You will have seen from recent newsletters that I have been asking for members to step forward and join our Committee. I am writing to you individually now to explain the background to this request that so far has produced just one confirmed recruit. This takes the current total of Committee members to nine.
Of these nine, four will leave the Committee after our next AGM in November in accordance with our constitution, and cannot stand for re-election.
Our constitution provides that the Committee shall consist of not less than five members, including four honorary officers – chairman, vice-chairman, secretary and treasurer. (in fact we have not had anyone elected as v-c for some time, or as secretary since last November).
While legally we could continue with a Committee of five it is our unanimous opinion that this would not be practically viable. Apart from the designated officers other Committee members undertake specific roles as membership secretary, webmaster, groups co-ordinator(s) and educational visits organiser. In our view we need at least eight Committee members to function effectively, and more if we are to expand activities such as study days and more social events.
You probably belong to an interest group or two and may feel by doing so you are already helping. However to see how this fits into the running of the whole organisation we are planning to run for those interested a coffee morning or afternoon tea event in May 2023 to explain directly the history and structure of the u3a – both locally and nationally – and at which Committee members will talk about their roles. Please email secretary@cw-u3a.org.uk by April 11th if you might be interested in coming along so we can start planning and booking a venue. This will not commit you to anything though of course we hope you will be encouraged to join the Committee*, or perhaps the Really Useful Group of members willing to help on a less formal basis.
If we are still unable to form a viable Committee going forward we shall have to examine alternative options. For example this could mean merging with another local u3a, and ceasing to exist as an independent operation. As a Committee we want to avoid this and we hope you do as well, but the importance of the situation cannot be stressed enough and we look forward to receiving your continued support and suggestions.
*Committee membership involves:
- acting as a Trustee of Chorleywood u3a – a registered charity (this is not onerous and principally means agreeing on responsible use of our finances led by the treasurer)
- undertaking a specific role defined by agreement between the Committee and individual committee member
- attending approximately nine Committee meetings p.a. (as available)
- attending monthly meetings when available
- attending Committee social events – Summer Cream Tea/Christmas lunch
David Griggs
Chairman, Chorleywood u3a
