written by Deborah Martin, improved by Claude AI
Come for the computers, stay for the friendships
When a computer club I belonged to closed after COVID, I thought that might be the end of it. Yet several years later, a core group of about twenty former members still meet for lunch every few months. The classes stopped, but the friendships didn’t.
That’s the real power of our computer clubs. Yes, we’re here to learn about technology, but we’re also here to belong.
Online learning is easy to access, but you’re learning on your own. TAFE and community college classes are face to face, but there’s less opportunity to get to know your fellow learners over time.
At Computer Pals for Seniors The Hills, we deliberately make time to connect. Every class has a tea break in the middle, and we hold monthly member meetings plus occasional social lunches and excursions. Our special interest groups bring together members who share a passion for family history or artificial intelligence. Some members have been with us for more than 25 years, since the club began in 1998, and they still come to member meetings to catch up with friends.
Computer clubs offer a safe, friendly place where seniors not only learn the skills they need but also join a community of people with shared interests and life experience.
What does community look like at your club? We’d love to hear your stories.