About Mensa

Origin

Mensa was founded in England in 1946 by Roland Berrill, a barrister, and Dr. Lance Ware, a scientist and lawyer. They had the idea of forming a society for bright people, the only qualification for membership of which was a high IQ. The original aims were, as they are today, to create a society that is non-political and free from all racial or religious distinctions. The society welcomes people from every walk of life whose IQ is in the top 2% of the population, with the objective of enjoying each other's company and participating in a wide range of social and cultural activities.

Size

Today there are some 100,000 Mensans in 100 countries throughout the world. There are active Mensa organizations in over 40 countries on every continent except Antarctica. Mensa Canada has approximately 1600 members, American Mensa has over 50,000.

Who joins?

There is simply no one prevailing characteristic of Mensa members other than high IQ. There are Mensans for whom Mensa provides a sense of family, and others for whom it is a casual social activity. There have been many marriages made in Mensa, but for many people, it is simply a stimulating opportunity for the mind. Most Mensans have a good sense of humor, and they like to talk. And, usually, they have a lot to say.

Mensans range in age from 4 to 94, but most are between 20 and 60. In education they range from preschoolers to high school dropouts to people with multiple doctorates. There are Mensans on welfare and Mensans who are millionaires. As far as occupations, the range is staggering. Mensa has professors and truck drivers, scientists and firefighters, computer programmers and farmers, artists, military people, musicians, laborers, police officers, glassblowers—the diverse list goes on and on. There are famous Mensans and prize-winning Mensans, but there are many whose names you wouldn't know.

Mensa International

The Mensa International web site (from which the above text was taken with minor modifications) has information about our international organization, national groups, and links to national web sites.

Mensa Canada

The origin story of Mensa Canada, and much more information, can be found on the Mensa Canada web site. In particular, the Join Mensa menu item there gives eligibility requirements and procedures for joining.

Vancouver Mensa

The Vancouver chapter of Mensa Canada, as of Spring 2009, has just under two hundred members, ranging in age from 14 to 76. We have a number of regular events each month, and others on a less frequent basis. For more on what it's like to be a member of Vancouver Mensa, please see Why Join.

As of 2011, regular Vancouver events include:

• Book Chat: Meets monthly to discuss one or two preselected books.
• Bridge Night: Meets weekly.
• Brunch Bunch: Meets at a different Greater Vancouver restaurant each month.
• Games Night: Meets monthly for board and word games: Alhambra, Quiddler, Qwirkle, and more.
• Ladies' Lunch SIG: Meets every six weeks or so.
• Mensa Testing: By appointment.
• Speakers' Group: Most months. Generally one speaker, from outside, followed by discussion.
• TGIF: Two or three Fridays a month, at a lounge, followed by optional dinner at a nearby restaurant.
• Video Night: Meets monthly to watch a DVD or two, and discuss.

Last Updated: Thursday, August 11 2011 @ 12:04 AM PDT|Hits: 2,732