The following are the monthly columns provided by our Regional Vice Chair, Dan Wilterding, and his predecessor Rik Hess. Click to view the RVC's Report for:
| 2/01 | 3/01 | 4/01 | 5/01 | 7/01 |
| 8/01 | 9/01 | 10/01 | 11/01 | 12/01 |
| 1/02 | 2/02 | 3/02 | 4/02 | 5/02 |
| 6/02 | 7/02 | 8/02 | 9/02 | 10/02 |
| 11/02 | 12/02 |
Hello Region 6!
The Region Six Report for December 2002
Have you (or someone you know) ever had the thought that "If I were RVC I'd write a column about _____" and just not had the chance to write that column? Here is your chance. Please send me a column for publication in the region's newsletters. I will not edit the contents (reserving the option of adding a small preface or end note), although the Editors may (as always) exercise their discretion. Depending on submissions this offer may be made more than once, although there is no guarantee that any particular column will be run. People that I've met or corresponded with stand no better (or worse) chance of being selected than anyone else, so please don't be shy -- get to writing, we're already pushing deadline!!
The preceding paragraph originally ran a bit over a year ago. The complete lack of response was surprising considering the audience -- I know for a fact that many of you have good things to say on topics that you know to be important. I know for a fact that the ability to express ourselves in a lucid and compelling manner is widespread in Mensa and that not all of us are too shy to see our names in print. What I don't know is why no-one chose to respond to the offer; would someone please enlighten me on that?
In the meantime, the following wish:
May you have health,
and happiness,
and good family and friends;
and may it last forever.
Comments, anyone?
Dan Wilterding - RVC6
rvc6@us.mensa.org
dtwtech@swbell.net
817-573-4454
504 West Atchley Drive
Granbury, Texas 76048
Hello Region 6!
The Region Six Report for November 2002
Tidbits -
- The Mensa International Board of Directors has awarded the 60th Anniversary Celebration to American Mensa, to be
held during August of 2006 at the AG in Orlando, Florida.
- Candidates (so far) for RVC6 are Ray O'Connor and myself. The Nominating Committee is no longer accepting nominations but still
available is nomination by petition; interested parties should keep an eye on the national web site for details.
- Voting for Scholarships -- It's easy, it can be fun, it can help YOUR local group. Ask your LocSec or Editor how.
- The LDW in Tulsa is fast approaching (Nov. 8-10), have you made arrangements to be there? Mention Mensa
Comments, anyone?
Dan Wilterding - RVC6
rvc6@us.mensa.org
dtwtech@swbell.net
817-573-4454
504 West Atchley Drive
Granbury, Texas 76048
Hello Region 6!
The Region Six Report for October 2002
Have you registered for the LDW in Tulsa? Topics include: Servant/Leader Principle, Editing and Newsletters, Effective Group Money Management, Recruitment and Retention, and more. Among the speakers are names such as Amyx, Ramsdell, Miller, Paden, and Jackowski; you may recognize all or some of these, there are more not listed. Beginning the evening of Friday, November 8, Workshops continue through the day on Saturday with three sessions on Sunday to end before noon.
Something else to consider while you are in a registering mood — the Feast of Pleasures and Delights will take place over the Thanksgiving weekend. Definitely something to consider if you can be in the Dallas area at that time, North Texas Mensa does an RG up right!
Arkansas Mensa was the host for my latest group visit. They meet in an small upstairs room at a coffee-shop, with enough people go make it cozy and comfortable. The nearly two dozen folks that I met were engaging, enlightening, and an absolute pleasure to be around. I lost track of how many subjects we touched on during the four or five hours that we talked, what might have been “hot button” topics elsewhere were treated enthusiastically and without rancor. A truly engaging group, my thanks to them for having me.
Comments, anyone?
Dan Wilterding - RVC6
rvc6@us.mensa.org
dtwtech@swbell.net
817-573-4454
504 West Atchley Drive
Granbury, Texas 76048
Hello Region 6!
The Region Six Report for September 2002
An abbreviated offering this time around — hope you don’t mind.
The deadline has now passed for those wishing to avail themselves of the NomCom route to national office (that includes RVC), still available is nomination by petition. We are again fortunate to have a contested race for RVC6 — as of this writing there are three candidates for that office, names & contact info to follow when officially released. Other offices available to those interested in running are:
Chairman
First Vice Chairman
Second Vice Chairman
Treasurer
Secretary
All of these currently have at lease one candidate, one office has two. As a society we are better served by having a choice when elections roll around, and much better served when members vote. Please vote when the time comes.
Currently in the works is an LDW to be held in Tulsa over the weekend of November 8th. Stay tuned for details and plan to be there if you are able; the Tulsa group (working with R6 LDW Coordinator Heather Miller and her crew) have put together a fine program. At least one LDW will be held in the spring, and possibly another; it all depends on responses, volunteers, and funding.
Comments, anyone?
Dan Wilterding - RVC6
rvc6@us.mensa.org
dtwtech@swbell.net
817-573-4454
504 West Atchley Drive
Granbury, Texas 76048
Hello Region 6!
The Region Six Report for August 2002
The Annual Gathering was excellent, although you will need to talk to others to get the best review. Region 6 was well represented; members from all parts of the region attended and enjoyed.
As the AMC met on Saturday we considered many motions and passed most of them. Among these motions was one from the Hearings Committee recommending expulsion of a member; due to procedural problems I voted against this motion. On a related note: the Chairman of the AMC (Dr. Jean Becker) noting that the current hearings procedures are difficult to interpret and follow has asked Nancy Heller (Interpretive Counsel njheller@email.com) and Sean Healy (Corporate Counsel) to look into revising the relevant ASIEs; please contact Ms Heller with any suggestions.
Awards —
The region did well at the Awards Banquet, coming away with a baker’s dozen prizes (triskaidekaphobes will understand!). The
specific competition and awards are listed below. Congratulations to one and all for your recognized excellence!
