Growing up in the beginning of the technology age, I quickly realized how important an impact technology was going to have on society.  At the time, computers were more of a novelty than anything else, and access to them was very exclusive.  My school did not have computers.  I only had access to a computer that I saved up my paper route money and purchased.  Many of my classmates did not have computers at home.  

As the years have passed, access to technology has become much more widespread than most of us would ever have imagined.  However, access to reliable technology is still not as prevalent as you might think.  Many schools and non-profit organizations still struggle with not having enough desktops/laptops, or aging desktops/laptops, or not having reliable network infrastructure.  On the flip side, many companies and individuals have struggled with disposing of technology assets, that are still quite serviceable. Being able to see both sides of the equation, as well as having access to good technical resources that share this same vision, is why I am part of the Educational Technology Foundation of WNY.  In the end, schools and the non-profit organizations get a very tangible benefit, with greater access to technology.  Volunteers get a "feel-good' benefit from applying their knowledge and skills to help others.  I derive great satisfaction from seeing another generation of young people get access to technology, which they may not have had otherwise, and that is the core reason I am proud to be a part of this organization.

~ Dave Rhoads