Our Volunteers
Volunteering with Digital Grandparents (DGI) to teach older adults about computers and the Internet is an excellent opportunity for both individuals and community service programs in colleges, high schools, civic and religious organizations and the like. By providing instruction in basic knowledge and skills, volunteers give older adults access to a world of communication, knowledge and entertainment. The relationships that are built in the process are mutually beneficial.
Volunteers need to have basic knowledge about how to use computers and the Internet. They will, with their students, explore websites of special interest to older adults. No specialized knowledge or skills are required: simply kindness, patience and time.
Our Programs
Digital Grandparents’ flagship program is held on Saturdays from 2 PM – 4 PM at the St. Agnes New York Public Library, 444 Amsterdam Ave (between 81 and 82 Streets). Volunteers there engage in one-on-one tutoring with older adults who come for assistance with a variety of needs, including using email, social media, internet searching and more. Volunteers sign up in advance to attend and DGI staff is on-site to organized and supervise sessions every Saturday.
There are additional volunteer opportunities during the week, of which volunteers are notified as they arise. If you are available to volunteer with us, either for our Saturday sessions or other weekday opportunities, please complete the Volunteer Sign Up Google form.
Topics Covered
Getting connected and searching the Internet
Email
Social media, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Online shopping
Digital media, including music, images, videos and ebooks
Blogging
Online games and entertainment
Desktop publishing and photo sharing
Protecting privacy and security on the Internet
And more!
