The committee is keen to involve as many members as possible in the smooth running of our u3a. The sorts of roles that you may wish to consider are below. Appropriate training will be provided, all you really need is enthusiasm and the time to help us make a difference for the benefit of all our members.
- Membership database
Assisting our membership secretary with the many administrative and practical tasks associated with maintaining our membership database (we have more than 1200 members). This obviously involves helping new members join and existing members with the yearly renewal process
- Finance team
Supporting our treasurer with the effective management and accounting of our finances. Volunteers do not necessarily require a financial background but should have a good attention to detail. Current tasks involved are e.g. inputting invoices into the finance system.
- Committee/Trustee
Our u3a is a registered charity and is run by a committee of trustees. The role is to oversee on behalf of all members that our u3a is being managed in an open, fair and efficient manner. If you have ever been a school governor this would prepare you well for the role, however, whatever your level of experience you will be given an appropriate induction. There are monthly trustee meetings.
- Website Review
We will be reforming the website review team. Their primary responsibility will be to enhance our website and ensure its accessibility, functionality and relevance. We are seeking volunteers who possess not only strong IT skills but also the ability to provide input from the perspective of a ‘naïve’ user—individuals who may not have extensive technical expertise.
- Welcoming new members
Our membership continues to grow and so on a regular basis we hold new member coffee mornings. Also at all events we like to ensure that new members, who may not know anyone, are welcomed warmly and introduced to others. The role of our “meet & greet” volunteers is an important one at all of our meetings.
- Post delivery team
Not all members use email and so on occasion we need to deliver updates, documentation etc. Our postal delivery team are the foot soldiers who deliver these to our members
- Assistance at events
This can involve many roles e.g. table/chair moving, stewarding, making refreshments etc. The key skills needed here are enthusiasm and flexibility
- Event organising
The committee regularly organise all sorts of events and would be pleased to hear from anyone who would be interested in being part of a team organising events
- Group Leadership
The core of our u3a are the group leaders that we have, they, of course, organise many varied and interesting groups. As we increase our membership we need more group leaders; the role is not as daunting as you may think. All group leaders receive the training and support they need.
- Identifying guest-speakers
We are always looking for interesting and entertaining guest speakers for our monthly members meetings. If you have any ideas for who we might invite please let us know and our events coordinator will follow it up with you
- Library duty
Every 2 weeks on a Wednesday morning we need volunteers to be available at Sandbach Library to deal with any questions/take payments from existing and new members. As with all roles appropriate training and support will be given.
If you’d like to discuss getting more involved please contact Ken Talbot (volunteers@sandbachu3a.org.uk) who will arrange for the right person to contact you.
