1990 - Mensa Switzerland

MINUTES FOR THE MEETING
OF THE
INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF
MENSA INTERNATIONAL
IN
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, USA
19 - 22 OCTOBER 1990
,
MINUTES of the fifteenth meeting of the International Board of Directors of Mensa
International Limited held at the City Cmtre Holiday Inn in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
USA.
Chairman SCHULMAN convened the meeting at 9.30 am on Friday 19 October 1990,
then recessed it to allow the International General Council to commence meeting. The
IBD returned to its meeting on Saturday morning 20 October.
A.
ATTENDANCE AND PROXIES
Chairman
Director of Administration
Director of Development
Treasurer
America
America
America
America
Australia
Canada
Channel Islands
Finland
France
Germany
Malaysia
Netherlands
New Zealand
UK-Ireland
UK-Ireland
UK-Ireland
David Schulman
Velma Jeremiah
Helen Kupper
Erich Baurneister
Ralph Rudolph
Dave Remine
Amy Shaughnessy
Gabriel Werba
Bill Fisher
K H Wickremasinghe
Jacqueline Berlet
Ossi Kuljukka
Francois Adrien (Proxy)
Udo Schultz
Goh Ching Min
Edu Braat
Piet van der Meyden
John McNulty (Proxy)
Neil Goulder
Caroline Thaung
Executive Director
Edward Vincent
Also present for all or part of the proceedings were:
Victor Serebriakoff, Hyman Brock, Dr Abbie Salny, Henry Schofield Noble, Frank
E.G. Weil, Rose Lee Crutcher, N Tina Schweitzer, Anne Schulman, Liz Remine,
Faith Cormier, Sheila Skolnik, David Felt, Virginia J Host, Marie Marcow, Donna
Bonzagni, Vince Bonzagni, Jay Albrecht, Jean L Cooper, Judy Dosse, Abbe Lasker,
Ken Gould, Ursula Elliott, Ian Randal Strock, T Warren Hardy, Jerry Salny, Lisa
Trombetta, Ben Montalbana and Steve Slepner.
The Chairman welcomed new IBD representatives, Braat, Goulder, Kuljukka and
Rudolph to the meeting.
1
1.
Certification of Voting Rights
Voting rights certified and accepted as follows:
IBD
- VOTING
RIGHTS. PHILADELPHIA MEETING 1990
No of Votes
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
8
11
Members
Executive Committcc
Australia
Canada
Channel Islands
Finland
France
Germany
Malaysia
Netherlands
New Zealand
UK-Ireland
USA
862
2,738
25 1
902
700
1,114
2,011
855
382
32,206
49.532
35 Total
B.
AGENDA APPROVAL
Additions were made to the Agenda.
Moved KUPPER, Seconded JEREMIAH
That the Agenda be approved.
(90-4)
Passed unanimously.
C.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES O F PREVIOUS MEETING
(Lisbon 13-16 October 1990)
Moved BAUMEISTER, Seconded SCHULTZ
That the Minutes of the IBD Meeting in Lisbon; Portugal be approved.
(90-5)
Passed unanimously.
The Chairman expressed appreciation on behalf of the Board for the contributions
of "retired" IBD National Representatives, Evans, Ford, Ranta and Stofmeel.
2
-.
D.
REPORT ON ACTIONS TAKEN BY POSTAL BALLOT
The actions taken by Postal Ballot, as noted below, were accepted for the record.
That Russ Washburne be appointed Election Committee Chairman.
(90-1)
That Mensa Norway be derecognised.
(90-2)
That John McNulty, Len Rickard and Ismail Sulaiman serve on the Awards
Committee.
(90-3)
E.
REPORTS
- Accepted.
1.
Officers
2.
National and Provisional Mensas
The Chairman observed that comments on the National and Provisional Mensa
reports were made at the IGC meeting (Discussion noted in IGC Minutes).
3.
Auuointees
a.
Editor, IJ
- Accepted.
REMINE noted the improvement in the style and content of the
International Journal and offered congratulations to Editor Stevens, which
was endorsed by SCHULMAN.
Moved, McNULTY, Seconded REMINE
That JEREMIAH send a letter of appreciation to IJ Editor Stevens. VJ
Passed unanimously.
b.
(90-6)
Editor, Mensa World - Accepted.
