PNA: Programs: Technology Center:   Volunteer Opportunities 

Volunteer Opportunities

Instructor
Laboratory Supervisor
Technical Support

Outlined below are a variety of ways you can become involved. For more information, contact the  Director of the Volunteer Program at (783-2244) or judith@phinneycenter.org .

Instructor - Position Description
Individuals needed to provide either general or specialized computer training to individuals, families, and senior citizens.  Functions include preparing lessons and materials necessary for instruction, teaching classes to CTC users as scheduled, staying current with the latest software applications, facilitating evaluation, and assisting in curriculum assessment. Volunteers must possess oral and written communication skills, the willingness to research and prepare lesson plans, and the ability to facilitate the learning process. S/he must be dependable, patient, and genuinely interested in helping people. Benefits of volunteering include improving one's teaching skills, sharing expertise, interacting with a diverse population, building one's résumé, and free Internet access.  The CTC will help provide curriculum for instructors.

Laboratory Supervisor - Position Description
Opportunities to provide individuals, families, and senior citizens living in in the community with the basic skills and knowledge necessary to operate a computer. Primary functions include demonstrating and explaining a variety of basic computer systems and software and lab monitoring. Secondary functions include ensuring users sign in and participating in various community awareness activities. The volunteer must possess a basic knowledge of software applications, hardware, and the ability to communicate computer fundamentals in a straightforward manner. He or she must have a good sense of humor, patience, and value working with a variety of people.  Benefits of volunteering include increasing one's computer knowledge, improving communication skills, improving one's résumé, and free internet access.

Technical Support
Opportunities to provide technical advice and support.  Functions include PC maintenance, troubleshooting, loading and reloading software applications, installing new hardware as needed, and backups. Volunteers should be hardware and software proficient, familiar with LANs, and have prior experience working with a variety of operating systems. Applicants must be reliable and self-motivated; flexible hours. Benefits of volunteering include sharing expertise, providing assistance the community, and improving one's résumé.