Jump to content

New Member Welcome Materials: Local Group Examples: Difference between revisions

From Mensa Wiki
← Older edit
undoBethWeiss (talk | contribs)
1,476 edits
VisualWikitext
BethWeiss (talk | contribs)
1,476 edits
m Formatting
BethWeiss (talk | contribs)
1,476 edits
 
(10 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
What is a New Member Packets
== What is a New Member Packet? ==
A New Member Packet is a collection of information provided to new members to help them understand their local group, discover opportunities for involvement, and learn how to access Mensa resources.


Ideas of what would go in
Packets vary widely from group to group. Some are printed and handed out at events, while others are distributed electronically. They may include welcome letters, event information, newsletters, contact information, volunteer opportunities, explanations of Mensa programs, or guides to using national resources.


'''Samples:'''   
The goal is not to overwhelm new members with information, but to help them take the next step in their Mensa journey. A well-designed packet answers common questions, highlights opportunities for engagement, and helps members understand that Mensa offers many ways to participate.


'''<u>Tampa Bay Mensa</u>''' 
== Sample Welcome Packets ==


This is what I put together for Tampa. Needs some more  work such as Connect settings that default to not being able to receive messages. . And it is a lot of information.
The samples below were contributed by local groups and illustrate different approaches used by local groups. Feel free to borrow ideas, adapt content, and create a packet that reflects your group's personality and goals. Groups should adapt their materials to fit their size, culture, resources, and member needs.


Hello, this is a publication from Tampa Bay Mensa in response to member requests for information on the various communication methods and sites available to members.  You don’t need to use all of these communication options; any major group information will be sent to you several ways. However, some of these features might enhance your membership experience.
=== Tampa Bay Mensa's Welcome Packet ===
Hello, this is a publication from Tampa Bay Mensa in response to member requests for information on the various communication methods and sites available to members.  You don’t need to use all of these communication options; any major group information will be sent to you several ways. However, some of these features might enhance your membership experience.


'''American Mensa Website'''
I hope this information is helpful. Keeping our Tampa Bay Mensa members informed and connected is important! 


==== '''American Mensa Website''' ====
American Mensa’s website (<nowiki>https://www.us.mensa.org/</nowiki>) is a good place to start to learn more and connect with other Mensans. This site can be accessed by logging on with your unique member number. After logging in you can navigate to the different parts of the site by selecting options from the drop-down menu pictured below. While I am going to highlight a few uses for this site, I encourage you to get in there and explore as there are many more features than I can detail.
American Mensa’s website (<nowiki>https://www.us.mensa.org/</nowiki>) is a good place to start to learn more and connect with other Mensans. This site can be accessed by logging on with your unique member number. After logging in you can navigate to the different parts of the site by selecting options from the drop-down menu pictured below. While I am going to highlight a few uses for this site, I encourage you to get in there and explore as there are many more features than I can detail.


'''''Attend Tab''''': provides a link to the Events Calendar, including Regional and National events. There’s also a filter for virtual events that are available for you to attend. This is different from our local events calendar on our local website.
{| class="wikitable"
! Tab
! What's There
! Why You Care
|-
| '''Attend'''
| Provides a link to the Events Calendar, including Regional and National events. There is also a filter for virtual events available to attend. This is separate from our local events calendar.
| Find events beyond your local group, including virtual opportunities and national gatherings.
|-
| '''Connect'''
| Provides links to Mensa Connect, the member directory, and the Special Interest Group (SIG) listing. SIGs may meet on Mensa Connect, Facebook, or in person. Members may also start new SIGs.
| Meet members who share your interests and connect with the broader Mensa community.
|-
| '''Lead'''
| Contains officer reports and tools used by local group leaders and volunteers.
| Useful if you serve—or are considering serving—in a leadership role.
|-
| '''Learn'''
| Contains information for new members and resources related to gifted youth.
| Learn more about Mensa and explore resources for gifted children and families.
|-
| '''Read'''
| Provides access to local group newsletters and National publications.
| Stay informed about events, activities, and topics of interest throughout Mensa.
|-
| '''Recognize'''
| Lists group and individual awards.
| See how members and groups are recognized for their contributions and achievements.
|-
| '''Volunteer'''
| Provides information about volunteer opportunities and allows groups to share community projects.
| Discover ways to contribute, develop skills, and meet other members.
|-
| '''Shop'''
| Provides access to Mensa merchandise and branded items.
| Purchase Mensa-themed apparel, gifts, and other merchandise.
|-
| '''Play'''
| Provides information about games and gaming opportunities within Mensa.
| Connect with other members through board games, trivia, online games, and similar activities.
|-
| '''My Mensa'''
| Allows you to update your profile, contact information, and communication preferences. It also includes newsletter delivery options.
| Keep your information current and make sure you receive the communications and publications you want.
|}


