Friday, December 27, 2024

Sunday, December 1, 2024

November 2024 Accomplishments

 Director of Administration

  • In-person partial on-boarding of an IVN member.
  • Set up Hub space for Malaysian Mensa.
  • Responded to some tickets.
  • Updates spaces in Hub categories.
  • Prepped graphics and text for website promoting the Hub (in place of WP).
  • Responded to Mensa Chile about tshirt designs.
  • Asked K to remove welcome letter link from MWJ.
  • Reviewed fodder for a member benefits web page.
  • Corrected login info for motion database.
  • Worked on re-organization of IBD presentations on Hub.
  • Requested DropBox access.
  • Responded to several Hub Team issues.
  • Long Zoom w A covering many topics.
  • Requested GWS help (via M) with server-side Hub problems.
  • Manually added a user to the Hub to see if I could (yes).
  • Posted voting polls for approval of Set 16 and Oct 10 ExComm meeting minutes.
  • Manually added a few members from India to the Hub.
  • Created mock-up for a Hub webpage.
  • Reviewed Jan MWJ and sent comments to editor.
  • Began work on better organization of IBD documents on the Hub.
  • Addressed N&L questions regarding committee processes.
  • Set up space for AML and arranged for Bulletin editor to upload magazine PDFs.
  • Send nudge about signing up for Hub to IBD members.
  • Created step-by-step instructions pdf for getting a vanity email address.
  • Responded to many tickets.
  • Looked into report of a lapsed member needing to be purged from the Hub.
  • Facilitated problem solving between AML and the Hub.
  • Uploaded IBD presentations and sent A the URLs for the minutes.
  • Zoom w M to prepare for inperson meeting.
  • Reorganized AML’s magazine archives on the Hub to allow people to actually read them.
  • Updated ExComm Standing Orders page on the Hub.
  • Commented on draft ExComm Nov 24 meeting agenda.
  • Composed and posted many thoughts regarding Strategic Planning for ExComm.
  • Onboarding Zoom with Archivists.
  • Set up Hub space for Archivists and posted necessary files and links.
  • Catchup up zoom w A.
  • Set up space for Mensa Argentina
  • Responded to more tickets.
  • Responded to concerns from MWJ editor.
  • Went London for two days’ / 12 hours of intense discussion with ExecDir about many topics.
  • Added link to MI Directory Google Doc to ExComm and IBD spaces on the Hub.
  • Set up Hub space for PhotoCup team.
  • Uploaded all 2024 IBD presentations to Drop box and sent links to A for the minutes.
  • Responded to more tickets.
  • Created Blue Sky account for Mensa International (name-holding for now).
  • Strategy planning zoom w A&J.
  • ExComm Zoom Meeting.
  • Updated IBD Confidential membership on Hub and nudged the last few who haven't signed up yet.
  • Updated IBD General membership on Hub and nudged the last few who haven't signed up yet.
  • Messaged M re setting up regular call schedule.
  • Wrote up notes from London meeting and sent to M.
  • Quick call w A re several topics.
  • Responded to several tickets.
  • Zoom w M re Hub Training.
  • Zoom w A re: newsletter plans and other topics.
  • Booked flights for London in March.
  • Responded to more tickets.
  • Manually added a couple members to the Hub.
  • Participated in SMAC zoom meeting.

Monday, November 4, 2024

What I Did for Mensa October 2024

Director of Administration

  • Prepped and posted list of ExComm appointments to IBD Confidential group on WP.
  • Drafted yet another report to the ExComm about  what I’ve been doing since our last meeting.
  • Long Zoom w A about new concept for newsletter.
  • Prepared a workshop for ExComm on Strategic Planning and Mega issues.
  • Tended to a member’s concern about being harassed on WP; contacted NM chair and International Ombudsman.
  • Attended ExComm getting on Oct 10
  • Attended IBD meeting in Perth.
  • Notified volunteer applicants of appointment decisions.
  • Proofed and sent comments on Dec MWJ.
  • Responded to a couple dozen tickets.
  • Got most IBD members and half the newly appointed volunteers in the right spaces on the Hub.
  • Cleaned out IBD Confidential space on the Hub for only current IBD members.
  • Notified volunteers who still need to get signed up.
  • Plastered a big reminder in Workplace for people to get moved over to the Hub.
  • Kicked off an ExComm discussion about SMAC use.
  • Asked AS to get IBD presentations  parked on the Hub.
  • Asked L about creating an AML space on the Hub.
  • Asked ExComm for help finding assistants for the CRO.
  • Tweaked settings for IBD Confidential space.
  • Made some Hub spaces (N&L, SMAC, News Team)
  • Populated IBD group on the Hub.
  • Created several more committee spaces on the Hub.
  • Uploaded and pointed out Hub instructions to the IBD with a request that they download and share with their membership.
  • Onboarding call with new News Team.
  • Long call w DoD and Treasurer re IT costs, AT form
  • Dug through motion database to find names of past CROs who might be tapped to help Parisa.
  • Long zoom w A.
  • Filled out and sent expense forms for Perth travel.
  • Booked tickets for meeting w M in London in Nov.
  • Found and sent A the EMAG article from the MWJ.
  • Asked News Team to come up with happy articles about IBD, AMG, and GLAM.
  • Zoom meeting with SMAC.
  • Drafted a few news posts re vol and IBD updates.
  • Sent ICO membership data.
  • Sent News Team membership data for infographics.
  • Cleared out a few IBD/ExComm spaces to remove AR now that she’s stepped down.
  • Started brainstorming topics to cover with M in London in November.
  • Contacted new archivists about onboarding in early November.
  • Suggested sending electronic Amazon gift cards to Poetry winners.
  • Set up space for AML on the Hub.
  • Helped with minutes preparation.
  • Tested google survey about Adaptive testing.
  • Drafted job description and some  cut-and-paste responses for AML ticketing agents. 
  • Responded to many tickets.
  • Added to online ExComm discussions.
  • Sent some posts to News team.
  • Recorded narration for N&L Presentation and turned it into video format.
  • Helped A retrieve some ExComm motions from Sept.


