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Become a Digital Coach
Do you have an hour a week to donate? You can change a life by providing remote training to an at-risk senior.
We have an urgent need for bilingual volunteers, especially those fluent in Spanish or Cantonese, to teach digital skills to homebound seniors. These new digital skills will allow them to:
- Access telemedicine
- Refill their prescriptions
- Connect with family and friends
- Receive important news and information
CTN staff trainers provide the initial basic skills and safety training. Volunteers are needed to coach and remotely reinforce these new digital skills. We ask for a commitment of one hour a week for 12 weeks. Intermediate level digital skills, a computer, and broadband are required. All CTN volunteers receive training to help them understand how to work with adult learners, and we provide prompt feedback to ensure your success.
If you believe you’re ready to make a difference in the life of an adult learner, complete our Volunteer Application, and we will reach out to you! Looking for more information? Follow this link to read more about getting started.
Getting Started
Are you a good fit for our volunteer Digital Coach program? Review this list of requirement and next steps.
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 or AnyDesk
- A Google Voice alternate telephone number (optional)
Next Steps
- 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.
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Team Roster
Lauren Woolley
Digital Coach Seniors deserve to feel equipped and empowered to navigate the digital world, further enabling them to flourish in their later years. I look forward to seeing more seniors on the other side of the digital divide, and helping as many of them get there that I can.
Ji Shi
Digital Coach Since the coronavirus outbreak last year, I have received much assistance from others. I believe it is a blessing to be able to give and now as a digital coach, I am very grateful for this opportunity to give back to the community, helping people who need support in learning technology.
Madeleine Brinkmann
Digital Coach I was connected to CTN through the University of San Francisco. What motivates me to work with these adults is the evident need for everyone to have equal access to technology and education in order to live equally among everyone in the community.
Joyce Banks
Digital Coach Ever since COVID-19 plagued the United States, I knew that it would be difficult for citizens, especially elders, to integrate into the so-called 'new normal.' Thus, I promised myself that I would contribute my time and resources to our elder's digital literacy in any possible way.
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 should be one that does not leave anyone behind. Helping the elderly get online and connected can make this era of expanding science and technology become 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!
Application
Ready to start volunteering? Please complete the form below to apply! Someone will be in contact with you shortly with next steps.
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.