U3A succeeds because members come together to create and run interest groups on many topics and at several levels. If you are interested in it, there is probably a group somewhere, and if there isn't - you can start one!
Here are some of the resources available beyond the Harrogate U3A. It isn't an exhaustive list, as the network is constantly evolving. (Please let the webmaster know if you have suggestions to add to this page.)
Ageing and Learning Subject Adviser
Harrogate u3a is lucky to have as a member the subject adviser for Ageing and Learning. Here is an introduction, in his own words.
"Hello everybody. My name is Jonathan Doherty and I'm a Subject Adviser for Ageing and Learning. Both these topics underpin all activities of the U3As. The "golden threads" you might say and ones I am passionate about sharing with you. Ageing, relates to changes in later life and has a wealth of research to underpin it, celebrating the creativity, adaptability and wisdom of those who have left formal education. Learning draws upon many disciplines such as psychology, neuroscience and education. Lifelong learning is actually the 4th pillar of ageing of the World Health Organisation and I believe learning is certainly for life!
I have a subject page at u3a - Subject Advice where I put up facts, information and short research pieces about both growing older with purpose and fun and that the important message that learning is for life. Most of all I'd love to get your stories! What you have learned. Any challenges you have overcome and your successes in your U3A activity. Please email me at: jonathan.doherty@subjectadviser.u3a.org.uk
Many thanks in advance and I look forward to hearing from you,
Jonathan"
Regional Website
Yorkshire and the Humber Region
This group supports the 45+ local U3As and organises events such as a summer school open to all members. It produces a newsletter, and maintains a list of recommended speakers.
Summer School
National Website
u3a for the UK
With over 1000 UK groups, and 400,000 members, this site is the hub that brings us all together.
Go to the Events page to investigate the Online Learning sessions - you can sign up for a monthly email that lets you know what is coming up. This is also the home of the U3A Podcast team, who produce a new podcast on the 17th of each month. The annual u3a week celebrations are also covered here.
Or visit the Learn section to read about Interest Groups Online. For an annual fee (£12 in 2024) you can link up with subject enthusiasts across the UK. In Learn, there are also free to access subject networks, with over 80 dedicated advisers that anyone can contact for advice on pursuing their interest. This section also runs a photography competition, u3a eye, with a new theme every two months. The stunning entries are always worth a look, even if you don't enter.
Our Impact is concerned with using U3A to influence local and national policy, such as pushing back ageism, and the Future Lives initiative. If you are an activist, you will be interested in these pages.
u3a Friends harnesses the power of local groups acting together - the newsletter shares items of interest from groups across the UK - with the added bonus of a bargain or two! Purchasing power means the Friends scheme can save you pounds on purchases you would make anyway. Even better, your friends and family can use the benefits without being a member.
There is a Members area providing information on the Board and Trustee activities. You need to set up a login to access the Members area.
u3a Matters Magazine
This magazine is posted out to all members, but you can opt out if you contact the membership secretary.
Social Media
If you use social media, try searching on u3a - you may be surprised what comes up. As well as your local Harrogate group, we know of Facebook groups on subjects like:
- Gardening
- Rocks (geology)
- Let's Talk Tech
- Keeping in Touch
- All About Food
- In My Own Write
- Craft
If you use YouTube, you can find videos and the u3a podcasts as well as explanatory videos, such as accessing the membership database, Beacon.
Website Development
If you are interested in how u3a websites work, there is a u3a SiteWorks website dedicated to supporting the u3a webmasters and other contributors. For those of a more technical bent there is a developers' forum where you can pick the brains of other WordPress coders.
Worldwide links
In Australia, there are members producing more items of interest:
- GEMS Newsletter
Collected items of general interest.
U3A Online is an individual, independent and autonomous U3A. U3A Online offers many other useful resources for older people, especially those who are geographically, physically or socially isolated.