'''''Connect Tab:''''' provides links for Mensa Connect (I will give much more information on that later), the member directory, and the Special Interest Group (SIG) listing. If you have a particular interest, then chances are that there is SIG for that. SIGs meet on Mensa Connect, Facebook, or in person depending on how the group organizer sets it up. If you don’t see a SIG for your interest, you can start one if you would like to!
===== '''Mensa Connect''' =====
 
Mensa Connect is a communication platform provided by American Mensa. As such, it is an official site unlike Facebook. Its purpose is to provide space to engage in conversation and share information. Events can be posted here also. There are numerous subgroups called communities.  Current members are automatically enrolled under their local group’s community as well as the general group.  After you sign in to Mensa Connect using your Mensa credentials, you can browse different communities and request to join ones that interest you. Some are private, such as officer communities, but many are not.
'''''Lead Tab''''': most folks holding group officer positions will be familiar with this section, which has links to officer reports and other tools.
 
'''''Learn Tab:''''' has an introduction for new members and gifted youth information.
 
'''''Read Tab:''''' you can access newsletters from all groups as well as National publications.
 
'''''Recognize Tab:''''' lists group and individual awards.
 
'''''Volunteer Tab:''''' gives information on how you can volunteer and provides a space for groups to share their community projects. Mensa is a completely member-driven volunteer organization from the local group up to National officers.
 
'''''Shop Tab:''''' gives you a site to purchase some Mensa swag.
 
'''''Play Tab:''''' provides some information on ways to engage with other members in games play.
 
'''''My Mensa Tab:''''' this is where you can customize some of your communication preferences and make changes to your address, email, phone, or profile. If you don’t want to miss your local group email, be sure your profile is set to ‘ok for local group to email you.’ This is also where you can elect to have the local newsletter delivered electronically or by mail. If you are ok with the electronic version, please consider updating this setting because a huge portion of our share of dues monies are used to print a newsletter for those that want it.
 
'''Mensa Connect''' Mensa Connect is a communication platform provided by American Mensa. As such, it is an official site unlike Facebook. Its purpose is to provide space to engage in conversation and share information. Events can be posted here also. There are numerous subgroups called communities.  Current members are automatically enrolled under their local group’s community as well as the general group.  After you sign in to Mensa Connect using your Mensa credentials, you can browse different communities and request to join ones that interest you. Some are private, such as officer communities, but many are not.


There are two ways to sign in to Mensa Connect, either from the American Mensa website under the '''''Connect Tab''''' or through the MemberCentric application. There are more features available using the web-based version versus the app. On the web-based version, you can log in and select the drop down '''''Participate Tab''''' to get information on using Mensa Connect. One big question folks have is how do I receive notices on postings in my communities? You can choose to have notices sent to your email in real time or daily digest, or you can also decline email and check the communities yourself. The tutorial Q and A explains how to post and reply to conversations. There is also a personal email box feature. So if you reply to a sender rather than a group on a chat, it becomes a private conversation. This is another area where just signing in and exploring will be the best way to learn what the site has to offer.
There are two ways to sign in to Mensa Connect, either from the American Mensa website under the '''''Connect Tab''''' or through the MemberCentric application. There are more features available using the web-based version versus the app. On the web-based version, you can log in and select the drop down '''''Participate Tab''''' to get information on using Mensa Connect. One big question folks have is how do I receive notices on postings in my communities? You can choose to have notices sent to your email in real time or daily digest, or you can also decline email and check the communities yourself. The tutorial Q and A explains how to post and reply to conversations. There is also a personal email box feature. So if you reply to a sender rather than a group on a chat, it becomes a private conversation. This is another area where just signing in and exploring will be the best way to learn what the site has to offer.
Line 41: Line 71:
As Tampa Bay Mensa members, it might be of interest to join the Region 10 Mensa Connect group since events and information from other groups in Florida may be of interest.
As Tampa Bay Mensa members, it might be of interest to join the Region 10 Mensa Connect group since events and information from other groups in Florida may be of interest.