It was noted that Mensa World Editor Escamilla does not wish to be
reappointed at the conclusion of her term, in June 1991.
c.
Elections Officer - No report.
JEREMIAH noted that an Election Notice was published in the October
issue of the International Journal, and that the election rules are available
from the international office.
d.
Ombudsman - Accepted.
3
e.
SIGHT Co-ordinator - Accepted.
CORMIER expressed concern over the fact that "a number of Mensans"
had been misusing SIGHT arrangements, and proving to be the sort of
guests "one would not want". She had considered "a sort of black list",
and sought advice from the Board.
BRAAT suggested that members using SIGHT supply a letter of
recommendation from an officer of their Mensa group.
RUDOLPH agreed with this approach, and suggested that proof of
membership be established as well.
BAUMEISTER noted that proof of membership could be managed, but
that letters would be a problem.
FISHER felt that "people must be trusted, at least the first time", and
cautioned against any sort of "black list", a viewpoint shared by most
present.
KUPPER proposed a vote of thanks to Cormier which was endorsed
unanimously.
f.
SIGs Coordinator - Accepted.
KUPPER noted that Ahmad Zaki had been doing an excellent job in this
role.
g.
Supervisory Psychologist - Accepted.
SALNY noted that she had been negotiating with NFER-Nelson (in
England) to obtain exclusive rights to a "Mensa Admission Test" that was
now available. It was a proper and approved English language test that
would, once purchased, be the exclusive property of Mensa.
Moved, WERBA, Seconded McNULTY.
That Supervisory Psychologist Dr Abbie Salny be authorized to buy the
rights to the test as described, subject to the approval of the Chairman
and Treasurer.
(90-7)
Passed unanimously.
h.
Gifted Child Programme Coordinator
i.
International Newswire Editor
- Position vacant.
- Accepted.
THAUNG requested all CEO's to report developments of interest to her.
4
4.
Executive Director
- Accepted
ADRIEN noted that on a visit to Czechoslovakia, he was told by Mensans that
they needed a range of supplies and equipment, such as a copier and
computer. He wondered if established Mensa groups, when purchasing new
equipment, could send equipment being replaced to new Mensa groups.
KUPPER said that she would look into this, and contact Mensa
Czechoslovakia.
SCHULMAN in reviewing the report of the Executive Director expressed the
view that "an excellent job was being done" and this was endorsed
enthusiastically by the Board.
VINCENT thanked the Board for its support and also said he was grateful to
both Salny and Parr for their prompt and effective work with emerging Mensa
groups.
5.
Sub-Committees
a.
b.
C.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
F.
Constitution Review Committee - Accepted.
Executive Committee - Accepted.
Site Selection Committee - Accepted.
Standards Review Committee - No report.
Derecognition Committee - Accepted.
Election Committee - No report.
Fact-finding Committee for the International Meeting - Referred to
Agenda Item G.36.
IBD Representation Subcommittee - Referred to Agenda item G.37.
OLD BUSINESS
1.
CRISS had circulated draft job descriptions and mission statements in
September for review and comment.
2.
SHAUGHNESSY's study on a "Barcelona meeting" placed in current Agenda.
3.
KUPPER's work as Chair of Derecognition Committee placed in current
Agenda.
4.
SCHULTZ chaired IBD Representation Committee, report in Agenda.
5.
SCHULMAN requested nominations for Awards Committee, with McNulty,
Rickard and Sulaiman being elected.
6.
JEREMIAH to report on request of member of American Mensa to become
Direct International Member - request withdrawn.
5
G.
NEW BUSINESS
1.
Moved BAUMEISTER, Seconded KUPPER
That the IBD ratify the Executive Committee’s decision to engage Mrs S E
Fancett, Chartered Accountant, to perform the audit for the fiscal year ended
31 March 1990.
Passed unanimously.
2.
(90-8)
Moved BAUMEISTER, Seconded KUPPER
That the IBD approve the audited financial statements for MIL for year ended
31 March 1990, as presented.
Passed unanimously.
3.
(90-9)
Moved BAUMEISTER, Seconded KUPPER
That the IBD request the current public auditor, Mrs S E Fancett, Chartered
Accountant, to perform the audit for the fiscal year ending 31 March 1991.
Passed unanimously.
4.
