(In response to an M-Leaders thread regarding the organization of Annual Gatherings )

We cannot make the mistake of thinking that Mensans don't have a hand in the problems listed in this thread. The fingers clearly point at a Mensa that is already "by Mensans for Mensans" in that issues listed above exist because a group of Mensa members - the AMC - created the policies that allow these things to happen...and they don't happen in a vacuum. 

For instance, from the ASIEs: " All contracts involving American Mensa, Ltd.'s money, its mark, name, or logo shall be signed either by the AML Chair or by the Executive Director only upon direction of the Board or the Executive Committee. "

Or, in other words, a majority of voting Mensa members elected a body of Mensa members who voted that all contracts (including AG hotels, conference organizing companies, and various consultants) will be signed by a Mensa member or the Executive Director upon direction of a group of elected Mensa members. 

The real issue we face is an AMC where the Mensa members on the board are afraid to go where other Mensans go and find out what they think. Many are afraid to enact policy in a way that reflects that thought. Many are afraid to stand up and say that the emperor has no clothes. Many don't bother to do the research necessary to make informed decisions. I did a presentation on SIGs last year when the AMC was making some hard decisions about the future of the program - and a MAJORITY of AMC members did not even belong to a SIG, and many had NEVER belonged to one.  

Don't let Mensans off the hook by pretending that issues are caused by some outside conglomeration of non-Mensans. "We have met the enemy, and he is us." 

From M-Leaders
Re: The 2013 Firearms Policy (no firearms at national events)

" I can definitely see how it was construed as a political statement, but I don't think it was meant that way. That being said, I do think that any kind of policy like this - especially involving something that can be dangerous, like weapons - should be left to the local laws, hotel policies, and professional police and hotel security. We have no business getting into the weapon-policing business. 

If someone can't handle being around people safely - whether that means manual battery or threatening with a firearm - that should be left to the authorities, not Mensan amateurs."

From M-Leaders: "Question for all of the national candidates...
If there was one thing you could change about how the AMC operates, what would it be, why would you change it and how would you change it?"

My answer: Technical operation: I'd love to see AMC meetings stream online. This would require working with the IT staff at the NO on implementation. Even better, if a member was close to an AMC meeting location and would volunteer to take on the task, including educating the AMC on what it entails, it would be worth a try...even for just a few committee meetings to start.

Social operation: I'd love it if most AMC members weren't afraid of participating online in more venues, seeking out member opinions prior to decision-making, and standing behind their decisions/votes once made. Only a few have stepped out and encouraged two-way communication on a consistent basis, and I think Mensa would be a different organization if there were a constant communication feedback loop. 

As to how - it's a matter of changing the culture by example, and providing more opportunities for that feedback to enlist change...perhaps "town hall" type meetings online to gather opinions about certain subjects. It would definitely be better for officers to reach out and solicit input rather than just posting an agenda online and hoping people notice it.