While CTN’s work currently focuses on the Bay Area and central Texas, it is our goal to establish digital literacy hubs across the nation. We are always glad to share our experiences with like-minded groups and organizations dedicated to getting their communities active online. Recently, CTN’s executive director Kami Griffiths spoke with Make Room @ The Table to share best practices in equipping older adults to navigate the internet.
Make Room @ The Table — founded in July 2020 — is an affinity group based in Chicago. Its roster of members includes nonprofit CEOs, social workers, community advocates, academic researchers, physicians, nurses, and philanthropists who are engaged in the field of aging.
Make Room @ The Table’s mission is to identify, share, and develop strategies that will alleviate social isolation and loneliness for older people. While the group doesn’t implement programs or provide hands-on services, one of Make Room @ the Table’s major goals is to come up with ways older people can learn to be informed and savvy internet users.
In spring 2021, Marcia Slater Johnston, founding member and convener of Make Room @ The Table, heard Kami Griffiths speak at a virtual webinar focusing on the nuts and bolts of bridging the digital divide for older people.
“I was impressed by Kami’s presentation about all the aspects of CTN’s volunteer training program,” Johnston says. “Having been a volunteer myself, I was intrigued by CTN’s professionalism and meticulous attention to detail in its recruiting, vetting, training, and retaining of volunteers who teach older people how to be comfortable utilizing the internet.”
Johnston reached out to Griffiths and asked her to give a presentation about CTN’s work at a virtual meeting of Make Room @ The Table on Zoom in July.
“Kami Griffiths gave us wonderful pointers that will help the Make Room @ The Table team explore innovative ways organizations can train older Chicagoans to navigate the digital world,” Johnston says. “We are delighted that CTN — and Kami — will be resources for Make Room @ The Table as we move forward with this vital project in the months ahead.”
Many thanks to Make Room @ The Table for joining CTN as we build a more digitally inclusive world for all!
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