the issues that are meaningful to us by asking:
- What does feminism mean to you?
- In what ways is this world not designed for you?
- How can feminism be a part of the solution?
Through collaborative brainstorming and approaching pressing issues with a solution-based lens, the Rosie community was able to let out their justified frustrations and foster a real sense of optimism about the world we can create.
We made some kick-ass zines!
Maya’s zine asked the question: “What would a feminist world look like?” Green space and lots of art and creativity were at the top of her list!
This imaginative world-building allows young feminists to create a future that would be better for all. A world that values nature, creativity, and human connection. This is the type of world Rosie wants to create.
Rosie highlights why grassroots action remains essential:
- Combats Isolation: By reviving DIY traditions and focusing on tactile, shared experiences like zine creation, Rosie is creating a necessary outlet for hope-based activism. This transition away from doom-scrolling toward collective joy allows the Rosie community to process systemic issues and cultivate a sense of agency and optimism.
- Amplifies Youth Expertise: Grassroots community action fundamentally redefines whose knowledge is valued. By centering the Rosie community’s diverse, lived intersectional experiences, Rosie validates their personal insights as expertise and celebrates their intellectual contributions as serious feminist solutions.
- Creates Tangible Change: Moving from passive online engagement to people-led advocacy reinforces the role of young feminists as essential architects of a gender-equal future. By creating artifacts of dissent (also known as zines), Rosie ensures that the actions we take are deeply relevant to the community we serve.
How can you take action?
Rosie is developing more in-person opportunities and events!
Want to be a part of the Rosie Collective?
This collective will meet to discuss feminist issues that matter to you and how Rosie can be a part of the solution. Design events, write blogs, and meet other young passionate feminists. Be a part of the Rosie community and grow your skills.
We want to get to know our community more and give you a meaningful seat at the table. Decide what issues we campaign on, develop your advocacy skills, and create direct action.
About the author
Ava Wansbrough
Ava is the Rosie editor. With a background in Gender Studies, Ava’s work includes editing, research, content creation, and copywriting. They are passionate about elevating the voices of young feminists, promoting intersectional feminism, and advocating for queer rights. In their spare time, she enjoys op-shopping, hanging with her cats, and coaching cheerleading.
