We are very keen to ensure that all members, prospective members and visitors experience a warm welcome to the monthly meetings.
The main task of a Roving Welcomer is to help a new or recently-joined member 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 and 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.
Welcomers are encouraged to support by:
• greeting people as they enter the building
• handing out Welcome leaflets to visitors
• directing people to registers or ‘new membership’ table
• explaining procedures to new members(as necessary)- format of meetings, organisation of rooms and circulation etc
• pointing 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:
• talking to new members- especially if they are looking ‘lost’
• 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 (always being mindful that some folks like to sit on their own- or reflect quietly!)