'''Facebook'''
==== '''Facebook''' ====
 
If you are already a Facebook user, then odds are you are already in the Tampa Bay Mensa Facebook group. If you prefer not to use Facebook, no worries. Any important group information will be provided in multiple ways. Besides the Tampa Bay Mensa group there is also a Region 10 group, Tampa Bay Mensa Bookclub group and American Mensa on Facebook. For our Gifted Youth member parents, we also have a new group for their use, Tampa Bay Mensa Gifted Youth.
If you are already a Facebook user, then odds are you are already in the Tampa Bay Mensa Facebook group. If you prefer not to use Facebook, no worries. Any important group information will be provided in multiple ways. Besides the Tampa Bay Mensa group there is also a Region 10 group, Tampa Bay Mensa Bookclub group and American Mensa on Facebook. For our Gifted Youth member parents, we also have a new group for their use, Tampa Bay Mensa Gifted Youth.


'''Tampa Bay Sounding'''
==== '''Tampa Bay Sounding''' ====
 
Our newsletter is now published every two months, on even months. I know folks are used to using this as their main source for information on group events, but I urge you to check our online calendar on our website (tampabaymensa.org) to be informed of the latest event information. As mentioned earlier, if you would like to change to electronic delivery it would reduce printing expenses for our group. When a new edition is published you can have a notice emailed to you that it is available.  To submit an article to the newsletter, contact editor@tampa.us.mensa.org  
Our newsletter is now published every two months, on even months. I know folks are used to using this as their main source for information on group events, but I urge you to check our online calendar on our website (tampabaymensa.org) to be informed of the latest event information. As mentioned earlier, if you would like to change to electronic delivery it would reduce printing expenses for our group. When a new edition is published you can have a notice emailed to you that it is available.  To submit an article to the newsletter, contact editor@tampa.us.mensa.org  


'''Local Group Website'''
==== '''Local Group Website''' ====
 
To navigate to our local group website use tampabaymensa.org. You can view the event calendar, look up local group officer listings, read the ExComm minutes or link to the newsletter.
To navigate to our local group website use tampabaymensa.org. You can view the event calendar, look up local group officer listings, read the ExComm minutes or link to the newsletter.


I hope this information is helpful. Keeping our Tampa Bay Mensa members informed and connected is important!
== Metropolitan Washington Mensa's Welcome Packet ==
 
'''<u>MWM Mensa ( This did not format well from PDF  Copy. I can ask Chad if he has as a document or let me see if we can import PDF</u>'''
 
= The Dummy’s Guide to Something for Everyone =


=== The Dummy’s Guide to Something for Everyone ===
The purpose of this document is to provide a glimpse of the breadth of offerings that Mensa provides, and to show that there is something for everyone.
The purpose of this document is to provide a glimpse of the breadth of offerings that Mensa provides, and to show that there is something for everyone.


Line 65: Line 89:
Whether you explore now or later, we hope you realize that there is value for you here: friends and community, things to do, and intellectual stimulation on your own time. The deeper you dive, the more you will discover.
Whether you explore now or later, we hope you realize that there is value for you here: friends and community, things to do, and intellectual stimulation on your own time. The deeper you dive, the more you will discover.


