Starting a New Group
Want to start a new group? If you have an interest, a skill or some specific knowledge (i.e. fluent Greek!) that you would like to share with others, this is what U3A Groups are all about. Here’s how to go about it.
Decide on your area of interest.
Think about where the group would meet. Most meet in members’ homes, but some are out of doors (like bird watching) or need a special venue (like painting or sports).
Decide on a maximum number for the group, depending on the venue. No minimum - just 3 or 4 people is fine.
Think about any costs involved – usually none, or minimal but grants from the Branch may be available for equipment or other one-off outgoings to get a new group going.
Decide what time and day suits you best – but check the groups already running (on the chart) and try not to clash with anything similar.
Let the Group Co-Ordinator, or any Committee Member, know of your plans. We can then publicise your group and give support to start it running. We can make leaflets to give out, and put it on our website and in the Newsletter.
The Group Leader (it doesn’t have to be you!) needs to keep simple records in an exercise book or similar of the group’s members and attendance, plan sessions with help and agreement from the others, plus keep basic records of any monies involved. It is also advisable to keep members' contact details in case of emergency.
It is fun, stretches your ability, you learn a great deal and should make good friends. So give it a go!
It’s never too late to learn.
A list of U3A Subject Advisers can be found in the Third Age Matters publication and on the U3A website at www.U3A.org.uk together with a list of Subject Start-up Leaflets.
If you do not have web access you can always contact one of the Committee.