Q. Does a group need an expert or a teacher?

A. No. There is no need to worry that you may not have enough knowledge because the whole principle of the u3a is that we learn together. Obviously, for some subjects it would be good to have someone with skills to share, but it is not necessary. There are many other ways to discover information, including material published for your subject by the u3a, which the Group Liaison Officer (GLO) can help you with.

Q. How many people are required to form a group?

A. There is no minimum number - even two or three people can make a group if there is a shared interest to explore. The optimum size for any group really depends on the subject.

Q. How do I get started?

A. Inform the GLO. At a General Meeting, place a piece of paper on one of the tables and ask for people to jot down their names, phone numbers and email addresses to show their interest (the GLO can help with this). Also, ask Publicity to make a poster for the display boards and the Web Manager to put a notice on the website.

Q. What is the next step?

A. If there are enough people to start the group, telephone or email them to tell them about the first meeting – at a time and place of your choosing.

Q. Who decides where, when and how often the group meets?

A. This will be up to the group members and Group Contact. Very often a group meets in a member’s house and that is convenient because it's free. A small charge can be made if refreshments are provided. Other groups may need to use a suitable venue which may involve a small hire charge, or need to make arrangements for outside visits. Outside visits usually include car sharing and a mileage charge can be arranged. Be open to suggestions and try to agree an exciting way to begin. The GLO can help with information if needed.

Q. Does it require a huge commitment from me?

A. Our u3a stresses the need for everyone to help out. There are many ways to organise this and it can include members taking it in turns to organise the session, host the meeting, make bookings, find material, keep records, produce material for the website or any other jobs which can be delegated. However, all groups do need a contact person. That is the person who will keep e-mail addresses and telephone numbers so that members can be notified of events and who will accept phone calls and messages from members who need to be in touch. The good thing is that this organisation can be agreed between the members and every group will run in its own way.