== Regularly Scheduled MWM Events ==
=== Regularly Scheduled MWM Events ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Event
! Event
Line 111: Line 134:
|}
|}


== Recent Unique Activities ==
=== Recent Unique Activities ===
 
* Walking tours and city-wide scavenger hunts
* Walking tours and city-wide scavenger hunts
* Lectures and discussions with experts
* Lectures and discussions with experts
Line 128: Line 150:
* Intro to curling class
* Intro to curling class


== Key ==
=== Key ===
 
* '''W''' = Weekly
* '''W''' = Weekly
* '''M''' = Monthly
* '''M''' = Monthly
Line 135: Line 156:
* '''RS''' = Regularly scheduled event, but not on a set cadence
* '''RS''' = Regularly scheduled event, but not on a set cadence


== National Events ==
=== National Events ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Event
! What It Is
! Why You Might Attend
|-
| '''Regional Gathering (RG)'''
| A weekend-long event hosted by a local Mensa group, typically featuring hospitality, speakers, games, activities, and social events.
| Meet large numbers of Mensans, enjoy a variety of activities, and experience one of Mensa's signature social events.
|-
| '''Other Regional Gatherings'''
| Regional Gatherings hosted by other local groups throughout the year. Many Mensans travel to attend larger gatherings around the country.
| Explore different Mensa communities, visit new places, and meet members from outside your local area.
|-
| '''Annual Gathering (AG)'''
| American Mensa's national convention, held in a different city each year during the summer.
| Attend the largest Mensa event of the year, featuring hundreds of programs, speakers, games, social activities, and members from across the country.
|-
| '''Mind Games®'''
| An annual event where Mensans evaluate newly released tabletop games from publishers and help select the Mensa Select® winners.
| Play dozens of new games, provide feedback, and help identify outstanding games for the public.
|-
| '''CultureQuest®'''
| An annual  trivia competition in which teams of up to five Mensans compete simultaneously against teams from around the country.
| Test your knowledge, work as a team, and enjoy friendly competition with fellow Mensans.
|}


* '''Regional Gathering (RG)''' — MWM’s RG takes place each summer and is one of the largest in the country. Regional Gatherings are a great place to meet much of the chapter, with full hospitality, speaker tracks, meet-and-greets, activities, and a games room. This weekend-long event has something for everyone. Book a hotel room; you’re going to want to stay the night.
{| class="wikitable"
! Activity
! What It Is
! Why You Might Try It
|-
| '''Attend Events'''
| Local groups host a variety of social, cultural, educational, and recreational activities throughout the year.
| The easiest and most direct way to meet other Mensans and build friendships.
|-
| '''Special Interest Groups (SIGs)'''
| SIGs bring together members who share a common interest. Some focus on discussion, while others organize activities, travel, or events. There are over 140 SIGs covering topics such as games, fitness, entertainment, technology, SCUBA diving, travel, books, art, aviation, music, food and drink, career fields, sports, philosophy, religion, and more.
| Connect with people who share your interests, whether casually or through deeper involvement.
|-
| '''Volunteer'''
| Members help organize events, support programs, serve as officers, and contribute in many other ways at both the local and national levels.
| Meet a large number of members while making a meaningful contribution to the organization.
|-
| '''Play Games'''
| Board games, card games, trivia, online games, and other gaming activities are popular throughout Mensa.
| A fun, low-pressure way to meet people and interact, especially for members who are more introverted.
|-
| '''SIGHT'''
| The Service of Information, Guidance, and Hospitality to Travelers connects Mensans who are traveling with Mensans willing to provide local information, hospitality, or accommodations.
| Meet Mensans while traveling and make connections around the country or around the world.
|}


* '''Other RGs''' — Other local groups hold RGs throughout the year. Many Mensans travel to larger ones, such as Snowball in New Jersey or WeeM in Chicago.
=== Communities ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
* '''Annual Gathering (AG)''' — The national gathering for American Mensa. This takes place in the summer and is held in a different city each year.
! Community
 
! What It Is
* '''Mind Games®''' — An annual event where Mensans gather for a weekend to play new games being released by game makers, with the chance to judge and provide feedback.
! Why You Might Use It
 
|-
* '''CultureQuest®''' — A trivia competition in which teams of up to five Mensans gather simultaneously to compete.
| '''Facebook Groups'''
 
| Approximately 200 Facebook groups are unofficially or semi-officially associated with Mensa, including many local groups and Special Interest Groups (SIGs).
== Ways to Get to Know People ==
| Connect with members who share your interests, participate in discussions, learn about events, and build relationships between in-person gatherings.
 
