Regional Ramblings |
My trip to the National Office was interesting and informative. Much of Friday and part of Saturday were taken up with training sessions. It was like a Leadership Development Workshop for the AMC. All of the office staff attended the AMC meeting, some even staying to the bitter end. If you have ever sat in on an AMC meeting, you know that is no way to spend to spend a Saturday.
The atmosphere in the office is unlike any office I ever worked in. Everybody has a title and is responsible for some aspect of the running of the office and improving Mensa. They have cross training, so even if the person responsible for sorting out your problem is unavailable when you call, someone else can help you. I can not speak highly enough of our National Office staff. Not only are they professional but they are Mensa friendly.
There were lots of motions discussed and passed but the one that most affects you was the motion to raise the dues. The membership dues for the year 2000-2001 have been set at $49.00 ($33.00 for second family members), however, they do not go into effect until January 1, 2000. This means that you are still able to buy three or five year plans at the current rate or pay for as many years as you wish at $45.00, providing you pay before the end of this year.
Barbara Lytle from San Diego has been appointed International Mensa Mate Chairman. The Mensa Mate program is similar to the Sister City program. I am sure Barbara will tell us all about it. Merv Meyer from Harbor Area Mensa is again our Regional Scholarship Chairman. Scott Benjamin from Tucson is our Regional Advisor on Web Pages. If your group wants to set up a Web Page, contact Scott at scott.benjamin@optics.arizona.edu American Mensa will set up their own server before the end of the year. Let us plan to have a Web Site for each Region 9 local group before the year is out.
We have no more Regional Gatherings this year but several coming up. Greater Phoenix Mensa has Phuture Schlock January 14-17. Greater Los Angeles Mensa has their Walk of Fame February 18-21, and San Diego Mensa has Three Days Before The Mast on May 26-29. Register early for these great RGs.
You also need to register for the Leadership Development Workshop in Riverside February 25-27. There is no charge for registration or meals, but we do need to know that you will be coming. Send an LSASE to E. Bunny Warsh, 6899 Crest Avenue, Riverside CA 92503.