L.A. Works

WHAT: Don't just talk about change - make a change. Learn about an issue related to homelessness and then complete an advocacy skill to address it. WHO: L.A. Works, Councilmember David Ryu, and United Way's Everyone In have come together to provide a volunteer opportunity that arms you to combat homelessness in an active way. WHY: Over 36,000 of our fellow Angelenos are experiencing homelessness, a 16% increase from last year. This opportunity will teach you how to be part of the solution. THE VOLUNTEER PROJECT: Each session consists of (1) an educational portion and (2) an advocacy action. (1) Education. Guest experts will speak on a critical issue related to the homeless crisis such as: Specific housing proposals in your area The difference between affordable, bridge, and permanent supportive housing What the city can do vs what the state can do Current bills that will impact homelessness (2) Advocacy Action Completion. You will learn and finish an advocacy action such as: Writing an op-ed piece Getting on the agenda to speak at your neighborhood council Planning an awareness-raising dinner party Registering to vote Participating in the annual homeless count ACCESSIBILITY: L.A. Works firmly believes that we strengthen the social fabric of our community by involving all in service. If you feel you need accommodations to participate in this project please email us at info@laworks.com. QUESTIONS: Email the Opportunity Leader below. If you would like to volunteer for this opportunity, please click on the SIGN UP button on the date below.

Los Angeles, CA

3/1/20 2:00 PM + more

WHAT: Help young musicians find their groove by helping to teach Voice, Keyboard, Guitar, Bass or Drums to LAUSD students. ABOUT LITTLE KIDS ROCK: Little Kids Rock is a national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that all public school children have the opportunity to express their musical spirit. THE VOLUNTEER PROJECT: Under the guidance of the lead teacher, you may lead a band, provide an instrument workshop, give a technique clinic, work with an individual, help with instrument maintenance/set-up, or assist in any number of ways. Please note this opportunity takes place during the day and that LAUSD background checks must be completed first. IMPACT: Access to the arts and music is imperative in the cognitive and social/emotional development of young people. With access to the arts being more limited than ever, you can help provide equitable access by sharing your time and expertise with these students. VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS: Must play either guitar, drums, keyboards, or bass at at least a beginner level Must have either past performance experience or teaching experience Must compete LAUSD application, TB test, and fingerprinting INTERESTED? Click the Sign Up button below QUESTIONS? Email the Opportunity Leader below.

Los Angeles, CA

3/5/20 9:30 AM + more

What: Show young musicians how to slay their rock band performances by helping to teach Voice, Dance, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums, or Horns to LAUSD students with limited access to music education. About Little Kids Rock: Little Kids Rock is a national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that all public school children have the opportunity to unlock their inner music makers. The Volunteer Project: Under the guidance of the lead teacher, you may head a small group, work with an individual, help with instrument maintenance, or assist in any other number of ways. Whatever these middle and high school students need to get ready for their monthly performances, you're there for! But best of all... there's pizza at every rehearsal! Impact: Access to music education is tougher than ever and your presence allows for greater classroom management and more tailored learning. Volunteer Requirements: Must play either guitar, drums, keyboards, bass, or horns at at least a beginner level Voice and Dance coaches also needed Must clear NSOP Background check ​Interested? Click the Sign Up button below! Questions? Email the Opportunity Leader below.

Los Angeles, CA

3/7/20 11:00 AM + more

Quick Overview: This monthly event series is brought to you by Imagination.org, a new division of Two Bit Circus Foundation. It is a fun, collaborative way to get the entire family involved in some good old fashioned fun with cardboard. We'll provide the supplies, you supply the imagination. Make something that inspires you and in turn inspires others. From robots to rocket ships to cardboard castles- The sky is the limit! Mission or Broader Program Description: TwoBitCircus.org is a nonprofit educational organization designed to cultivate the next generation of inventors, advance environmental stewardship and spur community engagement. Combining the inspiration of Two Bit Circus with castoff material from hundreds of manufacturers, our programs help students learn STEAM education and innovation skills while inspiring critical and creative thinking. Impact: Your volunteer efforts enable us to promote the Power of Play, celebrating child creativity and the role communities can play in fostering it. You are also helping us spread ecological values through recycling and Creative Play. Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities/Requirements: As a volunteer you will interact with and help children build their cardboard creations, encouraging their creativity and inspiring new ideas. No prior experience with cardboard is necessary! Shift Requirements/Safety: Close-toed shoes and attire appropriate for working with children and families. * Volunteers under the age of 18 will need to bring and have signed by a parent/guardian a Volunteer Agreement & Release for Minors. The form can be found on L.A. Works website Q&A section.

Los Angeles, CA

3/8/20 2:00 PM + more

WHAT: Help at-risk youth learn to play the guitar! PROGRAM MISSION: Hathaway-Sycamores Child & Family Services cultivates hope and resilience to enrich the well-being of children, adults, families, and communities. We will be helping foster positive mentorships with a focus on learning and anti-bullying, by teaching at-risk youth to play & write music on the guitar. VOLUNTEER ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Volunteers assist the Project Leader in teaching guitar to kids aged 10-16 (at various skill levels) with one-on-one instructions to better tailor their learning process. TIME COMMITMENT: Each session lasts 1-hour, but we ask that volunteers show up early to help set up and stick around after to help clean up. Volunteers are encouraged to commit to all or multiple sessions in order to create consistency for kids, but we are absolutely happy to accept one-time volunteers as well! REQUIREMENTS: Volunteers need to have a basic understanding of chords and strumming, but there is no need for any prior teaching experience. Most of the kids are just starting out, and we will match volunteers with the appropriate skill levels. If you plan to volunteer for more than 3 sessions, volunteers must pass Hathaway Sycamore's free background check. Be at least 18 years of age. ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Maintain appropriate boundaries, no physical contact Provide a listening ear instead of advice Leave your smokes and vapes at home Respect privacy by taking no photos Model commitment Most importantly - have FUN! WANT TO SIGN UP? Click the "Sign Up" button below. HAVE QUESTIONS? Email the Opportunity Leader below.

Los Angeles, CA

3/14/20 9:30 AM + more

WHAT: Perform comedy for and serve a meal to people experiencing homelessness at L.A. Mission. L.A. Mission strives to be a world leader among Mission that provide for the poor, restore the addicted, and eliminate homelessness. They see each individual as a spiritual person of worth and dignity and worthy of assistance in their journey. VOLUNTEER PROJECT: You or your improv group will do a 5 minute stand-up or improv set at L.A. Mission's monthly awards for adults who have graduated from their classes. At 4:30 you'll start the night off by serving them dinner, giving you a chance to meet and interact with the people you'll later be entertaining. This makes the night more than just another gig. Afterward, the awards show and comedy sets start. **NOTE: Comedy sets must be CLEAN. L.A. Mission is a faith organization and asks you to refrain from any sort of blue comedy, including bits with cursing, sex, drugs. You will be vetted prior to the show to ensure your material respects this rule. ** IMPACT: You'll be putting smiles on the faces of those who can really use it. They've worked hard to overcome some drastic difficulties and we want to reward them with some laughter on an important day in their lives. ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Please refrain from taking photos of the residents. They may not want people to know they're experiencing homelessness. And if they want to talk to you, please provide a listening ear rather than giving them advice.

Los Angeles, CA

3/26/20 4:30 PM + more