August 2026

 Two trips across the pond!

• 
  Visited Serbia & Mensa Serbia’s office.
• Attended EMAG.
• Met with President of Montenegro.
• Gave interview for Montenegro national TV.
• Gave speech at Gala dinner (with no advance notice or preparation!)
• Appeared as guest on a 30 min video podcast.
• Moved an urgent motion through ExComm re Ombudsman at IBD.
• Responded to question from LinkedIn.
  
• Copied Awards spreadsheets from EC’s drive :-(
• Zoom w A re catch up, country reporting, priority setting.
• 
  Responded to member asking about awards for being recognized as the highest IQ.
• Responded to DB re presentation at IBD.
• Reviewed draft of employment contract and commented.
• Responded to IBD discussion regarding members’ behavior at SIG events.
• Responded to trademark attorney’s questions regarding several registrations by others and whether we should oppose or not.
• Moved along an email from Korea re advice for IBD 27 planning.
• Zoom w A re prep for staff interviews, IBD issues, Database progress, etc.
• Responded to US NatRep’s novel idea re adaptive test roadblocks.
• Responded to former GYC chair re MWJ submission guidelines.
• Forwarded pertinent social media links to AT.
• Responded to continued IBD bashing of ExComm.
• Contacted key people in BML to ask for an in-person meeting.
• Zoom w A & SG (DPO) re progress on database legalities.
• Prepped and sent Update from the DPO to the IBD.
• Kept up with developments re Pakistan’s website domain issues.
• Wrote long, researched response to Ombudsman asking for information.
• Drafted revision of the licensing income allocation part of Bylaw 15 and sent to JK for input.
• Informed ExComm that we don’t have time before the IBD meeting to deal with a drafted motion to thoroughly revise the Hearings Panel process.
• Directed trademark attorney to do nothing re request for POA from Honk Kong pending Ombudsman investigation.
• Updated Awards spreadsheet and nudged committee.
• Worked on motions re Bylaw 12.1.C.8.f  w DoD.
• Zoom w DoD re trademarks and licensing.
• Zoom w A re referendum timing and other issues.
• Booked travel for meeting w BML’s ExecDir.
• Zoom w A & Ben from Civica.
• Zoom interview with staff candidate.
• Discussed process and timing of Constitutional motions w IBD on Hub.
• Verified ID for MIL attorneys.
• Advised DoO and DoA on how to handle a complaint from a member.
• Requested MF and A to try to find old trademark correspondence for Mensa Korea.
• Zoom w A re prepping for staff interview and contract.
• Zoom interview with staff candidate.
• Worked on revision of Bylaw 15 and nudged N&L Comm for input.
• Responded to chair of Mensa Korea re progress on trademark issues.
• Zoom w JK re licensing issues.
• Wrote to AML’s ExecDir asking for any light she cashed on current licensing deals still in effect.
• Worked on Bylaw 15 revision to incorporate N&L rules approved by N&L Comm.
• Sent list to HP of key volunteers to be interviewed for Strategic Planning.
• Hours and hours working on IBD agenda.
• Zoom w A re staffing progress.
• Nudged ExComm to weigh in on staffing decision.
• Sorted a pile of emails into things I need to handle and things I simply need to stay aware of.
• Posted to AML’s forums a request from Chair of Mensa Macedonia for assistance.
• Reviewed and added a few more motions to the IBD agenda.
