L.A. Works Day 2015: The Day in Review

L.A. Works Hosts Annual Day of Service to Build a Stronger Volunteer Community and World-Class Park for Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES– September 15, 2015 – On Sept. 12, 2015 L.A. Works (www.laworks.com), the premiere action center and go-to resource dedicated to increasing volunteerism throughout Los Angeles, brought together 1,000 volunteers to participate in its 2015 Day of Service.

The group worked tirelessly for more than five  hours to clean up the Emerald Necklace, a 17-mi loop of river parks and greenways that connects nearly 500,000 residents across 10 Southeast cities along the L.A. River. They also collaboratively painted a four-football-field-long series of conservation-themed murals at local schools and public sites, as well as worked in the community garden at Bell Shelter, the largest homeless shelter in the Western United States at which about a third of the individuals served are veterans.

“While we are moved by the massive showing for our service day this year, it’s important to remember that there’s still work to do. Los Angeles has a low rate of volunteerism. We rank 45^th out of 51 major U.S. cities,” said Bob Johnson, co-founder and co-chair of L.A. Works. “We hope that this year’s day of service will be seen as a catalyst for change in a city loved by so many. Over the next year, L.A. Works will continue to work diligently to open up opportunities that inspire and encourage individuals, families, businesses and corporations to raise that rate of volunteerism, improve the community, and experience all the personal benefits volunteering offers.”

Participants included local community members and families; local government and community-based organizations, including Amigos de los Rios, the Salvation Army, Bell Shelter, the Cities of Cudahy and Maywood; and large corporations and small local businesses, including Northrup Grumman, Target, Macy’s, Kaiser Permanente, KCET, Grayling, L.A. Lakers, McDermott Will & Emery, Pharmavite, Jonathan Club and the So. Cal. Leadership Network.

Now Hiring: AmeriCorps VISTA Nonprofit Relations Coordinator

About AmeriCorps: AmeriCorps VISTA is one of three main service programs of AmeriCorps that connects full-time members to community organizations and public agencies to create and expand programs that build capacity and ultimately bring low-income individuals and communities out of poverty. Members gain valuable professional, educational, and life experience. http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/choose/vista.asp The term of service lasts for 1 year. A Pre-Service Orientation (PSO) Training is required for all members.

Position Overview: L.A. Works seeks a passionate, dedicated, highly motivated individual who is capable of managing L.A. Works’ nonprofit and volunteer relationships and is ready for a transformative year of growth as an AmeriCorps member. The L.A. Works Nonprofit Relations Coordinator will become familiar with the diverse organizations and volunteer opportunities throughout Los Angeles. This AmeriCorps VISTA member will help transform our nonprofit partners’ volunteer programs through more effective volunteer recruitment, placement and engagement practices. The ideal candidate will have strong communications skills, be a self-starter who can multi-task, and have experience working in nonprofits or with nonprofit volunteers. L.A. Works is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity.

Responsibilities Include:

• Develop relationships with a core group of nonprofit agencies, providing them with consultative support to assist them in identifying challenges and areas of growth in their volunteer program and guiding them through action plans to address the needs;
• Meet multiple deadlines and benchmarks set by L.A. Works and the AmeriCorps grant;
• Identify new, creative volunteer roles at nonprofit partner sites;
• Conduct targeted recruitment efforts online and offline to improve volunteer matches and increase the number of volunteers placed at the nonprofit sites;
• Manage the online volunteer management and recruitment system for Community Connections with a high degree of autonomy;
• Contribute to quarterly and annual grant reporting;
• Serve as a community ambassador at L.A. Works events to recruit volunteers for a wide variety of volunteer opportunities;
• Serve as a resource for volunteer management inquiries and recruitment efforts;
• Assist with the logistics and delivery of the Service Enterprise Initiative to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations’ impact via leveraging the time and talent of volunteers; and
• Participate in staff events and projects including large scale Days of Service.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree;
• Commitment and understanding of the AmeriCorps principles and values including the one year of service
• Ability to adapt to the living allowance and other lifestyle challenges common for AmeriCorps members;
• Comfortable and effective in a “coaching” role with nonprofit professionals;
• A track record of delivering results while juggling competing priorities under intense time pressure;
• Engaging public speaker and networker with ability to connect successfully with a wide range of individuals, especially nonprofit leaders;
• Strong customer service skills with professional demeanor in person, in writing, and on the phone;
• Superior, persuasive, and proven writing and marketing capabilities;
• Proficient in developing processes and procedures to track data;
• Interest in nonprofit work and belief in the value of community service; and
• Access to personal car for travel throughout Los Angeles County.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license;
• Must be at least 17 years of age and a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident alien of the U.S.;
• Some evening and weekend commitments;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite;
• Knowledge of databases and Google products a plus.

