Getting involved and making a difference in our communities is not new for u3as.

Here are some examples:

• u3a members attended COP26 in Glasgow in 2021 and held awareness-raising workshops on an electric bus (see photo)
• What started out as a survey of local high streets led to Barnsley u3a members connecting with their area’s history and feeding into the vision for Its future.
• North Down and Ards u3a in the North West are members of 'Rubbish Friends', a community initiative whereby the group meets regularly to clearn up rubbish hotspots and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Members want to have more of an influence on community and national issues. Our interactive training provides information about the legal aspects and risks of taking action, introduces the diverse ways to create change in our communities, shares some u3a examples and provides participants with the opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss how they might take action. To date, 82% of participants have rated this training as excellent or very good, so don't miss it!

Upcoming Training 

Dates for the next introductory session for u3a members who would like to have more of an influence in their community and take part in social action will be advertised soon.

Request a workshop 

We are also happy to discuss organising additional online or in-person workshops where requested by a Region, Network or u3a. If you would like an in-person session, we request a minimum of 50 attendees and that the workshop is promoted widely and open for all in a local area to attend. As the session is 2 hours long it would work best as a session part of an already organised day. The Trust will cover travel expenses for the Trainers, however any additional costs e.g. room hire, refreshments will need to be covered by the host u3a, network or Region.  

To request a workshop please complete the workshop request form at the bottom of the workshops webpage.

The issues u3as choose to take action on may be very diverse and range in purpose and nature of activities.

Taking action and working across the political spectrum with policy makers are all legitimate and valuable activities for the Trust and u3as more broadly to take part in. However, it is vital that we follow high standards of good practice.

This checklist provides a series of questions for consideration so that u3as can make an informed assessment for each activity.