Purpose
By joining the DOCK program, volunteers will directly empower the HUTCHINSON community members to navigate the modern digital world. The impact of this role is both immediate and long-lasting:
- Bridging the Digital Divide: Volunteer will help provide essential internet access and hardware support to households that might otherwise be left behind in our increasingly online society.
- Building Independence: By teaching the 13-module curriculum, volunteers are giving clients the "digital self-sufficiency" needed to apply for jobs, access telehealth services, attend online classes, and connect with loved ones.
- Breaking Language Barriers: For Spanish-speaking volunteers, their involvement ensures that language is not a hurdle to technology, creating a more inclusive and equitable community.
- Fostering Confidence: Many clients feel intimidated by technology; your 1:1 support provides the encouragement and patience they need to go from being "tech-avoidant" to "tech-savvy."
Role
A typical volunteer shift as a DOCK volunteer is dynamic and splits between technical support and community education. Depending on the schedule, a typical day includes:
- Morning: Field Support & Connectivity - Wi-Fi Setup: Travel with the Digital Literacy Navigator to a client’s home to assist with modem/router installation and ensure their devices (tablets, phones, or laptops) are connected. 1:1 Tech Support: Meet with individuals at a community center or library to answer specific questions, such as setting up an email account, recovering passwords, or navigating a specific website.
- Mid-Day: Classroom Preparation - Review the DOCK Module assigned for the day (e.g., Module 1: "Getting to know your smartphone and mobile devices" or Module 7: "Digital Security & Privacy"). - Prepare the computer lab or mobile devices for the upcoming session, ensuring all hardware is charged and ready.
- Afternoon: Teaching & Interpretation - Leading the Class: Deliver the lesson from the 13-module curriculum, guiding students through hands-on exercises on the computer. Bridging Communication: Act as a Spanish-language interpreter for students who need extra help understanding technical terms or instructions.
- Wrap-up: Help students log off safely and record attendance/progress notes for the Digital Literacy Navigator.
How to become a volunteer:
- Attend one of the IRC in Wichita’s volunteer information meetings. For information about dates and times of these meetings please send an inquiry to VolunteerKS@Rescue.org. Attending one of these meetings is mandatory to proceed with your volunteer application.
- Submit your volunteer application online at: Step 1: IRC Wichita Volunteer and Intern Application
- Your materials will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualification.
- If selected for an interview you will be called by IRC’s volunteer coordinator.
- Successful interviews are proceeded by a background check. Your volunteer or intern placement will only be confirmed after your background check and references have been cleared. The IRC encourages but does not require that you donate $40 to go towards your background check to help offset the cost of your background check.
- You will be contacted to attend an orientation. All interns and volunteers must attend an orientation before moving forward with their volunteer application.