CultureQuest —
Annual competition, held simultaneously across the U.S. and Canada in the spring, against other teams and raise money for local
group scholarship funds. Mensa76 (two teams placed in the top 20)
Publications Recognition Program (PRP) —
The American Mensa PRP annually rewards excellence in the newsletters and Web sites of American Mensa’s local groups.
Print —
Found (Entertainment) - Central Oklahoma Mensa
Poetry - Central Oklahoma Mensa
Special Mention Award - New Format - Lone Star Mensa
Owl - Small Group Winner - Central Oklahoma Mensa
Electronic Publications —
Local Group Information - Mensa76
Recruitment - Gulf Coast Mensa
Presentation - Mensa76
Entertainment - Mensa76
Electronic Owl -
Large Group - Mensa76
Medium Group - Central Oklahoma Mensa
Owl Awards —
The Innovative Owl award is presented to the group demonstrating the highest membership retention compared to its previous year’s
membership numbers.
The Innovative Owl -
Honorable Mention - Panhandle Mensa
It’s not too late for Colloquium 2002 (August 16-18 in Troy, Michigan); the subject is “Exploring Consciousness”.
Comments, anyone?
Dan Wilterding - RVC6
rvc6@us.mensa.org
dtwtech@swbell.net
817-573-4454
504 West Atchley Drive
Granbury, Texas 76048
Hello Region 6!
The Region Six Report for July 2002
At the Annual Gathering in Scottsdale -- on Wednesday, July 3 are two events that I will be unable to attend: the LDW training session and the "committee meeting" of the RVCs (traditionally held prior to the AMC meeting). The reasons for this are as follows:
1) At the time my flight arrangements were made no official activities were scheduled for Wednesday (even though I waited until the last moment to do so);
2) The number of days funded was in question (funding for rooms & meals -- three days or four?);
3) Contract workers (such as I) don't get paid if they don't work. Please accept my regrets.
Group visits have been on the schedule -- Shreveport and Tulsa are among the recent destinations. The opportunity to meet with people and hear their thoughts is wonderful, talking with each other certainly allows free expression and spontaneity. My thanks to all for their hospitality and for allowing me to join them.
National Test Day is coming -- are you and your group ready? How about Colloquium 2002 (August 16-18 in Troy, Michigan); the subject is "Exploring Consciousness."
Comments, anyone?
Dan Wilterding - RVC6
rvc6@us.mensa.org
dtwtech@swbell.net
817-573-4454
504 West Atchley Drive
Granbury, Texas 76048
Hello Region 6!
The Region Six Report for June 2002
What is Mensa?
Is is the volunteers? The LocSecs and Editors that make things happen and keep us informed & stimulated? Is it the Program Chairs that come up with entertaining and thought-provoking speakers? How 'bout the Scholarship Chair, or the Area Coordinators? Could it be that Mensa is the newsletter or the Bulletin, Interloc or the e-lists? Could it be that Mensa is the board members doing board-member stuff, the FS&M parties, or the various get-togethers during the month?
To me Mensa is made up of all of these things and more. Each time another newsletter arrives there are opportunities to enrich myself. Each monthly meeting, lunch bunch, or other activity is a chance to explore with others both charted and uncharted territories. Every phone call and email could easily result in unexpected pleasure (and often does!).
That, to me, is Mensa.
Tell me, what is Mensa to you?
Comments, anyone?
Dan Wilterding - RVC6
rvc6@us.mensa.org
dtwtech@swbell.net
817-573-4454
504 West Atchley Drive
Granbury, Texas 76048
LonestaRG IV: Pet Peeves
August 30 - September 2, 2002
www.lsm.us.mensa.org/lonestarg.htm
Contact: Mark & Janet Kres
P.O. Box 80635, Austin, TX 78708-0635
registrar@lsm.us.mensa.org
Hello Region 6!
The Region Six Report for May 2002
A bit of a departure from the norm (in Mensa?) perhaps brought on by the persistent ache that has been living in my head this afternoon: a shorter column with only one request.
Have you (or someone you know) ever had the thought that "If I were RVC I'd write a column about _____" and just not had the chance to write that column? Here is your chance. Please send me a column for publication in the region's newsletters. I will not edit the contents (reserving the option of adding a small preface or end note), although the Editors may (as always) exercise their discretion. Depending on submissions this offer may be made more than once, although there is no guarantee that any particular column will be run. People that I've met or corresponded with stand no better (or worse) chance of being selected than anyone else, so please don't be shy -- get to writing, we're already pushing deadline!!
SynRG 2002 - Palindromeda, happening May 24-27 in Houston. Contact: Steve Roberts, POB 25267, Houston, TX 77265; 713/665-3071 or go to www.gcmensa.org and click on RG News.
LonestaRG IV: Pet Peeves
August 30 - September 2, 2002
www.lsm.us.mensa.org/lonestarg.htm
Contact: Mark & Janet Kres
P.O. Box 80635, Austin, TX 78708-0635
registrar@lsm.us.mensa.org
Comments, anyone?
Dan Wilterding - RVC6
rvc6@us.mensa.org
dtwtech@swbell.net
817-573-4454
504 West Atchley Drive
Granbury, Texas 76048
Hello Region 6!
The Region Six Report for April 2002
It's the little things that really make the biggest differences.
Does your group have meetings in places that are accessible by the general public? If so, is there a sign or some other indication that a Mensa event is taking place? Is there a Greeter near the door, someone on the lookout for those sometimes subtle signs of a newcomer and ready to start making that newcomer feel at home?
In our drive to gain members let's not forget about the members that we already have. Sometimes a person will be a member for years without ever attending a function; so when this person is able and does make it to a meeting do we make them feel comfortable? Not all of us are outgoing and assertive, are the "regulars" among us on the lookout for the reticent first-timer? Can we include newcomers in our conversations? How many of us would have remained members had we not felt welcome in the beginning?