Duration: One-year commitment.

Application Deadline: Applications are due by Friday, June 19th @ 5 p.m. If you are interested in growing professionally within an innovative, highly respected organization through a year of service, please email a cover letter and resume to Gyasi Ross, Director of Programs, at gyasi@laworks.com

L.A. Works is committed to providing an inclusive workplace that includes people of diverse backgrounds and fully utilizes their talents to achieve its mission. We are committed to fostering and supporting a workplace culture inclusive of people regardless of their race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, marital status, age, physical abilities, political affiliation, religious beliefs or any other non-merit fact, so that all employees feel included, equally valued and supported.

Now Hiring: Special Event Coordinators

Special Events Coordinator (flexible, part-time contractor position)

About L.A. Works: L.A. Works is a 501(c)3 nonprofit volunteer action center that creates, manages, and implements hands-on community service projects throughout the greater Los Angeles area. With more than 20 years of success, L.A. Works addresses three principal needs: to increase volunteer participation in the community; to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations to achieve their missions through access to volunteer labor and other resources; and to educate and encourage people to engage in the broader social issues affecting the greater Los Angeles community.  L.A. Works has more than 30,000 registered volunteers who have contributed over 1,000,000 volunteer hours of service to thousands of nonprofits in the Los Angeles community.

Position Overview: As a part of the L.A. Works leadership community, the Special Events Coordinator (SEC) will plan and lead corporate volunteer events on a per-project basis. This is a flexible contractor position, perfect for someone looking to grow his or her leadership experience and supplement his or her income. Coordinators will be pre-trained and certified by L.A. Works. The ideal candidate will have strong communications skills, be a self-starter who can multi-task, be knowledgeable about the latest trends in the nonprofit sector, and have experience working with and managing volunteers. L.A. Works is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity.
Responsibilities for Special Events Coordinator Role:

Leadership and planning of hands-on community service projects for volunteers and nontraditional relationships with corporate partners. Overall project work consists of ~50% hands-on labor, physical work and project prep; 40% project planning; 10% project leading.



Special Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
●    Work with designated school, nonprofit, or community agency to develop and lead a volunteer event for team of 50-300 corporate employee volunteers that fits within event budget;
●    With support of Senior Special Event Coordinator, communicate with corporate liaison to ensure all corporate partner needs are being met;
●    Scope volunteer project activities and plan event logistics such as first aid, parking, run-of-show, etc.
●    Train corporate volunteers as site leaders for event;
●    Ensure that supplies, water, and food are delivered to project site and pre-sorted ahead of time;
●    Provide Senior SEC with supply order at least 2 weeks prior to event for purchase and delivery;
●    Secure all necessary permits and ensure school processes (insurance, approvals, etc.) are handled, as appropriate;
●    Document event activities through pre- and post- event photos, action photos of volunteers working, high-quality photos of murals. Create final report with # of people served, volunteer hours contributed, and other impact statistics;
●    Complete survey evaluation and any necessary event close out;
●    Promote L.A. Works programs and follow up with volunteers who want to stay involved;
●    Attend and lead signature Days of Service and other special events/corporate volunteer projects as needed.
●    Complete other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications:
●    Bachelor’s degree with minimum of three years progressively responsible leadership experience;
●    Event planning or production planning experience, a plus;
●    Knowledge of the nonprofit volunteering sector; in-depth understanding of volunteer management and engagement practices, a plus;
●    A track record of delivering results while juggling competing priorities under intense time pressure;
●    Great organizational skills, detail-oriented and meets strict deadlines;
●    Strong customer service skills with professional demeanor in person, in writing, and on the phone;
●    Comfortable delivering presentations and guiding a room of participants;
●    Proactive, self-directed, and results-oriented personality with the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team;
●    Excellent networking and relationship building skills;
●    Strong problem solving skills; ability to see the big picture as well as immediate needs; and
●    Great organizational skills, detail-oriented and meets strict deadlines.

