Module 5: Traits of a Successful Volunteer
Knowledge and Awareness: Volunteers must have a thorough understanding about the mission and policies of the organization.
Flexibility: Successful volunteers are engaged and attentive, and can coolly adapt to changing circumstances and demands. As Lee Crindland of the Andean Information Center in Bolivia explains, “Being a good volunteer is about doing what is necessary.”(1)
- Openness: By participating in community centers, you will be immersed in community environments that may be different from your norm. Respect, tolerance, and an open mind are essential to averting unprofessional behavior precipitated by culture shock and ethnocentrism.
"Volunteers should either have a really open worldview or have a willingness to have their worldview opened. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge your prejudices. If you think that you do not have any, then you are pretty naïve" -- Mary Helen Richter, Volunteer, Mennonite Central Committee, Vietnam.(2)
- Dependability: The privilege of volunteering comes with great responsibility. It is your job to follow through on you commitment to your hosts and target community.
“We interviewed hosts who felt they had wasted time orienting, supervising, and befriending volunteers who ended up abandoning posts, taking holidays whenever they wanted, or just hanging around doing no work at all. Volunteers should not abuse the hospitality and warmth of their hosts. Follow through with your commitments and respect the time and energy of your host organization and host community.(3)
- Humility: Collins and Wendt suggest answering the following Life Experience Assessment questions to humble yourself, and to “temper some of the arrogance and frustration that so easily impair the effectiveness and sense of accomplishment of many volunteers.”
(4)
- What knowledge and skills do the people from this community possess that I do not?
- What life experiences do they have which are different from mine?
- What are some of the obstacles they have had to overcome in their lives?
- What challenges do they face daily that I do not?
- What are some of their personal and professional strengths?
- What can I learn from them?
- Enthusiasm: How will you be remembered when you leave? Your presence, attitude, and actions will leave a lasting impression on the communities you work with. For those living in poverty, the simple fact that you care about their struggles is more meaningful and encouraging than you may think, and the optimism you inspire will be contagious.
“It’s important not to underestimate what can be achieved with the right motives, energy, enthusiasm, open-mindedness, and willingness to learn from others.”(5)
Footnotes
(1) Collins, Joseph and Wendt, Luke. Volunteering Overseas: What It Takes To Be A Highly Effective Volunteer.” Transitions Abroad Magazine. 27.2 (2003). Accessed on 1 December 2008.
(2) As cited in Collins and Wendt, 2003.
(3) Collins, Joseph and Wendt, Luke. Volunteering Overseas: What It Takes To Be A Highly Effective Volunteer.” Transitions Abroad Magazine. 27.2 (2003). Accessed on 1 December 2008.
(4) Ibid.
(5) As quoted in “Volunteer Charter.” Comhlámh. www.comhlamh.org. Accessed on 1 December 2008.