New Beginnings
WE ARE FINALLY past 2020, praises and huzzah all around. Most of us have looked forward to 2021 and returning to a somewhat normal existence. It is time to forge ahead and prepare for a fulfilling year and a better time with our friends, family, and gatherings. With that in mind, I’d like to share some of the ongoing and upcoming projects we are working on to make our organization better. As has already been announced, Private Testing with Prometric is up and running. I’m pleased to say we have candidates who have taken the test through the centers, qualified, and joined Mensa. This development is significant for our membership’s growth. It is also helpful to Local Groups that are without a Proctor and ones that are geographically spread out. Our Volunteer Marketplace has been successful and is already being used widely by Local Groups and for national positions. To open up volunteer opportunities, I have placed applications in the Volunteer Marketplace for the appointed positions on the AMC. When I first became Chair, I was determined that the appointed positions of Communications, Marketing, and Membership Officers would be filled with people who had real-life experience in those fields, and I focused on bringing in younger leaders to provide them with the opportunity to share their ideas and thoughts with the AMC. That wasn’t easy because I didn’t know which members might fit the bill, and most members don’t put information about their expertise or knowledge in their profiles. I was able to find some fantastic people by asking members for recommendations. In fact, I did not person-ally know many of the appointees who were selected. I’m sure, however, there could have been some overlooked people who wanted to help. Our volunteers’ development and knowledge will benefit the incoming Chair as well as the incoming AMC, whoever they may be. I hope that some of you will apply for one of these positions if you have the proper background. Mensa is best when the volunteers are engaged and involved. Changes like these in Mensa are what we need to continue to prosper and grow. I hope everyone had a good holiday season and a festive New Year celebration in the best fashion that was possible. I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year! Please remember, I am always listening.