Connections

Letters to the Editor are one way in which we can make connections with each other. Going Forward invites your comments on any issue pertaining to Mensa, including topics that have not been addressed specifically in this newsletter.

Thanks are due you and your cohorts for the actions you've taken to enhance the ability of "the average Mensan" to make their views known and to promote discussion on topics not found in the mainstream Mensa media. You have shown that it is possible to demonstrate strong disagreement in a reasoned fashion while also displaying good manners and respect for others.

I would like to comment on "A Retrospective," an article by Henry Miller in the September 2002 issue, regarding the fourth paragraph. In it, Henry writes, "Our members in general aren't aware of the fact that Leadership Development Workshops, mini-gatherings to promote leadership principles, must adhere to rigid patterns newly imposed by our national council of control."

The agenda for the Tulsa, Oklahoma, LDW did use several of the approved LDW topics as guidelines; also included were topics and approaches not covered in the "official" set. Indeed, the organizers of this LDW were encouraged by the "LDW hierarchy" (my words) to develop new approaches and new topics and to share the experiences and results of these attempts, so that others might benefit from the new material. We were required to submit syllabi for the nonstandard material, but I saw this as a reasonable requirement due to the need to exercise good judgment when authorizing expenditure of dues money. That the organizers of this LDW were able to introduce subjects not on the list is due to their willingness (and determination) to do so, and to the willingness of the "hierarchy" to allow and encourage innovation.

—Dan Wilterding

Dan Burg gave a nice overview of Mensa's governing documents in September's Going Forward. I understand his not wanting to go into the complicated details, but I disagree with "The highest governing document in all of Mensa is the Constitution of Mensa . . . " That document declares itself to be subordinate to the laws of the State of New York.

The distinction is important, as AML is chartered in New York with Articles of Incorporation. Many people are aware that this is the reason reincorporating in another state is complicated. A specific prohibition against political campaigning is there, too. The Charter also limits ". . . the number of directors of the corporation . . . to be not less than five nor greater than thirty." It is important to bear all this in mind when/if proposals are made to change our bylaws relating to these provisions.

Although I am sure Dan is not among them, I am amazed at the number of people who seem unaware that New York's not-for-profit laws apply to us. That is where (§603) the requirement for an annual meeting (referenced several times in our bylaws) appears. That is where (§701) the requirement that directors be at least 18 years of age appears. And that is where (§621) members of at least six months are given a right to see the names and addresses of the other members.

Dan Burg tells us that for informational purposes AML prints on membership forms that members are required to "abide by the Constitution of Mensa and the constitution or bylaws and the resolutions of any national Mensa of which they are members." We should add that the American Mensa Committee (AMC) is required to abide by the laws of the State of New York.

—Judy Dosse

[Author's note: Laws of New York are online. Dick Amyx has AML's Articles of Incorporation and changes online at his web site.]

Most of us joined Mensa because it was a fun "social" club, where we could interact with our peers comfortably. It has been changing rapidly for the last couple of years. People watch what is going on in various groups around the country, watching members fight and air their opinions very publicly, and decide to forget the whole thing.

I'm sure everyone is aware of the LTG ("Little Tin God") syndrome that pervades Mensa as a nasty computer virus does through the Net. People in all walks of Mensa life seem to feel that being in Mensa is a license to do whatever they want, wherever they are. We see LocSecs, plain vanilla members, and national officers behaving as rudely and selfishly as little children. Some LocSecs feel their word is law: "Do it my way or I'll take my ball and go home." Sometimes it seems as if members feel every event is a good place to gossip venomously about anyone with whom they disagree. National elections are turned into shouting matches. Wherever you go, you see and hear it: "I don't like it so you can't do it." "We don't really want to do this or go there, so we'll ignore it." You can hear it and see it at RGs, AGs, SIGs, and events.

Where will it end? No wonder most groups don't have enough candidates for their elections . . . no wonder we're losing people attending anything! Where is the fun? Where is the friendship? Where is the feeling of family (not a dysfunctional family)? What is causing all this? Is it Roseanne or The Osbornes or MTV on television? Is it the young people coming in from the "Me" generation? Is it the older members afraid of losing their "Exalted Positions"?

No wonder fewer and fewer members attend events . . . they decide to do something else where they're more comfortable. They can do better at home, in a much better environment than we offer. They can't get anything accomplished in Mensa anyway. Who needs it?

The underlying question is what can we do to change this atmosphere, when all suggestions seem to be slapped down or ignored?

Why are we trying? Because we want to get Mensa back to the organization it used to be. Does anyone remember for what it stands? It could be that again. We're smart. Let's act like it!

—Jan Reed