|-
* '''Attend events''' — There is no better way to meet like-minded people than going to events. This is how many members build their circles of friends within Mensa.
| '''Mensa Connect'''
 
| American Mensa's official online discussion platform, available to all members.
* '''Special Interest Groups (SIGs)''' — SIGs offer a wide variety of ways to connect. Some allow members to casually follow a topic of interest and make like-minded friends, while others offer opportunities for deeper involvement, including trips and shared activities.
| Participate in discussions, ask questions, join interest-based groups, connect with members nationwide, and stay informed about Mensa activities.
 
|}
: There are over 140 SIGs covering many topics, including games, fitness, entertainment, technology, SCUBA diving, travel, dating, generational groups, books, art, aviation, music, musicals, health conditions, philosophy, food and drink, career fields, sports, politics, religion, and more.
 
* '''Volunteer''' — Whether you organize a picnic, help at the registration desk at an RG, or assist with the Gifted Youth program, volunteering is one of the best ways to meet Mensans while contributing to the organization.
 
* '''Play games''' — Mensans love playing games, whether board games or online games. Games can be a fun and easy way to meet people, especially for members who are more introverted.
 
* '''SIGHT''' — SIGHT, the Service of Information, Guidance and Hospitality to Travelers, allows Mensans to meet, host, or stay with other Mensans while traveling around the country or the world.
 
== Communities ==
 
* '''Facebook groups''' — Approximately 200 Facebook groups are unofficially or semi-officially associated with Mensa, including groups for SIGs. These groups can be good places to connect around shared topics, interests, hobbies, and backgrounds.
 
* '''Mensa Connect''' — The official Mensa forums platform.
 
== Ways to Follow MWM and American Mensa ==


=== Ways to Follow MWM and American Mensa ===
* '''Benefits and Services''' — Membership in Mensa provides access to various partner benefits, including discounts on insurance, travel, technology, and more.
* '''Benefits and Services''' — Membership in Mensa provides access to various partner benefits, including discounts on insurance, travel, technology, and more.


Line 177: Line 233:
* '''Capital M (CapM)''' — MWM’s monthly newsletter includes the calendar of events and other notices, and is always available online.
* '''Capital M (CapM)''' — MWM’s monthly newsletter includes the calendar of events and other notices, and is always available online.


== Publications ==
=== Publications ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Publication
! Who It's For
! What You'll Find
|-
| '''Mensa Bulletin'''
| All members
| The national magazine of American Mensa, featuring articles, member news, and information about Mensa programs and activities.
|-
| '''Local Group Newsletters'''
| Members of local groups
| Local events, announcements, volunteer opportunities, and news from your local Mensa community.
|-
| '''Mensa Research Journal'''
| Members interested in giftedness and intelligence research
| Scholarly articles and recent findings related to intelligence, giftedness, and related fields.
|-
| '''Young Mensan Magazine'''
| Young members and their families
| YM² is a free quarterly magazine designed to help Young Mensans connect and share their interests.
|-
| '''Mensa World Journal'''
| Members interested in the international Mensa community
| News and stories from Mensa organizations around the world.
|-
| '''Email Newsletters'''
| Members who want regular updates
| Periodic newsletters covering Mensa activities, programs, events, and topics of general interest.
|}


* '''Mensa Bulletin''' — The national magazine of American Mensa.
=== Things to Do or Know ===
* '''Local Group Newsletters''' — Every local group publishes a newsletter, including ours.
* '''Mensa Foundation''' — Mensa’s philanthropic arm, offering awards, grants, fellowships, and gifted youth education through Mensa for Kids.
* '''Mensa Research Journal''' — Publishes recent findings on giftedness and intelligence.
* '''Young Mensan Magazine''' — A magazine for our youngest members.
* '''Mensa World Journal''' — The membership magazine for Mensa International.
* '''Email Newsletters''' — Four different newsletters focusing on the world both inside and outside of Mensa.


== Things to Do or Know ==
* '''Mensa verification badge''' — Although many Mensans are modest about their intelligence and membership in Mensa, some like to show proof that they are members. This digital badge allows members to verify their Mensa membership.


