Why Join?

To Join or Not to Join — Is That the Question?

by A New Mensa Member

So. You’re wondering why you should bother choosing to sit for an exam, to find out whether you can join some social group. Is it worth the ninety dollars to find out whether these Mensa people are worth hanging out with or not? (Note: If you pass, the fee covers membership for the remainder of the calendar year. And there's a discount for students.)

Why not? The fact that you tracked down this website and are bothering to read this article implies that you might be the teensiest bit interested. Feed your curiosity. You might even learn something about yourself or get validated in the brain department. You only have to take the test once in your entire life, even if you join the group, un-join, and join again!

And, if you don’t get in, that’s okay too. Now you know. We’re all just (mostly) normal people anyway, in the group and not in the group. Rest assured that there is no one human attribute that determines success or happiness. Success in Life takes a combination of many skills.

And, since we’re on the subject, what do we do here in Mensa? Lots of things. Currently, in the Vancouver area, that includes Bridge, books, BBQs, brunches, discussions, games, speakers on a range of topics, Friday drinks, X-Box tournaments, videos, and occasional special events such as potlucks and picnics! We have some special interest groups (SIGs), including one for Mensans with disabilities.

Since Mensa is a social group run by volunteers, everyone has opportunity to help shape what we are. As the only thing we all have in common is a given outcome from a certain set of tests, there is a vast array of personalities, skills, styles, and interests present. If you don’t find an interest group in your area, you can create one. There are likely others who share your interests.

What I enjoy about Mensa is that I can be myself. I don’t have to be hardcore about a specific skill or topic in order to participate. I already “proved my stuff” when I took the test. I can meet new people, hang out, learn stuff, do stuff, imagine, problem solve, or do whatever while just being me. Image that. Though if you want to wrestle wits with someone, there will be plenty of opportunity if you go looking.

Also, from my perspective, I have found that being with my peers in this area has helped me to pay more attention to the skills that I do have, and to pay more attention to challenging myself, deciding to learn and grow in areas that I might not have done so before. For me, these are a good thing.

For you, the question of the moment may be “to join or not to join”. How about satisfying your curiosity, learning something about yourself, getting to be yourself, or learning to learn more?

Go on, give it a try!

Last Updated: Friday, April 24 2009 @ 05:22 AM PDT|Hits: 2,487