Additional requirements:
●    Ability to lift up to 50 pounds;
●    Valid CA driver’s license;
●    Access to personal car for occasional travel throughout Los Angeles County;
●    Availability for some evening and weekend commitments;
●    Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; and
●    Experience with Salesforce, a plus.
Reporting: This position reports to the Senior Special Events Coordinator.
Position Status: SECs are independent contractors, billed through 1099 forms. Work will be available on a project-by-project basis based on event availability and SEC schedule/performance. Transportation, mileage and other work-related expenses are the responsibility of each SEC and will not be reimbursed by L.A. Works.

Payment Structure: Payment is determined and paid on a contract basis for each individual project. In addition to SEC performance, considerations include complexity of project, number of volunteers, level of existing corporate contract relationship, potential public exposure of event, etc. Project estimate is $525-725 for ~35 hour project to start, upon the discretion of the Director of Corporate Engagement and Senior Special Events Coordinator.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and will be accepted until the position is filled.

Application Procedure: Please email a single PDF file that includes a resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and relevant skills to HR@laworks.com.

Now Hiring: Director of Corporate Programs

About L.A. Works: L.A. Works is a 501(c)3 nonprofit volunteer action center that creates, manages, and implements hands-on community service projects throughout the greater Los Angeles area. With more than 20 years of success, L.A. Works is a recognized leader in the national service movement. L.A. Works addresses three principal needs: (1) increasing volunteer participation in the community; (2) building the capacity of nonprofit organizations to achieve their missions through access to volunteer labor and other resources; and (3) educating volunteers and encouraging civic engagement in the broader social issues affecting the greater Los Angeles community.  L.A. Works has more than 30,000 registered volunteers who have contributed over 1,000,000 volunteer hours of service to thousands of nonprofits in the Los Angeles community.

Position Overview: The Director of Corporate Programs will oversee the day-to-day management and growth of L.A. Works’ corporate volunteer program.  In collaboration with the Executive Director and the L.A. Works leadership team, this individual is responsible for helping raise the profile and impact of L.A. Works’ corporate volunteer programs. Our corporate fee-for-service social enterprise programs supports thousands of free ongoing volunteer opportunities throughout Los Angeles. The ideal candidate will have strong communications skills, be a self-starter who can multi-task, be knowledgeable about the latest trends in the nonprofit sector, have an entrepreneurial mindset, and have experience working with and managing volunteers. Corporate experience is a plus. L.A. Works is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage program to mobilize up to 15,000 volunteers annually;

