Volunteer Appreciation Month

Happy Volunteer Appreciation Month! We are so grateful for all of our volunteers who help us bridge the digital divide each day!

Do YOU want to make a difference in an older adult’s life? Volunteer today with CTN and see the joy on people’s faces as they learn to do things like video call their grandchildren and gain independence by ordering their groceries and medicine online!

In-Person Opportunities:

• Host tech support drop-in hours at one of our partner sites (such as a senior center)
• Volunteer at one of our events or workshops

Remote Opportunities:

• Meet weekly with a learner who’s already acquired basic skills to help them continue their studies
• Host a webinar for learners on a specific topic, like how to use WhatsApp

Best of all? You can create your own schedule! To learn more, read our FAQ about volunteering with Community Tech Network.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER!

If you work for an organization with a corporate social responsibility objective, we also offer corporate volunteering opportunities for groups! Read more about how we can personalize your corporate volunteering experience.

Connections, Health, Aging and Technology Report Now Available!

CTN is proud to announce the release of our report with lessons learned from our participation in the California Department of Aging’s Connections, Health, Aging and Technology (CHAT) program. We hope that this report can offer practical insights and guidance for digital equity practitioners and state leaders hoping to help their communities access the internet. 

CTN was selected by the CDA as one of three organizations to provide digital literacy training to mitigate loneliness and isolation for older adults (65+) and adults with disabilities (18+) by empowering them to use technology. The pilot program supported an estimated 4,000 folks in California by providing them with internet-enabled devices (iPads), internet access, and digital skills training — all at no cost to them.

Recommendations included in the report for future digital equity programs include improving learner contact strategies, requiring device orientation and training, confirming program details early on, learning about individual learners, addressing fears about technology, and ensuring accurate data collection. Read the full report here (PDF).

Upcoming Events

• SF Tech Week: CTN has been participating in the San Francisco’s Public Library’s Tech Week for the past 10 years, and we’re thrilled to continue the tradition this year! We’ll be hosting two sessions on artificial intelligence: one in-person presentation in English, and one virtual discussion in Cantonese. Open to everyone: no registration required to attend!
• Mental Health Matters Webinar (May 30, 11 a.m. PT): Join our upcoming Lunch & Learn webinar to learn how to incorporate mental health awareness in digital skills education. Register here to reserve your spot. (To watch recordings of our past webinars, check out our YouTube page.)