WorldBeat Cultural Center

The kids were awesome

On my message that I would like to help they replied: "Great!!! Come on". that's it.

The team in San Diego are VERY NICE, but EXTREMELEY unorganized. They have no consideration with your time. They made it seem as if they were interested in me. (I have a degree, but no experience). I genuinely wanted to volunteer, but (like many people) I have a job and other things to do. They take forever to respond, email you last minute, and think you have all the time in the world. I hope their organization works, but with the team they currently have it is likely they are not.

I did freelance audio work at the WolrdBeat Center. It was an unpleasant experience. Makeda and Jessi are very unorganized. We would schedule sessions in advance which they would not prepare for; would wait an hour or two for them. I gave them creative freedom while I in return expected some level of professionalism (tried to schedule sessions before the deadline; not wait till the last minute). I told them a number of times to prepare anything they needed for me in-advance; so we could be efficient. I was getting paid by the hour. I also, didn't get the decency, not even a text letting me know they no longer needed my services. They just went cold turkey on me; ignored my texts. They also still owe me for my services which I got a text from Jessi leading me on to believing they'll eventually pay me. For work I did 08/10. All in all, lesson learned and hope no one else gets jipped.

I applied through Volunteermatch and met Makeda and her humble, enthusiastic and multi-cultural team. Makeda is a wonderful force of nature, patient, affectionate, friendly and inspiring woman. The center is an interesting place to visit and spend your quality time. The ambiance is colorful and you can feel the positive energy flowing through. Very clean, well-organized and meticulously maintained. One WorldBeat Cafe is a main attraction. Cozy cafe, friendly staff, subsidized prices for FRESH VEGAN food. I am surprised people call and order their food and pick-it up on their way. So many regular 'lovers'!! I realized people have been visiting since many years. The center is like home to them as none behaves like a customer. You are welcome to visit and experience yourself.

I emailed them, but they never responded :/

Very poor response to multiple inquiries. Seems like a flaky bunch.

These are really nice people, but they run a really loose organization and are really disrespectful of volunteers time. After standing me up, they didn't even bother to reply to my message explaining why I would be volunteering elsewhere, much less apologize for standing me up and wasting an entire morning waiting around for them to show up for a scheduled orientation. :(

The reason why is world beat center makes us understand different cultures.

I really had no idea what to expect when I showed up to help with the Martin Luther King Day celebration, but everyone was incredibly welcoming and helpful. The other volunteers, both regulars and newbies like myself, were very easy to work with and made the time fly. This organization stands for a great cause and they are very professional and dedicated. I can't wait to volunteer with them again because my first experience was so amazing!