Mensa WorldConnect FAQ

How many "sister chapters" can each Local Group have?
How can my Local Group get involved?
Who oversees the WorldConnect program in the U.S.?
What if I want to connect directly with other Mensans around the world?

How many "sister chapters" can each Local Group have?

Participating Local Groups are not limited to just one sister-chapter relationship. For example, one of American Mensa's first connections was Atlanta, Ga., and Barcelona because both have hosted Olympic Games. The two groups hope to connect with other Olympic-site Mensa groups, so it could form quite a network. Additionally, the Atlanta-based Local Group has another sister-chapter relationship with Mensa Bulgaria.

How can my Local Group get involved?

Interested members talk to their group leadership and get them involved (or volunteer to be the group's WorldConnect coordinator). Requests for sister-chapter pairings must be made through the LocSecs in coordination with the WorldConnect National Program Coordinator. The National Program Coordinator facilitates and finalizes the pairing, then advises the International Program Coordinator.

Once the National Program Coordinator has facilitated the connection, potential sister chapters take it from there. Groups decide how much they want to put into — and get out of — the program. Exchanging newsletters is the minimum involvement, but that's enough if it's all the groups have time to do.

Specifically, members of Local Groups interested in WorldConnect should debate the following questions:

Do we want to connect with a group of equal size and complexity, so we can share comparable experiences; a larger group, so we can have larger opportunities to learn; or a newer group, so we can help them with our expertise and wisdom?

What are we interested in sharing, other than articles or newsletters?

What are we interested in getting out of this program?

Who oversees the WorldConnect program in the U.S.?

The National Program Coordinator is involved with all sister chapters and receives periodic updates on the nature and extent of their WorldConnect activities. The National Program Coordinator has a dual role:

To facilitate the pairing of compatible sister chapters; and
To produce periodic reports of interest to the Mensa world at large.

What if I want to connect directly with other Mensans around the world?

The WorldConnect program is designed to connect local groups, not individuals; for that, try the SIGHT program.