* '''Mensa Foundation''' — Mensa’s philanthropic arm, offering awards, grants, fellowships, and gifted youth education through Mensa for Kids.
== Related ==


* '''Mensa verification badge''' — Although many Mensans are modest about their intelligence and membership in Mensa, some like to show proof that they are members. This digital badge allows members to verify their Mensa membership.
* [[Welcoming New Members]]
* [[Welcoming New Members: Local Group Approaches]]
* [[Welcoming New Members: Local Group Outreach Examples]]
* [[Welcome Email Examples]]
* [[National Office New Member Communications]]

Latest revision as of 02:13, 4 June 2026

What is a New Member Packet?

[edit | hide all | hide | edit source]

A New Member Packet is a collection of information provided to new members to help them understand their local group, discover opportunities for involvement, and learn how to access Mensa resources.

Packets vary widely from group to group. Some are printed and handed out at events, while others are distributed electronically. They may include welcome letters, event information, newsletters, contact information, volunteer opportunities, explanations of Mensa programs, or guides to using national resources.

The goal is not to overwhelm new members with information, but to help them take the next step in their Mensa journey. A well-designed packet answers common questions, highlights opportunities for engagement, and helps members understand that Mensa offers many ways to participate.

Sample Welcome Packets

[edit | hide | edit source]

The samples below were contributed by local groups and illustrate different approaches used by local groups. Feel free to borrow ideas, adapt content, and create a packet that reflects your group's personality and goals. Groups should adapt their materials to fit their size, culture, resources, and member needs.

Tampa Bay Mensa's Welcome Packet

[edit | hide | edit source]

Hello, this is a publication from Tampa Bay Mensa in response to member requests for information on the various communication methods and sites available to members.  You don’t need to use all of these communication options; any major group information will be sent to you several ways. However, some of these features might enhance your membership experience.

I hope this information is helpful. Keeping our Tampa Bay Mensa members informed and connected is important!

American Mensa Website

[edit | hide | edit source]

American Mensa’s website (https://www.us.mensa.org/) is a good place to start to learn more and connect with other Mensans. This site can be accessed by logging on with your unique member number. After logging in you can navigate to the different parts of the site by selecting options from the drop-down menu pictured below. While I am going to highlight a few uses for this site, I encourage you to get in there and explore as there are many more features than I can detail.

Tab What's There Why You Care
Attend Provides a link to the Events Calendar, including Regional and National events. There is also a filter for virtual events available to attend. This is separate from our local events calendar. Find events beyond your local group, including virtual opportunities and national gatherings.
Connect Provides links to Mensa Connect, the member directory, and the Special Interest Group (SIG) listing. SIGs may meet on Mensa Connect, Facebook, or in person. Members may also start new SIGs. Meet members who share your interests and connect with the broader Mensa community.
Lead Contains officer reports and tools used by local group leaders and volunteers. Useful if you serve—or are considering serving—in a leadership role.
Learn Contains information for new members and resources related to gifted youth. Learn more about Mensa and explore resources for gifted children and families.
Read Provides access to local group newsletters and National publications. Stay informed about events, activities, and topics of interest throughout Mensa.
Recognize Lists group and individual awards. See how members and groups are recognized for their contributions and achievements.
Volunteer Provides information about volunteer opportunities and allows groups to share community projects. Discover ways to contribute, develop skills, and meet other members.
Shop Provides access to Mensa merchandise and branded items. Purchase Mensa-themed apparel, gifts, and other merchandise.
Play Provides information about games and gaming opportunities within Mensa. Connect with other members through board games, trivia, online games, and similar activities.
My Mensa Allows you to update your profile, contact information, and communication preferences. It also includes newsletter delivery options. Keep your information current and make sure you receive the communications and publications you want.
Mensa Connect
[edit | hide | edit source]

Mensa Connect is a communication platform provided by American Mensa. As such, it is an official site unlike Facebook. Its purpose is to provide space to engage in conversation and share information. Events can be posted here also. There are numerous subgroups called communities.  Current members are automatically enrolled under their local group’s community as well as the general group.  After you sign in to Mensa Connect using your Mensa credentials, you can browse different communities and request to join ones that interest you. Some are private, such as officer communities, but many are not.