• Asked Ombudsman about her sections on the agenda.
• Asked Treasurer about her sections on the agenda.
• Worked on agenda and started plotting out timing.
• Nudged J&E re wording for 15.7.3.
• Responded to PEF re his proposed motions. 
• Worked on agenda.
• Discussed 15.7.3 with J, E, and S.
• Nudged Awards Comm again.
• Worked on income allocation section of revised Bylaw 15.
• Zoom w A re priorities for the next couple weeks.
• Reviewed legal stance regarding trademark registration in the EU.
• Emailed Chair of Netherlands to initiate a discussion about the conflicting overlap.
• Responded to Ombudsman re complaint from Hong Kong.
• Worked on annual report.
• Continued to review volunteer applications.
• Informed IMB that a proposed motion is unconstitutional and requested that the ISP include a statement in her annual report re remote testing.
• Zoom w J re trademark mysteries and other topics.Long Zoom w KR re trademark and other issues.
• Zoom w A re staffing and agenda.
• Finished first draft of annual report.
• Finished first pass at reviewing vol applications.
• Submitted annual report for Awards Comm.
• Long Zoom w A re many topics.
• Wrote 800 word article for anniversary issue of MWJ.
• Discussed licensing info with E.
• Flew to London (on my own dime) to meet in-person with BML’s ExecDir for four hours to discuss several brewing concerns.
•  Zoom w A re planning.
• Nudged Awards Comm to finalize decisions.
• Worked on agenda to fit in last-minute motions.
• Zoom w A re planning and ExComm concerns.
• Corresponded with several motion-proposers about compromised and priorities.
• Zoom w E re staffing.
• Sent stern message to ExComm re several topics.
• Sent zoom link for ExComm’s meeting re appointments.
• Sent draft of response to a disgruntled ex-member to several involved parties for input.
• Reviewed additional licensing information provided by DoD.
• Finished and added motion to replace Bylaw 15.
• Nudged J re annual raises.
• Zoom ExComm meeting for appointments.
• Drafted minutes and sent to DOO.
• Responded to a member on LinkedIn.
• Responded to attorney re trademark in Benelux.
• Nudged Ombudsman re agenda items.
• Reviewed three motions from former IBD member and confirmed that they will be handled after the October meeting.
• Requested additional information from the ISC regarding their presentation to the IBD.
• Reviewed a motion and explained to movers why I am declining to add it to the agenda.
• Worked on annual report.
• Worked on report of ExComm’s Activites.
• Gathered text of all ExComm motions passed since April Async.
• Semi-finalized decisions of the Awards Comm.
• Shared draft of agenda for AGM of MIL w Treasurer.
• Responded to IBD member’s question about not understanding what’s wrong with his motion.
• Responded to trademark attorney re China.
• Responded to Awards Comm question.
• Sent text of Sept MWJ column about what MIL actually does to BML’s ExecDir.
• Zoom w A re staffing and agenda formatting.
• Worked on formatting of agenda.
• Put my foot down re switching NatReps mid-meeting.
• Argued w AJ about why I’m not including his motion.
• Added motions that will be considered during the next year to the agenda appendix.
• Discussed IBD meeting arrangements with JK.
• Zoom w DoD re ExComm meeting agenda.

