What does the Really Useful Group (RUG) Do?

In simple terms we do really useful things

Our u3a can only run through the dedication and hard work of many volunteers. There are numerous possible roles, and we do welcome new volunteers to join us. Volunteering is sociable, occasionally chaotic and often comes with rewards you didn't expect.

For Example

• Membership database

Assisting our membership secretary with the many administrative and practical tasks associated with maintaining our membership database (we have more than 1300 members). This obviously involves helping new members join and existing members with the yearly renewal process.

• Finance team

Supporting our treasurer with the effective management and accounting of our finances. Volunteers do not necessarily require a financial background but should have a good attention to detail. Current tasks involved are e.g. inputting invoices into the finance system.

• Committee/Trustee

Our u3a is a registered charity and is run by a committee of trustees. The role is to oversee on behalf of all members that our u3a is being managed in an open, fair and efficient manner. If you have ever been a school governor this would prepare you well for the role, however, whatever your level of experience you will be given an appropriate induction.  There are monthly trustee meetings.

• Website Review

We have a website review team. Their primary responsibility is to enhance our website and ensure its accessibility, functionality and relevance. We are seeking volunteers who maybe possess strong IT skills and others who have the ability to provide input from the perspective of a ‘naïve’ user — individuals who may not have extensive technical expertise. Both would be very welcome.

• Welcoming new members

Our membership continues to grow and so on a regular basis we hold new member coffee mornings. Also at all events we like to ensure that new members, who may not know anyone, are welcomed warmly and introduced to others. The role of our “meet & greet” volunteers is an important one at all of our meetings.

• Post delivery team

Not all members use email and so on occasion we need to deliver updates, documentation etc. Our postal delivery team are the foot soldiers who deliver these to our members.

• Assistance at events

This can involve many roles e.g. table/chair moving, stewarding, making refreshments etc. The key skills needed here are enthusiasm and flexibility.

• Event organising

The committee regularly organise all sorts of events and would be pleased to hear from anyone who would be interested in being part of a team organising events.

• Group Leadership

The core of our u3a are the group leaders that we have, they, of course, organise many varied and interesting groups. As we increase our membership we need more group leaders; the role is not as daunting as you may think. All group leaders receive the training and support they need.

• Identifying guest-speakers

We are always looking for interesting and entertaining guest speakers for our monthly members meetings. If you have any ideas for who we might invite please let us know and our events' coordinator will follow it up with you.

• Library duty

Every 2 weeks on a Wednesday morning (the 2nd & 4th Wednesday each month) we need volunteers to be available at Sandbach Library to deal with any questions/take payments from existing and new members. As with all roles appropriate training and support will be given.

This is not an exhaustive list as new tasks and projects appear all the time; these may be for a couple of hours or involve regular commitments – it’s your choice.

What skills do I need?

All you need is to be willing to help out others in whatever way suits you. Appropriate training will be given if needed for the role.

How often will the group meet?

The group will meet once a quarter with group leader Ken Talbot who will give an update on activities and talk about future plans that the Trustee Committee have. This is an important way that volunteers can feed back their ideas and any issues to the Trustees. The volunteer roles happen throughout the month/year.

How can you find out more?

Contact Ken by email on volunteers@sandbachu3a.org.uk or come along to one of the Sunday Tea and Cake sessions at the Wesley Centre. Ken will be keen to learn about your interests, experience and skills to make sure we find the perfect role for you.