Page 29 - voices November

platforms, and modalities that I had been hesitant Pathways on the computer or simply refuses to
to explore before. But for those that find no use try it, how about you offer to be their computer-
for a computer—those that have no need for buddy? Offer to take over the interaction with

technology in their everyday life—Pathways is the website, print out the projects, and help them
a bridge too far. become more comfortable with Pathways. If
I agree that electronic communication is the they agree, you will keep a valuable member in
way of the world. I also see that there is something your club, you will help them manage change,

missing when we forget to speak face to face. I and you will deepen your connection with each
think we lose perspective on our own humanity other. That is a win-win in my book.
when we stop connecting with other humans. My
own opinion is that many of the social media

platforms don’t actually connect people. They
can help us stay informed about the goings on The number one benefit of
in others lives, but that isn’t connection. That is
why I value Toastmasters—it is connection. information technology is

For those that embrace technology, Pathways
is often more accessible and intuitive. At a recent that it empowers people to
training, a new club member shared how she
hasn’t had any issues with Pathways. She’s been do what they want to do.

accessing Pathways on her phone (yes, we can
now do that!) and interacting with the website It lets people be creative.
to do her program. She has not encountered the
hurdles many others have. It lets people be productive.

“Why do you think you are so comfortable
with Pathways?” I asked her. It lets people learn things
“I don’t know. The site makes sense to me.
Once I figured out where stuff was, I was good. they didn’t think they

And I do it on my phone because I use my phone
for everything.” could learn before, and so
She is proficient with technology because that
is the world she grew up in. The computer is her in a sense it is all about

phone. Pathways fits into her world and helps
her fill a need she’s identified: how to get better potential.
at communication and leadership.
If you have a club member who hates doing —Steve Ballmer

VOICES! |NOVEMBER 2018 29