Monday, July 27, 2026

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.

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