Cyber-Seniors is looking for teens, young adults, and individuals of any age who are tech-savvy to help older adults with technology training and support. Mentors would support the staff with group technology training webinars on Zoom as either a presenter or part of the Q&A team. They will also provide one-on-one telephone tech support to older adults.
Mentors have the opportunity to assist older adults in learning how to communicate with their children, grandchildren, and others using smartphones, tablets, and computers. Cyber-Seniors volunteers help older adults to use Facebook, send an email, send instant messages on Skype, or take AARP online fitness classes, which can change lives.
Cyber-Seniors seeks individuals who want to help older adults become comfortable with technology. Potential mentors should have strong problem-solving skills. They must also have the ability to be patient and use easy-to-understand technology concepts.
Volunteers must have excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills to qualify. Mentors will work independently and, as part of the Cyber-Seniors team, have a reliable internet connection.
The organization encourages individuals from all backgrounds and experiences. They believe that diversity and inclusion are vital to their success.
“If you are interested in the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, use this link to sign up today.”
Cyber-Seniors Tech Mentor applicants must complete their training program, which is available after applying. “You will watch seven videos and complete seven corresponding quizzes” that “should take no longer than 2 hours to complete.”
Community Service Rewards
Volunteering is a rewarding experience: It boosts interpersonal skills, self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) says, “Doing good for others and the community provides a natural sense of accomplishment.” Additionally, community service increases social and relationship skills.
Home-based volunteering for organizations like Cyber-Seniors allows individuals with limited mobility to make a difference in other lives without leaving their homes.
Moreover, helping older adults connect with others decreases loneliness and isolation. Many studies have found that volunteering kindles happiness in mentors and those they help.
Finally, volunteering builds the character necessary for today’s job market. “Students develop valuable work skills that give them a leg up when applying for a job, post-secondary programs, and scholarships. Cyber-Seniors keeps track of volunteer hours, and adding community service helps build resumes, especially for high school and college youth and individuals with gaps in their job history.
Cyber-Seniors History
Founder Macaulee and Kascha Cassaday launched Cyber-Seniors in 2009. It began as a high school project by the teems, who were 16 and 18 years old, respectively. They “had witnessed first-hand how learning to use the internet had transformed their grandparents’ lives.” After learning basic skills, their grandparents were in touch via email, Facebook, and Skype several times a week.
The youth explained that the internet helped connect their family as they lived in different cities. As a result, the Cassadays were inspired to start the Cyber-Seniors program to assist other older adults in getting online.
Below is the trailer for an award-winning documentary film directed by Saffron Cassaday ( Kascha and Macaulee’s sister) that has been broadcast in 40 countries and screened in over 500 communities globally. It aired on PBS, Netflix, and CBC. Currently, the Cyber-Seniors Documentary can be streamed free on Pluto and Tubi. It can be rented or purchased on YouTube or Google Play.
Written by Cathy Milne-Ware
Sources:
AARP: Virtual Tech Volunteer with Cyber-Seniors
Cyber-Seniors: Sign Up to Become a Volunteer Tech Mentor
Cyber-Seniors: One generation will help another close the remaining digital divide; By The Republican Editorials
WCSU: Benefits of Community Service
Featured and Top Image by Good Faces Courtesy of Unsplash
First Inset Image by TheStandingDesk Courtesy of Unsplash
Second Inset Image by John Schnobrich Courtesy of Unsplash