MI News Team
  • Checked in with MS to see if she’s still willing to help with graphics.
  • Prepped some posts.

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Name & Logo Presentation- in movie format!

 I stumbled over the narration a bit here and there, but it's still not too bad for an educational tool. The file is too big to upload, so I have it on my personal Google drive.

Here's the link:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nj0yiJ2q6pz_HcqwZbGZxGt95GGStLvJ/view?usp=sharing


Monday, September 30, 2024

What I did for Mensa September 2024

 


MI News Team
  • Posted ExComm minutes.
  • Long orientation call with Interim chair.
  • Began working on a member profile draft, then set it aside after discovering he’s not a member.

Director of Administration
  • Processed all NM reports received so far.
  • Responded to a bunch of website inquiries.
  • Zoom with J re her data needs from the NM reports.
  • Wrote long set of thoughts on SMAC and how they might be better used.
  • Set acknowledgements to all NM reporters so far.
  • Sent acknowledgements to all appointee applicants so far.
  • Started putting appointee and committee reports into agenda formats.
  • Pulled membership data as of today for A.
  • Sent some reminders to my liaison assignments about doing their reports.
  • Some background work on Hub spaces and encouragement for the team.
  • Manually entered a NM report for a Chair.
  • Prepared scoresheet for applications.
  • Began downloading archives from Workplace.
  • Sent all but the 8 still missing NM reports to M.
  • Sent 11 appointee & committee annual reports to M.
  • Sent membership and  membership fees data to J.
  • Processed remaining vol applications- 153!
  • Sent acknowledgements to applicants.
  • Commented on draft business plan
  • Ordered IBD gifts.
  • Organize applicants by country.
  • Processed late NM report.
  • Reviewed all applicants and marked choices.
  • Prepared a voting score sheet to facilitate discussion.
  • Finalized Hub Instruction sheets for distribution.
  • Prepped late appointee and NM reports.
  • Sent updated spreadsheet of financial info to Jovana.
  • Proofed  Nov MWJ & sent comments to editor.
  • Answered several more web inquiries.
  • More work gathering input about appointments.
  • ExComm Zoom meeting to discuss and choose appointments.
  • Processed another straggler NM report.
  • Responded to a dozen web inquiries
  • Spent a couple hours responding to and cleaning out open tickets.
  • Sent treasurer latest NM numbers
  • Discussed concerns with a member about censorship on the MI Fb group… several times.
  • Prepared many questions about the validity an reliability of the adaptive test.
  • Prepped two months’ worth of From the ExComm pdfs for website.
  • Created lavish powerpoint presentation about N&L.
  • Looked up last year’s report for Chair of Mensa Norway.
  • Zoom w E re Hub presentation
  • Prepared and sent E list of names, NMs, and voting weights so he can start prepping the voting tool.
  • Prepped a strangling committee annual report and sent to M.
  • Zoom w J re strategic planning.
  • Sent agenda items for Oct 10 ExComm meeting to TMB & ExComm.
  • Participated in online discussion of those motions and revised as suggested.
  • Responded to vol applicants asking when they’ll find out results.
  • Responded to many more website enquiry tickets.
  • Reviewed and commented on IBD support document.
  • Reviewed and commented on NM Constitutions guide.
  • Prepped an printed all motions for the Motion Market.
  • Reminded M to redirect a superadmin address to ensure Hub confidentiality.
  • Call w CRO about needs.
  • Corresponded with ER re resigning from News Team.
  • Reviewed and offered ideas for E’s presentation bout the Hub.
  • Answered more inquiry tickets.
  • Prepped a very late NM annual report and sent to ExecDir and Treasurer.

Thursday, September 5, 2024

What I did in August 2024

MI News Team

  • Filled out annual report.
  • Prepped  a couple posts to promote AMG in Taiwan and one about France’s SSV program.
  • Got V set up to post in the Mensa News space on the Hub and reminded her to reapply for the team.