(90-10)
Moved BAUMEISTER. Seconded KUPPER
That the IBD set the component for fiscal year ending 31 March 1992 at eight
percent (8%).
Passed unanimously.
5.
(90-11)
Moved BAUMEISTER. Seconded KUPPER
That the IBD approve the budget for fiscal year ending 31 March 1992, as
presented.
Passed unanimously.
(90-12)
6
6.
Moved BAUMEISTER, Seconded KUPPER
That the Treasurer have an abridged version of the year’s financial statements
published in the IJ within three months of their approval by the IBD, and that
copies of full statements be made available to members on request from the
London office.
(90- 13)
Passed unanimously.
7.
Moved JEREMIAH. Seconded KUPPER
That the IBD convene once during the twelve month period from 1 November
1990 and 31 October 1991, for up to but not exceeding five days and in
conjunction with the meeting of the IGC; and that the Executive Committee
meet once after the newly elected international officers have taken office.
(90-14)
Passed, BAUMEISTER opposed.
8.
Moved JEREMIAH, Seconded KUPPER
That the appointment of the following persons:
Richard Aihoshi (Canada)
Dale M Parish (US)
M Eileen Steinhice (US)
Lee b y Fatt (Malaysia)
as members of the Election Committee be confirmed.
(90-15)
Passed unanimously.
9.
Moved JEREMIAH, Seconded SHAUGHNESSY
That Committee Member appointments made pursuant to Standing Order
VI.4. should be reported to the IBD within 30 days after an appointment is
made, but do not require confirmation by the IBD.
(90-16)
Passed unanimously.
7
10.
Moved JEREMIAH, Seconded SHAUGHNESSY
That the action of the Constitution Review Committee approving the
Constitution of Mensa Denmark be ratified.
Passed unanimously.
(90- 17)
SCHULMAN agreed to write a letter of appreciation to the Constitution
DS
Review Committee Chairman, Julian Parr.
11. Moved JEREMIAH, Seconded SHAUGHNESSY
That the action of the Constitution Review Committee approving changes to
the Constitution of Mensa in Deutschland be ratified.
Passed unanimously.
12.
(90- 18)
Moved JEREMIAH, Seconded WICKREMASINGHE
That the action of the Constitution Review Committee approving changes to
the American Mensa By-laws be ratified.
Passed unanimously.
13.
(90-19)
Withdrawn by JEREMIAH
Many NatReps felt the motion (concerning approvals by the Constitution
Review Committee) should provide for some review by the IBD. The motion
was withdrawn with the understanding that Jeremiah would work with some
American Mensa NatReps to find a formula which would speed up the
approval process and at the same time retain some IBD approval options.VJ
14.
Withdrawn by JEREMIAH (upon instruction of Virginia L Ellis).
15.
Tabled.
This Motion made by Jeremiah, concerning the ownership of the Mensa name
and logo, reflected previous IBD agreement (Athens 1988, G.20.) in principle
that Mensa International Limited owned the name and logo, and all Mensa
chapters used these, in effect, under license. Further, all Mensa chapters
would be individually considered, in connection with acknowledging the "under
license" status.
8
In discussion, JEREMIAH said she had been instructed by the Board to take
matrers further, and had devised a plan (AppendLu (3.15) whereby Mensa
groups would assign ownership of the name and logo in escrow.
GOULDER reported that, in a recent meeting of the British Mensa
Committee, a reluctance to "surrender ownership" had been expressed by
several members of the Committee. REMINE noted a similar attitude existing
currently in the American Committee.
WERBA said he supported this concept ill piiIlciplc, but was concerned that
in future, a group could be derecognised "on purely political grounds", and
thus lose its status as well as the right to the name and logo - a right it had
established, and defended.
FISHER, supporting the Motion, observed that the IBD had a responsibility to
protect the name and logo, and must act accordingly.
Moved WERBA, Seconded KUPPER
T o table the Motion.
This Motion passed with FISHER opposed, and seven (7) abstentions.(90-20)
JEREMIAH then asked the Board for specific instructions either to proceed
or to be dormant.
Moved BAUMEISTER, Seconded WERBA
That a Sub-Committee be formed and Chaired bv Jeremiah, with Goulder and
Werba serving on it, to study these matters further and report to the next
IBD.
(90-21)
Passed unanimously.
16.
