How to Create a Special Interest Group
So you've browsed through the SIG list and no one has started a SIG
for your favorite hobby, conversational topic, area of study, obsession,
etc. Not to worry — founding a SIG is easy! There are a
couple of necessary constraints, but you'll be sharing thoughts with
other Mensans about your special interest in no time. Here's how:
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First, it's a good idea to read the SIG
list closely to make sure there is no SIG already recognized
with a purpose identical to the one you propose, as no
duplicate SIGs will be approved.
Next, give some thought to how you want to run your SIG.
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Will the group be strictly online, or will you publish a newsletter? If
so, how often? What should you charge to cover postage costs? What will
you call the newsletter? For that matter, what will you call the SIG? Do
you want to accept non-Mensan members or international members? Do you
want to maintain a SIG Web site?
Once you've developed answers to these questions, you're ready
to fill out the SIG
Recognition Form and send it to the SIGs Officer. You'll have
to sign off that you understand you can't make money on the strictly
volunteer SIG program; that you'll keep the SIGs Officer up to date on
your SIG's activities; that your SIG won't operate in conflict with any
Mensa, state or federal laws; etc. If you have any questions about the
form or about the way SIGs usually operate, feel free to ask the SIGs Officer.
The form includes a space to specify exactly what you want your SIG
description to say online and in the semiannual Mensa
Bulletin directory. Say concisely and precisely what will intrigue
and entice Mensans to join. While you're at it, ask the SIGs Officer to
feature your new SIG in the Bulletin's SIGs column.
As far as creating a SIG, that's all there is to it. As long as there
are no major problems with your request, your SIG should be approved in
a timely manner. Then you can get on with the fun stuff of running your
SIG. Here are some tips on how to keep your new SIG officially
recognized:
- Maintain your American Mensa membership by paying your dues on time.
Only American Mensa members can coordinate American Mensa SIGs.
- Have a U.S. mailing address. You can live on Mars if you’d
like, but SIG mail needs to come to a location in the United
States.
- Fill in and promptly return the SIG Semi-Annual Update form when you
receive it. This usually asks how many members you currently have, how
many newsletter issues you’ve sent out in the past six months, how
many (or what percentage) of your membership are Mensans. It also gives
you a chance to update your Bulletin listing, if necessary.
- If you change your SIG contact information, be sure to tell the
National Office, and your corrected information will appear in the next
Bulletin SIGs column.
- Send a copy of each newsletter to the SIGs Officer so he or she
knows your SIG is still functioning. These copies eventually make their
way to the SIGs Librarian, who will archive your hard work for
posterity.
- In addition, send one copy of two newsletters per year (not two of
each issue) to the Communications
Officer.
- Finally, have fun! Coordinating a SIG should enrich your Mensa
experience. When it’s no longer enjoyable, hand the SIG off to
someone else.
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