Director of Administration
  • Attended Chair’s Meet & Greet at EMAG.
  • Participated in all-day ExComm in-person meeting.
  • Long zoom w E re many topics and items for our to-do lists.
  • Emailed MWJ Ed re order and deadlines for ExComm columns
  • Responded to Bored Panda reporter asking for more time.
  • Nudge AML staff to respond to Bored Panda.
  • Responded to many many ticketed enquiries focused on AML information.
  • Asked Monday to have CC update the boilerplate on her emails to new members.
  • Responded to several requests for more information about volunteer positions.
  • Asked LB to be a ticketing agent.
  • Responded to a NM Chair’s question about using the Mensa Test on TV.
  • Sent proposed schedule of From the ExComm columns to MWJ editor.
  • Discussed upgrades to IBD Meeting tool and costs with E and J.
  • Sent emails to ~60 vol applicants just letting them know that we’ve received their applications.
  • Participated in discussions to refine motion drafts.
  • Wrote first draft of a comprehensive update to I SIGs section of bylaws.
  • Prepared motion for ExComm approval of Hub policy.
  • Joined SMAC group and reviewed recent meeting minutes and discussions.
  • Met with a NM chair to troubleshoot problems with the annual report form.
  • Asked ER if she’s up for being appointed as interim NT Chair.
  • Shared draft of adaptive testing contract with the rest of ExComm via google drive.
  • Asked M about admin access for mailman lists.
  • Responded to enquiry about Int’l Ombudsman position.
  • Presented motion to finish up assigning ExComm liaisons.
  • Shared neat and tidy list of motions for ExComm meeting.
  • Notified FB group manager of necessary updates to the About section.
  • Informed MWJ editor and ExComm of improved schedule for ExComm columns.
  • Corresponded with chair of Switzerland about board problems.
  • Worked on drafting updated policy for I-SIGs and for IVN.
  • Created Step-by-step instructing for the Hub including graphics.
  • Zoom w/ a few ExComm re several common issues.
  • Informed developer that upgrades to the meeting tool will have to wait for next year’s budget.
  • Proofed Oct MWJ and sent notes to editor.
  • Sent acknowledgement of NM reports.
  • Responded to another dozen website queries.
  • Began discussion with C & E about Hub permissions.
  • Changed permissions and asked E to be evil and try to break into a secrete private space.
  • Sent draft of Hub Step-By-Step instructions to User Support for feedback.
  • Requested that M redirect admin@mensa.international to me and to himself so the “Super Administrator” of the Hub is no longer B.
  • Many hours prepping volunteer application spreadsheets.
  • Responded to a DIM in Portugal wanting to get involved.
  • Responded to another dozen queries from the website.
  • Began writing input for ExComm Business Plan for upcoming year.
  • Wrote report for the Aug 25 ExComm meeting.
  • Participated in ExComm meeting on Aug 25.
  • Hours of work prepping appointment applications for ExComm review.
  • Set up two meetings’ worth of action points for easy reference on the Hub.
  • Uploaded Bucharest pics to ExComm space.
  • Zoom w A re SIG policy and a News Team article dealing with.
  • Tweaked drafts of motions about SIGs and informed E.
  • Emailed ER re interim News Team chair and next steps.
  • Sent more acknowledgement of NM reports.
  • Started making notes for News Team handover to new [interim] chair. 
  • Quick zoom w J re dashboard stats for 2024.
  • Worked on vol application organizing.
  • Corresponded with Austrian member wanting to organize a Mensa cruise.
  • Reviewed and provided input on IBD agenda draft.
  • Video meeting with E and HumHub contact.
  • Zoom w E re server costs and solutions.
  • Sent more acknowledgements of reports and applications being received.
  • Prepped ~30 MB of files into PDFs and uploaded to Hub.
  • Notified ExComm of the 108 applicants so far and how to find the files to get a jump on our decision-making.
  • Experimented with ways to format the NM reports for the agenda.
  • Wrote and sent my annual DOA report.
  • Helped chair of Montenegro with report problems.
  • Zoom with SMAC.

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

What I did in July 2024

MI News Team

  • Notified the team that I have to step down as Chair.
  • Posted a couple articles I already had written and queued up.