Some people are unable to drive long distances, at night, or through heavy traffic; are interesting activities scheduled at various times and locations throughout your area? Are informal carpools available? We can easily say "If you want something over there then start something", but are we willing to go "over there" to help get "something" going?
Finally, are we able to acknowledge when efforts are being made even though they may not suit our particular circumstances? Are we willing to try again no matter where we fit in this situation? In this cooperative effort are each of us contributing on a par with what we expect to receive?
Perception is all.
One's view colors one's input,
governing response.
Have you registered for this yet? Talk about diversity! SynRG 2002 - Palindromeda, happening May 24-27 in Houston. Contact: Steve Roberts, POB 25267, Houston, TX 77265; 713/665-3071 or go to www.gcmensa.org and click on RG News.
Don't forget: LonestaRG IV: Pet Peeves
August 30 - September 2, 2002
http://www.lsm.us.mensa.org/lonestarg.htm
Contact: Mark & Janet Kres
P.O. Box 80635, Austin, TX 78708-0635
registrar@lsm.us.mensa.org
Speakers on pets and pet peeves, lots of games and contests, costume dance, discussion room, late-night pool and hot tub, and abundant
hospitality - meals included! Bring the whole family!
Comments, anyone?
Dan Wilterding - RVC6
rvc6@us.mensa.org
dtwtech@swbell.net
817-573-4454
504 West Atchley Drive
Granbury, Texas 76048
Hello Region 6!
The Region Six Report for March 2002
Wild as a March Hare -- just how wild is that? March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb -- is it the walk? We are marching to Pretoria; the ants go marching one by one -- hurrah, hurrah. Beware the Ides of March (the day I joined the Navy). Marching to the beat of a different drummer.
! ! !
Try that one on again -- Marching to the beat of a different drummer -- That's us! That's Mensa; we have drummers of every style and inclination weaving our individual beats into a performance that is wonderful and complex. Sometimes marching off on a side street by ourselves or with others, sometimes blending in with the band on the main road.
Recently my drummer led me to visit Permian Basin Mensa, where the members were a diverse group indeed, as well as highly enjoyable for a number of reasons. Tell me, where has your drummer led?
Another AMC meeting will happen at the Snowball XXVIII RG in Piscataway, New Jersey on March 16th. If you have any questions or concerns please let me know of them as soon as possible.
CultureQuest is coming up soon, the entry deadline is April 1 and the fun takes place on April 28th. See http://www.us.mensa.org/events/culturequest.php3 for more details.
Don't forget about SynRG 2002 - Palindromeda, happening May 24-27 in Houston. Contact: Steve Roberts, POB 25267, Houston, TX 77265; 713/665-3071 or go to www.gcmensa.org and click on RG News.
A new item: LonestaRG IV: Pet Peeves
August 30 - September 2, 2002
http://www.lsm.us.mensa.org/lonestarg.htm
Contact: Mark & Janet Kres
P.O. Box 80635, Austin, TX 78708-0635
registrar@lsm.us.mensa.org
Speakers on pets and pet peeves, lots of games and contests, costume dance, discussion room, late-night pool and hot tub, and
abundant hospitality - meals included! Bring the whole family!
Comments, anyone?
Dan Wilterding - RVC6
rvc6@us.mensa.org
dtwtech@swbell.net
817-573-4454
504 West Atchley Drive
Granbury, Texas 76048
Hello Region 6!
The Region Six Report for February 2002
The response to the telephone offer last month has been encouraging; enough so that the offer is extended through the end of February for those that have not already taken advantage of the opportunity. What? You don't know what the offer was? Check last month's newsletter!
CultureQuest is coming up soon, the entry deadline is April 1 and the fun takes place on April 28th. See http://www.us.mensa.org/events/culturequest.php3 for more details.
Another AMC meeting will happen at the Snowball XXVIII RG in Piscataway, New Jersey on March 16th. If you have any questions or concerns please let me know of them as soon as possible. Of more local interest in the SynRG 2002 - Palindromeda happening May 24-27 in Houston. Contact: Steve Roberts, POB 25267, Houston, TX 77265; 713/665-3071 or go to www.gcmensa.org and click on RG News. Just a sample from the website: "Friday night Hawaiian-themed Poolside Party! With grass-skirted hostesses and bikini-bottomed hosts, trays of tasty frozen drinks, delicious hors d'oeuvres, and a live band to get you in the party mood." Sounds like it will be a blast!
How is your MERF Scholarship program doing? By now the essays are in and the reading/enjoying has begun; are you a part of it?
As always I encourage you to contact me with any questions or thoughts you may have concerning Mensa. Share your thoughts about what is going right or how things could be better. Don't forget the Region6-chat and Region6-talk lists -- (send an email to: majordomo@lists.us.mensa.org with SUBSCRIBE REGION6-CHAT or SUBSCRIBE REGION6-TALK in the body of the message).
Comments, anyone?
Dan Wilterding - RVC6
rvc6@us.mensa.org
dtwtech@swbell.net
817-573-4454
504 West Atchley Drive
Granbury, Texas 76048
Hello Region 6!
The Region Six Report for January 2002
This month instead of telling you what is going on in the wide world of Mensa or asking you what you'd like to see going on I am just going to make one request. I ask that you call another member in your local group and talk for a few minutes.
It's not necessary to invite them to go with you to an activity, although that would certainly be nice. You don't need to know them particularly well just yet, because that will change in the course of your call. The person you call doesn't have to be a regular at the meetings or activies, in fact it may be better if they are not.
The point of my request is to get us talking to each other. To build a sense of community we must communicate; sounds trite, I know, but it is nevertheless true. Tell you what -- if, between now and January 31, you will call a member of your local group -- one that you've not seen in a while -- and either get to know them or get caught up on what's up with them I will foot the bill for five minutes of that call. I will foot the bill, it will not be a line item on my expense report, it will not come out of your dues money in any way. Just let me know who you called and what my share of the bill is and a check will be sent by return mail.
