Bristol u3a

u3a

Group Leaders

Important News for Beacon Users

You may have heard on this evening's news broadcasts that a number of critical bugs have been found in a language called php. This is integral to a very large number of websites, many of which have been shut down to prevent hackers using these critical bugs to gain access to data. 

Beacon uses php and, in line with guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre, Beacon has been taken offline as a precaution while the issue is resolved. Bug fixes for the version of php used by Beacon are not yet available and we do not know at this stage how long Beacon will unavailable. This means that group leaders are not at present able to contact group members via the Beacon system.

While this problem continues please check this page for updates.

Piggy bank

This guide tells you what you can and cannot claim funding for. The Executive Committee offers some financial help with the cost of one-off activities which contribute to group learning, but not social trips. For full details email the Treasurer.

Mobile phone screen

This is some Concise Guidance for Group Leaders but please do visit the Bristol u3a Documents and Policies page to view all relevant policies such as the Data Protection Policy.

Microphone

Take a look at this guide to copyright items, particularly if your group needs to photocopy from books or uses CDs, DVDs or sheet music.

As a group leader you will need to use Beacon to communicate with your members. Email Judy Parker who will give you a user name and password that is specific to your group - this is not the same as the Members Portal which is used to access your own personal details. Once you have access, if you have any problems please contact Judy again and she will be happy to talk you through any issues.

All group leaders using Beacon are required to sign our short confidentiality form.

Our Quick Start Instructions should get you on your way and the YouTube video (under 8 minutes long) gives some basic tips.

If you collect money from your group members, take a look at the Using the Beacon Group Ledger advice on how to record it on the Beacon system.

If you have an idea for a new group, speak to your Area Coordinator first.

There may be other u3a members with a similar interest who would love to join your group. Send details of your proposal to the website editor so that it can be advertised on the Future Groups page. Information about your proposed group will include a link to a contact form so that anyone interested in your group can message you directly.

Every interest group has its own dedicated website page giving details of where and when it meets, a description of the group's aims and activities and a way to contact the group leader.

Once your group is up and running please complete the website details form with as much detail as possible and email it to the website editor (email address is in the Annual Bulletin).

Please keep the website editor informed about any changes to your group including any change of venue, day, time, leader or of the leader's email address.

If you would like to be able to edit your website page yourself, contact the Website Editor and she will set you up with a login and password. You can add photos and details of your group's forthcoming meetings or events.

A Group Leader wishing to receive financial help to cover Zoom licence fees or venue hire costs must submit this application form to the Treasurer following the guidance in this document.

No fees must be incurred before receiving formal confirmation that your application has been approved.

If you would like to know how to set up a closed Facebook Group this is a simple step-by-step guide.

Another excellent source of information for everything relating to computers and exploring new ways for your groups to meet "remotely" can be found on the Exmouth & District u3a site - check out in particular their Video Calls page.