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.