Comments, anyone?
Dan Wilterding - RVC6
rvc6@us.mensa.org
dtwtech@swbell.net
817-573-4454
504 West Atchley Drive
Granbury, Texas 76048
Hello Region 6!
The Region Six Report for December 2001
A few comments about the AMC meeting agenda would be appropriate here, but I'm not sure just how to go about it. As I write these words the meeting has not yet happened, by the time you read them the meeting will (most likely) be over. The agenda is posted on the AML website ( http://www.us.mensa.org/ ) -- listed under "Agenda" ( ! ) in the Member Resources section. Don't forget that you will need your current password (found on the inside front cover of the Bulletin). Comments and concerns about upcoming agenda items are welcome, please let me know what you think.
A handy (although seldom used) resource is the Region6-chat list. This list is for general conversation and postings; to subscribe send an email to Majordomo@lists.us.mensa.org with the phrase subscribe region6-chat in the body of the message (no signature or any other text please). The companion list for regional business is Region6-talk; a list for announcements and communications of a more "official" nature than casual. The subscription process is the same: send an email to Majordomo@lists.us.mensa.org with the phrase subscribe region6-talk in the body of the message (still no signature or any other text). I would like to see these lists used more, they provide an opportunity to create and maintain a sense of community and can enable us to affect current events as well as stay abreast of them.
National Test Day was a good experience. Seems that most of the test-takers found out about it through the web, although one lady in Arkansas heard about it on her car radio... She went and grabbed her husband and son, arriving at the test site about half-way through the session; the proctor (and LocSec, DeLynn Hearn) stayed late to give them the tests. Good for you DeLynn, and Thank You! In general we had a large turnout from the 30 & under crowd as well as those sporting gray hairs. Good for us, good for ALL of us!
So far I have been able to visit several groups, and have been favorably impressed with each one. Mensa76 (Fort Worth, my home group) makes me work the hardest -- probably because I'm also a Member-at-Large. North Texas Mensa (Dallas): they meet at a Le Madeline restaurant and use a laptop to take minutes. Lubbock Mensa (Lubbock, of course) met in a restaurant called "The 50 Yard Line" where I enjoyed a steak better than I can cook as well as great company and conversation during and after the meal. Memories of the near future (wasn't that the White Queen?) include Baton Rouge Mensa (Baton Rouge) on November 10th and Lonestar Mensa (Austin) at the RG over Thanksgiving weekend. Who's up for December and January? I don't know, someone give me a call!
Some recurring themes: Your views make a difference, but only if they are known. Please make them known to me and to the other AMC officers.
Support your local Scholarship Chair. You do have one, don't you? Help us help students as they go through college. We could have given away much more money last year had the local group participation been higher -- all it really takes is one or two people (more is better) and the personal rewards are great.
Comments, anyone?
Dan Wilterding - RVC6
rvc6@us.mensa.org
dtwtech@swbell.net
817-573-4454
504 West Atchley Drive
Granbury, Texas 76048
Hello Region 6!
The Region Six Report for November 2001
The AMC meeting in Ontario was an eye-opener for me. The RG put on by Inland Empire Mensa was laid back and enjoyable - what little I got to take part in. I took advantage of the opportunity to meet several people that I had corresponded with or otherwise become aware of, and enjoyed that immensely. The long days and active participation took about a week to get over (physically, that is), and I am only now able to imagine doing it all again at the end of November in West Palm Beach, Florida.
So far there do not seem to be any items at all for the next AMC meeting - maybe it's just too soon. So far, in my short tenure as RVC (two meetings total), we have had "emergency" measures that "had" to be passed at each meeting... Is this how it goes? Given the outcome so far I certainly hope not! We passed an ill-advised motion in July and compounded the error in September; at that rate I wonder what is in store for November. A short report - my motion to rescind item 19 (b) (from July) was thoroughly trounced by a "substitute" motion that merely reworded the original offending paragraph, reining in the specifics but retaining the flaws of the original... It still contradicts the bylaws. The vote was 15-5 (for-against). We also accepted the recommendation of the Hearings Committee to expel a member, in spite of the fact that (1) he had resigned prior to the July meeting, (2) a proper hearing had not been held, and (3) the charges cited in the recommendation were trumped up - he was expelled for actions not taken and it was called "acts inimical". Go figure. Based on what evidence I've seen had the hearing been properly conducted my vote would certainly have been to oust the man. That vote never happened because the process was flawed, and therefore unacceptable. In a battle between emotion and logic the logical cause hasn't a prayer. The vote to accept the recommendation was 15-5-1 (for-against-abstain). Can you guess where I stood?
A bright note - the rules concerning SIGHT were modified in such a way as to be acceptable to me and to most of those of you who had communicated your feelings to me. Cases where the original material had specified "the LocSec shall" (or words to that effect) were changed to "the LocSec may" - thereby removing any perception that the duty defaulted to the LocSec in the absence of a local coordinator. As said before - it's not the size of the burden, it is that a burden is placed at all that counts. Don't get me wrong, I do encourage participation in SIGHT; it is a good program and deserving of our volunteer efforts.
On another note: the drive to have our logo modified to indicate a Round Table was sent on to the International meeting to be considered along with a similar motion from another national Mensa. We'll see how that goes, I wish them the best of luck.
As yet no one has been in contact with ideas for an LDW. How about this: What DON'T you want in an LDW? What is the LAST thing that you need to hear about? If an LDW were to be held at a convenient time and within an easy five minute walk what would it take to keep you away? Oh yeah, while you're thinking about those questions let me know about anything you WOULD like to participate in.
Don't forget about the RG in Austin - LonestaRG III: Medicine, Miracles, and Mayhem, November 23 - 25. Contact: Andrew York, POB 201117, Austin, TX 78720-1117 ( wandrew@utsa.alumlink.com ) for information. See you there!
