Community
SO MUCH has changed in our world since I last spoke with you.
COVID-19 is spreading around the world. It’s officially a pandemic. The AMC and the National Office have been working together on an action plan so that we may respond and assist our members and Local Groups during this crazy time.
The staff have been working from home. The AMC meeting was held telephonically so we could properly distance as has been recommended. We have local and national events coming up that we have postponed or canceled. We continue to make judgements about and determine how to minimize risks, maximize safety, and protect our members and our organization. We are obviously not the only organization or country dealing with this, but we can’t sit back and see what happens. We must plan as if the shutdowns and “stay at home” orders may be in place for a while and how we can keep in communication with our members and provide help where we can. As a board, we will be more involved and will work closely with staff to manage the flow of information and provide focused support for what you need. We must work together to get through this, although it may seem tough for a while.
To paraphrase one of my favorite lines in a Science Fiction series, Humans share one unique quality: They build communities. Everywhere they go, they create communities out of diverse and sometimes hostile populations. It is a great gift, and a terrible responsibility – one that cannot be abandoned.
That is where I feel we stand right now. We are a community, which is a gift and a responsibility. While many of our members maintain their contacts through social media, we have a number of members who do not. How will you keep your members engaged during this time?
It has been overwhelming to see the outreach that our Local Groups have been providing to their members and their community. Some are offering to shop for their members that are vulnerable at this time. Others are hosting viewing parties or happy hours online. At least two Local Groups are calling (yes, that telephone thing, shudder) their members who do not have access to the internet, to check on them and chat with them.
I see this as an opportunity for Mensans to shine. If you need help, please don’t be afraid to ask, we are here for you. If you can help, let us know what you are willing to help with and where. Check with your Local Group to see what they are doing for their members.
April is Community Service month and we usually have a big push for Mensa Cares at this time. But, with the social distancing, I realize many Local Groups will not be participating in the normal fashion. But, what is your group doing to help the community and your membership during this crisis? That is still community service and shows Mensa Cares. Let us know what you are doing. I’d love to hear the stories of what services your group or your members are providing.
I wish to personally thank Trevor Mitchell and the staff on their crisis management. He has been providing constant updates to us so we can make the best decisions. I also wish to thank the AMC members for their hard work during this time.
These are difficult times for everyone, and I appreciate all of our members. Don’t forget to wash your hands!!
Thank you for reading and as always, I’m listening.