July 2026 was pretty busy, too

But at least it ended with a vacation!

• Attended American AG. Several intense productive discussions with wise people regarding going forward, planning, solving gaps, licensing, testing, etc.
• Zoom w A re catch up and status of GWS negotiations.
• Looked for employee contracts for auditors.
• Zoom w A & O re updating web graphic of FNMs, etc.
• Updated map and grid of current FNM/PNM/ENM/DIMs.
• Sent long email to ExComm, N&L, and ISC re logo issue and steps to be taken.
• Zoom w A re schedules and plans.
• Discusses N&L issues with ExComm, then sent everyone a pdf of the booklet.
• Redid grid of current NMs in clearer color.
• Bought plane ticket for IBD meeting.
• Confirmed room nights w IBD org chair.
• Reviewed and commented to DoA on annual report forms.
• Responded to intro w TV producer.
• Initiated discussion with Treasurer re financial support for various Mensa foundations.
• Updated ExComm on status of summer priorities and spend discussion of MICF.
• Sent call for agenda items to IBD.
• Nudged Awards Comm.
• Zoom w TV show developer re using Mensa members in a true Crime Solving series.
• Researched the several companies included in draft contract for TV show.
• Discussed brand integrity issues with ExComm.
• Wrote long response (w citations) to Ombudsman re concerns about MHKF.
•  Researched background info on author of an alternative adaptive test and shared with ExComm.
• Responded to HW re draft additions to potential contract for TV show.
• Responded to ExComm discussion re MICF.
• Calculated & prepped calendar of deadlines up to IBD for A.
• Created graphic and posted call for International Awards nominations to several platforms.
• Zoom w A re IBD planning.
• Zoom w AJ re IBD planning details.
• Reviewed draft contract re TV series and forwarded it to MI’s trademark attorney  with additional information and a point of concern.
• Set and gave notice of deadline for ExComm annual reports.
• Scheduled zoom call with MF re MICF.
• Requested input from J re funding AT and new staff to IBD meeting.
• Responded [in French] to member offering several ideas for MI.
• Zoom w A re frustrations.
• Responded to some tickets and cleared out some spam.
• Kept the ExComm discussion about charities and funding going.
• Forwarded Mensa Korea trademark issues to AML’s ExecDir to keep her in the loop.
• Responded the Mensa Brazil’s invitation to their AG.
• Drafted motions re MICF and sent to MF for review.
• Researched flight options to attend a Mensa Brazil event.
• Carefully reviewed and commented on initial findings from facilitated strategic review of MIL.
• Nudged Treasurer re budget for additional staff to the IBD.
• Mapped out the sequence for handling the complex topic re foundations, donations, and pertinent motions.
• Cleared out hundreds of spam from ticketing system.
  
