American Mensa affords numerous ways to become involved and participate in the organization, and these increase the benefit of membership. The March and September Bulletin issues incorporate not only the regular monthly features, but also a "Directory" with extensive information, including the following:

• The American Mensa Committee (AMC)
• Mensa Education and Research Foundation (MERF)
• American Mensa Limited (AML) Local Groups
• Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
• Mensa International Limited (MIL) Directory

The SIGs have been American Mensa's backbone, attractions and strengths throughout the years. SIGs have held to the philosophy that their own activities cultivate the intellectual, cultural, social, spiritual, moral and emotional enrichment and growth of each SIG's members.

There are approximately 50,000 American Mensa members. Our country has a population of approximately 280 million! Therefore, of the many thousands of people currently in the upper 98^th percentile, people with a kaleidoscope of interests and desiring intellectual communication, there is only one Mensan out of every group of 5,600 Americans. The SIGs offer participation at the local level, national level and international level — a large incentive for recruitment. With the rapid growth of the Virtual-Cyber Internet, more SIGs at the various levels are available as both electronic groups and hard copy; this is noteworthy because there are times when the SIGs become more SIGnificant for members due to various, personal scenarios. What if our member (we'll call him/her Mensa Joe/Josephine) ...

• is diagnosed with acute, unexpected health problems, becomes homebound and cannot attend his local SIGs?
• resides in a vicinity where the "closest" local chapter is three hours away by car?
• is a member of a local group that does not have SIGs, only events or gatherings?
• has professional commitments that create limitations and isolation?
• is deployed to other locations in the United States, outside the States, or even internationally?
• would like to participate with our M-International SIGs?

In each issue of the Mensa Bulletin, on the contents page, under "Production:" "Mensa is an international society in which the sole requirement for qualification for membership is a score at or above the 98^th percentile on any of a number of standardized intelligence tests. Mensa is a not-for-profit organization whose main purpose is to serve as a means of communication and assembly for its members."

Mensa's international membership is rapidly growing. Some SIGs are open to Mensans globally. What better way to expand, enlarge and exchange ideas than via national and international Mensa SIGs?

For many Mensans, the SIGs are the sustaining factors and major draws for maintaining membership. There is a large variety of SIGs from which to choose. Membership in SIGs allows interaction with other Mensans, whether it's a professional or hobby interest. If a Mensan is inquisitive about areas he or she has not explored, joining SIGs is an excellent way to learn and meet others — to taste Mensa in all its variety. With few restrictions, members may also create their own SIGs so that our gourmet buffet remains fresh and our table bountiful with an eclectic array of delicacies to sample.

Mensa has a banquet of SIGs. Take advantage of your membership with the SIGs at all levels. The SIGs' members may even meet face to face at Regional Gatherings as well as at the Annual Gathering (AG). The 2004 American Mensa AG in Las Vegas is already booking SIG meetings.

Enjoy, Feast and/or Create a new dish if one is missing!

—Holly Sadow
   The Nurse Consultant