For anyone who has had a positive volunteer experience, they know it can be transformational, especially if the volunteering involves direct service. I have been volunteering for as long as I can remember. First it was with 4-H, where we visited retirement communities or helped at summer camps, and later (after college), I helped adults improve their literacy skills or used my design skills for a community fundraiser. I feel fortunate that I grew up with service as part of my life because it followed me into adulthood and motivates me to make the world a better place for others.
I was reminded of my volunteer roots last week when I attended the Points of Light conference in St. Paul, Minnesota. Points of Light is an international nonprofit dedicated to engaging more people and resources in solving serious social problems through voluntary service. The conference had inspirational speakers who emphasized the power of volunteers. CTN has utilized volunteers from the very beginning and engages around 200 people a year to deliver digital literacy programs.
My session “Adventures in Developing a Virtual Training Program” was delivered in partnership with Amy Kasch-Vanek, Director of Service Experience at Reading & Math, Inc. For those who may be interested, you can review our presentation for helpful resources.
While our training for new computer users isn’t delivered online, our training for trainers is. We have been expanding our footprint beyond the San Francisco Bay Area to Austin, and now we’re looking for partners anywhere in the country who want to help their community cross the digital divide. Our curriculum and training for trainers is available online for a fee. Contact Kami Griffiths, CTN Executive Director, for more information.
