December 2014

It seems like every day we hear a new story about how technology transforms lives. This transformation seems to be occurring in all facets of daily life: health care, employment, community resources, and even how we communicate with each other and express ourselves.



At CTN, we see this transformation every day in the work we do with seniors, youth, and other underserved populations who lack the basic digital skills to use technology. Without the 12,000 training sessions CTN volunteers provide each year, many people would lack the ability to leverage technology to improve their quality of life. With the furious pace at which technology advances, as well as the dramatic cuts other organizations face for technology training, the work we do is more important than ever. With our cost-effective business model, we're able to leverage a small staff and large volunteer force to bring this crucial training to the people who need it the most, so every dollar has a much larger ripple effect.

We can't afford to leave our neighbors behind in the digital age. Please consider giving the gift of connectedness today.

• A gift of $50 will provide a month of computer and e-health literacy classes to a senior.
• A gift of $100 will provide three specialized trainings to a current volunteer to support them in providing stronger services.
• A gift of $200 will provide 7 weeks of professional development and mentorship training to an at-risk youth.

Happy Holidays and thank you from the CTN Team!

With the furious pace at which technology advances, as well as the dramatic cuts other organizations face for technology training, the work we do is more important than ever. With our cost-effective business model, we're able to leverage a small staff and large volunteer force to bring this crucial training to the people who need it the most, so every dollar has a much larger ripple effect. Study Links Lack of Internet, Computer Access, and Poverty Level
According to a study conducted in August and September, about 40 percent of the student population in Oakland do not have computers or high-speed Internet access at home. Click here to read more about the study and what the results mean for those students. Finding Little Joys During the Long, Dark Winter
The holidays are, notoriously, a difficult time for many older adults, but digital technology can provide some remedies to the holiday blues. Click here to see some ideas that might bring a little glow not just to the screens, but also to the hearts of people of all ages.
Ready, Set, Connect! Completes Its First Quarter
The Ready, Set, Connect! team has successfully reached its first quarter! Click here to read about what they have experienced and accomplished so far, as well as all that is yet to come in 2015.
Seniors and Youth Working to Save Their Computer Lab
A popular computer lab at the YWCA in San Francisco is in danger of shutting down. Click here to find out why, and to see what the seniors and youth tutors are doing to try to save it.