Director of Administration
  • Read hand-over materials from former DoA.
  • Got new email account set up and working.
  • Approved a couple dozen Hub sign-ups.
  • Polished messages to go along with volunteer descriptions and applications.
  • Attended American AG.
  • Several hours one-on-one with new Chair reviewing topics for agendas and other concerns.
  • Reviewed staff descriptions.
  • Responded to S Korean Chair re membership concern.
  • Reviewed S Korea board conflict issues, but did not get involved.
  • Reviewed proposed motions for ExComm to consider.
  • Zoom w M.
  • Hours trying to figure out a reasonable way to get to and from Perth.
  • Worked with DoD to polish a couple motions for ExComm meeting.
  • Zoom w A re Call for Volunteers.
  • Sent request to treasurer for a proper chair and keyboard for A.
  • Researched and wrote lengthy response to a 12 yo reaching out to Mensa for advice and support.
  • Responded to ExComm discussion about member from Belgium using the Mensa name without permission.
  • Re-wrote call for volunteers to take into consideration that recipients will be members without access to the members area of the website.
  • Prepped and sent E&A copies of the zoom about the ticketing system.
  • Gave A a brainstormed list of content ideas for next newsletter.
  • Prepped some content for upcoming newsletter.
  • Zoom w A regarding newsletter.
  • Wrote a summary of what I know and understand regarding the status of the CRM project.
  • Long Zoom w E&A about ticketing system.
  • Set up space on Hub for Ticketing Agents.
  • Wrote and sent DoA report for July 14 ExComm meeting.
  • Nudged M again about sending forms to NMs for their annual reports.
  • Proofed July newsletter.
  • 3-hour ExComm Zoom meeting
  • Sent ExComm reports to T via email, as requested.
  • Zoom w E&A re preparing for Bucharest.
  • Spent 3 hours pulling together ideas for Aug 3 ExComm agenda.
  • Sent reminder to M about NM annual reports, Call for agenda items, pinned posts, and setting a meeting to talk about office topics.
  • Discussed Adaptive testing issues with a few ExComm members.
  • Got into the MI Survey Monkey account.
  • Zoom w A re SM & NMs’ annual report.
  • Proofed Sept MWJ and sent comments to the editor.
  • Google Meet w ESJA regarding topics for upcoming agenda.
  • Re-wrote google doc of agenda topics.
  • Dug around to look for last year's SM form.. signs point to IH  having it on her personal account and never turning it over to MIL.
  • Created google sheet of NMs’ membership and dues from 2023 reports.
  • Zoom w M re officer concerns and general procedures for things.
  • Zoom w A re mailchip glitch and Survey Monkey tech issues.
  • Sent Chair and M list of agenda topics
  • Answered several website inquiries.
  • Sent treasurer my thoughts on expected expenses.
  • Responded to several inquiries about volunteer roles.
  • Began reconstructing annual report forms.
  • Responded to many website inquiries about American Mensa.
  • Responded to a member in France complaint that the newsletter was in English.
  • Zoom w A regarding sorting out Survey Monkey (we succeeded!)
  • Drafted annually report forms for NMs, Appointees, and Committees.
  • Responded to Chair’s request for additional information for suggested agenda topics.
  • Reviewed and refined annual report forms with E&A.
  • Sent drafts of surveys to a few ExComm members for testing.
  • Drafted message to C about the new ticketing system.
  • Checked back with T regarding which discussion topics she wanted additional background information on.
  • Informed IBD of A’s title change.
  • Received draft adaptive testing contract.
  • Emailed C about the new Ticketing system.
  • Provided advice regarding a member’s use of the logo on a personal business website.
  • Edited annual report forms per feedback.
  • Responded to a few inquiries about volunteer positions.
  • Filled out SMAC survey.
  • Initiated contact as ExComm Liaison with CROs, Archivist, and SMAC.
  • Finalized annual report forms and sent to M for distribution.
  • Zoom w A re minutes process.
  • Polished and sent DoA report to ExComm.
  • Went to Romania.

Workplace Transition Team
  • Zoom w C re Hub issues.
  • Prepared google spreadsheet for sorting out details of various permissions and powers.
  • Discussed ISIG policy and other  topics with Hub team.
MI Name & Logo Committee
  • Alerted committee to a NM’s use of the N&L on condoms for sale in their boutique.

“Kitten Tasks”
  • Prepped September From the ExComm pdf for website.
  • Discussed ISIG policy and other  topics with Hub team.

MI Name & Logo Committee
  • Alerted committee to a NM’s use of the N&L on condoms for sale in their boutique.

“Kitten Tasks”
  • Prepped September From the ExComm pdf for website.


Monday, July 1, 2024

What I did in June 2024

 

MI News Team
  • Sent draft of Focus on Austria article to new chair there.
  • Prepped some posts.
  • Notified B and T about having to resign as Chair on July 1.
  • Created and queued up a couple weeks’ worth of posts to keep things going after I take office.