There are two ways to sign in to Mensa Connect, either from the American Mensa website under the Connect Tab or through the MemberCentric application. There are more features available using the web-based version versus the app. On the web-based version, you can log in and select the drop down Participate Tab to get information on using Mensa Connect. One big question folks have is how do I receive notices on postings in my communities? You can choose to have notices sent to your email in real time or daily digest, or you can also decline email and check the communities yourself. The tutorial Q and A explains how to post and reply to conversations. There is also a personal email box feature. So if you reply to a sender rather than a group on a chat, it becomes a private conversation. This is another area where just signing in and exploring will be the best way to learn what the site has to offer.

As Tampa Bay Mensa members, it might be of interest to join the Region 10 Mensa Connect group since events and information from other groups in Florida may be of interest.

Facebook

[edit | hide | edit source]

If you are already a Facebook user, then odds are you are already in the Tampa Bay Mensa Facebook group. If you prefer not to use Facebook, no worries. Any important group information will be provided in multiple ways. Besides the Tampa Bay Mensa group there is also a Region 10 group, Tampa Bay Mensa Bookclub group and American Mensa on Facebook. For our Gifted Youth member parents, we also have a new group for their use, Tampa Bay Mensa Gifted Youth.

Tampa Bay Sounding

[edit | hide | edit source]

Our newsletter is now published every two months, on even months. I know folks are used to using this as their main source for information on group events, but I urge you to check our online calendar on our website (tampabaymensa.org) to be informed of the latest event information. As mentioned earlier, if you would like to change to electronic delivery it would reduce printing expenses for our group. When a new edition is published you can have a notice emailed to you that it is available.  To submit an article to the newsletter, contact editor@tampa.us.mensa.org

Local Group Website

[edit | hide | edit source]

To navigate to our local group website use tampabaymensa.org. You can view the event calendar, look up local group officer listings, read the ExComm minutes or link to the newsletter.

Metropolitan Washington Mensa's Welcome Packet

[edit | hide | edit source]

The Dummy’s Guide to Something for Everyone

[edit | hide | edit source]

The purpose of this document is to provide a glimpse of the breadth of offerings that Mensa provides, and to show that there is something for everyone.

Many members regret that they were inactive for their first few years, having joined just to see if they could pass the test, and later realizing they did not know how much Mensa has to offer.

Whether you explore now or later, we hope you realize that there is value for you here: friends and community, things to do, and intellectual stimulation on your own time. The deeper you dive, the more you will discover.

Regularly Scheduled MWM Events

[edit | hide | edit source]
Event Frequency
New Members Open House Monthly
Saturday Night Party Monthly
Young Adults Trivia Night Weekly
Young Adults Brunch Monthly
Young Adults Bar Night Monthly
Gourmensans and other food events Monthly
Games Nights Weekly
Nationals Games Annual
Capitals Games Annual
Gifted Youth and Teen SIG Activities Monthly
Movie Screenings Monthly
Book Club Monthly
Classical Music Night Monthly

Recent Unique Activities

[edit | hide | edit source]
  • Walking tours and city-wide scavenger hunts
  • Lectures and discussions with experts
  • Escape rooms
  • Wine festivals and winery trips
  • Axe throwing
  • Fused-glass making class
  • Georgetown GLOW
  • Pop-up poutine restaurant visit
  • Zoo events, including ZooLights and Brew at the Zoo
  • Karaoke
  • Rocky Horror Picture Show
  • Truffle factory tour
  • Travel to Las Vegas for a trivia tournament
  • Intro to curling class

Key

[edit | hide | edit source]
  • W = Weekly
  • M = Monthly
  • A = Annual
  • RS = Regularly scheduled event, but not on a set cadence

