March 2022

Now that the education year is open and many general members are meeting again, either face to face or online, Network continues to hear good news - U3As tell me that enrolment numbers are above this time in 2021 and that many new members are joining as a result of local efforts and of publicity across the state. 

We all continue to monitor COVID's impacts and to adjust our COVID Safe Plans as government regulations change. I know that some U3As are experiencing local COVID outbreaks, making it even more difficult to manage and administer their program of classes and activities.  I also give special thanks to our U-MAS support team for continuing to monitor government regulations in order to make system adjustments as they are needed.

The regional meeting program starts early in March.  I and others on the Network Committee are looking forward to hearing about the start of each U3A’s year, about new ideas, and some new challenges too.  Our political workshops program, which I mentioned in the February edition of Network News, has been re-scheduled to June - July.

I have to report that the Network has decided to hold our May Presidents Briefing online again this year - avoiding travel times and costs and allowing Network to focus on content and discussions. Topics for this meeting include technology futures and strategic planning for our movement.  The meeting will be held on Wednesday, 18 May from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

I would like to conclude these notes by congratulating Janice Kelly on receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia at the Australia Day awards.  Janice is still a stalwart officer at U3A Banyule, and was also Network’s first marketing convenor for some years, starting the development of several of the marketing and ACFEB programs we still use today.

Hope to see you all at the March Council meeting on 16 March.

Susan Webster

March Members Council

U3A Network Victoria Members Council Meeting No. 136 will be held on Wednesday, 16 March 2022 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm via Zoom-based videoconferencing.
  
Please note:  You must register in advance to be able to attend this meeting.  Click on this link to register:
https://u3anetworkvictoria.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsfu6grj8uEtcS6ZGmOSoKoF3n8mhv2grh
 
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Annual Membership Levy

Member U3A Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers will be emailed information by mid Marchabout how to update membership data into the Network Member Database (NMDB).  The levy was endorsed to remain at $2.00 per full or primary member at our Annual General Meeting in September.  

Network will be hosting an information session about this year's process on Monday, 21 March at 10:00 am via Zoom:  Registration in advance is required:
https://u3anetworkvictoria.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvdOCurDstHtx07Xlnm0Rr_utZNU_maVG0 
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Photography Competition for U3As

 U3A Network Victoria is launching a photography competition for members of U3As  to ‘Show Us How You U3A!’  Let’s challenge the stereotypical images of older people we see so often in the media and in advertising – and get the word out to the Victorian community about U3As at the same time. 
 
We want to source images of U3A members being active, being social, learning, teaching, having fun and enjoying being together to use in Network’s marketing and advertising campaigns.
 
Entries that meet the following criteria will be featured in a virtual gallery space on Network’s website and may be used in other digital or hardcopy communications:

• Images must have sufficient quality for digital reproduction
• Images of people being active, engaging in something fun or interesting
• People shown in groups or pairs to emphasise the sense of community fostered by joining a U3A
• Creativity in how a scene is depicted – think interesting angles, backgrounds, close up shots of people doing things with their hands like art or using a device
• Consider diversity and inclusion in your entries
• The photographer and the subject(s) must provide a signed photography release form that gives copyright of the image to Network

 
Entries close on 29 April so start polishing those lenses, put your creative hats on and get out there to show us how you U3A. Remember – all those persons in a submitted image must consent to you to use of their image before you send it to us. 

Click on this link to download the Photography Release Form. You may submit as many images as you like, but they must be accompanied by the Form.

How to upload your entries:

1. Rename your images with your name and U3A so we know who submitted the entry - or save them into a folder that has your name and U3A on it

2. Go to our DropBox folder and upload your entries

Email us with any queries or questions.  Information about the competition is also available on Network's website here.  Please share information about this competition with your members.

Good luck and have fun!

U3A Network Victoria Marketing Subcommittee

Regional Meetings
The first round of Regional Meetings for 2022 starts in Gippsland on 1 March.  Most of the meetings in this round will be held via Zoom, although that may change as people feel more comfortable meeting face to face. The hybrid meeting model, with participants attending face-to-face and via Zoom, presents some challenges for U3As around access to a suitable venue and appropriate technology.