Communication. Anybody for it? Let me know who you are, what you like, what you want out of Mensa and what you are willing to do to get it. Maybe we can work something out. Together it happens!
Comments, anyone?
Dan Wilterding - RVC6
rvc6@us.mensa.org
dtwtech@swbell.net
817-573-4454 504
West Atchley Drive
Granbury, Texas 76048
Hello People!
The Region Six Report for October 2001
Hope you'll settle for bits & pieces this month!
The Teen SIG is still growing, and several members will be in attendance at
the LonestaRG III (http://www.lsm.us.mensa.org/lonestarg.htm,
John Neemidge, 512-310-7863, neemidge@usa.net). Heather
had this to say in a recent email:
"Well, It's been about two months and we continue to grow. We now have members from Canada,
India, New Zealand, and Sweden. Our newsletter, the MTeen, is set to go out before the end
of the year, and we have a web site in the works. We are getting as many as possible to meet
at LonestaRG. See you there!"
Contact:
Ryan Marvin
TeenSIG Coordinator
c/o the Baccarat Compound 3900 E. 30th St,.
Odessa, TX 79762
TeenSIG@email.com
Regarding Leadership Development Workshops (or was that a Leadership Roundtable Seminar?): Some interest has been expressed in holding another of these in the region, as well as a joint endeavor with Region 5 somewhere probably just beyond our eastern border. Please let me know what you think of this and what sort of things would help the most (floating poker games are not on the menu, sorry!). We have a few experienced volunteers to start the ball rolling but will need more to keep things going. What can you do to help? Let me know.
When this monthly column thing started someone asked what it should be called. Of course the thought had never crossed my mind so I said to call it what you like... An open invitation if ever there was one..... So, now we have "RVC6-ness", "Dan's Dispatch', and "Notes From The New RVC" among others. Oh yeah, let's not forget "What you Like". This is fun. Your editors are doing so well I may never make an "official" choice!
Communication. Anybody for it? Let me know who you are, what you like, what you want out of Mensa and what you are willing to do to get it. Maybe we can work something out. Together it happens!
Comments, anyone?
Dan Wilterding - RVC6
rvc6@us.mensa.org
dtwtech@swbell.net
817-573-4454
504 West Atchley Drive
Granbury, Texas 76048
Hello Again Region 6!
The Region Six Report for September 2001
A newsletter a day keeps the boredom away, although lately the rate has been more like three or four each day... Keeps me out of the pool halls & off the street. I have found the newsletters to be interesting and informative, a delight to read. Thanks to everyone involved for making them possible.
Your opinions (and the reasoning behind them) is solicited on a few issues. Changes and formalization of procedures are currently in the works concerning the SIGHT program; a motion was passed at the last AMC meeting that is essentially a bylaws amendment; and, do you wish to let a marketing firm have access to all of your contact information?
The SIGHT program -- Traditionally, if an office has not been filled locally (such as SIGHT coordinator) the LocSec is the default contact. A plan in underway to codify this status -- to make it mandatory that if a volunteer is not found that the LocSec *will* hold that position. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Most of the officers ( and ALL of the non-officer members) that have expressed an opinion to me are against such codification, as am I. The size of the burden it places is not the issue, it is that a burden is placed at all. My feeling is that this program is much better suited to a willing volunteer (or none at all) than one that is unwilling.
The motion vs. the bylaws -- Item 19 on the agenda was greatly modified at agenda acceptance time, the result being that we had no opportunity to properly study the newly offered change. This change mandates a procedure to be followed in the case of resignations in the face of Hearings that is in opposition to the process spelled out in the bylaws, and as such is an amendment to the bylaws. Amendments must be voted on by the members, they cannot be passed as a motion from the floor. The paragraph that is in conflict with the bylaws should be stricken down; if the action has merit it will be raised properly and handled according to the wishes of the members. I will be introducing a motion to strike the paragraph in question, look for it on the agenda.
The marketing firm -- Mensa Int'l. has made a deal with a firm (LMCA) that American Mensa has had some dealings with in the past. The concept is that we will be offered the chance to fill out questionnaires, and that "Each completed survey returned by the stated deadline will earn the respondent an entry into a drawing for prizes, such as gathering registrations, membership renewals, gift certificates...and chocolate!" (Dave Remine, Int'l Chairman, in an email for general distribution). According to the information at hand we will not be offered items for sale. A motion currently proposed would allow American Mensa to provide this firm with the contact information of all members that did not "opt out" of sharing. My view is not to allow such sharing until after each member has had ample opportunity to review their options.
Your views make a difference, but only if they are known. Please make them known to me and to the other AMC officers.
Support your local Scholarship Chair. You do have one, don't you? Help us help students as they go through college. We could have given away much more money last year had the local group participation been higher -- all it really takes is one or two people (more is better) and the personal rewards are great.
Interested in LonestaRG III ? Check it out at http://www.lsm.us.mensa.org/lonestarg.htm.
Comments, anyone?
Dan Wilterding - RVC6
rvc6@us.mensa.org
dtwtech@swbell.net
817-573-4454
504 West Atchley Drive
Granbury, Texas 76048
The First Column... HAVE MERCY!
The Region Six Report for August 2001
Hello Region 6!
The whirlwind started before the AG ended... Papers to sign, people to meet, plans to discuss, and perhaps one of the more significant developments -- a group of teen members took the initiative and started a Teen SIG.
The AG was quite an experience; my thanks to all for making my attendance possible. Now it is time to get down to business. One of the most important issues is for you to let me know what needs to be done (and why).
Some actions have already been initiated as a result of conversations at
the AG:
1) A candidate for Proctor has been submitted for approval;
2) Boundary changes involving two local groups are being considered; and
3) An RG has been approved and material submitted for publication in the Bulletin.
