A Community Built on Connection
Every day, our volunteers bring patience, compassion, and creativity to their work, helping older adults gain confidence with technology and stay connected to the world around them. This year, we asked our volunteers to share their experiences in a recent survey, and their feedback reminded us just how powerful community-driven learning can be.
The results were overwhelmingly positive: the majority of volunteers rated their overall satisfaction at 4 or 5 out of 5. Many described their work as meaningful, fulfilling, and rewarding.
One volunteer shared,
“I love seeing that moment when something clicks for a learner. It’s so satisfying to know I helped make technology feel less scary.”
Pat Jew, digitalLIFT’s Program Manager for the Volunteer Program, appreciates this spirit of connection because it’s the very heart of what we do:
“We’re so grateful and inspired by the time and care our volunteers give. Their commitment to helping others learn and grow embodies the heart of digitalLIFT’s mission of empowering people through connection, curiosity, and compassion.”
Together, these voices reflect a shared belief that when people come together to teach, learn, and connect, technology becomes more than a tool; it becomes a bridge to confidence and community.
Feeling Supported and Valued
We’re thrilled to hear that most volunteers feel very supported by staff and appreciate the clear communication and expectations that guide their work. Many mentioned how helpful our training and orientation are in preparing them to succeed.
“I always know where to turn if I have a question,” one volunteer noted. “The staff is responsive, organized, and genuinely cares about our experience.”
Ongoing communication and guidance continue to make a big difference, helping volunteers feel confident whether they’re leading a class, supporting learners one-on-one, or assisting with new programs.
What Volunteers Value Most
Flexibility was one of the top things volunteers said they appreciated. Our model allows them to give back on a schedule that fits their lives, whether that’s a few hours a week or a few times a month. Volunteers also emphasized how rewarding it is to build long-term rapport with returning learners, creating trusted relationships that make digital learning personal and joyful.
“I’ve worked with the same learner for months now,” another volunteer shared. “Watching their progress and confidence grow has been incredible. It reminds me why I started volunteering in the first place.”
Many also expressed pride in helping seniors navigate technology, especially as it becomes more essential to daily life. From learning how to use video calls to setting up online health portals, volunteers see firsthand how digital skills open doors for independence and connection.
Growth and Excitement Ahead
In 2025, we’ve continued expanding opportunities for volunteers to make an impact. Our new recruiting strategies are reaching multilingual volunteers through partnerships with City College of San Francisco’s ESL program and university language departments. We’re also connecting with corporate volunteer groups through visit.org, offering new ways for teams to engage with our mission.
And we’re not slowing down! Our recent AI workshops have drawn nearly 40 attendees, with our volunteers providing crucial coaching and technical support to the communities we serve, reflecting both the strong community need and the growing enthusiasm of our volunteer base. “Hearing how volunteers feel uplifted and motivated and seeing that same joy reflected in the learners they support is what drives us to keep sharing digital knowledge and expanding opportunities for everyone,” added Jew.
Thank You to Every Volunteer
Our volunteers make everything we do possible. Their generosity of time and spirit drives our mission forward, one learner at a time. We’re proud to see their hard work reflected not only in survey results, but in the real, lasting change they create in people’s lives.
digitalLIFT is dedicated to building digital confidence and equity in every community we serve. Our volunteers make that mission possible. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just beginning your journey, now’s the time to get involved. Volunteer with us and be part of the movement to close the digital divide – together!
Comments are closed.