Paddock Wood u3a
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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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  • Home
    • About us
    • Principles of the u3a Movement
    • Member Code of Conduct
    • Newsletters >
      • Past newsletters
    • Calendar
  • Events
    • Study Days
    • Meetings
    • Seminars
    • Quattro
    • Holidays
    • Theatre visits
  • Membership
    • Gift Aid
    • Membership application form
  • Groups
    • Interest groups
    • Information for group leaders
  • Contact
    • Committee
    • Welfare team
    • Webmaster
  • Governance
    • Policies and procedures
    • Health and Safety
    • AGM
  • Links
    • Kent u3a Network
    • Third Age Trust
    • South East u3a Forum