Page+3 Term+2

//President's Message//
Hello everyone I take great pride in writing to you as the new President of U3A Sapphire Coast. I suspect some of you are wondering who exactly I am and what qualities I bring to the role. To give you a short answer, we are including a brief profile and photo of every member of the new Committee in the Newsletter. For a longer answer, I would encourage all U3A members to take any opportunity you get to talk to me or other members of the Committee. What we particularly want to hear are ideas about how we can improve the U3A experience for all members and course leaders (although we are up for a chat about anything!).

There is no doubt that the new Committee will need to change some things within U3A (the Constitution is an obvious example). However, we will ensure that any changes we make build on the great work done by Judith Reid and the previous Committee. And we will consult with members and course leaders to ensure that there will be genuine benefits from the changes. My priorities for the year include: > It is a lot to take on, and I am very thankful that I will have a Vice President as talented (and patient) as Sue Birks to help me. And I hear that the new Secretary is a person of many talents as well.
 * working with the team developing the new Constitution
 * setting up a new sub ** ‐ ** committee (comprising Liz Sweaney, Colin Gould and myself) to make the Wikispace even more helpful and easier to use
 * working with Jenny and Trish and the other members of the Course Coordination sub ** ‐ ** committee to ensure, to the extent possible, that the range of courses and activities offered meets the diverse needs (both learning and social) of our members
 * ensuring that our administrative processes meet legal requirements while remaining simple and effective for members and course leaders
 * working with all the Committee, but particularly Pat (Membership Registrar), Gwen (U3A Centre Manager) and Jennie (Treasurer) to develop management reporting that better informs the Committee’s decision making
 * working with Elle as Publicity Officer to ensure that the broadest possible range of people in the Bega Valley know about, and hopefully want to lead courses or otherwise participate in, our great organisation
 * and last but not least, working with Narelle as Newsletter Editor to ensure that members get as much joy and information from this publication as possible.

I very much look forward to the year ahead, and I hope that you do too!!

//John //
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