Organisation of Dorchester u3a

The Third Age Trust, u3a’s national body, provides advice on structure and roles.  As an affiliate of the Third Age Trust, Dorchester u3a must abide by its terms and conditions.  Dorchester u3a organisation is based on this advice and guidance as well as its constitution (see Constitution page).

Groups

We are organised primarily by interest group.  Each of our activities and topics has a group organised by a group leader (or contact).  The shape and size of a group depends on the type of activity.  Groups may chose to have a deputy group leader and other roles where helpful.  Any Dorchester u3a member may join a group as long as the group isn’t full.  The group leader decides on maximum numbers for the group and will keep a waiting list if full.

New groups are formed when there is interest from members in an activity or topic and there is a volunteer willing to take the group leader role.

​The primary link between group leaders and the committee is via the Groups Coordinator.

Committee

We have a committee to help keep the u3a running effectively.  The roles and names of committee members are show on the Contacts page.  
The committee is responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction, financial stability, administration and sustainability of Dorchester u3a, and upholding the u3a guiding principles.  The committee responsibility includes:

• Ensuring the U3A has maximum impact for its members. 
• Making sure new members are welcomed and supported and understand the ethos and self-help nature of the organisation
• Establishing all possible methods to achieve the best level of communication possible between the committee and the members. 
• Providing support to groups; initiating new groups where there is demand and a volunteer willing and able to be group leader.
• Deciding on the use of funds and ensuring financial transparency.
• Liaison with National and regional u3a organisations

The committee generally meets monthly.

AGM

The Annual General Meeting is the one formal meeting of the year to which all members are invited.  The purpose of the AGM is to:

• ​Keep members informed
• Give members a voice
• Enable committee elections to take place
• Enable acceptance of the annual report and accounts.

Any decision requiring a vote of members rather than committee members is covered by the AGM (or interim Special General Meeting). Any member may submit resolutions (proposed and seconded) for discussion at the AGM.

Third Age Trust

There are in excess of 1,000 u3a groups in the UK.  The Third Age Trust is the u3a’s national coordinating body.  It purpose is to:

• Facilitate the growth of the U3A movement.
• Provide support for management and learning in U3As.
• Raise the profile of the U3A movement.
• Promote the benefits of learning in later life through self-help learning.

As well as setting standards and guidelines for u3as, the Third Age Trust provides learning resources and advice for members as well as support for the running of u3as.

We network with u3as  in West Dorset through membership of the South West Region.
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More detail on the Third Age Trust and the South West Region can be found on their websites.  See Links.