The Aims and Objectives of U3A Communities.
PRINCIPLES
U3A Communities recognises and abides by the principles established by Peter Laslett, founder of the University of the Third Age:
“The University shall consist of a body of persons who undertake to learn and to help others learn. Those who teach shall also learn and those who learn shall also teach.”
OBJECTIVES
For members to develop and enrich their intellectual, cultural and aesthetic lives and make effective and satisfying use of their leisure time by providing free and practical online methods and resources.
To create an online institution (u3acommunities.org) where as much as possible of the activity is voluntary, offered freely between members and where any member can teach or learn.
To organise U3A Communities to support ‘knowledge for knowledge’s sake’. To enable members to learn, gain skills and develop interests for their own sake with no reference to qualifications, awards or personal advancement.
MANAGEMENT
U3A Communities operates as a website with interest groups. It is managed by a committee called ‘The Steering Group’, which consists of between 5 and 9 members, who are normally leaders of at least one of the Interest Groups.
If a member of the Steering Group retires, resigns or dies and this reduces the committee to less than 5 members, the remaining members of the Steering Group may choose a replacement from suitably qualified or interested members. If any of the Steering Group object to the nomination the suggested candidate will be excluded.
The Steering Group may appoint officers where necessary, including a Chairperson. The terms and length of office shall be decided as appropriate.
The Steering Group will meet at least quarterly, using Zoom, or other technology which may become available.
Group leaders will report to the Steering Committee at least quarterly.
Until adequate instantaneous translation facilities are available at reasonable cost, the Steering Group will use English for its meetings.
FUNDING
No subscriptions are payable but the Steering Group may appeal to members for contributions to support running costs if necessary.
WEBSITE
A Webmaster will be appointed by the Steering Group to update and manage the website u3acommunities.org and other appropriate sites. The Webmaster will monitor website performance with search engines, functionality, speed and design, keep track of content and appoint assistants if appropriate.
Website users recognise that others have the right to a different opinion. Any posts which are abusive or disrespectful of normal good taste and decency will be removed without notice, although there is a right of appeal to the Steering Group.
Groups may be formed on any topic approved by the Steering Group. The Steering Group, on the advice of the Webmaster, reserves the right to remove any Group which appears to be inactive or whose activities appear contrary to the principles of the organisation, after giving one calendar months’ notice to the Leader.
Each Group will have a Leader who is responsible for arranging the Group Programme and for contacting members and potential members. However, any member of the Steering Group may, with the consent of the Group Leader, share Group activities with appropriate members and groups.
CLOSURE
In the event of closure of the site, any funds remaining shall be donated to the International Committee of the Red Cross.