• Zoom (over an hour) w MF re MICF.
• Informed ExComm of the first next set re MICF.
• Informed ExComm re facilitated strategic planning sessions.
• More research on flights to Brazil.
• Still more research on how to get to Brazil cheaply and comfortably. Told the hostess I don't think I can swing it.
• Zoom w A re staffing, planning, IMD timeline.
•  Posted motion and poll to ExComm for appointment of MICF trustees.
• Sent intro emails to ExComm and MI staff re facilitated strategic planning sessions with HP.
• Nudged JK re trademark issues in China and Indonesia.
• Responded briefly to acknowledge long complaint email from a member in Romania.
• Kept ExComm discussions going re foundation donations, Romanian complaint, and possible acts Inimical motion.
• Notified AT re mensa dot pk going to a gambling site.
• Added US NatRep to IBD Hub spaces.
• Closed vote for appointment of MICF Trustees and informed IBD.
• Forwarded request from AML to A.
• Sent reimbursement request for ORD - OTP for IBD Meeting.
• Sent reimbursement request to Foundation for FortWorth meetings.
• Prepped and sent update to IBD re database.
• Zoom w A re planning and messaging.
• Reformatted some email attachments so A can open and read them.
• Checked w JK re funding for IBD invitees and more before responding to requests.
• Drafted lengthy response re funding for extra IBD attendees.
• Phone call w TV guy re negotiating a compromise that makes me more comfortable about risk to Mensa’s reputation and brand image.
• Zoom w A re annual reports and agenda planning.
• Reviewed draft of annual country report form and made comments.
• Completed membership survey for AML.
• Wrote long explanation of TV opportunity and requested ExComm input on the revised contract.
• Worked on amendment to Bylaw 15.
• Worked on digging up all the motions proposed but not put before the IBD to be added to IBD agenda.
• Asked a few ExComm members for help locating languishing motions.
• Responded to member on LinkedIn asking about leading several projects he has thought of.
• Responded to a few tickets and cleared out a few dozen spam tickets.
• Sent images of logo violations in a recent NM magazine to N&L chair.
• Responded to discussion re test database update to the IBD.
• Nudged O re applying for International Archives and Records Committee.
• Suggested that someone apply for ISP.
• Sent drafts of revised Bylaw 15 and explanation to GPAC for input.
• More correspondence w TV producer and ExComm.
• Signed contract with TV producer (after adding an extra caveat for NMs who don’t want to participate).
• Advised Chair of an NM re member conflicts outside of Mensa scope.
• Asked IBD re bids for hosting 2028.
• Discussed AT status with ExComm.
• Nudged Awards Comm.
• Nudged NM chairs and IBD re needing Awards nominations.
• Acknowledged a couple awards nominations and notified Awards Committee.
• Responded to NM Chair’s questions about IBD locations.
• Responded to NM Chair re structure for responding (or not) to member-to-member conflicts.
• Investigated Hub modules installed, free, and paid and discussed alternatives w E & A.
• Zoom w A&E re Hub modules, then w A&O re country reports.
• Forwarded an email from the ExecDir email to User Support.
• Advised DoA on some annual reporting questions.
• Advised BZ re promoting the 2027 AG (AML).
• Discussion w ExComm re inviting Japan rep to Thurs ExComm meeting.
• Discussion w A and MJ re staffing process.
• Worked on Bylaw 15 revision.
• Sent link to draft of revise N&L rules to the committee for input.
• Updated ExComm voting record.
• Notified MF that the motion to appoint the MICF trustees has passed.
• Added all motions for IBD agent into the very very rough draft document.
• Reviewed and comment3ed on document advising potential bidders for IBD meetings.
• Zoom w A re staffing process, motion planning, etc.
• Reviewed short list of staff candidates and gave thumbs-up on all of them for progressing to interview phase.
• Zoom w A re HP remit and procedures proposal.
• Advised on scheduling interviews.
• Interacted with the constant complainers on FB.
• Zoom w A re countries’ annual report forms and process.
• Flew to Belgrade to meet w the Mensa Serbia folks, then on to EMAG.

