by Marjorie Roberts
In the March Bulletin (p. 11) our Pat Hull and David Ramine discuss the gaps in Mensa’s minority membership. How can we encourage ethnic others to join us?
Pat and I feel that this area is a great place to meet ethnic others. As Mensa reaches out to people throughout the world, we wish to do so here at home in this culturally rich Valley.
So, we are beginning a Cultural Diversity Special Interest Group (SIG). One of our first plans is to invite speakers (and their friends) from a variety of ethnic groups. We wish to become acquainted with them, learn about their cultures, and invite them to continue with us to make this a culturally multifaceted group. Our hope is that some will join Mensa.
We will also delve into our own cultures, and share briefly and/or in depth with the groups. Food and celebrations as aspects of culture will be explored. For example, in August, India will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its independence. The local (India) Indian community plans big things; shall we join in the fun?
Our speaker for May will be Donna V. Redman, Ph.D., Co-director of the Adult Development and Aging Program at ASU. Donna is a social psychologist and a gerontologist. She’s Black and grew up in Detroit; she’s lived in New York City and Washington, DC. Donna can give us her perspective of being a Black woman in those areas and compare them with her new home here in the Valley. We’ll enjoy getting acquainted with this vivacious lady.
The Cultural Diversity SIG will meet in the Palm Court at Arizona Center on May 25 at 4:00 p.m. Look for the Mensa logo. For information, call Marjorie Roberts at 941-5004, or Pat Hull at 863-4855.