Jeff Woelker : Chicago SEO, SEM, and Social Media Consultant

This last weekend, I had the pleasure of volunteering with Chicago Cares for an adult computer education class at Ella Flagg Young School on Chicago’s west side. Several of us showed up to help teach basic computer skills, internet browsing, and Excel to some more advanced users. I ended up tutoring two women who couldn’t have been nicer if they had tried. I haven’t seen anyone that excited about Excel in such a long time. It definitely made me laugh and smile. Working in online marketing, it’s easy to become cynical and think “Oh, everyone knows about LinkedIn” or Twitter or Digg or etc. etc.

Well let me tell you, there are people – LOTS of really great people who are out there that know very little about things you and I take for granted everyday – Google, email, Microsoft Office, paying your bills online, and so much more. But there is hope. You can help them. Chicago Cares, Chicago Volunteer, and even Craigslist have lots of opportunities for you to spread the wealth of knowledge you carry with you each day.

I’ve volunteered at the Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic before and, although worthwhile, it was nothing compared to the excitement these folks showed at, what I consider, some of the most common tasks. I’m headed back on November 8th and you’re more than welcome to join me. I think the class next time will be much larger and we’ll need more help. Email me or leave a comment for more info.