Jon Gruebele 2025 American Mensa Local Group Newsletter Articles

Jon Gruebele Local Group Newsletter Articles from 2025

February 2025 – Happenings at National

We’ve had some big changes on the American Mensa Board of Directors (AMC). Pursuant to a complaint, the national Hearings Committee determined eight Regional Vice Chairs (RVCs) and two appointed officers should be removed from their offices and be prohibited from serving in any capacity – including local and regional positions – for a number of years.

The announcements from our Chair Lori Norris and the Hearings Committee are posted on the national website under Lead -> Board of Directors.

Since you may not be seeing your usual RVC newsletter article, I’ve been asked to help keep members informed. There have been many questions raised since the announcements were made:

How will this affect me? You probably won’t notice a difference. Your local group can still offer dinners, game nights, and various outings. Several Regional Gatherings and the Annual Gathering in Chicago are proceeding apace. Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and online events will continue. You’ll still get your Bulletin and Local Group newsletter.
How does the hearings process work? The process is outlined in our bylaws (IX.5). It’s designed to have respected, disinterested parties hear the evidence and make a decision. Normally that’s our three most recent past Chairs, currently Deb Stone, Timmy King, and LaRae Bakerink. These are people our members elected to lead the entire organization, so presumably they have the wherewithal to conduct a hearing that’s fair to both parties. Each side is afforded the opportunity to be represented by counsel, present evidence, and question witnesses. The Hearings Committee is fully independent of the AMC.
Why weren’t more details released? Hearings were long ago made confidential to protect all parties in the process. If someone is unjustly accused, they don’t want their name broadcast to the world and forever be associated with something they didn’t do. Conversely, victims shouldn’t be required to give up their anonymity to seek redress. That’s particularly important for people who may have been subject to things like sexual harassment. A public hearings process can feel like a second violation.
Who will represent me on the AMC? Members vote in each election for up to 6 representatives: Chair, First Vice Chair, Second Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and RVC. Four of the six are still working to serve you, and a new Second Vice Chair was appointed by the AMC in December. Meanwhile, LocSecs are working to nominate Regional Coordinators (RCs) to represent you. RCs have the same rights and responsibilities as RVCs, but due to New York state law, they don’t have a vote on the AMC. They will serve until elections for new RVCs can be held, likely later this year.
What can I do? Renew your membership. Continue to enjoy the friendships and experiences Mensa offers. Sign up for the Chicago Annual Gathering in July. Volunteer to host an event. Join a SIG. Encourage a smart friend to join. Have some fun.

Floreat Mensa!

Comments? Email me at firstvicechair@us.mensa.org.