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Become a Digital Coach
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused Community Tech Network to modify its services to better match the needs of those we support. Before, our volunteers were placed with our local partners throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Austin, Texas, and our older adult learners received their training in these partner locations. Since our partners are currently closed, we decided to transition to virtually instructing seniors while they remain in the safety and comfort of their own home.
Home Connect is aimed to support older adults eager to get online connected with loved ones, friends, and service providers. We are working with the San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services and our senior center and housing partners to identify people in need. Our staff will get the senior set-up with Internet, ship them a pre-configured Android tablet and provide 5 hours of remote training. Afterward, our staff will hand-off the senior learner to a volunteer Digital Coach who will continue to provide remote training following the guidance of our Learning Pathways.
Volunteer Commitment & Qualifications
Establishing a strong, professional relationship with their Digital Coach is important to adult learners. Digital Coach Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and understand the importance of preserving the confidentiality of senior identity and information. We request a minimum 3-month commitment with at least one 1-hour shift per week.
Skills Needed
Compassion and patience are the two most important skills needed when working with those who have limited technology experience. We work with seniors, low-income adults, and marginalized populations that place a high value on trust and relationships. Since many have limited social networks, class lessons can sometimes be more social than technical, so personal skills are important and valued! Basic understanding of PC/Windows computers and/or iOS devices is needed, and a willingness to use the Internet to find answers for things you don’t know!
Device Requirements
- A desktop, laptop, or MAC computer with HD external camera or HD integrated camera
- A headset with a microphone, stable output and input
- Stable Internet connection – 20Mbps (Ethernet recommended)
- A downloaded version of the video conferencing application, TeamViewer
- A Google Voice alternate telephone number (optional)
If you believe you’re ready to make a difference in the life of one of our adult learners, complete our Volunteer Application, and we will reach out to you!
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Getting Started
Volunteer with Community Tech Network as a Digital Coach for our new online program, Home Connect!
If you’re ready to make a positive difference in someone’s life, here are the steps you must take.
- Complete the online application.
- Fulfill the training requirements:
- 90 minute interactive webinar to strengthen your teaching style and learn how to be a Digital Coach.
- Complete two self-paced training lessons that cover the topics of identifying elder abuse and internet safety.
- Complete and pass a background check following your training.
- Be paired with a senior learner based on your language and hours of availability.
- Be available to volunteer between the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Pacific time.
Team Roster
Ariana Chen
Digital Coach Technology helps us stay connected to the world and with each other, and nobody should be left behind. I am passionate about working with older adults, and I believe in the power of intergenerational relationships – my sessions with my senior learners are the highlights of my week!
Kaushik "Kris" Sanyal
Digital Coach Interacting with technology is a routine part of life for most of us, but for those who lack access or exposure to the advanced devices we have nowadays it can feel overwhelming, intimidating, or unappealing. Nobody should be afraid of using technology and everyone has a right to learn!
Sean Lee
Digital Coach I believe the term, "filial piety" is the most important moral for a person to possess - to show the utmost respect for our elders. I used to volunteer at my local convalescent home and was able to use my spare time to care for the elderly. Due to the pandemic, I teamed up with Community Tech Network in order to give back to the senior community in the best possible way.
Ivy Au
Digital Coach As much of our lives have gone remote, technology has proven to be a vital tool for staying connected to communities around the world. As a Digital Coach, I want to support older adults in gaining the essential skills needed to navigate through the digital world .
Kimberly Vo
Digital Coach Everyone deserves the opportunity and resources to navigate this evolving world of technology, regardless of age and background. It is our generation’s responsibility to share our knowledge with those who have paved the way for us and to help bridge the digital education divide - especially during these unprecedented times.
Elizabeth Bravo
Digital Coach I am a lover of technology. After researching the usage of technology by seniors, I realized there are not enough learning resources adapted to meet the needs of this important community. As digital devices evolve, I feel passionate about helping seniors bridge the digital divide.
Mariluz Orbay
Digital Coach I believe in the power of technology, but I am also aware of the existing digital divide. My goal is to help others harness that power and use it to enrich their lives in more ways than one.
Xinyi "Iris" Jiang
Digital Coach A great era is one that does not leave anyone behind. My helping the elderly connect to technology will make this time a great period in human history.
Rachel Cary
Digital Coach I became interested in tutoring seniors when I discovered that many elderly community college students did not have the technical skills to apply for financial aid online. I believe that everyone should have access to technology, regardless of age, and I intend to help make that a reality.
Deepa Varghese
Digital Coach I'm motivated to volunteer, because I've experienced first hand how tough it can be to utilize the resources around us in this vast age of technology. Also, it is a perfect way to give back!
Cecilia Perez
Digital Coach San Francisco has been my home for the past 11 years. I appreciate the opportunity to give back to this community by assisting local seniors to improve their quality of life as they learn to leverage digital resources and experiences. Equally, it is personally fulfilling to connect and spend time with wonderful individuals and broaden my community of friends.
Amy Hansen
Digital Coach I volunteer to give back to my community by doing something I enjoy – tech support! The Bay Area is the center of the tech universe, and yet we have many people who aren’t able to reap the benefits of our connectedness. I’m honored to help CTN bridge that divide.
Crystal Why
Digital Coach I am a queer artist and performer from New Jersey, now living in California. Among my many interests, I make art online through photo manipulation and audio plays and am on the internet every day. I believe that everyone should feel empowered to explore and access the vast wealth of resources online. Kids shouldn't have all the fun!
Daniel Rascon
Digital Coach I believe everyone should have access to the same resources. I think understanding the problem and contributing to close the digital divide by providing some of my time is a great way to start helping.
Application
Ready to start volunteering? Please complete the form below to apply! Someone will be in contact with you shortly with next steps.
Submit Hours
If you are a current volunteer, please use this form to submit your hours.
Click here to enter your volunteer hours.
Want to know what it’s really like to volunteer with Community Tech Network? Check out our Learner Spotlight Stories.
For more information about these and other volunteer opportunities, contact volunteer@communitytechnetwork.org.