The benefit of sharing skills with u3a
u3a is a member-led organisation, with members running interest groups, sitting on local u3a committees, amplifying the voices of local u3as as Council members and shaping the direction of the u3a movement as Board members. As such, volunteering is key to the u3a ethos - without members volunteering to share their skills, time and enthusiasm, the u3a would be unable to thrive.
The volunteering ethos within u3a means that new members aren't limited by the groups that currently exist at their local u3a. There is always the option to start a new one. That's exactly what Halstead u3a member Jane did after a mountain flying course in Germany left her with the desire to scrub up her German language skills. She says, "I looked round for German classes and decided to check out the local u3a. There was no German group. Keine Probleme. I started one. I enjoy it because it is constructive learning where we can have a laugh and everybody is gaining.”
At Elmbridge u3a, member Lina leads Italian groups. She says, "It gives me a lot of satisfaction and the enthusiasm of the groups is very encouraging. It is such a musical language therefore much loved."
Sharing skills isn't just limited to leading interest groups. Dulwich & District u3a member Caroline was involved with Dulwich & District u3a from the start as a membership secretary. She now helps to coordinate interest groups. She says, "When I heard that a new u3a might be forming in my own area, I was absolutely delighted—I couldn’t wait to be part of it. What began with just a handful of like-minded people has grown into a thriving local community. Through Dulwich & District u3a, I’ve met so many wonderful people—some familiar faces from other local groups, and others I might never have crossed paths with otherwise."
She continues, "Volunteering is at the heart of who I am. I get a real buzz from being involved, from connecting with others, and from helping things run smoothly. Being a volunteer with u3a has given me purpose, connection, and joy—and I wouldn’t have it any other way."
Belper u3a member Ann enjoys being able to share her skills by volunteering to help with national u3a activites, including u3a matters magazine and the recent u3a essay competition. Explaining why she volunteers with u3a, she says, "I felt I had a skill - a professional qualification in copy editing and proof reading - that the u3a might be able to use. I copy edited u3a matters for a while. It was this same skill, plus 51 years of marking for an exam board and chairing an exam subject committee for part of that time, that lead to an invitation to be a judge for the essay competition."
Whatever your skills, share them with your u3a - talk to your u3a committee about how you can get involved.
Find out about opportunities to support the u3a movement nationally as a Trust Volunteer on the Volunteering page.