Mensa Elections 2015

So many have asked me to tell them who to vote for. I’m flattered that my judgment is so valued. We have several three- or four-way races.

Races with three or more candidates will be determined by preferential voting. This means, short of someone gaining 50%+ on the first count (which is not likely), the votes of the third (or fourth) preference will be allocated to the other candidates based on second preference in a second round of counting. Preferential voting is in place to handle "run-off elections" at the time of voting/counting.

There is a rule that you must vote in the first "conceptual" election of the preferential election. There is no rule that you must cast a vote in all three or four. Effectively, you're opting not to vote in the second and third elections if it came down to a run-off.

So say I really want Alice to win, and Bob is a decent second choice. I'd shoot myself if Charlie wins, so I vote 1 for Alice, 2 for Bob, and not at all for Charlie. Turns out Alice came in third in the first round... now what?

If Alice came in third, then it's between Bob and Charlie in a second round of counting, and Bob gets my second preference choice/vote in that round of counting, in that "run-off" election. ‪In this instance, my lack of a preference for Charlie would not come into play until a third round of voting if they couldn't achieve 50%+ in the second round.

‪

If I only see value in Alice (and not the other two candidates) and Alice doesn't make it to a second round of voting, then neither Bob nor Charlie gets my vote in that counting. Voting only for Alice might inadvertently help Charlie simply by not boosting Bob’s votes higher.

‪That's why this is something to consider carefully.

Robin’s advice: In the races with three or four candidates, please vote for at least two. Below are the candidates, my personal comments on them, and colored indicators on how I recommend voters rank them (green being first choice, yellow being second, red being third or no vote)

CHAIR

I’ve worked with Nick on a number of committees, and he even thought to consult with me when I was not on the board because he was tackling the Local Group Funding topic and knew that I was the one with all the research and data on that issue. Nick is a hard fact and data kind of guy. He’s got a corporate mindset, though he does care about member-services and has done a good job of reaching out to solicit member-input and to be as open and educational as possible regarding Mensa’s finances. “Transparency” is one of those meaningless buzzwords, like “family values” but I do believe Nick has done more than any prior treasurer towards that goal. On the other hand, he is one of the current ExComm members who helped steer Mensa in the direction it’s been going, including the retention of the current Executive Director. He is young, but experienced enough, and in this case, his youth is a good thing to mitigate the general grayness of the AMC.

I only know Deb though her online postings and the words of others. My impression is that she is an older, well-seasoned member who has been there and done that in nearly every way conceivable at the local level. She is not a sheep, not in it for the ego and status, and claims to prefer data and facts when making decisions, which I approve of. She is the “throw the bums out” choice and would not do a bad job as a Chair.

Dan has led Mensa into its current morass. I could say many more things about Dan, but he’s not worth the time it takes me to type it. Note also that if Dan loses, Russ Bakke is also removed from the AMC. Unless you’re completely content with how things are going, don’t vote for Dan. Just don’t.

FIRST VICE CHAIR

I’ve not worked with Mary Lee, but I know many who have. She may be older, but she is a proven effective get-things-done leader and she has members and groups first. She is also a strong proponent of using members as volunteers whenever possible. She thinks for herself, isn’t running for ego and status and free trips to Europe, and will likely not post pictures of exotic drinks on Facebook while traveling on Mensa business.

Heather is thoughtful and experienced and has a fair bit of wisdom to offer when she speaks up. She is also very much in the pocket of the Executive Director and part of the current ExComm who has driven Mensa into the hole it’s in.

SECOND VICE CHAIR

My impressions of LaRae are all second hand. She strikes me as hard working and effective but very much obedient and accepting with whatever the Executive Director and Chair tells her. She is one of the current ExComm who made decisions that have led Mensa astray in the past two years.

I don’t know John. What I’ve read is that he has lots of experience and respect at the local level. He is the “throw the bums out” choice.

