The u3a movement is a self-help organisation for people no longer in full time employment.
The u3a is non-religious and non-political and the aim is to provide educational, leisure and creative opportunities in a friendly environment and make lifelong learning a reality for all third agers.
Each u3a is a mutual aid organisation that operates independently and is self-funded with membership subscriptions and as a member of The Third Age Trust (the u3a national body) follows the guiding principles of the u3a movement. No payment is made to members for services rendered to any u3a and its all voluntary.
For more information on the u3a and resources available within the organisation for its members, visit u3a.org.uk
The Third Age Principle
- Membership of a u3a is open to all in their third age, which is defined not by a particular age but by a period in life in which full time employment has ceased.
- Members promote the values of lifelong learning and the positive attributes of belonging to a u3a.
- Members should do all they can to ensure that people wanting to join a u3a can do so.
The Self-help Learning Principle
- Members form interest groups covering as wide a range of topics and activities as they desire; by the members, for the members.
- No qualifications are sought or offered. Learning is for its own sake, with enjoyment being the prime motive, not qualifications or awards.
- There is no distinction between the learners and the teachers; they are all u3a members.
The Mutual Aid Principle
- Each u3a is a mutual aid organisation, operationally independent but a member of The Third Age Trust, which requires adherence to the guiding principles of the u3a movement.
- No payments are made to members for services rendered to any u3a.
- Each u3a is self-funded with membership subscriptions and costs kept as low as possible.
- Outside financial assistance should only be sought if it does not imperil the integrity of the u3a.