Director of Administration
  • Long zoom w A about many topics, most significantly how to approach preparing for advertising vol openings.
  • Prepared massive spreadsheet of all volunteers, job descriptions, etc.
  • Started researching who is in charge of MI’s Facebook group and page and what the appointment process is.
  • Zoom w T and B regarding the Facebook Page and general social media needs and issues.
  • Drafted ideas regarding ICO position and how that relates to social media.
  • Checked in with T re next pre-excomm zoom meeting and topics.
  • Set up next informal incoming ExComm zoom.
  • Began drafting changes to application form.
  • Zoom w A about appointments process and tasks.
  • Responded to a member’s displeasure about a “like” from “Mensa International” on the MI Facebook Page.
  • Zoom w incoming ExComm about things we need to ponder or get going on.
  • Zoom w A regarding appointments preparations.
  • Sent incoming ExComm the list of appointees/committees needing liaisons.
  • More discussion with Ashley to finalize appointment list and descriptions.
  • Zoom w A re growing to do list.
  • Facilitated discussion with A, Bo, and Molly (GY Staff at AML) about research and collaboration with outside organizations.
  • Zoom w E.
  • Worked on organizing tasks associated with the WP transition.
  • Prepped expense form for trip to Bucharest.
  • When the treasurer balked, I researched and explained in great detail why UA is actually cheaper than KLM.
  • Call w Bjorn about SMAC, travel, etc.
  • Zoom w A.
  • Zoom w E about choosing ExComm liaisons.
  • Drafted From the ExComm column for September MWJ.
  • Commented on discussion of new Standing Orders motion.
  • Asked M about what I need to do regarding messaging/forms for NMs and appointees’ annual reports.
  • Made clear notes about agenda items for ExComm meeting to be shared with T in Kansas City.
  • Facilitated clarifying ExComm Liaision assignments.
  • Finalized and sent September From the ExComm column.
  • Hours studying information about CRM issues.
  • Zoom w A about appointment applications.
  • Discussed motions about standing orders with NM chair.
  • Began drafting introduction message to go at the top of role descriptions.
  • Figured out and informed A of application deadline.
  • Zoom w S about possible collaboration on a motion about the International Ombudsman.
  • Investigate pieces of a mystery regarding Mensa-branded apps and sent findings to DoD.
  • Drafted a white paper about how to communicate with all members.
  • Corresponded with J about budget topics.
  • Discussed white paper w A.
  • Drafted a plan to handle the immediate  problem of notifying as many members as possible about volunteer openings and applications.
  • Corresponded with L about volunteerism topics.
  • Emailed M and ExComm regarding sending the newsletter this month.
  • Suggested edits on Ombudsman motion to S.
  • Advised A about handling a member’s many concerns about events listings.
  • Zoom w J about budgeting and finance issues.
  • Zoom w E re tech topics to be covered in handover meeting.
  • Cleaned up google doc of meeting topics brainstorming and shared with ExComm.
  • Reviewed and made suggestions for updates to Welcome Letter.
  • 4-hour zoom w B, E, and A re IBD meeting voting tool, Hub policy, Ticketing system.
  • Added several things to the growing list of topics for the ExComm to handle.


Workplace Transition Team
  • Contributed to discussions on policy and community architecture.
  • Created ~50 coordinated consistent thumbnail logos.
  • Set up, populated, and explained purposes of a sandbox for Admins and Moderators.
  • Zoom w WP transition team.
  • Worked on Hub policy.
  • Worked on second draft of policy.
  • Worked on third draft of policy.
  • Finished Hub Policy.
  • Approved several dozen sign-ups to Hub.


MI Name & Logo Committee
  • Corresponded with chair of Mensa Poland and N&L Comm about logo permissions.
  • Nudged comm chair to finalize decision.
  • Nudged him again.
  • Alerted T & M about another AML item that violates the rules (socks).
  • Looked up what contact info I could find for a couple rogue FB groups using the Mensa name.


“Kitten Tasks”
  • Responded to many queries about prior evidence for AML admission and other US-specific questions sent to the MI Contacts page.
  • Researched contact info  to get permission for all the news links on the website.
  • Asked Becky for info about AML's RR Comm and GY policies.
  • Prepped August From the ExComm column pdf for the website.
  • Wrote brief summaries of Hot Topics Sheets 1–4 for website.
  • Looked up contact for reprint permission info for many news links on MI website.

AML But as Plain Ol' Robin
  • Alerted my RVC about concerns and background regarding a motion on the July AMC agenda.


Saturday, June 1, 2024

So this happened...

 


What I did April & May 2024

MI News Team

  • Created graphic for 2024 Poetry Competition.
  • Zoom with A.
  • Zoom with A about advertising for NT help in upcoming newsletter.
  • Responded to several emails expressing interesting helping NT.
  • Created post about members’ use of name and logo.
  • Dug up an old MWJ issue that had excerpts from the very first Mensa Magazine and created a post from it.
  • Revised draft of DPO interview and sent to B.
  • Prepped a few posts from contributors.
  • Zoom w A.
  • Began drafting interview questions for outgoing Chair.
  • Created a post about AML’s age demographics among officers.
  • Reached out to VB (France) about joining News Team.
  • Drafted long Focus on Mensa Austria article and sent to that Chair for review and input.
  • Prepped several more posts.
  • Messaged with VB about how she can help.

MI Name & Logo Committee
  • Advised chair of Mensa italy about designing boutique items.
  • Sent crisp logo-in-diamond files to Australia chair.
  • Notified committee of a couple logo violations from Mensa Brazil.
  • Asked for input/approval on a N&L piece destined for Mensa News.
  • Asked about continued violations on merchandise for sale.
  • Asked about unofficial Mensa FB group.

