Hopefully, our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section will answer any queries you might have. If you'd like to join a group please contact the relevant group leader, or if you have any other questions, please contact our Groups Co-Ordinator.
CAN I JOIN MORE THAN ONE GROUP?
WHERE DO THE TEACHERS COME FROM?
Yes, as many as you like!
WHO DECIDES WHICH GROUPS ARE ON OFFER?
The members themselves. Our U3A has a committee that endeavours to ensure that our affairs run smoothly, and one of the committee members is our ‘Groups Coordinator’, with the job of providing help in setting up groups, finding suitable locations, and so on. But the committee doesn’t decide which groups will be offered. All groups come about as a result of members expressing an interest in a particular subject.
This is an important point. A basic principle of the U3A is that of ‘shared learning’. Nearly all the people who run groups are U3A members themselves and they volunteer to lead a group. For instance, the language group is run by a U3A member who is knowledgeable in the appropriate language.
But not all groups require an expert to lead them. In many cases the group leader is simply a member who volunteers to coordinate the group’s programme of meetings, and claims no more knowledge or skill than the average group member.
It’s worth mentioning that joining the U3A doesn’t mean that you will be expected to be a group leader; only a small proportion of members are group leaders.
IF I JOIN A GROUP, WILL I BE EXPECTED TO DO WORK BETWEEN GROUP MEETINGS?
You will never be forced to do anything. Whether you do things between meetings depends on the type of group, and the time that you are able to give to it. For instance, if you join a foreign language group it makes sense to practise what has been covered in the group meeting. The group leader may in fact suggest some ‘homework’ and obviously you will learn more quickly if you find the time to do it. Other groups, such as Book Reading, involve doing some private reading and bringing your opinions to discussion at the next meeting. Still other groups may involve members being advised to do some background exploration of a subject in advance of a talk or discussion to be held later.
In some groups the members take turns to give a presentation or host a session. But such presentations or sessions are always voluntary, and you certainly won’t be pressurised into giving one if you don’t feel able to.
WHAT IF MEMBERS OF A GROUP HAVE WIDELY VARYING ABILITIES OR KNOWLEDGE?
It depends on the subject. In some cases this does not matter at all (those with knowledge share it with those who haven’t), but in other cases this can be relevant. The Group Leader can give advice on whether the group is suitable for you, given your existing knowledge.
WHERE ARE THE GROUP MEETINGS HELD?
HOW DO I JOIN A GROUP?
In variety of places. Small groups often hold their meetings in houses, sometimes the home of the group leader, sometimes the homes of group members on a rotational basis. Bigger groups often use a hired hall in Dilton Marsh or Edington. Much depends on the resources needed. A large group may require special facilities and this will limit the range of suitable locations. But there’s usually no trouble getting to meetings; members often share transport, and those without a car will nearly always be able to get a lift with another member.
It’s best first of all to have a word with the relevant Group Leader. She or he will explain how the group operates, such as confirming when and where the group meets, how the meetings are organised, and what the current programme of meetings involves. You should be able to assess whether the group in question seems to fit the bill.
WHAT IF I’M NOT SURE WHETHER A GROUP IS FOR ME?
WHAT IF THE GROUP I WANT TO JOIN IS FULL?
You will be more than welcome to attend a group session a couple of times, to see if it is suitable for you.
This can happen. Some groups are very popular. But there is often a way round the problem. Sometimes a group splits into two, with each sub-group meeting at a different time. Or maybe two groups are formed with slightly different aims or skills, e.g. a beginners’ group and a more advanced group. In some cases the problem is solved simply by moving to a more spacious location. But in a few cases it’s possible that a waiting list will have to be formed.
WHAT IF THERE ISN’T A GROUP THAT CATERS FOR MY SPECIAL INTEREST?
We are always on the lookout to start up new groups, and it’s possible that your interest is shared by others.
The first step is to contact the Groups Coordinator or Committee to find out if the subject or activity has already been suggested by others. Usually the next step is to put out feelers at a monthly meeting, or to phone people who might be interested in joining you. If sufficient people express an interest, it’s a short step to getting the new group off the ground. The Groups Coordinator will advise on suitable times and places to hold your meetings, and there’s also some start-up money available if resources are needed. Putting forward an idea for a new group doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have to be the group leader; someone else may be willing to do this. Another possibility, when numbers are modest, is for the members of two nearby U3As to get together to form a viable group.
Page text last edited: 20/08/2024