A reminder to please send a representative from your U3A ready to share ideas on how you do things at your U3A; what is working for you; what support you may need, and have them report back to your committee on what others in the region are doing.  Whether you are the largest or the smallest U3A in your region, your input to the meetings can spark ideas and make a huge difference to other U3As.

Network Grant
A reminder that Network is offering grants to encourage U3As to get online.  We are offering to support U3As in a range of ways to meet their specific needs.  Possible supports could include: access to a device; internet connectivity, one-on-one support to increase digital skills and so on.  U3As with little or no online engagement are invited to apply by Wednesday, 30 March 2022.  The application form can be found in the members-only section of Network’s website, the U3A Support Centre (USC).  For more information, please contact Martina on 03 9614 2657.

External Grants
A reminder that a list of external grant opportunities is available in the USC section of Network’s website.  For access to the USC, please follow this link: https://u3avictoria.org.au/invitation.  Information in the external grants section is updated regularly and is worth keeping an eye on – the first quarter of the calendar year usually sees a number of new grants become available.  Please note, the opportunities listed do not include grants offered by your local Council or from your federal or state member – it is strongly recommended you sign up for their newsletters so you will receive notice of their upcoming grants.

Links to Facebook groups
A reminder that Network has the following private Facebook groups which offer U3As a chance to ask questions, and offer or seek advice or support from other U3As.  Please click on the links to join:
Living with COVID: https://www.facebook.com/groups/938496727080141/
Marketing Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2972057023067529/
Technology Corner: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2957658941217497

Art tutors and language tutors
Network is working with art and language tutors to develop strategies to support U3A art and language classes throughout Victoria.  If tutors at your U3A would like to be involved, they can send an email to Nellie at epm@u3avictoria.org.au.
 
Science tutors
Network is working with a group of science tutors to explore how more science courses could be made available to U3As.
  
IT How To…
 
The next IT How To drop-in workshop will look at how to clear your browser history and cookies on Thursday, 10 March from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm.
 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://u3anetworkvictoria.zoom.us/j/87977900014?pwd=emtuUjdUd3NZS0N5QURHMGEwd0lWUT09
 
Meeting ID: 879 7790 0014
Passcode: 123909
 
The April topic will look at how to use the Bluetooth and wireless feature on your computer, phone and smart TV. For instance, how to get things on your phone to play on the TV. If you have a topic that you would like explained in an 'IT How to' drop-in session, email epm@u3avictoria.org.au.

Obviously sad and disturbing news, but in light of the invasion of Ukraine and the sanctions imposed by the West, Russia may retaliate with cyber-attacks across the globe.  It may be wise to update your anti-virus and general software on your computers, phones, and tablets as soon as possible.

Also, Network recommend you backup everything, including cloud-based emails, and so one, where possible for both your U3As and your own personal items.  Please be particularly vigilant of odd or suspicious emails, phone texts, and even phone calls. If you have any concerns then do not open or respond.

U3A Melbourne City Forum – Making the Most of Life’s Opportunities with Anne Tudor, Victorian Senior of the Year 2021

19 May 2.30 pm

In 2010, Anne's life partner was diagnosed with younger onset dementia.  She was 59. They decided to put their experience to good use by supporting others impacted by dementia and by trying to change societal attitudes to dementia.  The decision transformed a heart-breaking reality into something which had a profound effect not only on the two of them, but on others impacted by dementia, on dementia service providers, on the local community of Ballarat and way beyond. 

In 2016, Bigger Hearts Dementia Friendly Ballarat Campaign was born.  The presentation will focus on some unexpected and truly magical outcomes resulting from their decision to become advocates.  Anne was awarded the 2021 Senior Victorian of the Year for the work that she will share at this presentation.  

Performance Centre, Docklands Library, 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands.  Non-members are welcome for a fee of $10 and may register through Trybooking: 
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/873776