U3APP Member Liaison Team
U3A Port Phillip Committee of Management created the position of Member Liaison in 2009 to welcome new Members with a phone call, and also to send cards to Members who were unwell or bereaved.
Jill Hearman was appointed to the position and at that stage we had around 200 Members; this year we are close to reaching 800!
Jill Hearman
We believe U3APP is unique amongst U3As in creating this position and we have received so many positive comments over the years.
We think we have the best job at U3A!
As our numbers grew, Meredith Mancini came on board from 2016 until 2018, and we were also joined by Robyn Foy in 2018 until 2019, followed by Diana Stock who is now part of our two Member Team.
Diana Stock
During 2019, it became increasingly difficult to phone new Members as hoax calls were making people wary of answering unknown callers, so we started using email contact which has been most successful. Many new Members reply asking for information, e.g. parking, public transport, size of classes, etc. and thanking us for welcoming them.
We rely on Members to keep us informed if they know if a Member is unwell or has lost a partner or close relative. Don’t hesitate to email us at memberliaison@u3app.org.au.
Written by Jill Hearman
Photography with thanks to Barry McIntosh