L.A. Works Thanks it's Project Leaders

L.A. Works Makes it Easy to Volunteer in Los Angeles

We Salute our Project Leaders
May, 2005

Project Leader of the Month

Alexa Benson

How is it possible that Alexa Benson hasn't been previously recognized as Project Leader of the month? We are so used to Alexa's positive energy, spirit and participation that we sometimes forget she's even there. She's like a sunset -- something you admire and wonder at, but occasionally take for granted. This month we are happy to give Alexa her due! Introducing -- a super volunteer!

More than just a Project Leader, Alexa has served on countless committees, been part of dozens of special events, led short term projects, long-term projects, BusinessWorks projects, and supports the organization in so many, many ways. She is the life-blood of an organization like L.A. Works. We asked her to share her story with us.

"I developed a love of people at a very early age. From the janitor at my school to the crossing guard to the local librarian, I have always been curious about “who is this person?”, “why do they do what they do?” and “what are they thinking?”…needless to say I had to engage in a lot of conversation as a youngster to sleuth the answers (ok, I talked a lot!). But I learned to listen.

I also developed a love of music at a very early age and would listen to whole albums of my parents until I had them completely memorized. After trying all manner of instruments from the accordion to the flute-a-phone to the violin, I finally settled on voice as my primary instrument and received a Bachelor of Music from Chapman University. While I was trained to sing classical music and opera, I was the lead singer of a 10 piece funk band that opened up for War in the 90’s…so long ago! Music continues to be my daily inspiration.

Introducing LA Works…

During this fabulous period of music and being broke I saw an add in the LA Times trying to recruit volunteers for something known as L.A. Works Day. Little did I know back in 1996, that I was about to become so involved after being a Task Captain for the painting of four square and dodge ball lines on the blacktop of an elementary school playground.

From then on it has been a whirlwind. The first year I think I led a project every weekend (sometimes two!). Before I knew it, I was the Chairperson for the Training Committee, the Projects Committee for L.A. Works Day and Team Works. I managed Logistics for the 2nd Annual Retreat, led Volunteer Orientation for a couple of years and am now assisting Logistics with the task of Registration of L.A. Works Day volunteers and teams. As if that wasn’t enough, I changed careers, receiving my RN license (I work in the ER of a very busy Level I Trauma facility) and am currently working on my Master’s in Nursing Administration and receiving my NP license in Women’s Health, all the while, engaging people in conversation on my travels via foot, Jeep, train, kayak and elephant across deserts, jungles, mountains and seas.

L.A. Works has been an integral part of the person I have become, affording me the opportunities to refine my organizational and leadership skills with hands-on practice (not to mention my painting, planting, hanging of drywall and mosaic tile skills). I volunteer because I believe life is about gaining knowledge and experience to offer comfort and support for those in need. It’s about understanding and celebrating our differences. This is the beauty of the melting pot of Los Angeles. We can resolve our conflicts with a little more human consideration and human contact using L.A.Works as our tool for change.

My advice, jump at the opportunity for free trainings in painting and planting. Sign up for projects in working with teens, the disabled, the elderly, feeding the homeless or planting trees….whatever is closest to your heart. Educate yourself in the issues and put your experiences to the test through leading projects, then utilize these priceless skills to organize events at work and in your community; reach out to those in need.

Let’s show the world that people can be different and live in peace. This is hard work, but good work…and from the famous words of Gandhi:

“Be the change you want to see in the world”.

We recall vividly the first time Alexa sat around a campfire with us at a Project Leader retreat, singing "Fever" and charming her fellow leaders with her warmth and positive attitude. Thanks Alexa -- for your many years and continued leadership!

This Month's Project Leaders

Thanks to all of our Project Leaders who are leading projects during the month of May.

You are the real leaders in our community! The Staff & Board of Directors of L.A. Works thanks you for being the real superstars of our community!

Andrew Abeyesinghe
Bobbi Marin
Bryan Kadatani
Charity Gardner
Cindy Finocchi
Cynde Knerr
David Bloome
David Trilling
Dustin Manhart
Ed Simon
Ellen Hoctor
Helga Hung
Henry Meyer
Jacquie Moreno
Jay Ross
Kathryn Perez-Fraga
Laura Bonilla
Lori Kneser
Luis De Avila
Mark Kimura
Mary Lawler
Melanie Flowers
Michael Hicks
Sandy Boscarino
Suzanne Wiener
Teresa Castelli
Veronica Cruz

Want to join the ranks of L.A.'s most involved citizens? Become an L.A. Works Project Leader.

It's easy, it's fun, and it doesn't require a huge amount of your time.

Go to the Courses section of the website and sign up for Project Leader Training or call Natalie at (323) 224-6510 to find out the date of the next session.

Past Project Leaders Of the Month

April, 2005 - April Fields

March, 2005 - Mia Farrell

February, 2005 - Sandy Boscarino

January, 2005 - Andrew Anura Abeyesinghe

December, 2004 - Jacquie Moreno

November, 2004 - Timothy Dickey and Howard Weiner

October, 2004 - Russell Ali

September, 2004 - Suzanne Wiener

August, 2004 - Veronica Cruz

July, 2004 - Margaret Conway

June, 2004 - Ellen Dugas

May, 2004 - Luis de Avila