In an effort to fill one of the greatest needs among America’s nonprofit organizations, SeniorNet, the leading provider of technology education for older adults, today announced its Retired Technology Volunteers (RTV) program, made possible by funding from Senior Corps and The UPS Foundation. The RTV program was created to bring adults age 50 and older with technology skills, together with nonprofit organizations that can benefit from their IT expertise. The goal of the program is to recruit volunteers aged 50+ who can give the gifts of their time and their talent to expand the capabilities of nonprofit organizations through the use of technology. Today SeniorNet has registered over 300 RTVs and hopes to register 10 times that number in 2006.
« Research demonstrates that nonprofit organizations often lack the technical expertise and staff resources to meet their goals, » said Kristin Fabos, Executive Director of SeniorNet. « Today’s over-50 generation is becoming increasingly tech-savvy — the RTV program encourages retirees to apply their high-tech skills in a nonprofit organization they care about, thereby filling a significant need in the community. »
Those interested in the SeniorNet RTV program can learn more on SeniorNet’s website at www.seniornet.org/rtv. For older adults with applicable technology skills who are seeking a volunteer opportunity at a nonprofit organization, the SeniorNet website offers ways to make that connection and put one’s technology talents to work. The website features an easy, five-step guide to finding a volunteer placement, including a free, volunteer self-assessment form. In addition, SeniorNet has partnered with VolunteerMatch.org to provide a database of technology volunteer opportunities searchable by zip code. Individuals also have access to ‘virtual’ technology volunteer opportunities that can be done from home.
John Grimaldi, a registered ‘RTV’ who volunteers with the police department in Burnsville, MN says: « Since retiring from my career in high-tech imaging, I’ve working as a volunteer to build a pre-emergency planning database. I collect critical data (aerial photographs, detailed descriptions, contact info) about key city locations such as schools and industrial plants. Then I upload it all to a private website where Burnsville police and fire department personnel can access it in an emergency, such as a chemical spill, hostage situation, or terrorist attack. That way they don’t have to scramble to find out the number of floors in a building, or find out too late that a company has two large propane tanks in its warehouse. »
For retirees who have significant technology experience and are interested in becoming RTVs but are not sure they have the skills to expand the technology capabilities of a nonprofit organization, SeniorNet provides free, downloadable training resources on its website. These « Quick-Start » training guides cover topics such as creating a website, desktop publishing with templates, finding funding sources, PowerPoint templates, and how to inventory, document and upgrade computer systems.
The « Quick Start » training guides and step-by-step courses designed to help adults 50+ learn skills for their volunteer work are also offered at select SeniorNet Computer Learning Centers throughout the United States.
To find out more about the SeniorNet Retired Technology Volunteer (RTV) Program or to join, please visit www.seniornet.org/rtv or call 1-800-747-6848.
About Senior Corps
Senior Corps connects today’s over 55s with the people and organizations that need them most. We help them become mentors, coaches or companions to people in need, or contribute their job skills and expertise to community projects and organizations. Senior Corps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency created to connect Americans of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to give back to their communities and their nation through three programs: Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America. Together with USA Freedom Corps, the Corporation is working to foster a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility in America. For more information, visit www.nationalservice.gov.
About The UPS Foundation
Founded in 1951 and based in Atlanta, GA, The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its support will clearly impact social issues. The UPS Foundation’s major initiatives currently include programs that support increased global volunteerism, literacy and hunger relief. In 2004, The UPS Foundation donated more than US$39.9 million to charitable organizations worldwide.
For more information about The UPS Foundation and UPS’s community involvement, visit community.ups.com.
About SeniorNet
SeniorNet (www.seniornet.org) is the world’s premier technology trainer and online community for adults over 50. Based in Santa Clara and founded in 1986, SeniorNet is a major international nonprofit organization that has taught hundreds of thousands of older adults to use computers and the Internet and has enriched the lives of millions through its award-winning website. With a thriving online community and a network of more than 240 locally run Learning Centers in the U.S. and abroad staffed by more than 6,000 volunteers, SeniorNet offers both offline and online destinations to a population that was originally neglected in the information revolution. With sponsorship by major corporations and foundations, private and public donations, and a backbone of individual members and contributors, SeniorNet continues to grow and offer new opportunities to those touched by its mission.
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