The Characteristics of a Good Volunteer

Within the definition of a chamber of commerce is the notion of working collectively to accomplish a goal.

We saw this recently at our July 10 Aurora-MACC Walk/Run, an event that requires the time, energy and talents of a great deal of volunteers. The beauty of this event is while a relatively small committee works very hard, beginning in January and ending in July, most of the volunteers are able to take small pieces of the event and do them successfully.

There were volunteers who helped with road markings, volunteers who served refreshments, volunteers who staffed the water stations and volunteers who help with cleanup. One volunteer delivered brochures all over Upper Michigan.

As a result, we had an especially well-run and implemented race this year, by all accounts, and the number of runners increased by 25 percent.

About six weeks later, it all came together again for our golf outing. Thanks to about 50 volunteers and the cooperation of Mother Nature, we showed 30 teams of golfers a good time.

The magic of people working together is happening right now as Holly Meyer, our program coordinator, works with the Holiday Charity Ball committee to raise money for the Twin Counties Free Clinic.

Obviously, we have some really wonderful volunteers at the chamber - about 200 of them. We have one person who brings wonderful ideas, bites off a small piece and gets it done, time after time. We have another volunteer who does unexpected small things that make a big difference - again and again. We have one who takes great pride in helping recruit new members. The list goes on and on.

Someone asked recently what the chamber looked for in volunteers. Here are some of the characteristics:

• A commitment to the project at hand. A commitment to the chamber as an organization is a big plus.


• Organizational skills and the ability to document facts, tasks and data.


• The ability to share the credit with other volunteers.


• A willingness to learn, to absorb new ideas and tackle new skills.


• A willingness to listen to another's point of view, and sometimes give up your own ideas to make someone else's ideas work.


• Respect for others and the ability to work in a team.


• High ethical standards. A good volunteer never does anything to put the chamber in a bad light.


• The ability to live up to promises or commitments in a timely manner. Or failing that, the ability to find a solution when this is not possible.


• Transparency. A good volunteer does not have a personal or hidden agenda.


• A cheerful disposition and positive outlook.

While the chamber has many opportunities for volunteers, there are still more in our community. Our friends at the Tri Cities Area United Way will host a Volunteer Opportunities Fair on Oct. 14 at NWTC in Marinette from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Visit us there and find a place for you!