Discussion Item
JEREMIAH advised the Board that since a significant portion of the MIL
budget was required to maintain the London office (rent, rates, staff etc.) and
though London is a "good and appropriate" location for MIL, it seemed to
her, as Director of Administration, sensible to examiiie uther possible locations
in terms of savings and efficiency.
KUUUKKA said he thought the office should continue to be situated in the
UK, though not necessarily in London, as English is "Mensa's working
language".
9
GOULDER said that recruitment of appropriate staff would be a problem in
certain locations, thus placing the office (if it were moved) in an Englishlanguage country might be the proper move.
SCHULTZ felt that the location should be kept in an English language
country within Europe, as it might serve Mensa to have the office "near the
action", that is, close to where recruitment is, and will be, taking place.
WERBA said he liked London as an MIL office location, but agreed that the
matter was worth additional attention. If the office were to be moved, then
he wanted to be sure that the Executive Director was in complete agreement
with any such development.
McNULTY supported WERBA's views and said he felt that a move could
make excellent sense. However, he wanted it "understood" that this matter
should be "handled by the Executive Director to his satisfaction".
VINCENT commented that the key issue was the "proper and efficient"
management of Mensa's finances. It could be possible to make significant
savings by re-locating the office, so the issues should be examined. He did not
feel that MIL necessarily needed to be in London (though apart from high
costs it is a fine location), and that indeed, MIL could be situated at any
location that offered reasonable overheads and reliable communication and
travel lines, and as "the requirement is for MIL to go to new locations to
develop Mensa" the site of the office is not a major issue.
SCHULh4AN expressed the view that there was general agreement and
support that a possible re-location of the MIL office should be studied. He
asked the Director of Administration and the Executive Director to report
back on costs and implications of such a move, while consulting the Treasurer
as required. He concluded by saying that "if a decision is made to move the
office, then the Board is supportive".
17.
Moved JEREMIAH, Seconded McNULTY
That the Standards Review Committee created at the Athens IBD Meeting
(ASIE 88-14) be discharged of its duties.
Passed Unanimously
18.
(19-22)
Discussion Item
JEREMIAH observed that in the past, the terms of appointment for various
appointees have expired without the IBD being aware of it. Therefore, a
policy should be considered to handle these matters appropriately.
10
REMINE suggested that by extending terms of appointment now, the current
IBD could be imposing on the rights of future Boards. However, he favoured
the idea of expanding the list of potential appointees.
WERBA noted that the power of appointment belongs to the next
administration.
REMINE suggested that job descriptions be published in the International
Journal and interested parties be invited to submit a statement of interest in
them to the appropriate elected officer.
Moved WERBA. Seconded GOULDER
That the term of current appointees be extended until their successors have
been chosen by the IBD.
Passed unanimously.
19.
(90-23)
Discussion Item
JEREMIAH noted that the appointments of the Honorary President, Honorary
Vice-Presidents and the Supervisory Psychologist are for three-year periods,
according to the Constitution. In the past, the IBD has neglected to reappoint these positions.
SCHULMAN asked JEREMIAH to seek nominations for these positions and
to circulate postal ballots no later than April 1991.
VJ
20.
Moved KUPPER, Seconded McNULTY
That Edu Braat be appointed International Gifted Children Program Coordinator.
Passed unanimously
(90-24)
KUPPER introduced discussion of this matter, noting that since Streger had
resigned it was necessary to nominate a replacement. She noted that
Margaret Stickler and Esa Tuominen had both expressed interest in the
function, and both were keenly interested In activities for Gifted Children.
BRAAT suggested a "group approach" to be managed by Mensa Netherlands.
A group is already active in this area in Holland and several competent and
resourceful persons are involved.
WERBA noted that the group concept, used for proctors of record, worked
well in the US.
11
VAN DER MEYDEN supported a group approach by Holland, as "individuals
come and go, but a group offers continuity".
KUPPER then moved the appointment of Braat as Coordinator, with the
understanding that he would be working with the Netherlands group and
reporting to the Board.
BRAAT thanked the Board for the appointment and said he planned to work
with Stickler and Tuominen as well.
Moved KUPPER, Seconded GOULDER
That the term of appointment of the Gifted Children Program Coordinator be
extended to January 31, 1991.
Passed, BERLET abstaining.
21.
(90-25)
Moved KUPPER, Seconded JEREMIAH
To recognise Mensa Denmark as a National Mensa.
