LA's BEST welcomes individual volunteers from the local community as well as volunteer participation through local colleges and universities, corporations, and other non—profit and civic organizations. Volunteers from colleges and universities may include "service learning" students who are earning course credit for doing community service related to their areas of study. Often these students are in education or childhood development programs. LA's BEST has a Volunteer Coordinator dedicated to creating the ideal volunteer experience to meet the needs of the volunteer(s), staff and students.

Types of Volunteers

There are three main types of LA's BEST volunteers:

1. Homework Helper — Volunteers that participate only in the homework section of our program as academic tutors.
2. Activity Assistant — Volunteers that are interested in assisting in storytelling, arts & crafts, science projects, sports activities and various other recreational and enrichment activities.
3. General — Volunteers interested in assisting in ALL aspects of the LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program as both Homework Helpers and Activity Assistants.

Time Commitment

LA's BEST operates from the end of the each school day (about 2:30 p.m.) until 6:00 p.m. You may volunteer on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. You should plan on spending a minimum of one hour at the school each time you volunteer.

Location

You may volunteer at an LA's BEST school nearest your home or work. You may also want to consider traveling farther if another site needs your particular skill.

On—site activities you can do with the children include, but are not limited to:

• Homework/Tutoring
• Storytelling
• Literacy and Math Activities
• Arts and Crafts
• Cooking
• Music
• Dance
• Science and Technology Projects
• Computers
• Games/Sports

Tuberculosis Clearance

On–site volunteers must show proof of tuberculosis clearance, accomplished within six months prior to volunteering. The initial examination must consist of a Mantoux skin test. The doctor or health center who conducts the test will provide proof of clearance; a copy of this proof must be mailed or faxed to the LA's BEST Volunteer Coordinator. If the Mantoux skin test is positive, a chest x—ray will be required. Volunteers may be tested by their own physician, or visit a Los Angeles County Health Center. The Los Angeles and California State Boards of Education require that all school volunteers and employees be retested for possible exposure to tuberculosis every four years. Please note that you cannot be accepted as a volunteer with LA's BEST until we have received this clearance. Please contact Volunteer Coordinator Lynette Bynoe at (213) 745—1900, ext. 52963, with any questions about TB Clearance or assistance in locating a testing center near you.

Special Events Volunteers

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with the LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program but are unavailable during the week, the organization also seeks Special Events volunteers for a variety of weekend events and field trips throughout the year. By becoming a Special Events volunteer your name is placed in our database and you will be notified of special events scheduled outside regular program hours that require volunteer participation. Only accept those events that are convenient for you. Download a Special Events Volunteer application form

(Note: Special Events volunteers do not require TB clearance.)

LA's BEST Friends

A new opportunity to combine volunteer and fundraising efforts for LA's BEST with personal and professional networking opportunities, LA's BEST Friends is a membership—based group of like—minded young professionals who have a shared commitment to the children of Los Angeles. Individuals passionate about supporting the youthful heartbeat of the city can show their support by becoming members of LA's BEST Friends.

Become A Volunteer

To join LA's BEST volunteer team, simply complete the online Volunteer Application Form. Then mail or fax a copy of your TB Clearance (for on—site volunteers) to:

You may also download a copy of the Volunteer Application in PDF format here – available in English or Spanish – and mail or fax to above location. Please call Volunteer Coordinator Lynette Bynoe at (213) 745—1900, ext. 52963 with any questions.

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