---
A recurring concern has been over the best way to get members involved. The first thing we need to remember is that some people are already involved as much as they are willing or able, and that "just because someone does not go to the same activities that I do doesn't mean that they are not active." The advice given in the regular sessions boiled down to this: Post cards, Phone calls, and Persistence. People may not be able (or willing) to attend events right now but their situation may change and we need to continue sending reminders in the newsletters supplemented by occasional phone calls and post cards.
I asked a member of the NTM (Dallas) Gen-X group what their secret was for the remarkable growth and vitality of their group and was told this: Post cards, Phone calls, and Persistence. Hmmmm... Does this mean that some things cross generational boundaries? I was also told that the Gen-Xers were out to take over; but that's just the natural course of events. I hope they do, and that they do well.
---
All that is now, or recent past. The future? Well...
Your Thanksgiving plans might well include the LonestaRG III:
Medicine, Miracles, and Mayhem on November 23 - 25 in Austin, TX. Think about it, be there
if you can. Contact: Andrew York, POB 201117, Austin, TX 78720-1117
http://www.lsm.us.mensa.org/lonestarg.htm
Please contact me with any questions, concerns, or suggestions that you have or hear about. Without input from local groups and individual members I cannot properly do my job as RVC.
Comments, anyone?
Dan Wilterding
rvc6@us.mensa.org
dtwtech@swbell.net
504 West Atchley Drive
Granbury, Texas 76048
(817) 573-4454
Rik's RVC Ramblings "The End of the Trail"
The Region Six Report for July 2001
As this is my last column as RVC, it seems appropriate that I issue a "State of Region Six" report. Before I get into the actual number comparisons, there are three people I want to single out for their exceptional service to Mensa in our Region. I have awarded all three of these individuals a Regional Mensa Service Award.
The first two, Geri and John Neemidge, of Lonestar Mensa, have been instrumental in generating local group participation in Lonestar over the past four years. Because of their tireless efforts, Lonestar Mensa has had a growth rate of over 27% in this period. That's a net gain of 103 members in four years.
The third person is Don Taylor, of Panhandle Mensa. Because of his non-stop efforts over the past several years, Panhandle Mensa became the first new local group to form in American Mensa in quite a long time. Although the group is still small in number of members, it is a vital group with a high participation rate.
I have been asked recently how our region was doing when measured against the national numbers. To try to answer this, I will be using several tables. These are tables I have been maintaining month-by-month so I could see where I, as RVC, needed to focus my efforts.
The first shows the annual growth rate of the region vs. that for national in recent history.
+--- Counts -------+ +- Percent Growth -+
Region 6 National Region 6 National
3/31/97 4751 45581 96.6%
3/31/98 4597 44156 96.8% 96.9%
3/31/99 4755 44825 103.4% 101.5%
3/31/00 4982 47367 104.8% 105.7%
3/31/01 4949 48393 99.3% 102.2%
This table shows that R6 started gaining members faster than national, but our growth curve has flattened this past year. So, does this mean we are falling behind? The answer is better expressed in the next tables.
These show the four-year overall comparison among all of our R6 local groups and the region as a whole vs. national; then last year's changes. The Ranking is from highest growth rate to lowest. I had to combine Panhandle and Lubbock member counts to get a clear comparison.
Four :: Last
Yr Chg % Growth Rank :: Yr Chg % Growth
Rank
New Orleans -22 90.6% 14 :: -14 93.8% 13
Baton Rouge 13 112.7% 2 :: 6 105.5% 2
No. Louisiana -13 84.0% 17 :: -10 87.2% 17
Arkansas 9 105.0% 10 :: 7 103.8% 4
Central OK 11 105.9% 8 :: -14 93.3% 14
Eastern OK -33 86.0% 16 :: -23 89.8% 16
North TX 67 107.8% 5 :: -5 99.5% 10
East TX 10 112.0% 4 :: 10 112.0% 1
Mensa 76 51 112.3% 3 :: -3 99.4% 11
Gulf Coast 13 101.2% 11 :: 13 101.2% 6
San Antonio -15 95.8% 12 :: 4 101.2% 7
Mensa Grande 3 106.0% 7 :: 2 103.9% 3
Lonestar 103 127.7% 1 :: 9 101.9% 5
Panhandle/Lubbock -14 87.3% 15 :: -8 92.8% 15
Permian Basin 6 105.9% 9 :: 0 100.0% 8
Paso Del Norte -6 94.9% 13 :: -7 94.1% 12
New Mexico 15 106.8% 6 :: 0 100.0% 8
---- ------ :: ---- ------
R6 Total 198 104.2% :: -33 99.3%
National 2812 106.2% :: 1026 102.2%
These tables, when looked at together, provide a long-term growth trend compared to the most recent year
At first glance, I do not see these numbers indicating the kind of massive loss of members that Mensa was going through several years ago, but it is obvious there is some work laid out for the next RVC.
One interpretation of these numbers is that we can see the effect on a long period of burnout in some groups, especially those in more rural areas. It also shows how much of a percentage impact the gain or loss of each member has, especially in the smaller groups.
And now that we know who the next RVC will be in our region, please drop him a note or email if you have an idea to help individual local groups, or the region overall. He is Dan Wilterding, the third consecutive RVC to come from Mensa 76. You can reach him at dtwtech@swbell.net, or by USPS at 504 Atchley Dr., Granbury, TX 76048, phone: 817-573-4454. I expect he will want to introduce himself in next month's column.
And the Region 6 web site has moved to the national server. No more ads! Check it out as Dan sets it up his way at http://www.region6.us.mensa.org/.
In farewell, I can say I got more out of this job than I put into it. Now Pat gets me back from my Mensa mistress.
Thank you,
Rik Hess, Region 6 Outgoing RVC
Rik's RVC Ramblings #43
The Region Six Report for May 2001
Since I started a new job in March, I have a nice country drive commute morning and evening. I feel fortunate to have started just as the spring wildflowers started blooming, especially the bluebonnets. Maybe the drive will not seem as pleasant in the heat of August, but for now I feel very lucky to be able to enjoy this view.