TREASURER

I’ve worked with Ken on a number of committees, including the Finance Committee. I remember he once caught an error in a complicated formula calculation that saved  Mensa something like 17 thousand dollars. He’s definitely a numbers nerd with an eye for boring details. Policy-wise we were generally aligned in our thinking and goals for member-service and delivery methods. He’s familiar with the convoluted ways of Mensa policies, and turns out to be not nearly as sheep-like as I once expected him to be, though he is very fond of and supportive of the current Executive Director. Maybe not the most dynamic exciting person to hang with, but in a role like this, he’s good. I have heard some dodgy things about him regarding his service on his local board, but I do not know any details personally.

I’ve known Rob mainly through online interactions. We’ve never actually worked on anything together. He is most certainly a leader not a follower. He is charismatic and energetic and has a million really good ideas. Unfortunately, he is impatient with the slow process of change and AMC processes, and in his one and only term on the board, accomplished little. Whether that was due to concerted push back from more entrenched AMCers or his own inability to work within the system to get a majority on his side, I do not know. If you’re in “throw the bums out” mode, vote for Rob.

I have worked with Roger on a few committees. He is thoughtful and greatly concerned with the welfare of groups. However, I have noticed a few times when he chose policy directions based on gut feelings rather than hard cold data. He's not unskilled or evil, but I don't think he'd lead Mensa in the new direction it needs to be going.

I’m afraid I know practically nothing about William. His campaign statement mentions his desire to focus on community service & recruitment. He may have the background to understand finances, but without any previous experience on the AMC, I doubt he’d be efficient and effective as a leader at this point—he’d need too much time just to learn the job and board processes.

SECRETARY

I’ve worked with Lori. She is charismatic and colorful and speaks her mind unhesitatingly. She does like data and facts when making decisions, and definitely stands on the platform of having members being more in charge and doing more. She has AMC experience, which is helpful. The actual job of Secretary is mundane, but as a member of the powerful ExComm, Lori would be an excellent representative for members who are tired of being just dues revenue.

I’ve not worked with Andrew, but my impression of him is good. He is young, which is a plus in a graying board, but he is also part of the current AMC which has made a number of decisions I disagree with. I do not have any idea where he stands on the topic of the current Executive Director and her hold over the AMC, but my gut says he hasn’t protested it.

I worked a tiny bit with Nancy on Officer Handbooks many years ago. We didn’t get much actually done (this was before switching to the newer process). She is gregarious and hard-working at the local level and has been in Mensa a long time. Her passion for the organization and its members is high.

Reflections on the Ombudsman's Report & AMC's Response

I’ve been watching the dissemination and discussions of the recent Ombudsman’s Report and the AMC’s Response to it. Both parties seem to have forgotten one of the key points to effective persuasive writing: They rambled on too long, diluting any salient points they hoped to make. There is even an Internet acronym for the typical reaction to such postings: TLDR

So I DID read both articles and have boiled them down:

Ombudsman’s Report

• Members have complained to me about this and that, most of which are the same things members have grumbled about for a decade.

• The AMC is ignoring complaints and not doing a good job looking over and into National Office goings-on.

• The Exec Director is leading the blind AMC by the nose, and the ExComm is leading the rest of the Board in a similar patronizing manner.

• I think I should get funded to go to every meeting and read every email and have full access to all information, even if it is private, but the paranoid AMC cabal won’t let me.

AMC’s Response

• The Ombudsman is a snooping busybody bully who goes overboard in his perception of his duties and powers. He screwed up in a way that we were able to catch and so we bounced him from our private conversations.

• We did what we did regarding personnel and we’re not going to talk about it with anyone any more. Everything is fine now. Trust us.

• Many of his accusations are not true according to how we see things. Plus he has access to much more information than he realizes if he knew how to look for it.

I’ve been on the AMC with many of the current officers. I participated in the  creation of the budget and the discussions of staff salaries. I was on the AMC when this particular Ombudsman took office. I’ve been a loud and active anti-AMC/anti-Exec Director rabble-rouser in recent years.

I have a clue about both sides’ views.

And I am utterly embarrassed for both parties. You look like poo-flinging, tantruming toddlers. Together, you are making the entirety of Mensa leadership at the National Level look like petty fools squabbling in a sandbox.

You have all damaged the dignity of the organization. I suggest you pull both articles and go sit in your corners until dinnertime.

