Words From Nick - January 2008
My thoughts on the results of the December 2007 American Mensa Committee (AMC) meeting.
A big issue that was put to rest was how to fill a vacant RVC position. The prior method was for the AMC to appoint the new person, but that means the region with the greatest interest gets no vote. A motion was passed for vacant positions to be filled by a vote of the Local Secretaries of the affected region. This isn't a perfect solution, but it is cost effective, fast, and leaves the decision in the hands of those that are concerned.
After a long debate I voted for the alcohol motion. As originally written it did not eliminate the liability born by American Mensa as a whole, and it placed heavy liability on the local group and members. Eventually the motion was trimmed down to recognizing that alcohol can and will be served, asked that members help those that are intoxicated, and suggested serving non alcoholic drinks and some form of food in addition to alcohol. As is I think the motion is harmless.
I voted against adopting the vision statement and goals, but lost by a lot. I think having these is great, but they do not belong in the Actions Still In Effect (ASIEs), and in my entire history of watching the AMC I have never seen a strong indication of actively pursuing a strategic plan. John Recht is leading the Planning Committee and I sincerely hope that his vision is accomplished. I don't think that it will, but I will fully back him in trying. In a nutshell the goals are to increase testing, embrace the internet, restructure the AMC, decrease the dependence on dues income, encourage member participation in the national organization, and increase diversity. I wish the best of luck to you John.
The golden nugget of the meeting was the passing of the "avenues of redress" motion. This is a list of suggested actions to take in escalating order in the event that a member has a complaint or problem with another party. It is possible to enter at any point along the list and to move up or down as necessary. This is a sorely needed document and one which I believe would have prevented any number of members from not renewing. I have been promised that it will be available on www.us.mensa.org with minimal searching.
In February 2008 I will be traveling to the finance committee meeting. The next regularly scheduled AMC meeting is the last weekend in March.
Nick Sanford
RVC5@us.mensa.org
After a long debate I voted for the alcohol motion. As originally written it did not eliminate the liability born by American Mensa as a whole, and it placed heavy liability on the local group and members. Eventually the motion was trimmed down to recognizing that alcohol can and will be served, asked that members help those that are intoxicated, and suggested serving non alcoholic drinks and some form of food in addition to alcohol. As is I think the motion is harmless.
I voted against adopting the vision statement and goals, but lost by a lot. I think having these is great, but they do not belong in the Actions Still In Effect (ASIEs), and in my entire history of watching the AMC I have never seen a strong indication of actively pursuing a strategic plan. John Recht is leading the Planning Committee and I sincerely hope that his vision is accomplished. I don't think that it will, but I will fully back him in trying. In a nutshell the goals are to increase testing, embrace the internet, restructure the AMC, decrease the dependence on dues income, encourage member participation in the national organization, and increase diversity. I wish the best of luck to you John.
The golden nugget of the meeting was the passing of the "avenues of redress" motion. This is a list of suggested actions to take in escalating order in the event that a member has a complaint or problem with another party. It is possible to enter at any point along the list and to move up or down as necessary. This is a sorely needed document and one which I believe would have prevented any number of members from not renewing. I have been promised that it will be available on www.us.mensa.org with minimal searching.
In February 2008 I will be traveling to the finance committee meeting. The next regularly scheduled AMC meeting is the last weekend in March.
Nick Sanford
RVC5@us.mensa.org
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