Welcoming New Members

Words of Wisdom

Welcoming new members is one of the highest-impact things a Local Group can do.

A positive first impression helps members feel connected, informed, and more likely to explore what Mensa has to offer.

What Success Looks Like

• Members feel acknowledged and welcome
• Members know where to find information and support
• Members can identify at least one path for future involvement

Best Practices

Welcoming works best when it is part of the Local Group culture rather than the responsibility of a single officer.

• Make contact promptly
• Personalize communication when possible
• Welcome members at all events
• Treat welcoming as a shared responsibility

Common Pitfalls

• Delayed or no initial contact
• Overwhelming new members with too much information
• Relying only on automated communication
• Focusing only on event attendance
• Leaving new members to navigate alone

Purpose

Provides guidance for helping new, reinstated, and transferred members feel welcomed, informed, and connected to their Local Group. These efforts complement the communications provided by the National Office.

Why This Matters

Not every member joins Mensa looking for the same experience. Some seek social activities, others intellectual engagement, volunteer opportunities, travel, online communities, or simply the satisfaction of belonging. Effective welcoming helps members discover the opportunities most relevant to them.

See also National Office New Member Communications for information about communications sent by American Mensa.

Step	What It Means	References
Make Initial Contact from Local Group	Reach out to new, reinstated, and transferred members Use personal, welcoming communication	Use National Tools and Resources to identify new, reinstated, and transfer members Member Contact Methods Making It Personal
Learn About the Member	Understand interests, goals, location, and preferred engagement style Identify potential barriers to participation Connect members with opportunities that match their interests	Making It Personal Supporting Remote Members Member Engagement
Help Members Get Started	Help members understand how to engage Share relevant information and opportunities Provide guidance without overwhelming Reduce barriers to first participation Provide guidance for virtual involvement	Share New Member Orientation information Provide New Member Welcome Materials: Local Group Examples Local Group Events and Activities Encouraging First Event Attendance New Member Events Supporting Remote Members

Related

• Member Contact Methods
• Making It Personal
• Making Personalization Sustainable
• Encouraging First Event Attendance
• How to find the Mensans!
• Welcoming New Members: Local Group Approaches
• Welcoming New Members: Local Group Outreach Examples