Looking at Prior research

As part of our work on the Local Group Service & Funding committee, we had to read and analyze some of the prior research. There was a lot to chew on, but our job was to focus on teasing out conclusions regarding

What members expect and require at the local level

Here are my conclusions.

Renewal Survey 2003 (lapsed members):

* Most lapsed member did not participate in anything.

* 31% did some Local Group things.

* Most joined to meet other smart people.

* Greatest reason (34%) for lapse was inability to participate in things.

* Other reasons for lapsing included low value to dues ratio, meetings not interesting, locations not convenient, LG not friendly , too expensive to participate, obnoxious members, wishing for more service opportunities.

Marketing Survey (aka Mensans 24-44 of Gen X Survey) 2005:

* People join to prove their intelligence and to find intellectual stimulation.

* They want others to plan convenient brainy activities for little money.

Forum Survey 2006:

* Online interaction is a good thing.

Mensa Bulletin Readership Survey 2006:

* Members like to read about science, social problems & solutions, and humor. (Presumably they also like to talk and listen about these topics.)

* Members want intellectual stimulation.

Local Group Funding Report 2006:

* Volunteers, more so than money, are the key to a LG being able to provide good service to its members (although adequate funding is still essential).

* Money does not buy talented and enthusiastic volunteers.

* Local volunteers should receive training and encouragement to use funds to expand existing or initiate new methods of member interaction.

Local Group Study (aka LocSec Survey) 2008:

* LocSecs’ greatest concern is lack of interest on the part of members.

* Their second greatest concern is lack of volunteers.

* The main reason people don’t volunteer is lack of time.

* To improve the group, LocSecs want more members, volunteers, and participation.

Governance Survey 2008:

* The core purpose of Mensa is social. The overriding thing we need to do to improve Mensa is get more members. And then, teach them how to interact and be social.