So often members discuss not only the self-fulfilling experience of exploring new knowledge, skills, and talents, but the warm and generous atmosphere in which this takes place. Members often enrol without knowing a soul but, within a few weeks, friendships are flourishing with strangers who enjoy the same interest.
In addition to the courses, there are many other ways members connect, as shown in our Celebration site.
Volunteers also acknowledge that teamwork and cooperation fuelled the endeavours of this organisation as it continually expanded and became a more mature organisation.
Learning and friendship are the hallmarks of U3APP, as many of our members attest.
Here are some quotes from members as published in our book The story of U3APP and its people:
“I enrolled, paid my $40.00 which is the annual fee and new worlds opened for me. In my first year I was a member of the Film Group, I learned about the French in North America, I delved into what Shakespeare can tell us about the Human Condition and I studied Italian. And I discovered my tribe. I had not joined U3A to find new friends, but inevitably I did find many people with similar interests and passions and made some enduring friendships.”
“It was a very lovely atmosphere and you felt very welcome … very intimate and friendly.”
“I have been so impressed with the range of courses, the expertise and enthusiasm of the tutors, and the positive, proactive attitude of all the volunteers. It is a fantastic organisation and a tribute to the hard work of everyone involved, both front and back of house.”
“Since 2018 I have been an active participant in U3A courses, too numerous to list. I have loved the experience of being intellectually stimulated and physically stretched by very proficient and expert facilitators. I have been impressed by the welcoming atmosphere, the friendliness of fellow participants and the breadth of offerings.”
“… the warm and welcoming atmosphere at U3A and the ‘can do/must do’ attitudes of members. There is a sense of deep curiosity and a desire to learn. The contributions of members to the well-being of the local community are an added bonus.”
“In terms of successes, the goodwill of members and tutors and that overwhelming sense of assistance and friendliness created lots of good humour around the place. That led to other good things that came our way.… Successive committees have continued to attract very willing people and they have been quite progressive in that they have continued to look for the new and the challenging. I think that is another enormous strength of the organisation, which is of course now very well established.”
“U3APP is a fabulous organisation … I think it is the camaraderie of the people; most of the people live in the community and tend to know each other. Very down to earth people who have stood up for things in the past and have obviously won them.”
