L.A. Works

Quick Overview:  If you're interested in donating 2 hours a week to make a positive impact in the lives of millions, lending your love of fitness and passion for the recovery community, and making lasting connections please contact us to start volunteering. We're currently seeking group fitness instructors to safely coach in person programming once COVID restrictions are lifted and it is safe to do so. For the time being, classes are being held online. Despite the posting limits, the scheduling is flexible, though we do as for a 6 month commitment.

We host daily, FREE classes and events where the only requirement to attend is at least 48 hours of continuous sobriety. The only way we are able to provide these services free is thanks to the generous donations of time and talent by our volunteer coaches (that's you!).

Mission or Broader Program Description: The Phoenix is an innovative nonprofit organization that helps people recover from substance use disorders and heal from related adverse experiences by leveraging the intrinsic transformative power of social connection and physical activity. The goal of The Phoenix is to help as many people as possible find a clear path to recovery, so we make every effort to remove any barriers to getting involved with our community - this includes financial barriers. Over the past 12 years, Phoenix has grown from a small organization serving a few dozen people in Boulder, Colorado to a national movement that has served over 36,000 individuals. Phoenix programming is now available in more than 41 cities across 24 states. 

Impact: Phoenix assesses its impact and outcomes by administering a three- and a six-month evaluation survey to all members. Results show that more than 80% of members make significant improvements after just three months of participation. 

Survey results also demonstrate the long-term impact of participation with 8 out of 10 active members remaining sober at 6 months and more than two-thirds of those who relapsed stating that The Phoenix helped them return to sobriety. 

Our volunteers are on the front line of battling substance use disorder every day. They are anchors for our sober active community and act as key resources for those looking to maintain and strengthen their recovery. This position is an incredibe opportunity to be of service to this community and give back.

Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities: Safely coach group fitness classes online.

• Host classes in your discipline weekly or twice a week as agreed upon with program coordinator
• Complete 6 month commitment to The Phoenix LA schedule
• Attend all required Phoenix trainings (101, FEPSIA, Applied FEPSIA)
• Create fun, emotionally & physically safe, inclusive, and accessible environment at all Phoenix event
• Establish and express Phoenix's community standards
• Run an accessible class with multiple scaling options
• Hold space for participants before and after class to talk and create community
• Act as a recovery resource, offering our curated list of treatment help to those who ask for it

Requirements: Volunteers are required to:

• Have a CPR/AED cert (we can support training)
• Complete 2 Phoenix Classes before volunteering (we have virtual classes)
• Attend 90 minute online trainings
• 48 hours of sobriety
• 18 years old or older
• Certification in relevant fitness field
• Commitment to The Phoenix's community standards
• Experience with or in recovery from substance addiction

All volunteers participating in this volunteer opportunity should adhere to the health and safety guidelines outlined here: https://www.laworks.com/health-and-safety 

By clicking “Sign Up,” I acknowledge that I am aware and understand that I am being referred to Activities that are coordinated and managed by a third party Agency or Organization and that L.A. Works has no jurisdiction, control, or oversight over these Activities. The Activities may be inherently dangerous and may expose me to a variety of foreseen and unforeseen hazards and risks including exposure to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”).  The Activities may involve a degree of contact with clients who need assistance and other volunteers who may be carriers of COVID-19 and that personal protective equipment may not be available for my use and/or effective against preventing transmission of COVID-19 whether as a result of my own actions or otherwise.  By clicking “Sign Up,” I acknowledge that I am voluntarily participating in the Activities and have considered those risks. I hereby expressly and specifically assume such risks, including any and all risk of injury, illness, harm, or loss that I may incur as a result of my participation in the Activities. I hereby fully and forever release and discharge L.A. Works from, and expressly waive, any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, that may arise from my participation in the Activities.