Setting up a new Group
Creating a group is easy
In theory an interest group can be formed whenever 2 or 3 members share an interest. In practice some groups will need more members just to function, or to share the costs of hiring premises or equipment.
Every group needs:
- Someone willing to act as a contact (Co-ordinator – see below)
- Somewhere to meet. This is often a member’s home for smaller groups. Larger groups often meet in community centre halls or rooms.
What you don’t need:
- Advanced expertise
- Teaching experience
- Qualifications.
Contact Group Liaison (See Committee Contacts page) for advice and help in setting up a group.
If there is enough interest we will aim to get you together at the next monthly meeting or for a coffee morning.
Courses needing special facilities and/or qualified instructors
The u3a can not directly employ instructors or trainers. (One of the rules of the Third Age Trust). However, a group can arrange for a commercial Gym, Club, etc. to run sessions for members. This requires group members to commit in advance to paying for a certain number of sessions.
All you need for a new group is 2 or more interested members, one of them prepared to act as coordinator while the group gets started. The co-ordinator does not need to be an expert, a teacher, or a leader; just willing and reasonably well organised.
The Coordinator
- keeps a record of attendance (ensures everyone is a member, and so is covered by u3a insurance)
- records any money collected and spent (e.g. for room hire)
- acts as a contact for new members
- Is not for life! Many groups change Coordinator once they are established.
See the Group Coordinator page for more info.