Presented by David Bonner, GCC CIM

Introducing the Speaker:  Joined Mensa in 2007 – Central Indiana  12 years experience working with youth  GT/Ed Psych from Purdue University  GCC for two years  Taught at Purdue’s GERI Camp  Developed GT program last year  Teaches MS/HS Science, Math, History

Quick Survey:  Raise your hand if you are/were/will be a GCC or work with the children for your region

Why Have a Kids Program?  To serve gifted kids and their families who may have nowhere else to go.  To bring youthful energy and programming to your local group.  To recruit new members to Mensa, which will ultimately keep us strong in the future.  To have FUN with some really amazing kids!

Our Problem:  Traditional approach was impossible. We had to improvise.  Large geographic area, very few registered <18.  Local group mostly older adults.

The Catalyst  There is a GREAT need  When it rains, it pours!  We hit critical mass

Getting Started:  I ed every GCC in the country I could find and asked for advice.  I researched successful GCP’s.  I asked questions on the GCC listserv.  I spent many hours brainstorming.  I asked parents what they wanted the program to look like.  I got the support of my LocSec and local members

The Initial Meeting:  An open meeting was called after one of our regular monthly meetings to discuss launching a GCP

Our Goals:  Build a network of “gifted” families  Equip parents to advocate  Bring kids together to: Socialize among intellectual peers Have some amazing learning experiences Counsel gifted issues  Recruit young members

The Launch – October 2009:  BIG event - Highly publicized.  LOTS of local schools contacted.  Concurrent programming for both adults and kids.

Promotion of our Program:  Indiana Association for the Gifted (IAG) Conference booth  Brain Fair booth  Free promotional material from Mensa

RG Event:  Multiple tracks for all ages  Brought in the best speakers we could find  Lots of variety  Distributed 500 fliers

RG – Siege Weapon Lab

RG – Asset/Burden Paradox

RG – Parent Workshops

RG – DNA Extraction Lab

RG – Talent Show

RG – Kids Room

RG – Discussion Circle

RG – Are You Smarter than a Gifted 5 th Grader?

Parent Gatherings:  Free and open to the public.  We get to know attendees and their struggles.  We share resource such as books, web sites, and seminars for gifted needs.  We develop action plans to help parents advocate for their gifted children

GCP: Music & Giftedness  Hosted by the founders of the Symphonic Youth Orchestra of Indianapolis  Kids brought their own instruments  We learned how music relates to intelligence  We learned how to improvise on our instruments

GCP: Music & Giftedness

GCP: Physics FUN-damentals:  Hosted by two college-trained engineers, certified Taekwondo instructors and Mensa members.  Kids learned about martial arts and physics including Newton’s law, torque, rotation, leverage, and momentum.

GCP: Physics FUN-damentals:

GPC: Speaking of Me:  Author of this book gave workshop for kids  Concurrent parent session  Event co-hosted by Sycamore School, a local GT school

RG: Chemistry is a Blast

RG: Chemistry is a Blast:

Outdoor Gathering:

RG: Kids Showcase Talent

Ways Local M’s Can Serve:  Make kids feel welcome at regular M events.  Be a “helper” for GCP events.  Host GCP events.  Participate in our outreach program

Outreach Program:  One of our 8 th grade kids composed and conducted his own song.  Several M’s attended his concert to show our support.  He was extremely pleased that we were there.

Promotional Material

Professional Image

Local Newsletter:  GCC articles about giftedness.  Announcements of all upcoming GCP events and meetings.  Ask for the support of local members.  Articles about talent of young M’s.

Web Page: Upcoming Events

Web Page: Registration

Web Page: Resources

Web Page:   Facebook page Announce events Host media from participants Discussion  Newsletter  Yahoo Group – discussion  Twitter feed 

Why Have We Been Successful?  The need was already there.  Dedicated parents willing to work  Support of LocSec and local group  Attitude of Success  Professional Image  HARD WORK!

What’s Next?