The Role of a Group Convenor
WHAT’S IN A NAME? Are you a tutor? Are you a facilitator? Are you a coordinator? Are you a convenor? Are you a leader? These are the most often used titles in U3A circles and the choice is only important in so far as they tend to indicate a function. A ‘tutor’ is usually expected to teach, a ‘facilitator’ to provide, a ‘convenor’ may simply call the group together, a ‘coordinator’ has expectations that the group members will take an active role, and the group members expect a ‘leader’ to take the initiative. Whatever you decide to call yourself, the important thing is that you and the group arrive at a clear and shared understanding of how you intend to be and what you intend to do, because the chances are that you will be all of these some of the time.
But not all of the time!
The key tasks are:
- Arrange the date, time and place for meetings of your Group. Help may be given to find a suitable location by the Groups Coordinator if necessary.
- Maintain a list of Group members.
- Check that all members of your Group are paid-up members of Skelmanthorpe & District U3A.
- Co-ordinate the activities of the Group, in collaboration with the members.
- Act as a contact point between your Group and the Committee.