Mission Statement
SeniorNet's mission is to provide older adults
education for and access to computer technologies to enhance their lives and
enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom.
Who We Are
Founded in 1986, SeniorNet grew out of a research
project funded by the Markle Foundation to determine how computers and
telecommunications could enhance the lives of older adults. Since that time,
SeniorNet has grown into an independent, international, volunteer-based
nonprofit organization that is one of the world’s leading technology educators
of adults 50+. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, SeniorNet has an
international membership of computer users, hosts a thriving online community on
the SeniorNet website at www.seniornet.org, and supports a large network of
locally operated Learning Centers throughout the United States and
internationally.
Who Funds Us
A national, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with
international affiliates, SeniorNet is funded by membership dues, Learning
Center fees, the altruistic donations of individuals and the generous support
and sponsorship of corporations and foundations.
Who Benefits
SeniorNet has benefited millions of seniors since its
founding in 1986; supports over 130 Learning Centers throughout the U.S. and in
other countries; publishes newsletters for its membership, creates and publishes
an extensive curriculum used in our Learning Centers and a variety of other
instructional materials; offers discounts on computer-related and other products
and services; holds regional conferences; and collaborates in research on older
adults and technology.
OUR PROGRAMS
Learning Centers
SeniorNet provides an extensive curriculum of over 30
courses, delivered by thousands of volunteer instructors and mentors at
SeniorNet Computer Learning Centers via a proven ‘seniors teaching seniors’
methodology. At SeniorNet Computer Learning Centers, members can take from
beginning to advanced classes and learn new computing skills like ‘Computer
Fundamentals’, ‘Internet and E-mail’, ‘Digital Photography,’ ‘Buying
and Selling on eBay, ‘The Many Uses of Google’ and more, in a friendly,
low-pressure environment. The SeniorNet Computer Learning Centers are operated
by thousands of senior volunteers across the nation with curriculum provided by
SeniorNet headquarters.
SeniorNet Online
The SeniorNet online community at www.seniornet.org is
a dynamic community of older adults who are interested in exploring the uses of
computer and communications technologies to enrich their own lives and
contribute to others. SeniorNet values the unique individual contributions that
our online participants make in building our community. Currently
www.seniornet.org receives over 2 million hits per month!
SeniorNet supports educational communities on the web site. Our online
environments provide opportunities for collaborative lifelong education among
older adults, as well as selected opportunities for cross-generational
communications. The SeniorNet Online community supports older adults' creative
and constructive uses of computer and communications technologies for the
purposes of reflecting on their life experiences, exploring and entertaining new
ideas, restructuring their knowledge, reformulating their values, sharing their
perspectives and contributing to the rest of society.
The communities of interest that are formed by participants provide them with
new friendships and new avenues for serious collaborations as well as for
leisure activities. Seniors also find sources of information and advice from
peers and support in times of crises as well as opportunities for socializing
and play.
You will find a wealth of information on www.seniornet.org as well as a
supportive community of peers. SeniorNet Online provides chat rooms and
discussion groups, where visitors can enjoy the company and perspectives of
seniors from across the nation and the world. Discussions range from politics to
travel and gardening, and from computers to books and health and wellness issues
and many other areas.