Why should you make a donation?

As an example, when compared to most organizations that offer computer and Internet teaching assistance to seniors, those using the Senior Connects methodology will conduct classes in a public area within independent living facilities in your community. We have found that this is much more convenient for many of the residents, and especially those without reliable transportation or are mobility impaired. Net Literacy’s Community Connects program emphasizes providing the greatest number of youth, families, an seniors access to computers that live in publicly subsidized apartment complexes (such as HUD or Section 8 housing).

So, what is the purpose of Net Literacy? Our mission statement follows:

Net Literacy Mission Statement:

• The mission of Net Literacy is to empower youth to increase computer availability and Internet literacy focusing on underserved youth, families, and seniors citizens.
• Create a national empowerment program that links volunteers with underserved facilities and other volunteer opportunities for middle school, high school, and college students. Specifically and as a community outreach programs, students using the Senior Connects program will conduct their training inside Independent Living Facilities to maximize participation by those that are mobility-impaired or lack reliable transportation. This national youth program extends even further to the concept of expanding "Net Literacy," by making computers more accessible to those unable to afford them and by teaching elementary school and middle school children Internet safety.
• Work with volunteer-facilitating organizations and youth organizations to encourage youths to use the Senior Connects, Safe Connects, and Computer Connects methodology in communities throughout North America. Additionally, collaborate with these resources to promote "Net Literacy" through the instruction of Internet safety, providing public computer facilities with publicly assisted apartment complexes, and providing computers to families that otherwise would be unable to obtain a computer for their children to complete their homework.
• Maintain websites that contain instructions, frequently asked questions, lesson plans, and practical advice regarding how to effectively teach at facilities so that youths can easily establish this program in their own communities via a turnkey program. In addition, provide the same for Internet safety, increased computer access, and EPA compliant computer repurposing.
• Serve as a resource to help youths as they establish programs using a Net Literacy training program in their communities and improve communities' access to computers via the Net Literacy programs.
• Help Independent and Assisted Living Facilities, community centers, and under-served apartment complexes (e.g., HUD and Section 8 apartments) gain access to computers.
• Help promote computer and Internet literacy among seniors, youth, and under-served families so they can better keep in contact with their friends and family members, access the Net to improve the quality of their life, and use the Internet to empower themselves and positively contribute to society.
• Recognize extraordinary youths for their participation and making a difference in their community.

Our volunteers are self directed individuals that have decided to make a difference in their community by spending some of their free time to help senior citizens. What should be expected from someone using the Senior Connects methodology of training? Depicted below is a commitment that we ask all volunteers using our methodology to agree to:

Volunteers' Commitment

• I promise that I will do my best to help others.
• I will be patient and strive to make sure each senior or individual that I'm working with is able to learn at a rate of study that makes them comfortable.
• I respect anyone that strives to improve themselves - and hope that my own quest for knowledge and learning will not diminish when I'm in my 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's.
• I will never accept any direct or indirect compensation for any assistance that I provide.
• I will be courteous and professional - and promise to act in such a manner that reflects positively on the independent or assisted living facility or other complex that has opened their facility.
• I will always exercise excellent judgment and keep my contact person at the facility, my parents (or guardian), and mentor (if applicable) aware of the progress made during the classes - and promptly discuss any problems, potential problems, or anything that I'm uncomfortable, with them. I will follow all guidelines and make certain that I follow all rules, laws, licensing agreements, use good judgment, and will always be safe.
• If I am 17 years of age or younger, I will make certain that my parents or a trusted adult is aware of my volunteering service. If there is ever a situation where I feel uncomfortable, I will immediately discuss this with my parents.

Donations

Working together with facility Resident Services Directors, such as Ms. Julie Boone, volunteers are able to fine-tune their training to meet the resident's needs

or donate with PayPal or credit card.

Donations can be mailed to:

Donations
Net Literacy
426 Springwood Drive
Carmel, IN 46032

Net Literacy is a 501(c)(3) and your donations may be tax deductible. Individual tax situations can differ, so please discuss this with your accountant.

If you have questions about donating, please email them to donkent@netliteracy.org