Suzanne Wiener
Some of our Project Leaders have been with L.A. Works so long, we almost take them for granted. Year after year, they continue to lead projects, take part in L.A. Works Day, work with committees and events, and support the organization. This month's Project Leader of the Month, Suzanne Wiener is one of those people! She has been active with L.A. Works since the early 90's (it's been so long, she's not even sure herself... though she believes it's since the 2nd L.A. Works Day!) We can't be sure, but she's probably the most senior Project Leader still actively leading projects on a regular basis.

Suzanne Wiener

She's primarily led projects involving kids at agencies including Shelter First, Gramercy Place, Midnight Mission Family Housing, TEAMWORKS (field trips with kids) and Let's Read at Pueblo del Rio. Recently, she's also led a number of Seniors-based projects. She's also been very active with L.A. Works Day -- serving as a PL or task captain for many years as well as a committee member in fundraising, logistics, and projects.

We asked her why she was attracted to projects that supported kids:
"I wanted to contribute to the development of children who are experiencing difficult living situations (physically or emotionally) and help bring a little fun and encouragement into their lives, even if just for a brief period of time each month. I think the same concept applies to projects involving seniors.

Volunteering makes me feel good, the other volunteers feel good, and the people we serve feel good. It's obvious that the children and seniors really look forward to our visits! I feel guilty that I don't do more, but doing something is always better than doing nothing.

It takes a remarkable commitment to continue to lead projects for over 10 years, and Suzanne has learned a lot about leading projects over that time. We asked her to share a few tips:

For interactive projects, it's nice to have some aspects planned, but it's also important to be flexible based on things like: volunteer to child/senior ratio; the abilities and mood of the kids/seniors who participate that day; ages of the children, etc. I encourage volunteers to bring their own arts & crafts, games or books, if they like. This way they also feel a sense of ownership. (Last week I had a volunteer who is a professional hip-hop dancer. She is now planning to bring her dance group back to do a performance for the seniors! Another thought to bring her photo album from a trip to Europe, which encouraged conversation with one of the more quiet seniors.)

It's also important to remember we have three sets of customers: the children/seniors, the organization (service provider), and the L.A. Works volunteers on the project. For first-time volunteers, especially, we need to help ensure a good experience so they'll be motivated to volunteer again in the future. This includes being mindful of ratios -- try to get an accurate count from the organization in advance and be willing to reduce your volunteer size so everyone will have a chance to be involved. Oh - one more thing -- don't forget to bring treats (like cookies)!

Thanks Suzanne for your many years of continued service to L.A. Works. You still bring to every event the freshness, energy and optimism of a newcomer!

This Month's Project Leaders

Thanks to all these Project Leaders leading projects during the month of September.

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 Cindy Finocchi Cynde Knerr David Trilling Dinah Posner Ed Simon Elizabeth Amini Helga Hung Henry Meyer Howard Weiner Jacquie Moreno Jay Ross Laura Bonilla Lisa Barrow Luis De Avila Marc Weinberg Margaret Conway Mark Kimura Mia Farrell Russell Ali Shannon Chettle Suzanne Wiener Teresa Castelli Timothy Dickey Veronica Cruz William Wira

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.

Past Project Leaders Of the Month

August, 2004 - Veronica Cruz

July, 2004 - Margaret Conway

June, 2004 - Ellen Dugas

May, 2004 - Luis de Avila

April, 2004 - Mandana Dayani

Mar, 2004 - Cindy Finocchi

Feb, 2004 - Viet Hoang

Jan, 2004 - Teresa Castelli

Dec. 2003 - Mary Lawler

Nov. 2003 - Jose Valencia

Oct, 2003 - Dustin Manhart

Sept, 2003 - Marc Weinberg

Aug, 2003 - Mark Kimura

July, 2003 - Jay Ross

June, 2003 - Meghan Lee

May, 2003 - Ray Ng

April, 2003 - David Trilling

March, 2003 - Tom Hoctor

February, 2003 - Kayo Shiraishi-Adachi

January, 2003 - Henry Meyer

December, 2002 - Suzanne Studer

November, 2002 - Ed Simon

October, 2002 - Bobbi Marin