u3a Founding Principles
Membership of a u3a is open to all in their third age, which is defined not by a particular age but by a period in life in which full-time employment has ceased. Members promote the values of lifelong learning and the positive attributes of belonging to a u3a. The u3a is a non-political and non-religious organization that aims to encourage people to continue learning after they are no longer working full-time.
The u3a's motto is "Learn, Laugh, Live".
The u3a movement has three founding principles:
The Third Age Principle
Membership is open to anyone who has stopped working full-time. The term "third age" refers to the period of life after childhood and working adulthood.
The Self-help Learning Principle
Members form interest groups on a variety of topics and activities. Learning is for the sake of enjoyment, and there is no distinction between learners and teachers.
The Mutual Aid Principle
Each u3a is a mutual aid organization that is self-funded by membership subscriptions. No payments are made to members for services rendered.
The u3a national body – the Third Age Trust - looks after all the u3as in the UK, providing educational and administrative support.