Whatever your reasons for joining, help Mensa be great.

  • May 9, 2014
  • Joan Hiller, Trustee

The Mensa Education and Research Foundation is the vehicle through which we Mensans encourage and promote intelligence. Together, we have a profound impact on the lives of students, on the skills and resources of teachers, and on the public understanding of what "intelligence" means. Our contributions support a lot of good work.

So the discussion around the table at a recent Mensa event caught me a bit off guard. We were talking about the scholarship program and the great resources for kids on the website. We learned most of us had contributed to the Foundation — some had given $10; others had sent in checks for much more. Then someone asked the question. Why?

It made us think. Then it gave us a chance to talk. People who do good often do it quietly, without much attention. Few people talk about their good deeds without being asked. Now the question was asked. What did we say?

"Mensa means a lot to me. It's the first place I felt I belonged. The Foundation gives me a chance to give back and help others feel like that."

"When I heard there was a scholarship program, I knew I wanted to be in on it. I can tell people they can get scholarships through my foundation. Where else can I be a big foundation donor for $10 a month?"

"I always thought it was a good way to say thank you to all the people who helped me get a start. Sort of a 'pay it forward' thing."

My answer? I met my husband in Mensa. I've got two boys who have strong friendships all over the country. My contribution is my thanks for the life I never would have had without Mensa.

It was a good discussion, one you should join.

The Foundation is integral to carrying out Mensa's goals: to identify and foster human intelligence (scholarships) to encourage research in the nature, characteristics and uses of intelligence (awards) and to promote stimulating intellectual and social opportunities for its members (Colloquium). Not only that, it feels good to know you're doing good.

Becoming a supporter of the Mensa Foundation takes your membership to a new level. Your gift increases Mensa's reach to promote intelligence. You become part of creating the possible. Whether it is to provide scholarships, resources for gifted children, or support for the Colloquium, you carry out Mensa's mission through your contribution to the Foundation. And because it is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), contributions to the Foundation may be tax-deductible, depending upon your personal tax situation.

Today is a good day to make a difference. Donate online, or send your check to the Mensa Foundation, 1229 Corporate Drive West, Arlington, TX 76006-6103.

When you send in your support for Mensa scholarships, the Colloquium, gifted children's programming, and awards, enclose a note and tell your story. Tell us what makes Mensa special for you.

Together, we're doing great things.