“Kitten Tasks”
  • Polished and organized documents/web content for escape simulator events.
  • Drafted several graphics for election pages.
  • Added news items to list of website fodder.
  • Drafted additional election graphic variations.
  • Created a flag graphic for website.
  • Cleaned up AMG 2024 collage for website.
  • Gathered categorized links from WP to be highlighted in the newsletter.
  • Created collage graphic for GLAM for website.
  • Added news items to list of website fodder.
  • Prepped pdf of June From the ExComm column.
  • Created collage about Mensa Brazil’s Foundation.
  • Reviewed new site’s look on cellphone.
  • Notified all 30 people who submitted member stories and photos for the website.
  • Checked all links in Member Area of website.
  • Prepped pdf of July From the ExComm column.
  • Hours of work on WP 2.0 policy drafting.

Gifted Youth Committee Liaison
  • Nudged on Chinese translation of Hot Topics #3
  • Typeset Chinese version into the layout.
  • Drafted Hot Topics #4 (English and Italian)

Uncategorized MI
  • Advised Chair on Workplace policy concerns.
  • Lots of discussion and playing with new forum software.

Incoming Director of Administration
  • Long zoom with team to transition workplace.
  • Zoom w T about plans and such.
  • Zoom w E.
  • Zoom w A.
  • Started to-do list.
  • Discussed nuances of moderation approaches for new online community.
  • Researched flight costs for Bucharest for incoming treasurer.
  • Zoom w Current and incoming ExComm.
  • Began informal Google doc for keeping track of topics  for future agendas.
  • Emailed I about  transition of files and wisdom.
  • Organized contact info and re-did permission agenda brainstorming google doc.
  • Set up first informal zoom for incoming ExComm (took a while to calculate all the time zones!)
  • Zoom w E.
  • Sent initial brainstorming list of topics for first informal ExComm zoom to T.
  • Zoom with incoming ExComm.
  • Zoom w E.
  • Researched and created spreadsheet of all appointees and committees’ chairs and members.
  • Advised lead Admin of FB on how to handle a member’s complaint; ultimately figured out it was not about the MI FB group, so I message the complainer myself.
  • Organized lengthy email to incoming ExComm regarding brainstorming agenda items.
  • Asked for copy of or access to the survey monkey form used in the past for volunteer applications.
  • Zoom w Chair of Romania about EMAG plans, N&L needs, and general concerns.

National Awards Committee
  • Zoom meeting.

Monday, April 1, 2024

What I did for Mensa January 1 – March 31, 2024

MI News Team

  • Put together a proposal for a new digital magazine, with graphic mock-ups.
  • Worked on acronym article and asked M to make a graphic for it.
  • Queued up posts for most of January.
  • Wrote review of Mensa Norway’s magazine.
  • Corresponded with former Chair of Mensa Brazil and subsequently edited post from Jan 8.
  • Drafted Focus on Mensa Brazil article & asked M to make graphic.
  • Worked on Focus on Brazil and Darwin 200 articles.
  • Organized posting schedule a bit.
  • Prepped article and photo collage of Slovenia Ski Weekend.
  • Prepped post about ExComm Nov 25 Minutes.
  • Drafted and sent interview questions for Isabella.
  • Prepped post about Mensa Greece’s AG and forwarded info to V for MI website.
  • Prepped post about a GY link.
  • Prepped post about Taiwan Gifted event.
  • Created nifty alphabet soup graphic.
  • Discussed research ideas with N.
  • Zoom with A.
  • Zoom with A.
  • Prepped a review of Weekend in the Dolmites.
  • Polished Focus on Italy article.
  • Nudged I about interview questions.
  • Pointed V to info about Italy’s national gathering.
  • Major editing and polishing of a submitted “postcard” about the Venice Carnival.
  • Prepped graphics and content for new series about Mensa videos.
  • Sent interview questions to P.
  • Wrote instructions for crafting Focus on… articles.
  • Wrote review of Montenegro magazine.
  • Drafted fodder for a Focus On.. Mensa Austria article.
  • Asked Eivind to write something about the translation project.
  • Interviewed website team about  the new site.
  • Wrote a long article about the IVN session and presentations in Dallas.
  • Summarized long research article about bilingualism using ChatGPT.


MI Name & Logo Committee
  • Checked in to ask what I should be working on.
  • Responded to questions about logo design from VP of Slovenia.
  • Responded to committee discussion about Slovenian designs.
  • Responded to email thread about SIGs’ needs.
  • Began massive creation and organization of many many combos and formats of logos.
  • Created very simplistic illustrated ReadMe pdf giving basic instructions for rules.
  • Nudged committee to finish reviewing so it can go on the new MI site with all the downloadable logos.
  • Made suggested changes to illustrations.