June 2026 was BUSY!

• Answered questions re ® symbol in N&LComm discussion.
• Cleaned out a few dozen spam tickets.
• Responded to a member’s inquiry re MHKF.
• Nudged unresponsive Awards Comm.
• Filled out Stripe account verification information.
• Responded to Awards topics.
• Discussed value of SSOT w JK.
• Zoom w A re catch up and priorities for coming week.
• Added menu item in IBD Confidential for the IBD Manual.
• Nudged ExComm to keep working on staffing topic.
• Directed DSNM and DoD to draft motions for bylaw amendments to bring details of FNM status inline with the Constitution.
• Pondered and responded to attorney re several trademark protection issues.
• Provided MHK & MHKF with formal statement re members’ concerns.
• Started pondering the BML/AM/MIL MoU and Bylaw 15.
• Reached out to JMG to talk about Australia’s position on trademarks and licensing.
• Responded to trademark attorney re not filing opposition to a few odd name registrations.
• Removed underage India member from Hub.
• Responded to request for presentation time at IBD meeting.
• Discussed with SB and AJ my idea for doubling up on presentations at IBD meeting.
• Zoom w A re staffing pressures and concerns.
• Zoom w A to figure out logistics of applicants’ access to website and Hub.
• Prepped April–Dec 2025 From the ExComm columns for website.
• Call w DoA re staffing interim solutions.
• Helped draft a call for ad hoc vol assistance for A.
• Verified identity for Streets.
• Manually deleted NZ members from the Hub except KD and his wife.
• Prepped Jan–June 2026 From the ExComm columns for website.
• Notified Awards Comm that JC no longer has Hub access.
• Responded to Swedish chair re database status.
• Taught O how to do the motions database preparations.
• Asked ExComm if they want a meeting in June or July.
• Continued ExComm discussion re LinkedIn Learning licenses.
• Kept ExComm discussion re staffing going.
• Contacted Australian chair re trademark topic.
• Worked on finding 2025 motions handled before the IBD meeting for O to put into the spreadsheet.
• Wrote quarterly report for Mensa Foundation.
• Proposed dates and times for informal ExComm meeting.
• Zoom w A planning, staffing, prioritizing.
• Informed ExComm re O and kittens.
• Zoom w A re Hub removal process.
• Drafted explanation of doing a country sort for Hub removal.
• Worked on figuring out good day & time for ExComm meeting.
• Sent email to introduce O to MO re motions database project.
• Sleuthed and found some missing IBD motions from 2015.
• Discussed Facebook issues with VS.
• Sent spreadsheets for 2014 and 2013 motions to O for clean up.
• Responded to suspicious AML members regarding likely cost to AML of the 80th Anniversary video. 
• Zoom w JMG re trademarks and other IBD issues.
• Narrowed down and proposed day and time for an informal ExComm meeting.
• Zoom w A re staffing topics.
• Kept ExComm thinking about the staffing topic.
• Consulted with ST about a possible partnership idea he found.
• Consulted w ExComm re bonus.
• Reviewed and granted permission for our trademark attorney to display the MI logo on their company’s website page listing their clients.
• Asked AML for help tracking down docs re Carlton.
• Reviewed and approved privacy statement for volunteer applications.
• Shared work-in-progress job description for new hire w A.
• Advised a NM Chair re suspended member joining another NM.
• Nudged J re SAM status.
• Advised IBD invitee about the registration website.
• Sent O the 2011, 2010, and 2009 IBD motions to put into the motions database format.
• Worked w J to sort out a bill for NordVPN.
• Solicited IBD advice re adding letters to Mensa in other languages.
• Responded to inquiry on LinkedIn from a member frustrated that he can no longer use the Find Members” feature on the website.
• Zoom w A re staffing.
• Zoom w DPO et al re privacy document status.
• Researched bylaws re Past Chair rights.
• Advised MWJ editor and DoA re article concerns.