• Respond to corporate inquiries, pitch new prospects, lead presentations, close deals, and provide client customer service to potential corporate sponsors;
• Manage corporate relationships with consistent communication year-round to bring corporate volunteers into the L.A. Works family (managed in salesforce);
• Develop and maintain relationships with schools, nonprofits, and agencies to create living list of transformative community projects (managed in salesforce database);
• Recruit and supervise team of expert event coordinators to plan and execute (lead) corporate service events;
• Plan and lead corporate service events, as necessary;
• Communicate with elected officials, VIPs, and stake holders in each council district re participation in local area service projects;
• Identify in-kind and vendor relationships for sponsorships and discounted rates;
• Supervise warehouse staff; manage inventory (supplies and equipment) maintain vans, and purchase, load, and transport event supplies and equipment;
• Create and coordinate signature days of service; and
• Play significant role in development and launch of new corporate initiatives, beyond hands-on projects.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum of five years progressively responsible management experience;
• Knowledge of the nonprofit volunteering sector; in-depth understanding of volunteer management and engagement practices;
• A track record of delivering results while juggling competing priorities under intense time pressure;
• Strong customer service skills with professional demeanor in person, in writing, and on the phone;
• Comfortable delivering presentations and guiding a room of participants;
• Proactive, self-directed, and results-oriented personality with the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team;
• Excellent networking and relationship building skills;
• Ability to be creative and resourceful to develop new, unique programs and initiatives;
• Great organizational skills and detail-oriented nature; and
• Open to and excited by the opportunity to inform our strategic thinking and work within an entrepreneurial environment.

Additional requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds;
• Valid driver’s license;
• Access to personal car for occasional travel throughout Los Angeles County;
• Some evening and weekend commitments;
• Experience with Salesforce, a plus;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Reporting: This position reports to the Executive Director.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and will be accepted until the position is filled. 

Application Procedure: Please email a single PDF file that includes a resume and a cover letter outlining your interest, skills, and recent salary history to HR@laworks.com.

 

 

Forest City Revitalizes LAUSD High School

On July 17th, L.A. Works collaborated with the Los Angeles branch of Forest City, an Australia-based operator and developer of real estate projects, on a school revitalization project.

Approximately 50 Forest City employees teamed up with L.A. Work staff to paint the athletic department and boys’ locker room of the Miguel Contreras Learning Complex, a unique school that houses three distinct LAUSD learning communities (the Academic Leadership Community, the Social Justice Learning Community, and the Business & Tourism Learning Community) and one separate high school (the Los Angeles School of Global Studies). Athletics at the Miguel Contreras Learning Complex is extremely important, because it unites students from all four separate academic programs and helps reinforce a sense of community among the students.

We are glad that Forest City chose to team up with us once again for such a productive and inspiring day of service, and we thank them for all their help!

DirecTV Beautifies School Garden

On July 23rd, L.A. Works oversaw project management for a custom day of service created for DirecTV’s Los Angeles tech department on a school garden revitalization project. DirecTV employees went to the 153rd Street Elementary School Garden and added garden beds, painted the garden area/main office, and planted flowering vines on the garden fence. The School Garden is an integral part of the 153rd Elementary School, because teachers have incorporated gardening and growing into the academic curriculum. Thank you DirecTV for collaboration and dedication to the community!

       

1,000 Volunteers Kick-Off Annual Service Festival in Downtown L.A.

What do the Los Angeles Dodgers, The Laker Girls, Ciclavia, Pinks, DJ Dave, Yoga Works,  and Fox 11 news anchor Cristine Devine have in common? All were part of the 22^nd annual L.A. Works Day Service Festival.  Corporate teams, young professionals, students young and old, neighborhood residents, and community leaders all celebrated the power of service by volunteering their time and labor to improve schools and important nonprofit agencies that serve Los Angeles.

Once again, our relatively new event, the Service Crawl proved to be a big hit.  It’s like a beer crawl … but without the beer. The Service Crawl is a service competition between teams that compete to finish a series of important service projects at different nonprofit agencies.  This year team We Come Running set a new standard. Members Kym and Alli won the grand prize. The purpose of the Service Crawl is to introduce young professionals to the vast array of social service agencies and cultural venues in downtown Los Angeles.  Venues included:  the Downtown Women’s Shelter, the Emergency Operations Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Robey Theater, La Plaza de Cultura, LAPD building, and others,

While some volunteers participate in the Service Crawl, hundreds of others transformed the grounds of Gratts Learning Academy, a LAUSD Title I Elementary School in Downtown Los Angeles. Volunteers joined teachers, students, parents, administrators, and community members in a large-scale campus beautification project (landscaping, painting, building a community garden, etc.) as part of L.A. Works’ ongoing mission to provide enriched learning environments for students in the Los Angeles public school system.

