SIGHT FAQ

How does the SIGHT program work?
What do traveling Mensans want from the program?
How do local members benefit from SIGHT?
What does the program cost?
What is not part of the SIGHT program?

Can a host have house rules?
Can a host turn down a guest?
Does the host have to take time off from work when a guest arrives?
What is the difference between a coordinator and a host?
Must a coordinator or host have a fax machine or computer?
Is a second language necessary for a coordinator or host?
What is required of coordinators?
What should the regional coordinator do to find hosts?

How does the SIGHT program work?

Active in more than 40 countries, SIGHT is a network of Mensans who want to meet other Mensans as they travel. The program looks after both hosts and guests, providing the opportunity for rewarding friendships. SIGHT emphasizes clear communication between hosts and guests by encouraging consideration, helpfulness and understanding of others' preferences and differences.

One guest within a traveling group must be a current Mensa member. Each Local Group around the world appoints a SIGHT coordinator whose primary function is to match potential guests with suitable hosts in the area. Once the coordinator has been contacted by the guest (and often after contact from the National SIGHT Coordinator), he or she will find the appropriate host for the guest, depending upon the requirements of both the guest and the local hosts. Then the coordinator will pass along details of arrival and departure times, duration of stay, etc., and the host communicates thereafter directly with the guest.

What do traveling Mensans want from the program?

Some SIGHT guests are looking for accommodations, some want travel tips, some look for local Mensa activity information, and some want to make new friends with shared interests. Some would like to experience all of the above. Local SIGHT hosts and coordinators often gather tourist information about their cities, such as hotel pricing, transportation information (taxis, buses, trains, etc.), favorite restaurants and so on.

However, most guests want exactly what a coordinator or host would want: the chance to meet other like-minded people, those who share the same interests and hobbies, those who like to share their stories about Mensa and their travels, and those who like to open up a little part of themselves to new friends.

How do local members benefit from SIGHT?

Each member can use the program when making their travel plans. Copies of the guest registration form should be available locally so that members understand the rules. The regional coordinator can suggest a coordinator in the area requested or suggest the member contact the National SIGHT Coordinator directly.

What does the program cost?

For the most part, only the cost of kindness and hospitality. No fees are required to use the program, although some hosts require a stipend to cover meals provided to guests. If transportation is involved, hosts are perfectly within their rights to ask that travel costs be covered. These matters should be clarified before a guest arrives. Related points are specified in the host registration form.

What is not part of the SIGHT program?

SIGHT is not a hotel service, a job placement program, an immigration service or a permanent housing program. If a coordinator or host cannot be found who wishes to open up his or her home when accommodations are sought, information on hotels would be appropriate. If a guest seeks help with a job search or permanent housing, directing a person to the local newspaper would be acceptable, as this is beyond the scope of SIGHT. Any illegal activity and request is not acceptable, of course, and if necessary, a host can notify the authorities even if the guest is from another country.

Can a host have house rules?

If the host is volunteering his or her home, it is perfectly acceptable to have a list of house rules. Hosts should tell their coordinators and guests in advance of their rules and preferences regarding guests. Is smoking allowed in the house? Are pets permitted? Is there a time that is too late to return to the house, or is the host a late riser?

Limitations within the house should be explained to any guest. Often, overseas travelers are not familiar with the electricity system, the heating units, the telephone dialing codes, etc. A host may want to consider putting these instructions in writing to leave with the guest after supervising the guest initially. If a guest does not abide by the rules, a cost-effective alternative may be kindly suggested.

Can a host turn down a guest?

Yes, at any time. If the guest arrives and is not a good match for any reason, a polite request to find another host is absolutely acceptable. The coordinator may then find a better match based on the guest's wishes. This is a good reason to have hotel information handy.

Does the host have to take time off from work when a guest arrives?

A host does only what he or she wishes to do. Again, there are no obligations within SIGHT. A normal routine should not be disrupted; all SIGHT activities are voluntary, and guests can be left to their own devices during the day. However, remember that many foreign visitors expect convenient public transportation, so it is a good idea to illustrate any methods of getting around the town or city.

What is the difference between a coordinator and a host?

Often there is little difference, as many coordinators enjoy serving as hosts. However, it is the coordinator's responsibility to find members to volunteer as hosts and to keep track of the hosts' requirements for guests (no children welcome, no pets, etc.); a profile of each host should be kept on file. The coordinator is also responsible for ensuring that each guest is paired with a host suitable to his or her needs.

The coordinator should contribute an article to the local newsletter occasionally to ensure that members are fully aware of the SIGHT program. Perhaps a success story could be featured and forwarded to the National SIGHT Coordinator for possible future publicity. If a group has a Web site, the coordinator might consider asking the Webmaster to devote some space to the SIGHT program, member stories and links to local events.

In the event that a region has no SIGHT coordinator in place, the LocSec acts as coordinator for any guest to the region. Hosts cannot act as official coordinators for their Local Group. When a new Regional SIGHT Coordinator is selected, the LocSec informs the National SIGHT Coordinator, who approves the nomination; a package of information is then sent to the new coordinator by the national coordinator. If any problems occur with the local SIGHT program, the coordinator should be notified so that he or she can inform the National SIGHT Coordinator.

Must a coordinator or host have a fax machine or computer?

No. Written requests are frequently made, and if there is no email or fax contact information, the information can be passed along via letter. Most guests realize that plans must be made well in advance, so requests are usually sent in good time.

Usually a guest will provide full addresses so that even if the initial request came via email, the National SIGHT Coordinator can pass full contact information along to the coordinator via telephone or mail. If there is a time constraint with the request, however, the coordinator will contact the host for availability and respond to the guest with the host's telephone number for expediency. The guest would then telephone the host directly to confirm all arrangements.

Is a second language necessary for a coordinator or host?

The SIGHT program is usually conducted in English; a second language is therefore not necessary unless agreed upon. If you are a host who speaks a second or third language, make your coordinator aware of this ability.

What is required of coordinators?

Your group may receive one request per year from a SIGHT guest or it may receive scores, depending upon the popularity of your region. The only requirement is a timely response, accompanied with courtesy and tact. Asking the right questions provides the best answers, such as how many guests are expected, what transportation is requested, etc. (see the guest registration form). Often the information is brief enough that the coordinator can answer a guest's queries immediately.

Above all, friendliness, information and a desire to help others are the most important requirements.

What should the regional coordinator do to find hosts?

The regional coordinator should compile a list of members who are willing to volunteer as SIGHT hosts. It is wise to have a selection of hosts in each town or city that the Local Group represents. The more the merrier! However, a host may specify that transportation is not possible, or that volunteering their home is not something they wish to do, and the coordinator should make specific note of each host's requests and limitations.

A coordinator could bring the SIGHT program details to a Mensa gathering for discussion, ask for host volunteers and pass around sign-up sheets. A Regional Gathering would be an ideal time to select new hosts. Print the host registration form in the local newsletter and see how many responses are returned. Host registration forms can also be included in mailings or new member packets.

Once a host has volunteered, the coordinator passes copies of the SIGHT forms to the host, including the guest evaluation form.