As a true example of adversity bringing out the best in people,
Sam Johnson demonstrates incredible strength and leadership
capabilities well beyond his 22 years. As a response to the
September earthquake Sam quickly mobilised to form and lead the
Canterbury Student Volunteer Army (SVA).
Within a week, the Student Army was thousands strong, via
networking through social media. Sam's team focused on low risk
areas, helping everyday people regain a level of normality within
their homes and clearing thousands of tonnes of liquefaction. The
massive success of the SVA and the commitment from the students
after the first 'quake was recognised both nationally and
internationally, resulting in meetings with Prime Minister John Key
and the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.
After the much more devastating February earthquake, Sam once
more gathered his team, learning from mistakes made in September,
rebooted the Facebook page and prepared for infinitely greater
damage and a recovery predicted to take much longer. The early days
after the 'quake were a period of desperation and hopelessness; for
many Christchurch residents, the SVA was their first sign of
assistance a smiling face offering a helping hand.
I strive to
work with people and build strong safe teams where people of all
walks of life can be empowered to make their contribution. The most
important aspect of team work is including people, making sure
everyone is treated with respect and dignity no matter their
position. No one should be above taking out the rubbish!
Sam Johnson
The SVA were highly regarded within emergency response circles,
with the team building strong functional relationships with
officials. Civil Defence called on the SVA to supply volunteers for
many different tasks. City Councils, Government Ministries
and community organisations were able to utilise the force of
volunteers, make contact with isolated residents and speed up the
delivery of welfare information and chemical toilets.
Sam's ability to lead and direct has enabled his team to develop
into a charitable trust to create a template of the SVA to help in
other disasters. A similar group of students have been trained in
Japan and are using the SVA to help facilitate student volunteering
in the Tsunami zone. The SVA also has started a scholarship
programme, Hope for Christchurch, for children who lost their
parents in the earthquake.
Given the outstanding leadership demonstrated in response to the
Christchurch earthquakes, the Sir Peter Blake Trust Leadership
Awards' Selection Panel has decided to award Sam Johnson a Special
Leadership Award. He has displayed leadership skills that people
twice and three times his age would aspire to. He is a natural born
leader.