Mensa Worldwide Experience Tomáš Kubeš This presentation was prepared as a part of Leadership Exchange Program sponsored by MI.

Content Mensa experience Mensa International – Organization – LEP, MERF SIGHT Gatherings worldwide – AMAG, EMAG Internet resources Mensa Worldwide Experience27th April 2011

The Mensa Experience What the word Mensa means to me? – Mensa is people. – Mensa is openness and tolerance. – Mensa is not being afraid to be myself. – Mensa is respect to others. – Mensa is diversity. Mensa Worldwide Experience37th April 2011

Mensa Crosses Borders The same reasons which led you to join and stay in your national Mensa apply also abroad. – Stepping out of the national context dramatically increases the number of fellow mensans. Other Mensas might have already solved problems you face and will be willing to help. Mensa Worldwide Experience47th April 2011

Mensa International The Framework

Mensa Organization Mensa Worldwide Experience67th April 2011

What Mensa Int. Does? Helps to establish national Mensas. Guarantees that national constitutions follow the international one, guarantees tests. Protects and licenses Mensa logo. Publishes international journal, runs website. Provides framework for international activities and meetings. Governs itself, organizes IBDs, etc. Mensa Worldwide Experience77th April 2011

Leadership Exchange Program 2010 – 2011 pilot – Send 7 volunteers across continents to attend gatherings and workshops to share knowledge. – Establish more personal relationships between national Mensas, build conduits for ideas. Mensa Worldwide Experience87th April 2011

Mensa Education & Research Foundation Supports mensans in studies – scholarships – U.S. scholarship program – International scholarship program, apply! Recognizes Achievement – Copper Black Award, Distinguished Teacher Award, Awards for Excellence in Research, Intellectual Benefits Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Mensa Press Award Mensa Research Journal Mensa Worldwide Experience97th April 2011

SIGHT – The Treasure in Shell Service of Information, Guidance and Hospitality to Travelers SIGHT Is NOT couch surfing! – Benefit of finding a cheap place to stay is tangible and easy to promote, but it is not the main point. SIGHT is primarily about the possibility to meet new interesting and friendly people. – Share their view of the world – Get local view of your destination Mensa Worldwide Experience107th April 2011

Making SIGHT Work Local group might not be aware that their SIGHT coordinator is malfunctioning. – Ask politely, but do not hesitate to contact other people if no official reply arrives within a week. – Start early, be patient, but do not give up. Try to ask for quantifiable help in simple way – Can you send me the list of events? Forward my message? Give me a contact? 7th April 2011Mensa Worldwide Experience11

Meeting Mensans Gatherings

US Annual Gathering Portland, Oregon, June 30 th – July 4 th, 2011 Around participants There is lot to do, but most activities are just an excuse to meet similarly minded mensans. Large part of the program is indoor, in hotel. There is 24/7 all you can eat buffet provided by organizers as part of registration fee ~$100. Mensa Worldwide Experience137th April 2011

European Annual Gathering Paris, France, 3 rd – 7 th of August, 2011 Around 500 participants Only truly international gathering Unlike at AMAG, people tend to spread around the city Mensa Worldwide Experience147th April 2011

National Gatherings German Canadian British ??? Mensa Worldwide Experience157th April 2011

Resources What is ready to be grabbed?

Mensa International Website What can you do? – Chat, share pictures – Join international SIGs – Download books and national publications – Eventually find helpful tools and materials How to join? – Go to the site, ask for the login Mensa Worldwide Experience177th April 2011

Intranets Did you know that you can get access to the US intranet? Or Czech, or Swiss … ? – Most Mensas open their pages to other members Contact target national Mensa office directly. Mensa Worldwide Experience187th April 2011

Readymade Packages US Intranet offers a plethora of well prepared materials to develop and improve your group. Lecture: Getting People Involved – Ready made presentation with narrative 14 Handbooks – Detailed instructions of different “jobs” 52 Workshop proposals – Descriptions of topics and activities Mensa Worldwide Experience197th April 2011

Websites MIwww.mensa.org MERFwww.mensafoundation.org US Mensawww.us.mensa.org National Mensas.cz,.ch,.de,.fr Mensa Worldwide Experience207th April 2011

Mensa won’t give you what you do not take! It is up to you. 7th April 2011Mensa Worldwide Experience21

Thank you for your attention. Questions?