Media Literacy in Real Time: Volunteering with VerityEd

Vernessa Beharry joined Reddit for the first time through VerityEd’s volunteer program. Here’s what she learned about trust, nuance, and meeting people where they are.

About the VerityEd Social Media Volunteer Program: Bringing Journalism to Reddit

VerityEd Social Media Volunteer Program is a volunteer-led initiative that brings Verity’s (verity.news) published stories and evidence-based journalism into Reddit subreddit communities where global news is actively debated and discussed. The program leverages Reddit’s community-driven structure to surface complex geopolitical, humanitarian, economic, and science reporting in a way that respects each subreddit’s norms while prioritizing transparency, neutrality, and non-spam engagement. Volunteers share stories responsibly, adapt framing to different audiences, and engage in comment threads where appropriate, allowing readers to explore how the same issue is interpreted across communities.

The program has become one of Verity’s most effective engagement channels. In June 2025 alone, volunteer-driven activity generated over 2 million views and thousands of comments and shares, with more than 3,000 super users or highly engaged readers clicking through to Verity. The approach has also received external recognition, including a Shorty Award for Audience Honor, highlighting its effectiveness as a model for ethical, community-based news distribution.

About the Author

Vernessa was born in New Jersey and raised in Trinidad and Tobago for 19 years, and now lives in Lexington, South Carolina. She’s an MPA student at Post University with a concentration in criminal justice, and she cares deeply about how people encounter and interpret information in everyday spaces. Through the Verity volunteer program, she reviews lessons and articles, shares feedback to strengthen the program, and plays a key role in VerityEd’s volunteer initiative. When she isn’t studying or volunteering, she’s often reading or grabbing a Starbucks, recharging for the next conversation that matters.

Why I Volunteered

Volunteering as a Reddit contributor for the VerityEd cohort became a significant learning experience, particularly because I had never used Reddit before joining the program. Stepping into a platform known for its fast pace and diverse communities required openness, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from the environment itself.

“What I found was a powerful opportunity to practice media literacy in real time and to engage with individuals actively trying to make sense of the information around them.”

I was motivated to volunteer because I view media literacy as a core civic skill. With my background in public administration and community outreach, I have always been committed to helping people navigate complex information landscapes. Reddit offered a unique setting where individuals encountered information informally, often without the structure found in educational or professional spaces. This made it an ideal place to practice the kind of public-facing communication that supports informed dialogue and strengthens community understanding.

Media Literacy in Conversation

The experience reshaped how I think about media literacy in outreach work. On Reddit, people bring their assumptions, emotions, and lived experiences into every conversation. Engaging effectively required patience, empathy, and a commitment to understanding the underlying concerns behind each question or comment. I learned quickly that every subreddit has its own culture — its own norms, tone, and expectations — and that matching that tone was essential for being heard. When I didn’t, posts were removed, misunderstood, or even resulted in bans from certain communities.

“I learned that media literacy is not simply about correcting misinformation. It is about modeling how to evaluate sources, ask thoughtful questions, and approach information with both curiosity and discernment.”

Throughout the program, I relied on skills that are central to public administration and community engagement. Audience awareness was essential because each subreddit has its own culture and expectations. Source evaluation became a daily practice, not only for identifying credible information but also for explaining why it was credible and how context shaped interpretation. Communication skills were tested as I worked to simplify complex ideas without losing nuance. Community engagement required inviting dialogue rather than closing it off, even when conversations became challenging.

Trust, Challenges, and Why Mentorship Matters

One of the most meaningful lessons came from observing how trust is built in online communities. Reddit users value authenticity and respond to transparency, humility, and genuine curiosity. Trust grew when I acknowledged uncertainty, asked clarifying questions, or recognized the complexity of a topic.

“These moments reinforced that trust-building in civic spaces depends as much on humility as on expertise.”

There were challenges, including fast-moving threads and users who were skeptical of any institutional voice. These moments taught me how easily communication can break down when tone and culture aren’t aligned. Some conversations required de‑escalation, while others required stepping back entirely — lessons that mirrored my own experiences with removed posts and community pushback. Each challenge encouraged me to adapt, to de-escalate respectfully, and to stay grounded in shared values. These are the same adaptive skills required in public service, where communication must remain clear, accessible, and responsive.

My mentorship with Ana, Verity’s Marketing Lead, played a huge role in helping me navigate these challenges. She guided me through the rhythms of Reddit: how to read a thread before responding, how to avoid sounding overly formal or institutional, and how to communicate in a way that invites conversation rather than shutting it down. With her support, I became more confident in navigating complex information environments where facts, emotions, and assumptions often blend.

Closing Thoughts

“Ultimately, this experience strengthened my belief in VerityEd’s mission. Media literacy grows when communities learn together. By meeting people where they are, we help build a culture of critical thinking that supports healthier and more resilient public dialogue.”