“Kitten Tasks”
  • Prepped 2011 motions-to-spreadsheet.
  • Prepped March From the ExComm pdf for website.
  • Replied to the first few responses to the call for member profiles for the MI website.
  • Prepped four member stories and photos for website.
  • Prepped three member stories for website.
  • Prepped 2010 motions-to-spreadsheet.
  • Filled out fresh table of all NMs’ websites and preferred names.
  • Put together a list of mineable content for new MI website public blog feed.
  • Assembled promo info and images for gatherings in 2024 for use on MI website.
  • Assembled list of past news posts that might be appropriate for sharing with the pubic on the new MI website.
  • Dug out and sent images from past events for the new website.
  • Zoom w A re ending national events to highlight on website.
  • Replied to and prepped 4th batch of member stories and photos for website.
  • Prepped April From the ExComm pdf.
  • Asked about MY Solstice event details in the MI Gifted Youth Forum on WP.
  • Crawled every NM website and FB page to try to fill in  details of events for MI website.
  • Prepped another 7 member stories and photos.
  • Prepped another 3 member stories and photos.
  • Prepped 2 more member stories.
  • Gathered images and content for event review section of new website.
  • Prepped more member stories and photos.
  • Zoom with A about content needs for new website.
  • Several hours crawling websites to create a lengthy list of Mensa-centric video content.
  • Drafted elevator speech description of Mensa News benefit for website.
  • Found & polished images of NM magazine covers for website.
  • Updated map and table of countries for website.
  • Created IBD, EMAG, and AMG collages for website.
  • Dug around and wrote up consistent format text promoting IBD, AMG, and EMAG for new website.
  • Proofed updated Welcome letter and checked all links.
  • Prepped May From the ExComm pdf.
  • Zoom with A re new website content needs and plans.
  • Put in a slew of content links for new website’s blog and news feeds.
  • Zoom with A, E, and R regarding preparations for promoting virtual escape rooms events.


MI Translation Team


Gifted Youth Committee Liaison
  • Did typesetting of English version of Hot Topics sheet #2.
  • Did typesetting of English version of Hot Topics sheet #3.

Uncategorized MI
  • Wrote to T and L asking AML to please do something about the libel from Yash that is still floating around on the web.

Chicago Area Mensa
  • Prepped Feb birthdays and anniversaries for new editor.
  • Did some initial proofing and assisting with Feb ChiMe.
  • Prepped files and uploaded for digital and print distribution.
  • Helped ChiMe activity editor with acrobat calendar editing problem.
  • Helped ChiMe editor with a page formatting problem


AML But as Plain Ol' Robin
  • Provided detailed feedback on proposed job description update for CO.
  • Gave feedback to AML marketing people about recent shirt for sale with 4 logo violations.
  • Advised an RVC about LGs not publishing newsletters.
  • Pointed out another logo violation on a shirt in the Mensa Store.

Strategic Planning Committee


National Awards Committee
  • Replied to Doodle poll about meeting times.

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Turn Over

Hmmm.. How are we doing at making our volunteers feel valued and supported?

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

What I did for Mensa Oct 18-Dec 31, 2023 (two and a half months)

 MI News Team

  • Hours of work preparing layout and graphics for Mensa Test article.
  • Cleaned up an article from Slovenian Rep about the IBD meeting.
  • Revised and sent for approval the Testing Cost article.
  • Asked A (new ExComm rep from British Mensa) about Darwin 200 and about C stepping down.
  • Nudged J about interview questions.
  • Asked N for report on Bali gathering.
  • Drafted post & poll for News Team IBD presentation video
  • Asked S some interview questions to go with a post about Indonesia’s IBD presentation.
  • Experimented with creating polls and uploading video to WP.
  • Prepped interview questions for GLAM organizers and ran them past A & E.
  • Drafted a new Focus on Mensa South Africa article and sent for review.
  • Nudged R about Level Up article.
  • Prepped a few more posts about mini minutes and treasurer’s update.
  • Dug around the web to find photos and more info about Norway’s AG.
  • Prepped several more posts and photos to go with them.
  • Sent Bali and WeeM articles to K for MWJ.
  • Zoom with A.
  • Nudged S about Indonesia/AMG interview questions.
  • Tons of photo selection and processing for Bali article.
  • Messaged with J from Mensa Taiwan about writing articles about NMs’ events/programs.
  • Worked to turn Indonesia powerpoint into a simple video for posting.
  • Prepared 5 posts about major achievements in nearly all Mensas.
  • Checked in with News Team on progress.
  • Prepped for call with A.
  • Long catch up call with A, then wrote and sent notes & action list.
  • Asked M for graphics for Major Achievements in 2023 series.
  • Asked B about unpinning top post in Mensa News.
  • Organized posts in progress and fodder.
  • Reviewed research article about caffeine and prepared post and graphic.
  • Prepped complex poll for NT anniversary post.
  • Nudged V to update events page with information about AML’s AG, EMAG, AMG, and GLAM.
  • Prepped some of the Major Achievements posts.
  • Translated and prepped post about Mensa Italia’s digital magazine.
  • Read and wrote a post about Australian Mensa’s magazine.
  • Began mining the IVN reports from Dallas for fodder- great stuff!
  • Sent interview questions to L.
  • Queued up a few more posts.
  • Discussed NT composition issues with A.
  • Drafted solicitation for additional NT members and sent to I.
  • Nudged V to update events listings.
  • Zoom catch up with Ashley.
  • Quickly prepped and posted about an NM's anniversary.
  • Sent email to H asking if she wants to continue on NT.
  • Gathered events content for website updates.
  • Discussed with B about brewing NM issue.
  • Asked team to review a click bait article about intelligence for possible posting.
  • Prepped and queued up a few more posts.
  • Asked NT to look at an article about intelligence  for possible posting.
  • Prepped two versions of an ad for additional NT members.
  • Sent second email to H about continuing on NT.
  • Prepared reprint post about SIGHT from MWJ.
  • Prepped a post about EMAG presentation to IBD.
  • Cleaned up in-progress and archived content.
  • Began writing Acronym article.
  • Queued up some more posts.
  • Prepped interview with L for posting.
  • Organized the next month’s worth of posts.
  • Wrote long article explaining Mensa acronyms.