• Advised chair of MHK re on-going member concerns about N&L permissions.
• Wrote a few short pieces of Mensa history for use on social media.
• Discussion w ExComm re IVNC messaging and how to correct impressions.
• Zoom w A re frustrations on many topics.
• Zoom w A re IBD update messaging and staffing topics.
• Drafted update on high priorities for IBD.
• Zoom Foundation meeting.
• Zoom w A re messaging, staffing, and general to-do list for the week.
• Sent email to IBD with updates on the four big priorities.
• Zoom w A re staffing proposal.
• Responded to an inquiry from an Iranian via LinkedIn.
• Zoom w E re testing, membership transfers, and other meta issues.
• Worked on edits to description for new staff.
• Prepped agenda and zoom link for informal ExComm meeting.
• Advised Chair of Norway re Mensa values for online platforms.
• Forwarded member complaint to Int’l Ombudsman.
• Zoom w A re challenges.
• Responded to CRC Chair re referendum timing.
• Passed an idea about a social media platform to AT.
• Responded at length to Ombud’s request for additional info about a FB conflict.
• Reviewed and sent comments on a draft motion about MI’s charitable foundation support process.
• More correspondence with Ombudsman re FB.
• Added new Chair of Mensa France to the Hub.
• Responded to members’ theories about Hub activity levels.
• Finally finished my MWJ column for September. Phew!
• Explored and documented information for the DPO re Hub data and privacy.
• Responded to questions from chair of CRC.
• Reviewed request to initiate a hearing for Acts Inimical.
• Added S’s input to the draft job description fro the new  hire.
• Discussed staffing topic with JS.
• Zoom w A re Hub permissions.
• Worked w A to further investigate Hub permissions and powers and log steps taken for reporting to DPO.
• Reported CoC violation on FB to admin and Int’l Ombudsman.
• Investigated how to change primary user on an MlL bank account.
• Signed bank document for change of primary user.
• Discussed domain registrations w E & A.
• Wrote yet another draft of a Strategic Plan.
• Shared thoughts and priorities for the summer with ExComm.
• More work on recent Hub access issue.
• Explained to O what I need in a white paper on AT.
• Zoom w A re Hub issues and other topics.
• Zoom w ExComm (informal) to nail down staffing direction. 
• Restored various Hub permissions that had been disabled while investigating an issue.
• Zoom w A re Hub and staffing.
• Zoom w A re staffing application process.
• Researched infold minutes and agendas and responded to S. Korea Chair re trademark concerns.
• Reviewed and commented on privacy policy for volunteer applications.
• Sent logo banner to trademark attorney for inclusion on their website listing their clients.
• Reviewed latest version of staff description and ad.
• Urged MHK to share content about their activities with MI social media.
• Zoom w A re job description for new staff.
• Calculated hourly rate range based on ExComm’s stated annual range.
• Prepped formal notice of IBD meeting and deadlines and sent to various communications people.
• Prepped list of key words and names to search for AT white paper and sent to O.
• Zoom w A and AT re social media team onboarding.
• Signed POA for Mensa Korea to pursue trademark infringements.
• Posted notice of IBD meeting and agenda deadlines hither and yon.
• Responded to IBD+ organizer re details of meals and coffee.
• Responded to members on FB asking about what MI does and how to formally complain about moderation etc.
• Reviewed complaints from members in Mensa Italy.
• Zoom w A, SG, ad MJ re vol application form legalities.
• More responding to FB concerns and accusations.
• Directed concerned member in HK to contact the Ombudsman.
• Zoom w Chair of Croatia re a motion he is working on.
• Recorded video congratulating Mensa Argentina on 20 years.
• Attended American AG & Foundation Colloquium & meeting.
• Met w JM re TV show possibility for MI.
• Evangelized for MI.

