5 Qualities Of A Suas Volunteer

Each year we recruit outstanding volunteers to take part in our overseas volunteer programme. But what are the essential qualities of a volunteer?

1. Commitment to helping others

© 1986 Túrelio (via Wikimedia-Commons), 1986 / Lizenz / Via creativecommons.org

We’re not talking Mother Theresa here, but usually people who want to volunteer tend to be interested in helping others. So we look for people who’ve a bit of experience of putting other people’s needs before their own. This may be volunteering with a local organisation or helping your Granny with her shopping.

2. Team work

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We all know what it’s like to be on a team when not everyone is doing their fair share. That’s why we look for excellent team players. Nobody needs a repeat of Roy Keane in Saipan.

3. Desire to lead for positive impact

Live Life Happy / Via Flickr: deeplifequotes

So the Volunteer Programme may only last a summer, but actually we’re looking for people who will come home, and will continue to work for a better world, and will try to encourage other pople to do the same. This may be ensuring your clothes are fairtrade, or your office orders sustainable paper; or writing a letter to your local TD about a social issue you feel strongly about.

4. MacGyver

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Mullet optional. But we look for people who can recognise issues before it all hits the proverbial fan. And then if you could come up with a way to avoid the problem with just an old guitar string and some and a paper clip; that would be great. (Being good at recognising problems, figuring out the options, and working towards a solution will do too).

5. #FTW

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Yep, we like results. We like people who set goals and then work towards them. Obviously we understand that things don’t always work out the way they’re planned and failure is an important part of learning and getting better at things. But still, a little goal setting, planning and initiative go a long way.