Corby’s Corner: What is the Purpose of Mensa?

By Jerry Corbin

Probably many GPM members would consider the opportunities for social interaction and stimulating conversation with interesting people to be the major benefit of Mensa membership. However, according to the Mensa International Web Site, Mensa actually has three stated purposes.

1. To identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity.
2. To encourage research in the nature, characteristics, and uses of intelligence.
3. To promote stimulating intellectual and social opportunities for its members.

In my opinion, GPM is doing a good job in providing many opportunities for social and intellectual interaction as stated in the last purpose above. However GPM (and probably most every other local Mensa Group) could do a more effective job in reaching out to our local community and helping to raise the intellectual climate in our own backyard.

Although no firm decisions have yet been made, the Ex-Comm is considering the possibility of a somewhat heightened GPM involvement in the greater Phoenix community. If you know of any charity, group, or organization that could benefit intellectually from GPM involvement, please let Lynn Powers (Community Services Chair) know. She can be reached at 602-298-4428. Obviously, we will be careful in deciding which (if any) projects are appropriate for GPM to get officially involved.

While we can make no commitments at this point, it is hoped that GPM could make some small positive impact on the intellectual climate of the greater Phoenix community. And my guess is that GPM would be a more vital, interesting, and attractive organization for having made the effort to get involved!

Vital signs:

Members Entering GPM---------------21

Members Leaving GPM---------------<3>

Total Members in GPM----------------754

September Forum Attendence-------- 24