How to celebrate volunteering in your u3a

Volunteers’ Week, taking place this year between Monday 2 – Sunday 8 June, is an annual celebration of the impact that volunteers make to charities and local communities. Some u3as use it as an opportunity to thank the members who volunteer in specific roles. Here are some ideas from u3as across the UK.

Host a lunch for group leaders

Sidmouth u3a member Janet talks about the yearly lunch they hold to thank group leaders.

Sidmouth u3a had always had a thank you luncheon for group leaders for as long as I've been a member and I think for many years before that. It's always a popular day, although not everyone can make it. We always try to plan it for the fifth week of the month in a 31-day month so that there are no groups meeting on that day.

It's fairly easy to organise. I was Groups Coordinator for three years and chose a local venue, discussed the menu and went back to the committee with the information and a suggested date. We still do it the same way and it's usually the Group Coordinator that plans it, although it's a bit easier now with the help of Beacon.

The Group Leaders who attend enjoy the day. They like being acknowledged for what they do. I think it's very important to acknowledge volunteers for their time, effort and energy.

We also have coffee mornings occasionally for Group Leaders, not just to thank them, but also to pass on information. We also have training sessions for them about anything new, (like Beacon).

Other options could include a bring and share lunch hosted in a park or your regular meeting venue.

Hold an event for all volunteers

Havant u3a's Volunteer Tea Party

While lunches for group leaders can be very successful, Havant u3a realised that for their u3a, a different event would be needed to recognise the variety of ways members contribute. Elizabeth talks about the tea party they’ve held for a few years.

There are many people who volunteer their time to help our u3a with meeting and greeting, technical support, refreshments and catering for meetings, party and quizzes. We decided that these volunteers needed recognition and for the past five years we have been doing a Tea Party for all volunteers.

Our Groups Coordinator is responsible for organising this event. She researches venues and costs and then gets committee agreement.

Events may vary according to the venue. Normally, it takes the form of a cream tea. This year we are thinking of providing some entertainment during the tea party which might include getting some of the volunteers to do poetry reading, ukulele playing or hosting a quiz.

Volunteers are usually very appreciative. People like to be recognised and if we show appreciation for our volunteers, more might be willing to help.

Take the time to listen

Recognising volunteers doesn’t have to take the form of an event. Lymm & Thelwall u3a’s Chair Margaret shares their ethos of thanking members for their contributions to u3a all through the year.

I think thanking and celebrating u3a members is extremely important.

Every year we have a Thank You Lunch for all our members who contribute and volunteer that extra bit: Group leaders, meeters and greeters, members of working parties and support groups. Interestingly, some members have taken on extra roles after the lunch - it's all about making personal connections.

I also thank u3a members in general in my From the Chair piece at the start of every newsletter. Last year we celebrated our 35th Anniversary and many groups took part doing special activities so there were plenty of people to thank. I also highlight those who are starting new groups - we've just had four new members who joined specifically to lead a Walking Football Group. However, in the newsletter members are anonymous.

I believe that celebrating all of us is extremely important; our website is full of photos of members enjoying themselves in their groups. Our Facebook page in particular is a wonderful way to celebrate our members. We also showcase a different group each month before our monthly meeting. This month we had Needlecrafts, next month will be Shakespeare for Pleasure.

I'm in my fourth year as Groups Coordinator and my second as Chair; this means I have got to know quite a lot of our 1350 members. I try to visit as many groups as possible which has made me aware of just how talented so many of our members are.

I do my utmost to remember members' names; I know we all say we can't do it, but to be able to greet someone by name helps to make them feel valued as individuals. I'm running a session next week for group leaders on encouraging participation by members which is a direct response to requests from group leaders for support in this area. Sometimes, just taking the time to listen to members is a sufficient thank you.

More ideas for celebrating volunteers can be found on the Volunteers’ Week website.

We would love to hear about the way that your u3a celebrates volunteers, or any plans you have for this Volunteers’ Week. Get in touch with us by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..