B-9 RVC Report

by Barbara Lytle RVC Far West Region

WHAT IS HAPPENING TO MENSA? Well, for one thing, it is getting younger, much younger. Two-to-one, our new members are below the age of 36, and our below-18 group is growing like a weed. So, what do we do for these youngsters? For one thing, there is the Gifted Children Program. There is a new national Gifted Children Coordinator with vision, drive and a mission: to create opportunities for gifted children to connect with each other, provide information, resources, referrals and support to parents and educators, and to educate the public about the special traits and specific needs of gifted children.

Some of our Region 9 local groups have Gifted Children Coordinators. In Utah, Liane Solomon has come forward; Scott Benjamin joins her in Tucson, and George Campling in Southern Nevada. Add J. Turetsky in Greater Los Angeles, Laine McNally in Harbor Area, Helen Karnes in San Diego, Nancy Hanko in Inland Empire, Erica Ierardi in Orange County, and Ada Kam in Hawaii, and we are well on our way to a full program.

How difficult is this very important position? At a minimum, the coordinator responds to all inquiries about gifted children and at least once a year hosts or assists in hosting an appropriate event for child Mensans and the children of adult Mensans. Not too difficult. A lot of help is available by actively participating in the email ListServ for GCC and the GCC Newsletter, Half-A-Step Ahead.

These gifted kids are our future (and our past, really). Is this an area in which you have some interest? Call your LocSec or any of the Gifted Children Coordinators for encouragement.

Looking for something to do for Thanksgiving? Join me in San Francisco for an RG right on Fisherman’s Wharf. Scott Raney, RVC 8, and I will host a joint RVC rap session. Bring all those questions, complaints, and suggestions you have been dying to share. Weapons will be checked at the door. See you there. Cheers Barbara