Community Tech Network Community Tech Network
Transforming lives through digital literacy. DONATE
  • Home
  • About
    • Our Mission & Values
    • Annual Report
    • Our Impact
    • CTN History
    • Staff
    • Board
    • Partners
    • Funders
    • Jobs
    • Contact Us
  • What We Do
    • Capacity Building
    • Direct Services
  • Impact Stories
    • Videos
    • Case Studies
      • San Francisco Responds to COVID-19 (PDF)
      • The Pandemic Pivot (PDF)
    • Newsletters
    • CTN In the News
    • Volunteer Spotlights
    • Learner Spotlights
    • Partner Spotlights
    • Funder Spotlights
    • CTN Advocacy
    • Sign up for CTN eNews
  • WORK WITH US
  • Volunteer
    • Become a Digital Coach
    • Volunteer Heroes
    • Application
  • Resources
    • Request a Digital Coach
    • Training Schedule
    • SF Connected Calendar
    • Affordable Connectivity Program
  • Donate
Community Tech Network Community Tech Network
  • Home
  • About
    • Our Mission & Values
    • Annual Report
    • Our Impact
    • CTN History
    • Staff
    • Board
    • Partners
    • Funders
    • Jobs
    • Contact Us
  • What We Do
    • Capacity Building
    • Direct Services
  • Impact Stories
    • Videos
    • Case Studies
      • San Francisco Responds to COVID-19 (PDF)
      • The Pandemic Pivot (PDF)
    • Newsletters
    • CTN In the News
    • Volunteer Spotlights
    • Learner Spotlights
    • Partner Spotlights
    • Funder Spotlights
    • CTN Advocacy
    • Sign up for CTN eNews
  • WORK WITH US
  • Volunteer
    • Become a Digital Coach
    • Volunteer Heroes
    • Application
  • Resources
    • Request a Digital Coach
    • Training Schedule
    • SF Connected Calendar
    • Affordable Connectivity Program
  • Donate
Jul 01

Volunteers from Startups Help Seniors in San Francisco

  • July 1, 2016
  • Tech Teach-ins

Community Technology Network facilitated a Tech Teach-In at the North Beach Library on June 24, 2016. We paired seven seniors from Next Village SF with seven volunteers from Startups Give Back to provide help on mobile devices and laptops. Startups Give Back organizes individuals from startups to get out of their offices and work together to help nonprofits in their community. Next Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empower members to live independently in their own homes as they age.

 

Learner Stories

Diane was a senior who arrived at the North Beach Library full of anxiety and hesitation. “I almost didn’t come today because I was so overwhelmed by this thing,” she shared with me as we sat down together and took a look at her Android tablet. I could see the vulnerability and angst in her eyes. I asked her to tell me a bit more about her background, experience with using technology, and what skills she hoped to gain. We chatted and got to know one another better, and she began showing me what she knew about her tablet. What I gathered in this short interaction was that she was a complete beginner and needed to learn the basic concepts first.

Slowly but surely, we looked at the basic features of the tablet and she began tapping and swiping her way through the screens. By the end of our session, Diane’s anxiety seemed to have reduced and a look of calm took over. She was extremely grateful for not only the patience and support she received, but to know there were people out there who could help her learn technology at her pace. As she left the library, she grabbed my hand and thanked me. “You guys are building bridges for people like us!”

Other learners expressed their appreciation of the support and attention they received from the volunteer trainers. Sid, who learned more about using his cell phone said, “Thanks for today’s counseling group on how to use cell phones. It was very helpful to me. The people were friendly and very savvy. I appreciate your efforts in setting it up.”

Interested in helping people gain skills and confidence? Volunteer with Community Technology Network!

Related

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Reddit
  • Pinterest
  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • E-Mail

Comments are closed.

CTN Stories

  • Videos
  • Newsletters
  • CTN In the News
  • Volunteer Spotlights
  • Learner Spotlights
  • Partner Spotlights
  • Funder Spotlights
  • CTN Advocacy

Stay Connected with CTN by signing up for our email list.

Recent Posts

  • June 2022 Network News
  • CTN’s 2021 Annual Report Now Available! 
  • Tech Week
  • Partner Spotlight: Burbank Housing
  • Connect Your Community to the Internet! A Webinar to Help with Applications for Digital Literacy Funding

Follow us on Facebook

To learn about the latest CTN news from the past month, read our most recent newsletter, the June 2022 Network News: ow.ly/tFHH50JFTtb ... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago  ·  

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Since the #typewriter was invented, technology has come a long way! Particularly for older adults unfamiliar with new technologies, using a modern computer or tablet may seem intimidating. We work to help people keep up with changing technology & use it to improve their lives! ... See MoreSee Less

4 days ago  ·  

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Community Tech Network believes that access to the Internet is a human right and that those without the skills to use a computer are at risk of social and economic disadvantage.

Contact Us

San Francisco Office
1390 Market Street, Suite 200
San Francisco, CA 94102

Austin Office
2407 S. Congress Avenue, Ste E387
Austin, TX 78704

General Questions
inquiries@communitytechnetwork.org
855-983-0318

Press
press@communitytechnetwork.org
855-983-0318 x 3636
Media Kit

Explore job opportunities with CTN

Send us a note:

©2022 Community Tech Network. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use