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.

What I did for Mensa: March 2026

 

• Sent pertinent contact info to Mensa Foundation ED & Pres re other charitable foundations.
• Prioritized ExComm Action Points from Saturday of the Madrid meeting.
• Drafted list of queue of motions ExComm needs to keep  moving along and posted to Hub.
• Promoted a LinkedIn post from Brazil about Mensa advocating for gifted people.
• Drafted message to MF re MICF.
• Gave feedback to new MWJ editor.
• Discussed motions 26-01&02 w a couple ExComm members.
• Sent response and requests for additional information to MF re MICF.
• Responded to questions from Korea chair.
• Zoom w A re Korea costs and motion planning.
• Worked on comprehensive communications planning and job descriptions.
• Zoom w A, E, and GWS to clarify roles and access to database.
• Responded to more than a dozen tickets from Americans.
• Gathered, reviewed, and prepped clear order for all queued up constitutional and bylaw motions.
• Edited an essay about Mensa history from Switzerland.
• Reviewed and comments on discussion and proposals for refinements to the Ombud's remit and process.
• Responded to a member’s questions regarding use of name on an NM’s social media platform.
• Answered a few tickets and asked UserSupport why I’m getting them and why they are all more than 6 months old.
• Reminded ExComm to read and ponder the Ombudsman topic notes and proposals.
• Zoom w A re insurance and risk mitigation.
• Prepped 26-01 & 02 as amended for next step of IBD approval.
• Zoom w DoA re staffing.
• Zoom w J re staffing, insurance, and other topics.
• Zoom w A re insurance, motions  processes, IBD manual, and other topics.
• Posted 26-03 & 04 to the ExComm for comments.
• Gave heads-up to Bulletin editor re saving space in June and July for constitutional referendum materials.
• Zoom w A re action points and general planning for the week.
• Prepped next constitutional motion and shared with ExComm for input.
• Responded to a Foundation thread about the use of AI in scholarship essays.
• Reviewed and commented on material going to NMs re video challenge.
• Responded to a NM Chair re concerns about motions.
• Zoom w A re catch up.
• Zoom w A re giant Google sheet and ordering of IBD messaging.
• Wrote quarterly report for Mensa Foundation.
• Responded in detail to Mensa Italy re procedure for a potential licensing opportunity.
• Prepped Motions 26-03 & 26-04 and sent to DoO for distribution.
• Created application form for the 2026-27 IEC and sent to ExComm for review.
• Nudged DoA re job description and advertising blurb for new Dir of Corporate Services.
• Began working on gathering information to revise the Int’l Ombudsman remit.
• Worked on application for IEC per ExComm feedback.
• Responded to discussion thread w Ombuds re updating that remit.
• Zoom w A re priorities and catch-up.
• Prepped graphic and text for announcing IEC application opening.
• Zoom w A re application form and schedule for sending this and that out this coming week.
• Zoom w A re N&L questions and planning various messaging.
• Zoom w A re various meddling needs, plans, and schedule.
• Zoom w A & AT re promotional video and motions scheduling.
• Planned out Mar, April and part of May schedule for all the motions and referendum ballot tasks.
• Responded to SMAC with ExComm’s priorities.
• Managed some discussion about the 80th anniversary video challenge.
• Sent ExComm list of Madrid Action Points.
• Approved messaging for social media re 80th Anniversary video.
• Sent history essay from a Swiss member to V.
• Sent out the call for IEC applications.
• Shared the motions planning calendar for the next couple months with the IBD.
• Zoom  w A re DNS needs.
• Travel to Mensa Flu ration retreat.
• Zoom w A & AT re timing of video messaging.
• Responded to questions re trademark and event ideas from chair of S. Korea.
• Attended two-day Mensa Foundation planning retreat and meeting.
• Zoom (long!) wA re database legalities in progress, motion in progress and how to prioritize, and many other catch-up topics.
• Helped Norway with some Hub configuration.
• Discussed a motion re LinkedIn courses w ExComm.
• Wrote message to IBD & Membership re the passing of CL.
• Tediously updated motion planning for Mar-May.
• Asked BL for same wording for soliciting pro/con statements.
• Filled out final reimbursement request for Madrid meeting.
• Prepped survey to solicit pro/con statements for Constit Motions 1 & 2.
• Prepped new Hub space for proposed constit amendments
• Prepped messaging for soliciting pro/con statements.
• Asked BL for feedback on my progress and plans so far.
• Responded to Mensa Brazil re information and process for licensing the Mensa brand.
• Created application form for a CBC.
• Learned that I do NOT need to go through the usual formal committee appointment process for the CBC and approached A to be on it.
• Posted call for Pro/Con statements for 01 & 02.
• Nudged DoA re things to do for appointment season.
• Nudged on Election Rules motion.
• Drafted response re MICF and shared with ExComm for comments.
• Zoom w A re catch up, database legalities, motion planning.
• Directed A to start 26-05 English.
• Responded to M re MICF requests.
• Corresponded with ME re the timing of his proposed Constit motion.
• Alerted AML’s Comm and Marketing Officers and of newish N&L handbook.
• Nudged S to push on the election rules motion.
• Spread some Foundation content to social media.
• Attended Mensa Foundation/AMC presentation from the  “Belter Together” task force.
• Zoom w A re motions, database, setting priorities for the week, and other catch-up issues.
• Zoom w A & AT re sponsorship webpage.
• Zoom w AT re SoMe strategy and updating various vol remits for current needs.
• Double checked some confidential info posted in a non-confidential space.
• Moved post w confidential info to IBD Confidential.
• Asked GPAC for pro/con statement for 26-01 & 02.
• Created color-coded Madrid Action Points page for ExComm space.

