Our
organisation
We are
an independent, self-help, not-for-profit organisation run by the
voluntary efforts of our members within the philosophy of the world-wide
University of the Third Age movement. “University” is used in its
original sense of people coming together to learn from one another.
“Third Age” refers to the age of active retirement. We are an
incorporated society and were founded in 1995.
Our
purpose
To
enable older people not in full-time employment to continue learning,
sharing their knowledge and research, as well as providing opportunities
for social contact.
Our
guiding principles
Our
purpose is given effect by:
1.
Providing opportunities for members to come together to learn from one
another, regarding themselves as both learners and tutors, running their
own programmes and drawing on each other’s knowledge, skills, experience
and research.
2.
Maintaining membership open to all – in respect of age, while the
majority of members are retired people, no joining age is
stipulated.
3.
Neither requiring nor awarding any qualifications.
4.
Fostering learning in a challenging, enjoyable and stimulating way, with
members participating actively in friendly and supportive
environments.
5.
Offering a wide range of traditional, contemporary, creative and leisure
activities which reflect members’ wishes.
6.
Ensuring U3A is run in a voluntary manner, with members’ participation
being encouraged, respected and valued.
7.
Where tutors are necessary, obtaining their services on a voluntary
basis from within U3A wherever possible.
8.
Inviting experts from outside U3A where specialist input is sought, is
not available in U3A and is given on a voluntary
basis.
9.
Maintaining U3A as an independent organisation run by its
members.
10.
Funding activities mainly from subscriptions of members, which are kept
at a reasonable level.
11.
Fostering good communication and a common sense
approach.
12.
Making use of new technologies which assist activities.
13.
Collaborating with local educational institutions and community
groups
14. Promoting the benefits of U3A in the local community
and other districts.