On the Mensa front, I attended my last AMC meeting as your RVC in March. It seems the most controversial issue we dealt with was a change in the way we report the results of applicants tested by Mensa. Mensa will no longer report an IQ score to those tested. Due to the passage of laws by various states designed to protect some professions, we would be at risk for lawsuits if we continue to issue IQ scores. Since the only reason Mensa does testing is to ensure that we maintain our membership standards, we will now inform those tested that they qualified for membership or not (and suggest sources of prior evidence). For those that want more information or need their IQ scores for whatever reason, Mensa will no longer be a discount source. This change should have no effect on people who want to join Mensa because the relevant information will be provided. The only real effect it may have, beyond keeping Mensa out of court, may be a decrease in testing income and expenses for people who wanted to use Mensa's testing as a way to get their IQ score much more cheaply than going to a professional.
On the membership side, we ended the membership year with 48,393 members as of March
31. This is more than 1,000 more than the end of last year. This marks the third consecutive
year of membership growth. Even better news are the facts that:
1. many members are re-joining the organization after a lapse of a year or more, and
2. the renewal rate is the highest it has been in 12 years (88.4%).
It seems the majority of the membership is still pleased with the value of their membership. If we gain just over 2% in membership next year, we can cross the 50,000 member bar once again.
And now the RG/AG notices for our region:
- July 4-8, 2001 - AG 2001 "The Annual Gathering" hosted by North Texas Mensa (Dallas). Registration $75 through 6/30/01, $85 through 7/7/01 (walk-in rate), Young Ms (13-20) will be $10 less than the current rate on the date it's received, Children (6 - 12) will be 1/2 the current rate on the date it's received, Little Kids (5 and under) will be free. Contact the web site at http://ag.us.mensa.org/. Reserve rooms at the Hotel InterContinental - 15201 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75248 (972-386-6000). If they are full, check the web site for overflow hotels nearby.
- While I have no official news on this just yet, I have reason to believe Lonestar Mensa will host an RG over the Thanksgiving weekend. NTM usually has an RG at this time, but they are hosting the Annual Gathering in July and will not be recovered by Thanksgiving. More will follow as details are firmed up.
Thank you,
Rik Hess, Region 6 RVC
Rik's RVC Ramblings #42
The Region Six Report for April 2001
This is my final time to wish a "Happy New Mensa Year" to each of you. Since Mensa celebrates its fiscal new year on April 1st, and I will be leaving office in July, this is the last time I will get a chance to express my delight at how well Mensa, as an organization, continues to do overall.
At a time when most membership organizations around the country continue to see their membership numbers drop, Mensa continues to grow. With 47,427 members at the end of February, we have already surpassed the number at the end of last year (end of March). Considering that there was a dues increase this year, the forecast was for a growth rate of 2.5% and we are right on track.
Another number that indicates how well the general membership is satisfied with their membership value is expressed in that, as of the end of February, 60.2% of the membership have already renewed for 2001-2002. This compares to 50.3%, 53.0%, 54.0% for the same period over the last three years. Let's hope we can continue this trend!
But the growth is uneven, while our region shows one group with a 17% growth since this time last year (East Texas Mensa), we also have one group that has less than 90% of last year's member count.This is something the national, and regional, leadership will have to address. So this brings me to the subject of the elections coming up this month. I would never try to tell anyone how to vote in an election (unless I were running, of course), but there are some insights I would ask you to consider as you prepare to cast your ballot.
For the position of Chairman, there are four candidates that I am aware of (this is being written before the official candidate list is published). One of the most important things I feel a Chairman candidate needs is a working appreciation of how the entire organization functions. By this I am referring to the fact that Mensa is an international organization, and this is becoming more important all the time. As the Internet and international trade agreements have been making everyone more aware of the international impact of their decisions, Mensa has been recently recognizing this element as well.
Without getting too deep into the details, I would want someone in this office who has several years of AMC experience, and who has served on the International Board of Directors (IBD). Two of the candidates, Becker and Jackowski, have this experience while the others do not.
And now the RG/AG notices for our region:
- May 25-28, 2001 - "SynRG 2001: A Space Odd-City" hosted by Gulf Coast Mensa (Houston). Registration $45 to 4/30; $50 after. Checks payable to: Gulf Coast Mensa RG. Contact: Ms. Michael McMillin, (281) 998-1733; mcmillin@wt.net. Reserve rooms at the Westchase Hilton, 1-800-445-8667 (www.westchase.hilton.com) by May 4: $69/night, incl. tax, SDTQ, mention Mensa group. Check the GCM web site for more information http://www.gcmensa.org/.
- July 4-8, 2001 - AG 2001 "The Annual Gathering" hosted by North Texas Mensa (Dallas). Registration $65 through 4/30/01, $75 through 6/30/01, $85 through 7/7/01 (walk-in rate), Young Ms (13-20) will be $10 less than the current rate on the date it's received, Children (6 - 12) will be 1/2 the current rate on the date it's received, Little Kids (5 and under) will be free. Contact the web site at http://ag.us.mensa.org/. Reserve rooms at the Hotel InterContinental - 15201 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75248 (972-386-6000). If they are full, check the web site for overflow hotels nearby.
Thank you,
Rik Hess, Region 6 RVC
Rik's RVC Ramblings #41
The Region Six Report for March 2001
It seems that Spring has been acting like the infamous groundhog who pokes his head out in February but isn't ready to stay out just yet. Perhaps by the time you read this, warm weather will be here to stay.
On the Mensa front, this month I will address just two items:
- The LDW scheduled for New Orleans this month; and
- The national political situation.
