L.A. Works makes it easy to volunteer in Los Angeles. This month we have over 60 projects working with kids, seniors, animals, the environment and more. To see our monthly calendar of projects, click here.

Each month we recognize an outstanding leader in our community. Click here to visit the L.A. Works Project Leader Recognition Page and meet these outstanding volunteers who lead our projects each month. This month's Project Leader of the Month: Russell Ali

Creating Teams is easier than ever!

If you want to volunteer with friends, fellow employees, club members, or any other group -- check out our new improved Team Creation features.

Click on Member Center on the left menu and login using your email address and password.

Click on the GO button next to Create a Volunteering Team

First name your team, give a description of it, and decide whether you want it private, or whether you want it open to other volunteers to join.

In Step 2 you'll enter the names of people you want to invite to join your team. Click the Add Team Member button after each person's name, email and/or phone.

In steps 3 and 4 you can optionally add skills and/or interests your team has.

Be sure to click the Finish button after creating your team. The system will then send invites to all your teammates asking them to join your team.

Now, as team captain, you can sign up your TEAM for any project. It's easy!

Got a question about using any of the features at the Member Center? Email us at techsupport@laworks.com

Unsure of how to change your password? Update your email address? Want guidance in creating and managing a team of volunteers?

Our on-line FAQ on the website that will answer many of your questions.

Visit the Help Center on the L.A. Works Website by clicking here.

Welcome New Staff Member
Frank Alvarez

Welcome to Frank Alvarez, our new youth programs specialist and program assistant.  Frank is an AmeriCorps volunteer through a program called Public Allies.  Public Allies is a 10-month program that takes 18-30 year olds and teaches them the ins and outs of nonprofit work.  He will be working in our office Monday-Thursday through June.  We couldn't be more thrilled to have him.

Frank comes to us with an impressive background in youth advocacy, construction, and nonprofit work.  He recently completed the La Causa YouthBuild program where he received construction training while finishing his high school diploma.  From there, he went on to work with the Youth Justice Coalition, teaching youth their rights within the juvenile justice system and campaigning for reform. 

At L.A. Works, Frank has a lot on his plate.  He will be assisting in the roll-out of our new TeamWorks program, developing a youth leadership curriculum to implement with our service partners, and being an all-around lead on program development.  He will also be assisting in the development of volunteer committees to help us expand and improve our existing programs.

Frank sees his future in nonprofit work.  He believes in the power of nonprofits to create lasting change in our community and ultimately would like to open a nonprofit that addresses with the challenges of young fathers.  In the two weeks he has been with us, he has already proved himself to be an invaluable asset and we can’t wait to see what he does in the future!

If you have any questions or suggestions for Frank or just to say hello, he can be reached at the L.A. Works office 323-224-6510 or at frank@laworks.com.   

Featured Projects of the Month

Come join us at Angel’s Flight this month to brighten up the day of some very special kids.  Angel’s flight is a temporary shelter for homeless youth that helps them get back on their feet.  Our volunteers spend time with them, playing games, working on homework, doing crafts, and other fun activities.  In October, we will be there on the 7th and the 21st.

You can make the difference in a Senior's life -- Society tends to neglect our most senior citizens. Confined to care-facilities, their once vital lives are clouded by loneliness and neglect. You can make a difference in their quality of life by participating in one of L.A. Works weekly Senior Social activities. A couple of hours of your time on a weekend can brighten their entire week – and you may be surprised what you learn by spending time with your elders. Click here to see upcoming Senior Social projects.

Senior projects are suitable for your entire family and all ages.

Volunteers are still needed for Autumn Let's Read Programs. Let's Read is one of L.A. Works' most valuable volunteer programs. Volunteers make a weekly commitment to provide kids with the tools that will enable them to reach their dreams. We work individually and as a group with neighborhood kids to help them with school-related materials as well as to expose them to topics that they may not otherwise be familiar with. This mentoring relationship can change the lives of these kids.

Volunteers for Let's Read commit to come each Saturday morning through Nov 20.

Pueblo Del Rio in Southeast Los Angeles.
Mar Vista Gardens in Western Los Angeles.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

The following opportunities are not L.A. Works managed projects, but should be of interest to our volunteers.

The Posse Foundation is a college access and youth leadership development program that identifies, recruits, and selects student leaders from public high schools and sends them in groups called "Posses" to some of the top colleges and universities in the country.  They need Volunteers for their D.A.P. (Dynamic Assessment Process), which is a very unique evaluation method that they use to select Posse Scholars.  They are seeking volunteers interested in education and working with young people.  All volunteers will be briefed on how to evaluate the students beforehand.  It's a very exciting and energizing experience for everyone involved. 

Posse needs volunteers on October 4 - 8, and October 12 & 13, 2004 from 3:30pm - 10:00pm at the beautiful Wilshire Grand Hotel in downtown L.A. 

Contact Mason Richards at 213-239-9590.  Also check out their website at www.possefoundation.org.