Dallas Volunteer Experience - Started Great, then Became Weird
Since everyone is sharing feedback, I thought I’d share my overall Dallas experience as well.
At first, whenever I read posts here about toxic leads and poor management, I used to think, “No way, it can’t be that bad.” Well, guess what? I ended up having a very similar experience.
When I started, our shift leads were great. They were friendly, organized, and respectful. Then for some reason they got replaced, and the environment completely changed. Some of the new leads seem more interested in telling people what to do than actually helping volunteers.
One example happened during the Argentina vs. Jordan match. My assignment was to stand near a gate entrance and welcome fans, which was actually a pretty enjoyable task. Our shift lead had already assigned us our positions.
Then a bald guy who was clearly in a more senior position came over and started telling us, “Don’t you know you’re supposed to be standing outside on the road with those signs?”
Well… no, we didn’t know that.
And that’s exactly the point. Instead of speaking to the person who assigned us there, he came straight to the volunteers. To me, that just showed how much miscommunication and mismanagement there was behind the scenes.
We then got moved outside into the heat to do crowd control on the road. Some people talk to volunteers as if we’re highly paid employees. We’re volunteers. Most of us are just trying to help and follow the instructions we’re given.
And apparently I wasn’t the only one. A few other volunteers told me that the same guy had also made them move outside and stand on the road as well.
Another issue has been the food. I’ve heard that volunteers in some locations received coupons and other perks. In Dallas, I’ve personally seen none of that. From my first shift until now, it’s mostly been the same cold wrap, salad, and occasionally cookies. One day the wrap was so bad that I couldn’t even finish it.
I don’t need coupons or free gifts, but at least provide decent food. Honestly, the best thing in the volunteer lounge has probably been the unlimited Coke machine lol.
The most positive part of the experience has been meeting great people and interacting with fans from all over the world. That’s easily been the highlight for me.
One thing that still makes me laugh is seeing some volunteers act like assistant managers. I’ve literally seen volunteers directing other volunteers, telling people where to stand, where to line up, and when to leave the stadium. I couldn’t help but laugh because, at the end of the day, we’re all volunteers.
Overall, I’ve enjoyed meeting people and being part of the event, but the leadership experience has definitely gone downhill compared to when I first started. The difference between the original leads and some of the newer ones has honestly felt like night and day.
I’d be interested to hear how it’s been for everyone else. Feel free to share both the good and bad.