March Meeting of the Mensa Foundation

 I attended the two-day planning session & meeting of the Mensa Foundation. What a high-functioning board! I came away inspired and filled with new perspectives and ideas.

Nguyen, Tamesha, me, and Jon.

February is a short month, but I still got plenty done

February 2026

• Drafted proposal to ExComm re staffing.
• Zoom w A re staffing.
• Advised  IBD member re making a secondary motion.
• Initiated ExComm discussion re staffing proposal.
• Explained to IBD their options re 26-01 & 26-02, including templates of possible motions for someone to make.
• Zoom w A re adding/removing members on the Hub, motions process, and staffing.
• Prepped for meeting with Foundation ExecDir.
• Posted IBD minutes to Hub and FB group.
• Reminded ExComm re officer reports, agenda, and staffing discussion.
• Initiated ExComm discussion re sanctioned member serving in a MI position.
• Investigated mensainternational.com.
• Zoom w ExecDir of Mensa Foundation.
• Zoom w A re 26-01 & 02.
• Zoom w a few IBD member re motions 26-01 & 02.
• Zoom w A re ballot prep.
• Sent updated raw survey responses to SMAC.
• Discussed volunteerism issues with ExComm.
• Responded to inquiry regarding a researcher wanting to be given use of Mensa’s intelligence tests.
• Wrote long email to MI trademark attorney re Indonesia, Korea, and the MyIQ test online.
• Updated Korean chair on progress.
• Worked on prepping many motions and polishing agenda for ExComm meeting in Madrid
• Sent reminders to ExComm re reports, agenda, and staffing proposal.
• Nudged ExComm re planning Madrid dinner w locals.
• Zoom w A re legal matters.
• Responded to J&A re expense for Korea documents.
• Advised NM chair re logo design issues.
• Created permanent Hub page in ExComm space for MWJ column assignments.
• Scheduled Zoom on-boarding call for UK NatRep.
• Zoom w A re reports, Korea, & social media.
• Wrote long Chairman’s report for ExComm.
• Sent documents to Korea for review and approval before Mi spends money to get them all notarized and mailed.
• Nudged ExComm re staffing decisions.
• Informed a member from Germany re her status as a Facebook moderator.
• Responded to several topics with MI’s trademark attorney.
• Scheduled zoom calls with MI lawyers re database topics.
• Zoom w A re reports and staffing.
• Zoom w JS re onboarding.
• Zoom w A re tasks for the coming week.
• Reviewed and made suggestions for the giant NM Info spreadsheets.
• Responded to a member asking about the Community Events Committee.
• Zoom w A re GYC and prep for meetings.
• Zoom w A re staffing proposal.
• Nudged ExComm and shared additional  thoughts re staffing decisions.
• Zoom w DoD, DPO, and attorneys to review and polish contracts and agreements w GWS.
• Discussed staffing issues and options with a fe ExComm members.
• Zoom w A re review of yesterday’s meeting with lawyers and Madrid planning.
• Responded helpfully to a few LinkedIn messages.
• Checked X for replies that need attention and tried to check Bluesky, but couldn’t get in.
• Reviewed video, song, and materials from AT for the 80th anniversary and provided feedback.
• Presented a compromise course of action to ExComm re staffing.
• Responded yet again to member in China wanting me to issue a formal statement that he disagreed with an ExComm decision.
• Helped editor for Switzerland with Hub organization  issue.
• Prepared page covering current trademark issues for ExComm Hub space.
• Zoom w A re preparations for Madrid meeting.
• Zoom w SMAC to review their report from their survey.
• Zoom w AML & BML re MOU and licensing topics and planning.
• Participated in ExComm meeting in Madrid.
• Prepped formal start for motions to amend motions 26-01 & 02.
• Zoom w A re action points and other follow-up from Madrid meeting.
• Updated proxy for Argentina in Hub spaces.
• Zoom w A re motion formalities and GY topics.
• Sent request to N&LComm re video.
• Updated list of expelled/sanctioned members from Korea.
• Zoom w E&A re database nuances.
• Guided 26-01 & 02 process.
• Zoom w S re issues in a NM
• Zoom w A re insurance concerns.
• Responded to a few inquiries on MI’s LinkedIn.
• Zoom w Mensa Foundation Pres and ED re reaching out to other international Mensa foundations.
• Discussed bubbling issue of BML compliance with CRC Chair.
• Responded to a sanctioned member in Germany regarding serving as an international volunteer.
• Zoom w A re ExComm action points.

