Many would-be volunteers want to help others, but they worry that their passion and experience level might not be enough to make a meaningful difference. Regardless of your age or skill set, if you possess the following qualities, you will make a great volunteer!

Energetic

Regardless of the type of volunteer work that you do, there are times that staying on task and achieving your objectives is hard and demanding. Sometimes the only way to accomplish your tasks as a volunteer is to keep your nose to the proverbial grind stone and put in long hours, day after day. Having a naturally high energy level can be a great benefit when you are a volunteer, as it will help you to stay motivated to keep going and get things done. Your natural energy and fitness levels should be something that you take into consideration when you are selecting a specific volunteer opportunity.

Adaptability and Resourcefulness

While your cause is likely to make plans when you are assigned, and provide both supervision and direction, it is likely that unexpected challenges will crop up, oftentimes on a daily basis. The more flexible you are to change, the easier it will be for you to cope and overcome obstacles to your goals if and when they occur.

Creativity

Many times, the key to resolving complications that prevent us from achieving our objectives lies in our ability to think “outside of the box” and try a novel approach. If you have a unique way of looking at things and can invent fresh approaches to solving problems and completing tasks, you are likely to experience great success as a volunteer!

Honesty and Sincerity

Volunteering is one area where you really must personally possess and exhibit a high degree of ethical behaviour as you are the public face of the concern that you represent. The community that you serve is also trusting and depending on you to help them, so you really must be above board in all of your dealings. If you are honest and sincere in your volunteer work, as well as other areas of your life, you will build your own reputation as well as the reputation of your cause. Having a reputation of honesty and integrity will not only help you achieve your specific mission as a volunteer, it will open the door of goodwill in your community and encourage others to join your cause.

Compassion

You are more likely to remain committed to your cause when you volunteer if you have a genuinely altruistic nature. Having and expressing care and concern for others is necessary so that your community will allow you to help them. Having a selfless nature will also help to keep you motivated during the difficult times when you have a tough assignment and are facing several obstacles.

Now that you know some of the characteristics that successful volunteers possess, do you have what it takes? According to 2010 figures reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 6 million Australians provide some volunteer work each year, but there are still many individuals, schools, charities, causes and concerns that need your help! If you possess the right qualities, why not consider donating your time, talents and resources today, and do your part to make a difference?