“I like to think that I’ve been able to instil hope in our readers and remind them that they too can contribute to creating a better world.”

Tell us a little about your volunteering.

I’m currently volunteering as an article writer for Good News Shared, a website dedicated to spreading positivity and goodwill through uplifting human-interest stories about charitable acts of kindness. As a volunteer, I have the flexibility to manage my workload, but I’ve committed myself to writing at least one article per month. Whenever I come across a story that aligns with the Good News Shared mission and values, I pitch the story idea to Nisha Kotecha, the website founder. Once I get approval to cover a story, I research the topic and create a skeleton outline to organise my thoughts, then I set about writing a first draft before submitting the article to be edited. 

How did you find out about the role?

I discovered the article writing role at Good News Shared through UCL’s volunteering directory, where over 300 active volunteering opportunities have been posted. You can filter your search by category, department, organisation type, and the amount of time you have to commit to the role—all you need to do is register your interest to find out how to apply for the position. I’d recommend keeping a close eye on the page, as new roles are published regularly. What’s great is that there’s an incredibly broad range of volunteering opportunities on offer, from teaching disadvantaged children to read to befriending elderly people, so you’re bound to find a position that appeals to you. It’s also possible to browse by skill, which allows you to refine your search according to the areas you’re looking to develop further. 

Why did you want to become a volunteer?

I was drawn to Good News Shared because of the opportunity to contribute to a platform that overrides the negativity bias dominating the mainstream media, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. I was eager to challenge what we deem newsworthy and counterbalance the prevailing news narrative by showcasing stories of hope and resilience. I like that Good News Shared strives to be a beacon of positivity that shines a light on the good happening in the world and motivates others to foster positive change in their own communities and beyond. In a time of great uncertainty, I wanted to provide a respite from all the pessimism, amplify the voices of our everyday heroes, and have a social impact that echoes far and wide.

What difference do you feel you’ve made by volunteering?

By sharing uplifting content and promoting a more optimistic view of the world, I hope that I’ve made a small but significant difference in the lives of our readers, who wake up to a healthy dose of positivity every morning. I enjoy providing a platform for inspiring initiatives that often go unnoticed in the mainstream media, and by spotlighting stories of people overcoming challenges, making a difference, or spreading joy, I like to think that I’ve been able to instil hope in our readers and remind them that they too can contribute to creating a better world. As well as motivating our readers, I’m also helping to generate awareness for various causes. By highlighting the work of non-profits and grassroots organisations, I’m contributing to their visibility and increasing their reach and impact, which is incredibly rewarding.

What impact has volunteering had on you?

Volunteering at Good News Shared during the pandemic has had a profound impact on me: it’s deepened my understanding of the power of compassion and the strength of the human spirit. I’ve had the privilege of sharing stories of individuals and organisations that have risen to the occasion by spreading hope in the face of adversity. The stories I’ve covered demonstrate that even in the most challenging of times, there are countless people working tirelessly to make a tangible difference in their communities. Reporting on their determination and selflessness has inspired me to become a more active member of my own community, which has instilled in me a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude. Volunteering at Good News Shared has also helped to improve my wellbeing, as it’s given me an outlet to exercise my creativity and it serves as a useful reminder of all the good that’s happening in the world.

What’s the best thing about volunteering?

I would say the most rewarding thing about volunteering at Good News Shared is receiving positive feedback from our readers. Small tokens of appreciation like somebody leaving an encouraging comment or reposting an article I’ve written on their personal profile reinforces the very reason I decided to volunteer at Good News Shared in the first place: to forge connections with people and champion the work of unsung heroes and their extraordinary achievements, one story at a time.

And the most challenging? How did you overcome the challenges?

I think the most challenging aspect of volunteering at Good News Shared has been adapting to working entirely remotely. Due to the lockdown, I haven’t been able to get involved in the on-the-ground journalism I was keen to experience or conduct in-person interviews with the community members I’m reporting on. With limited access to physical events and locations, it means that I’ve had to rely heavily on online sources for news and information. I’ve been using social media, official websites, online databases, and other types of open-source intelligence, but with all the misinformation that’s been circulating during the pandemic, verifying the facts has become considerably more difficult. I’ve managed to overcome these challenges by cross-referencing multiple sources and learning how to determine a source’s credibility, reliability, and accuracy.

Tell us about something memorable that’s happened to you whilst volunteering

One time, I wrote an article about a therapy ‘dogtor’ who assisted her owner with delivering over 4,500 care packages called Hero Healing Kits to frontline workers at hospitals across Maryland, USA. The story gained a fair bit of traction online and even attracted the attention of the website Not All News Is Bad who reshared the article. It turns out good news travels fast because soon enough the article had been reposted on Facebook by the Rocky Point Animal Hospital, the Maywood Veterinary Clinic, and the Franklin Lakes Animal Hospital who featured the article as part of their #funfurryfriday series!

How has COVID-19 impacted your volunteering and how has it changed what you do?

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the landscape of news reporting and volunteering has changed quite drastically. Due to the lockdown, attending events and conducting face-to-face interviews is off limits, so I’ve had to adapt my approach and find new ways to gather information and engage with sources. The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of responsible journalism and the need to combat misinformation, so I’ve had to dedicate additional time to fact-checking and ensuring the accuracy of the content I produce. COVID has also changed the nature of the stories I cover. The focus has shifted onto the creative ways that people have managed to stay connected, support one another, and document the pandemic as we learn to navigate these difficult times. 

Would you recommend volunteering? If so, why?

Yes, I’d highly recommend volunteering. By offering your time and skills, you can make a positive difference in your community and in the lives of others. Whether you’re supporting a local charity, helping those in need, or advocating for a cause, your efforts can have a meaningful impact. Volunteering also provides an opportunity for personal growth and development. It allows you to step out of your comfort zone, learn new skills, and gain valuable experiences that can help you discover new interests. I’ve found volunteering has broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding of different perspectives—an awareness that fosters empathy, tolerance, and a greater appreciation for diversity. As a student, another benefit of volunteering is being able to expand your network. Volunteering brings you into contact with like-minded individuals who share your passion for a particular cause or organisation, which can lead to new opportunities, both professionally and personally. Finally, I’m a firm believer that volunteering works wonders for your wellbeing. It can reduce stress, combat feelings of isolation, and engaging in meaningful activities and helping others can provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment, which improves your mental health. Who doesn’t love a free mood booster?!

If you want to make a difference through volunteering like Zayna, browse the opportunities on our volunteering directory to see what you can get involved in.