Groups

Providing interaction with other members, locally and by interest, American Mensa's groups are the ties that bring our members closer together and closer to the organization. Currently, American Mensa has 134 Local Groups with boundaries defined by ZIP Code and over 140 Special Interest Groups.

The Publications Recognition Program, previously the Local Group Newsletter awards, and CultureQuest^® have always been awarded independently from member recognition and the Mensa Foundation awards. In recent years, a number of group-based award programs have evolved, including Local Group Owls, the Community Activities Program and Group of the Year. It is through all of these programs that American Mensa recognizes the hard work, camaraderie and value of our Local Groups.

As a member of American Mensa, you're also a member of a group based in your immediate area that hosts weekly programs and activities. Your Local Group publishes a calendar of activities each month in its newsletter; these activities usually include business meetings, guest speakers, game nights and gifted children's activities.

WorldConnect is a worldwide Mensa program that pairs cities or Local Groups around the world with "sister" cities or Local Groups that would enjoy, and possibly benefit from, the connection. Matches can be made based on size of groups, members' hobbies, similar names or physical features, parallel industries or places members want to visit.

Our volunteer members are the lifeblood of American Mensa. From editing newsletters to planning community service efforts, from organizing scuba lessons to supporting gifted children at the local level, our Local Group and Special Interest Group officers provide necessary services to members across the United States. To support them in their efforts, we offer a vast array of handbooks, forms and information online.

One of the benefits of Mensa membership is the availability of a wide range of national Special Interest Groups with members throughout the country who share your interests. These groups are voluntary associations of Mensans with common interests, and they exist as long as there is a member whose passion for a topic drives the group.

American Mensa offers Web hosting and Web services to its groups and members. If you're with a Local Group or Special Interest Group and would like information on hosting your Web site with us, or if you're a member and you've got a comment or suggestion, Web Services may be able to help.