b) Types of meetings
This list is not exhaustive but illustrates various ways many groups have organised themselves.
- Book club – a book is agreed upon, group members take it in turn to read a chapter and report back to the group.
- Speaker based – inviting outside speakers to address the group.
- Project based – a project is chosen, each person (or pair) allocated an area of research which they bring to the group.
- Shared Learning Projects - these are opportunities to work on short term projects with other U3As or outside organisations. They usually involve research and have a definite outcome.
- Discussion groups– a topic is chosen for the next meeting for members to conduct their own research and report back
- Virtual – using Zoom or a similar app makes it possible for speakers from all over the country to ‘come’ and speak. It’s also a low carbon option as no one travels anywhere!!
- Hybrid meetings - meetings both face-to-face and virtual are possible, although the technology is a little tricky (see guidance Hybrid)
- Site visits/outings - a great way for members to spend time together and see things out 'in the real world' (ideal for summer months).
- Some examples of how other groups have operated can be found in the Case Study section on the Toolkit menu
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