U3A NETWORK CANTERBURY.
NEWSLETTER #2
Oct 2011
Update on Progress U3A Network Canterbury 13 October 2011
This report is to let all our network members know where we are at, after the earthquakes which have
somewhat disrupted our progress.
The last information we sent out stated our intention to cancel the July 2011 meeting and schedule it for
September 2011. The Executive group, Liz Taylor, Jo Lord and Lee Morgan met and decided to further
delay/cancel our meetings for 2011 and hold them over until third week in March.
Unfortunately, Lee has been in and out of the city renting where available and therefore, unavailable.
I am sure you will understand as many of you may well have been in the same situation.
Although we have cancelled all meetings for this year, the executive members, as listed above, continue to
have contact to keep the basics going. It is really disappointing that the progress of the network has been
so limited – however – we have still managed to make some progress on behalf of the network.
Most of you will be aware that Nelson U3A made us a very generous offer to host a group of U3Aers from
“Quakeland” to visit Nelson for an R&R session at the end of October/November.
The committee took up this offer on your behalf and organized the event from the Christchurch end while
Nelson has done all the planning for their end. Those who put their names forward will have received
notification of the topics and events arranged for them in Nelson. It is a stunning programme and the 60+
who are enrolled will certainly have a marvelous time.
We have extended our thanks to Nelson for their tremendous offer of hospitality, generosity and U3A
spirit! A great example of the ‘working’ network!
IDEAS AND ACTIVITIES FOR 2012
Our network maintains, sustains and promotes the Guidelines and Principles of the U3A movement.
We support and help develop new groups to start up.
Writing of a “Guidelines for Setting up a New U3A Group” and support the new groups ‘own’ way of
doing things.
Support for an “English Model” of U3A being started as well as maintain the “French Model”.
We co-host, co-ordinate, initiate conferences, new groups and support for member groups.
Each Network Council member needs to define their role, and establish the protocol of information - who
receives what, and how is it dealt with, eg emails from other U3A groups.
We can have a constitution, if the members agree, although it is not necessary to have such, but it is
suggested this be put on hold for 2 years until the network (and the city) stabilizes. In the meantime
council members should consult with their individual U3A committees how they wish to be represented
on the council, eg a committee member, ad hoc member, former president, etc.
It is suggested that an ETHICS group be added to council membership.
How will our group be structured and how will we elect membership
Discussions around what we DON’T DO! Eg out of scope work, politics, research (depends on what it is
and what it does) – there will be other suggestions. What we don’t do is somewhat harder to define,
therefore, it may be a case by case scenario. It is not the role of the network to interfere in other U3A
activities unless it compromises the Network.
Setting up the website is critical to the Network’s development both within Canterbury and across the rest
of New Zealand. Urgent discussions are needed to support the further development of the Website. As
the webmaster of the last few years has resigned, Jo lord is continuing a search for a new person. It is
now four years since we first mooted this proposal and we must move on. Do any other members know
of a suitable person who could take on this position – please talk to Jo Lord.
Number of meetings a year (4) with two email meetings.
Next meeting: 19 March 2012
Lee Morgan, Liz Taylor, Jo Lord
Venue: to be advised