Bridging the Generation Gap Among Volunteers

By Penny C. Reeh, CFEE

Kids these days, they just don’t want to work! How can I lead when the old guard won’t let me? Do either of these sound familiar to you? It’s because they represent the classic generation gap that many festivals are encountering as they seek to create a volunteer experience that engages both the seasoned volunteer and new, and often younger, volunteer.

Conflict between generations is certainly not a new phenomenon, but it is fair to argue that the lightning pace of technological change and the impact it has on generational perceptions has created a more distinctive, and potentially explosive, generational divide than ever before. The best way to bridge this divide is for festivals to create an organizational culture that welcomes each of today’s generational cohorts, uses their unique talents wisely, and encourages understanding and patience among all.
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City of Hidalgo Announces State Farm as New Arena Sponsor

The City of Hidalgo is proud to announce State Farm Insurance as the new name
sponsor for the arena. Effective immediately, the largest event and concert venue in South Texas has a new name: State Farm Arena.

“State Farm is thrilled to introduce the State Farm Arena to the Rio Grande Valley,” said Mike Hargis,State Farm Agency Vice President, Texas Zone. “This is the first arena in the country that bears the State Farm name. This investment reaffirms our commitment to the Rio Grande Valley – where our agents and employees live, work and give back through our philanthropic endeavors.”

For six years the Arena has been the number one concert and event venue in South Texas. Ranked 31st out of the top 100 arenas in the world and number 5 in the United States in venues its size. Over 2.6 million people have come through the arena to enjoy concerts, shows and sporting events.

State Farm Arena is the home of the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees and The Rio Grande Valley Vipers. In 2010 we continue to make history, marking the beginning of a new era of entertainment in the Rio Grande Valley. We are taking a step forward to better serve our fans and will continue to provide the best entertainment in South Texas.