We are very keen to ensure that all members, prospective members and visitors continue to experience a warm welcome to the monthly meetings especially as our U3A increases in size.

 The main task of a ‘Roving Welcomer’ is to help a new, recently-joined member or visitor over that daunting experience of joining us for the first time or arriving in a crowded ‘buzzing’ hall and not seeing anyone familiar.  Meeting them at the door, pointing out where the meeting is, where to register, where to find Newsline etc and also who is who, helps them over this hurdle.  As committee members are dealing with their own particular preparatory tasks such as registration, group coordination, speakers and fees, the wider Welcomer Team’s support by helping to get the hall ready for the meeting, preparing and serving refreshments, putting up notices, laying out Newsline etc is an invaluable contribution to the success of our aim to continue as a friendly welcoming U3A.  New members will be given badges with a spot in the corner so that you can see at a glance that they are fairly new. They are encouraged to remove the spot when they feel comfortable!
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 Welcomers are encouraged to support by wearing a ‘Welcomer – here to help’ sash which are available near the Sports Hall Entrance then to:
  • greet people as they arrive at the door
  • direct people to registers or ‘new membership’ table
  • explain procedures to new members (as necessary) - format of meetings, organisation of room and circulation etc
  • point out committee members and officers reminding members to pick up Newsline.
 
During the time before the formal meeting starts, during the refreshment break and after the meeting all Welcomers can help by:
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  • talking to new members/visitors- especially if they are looking ‘lost’ (newly joined members have a blue spot on their badge)
  • explaining group sheets- encouraging them to consider joining by noting the contact number for the group leader
  • making sure they are introduced to people
  • sitting next to someone who looks lonely
  • making sure people feel included.
  • (being always mindful that some folks like to sit on their own- or reflect quietly!​