Below you will find links to downloadable templates for planning your event, branded publicity materials and links to local councils and other groups to help create u3a week momentum.
If you have any queries, do get in touch. Email us at
Resources
Use the links below to download a template for a u3a Week planner and u3a Week press release template.
Publicity Materials
The u3a Brand Centre has a range of dynamic banners, posters, and leaflets ready to print or order, plus digital and customisable assets and u3a merchandise that you can buy to promote your event.
If you choose to create your own materials, do make sure that you are following the u3a Brand Guidelines.To access publicity materials to promote your u3a during u3a week, visit our Brand Centre.
The Brand Centre is hosted by a third party. Any member wishing to access the resources and merchandise will need to register with the u3a Brand Centre. The Brand Centre requires a separate login to the u3a website.FAQs
To help you plan a u3a week event, we've pulled together answers to questions that u3as have asked in previous years.
How can we take part in u3a Week?
There are lots of ways to get involved. u3as decide what they want to do. This can be something on your own or you can get together with nearby u3as or with one of your networks.
We hope as many u3as as possible will get involved to raise the profile of the u3a movement, to spread the word and share all of the wonderful things that membership of the u3a movement offers.
Any tips for organising it?
Do set up a u3a day working group which includes non-committee and committee members. Together you can brainstorm ideas, draw up a plan of implementation, consider how to engage your members, incorporate their skills and make use of their contacts.
How many members should we get involved?
Each u3a needs to decide but it would be wonderful if as many u3a members as possible are involved on the same day. For public outdoor events such as a Ukulele Jam in a shopping centre, the numbers may be limited by the venue. So please check first!
What could we do to raise our profile in u3a Week?
There are lots of different ideas - the more unusual and attention-grabbing the better. Some of the more popular ones include:
- An exhibition (eg Art, Cookery)
- Demonstration – interactive experience
- Performances
- Flashmob
- u3a drop-in Café with lots of posters about Interest Groups
- Yarn-bombing
- Video shared on website and YouTube
u3a members can share ideas and discussions at our dedicated closed Facebook group. Some ideas suggested here include:
- Community Clean up (be sure to contact local council/parks/highways dept)
- Art competition with a virtual and an outdoor gallery
- International Café with language groups
- Produce a cookbook
- Treasure Hunt - e.g. beachcombing or geocaching
- History walk - visit local areas of historic interest, invite those new to the area
- Trail of gardens with displays depicting interest groups
Where could we host the event?
You can host the event inside or outside or in a public venue but wherever you decide to be, make sure you are following Health and Safety guidance and advice. For Insurance and other advice such as music licences go to the advice area on the u3a website.
How long should an event last?
It can be as short or as long as you want: morning, afternoon or all day - whatever your members feel they can contribute and you can support.
Who should we invite to our event?
Involving your local community will help raise the profile of your u3a so we suggest you could offer an article to local press/media and volunteer to be interviewed on local radio.
Why not send invitations to leading local or regional figures like council leaders, mayor and MPs, anyone who is important to your area – Lord Lieutenant, popular personalities – not forgetting Chairs and CEOs in age-related organisations like Age UK.
How do we get ourselves noticed on the week?
Develop contacts and keep in touch with your local press, local radio, regional TV, community websites, local social media channels and websites.
On the day, make full use of the u3a colours and make sure you have lots of information and publications to give out (and volunteer members to do that) so that people can learn more about your u3a.