Data Base Efficiency

So I noticed the back of my most recent Bulletin-- the one with the  post-it note on the cover to make me feel like I'm special. Except, of course, it looks like whoever is handling the membership database is a bit confused about who lives here. 

Yup, looks like things are running smoothly when it comes to our personal information.

Renew or Not To Renew- That is the Question

It is no secret that I’ve been quite down on Mensa for the past many months. My reasons are fairly well-known and shared by many.

Lots of members, newish and seasoned, are seriously questioning the direction and future of the organization we all love. So much so that many are intending to just give up and walk away, especially during this time of year when the renewal notices are piling up on our desks.

Matt and I are life members, so to walk away from Mensa would take a bit more effort, though it can be done if we wish to forego the investment we made in order to make a statement of our displeasure. However, our kids are not life members; we have been paying their membership bills for them each year. This year, they’re off in college, getting far more intellectual stimulation and camaraderie than they get from Mensa (albeit at a much higher price). So the simple way for me to express my lack of support for the direction and administration of Mensa would be to simply not continue those two memberships.

However, the only way Mensa will change— will turn around and start back on a path towards being the great smart thing we want it to be—is if there are significant changes at the top. So I’m going to renew Owen and Lindsay’s membership—not because I like how Mensa is, nor because they get anything out of it, but because…

I’m buying two votes.

Sure, it costs money. But when I think of all the money I’ve invested in Mensa over the years, beyond my dues, it’s a drop in the bucket. And I’m not the only one. Think of the receipts for mailing testing packets back to the office every proctor has neglected to turn in. Think of the gas money we’ve all spent to get to a meeting because our help was requested. Think of the ink and paper we’ve donated to print out flyers for events. Think of the TIME we’ve given to do our part to cart food and answer phone calls and write articles and design websites and edit newsletters and prepare reports and and and…

When you add up how much non-dues money I’ve spent in one form or another for the good of Mensa, two memberships is nothing.

So I’m going to spend money on improving Mensa one more time.

I’m buying two votes.

I urge others, especially the angry, disgusted, passionate members questioning the value of membership in Mensa-As-Is…

Renew.

Buy a vote.

Make a difference.

Old Forums Moderation Process

This is a blast from the past— the organization and moderation processes for the AML Online Community circa 2007.

ORGANIZATION

Administration of American Mensa’s Forums is organized in a tiered structure as follows:

·      The Communications Officer and the staff Internet Services Manager are responsible for ensuring that the Forums fulfill the purposes stated above.

·      The Communications Committee is responsible for developing and reviewing the guidelines and policies for AML’s Internet Services.

·      The Communications subcommittee on community issues (Com³) acts as the evaluative body for issues arising on AML’s Forums. Appointed by the Communications Officer, Com³ is responsible for maintaining the sense of camaraderie, moderating or facilitating other appointed moderators, and advising the Communications Officer and the Internet Services Manager. Com³ will review complaints and may recommend corrective action for violations of the Forum Guidelines.

·      Moderators are appointed by the Communications Officer. They are responsible for the overall flow of discussion on the Forums, for resolving minor disputes, and for ensuring a congenial atmosphere. They may move, rename, edit or delete messages to keep message threads and subjects consistent and to keep topics within the scope of this service. They may declare off-topic discussion threads to be locked and warn subscribers regarding inappropriate rhetoric.

MODERATION

Mensans have many strongly held opinions, and there will be disagreements from time to time on the Forums, some of which may get quite heated. It is important that all participants remember that this is not a war zone and disagreements are not battles to be won.  If you are experiencing a difficult interaction with another member and are unable to resolve the issue yourself, please notify the moderator(s).

If a member violates the intent of this service, these guidelines, or the American Mensa’s Minimum Standards for Internet Services, he or she will be subject to any or all of the following actions:

Informal Intervention

A moderator may participate in the discussion thread, asking participants to tone down and self-edit their posts.

Take it to Private Messages

A moderator may request that participants move the conversation to private messages.