May 2026

What I did for Mensa during May, 2026

• Nudged legal advisors re drafting a careful response to someone.
• Participated in ExComm Async meeting.
• Zoom w A re messaging, database, and  motion planning.
• Forwarded constitutional ref ballots from the past to A.
• With legal advice, refined an email re DIM status.
• Informed ExComm of my decision re handling an expelled member.
• Initiated decision-making for CBC appointments.
• Worked with PF to reset perm calendar of ExComm annual tasks.
• Zoom w A mostly mutual ranting about frustrations and challenges, but some task prioritizing and planning.
• Posted corrections to misinformation on Mensa Connect.
• Zoom w GSD re planning and priorities.
• Looked for and forwarded to A info on how last term’s IEC did things.
• Worked on Strategic Planning.
• Plotted out calendar for motions 10–18.
• Zoom w A re planning.
• Worked on clarifying staffing division.
• Notified chair of Germany re a request for DIM status.
• Directed DoO to initiate 26-10 on Wednesday.
• Responded to disgruntled parent demanding a refund she’d paid to AML for review of PE.
• Put up poll  for approval of April 26 minutes.
• Initiated discussion with ExComm re HK charity’s objectives.
• Responded to quest from an ex-member.
• Reviewed SMAC’s plans for working with the IVNC.
• Drafted statement for Singapore re database.
• Alerted NP about the incipient HK Foundation.
• Passed social media fodder re Foundation to AT.
• Zoom w A re motions and committees.
• Zoom w A re ballot drafting.
• Drafted additional response to Singapore re database.
• Responded to chair of India re adding members to the  Hub manually.
• Nudged wrap-up of Async meeting.
• More ExComm discussion re strat plan.
• Agreed to “meet” w new Swedish board via Zoom.
• Answered interview questions from Serbia for their magazine.
• Re-ignited discussion re staffing with ExComm.
• Manually added 8 members from India to the Hub.
• Posted notice of Apr 26 minutes on Hub and FB group.
• Zoom w J strategic planning concepts.
• Commented on draft of Async minutes.
• Many hours organizing brain dump re Strategic Planning.
• Directed 26-11, 12, & 13 to go out.
• Zoom w A re motions to go out, database progress and frustrations, and general planning.
• Caught up on ExComm voting record.
• Zoom w A re database meeting prep.
• Sent UserSupport questions re access for members from India.
• Responded to member offering to create a game for a Mensa app.
• Zoom w AML Chair re mutual concerns.
• Zoom w A & AT re website.
• Scheduled zoom interview with José.
• Zoom w A re standardizing remits’ formatting.
• Zoom w attorneys and GWS re DPA and Service Agreement negotiations.
• Kept discussion re invitees to IBD going w ExComm.
• Sent invitations  to the four invitees.
• Responded to Chair of MHK re their foundation’s use of the MI trademarks.
• Initiated formation of a HP for a DIM request from Germany.
• Zoom w A re CV downloads.
• Responded to questions from MI’s trademark attorney regarding outstanding issues in Indonesia and HK.
• Drafted and refined a DCS job description and shared with ExComm.
• Passed Mensa Foundation event info to VS and AT for posting to MI’s social media.
• Manually added another batch of members from India to the Hub.
• Drafted letter authorizing MHK Foundation to use the Mensa trademarks.
• Zoom w A re constitutional ref timelines and concerns about deadlines and costs.
• Drafted message to ExComm re referendum timeline.
• Corresponded with User Support re Indian members’ login challenges.
• Corresponded w trademark attorney re registration of marks in Australia.
• Zoom w A re messaging.
• Sent email to ExComm re constitutional referendum timing.
• Briefly attended first meeting of newly elected board in Mensa Sweden.
• Prepped and posted motion to ExComm re constitutional referendum timing.
• Further discussed options with User Support for manually adding members to the website.
• Worked on DCS description a bit more.
• Zoom w A re data legalities and general project priorities.
• Nudged ExComm re referendum recommendation.
• Updated list of expelled members.
• Drafted motion and prepped voting poll for ExComm approval of MHKF.
• Lots and lots of discussion w ExComm on the referendum recommendation.
• Posted Constit Ref next steps to IBD along with data for decision-making.
• Discussed topics with Italy NatRep.
• Added more numeric info to the discussion re DCS salary..
• Nudged ExComm on motion re MHKF.
• Hours of discussion with ExComm re finances.
• Zoom meeting of  the Mensa Foundation.
• Zoom w A re to do lists and getting caught up on messaging schedules.
• Explained to AML’s IT staff about the Drupal security update.
• Tended to a dozen tickets.
• Clarified to trademark attorney that the planned unification of the trademarks never happened and will not for the foreseeable future.
• Asked for clarification regarding HKMF needs.
• Kept ExComm discussion re staffing going.
• Zoom (3 hours) interview for Mensa Spain magazine.
• Finalized letter re MHKF.
• Forwarded March 27 email re MICF to M because he never replied.
• More discussion w ExComm re staffing.
• Advised AML Chair re N&L question.
• Zoom w A re catch up and planning.
• Researched and wrote long explanatory post re recent FB outrage over a banning.
• Searched for IEC information from the 2024 election.
• Put up voting poll for approval of ExComm Async minutes.
• Hours of monitoring and responding to FB thread regarding moderation.
• Drafted new version of job description for a CSM and shared w ExComm.
• Updated ExComm Voting Record spreadsheet.
• Clarified for A next set of motions to go out.
• Continued to monitor FB drama.
• Checked in with an ExComm member needing encouragement.
• Initiated activity in Awards Committee.
• Dug in old emails to find when I told NMs to put their magazines on the Hub, not the website.
• Created list for IS of all Mensa India members currently on the Hub.
• Resolved mystery non-approvals of some social media topics.
• Reviewed draft IBD Manual.
• Added information to the SSOT.
• Checked in w DoA re appointment applications and announcements.
• Closed out two ExComm motions re minutes and initiating Acts Inimical.
• Updated ExComm voting record.
• Responded to questions from MHK re setting up their foundation.

