ILKLEY & DISTRICT u3a

The Ethos & Principles of u3a

The Ethos and Principles of u3a

The u3a movement is based on the principles of mutual aid. Ilkley & District u3a is a registered charity with no paid staff. As an Educational Co-operative there is an expectation that members will share their interests and skills.

Principles of the u3a Movement

The u3a Movement is non-religious and non-political and has three main principles:

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 movement.

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