Ignore User

Members are under no obligation to read posts they consider negative or abusive. Additionally, members don't have to like everyone or agree with anyone. Members do have to get along at least within the extent of the Forum Guidelines. Sometimes this may entail ignoring and distancing oneself from other participants or discussions. A moderator may request that participants disengage from unpleasant and hostile situations by simply ignoring each other. Like shunning in medieval times, “ignoring” can be a powerful social tool.

Moderator Intervention

A moderator may warn one or more participants that certain posts are not acceptable. The moderator will note the offensive behavior, and after receiving such a warning, participants should conduct themselves more appropriately. A moderator may also edit or delete posts or “lock” topics.

Interim Suspension

If a poster’s online behavior is alarmingly out of line, the Communications Officer or Internet Services Manager will suspend that member from the Forums until Com³ has a chance to review the situation and determine the wisest long-term course of action.

Formal Warning

If a participant continues to violate the Forum Guidelines, despite moderator intervention, a formal warning will be given. Following a formal warning, participants will be monitored for compliance with Forum Guidelines.

30-day Suspension

If a participant continues to disrupt the social atmosphere of the Forums, Com³ will review the situation and may suspend Forum access for 30 days. A formal written letter explaining the specific rationale for the suspension will be sent.

90-day Suspension

If, after a 30-day suspension, a participant resumes inappropriate posting, Com³ will review the situation and may decide to suspend Forum access for 90 days. A formal written letter explaining the specific rationale for the suspension will be sent.

Longterm Suspension

If, after a 90-day suspension, a participant resumes previously identified inappropriate activity, Com³ will review the situation and may decide to suspend Forum access indefinitely. A formal written letter explaining the specific rationale for the suspension will be sent.

Other actions deemed appropriate

While these actions cover most instances of intervention, it may not cover all situations. Consequently, other actions may be taken to ensure these Forums are not disrupted or abused.

Any decision to suspend a member from the AML Forums will be reviewed by the Communications Officer, Internet Services Manager, and Com³ before implementation. If suspension for 30 or more days is recommended, the participant(s) will be requested to share their views and explanations.

APPEAL

Members may appeal to the AMC Communications Officer concerns regarding moderator interventions. The Communications Officer will consult with the moderator(s) involved, the Internet Services Manager, Com³, the Communications Committee, and/or the AMC Chairman in review of any appeal.

Today's Letter to the AMC

Dear Members of the American Mensa Board of Directors,

This is not yet another “Save Howard” appeal. What is done is done, and I’m confident you all are more than aware of my opinions on the matter.

Nor is this another “Replace the Executive Director” request.

I know that you’ve gotten many emails, phone calls, and other messages expressing members’ thoughts and wishes. I know that at least the Treasurer has been given a number of questionable activities to look into. I know that you’ve been conducting an investigation into the workings of the National Office and soliciting input from current and former staff with which to base your decisions and actions going forward. Were I on the Board, I would fully endorse a full investigation.

I also know that you have chosen not to interview former staff members who left more than six months ago (and I suspect that not all of those who left in the last six months were asked to complete your survey). This, of course, strikes me as a great failing with your investigation, since I and many others firmly believe that the problems in the Office are not a recent development but started several years ago, involving a larger number of past staff.

I am also skeptical of the objectivity of this investigation, since you’re interviewing current staff members who may be less than candid, what with their livelihoods on the line, and considering rumors of recent raises and promotions.  Surely you can explain away members’ concerns that staff silence and collusion are being bought.

Be that as it may, I have a couple questions.

I believe that the Executive Director’s employment contract is up for review in the spring of each year. Did you, as a body charged with this responsibility, review and actively choose to renew her contract, or did you take no action at all, allowing the contract to simply roll over due to other considerations or simply neglect, both results, of course, being that there is no way you could, even if you wanted to give into the members’ wishes, replace her?

Assuming that your hands are legally tied by her contract, when is the next opportunity you (or the next Board) will have to review and choose to extend or not extend her employment, and will this fall directly at the beginning of Mensa’s election season where some may be reluctant to take action, positively or negatively?

I am quite sure the upcoming election will hinge greatly on this matter, and it would help members make sound voting choices if they have facts instead of rumors to base their decisions on.

Thank you in advance for your time and answers to my two questions.

Robin Crawford
Chicago Area Mensa