As volunteers, how would you define "volunteer" or "volunteerism" based on your experience?

Question

also, what are the most important qualities that volunteers must have?

Answer 1

You wish (not have to) to help others

You are on time as you promised

You put on a happy face while there

Answer 2

A volunteer is someone who works at a nonprofit organization but is not paid by that organization for his or her service.

The most important qualities that volunteers must have, IMO:

-- commitment to see a task through to its completion, no excuses

-- commitment to meet deadlines, no excuses

-- commitment to quality in his or her service

-- understanding of the organization's mission

-- understanding and commitment to the organization's policies and procedures

-- enthusiasm for tasks

-- clear communication abilities

-- motivation for volunteerism that goes beyond "I have a good heart" and is more in the realm of, "I want to do the best I can at this task" for *whatever* reason the volunteer might have for that motivation

Answer 3

Kindness

Dedication

Selflessness

. . . Unless they're forced into it, but a "volunteer" is really not ever forced to do anything. They do it with their own will. That's a volunteer is how I'd put it.

Hope it helps! ~.O