Lauren Buggar, a senior studying cybersecurity at Illinois State University, assumed the role of president at the Technology Assistance Community Outreach Service (TACOS) after volunteering for the group as part of a communication class assignment.
She currently leads the organization, where the primary objective is for members to make a positive contribution to the local community, with a specific focus on seniors. This involves utilizing their expertise in troubleshooting, programming, and other technology-related skills.
Why seniors?
TACOS focuses on reaching out to seniors because the club’s members believe that this demographic can benefit from their knowledge and skill set.
“We extend our services to seniors because many of them are unfamiliar with new technology. Some receive iPads as gifts from their grandchildren and struggle to use them, and we are delighted to assist them in becoming more connected,” explained Buggar.
Research conducted by Penn State University reveals that seniors, aged 65 and above, utilize Facebook as a means of social surveillance to maintain social connections. This highlights the rapidly increasing rate of internet usage among this population and emphasizes the need for them to enhance their technological literacy.
How do TACOS partnerships work?
The Luther Oaks Partnership is one of three collaborations that TACOS engages in, aiming to address technological challenges encountered by seniors in an assisted living facility. In this initiative, TACOS members gather at the facility’s dining area, and residents approach them with their devices. In some instances, the facility provides a list of residents requiring troubleshooting assistance.Additionally, TACOS has formed partnerships with the Bloomington Housing Authority and Living Well United, where its members conduct IT classes.
“The objective is not to instruct them in advanced technology but to provide them with fundamental skills. For example, during the lunch and learn technology classes at Bloomington Housing Authority, we focus on teaching the basics, such as an introduction to the internet,” explained Buggar.
The teaching sessions, conducted in the facility’s computer room, can be initiated either by the seniors themselves or by TACOS members. TACOS receives support from Oasis Connections, a program providing technology assistance tailored to older adults, offering instructional booklets for use in their classes.When seniors initiate the classes, they propose the topics they wish to learn. After receiving their suggestions, Buggar and her team create volunteer sheets for club members to sign up, ensuring it doesn’t conflict with their academic schedules.
“In many cases, residents don’t aim to learn everything, so we start our classes by asking them which sections of the booklet pique their interest,” noted Buggar.The instructors follow a module that covers the basics of operating various technological devices, including Android phones, iPads, and Firesticks.Residents take notes and refer to their books for additional assistance beyond the volunteer hours. They also communicate with coordinators to highlight issues they would like the instructors to address in the next class.
This outreach program benefits not only the seniors but also the students. Members can apply concepts learned in class to real-world issues, honing their skills. To attract new members, TACOS students create posters displayed around campus and send mass emails to incoming freshmen and sophomores.
During the informational meeting held at the beginning of each semester, TACOS members sign up, familiarize themselves with the club’s objectives, and celebrate the occasion by enjoying tacos.
“While our informational meetings generally have good attendance, the challenge we face as a group is retaining members, as only a handful volunteer afterward,” expressed Buggar.”Moreover, due to time and financial constraints, we only meet once a semester,” she added.
Greatest achievement so far
Buggar’s most significant accomplishment during her term as president of TACOS was contributing to the setup of computers at the Bloomington Housing Authority.
“We assisted in installing new computers, and now the computer room is available and upgraded for residents who lack computer or internet access in their apartments,” she explained.
“Personally, working with individuals leaves a lasting and fulfilling impression on me. I recall an elderly woman who had recently lost her husband. She asked for my help in turning off her late husband’s email notifications. While it was a simple task for me, it held great significance for her. I believe it played a role in her grieving process,” she shared.
Looking ahead: What’s in store for the future of TACOS?
Presently, TACOS is focused on expanding its membership to engage in more projects and extend outreach to local communities. These objectives are interconnected, as the club’s expansion into new locations necessitates an increase in volunteers and a corresponding emphasis on retaining them.
Buggar, along with her team, including Vice President Stefan Laneman and Treasurer Ben Achammer, along with other TACOS members, is enthusiastic about tackling this challenge.If not us, then who?” Buggar remarked. “I believe that if you have an idea, don’t just share it with everyone, but share it with the right people, and everything will fall into place. So, just go for it.”
For additional information on supporting the organization and becoming a member, you can visit the School of Information Technology website at IT.IllinoisState.edu.
