[Editor's Note: John W. Fischer served as RVC of the Greater Los Angeles Region (which later became part of Region 9) during the late 1970s. The following letter from John, dated 2 January 2003, was sent to many of his friends and the National Office. It is reprinted here with John's permission.]
I joined Mensa in 1966, MN [membership number] 2576, and the primary principle, which I fully supported, was that "Mensa holds no opinions." This principle made Mensa special. I have not changed my feelings. The AMCs, over the last few years, have completely shredded that principle. Mensa holds opinions and is paid to do so. The AMC has/had agreements with a charge card and a liquor company among others.
At the July [2002] AG, I reminded the AMC that an endorsement is an opinion and that a change seems necessary in the "no opinions" verbiage of the primary principle. The "selling of Mensa" issue was on September and December agendas of the AMC meetings, with no one raising any concerns. In November, I e-mailed my continuing concerns to Chair Becker and requested that she relate to me the rationale that allows the AMC to act as it has. To this date, not one elected officer has said anything of the AMC's actions to me.
These contracts brought in $140,000 for the year ended March 31, 2002, or $1,000 per local group. Did any local see dollars of that amount? No, but the AMC approved a $.30 per member increase for the newsletters. Where did the monies go? Did they pay for an increase in staff? Did they go towards staff attending meetings? Has anyone been able to find out? The Consolidated Financial Report handed out at the AG showed two entries under Revenue: "External" of $102,094 and "Other Income" of $38,617. No breakdown, but an oral comment that the auditors wanted it that way.
The October InterLoc lists the Annual Budget with a breakdown of the expected revenue for each category. The total is just over $138,000. The budget does not show where these dollars will be used.
The arguments for the current activity are that it keeps dues down, that the webpage is having increased hits and that the members have great new services available. I am a member of AAA and AARP for services, not Mensa.
When I joined Mensa these many years ago, I never perceived that the "no opinions" principle would change and that I would have to also. But times do change and we do what we must. I have no desire to continue as a member under the new unvoted-on definition of the primary principle.
Before I sign off, I must add that I keep hearing that the AMC is desirous of controlling the local newsletters by taking over the printing and by offering a selection of stories and information that local editors will be able to choose from. What webs the AMC weaves.
John
P.S. for Pam Donahoo: Please use this as my notice requesting removal of my name from the active roster of American Mensa members and the remittance of appropriate prepaid dues.
Thank you.
|