Check out pictures here!

Hungry volunteers need to eat.  This year: CPK – Hollywood, Chick-Fil-A, and Pinks! did the honors.  During lunch volunteers were treated to live music  featuring  emerging hip hop artists  –Team WC featuring Nexus, as well as the Latin Blues styling’s of the Delgado Brothers.

Our Generous Corporate Sponsors Include:
Northrop Grumman
Target
McDermott Will & Emery
Mayer Brown
AT&T

* Our Generous In-Kind Sponsors Include:
Jetblue
DirecTV
Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Clippers
BGreen Apparel
Teleflora
Macy’s
Target
Yogaworks
BorderGrill
Roy’s Restaurant
Petersen Automotive Museum
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Starbucks
Eclectic Restaurant
AMC
Trader Joe’s #18 – South Pasadena
Café Dulce
The Last Bookstore
LA Fitness
Handsome Coffee
Poketo
Sencha Naturals
The Steven Kent Winery

THANK YOU SO MUCH VOLUNTEERS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS, NONPROFIT PARTNERS, SCHOOLS, SPONSORS, AND STAFF FOR YOUR HARD WORK TO MAKE THIS DAY POSSIBLE!

Please visit our website www.LAWorks.com to find your next volunteering opportunity! Search the calendar for an experience that fits your schedule or search the opportunity page for something that matches your interest or zip code!

DirecTV Impacts Education

This month L.A. Works organized a custom day of community service for DirecTV’s legal team at an extraordinary Montessori school in Culver City. DirecTV volunteers worked together to revitalize the grounds of Shining Path Montessori by covering the playground with astro turf, refurbishing the swing set, building planter boxes and painting a variety of murals across campus. Shining Path isn’t a traditional Montessori in that “it charges lower tuition than other schools in an effort to make the Montessori approach more accessible to a greater number of families” shared Kusum Byrd, Director at Shining Path.

It was great to once again work alongside a corporate partner who consistently makes an effort to create change in K-12 education by creating a great environment for children to learn in. “It was inspiring to see so many people willing to give of their time and energy towards helping make this environment more beautiful and safe for the children,” said Byrd. “We are grateful for L.A. Works, for their assistance to us in obtaining this gift.”

 

Follow DIRECTV’s lead and find out how we can help you make an impact in the community! Learn more here.

Serving Those Who Serve Our Country

During the month of April, L.A. Works organized a day of service for Northrop Grumman volunteers at the Bob Hope Hollywood United Service Organization (USO) at LAX. The center is open 24/7 and serves as a welcoming space for military travelers and their families. The USO features a snack bar, TV lounge, film library, family room, nap room and an outdoor patio among other accommodations.

Barbara Musella, USO Center Manager, and L.A. Works’ muralists worked together to create a vision for various rooms within the USO. Fortunately, the facility remained open during revitalization and beautification efforts. “We had to shift guests around and accommodate accordingly but everything was done in an organized fashion,” Musella shared. Northrop Grumman is a huge supporter of the USO and they wanted to show their appreciation for troops by painting the center and enhancing it, making it feel more lively, welcoming and comforting.  “It was a feel good moment to see Northrop volunteers thanking the troops for their service and vice versa,” said Maggie Lippon, Project Manager at Northrop Grumman.

The USO has served over 120,000 guests within the last two years and has been named a treasure of LA by the Central City Association of Los Angeles.

Follow Northrop Grumman’s lead and find out how we can help you make an impact in the community! Learn more here.