LOOKING TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY?

Our volunteers teach adults basic computer skills on a one-to-one, drop-in or appointment basis at community sites in Onondaga, Oneida, Madison, and Herkimer Counties.
Join us for our next training where we’ll cover in detail why we created the Digital Literacy program, who it serves, what you do as a computer helper, and how you impact lives.

Register for a Digital Literacy Volunteer Training at the links below. All training is held virtually.

Can't attend an orientation? Contact Digital Literacy Coordinator Lydia Torres by email or call (315) 643-0282 for an alternate plan.

LOOKING TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY?

Our volunteers teach adults basic computer skills on a one-to-one, drop-in basis at community sites in Onondaga, Oneida, Madison, and Herkimer Counties.

Join us for our next orientation where we’ll cover in detail why we created the Digital Literacy program, who it serves, what you do as a computer helper, and how you impact lives.

Can't attend an orientation? Contact Digital Literacy Coordinator, Lydia Torres, for an alternate plan.

FAQs

You must be at least 18 years old and possess the following qualifications:

  • At least three (3) years of experience working with a computer
  • Knowledge of Google apps (e.g., Google Docs)
  • Proficient at navigating the internet
  • An ability to work at community sites with diverse people
  • Patience and flexibility
  • An unrestricted mobile phone and an active email account

To become a volunteer, you must attend an orientation, which lasts approximately 60 minutes.

After that, we ask for two commitments:

  1. Stay with the program for at least six (6) months
  2. Volunteer weekly or bi-weekly for a three (3) hour shift

We work with you to find a day and time that fits into your schedule. Our volunteers work at community sites such as public libraries or community centers around Onondaga, Oneida, Madison, and Herkimer Counties.

Our volunteers work with individuals as needed on a drop-in basis. You are set-up at one of our program locations for your volunteer shift, and patrons come to you with their questions.

Requests for help may be as straightforward as someone asking how to reset their email password or they may be more complex like writing a resume or applying for benefits.

Interactions may range from just a few seconds to upwards of 30 minutes to over an hour.

Volunteers receive onsite training in addition to the information presented at the digital literacy volunteer training.

You have the option of signing up for a shadow shift prior to your first shift. At a shadow shift, you observe and engage with another volunteer in action. The Digital Literacy Program Coordinator accompanies you on your first shift to acquaint you with the location, walk you through live customer interactions, and address any questions.

You will have access to program staff whenever you are working on a shift. Additionally, staff at your site will always be available as a resource to you. 

In addition, all volunteers are invited to attend quarterly in-service meetings to receive program updates, provide feedback, and confer with other volunteers.

Everyone takes a vacation. We ask that you tell us as soon as your vacation is scheduled so that we can find a sub or coordinate with our partners.

As for emergencies, we ask that you immediately text or call program staff. Our relationship with site managers is critical and we want them to know of any changes as quickly as we can.

Yes, you can!

Learn how to become a tutor here.