January 2026 was a bit busier!

• Responded to member asking about setting up a Discord server.
• Responded at length to member wanting to set up Discord server and improve Mensa communications.
• Responded to IBD discussion regarding 25-43 process.
• Poked around to see how to speed up social media progress.
• Continued to work with enthusiastic members regarding setting up a Discord server for MI.
• Alerted Chair of Pakistan that their website redirects to a gambling site.
• Responded to queries to MI on LinkedIn.
• More lengthy discussion with member wanting to set up Discord as THE solution to a problem she believes exists.
• Zoom w A.
• Nudged IBD re 25-43 suggestions.
• Shared new year thoughts with ExComm.
• Moved final version of 25-43 along.
• Responded to headhunting company re hiring an ExecDir.
• More discussion with member wanting Discord.
• Nudged ExComm re Madrid hotel decision.
• Worked on sorting out and testing social media accounts.
• More work sorting out what is known re MI’s social media & shared w A and AT.
• Zoom w A re social media and minutes prep.
• Zoom w A & AT re social media.
• Reviewed rough draft of minutes.
• Zoom w A re database & minutes.
• Zoom w E re database and Hub.
• More feedback to members trying to set up a Discord server.
• Zoom w A re social media, minutes, various subscriptions we can cancel.
• Asked BL for clarity on People of Mensa discord group legitimacy.
• Received and shared BL’s clarification with the members trying to claim their discord is “approved.” (it is not).
• Tried to navigate to the right place to  help a NM recover  their FB page. No luck.
• Worked w VS to draft email to NM Chairs re 80th Anniversary.
• Nudged M re BML-AML-MIL MOU.
• Zoom w A re domains and minutes.
• Zoom w AT re social media and 80th Anniversary planning.
• Scheduled SMAC meeting.
• Nudged lawyer re trademark issues still needing resolution.
• Discussed options re French members who are owners of Hub spaces.
• Discussed options for handling concerns in Norway and Indonesia with MI’s trademark lawyer.
• Investigate oddities of a couple Hub spaces’ membership.
• Perused and picked some iStock images forfeiture use.
• Zoom w social media teams.
• Prepped motion 26-1 and sent to S for approval.
• Intervened in a conflict between Italy and an ExComm member.
• Prepped 4 motions re constitutional referendum and sent to A for putting before the IBD.
• Zoom w SMAC re surveying.
• Zoom Mensa Foundation monthly meeting.
• Zoom w A re tweaks to constitutional motions.
• Discussed with DoD an issue with an election in a PNM.
• Read and drafted long response to a member in China.
• Posted Mensa Foundation notice on X, Bluesky, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Mensa News (Hub).
• Responded to several long-overdue messages to MI via LinkedIn.
• Updated IBD rep for Austria on the Hub.
• Commented extensively on Discord documentation in progress.
• Responded to the rest of the languishing messages to Mi via LinkedIn.
• Responded yet again to member in China regarding his non-involvement in ExComm’s decision.
• Created survey for SMAC.
• Zoom w A re minutes, domain registrations, management of motions, and staffing issues.
• Dug in old emails and elsewhere for information re domain registrations and appointment of charity trustees.
• Discussion and research re domain ownerships w E & A.
• Dug up NM stats from 2024 and 2023 for SMAC.
• Zoom w A re database concerns animation management.
• Reviewed and picked 80th logo designs.
