The recent Bulletin had a long article by a non-AMC person about rethinking the Jewel Awards. I confess I didn’t read and ponder it carefully, so I don’t have an opinion about it. However, It does seem like the Jewels as they are currently handled only take into consideration things that can be counted by the National Office.
In December, as part of a long list of next steps to improve volunteerism in Mensa, I recommended the RVCs look at the Jewel Awards and figure out how to incorporate volunteerism into them. I can’t imagine that it’s impossible to review other things LGs do or don’t do over the course of a year that impact the quality of service they provide to their members beyond what the National Office tracks already. RVCs know their Groups well, including the quirks and nuances of how they function.
Off the top of my head:
• Does the LG have a formal volunteer recognition party/award/process?
• Does the LG provide training and other onboarding materials for new volunteers?
• Is the turn over in leadership regular and non-contentious?
• Is more than one key position held by the same person?