National Events

[edit | hide | edit source]
Event What It Is Why You Might Attend
Regional Gathering (RG) A weekend-long event hosted by a local Mensa group, typically featuring hospitality, speakers, games, activities, and social events. Meet large numbers of Mensans, enjoy a variety of activities, and experience one of Mensa's signature social events.
Other Regional Gatherings Regional Gatherings hosted by other local groups throughout the year. Many Mensans travel to attend larger gatherings around the country. Explore different Mensa communities, visit new places, and meet members from outside your local area.
Annual Gathering (AG) American Mensa's national convention, held in a different city each year during the summer. Attend the largest Mensa event of the year, featuring hundreds of programs, speakers, games, social activities, and members from across the country.
Mind Games® An annual event where Mensans evaluate newly released tabletop games from publishers and help select the Mensa Select® winners. Play dozens of new games, provide feedback, and help identify outstanding games for the public.
CultureQuest® An annual trivia competition in which teams of up to five Mensans compete simultaneously against teams from around the country. Test your knowledge, work as a team, and enjoy friendly competition with fellow Mensans.
Activity What It Is Why You Might Try It
Attend Events Local groups host a variety of social, cultural, educational, and recreational activities throughout the year. The easiest and most direct way to meet other Mensans and build friendships.
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) SIGs bring together members who share a common interest. Some focus on discussion, while others organize activities, travel, or events. There are over 140 SIGs covering topics such as games, fitness, entertainment, technology, SCUBA diving, travel, books, art, aviation, music, food and drink, career fields, sports, philosophy, religion, and more. Connect with people who share your interests, whether casually or through deeper involvement.
Volunteer Members help organize events, support programs, serve as officers, and contribute in many other ways at both the local and national levels. Meet a large number of members while making a meaningful contribution to the organization.
Play Games Board games, card games, trivia, online games, and other gaming activities are popular throughout Mensa. A fun, low-pressure way to meet people and interact, especially for members who are more introverted.
SIGHT The Service of Information, Guidance, and Hospitality to Travelers connects Mensans who are traveling with Mensans willing to provide local information, hospitality, or accommodations. Meet Mensans while traveling and make connections around the country or around the world.

Communities

[edit | hide | edit source]
Community What It Is Why You Might Use It
Facebook Groups Approximately 200 Facebook groups are unofficially or semi-officially associated with Mensa, including many local groups and Special Interest Groups (SIGs). Connect with members who share your interests, participate in discussions, learn about events, and build relationships between in-person gatherings.
Mensa Connect American Mensa's official online discussion platform, available to all members. Participate in discussions, ask questions, join interest-based groups, connect with members nationwide, and stay informed about Mensa activities.

Ways to Follow MWM and American Mensa

[edit | hide | edit source]
  • Benefits and Services — Membership in Mensa provides access to various partner benefits, including discounts on insurance, travel, technology, and more.
  • Facebook — Join MWM’s Facebook group, DC Area Young Adult Mensa, and DC Gen X Mensa; and follow MWM’s page as well as American Mensa’s. Groups are private, so only other people in the group can see that you are a member or what you post.
  • Make sure you receive emails — On the website, ensure that you allow your local group to contact you by email and that you are opted into messages. We don’t send many emails, we promise.
  • Capital M (CapM) — MWM’s monthly newsletter includes the calendar of events and other notices, and is always available online.

Publications

[edit | hide | edit source]
Publication Who It's For What You'll Find
Mensa Bulletin All members The national magazine of American Mensa, featuring articles, member news, and information about Mensa programs and activities.
Local Group Newsletters Members of local groups Local events, announcements, volunteer opportunities, and news from your local Mensa community.
Mensa Research Journal Members interested in giftedness and intelligence research Scholarly articles and recent findings related to intelligence, giftedness, and related fields.
Young Mensan Magazine Young members and their families YM² is a free quarterly magazine designed to help Young Mensans connect and share their interests.
Mensa World Journal Members interested in the international Mensa community News and stories from Mensa organizations around the world.
Email Newsletters Members who want regular updates Periodic newsletters covering Mensa activities, programs, events, and topics of general interest.

Things to Do or Know

[edit | hide | edit source]
  • Mensa Foundation — Mensa’s philanthropic arm, offering awards, grants, fellowships, and gifted youth education through Mensa for Kids.
  • Mensa verification badge — Although many Mensans are modest about their intelligence and membership in Mensa, some like to show proof that they are members. This digital badge allows members to verify their Mensa membership.
[edit | hide | edit source]
Retrieved from "https://wiki.us.mensa.org/index.php?title=New_Member_Welcome_Materials:_Local_Group_Examples&oldid=1641"