In this episode of Volunteer Matters, George Colussi and Lisa Mort-Putland host Pedro Arrais, a seasoned reporter from the Times Colonist in Victoria, British Columbia, discussing his journey into journalism, community services, and volunteering. Pedro provides insights into the changing dynamics of the media industry and how local newspaper plays a crucial role in a community's development. Addressing the significance of volunteerism, Pedro shares his first-hand volunteering experience, highlighting the needs of non-profit organizations and the impact of individual efforts. He suggests mentoring and exploring passion areas as ways to get involved in volunteering. Lastly, he examines current challenges facing voluntary organizations, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:52 Introducing the Guest: Pedro Arrais

03:01 The Start of Pedro's Journalism Career

03:09 Pedro's Passion for Storytelling

05:56 The Role of Volunteerism in Pedro's Life

12:38 Pedro's Transition into News Reporting

15:56 The Impact of Digital Transformation on Journalism

17:29 The Importance of Local News and Community

20:48 Pedro's Community Column in Times Colonist

26:47 Discussion on 'Fake News' and Media Integrity

27:45 The Impact of Social Media on News Dissemination

28:21 The Consequences of Spreading False Information

28:59 The Importance of Reliable News Sources

30:04 Transitioning from Media to Volunteering

30:20 First Experiences with Volunteering

30:54 The Joy of Volunteering and Its Impact

32:31 The Power of Volunteering and Its Challenges

33:00 The Role of Passion in Volunteering

34:00 Overcoming Writer's Block and the Importance of Practice

35:06 The First Steps Towards Volunteering

37:24 The Impact of Volunteering on Personal Life

43:40 The Challenges and Needs of Nonprofits

49:06 The Power of Community and Volunteering

50:58 Closing Thoughts on Volunteering