i'd say it requires lots of things.

time, patience, thought, the eagerness to want to help others, etc etc.

for me thought is very important- because when you're replying to a thread or welcoming a new member to the list, you need to write positively even though you may be feeling really bad

the reason i chose to become a comunity helper was to add some value to my life

yeah it might not be a lifechanging event, but i can say i've done something positive for myself