I Might Be a Volunteer

Yes, the title is correct. I might be a FIFA volunteer but I'm not sure. Here's what has happened in the past week:

Friday, May 23 - I receive an email from FIFA offering me a role as a volunteer on the Accreditation team! (For my BCCC friends, it's what we would call Registration) I click the button to accept the offer. I quickly have access to more areas on the app. I read through the paperwork to accept my role, accept the code of conduct, etc. 

Saturday, May 24 - The FIFA app now has even more areas I can explore. I can start some online training, I can use the group message for my team, and I can pick my schedule. When I go to pick my schedule, the only dates available are May 26 through June 12 and it's only Monday through Friday. Of the shifts available, I could theoretically take a shift each Friday in June (2 shifts). However, we are required to sign-up for a minimum of eight shifts. I go into the app and click on the Volunteer Support Channel (it's like submitting a help ticket) It says that the average response time is 48 to 72 hours but it may take longer during the tournament period. I fill out the form, receive an automated email confirmation, and wait.

Sunday, May 25 through Thursday, May 28 - I go ahead and start some of the online training. I check my email daily but I don't receive anything from FIFA except automated reminders to sign-up for shifts.

Friday, May 29 - I still haven't heard anything and I've been very busy at work. That evening I send a message in my team's group chat explaining my problem and asking what I should do. I know the team lead is on there so I'm hoping they can give me some advice.

Saturday, May 30 - All the app access I gained a week ago has now disappeared, including access to the group chat. However, I still get notifications whenever someone posts a message in the group chat. The message when I open the app states that I didn't book any volunteer shifts so I may be dismissed from the volunteer program. It also states that if I need help with scheduling, I should put in another ticket in the Volunteer Support Channel. 

The message I currently see on the app stating I might lose my volunteer position.

I plan on entering another ticket. I have to admit that this is an emotional roller coaster. I really want to volunteer in the World Cup; I don't care what role I have! It's so frustrating to get so close to my goal and then for it to suddenly disappear without any real communication. I'm trying to stay positive but as the tournament gets closer, I'm feeling like it's unlikely I'll get to volunteer. Here's hoping things turn around soon.

-Clare G. S.

The Newest FIFA World Cup Volunteer

. . . is not me but I'm not out of the running yet. About 10 days ago I finally got an update from FIFA: I could be on their reserve roster. In other words, if a volunteer is not able to fulfill their duties, I might be offered their spot. I accepted the reserve roster role and I'm still checking my email semi-weekly to make sure I don't miss any updates. 

The long-awaited email from FIFA

In familial news, my mother-in-law and father-in-law have moved into their new home. It's only a 10 minute drive from us. It's already been really nice to be far enough away that we have our own space but close enough that we can easily hop over there to drop off things or just say hi.

My life feels like it might be getting back to a pace that I can handle. There are still plenty of tears when I think about my dad. Just today I received in the mail a note I had written to the tooth fairy at least 30 years ago. The accompanying explanation from my mom told me that she had found the note in the drawer of my dad's nightstand. My first instinct is to say, "I can't believe he kept it for so long!" but then I remember how much he loved all of his kids. Of course he kept little keepsakes to remind him of those cherished memories.

I don't want to end on something quite so emotional so let's talk about band! After over 15 years without playing my French horn, I finally picked it up again last June. The local community college has a summer band program that is open to all musicians in their teens or older. A friend of mine told me about it and it sounded perfect for me; I could start playing my horn again in a low-stakes setting. I had a blast last year so I'm doing it again this year. We have rehearsal twice a week and then a concert after 4 weeks. Last year our pieces all came from musicals. This year will all be American composers since our country will soon celebrate 250 years as a nation.

That's all the news worth reporting. Here's hoping that the next few months will have some wonderful memories!

-Clare G. S.