Corby's Corner: The Spotlight is Now On Phoenix! |
Several GPM members attended the recent Annual Gathering in Dallas.
The Dallas area hosts put on a very successful AG and all that attended (about 1200) had a good time. GPM had an attractive table set up to promote the Phoenix 2002 AG (thanks Carol for the beautiful photos!) that was located just outside the Hospitality Area. According to Gary and Gail (our AG Registrars), our table was a popular draw, and many people were enticed to sign up on the spot while many more took our AG registration form to sign up later.
We expect to have well over 200 people registered for the 2002 AG by the time you read this. So now the spotlight of Mensa attention is firmly fixed on Phoenix and the 2002 AG. While we are confident of GPM’s abilities, and have a strong core of an AG Committee, we are relying on the volunteer efforts of many of you to make a successful Phoenix 2002 AG a reality!
As you might expect, many people in Dallas were generous with their suggestions for Do’s and Don’ts for our upcoming AG. But it was especially gratifying to hear suggestions from the Teens and the Gen-Xers.
There were perhaps 15 to 20 teenagers that attended the Dallas AG. Several of the “ringleaders” of this group of teens made a point to look Carol Young and me up. They had some rather specific requests for what they would like to have and do at the upcoming Phoenix AG. These included such things as a special teen room, teen friendly program topics, and some teen activities. We promised to do what we reasonably could to meet their requests. We expect to have 30 teenagers at the Phoenix AG and we plan to make it a fun and rewarding experience for them. The many amenities of the Scottsdale Princess will certainly be a big help in this regard, but we still need local volunteers to make it a richer experience for them. Are you interested in being a GPM teen coordinator?
In addition, I was approached by some Gen-Xers who want to help Mensa define and provide benefits and activities that would be of interest to young adults. While these folks were not as specific as the teens were in their requests for the 2002 AG, it is still important that we factor in their special wants and needs (when they figure out what they are) into our AG plans. To make this happen, we need local GPM Gen-X coordinators. Naomi, Travis, Amanda, Kerry, and Lisa are you listening? With good volunteer support, the Phoenix 2002 AG may be remembered as the first Mensa AG where a special effort was really made to include the younger generations. This would be a great legacy to pass on!
We are pleased to announce that recently two GPM members were selected for American Mensa national positions. Tyger Gilbert was selected to join the American Mensa Committee (AMC) as the Communications Officer. In this important position, Tyger will be heading up committees for both Published materials (i.e. the Bulletin, InterLoc, and other Handbooks) as well as the Cyberspace material (i.e. the American Mensa Web Site, and List Servers). Kebba Buckley was selected to be the new national Leadership Development Workshop (LDW) Coordinator. As you may know, the LDW’s are an important tool that Mensa uses to train the Mensa leaders of tomorrow. And effective LDW coordination is important. Please provide Tyger and Kebba your best wishes and support in their new endeavors.