My New View of Mensa International's Position

For most of my Mensa life, I've thought of Mensa as a hierarchical pyramid, with Mensa International at the top, dictating to the national Mensas and members. Upon much reflection, I now see it as a broad, but inverted pyramid, with Mensa International at the base — enabling, serving, and supporting everyone else.

April, 2026

• Sent blurb for AG program book.
• Zoom w A re motions, database issues, IBD handbook, and other issues.
• Dug out old email to NMs re interim measures for expiry dates and forwarded to A for drafting a new update.
• Sent update message to NMs re progress on website logins.
• Sent post  idea re Singapore’s relay for Life to VS and AT.
• Zoom w A, E, CC, and GWS re DIM database needs.
• Drafted [unsent] response to KD’s latest screed.
• Solicited con statements for 26-01 & 26-02 for constitutional ballot.
• Responded to a disgruntled AML member.
• Prepped and sent requests for pro/con statements on Consist proposals 3 & 4.
• Updated User Support re pushing back the auto expiry date.
• Zoom w A re motion prep, schedule, and prioritizing tasks.
• Reviewed summary of proposals for handling DIM data going forward.
• Passed on an application for a new ISIG.
• Nudged ExComm re Madrid Action Points on Hub.
• Commented on ExComm staffing discussion.
• Nudged SMAC.
• Sent doodle poll to ExComm to find a time to meet for choosing IEC appointees.
• Informed IBD that they are  not obligated to bring swag to the meeting.
• Reviewed and commented on draft ExComm-Madrid minutes.
• Reminded ExComm of draft job descriptions for DoD and DSC.
• Nudged for more  explanation on 26-07.
• Zoom w A re database legalities’ progress, brainstorming how to handle records of banned members, and review of the SSOT doc.
• Drafted documentation for the Process For NMs’ Membership Officers and Managers to Check Names on the Expelled & Sanctioned List.
• Added Japan rep to Japan’s Hub space and initiated contact with DSNM and DoO.
• Worked w A on drafting update to IBD re database progress.
• Reviewed pertinent bylaws and requested advice from ExComm re IEC / CBC handling the referendum.
• Requested advice from GPAC  re IEC / CBC handling the referendum.
• Nudged on poll for April ExComm meeting time.
• Zoom w A re updating IBD on 25-42 and handling referendum process and materials.
• Advised AJ re how we will handle a friendly amendment to the election rules motion.
• Zoom w A re update to IBD on database progress.
• Sent update on database progress to IBD.
• Asked IBD if they want a entirely separate CBC or if they are happy using the same people as the IEC.
• Drafted agenda for April ExComm meeting.
• Initiated poll for ExComm approval of Madrid minutes.
• Wrote lengthy response to IBD concerns regarding hitting the May 1 deadline for appointing an IEC.
• Zoom w A re upcoming meetings w lawyers and necessities for Hub and IBD Manual preparation.
• Tidied and updated Slovenia’s Hub space in prep to use it as an example in the IBD Manual.
• Explained to Chair of CRC about NMs all using the Hub for storing their covering docs and magazines
• Added names from Germany to Expelled Members list.
• Downloaded IEC applications and sent to DoA with instructions for next steps.
• Facilitated rushing the appointment of the IEC.
• Explained process and reasoning to for ExComm vetting applications to IBD.
• Lots of shepherding ExComm through IEC selection process.
• Tidied motion 26-07 and directed A to get it going.
• Zoom w A re IBD Manual, website topics, reporting, and database negotiations.
• Nailed down day and time for next SMAC meeting and sent link.
• Created instructions with graphics about how to manage NM Hub spaces for IBD Manual.
• Researched bylaw references and shared thoughts re confidentiality with ExComm.
• Drafted a motion to clarify IBD confidentiality.
• Posted Madrid minutes to the Hub.
• Drafted plan for complete revision of volunteer communications positions and shared w A and AT.
• Drafted full motions for revisions of communications positions.
• Zoom w SMAC.
• Zoom w A re catch up.
• Reviewed and commented on draft of ad for a DCS.
• Responded to attorney’s question regarding registering the marks in Indonesia.
• Reviewed meeting reports from ExComm.
• Reviewed text for IBD Manual re how the list of expelled members is maintained and accessed.
• Alerted ExComm to a request from an expelled member to be a DIM.
• Alerted AML to wrong logo use in an newsletter.
• oom w A re ExComm agenda, staffing, and testing.
• Connected SMAC and IVNC re working together on volunteerism strategic priority planning.
• Shared Hub instructions with IVNC.
• Added more comments to draft of DCS job ad.
• Discussed drafted motions for communications remits w A & AT.
• Zoom w A, E, DPO, and outside data protection attorney re tweaks to several agreements and contracts being negotiated.
• Zoom w new chair of Mensa Germany re strategic priorities and getting to know each other.
• Connected new German chair with Pres of the Mensa Foundation.
• Nudged ExComm to review and update Madrid action points and 25–26 priorities.
• Directed ExComm not to respond to Brazil complaint; it’s been handled.
• Discussed plans for ExComm dinner on Wed of IBD w organizer.
• Drafted thoughts about MI’s strategic plan and shared with ExComm for input.
• Zoom ExComm meeting.
• Researched info about MICF trustee appointment.
• Zoom w A re meeting action points and organizing motions.
• Dug up some invoices for auditors from ED’s mailbox.
• Responded to new VP of Mensa France re proxies needing English skills.
• Organized schedule for a dozen bylaws motions.
• Shared daunting motion plans for May & June with ExComm.
• Zoom meeting with AML’s Nat’l Awards Committee.
• Zoom w A re remit motion planning, GYC, and volunteer needs.
• Plotted out calendar for next several motions and directed A to start 08 & 09.
• Set up ExComm Async meeting to handle 8 motions and two discussion topics.
• Caught up recording ExComm voting record since October.
• Directed DoA to ask the newly appointed IEC if any would be willing to serve on the CBC.
• Sought legal advice re responding to a HP issue.
• Directed MI Official FB admin to remove an expelled member.
• Advised on handling Facebook moderation.
• Gathered all pro/con statements for referendum proposals.
• Answered some tickets.
• Reviewed draft minutes from April 26 ExComm meeting.