Pack your bags and make your reservations for New Orleans later this month. We will be having a Leadership Development Workshop (LDW) on March 23-25 at the LaQuinta Airport Inn, 2610 Williams Blvd. (800-531-5900 or 504-466-1401 mention Mensa - confirmation block 91345287) at the rate of $65/night up to four per room. This room rate is guaranteed until March 9th, thereafter rooms will be on a space available basis at this rate.
Also, please RSVP to Ray O'Connor, my Training Officer for this event, so we know how many people to expect. You can reach him at: 605 Falling Leaf Dr., Allen, TX 75002-5268, Email: roconnor@excelonline.com.
Marie Mayer and Cat Sterrett are among the confirmed presenters, and Pam Donahoo will have some people from the national office to talk about support available to local groups. See you in the Big Easy!
As you may be aware, Bob Beatty resigned as chairman of American Mensa last month due to illness. Upon his resignation, Dr. Jean Becker has assumed the chairmanship and Russ Bakke is now the first vice chairman. The AMC appointed Darlene Criss, who had been the past past chairman to the second vice chairman's position. Bob Beatty is now the past chairman and remains a member of the AMC while Dave Remine is the past past chairman. There are no new names on the AMC, just a change of positions.
But this change will affect the upcoming elections. Each of the officers who has moved up has indicated that they will now be running for their new positions by petition, and forgoing their NomComm approvals for their prior positions. This means there will be fewer NomComm candidates than in the past. It should be an interesting election.
And now the RG/AG notices for our region:
- May 25-28, 2001 - "SynRG" hosted by Gulf Coast Mensa (Houston). Registration $40 to 3/31; $45 to 4/30; $50 after. Checks payable to: Gulf Coast Mensa RG. Contact: Ms. Michael McMillin, (281) 998-1733; mcmillin@wt.net. Check their web site for more information (http://www.gcmensa.org).
- July 4-8, 2001 - AG 2001 "The Annual Gathering" hosted by North Texas Mensa (Dallas). Registration $65 through 4/30/01, $75 through 6/30/01, $85 through 7/7/01 (walk-in rate), Young Ms (13-20) will be $10 less than the current rate on the date it's received, Children (6 - 12) will be 1/2 the current rate on the date it's received, Little Kids (5 and under) will be free. Contact the web site at http://ag.us.mensa.org. Reserve rooms at the Hotel InterContinental - 15201 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75248 (972-386-6000).
Thank you, Rik Hess, Region 6 RVC
Rik's RVC Ramblings #40
The Region Six Report for February 2001
The new year is well upon us, as is the new millennium (this time it *is* official). And I am entering my last several months as your RVC.
There are currently two candidates for the RVC 6 position, Ray O'Connor from North Texas Mensa (Dallas) and Dan Wilterding from Mensa 76 (Fort Worth). TJ Lundeen, working with Geri Neemidge (Lonestar Mensa) and Don Taylor (Panhandle Mensa), wrote an article containing the results of a questionnaire she asked each of the candidates to fill out. Lonestar Mensa has made the article available on their web site (www.lsm.us.mensa.org/sixthsense.html).
In the article TJ refers to this group as "Sixth Sense". This is not to be confused with the publication of the same name that Pat Spence edited for me several years ago. This effort is of these individual's own doing and has no official standing, although it is worth reading.
The other issue I want to address this month is Leadership Training. Mensa uses a portion of your dues to fund official Leadership Development Workshops (LDWs) to help train current and future leaders in the organization. In the past I have sponsored LDWs in the DFW area and in San Antonio.
This spring I have been working with national leaders to host LDWs in New Orleans and in the western part of our region (hopefully in Albuquerque). The exact hotel details are still being worked out, but the session in New Orleans will be held in mid-March or early April. I will be posting details to the Region 6 Talk list when they are firm. The other session will be held in April or May and, again, details will be published on the R6 Talk list. These will also be posted on the Region 6 web site as well.
There has been some publicity about other events calling themselves leadership sessions. I know of one scheduled for Birmingham and one in Amarillo, both this spring. These events are not officially sanctioned and are sponsored by the respective local groups. No dues money is being spent for either of these events - except as either local group may be spending some of their monthly allotment. And that is their right.
As for the Amarillo event, I had tried working with them to reschedule their event so it would not conflict with my official LDW. I asked them to consider holding a Mensa sponsored Colloquium focused on high level leadership issues in Mensa. But they felt they wanted to go with the spring date instead. I wish them well, but I will not be able to attend.
And now the RG/AG notices for our region:
- May 25-28, 2001 - "SynRG" hosted by Gulf Coast Mensa (Houston). Registration $40 to 3/31; $45 to 4/30; $50 after. Checks payable to: Gulf Coast Mensa RG. Contact: Bob Hrncir, PO Box 25267, Houston TX 77265; 281/999-4749. Check their web site for more information (http://www.gcmensa.org/).
- July 4-8, 2001 - AG 2001 "The Annual Gathering" hosted by North Texas Mensa (Dallas). Registration $65 through 4/30/01, $75 through 6/30/01, $85 through 7/7/01 (walk-in rate), Young Ms (13-20) will be $10 less than the current rate on the date it's received, Children (6 - 12) will be 1/2 the current rate on the date it's received, Little Kids (5 and under) will be free. Contact the web site at http://ag.us.mensa.org. Reserve rooms at the Hotel InterContinental - 15201 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75248 (972-386-6000).
Thank you, Rik Hess, Region 6 RVC
[Home] [About Us] [Local Groups] [Dan's "Comments, Anyone?"] [Region 6 Map] [AG / RG Stuff] [Notices] [Join Mensa] [ByLaws] [Forms] [Contact Us] [Feedback]
This page was last updated on Sunday, November 24, 2002
This site is maintained by Rachael Stewart
of Lonestar Mensa.
Copyright (c) 1999, American Mensa - Region Six, all rights reserved. The Mensa logo is a registered trademark of International Mensa Limited, all rights reserved.
Mensa does not hold any opinion, nor has, or expresses, any political or religious views.