MI Name & Logo Committee
  • Advised chair of Canada AG on logo questions.
  • Hours of work creating illustrations for Rule F.
  • Started drafting my version of complete rule revision.
  • Hours trying to figure out and illustrate Rule H.
  • Hours and hours refining all the rules and  preparing a single PDF of all of them.
  • Shared my thoughts on how to revise/expand logo rules with the committee.
  • Alerted comm to MensAmuse event misuse of name.
  • Responded to discussion about trademark marks and word font restrictions.
  • Alerted committee to logo misuse on a WP group page.
  • Drafted simplified explanations of name-use rules.
  • Alerted comm to Crypta Mensons group on FB.
  • Created illustrations about how members may use the name and logo.
  • Asked committee about vagueness of EM use of name and logo.
  • Asked committee about the list of legitimate social media groups MI is supposed to be keeping per IBD motion 2023-15.
  • Weighed in on steps to take for the daunting task of cataloging social media groups and approvals/violations.
  • Weighed in on discussions about EM and DIM use ofN&L and approval process and record keeping.
  • Weighed in on request for approval of Mensa Germany’s passport-looking stamp book.
  • Drafted illustrations covering SIGs’ use of name and logo.
  • Drafted illustrations covering commercial use.
  • Started drafting a side-by-side document of bylaws and simplified explanations.
  • Hours more work on a draft of Name, Logo, and Licensing Policy book.



“Kitten Tasks”
  • Prepared spreadsheet to analyze membership fees and average incomes (for Eivind).
  • Finished 2017 minutes-to-spreadsheet.
  • Finished 2016 minutes-to-spreadsheet.
  • Finished 2015 motions-to-spreadsheet.
  • Researched and prepped listing and description with link of upcoming events for Newsletter.
  • Prepped PDF of Jan "From the ExComm" for website.
  • Prepped Dec "From the ExComm" for the website.
  • Finished 2014 minutes-to-spreadsheet.
  • Organized and consolidated tags for motions.
  • Tons of work/discussion about  polishing minutes and gaps.
  • Went through 2022-2014 minutes spreadsheet to make category tagging consistent.
  • Prepped most of 2023 minutes-to-spreadsheet.
  • Prepped Feb  “From the ExCom” for website.
  • Drafted 2013 motions-to-spreadsheet.
  • Drafted 2012 minutes-to-spreadsheet (long!)


MI Translation Team
  • Forwarded two Chinese translations from Sylvia Lee to Eivind.
  • Forwarded Slovenian translation to Eivind.
  • Sent catch up message to Eivind and Ashley about which languages have translated so far (only 6).


Gifted Youth Committee Liaison
  • Prepped Hot Topics sheet #2 (Italian version).

Uncategorized MI
  • Corresponded with Melanie Jäger about Volunteerism Report and common issues.
  • Began drafting content for election application.

Chicago Area Mensa
  • Put together December ChiMe & distributed.
  • Zoom with new editor and Comm team re transition.
  • Hours of work creating updated job description and details.
  • Cleaned up InDesign file/template for next editor.
  • Downloaded and formatted birthdays and anniversaries for January.
  • Began actual work on Jan ChiMe since Marco is sick and time’s a wasting.
  • Finished Jan ChiMe and sent it off for printing and distribution.

AML But as Plain Ol' Robin
  • Gave opinion on content-timing question to Bulletin Ed.
  • Alerted N&L chairs of AML and MIL about nasty Mensa Rebellion group on FB.

Strategic Planning Committee
  • No Activity.

National Awards Committee
  • Gave feedback on Tony’s draft of an article for the Bulletin.
  • Gave more feedback—sharing how I personally delineate the three award levels.