Regional Ramblings |
In late February, several GPM’rs spent a weekend in Long Beach, CA, for an “LDW”, Mensa’s periodic Leadership Development Workshop. I was the presenter for “Membership Recruitment and Retention”, my organizational passion. Also attending were Mel Anderson, Glenn Case, Jerry Corbin, Bruce Stiles, Carol Young, and RVC Bob Cox. Another 45 people from other groups attended, including Pam Donohoo, our National Executive Director.
An LDW is supposed to be a time for getting information, ideas, and problem solving from key resource people. LDW’s are offered regionally, with the intention of helping Mensa officers to run their groups with less challenge and more fun. I expected the weekend to be pleasant and jam-packed with useful pointers. Truly, we had great speakers and a table full of literature from National. What surprised me is that I had so much fun! The event was like an RG made entirely of plenary sessions, with delicious food in hospitality, great conversation, much clowning around, and vital levels of chocolate. The speaker sessions were rich ideafests, loaded with stories of how different groups have succeeded with different aspects of group development, growth, and maintenance. We were all refreshed, encouraged, and uplifted by the often-zany tales of how Mensans solve problems and create successes.
I was amazed at the depth of Mensa experience in the room. Pam Donohoo may have been the “new kid on the block” with only 5 years as Executive Director. Many M’s there had 15 years or more of continuous membership, making my 17 years look very moderate. A few back-row characters had been members for over 30 years, and I loved hearing their perspectives on what has worked and what has not worked so well. We had lively discussion of how to detect possible new members, and we found several folks had formulas for picking two-percenters out of a crowd. We puzzled, we shared, we learned, we laughed. We put in a plug or three for the Phoenix AG and introduced Carol Young, AG Chair. I came back impressed, relaxed, and refreshed, as though I had been on vacation!
Here are a few comments from Glenn Case on his LDW experience:
“For me, the LDW sent these messages:
“The National Office has much to offer, in literature and services. I did not realize the extent to which all Mensans, not just those in leadership positions, can avail themselves of services from National Mensa. For example, we have material on how to deal with the press, both material for the press and material for us. Yes, we are a high IQ group, but we are very human also.
“On a personal note, the LDW was a way to get to know people, a sort of mini RG with a personal touch. I thoroughly enjoyed it and encourage anyone to attend one if they want to see Mensa more down to earth.”
Mel Anderson, GPM’s Immediate Past LocSec, offered these thoughts:
“Becoming a leader in Mensa, as in many organizations, is a function of need on the part of the group and desire on the part of the member.
“Sometimes one or the other takes on a higher priority, and surely everyone who attended the LDW left better equipped to recruit, organize and lead. Networking and sharing of experiences and ideas were accommodated very well. We also gained general knowledge that might not have been acquired in any other manner.
“My batteries got super-charged, and I felt enthusiasm emanating from many of the other participants—and certainly from the presenters.
“I encourage anyone who could not attend this time to consider participation in a future LDW. In the mean time, perhaps you could volunteer to help in some small way to contribute to the group. Give Jerry a call.”