• Called IT staff at AML to ask for renewal details for mensa.org, .com, and .net. (left message)
• Zoom w S re how to handle motions.
• Reviewed further legal requests from S. Korea and forwarded to MI’s trademark lawyer for advice.
• Responded to Hub Team discussion about a problem member.
• Long Zoom w M re charity and trademark issues.
• Zoom w A re catchup and prioritizing tasks.
• Put up drafts of 26-01 and 02 for IBD discussion.
• Asked ExComm to pick between four 80th logo choices.
• Drafted agenda for ExComm meeting in February (5 hours of work!).
• Poked around to give AT access to X, Bluesky, and TikTok accounts. Success with all three.
• Culled a few dozen tickets from spammers.
• Informed ST of 80th logo decision by ExComm.
• Began drafting next 25-42 update to the IBD.
• Responded to VS’s concern about a member highlighted on MI’s IG account.
• Tried deleting an old IG post with no success.
• Zoom w A re staffing & database topics.
• Provided more feedback to Discord people.
• Worked on ExComm agenda.
• Responded to questions from MI’s trademark attorney regarding registrations in China.
• Forwarded historical and drafts of licensing MOUs between MIL, BL, and AML to ExecDirs of AML & BML.
• Melded all the ExComm reports from Nov ’25 into one Word doc for minutes.
• Made visual board of how I think we want our database and various uses to integrate with each other.
• Searched for and found SMAC surveys from 2023 and 2024.
• Zoom w A re a motion process.
• Zoom w SMAC.
• Sent SMAC survey to IBD, NM Chairs, staff, appointees, and committee chairs.
• Filled out SMAC survey.
• Forwarded an application for a new ISIG.
• Drafted intro to 26-01 and 26-02 and shared w A for refinement.
• Updated ExComm’s list of Action Points and progress.
• Worked on ExComm agenda.
• Zoom w A re minutes and motions.
• Wrote introductory text to go with Hub posting of 26-02 and 26-02.
• Responded to Chair of Denmark re social media options not based in the US.
• Zoom w A re motions.
• Zoom again w A re motions.
• Sent update to IBD re progress on 25-42.
• Responded to MI’s trademark attorney re online test issue.
• Zoom w A re staffing, constitution amendments, and various vol challenges.
• Drafted my reason behind cautioning that 26-01 & 02 could fundamentally change the nature of Mensa in prep for arguments.
• Researched and responded to a member re situation with MyIQ appropriating our name and scamming people.
• Formatted all vol remits from bylaws and included as an appendix in the ExComm agenda for Feb.
• Manually added editor from Slovakia and set up the right folders and permissions for magazine uploading.
• Zoom w A, E, & GWS re Hub integration with database and other database topics.
• Zoom w A&E re understanding who owns what of domain names with our name.
• Advised Mensa Italy re where to send their amended constitution.
• Responded to M re Mensa Charity constitution and trustee appointment issues.
• Zoom w E re MICF, a motion about GPAC, and staffing tasks he’s currently covering.
• Discussed staffing issues with E & A.
• Reviewed and approved social media topics.
• Requested meeting with ExecDir of the Mensa Foundation.
• Worked on prepping massive list of tasks that should go to MI staff (hours of work!).
• Zoom w A re staffing topics.
• Downloaded SMAC survey responses and sent to committee for analysis.
• Zoom w A re staffing. 
• Solved from Hub setting issues.
• Corresponded with Mensa Foundation Pres about setting up a collaboration meeting.
• Nagged IBD to look at motions 26-01 & 02.

29 Zooms!