SeniorNet Shares its Operational Model and Latest Microsoft Workshop with Chinese Delegation
New SeniorNet Headquarters Opens in Florida
The SeniorNet Learning Center in San Jose Willows, Calif. recently welcomed a delegation of 14 dignitaries from various regions in China to provide insight into how SeniorNet has become so successful and to share its operational and educational protocols. The visitors were management representatives for the Committees on Aging in China from the national level and throughout 12 provinces and municipalities.
The delegation, which attended a Microsoft Windows 8 workshop, saw firsthand how class content and curriculum is developed using surveys of intended students, as well as SeniorNet’s extensive use of volunteers in the teaching process. Drawing on local resources such as tech company retirees, community facilities and donated equipment, SeniorNet minimizes its need to conduct massive fundraising activities that strain limited resources by partnering with major corporations such as Microsoft, IBM, Google, Que Publishing and others who help fulfill its mission.
Ms. Li Shumei, Deputy Director, Heilongjiang Provincial Committee on Aging said SeniorNet has, “a very good self-support education model without relying on budget and tendency of bureaucratic management. Such a model would help the still developing China develop more educations centers alike. It is a valuable example.”
This was an enlightening new business model for SeniorNet’s Chinese counterparts. The delegation was eager to return to China and put what they learned into practice for the senior citizens in their home country.
Leslie M. Smith, IBM Business Development Executive (retired) and SeniorNet Chairman of the Board said, “We were just delighted to host the Chinese delegation and share our knowledge. Computers skills are crucial to social connections for seniors and the hope that this will connect more people outside the U.S. is the best New Year’s gift we could get.”
New Headquarters
In a move from its former location in Herndon, Virginia, SeniorNet officially opened its new headquarters on January 1 at 5237 Summerlin Commons Blvd., Suite 314, Fort Myers, FL 33907. The phone number is (239) 275-2202 and the fax number is (239) 275-2501.
About SeniorNet
SeniorNet (www.seniornet.org) is the nation’s premier and most respected nonprofit organization specializing in computer and Internet education for adults over 55 and those in need. Since 1986, SeniorNet has empowered more than one million Boomers and Seniors by providing encouragement, lifelong learning opportunities and new worlds to explore via the Internet. Based in Fort Myers, Florida, it has approximately 6,000 members. SeniorNet is staffed by more than 3,000 volunteers and has more than 50 Learning Centers in the United States, including Indian Reservations and underserved areas.
SeniorNet’s New Address