Words From Nick - September 2007
On September 8th the American Mensa Committee (AMC) met in Arlington Texas. I'll spare you the full details of what transpired, but will speak on the major points that make a difference to you.
Just thirty minutes into the meeting the Triad Mensa group was officially formed. This group once existed, but was dissolved in 2003. Since then they have gotten a great infusion of new members and new energy. My warmest welcome goes out to Triad.
Stemming from the AG fumble, a motion was passed to better define the role of the AMC Executive Committee. The most significant modification was to require them to try to contact the remainder of the AMC before making major decisions. This went through dozens of modifications on the AMC email list prior to settling on the final version. I don't think it is perfect, but it does have my endorsement.
Gifted Children Coordinators will now receive email information in addition to mailing addresses. This will move GCC communication into the 21st century.
This past year the auditor of American Mensa's financial statements told us that we must have financial information about each group next year or we will receive a "qualified opinion" (extremely bad). The national organization only needs the total cash balance as of March 31. Each group will have until the end of April to submit this information. This is different from the requirement to publish financials in the newsletter in that March 31 is explicitly required. Having said this, I expect a new motion to pass in December that requires each group to also submit total income and total expenditures for the year. This will be necessary to comply with IRS guidelines on form 990.
We had an interesting discussion about non-members who claim to be members. I suggested that we send any such person the same packet of information that we send to people who request general information about the organization and testing. I wasn't the only person to find that suggestion amusing.
Next month will be the debriefing from the month of gatherings.
Nick Sanford
RVC5@us.mensa.org
Just thirty minutes into the meeting the Triad Mensa group was officially formed. This group once existed, but was dissolved in 2003. Since then they have gotten a great infusion of new members and new energy. My warmest welcome goes out to Triad.
Stemming from the AG fumble, a motion was passed to better define the role of the AMC Executive Committee. The most significant modification was to require them to try to contact the remainder of the AMC before making major decisions. This went through dozens of modifications on the AMC email list prior to settling on the final version. I don't think it is perfect, but it does have my endorsement.
Gifted Children Coordinators will now receive email information in addition to mailing addresses. This will move GCC communication into the 21st century.
This past year the auditor of American Mensa's financial statements told us that we must have financial information about each group next year or we will receive a "qualified opinion" (extremely bad). The national organization only needs the total cash balance as of March 31. Each group will have until the end of April to submit this information. This is different from the requirement to publish financials in the newsletter in that March 31 is explicitly required. Having said this, I expect a new motion to pass in December that requires each group to also submit total income and total expenditures for the year. This will be necessary to comply with IRS guidelines on form 990.
We had an interesting discussion about non-members who claim to be members. I suggested that we send any such person the same packet of information that we send to people who request general information about the organization and testing. I wasn't the only person to find that suggestion amusing.
Next month will be the debriefing from the month of gatherings.
Nick Sanford
RVC5@us.mensa.org
Copyright © 2008 American Mensa, Ltd. The Mensa logo is a registered trademark of Mensa International, Ltd. and American Mensa Ltd., all rights reserved. Mensa does not hold any opinions, or have, or express, any political or religious views.