Politics and Proctoring

I’ve been a proctor for oh, maybe ten years or so. I forget exactly. It’s generally a joy to do—talking up Mensa, answering questions, promoting activities and participation, being the  welcoming face to new members.

But about a month and a half ago, I decided that I was no longer comfortable rah-rahing for an organization that was becoming, in my opinion, less and less welcoming. It was the whole AM Facebook meltdown that was the final straw—I could not in good conscience tell people that Mensa was this happy, accepting family they were looking for. I’ve ranted about that in previous posts; no need to repeat myself here.

Then came the Howard/Executive Director/National Office/AMC storm.  I’m angry and despondent and disgusted... and really really don’t want to do any more testing for Mensa. I was intending to notify our local Proctor Coordinator this coming week, and arrange to get him all my unused testing supplies.

So here I was this afternoon, relaxing after a long day dropping off the boy child at college and looking forward to a night without kids in the house for the first time in what feels like forever. Then the phone rang. Our LocSec was frantic—she had seven people show up for the testing session and no proctor. Since I live only 20 minutes away, could I please come over and do the test session?

I was torn.

On one hand, I was weary and disinclined to do any more testing. On the other hand, I harbor no displeasure with our Local Group, and certainly had nothing against the people who had driven far to take the test. To say “no” would have been just... well… shitty. So I changed my shirt, grabbed my testing supplies, and headed over. The session went smoothly. The Local Group was relieved and thankful.

I only hope the AMC feels the same way.