RVC5 COLUMN FOR MARCH 2024
I reported last month on the motion to increase the annual dues to $107. This requires two votes; it has passed the first vote and will be voted on again on March 9. The good news is that, even if it passes, the increase will not go into effect until April 1st, so if you pay your dues by March 31st, you will pay the current rate, $79. Now might be a good time to buy a 3-year, 5-year, or lifetime membership, and save money. And remember, you must have paid your dues before you vote for the new Board of Directors. That ballot will come out April 1.
Now that the budget has been published, we have a better idea of what the increased funds will be used for. The budget has focused those additional funds in the following areas:
Local group stipend goes from $10.20 to $11.52 per member per year (rises from $.85 per month to $.96)
New member credit goes from $1 to $2
RVC Funding goes from $2,000 to $3,000
A few other slight increases in the budget
The budget assumes that membership will rise to 48,000: a figure that the budget committee describes as “conservative.”
I concede that some dues increase is likely needed. But I want to cite the surveys that repeatedly express concerns about “the value members receive for the dues they pay.” These are surveys of former members who lapsed. Our membership numbers peaked in 2010 at 57,947. In September 2023, Trevor reported 44,632 members.
Finally, I want to encourage you to attend the local events that your group offers. You could even volunteer to host something that appeals to you! And if you live too far from the group attendance area to participate live, the National Website (https://www.us.mensa.org/attend/calendar/) has greatly enhanced the Events Calendar, which is now searchable. Join a Zoom or Go-To-Meeting that interests you, and get your “Mensa Fix” virtually!
Piedmont Area Mensa has scheduled an RG. The theme will be Steampunk, and the event will once again be held at the Drury Inn & Suites in Greenville, March 8–10, 2024. The web site is https://piedmont.us.mensa.org/rg2024.html From Jules Verne to Robert Downey Junior’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, Steampunk is an entertaining and interesting subgenre of speculative fiction. As always, the theme should provide the opportunity for some enjoyable programs, thought-provoking discussions, and perhaps even whimsical costumes.
And if you want to attend Mind Games (in Charlotte, NC this year, April 19 through 21), you will have to sign up for the waiting list at this point. Insider’s tip: You can also sign up as a Volunteer, and play the games in your downtime. The Volunteer sign up form should be on the National Website by the time you are reading this.
Nancy Campbell, RVC 5
RVC5mail@gmail.com