(90-26)
Passed unanimously.
22.
Moved KUPPER, Seconded BAUMEISTER
That Mensa Yugoslavia be recognised as a Provisional National Mensa, subject
to approval of its Constitution by a vote of its members.
Passed unanimously.
(90-27)
In discussion, VINCENT reported that Mensa Yugoslavia appeared to be "an
admirable, well-intentioned, fast-growing'' new Mensa group, and that it
deserved support and recognition.
23.
Moved KUPPER, Seconded JEREMIAH
That, as a matter of policy, at least one international appointee be invited to
each IBD-IGC meeting, with expenses to be reimbursed in whole or in part,
depending upon availability of funds and distances involved.
Passed unanimously.
(90-28)
12
24.
Moved KUPPER, Seconded BAUMEISTER
To change the status of Mensa Switzerland from Provisional to emerging
Mensa status.
Passed unanimously.
25.
(90-29)
Moved KUPPER, Seconded JEREMIAH
To rescind ASIE 88-11 that recognized Hellenic Mensa as a provisional Mensa
pending approval of its Constitution.
Passed unanimously.
26.
(90-30)
Moved KUPPER, Seconded JEREMIAH
To change the status of Mensa Austria from National to Provisional status.
Passed unanimously.
27.
(90-31)
Moved KUPPER, Seconded McNULTY
To change the status of Mensa BelgiurnLuxembourg from National to
Provisional status, after a one year grace period granted by the Board to
enable Mensa Belgium to continue development efforts with assistance from
MIL and MinD. Status to be reviewed at next IBD meeting.
Passed unanimously.
28.
(90-32)
Moved KUPPER, Seconded ADRIEN
To change the status of Mensa Japan from National to Provisional status.
Passed unanimously.
29.
(90-33)
Moved KUPPER, Seconded THAUNG
To change the status of Mensa Israel from Provisional to emerging Mensa
status.
Passed unanimously.
30.
(90-34)
Withdrawn by FISHER
13
31.
Withdrawn by ADRIEN
32.
Discussion Item
SCHULMAN noted that many members of Mensa sometimes collect funds for
a variety of useful purposes. However, problems could occur in such
circumstances and how would they affect MIL?
SHAUGHNESSY said that these are matters occurring within national Mensas,
thus they should be left to national Mensa management.
SEREBRIAKOFF suggested publishing a "waiver statement" in all publications,
stating MIL's position and responsibility (or lack thereof).
McNULTY agreed to prepare such a statement, after consulting with British
Mensa's legal advisors, and would circulate it to all Mensa groups for their
possible use.
JM
33.
Discussion Item
SCHULMAN reported on the project under discussion between British Mensa
and UNICEF. He had met with UNICEF officials in London and when they
visited him in Dublin. The intention is to place competitions in newspapers
("Mensa UNICEF Competitions"), for persons aged 14 and upwards. They
would appear in a "UNICEF style" along with information about "Children in
Need". Mensa would devise the competitions and an entry coupon would be
provided with a space to request information about Mensa.
UNICEF would find sponsorship and fund publicity, and prizes would be
awarded. UNICEF is primarily interested in building a data base for mailings,
catalogues etc. Mensa would be seeking the benefit of free and widespread
publicity. Discussions continue, and SCHULMAN anticipates that the project
will go forward and succeed. If it works in the UK, the intent would be to
extend it to other countries.
SEREBRIAKOFF thought it an excellent idea and a potentially productive
association between "two prestigious organisations".
Moved McNULTY, Seconded, SCHULTZ
That the IBD expresses its support for the UNICEFNensa project.
(90-35)
Passed unanimously.
14
34. Discussion Item.
SCHULMAN noted that in 1996 it will be Mensa's 50th anniversary. The
occasion should be anticipated now so that an appropriate celebration is
achieved.
REMINE agreed that plans should be made now and said American Mensa
would be pleased to assist. However, he felt the occasion would best be
marked by a meeting in England.
There was general agreement expressed that the Board should start "thinking
creatively" in terms of the 50th anniversary. McNULTY said he would refer
to the British Board for advice and ideas.
JM
35.
Discussion Item
SCHULMAN noted that the term of office of the Awards Committee required
definition, and that clarification is needed on Committee members' service on
the IBD. There needs to be a postal ballot on the length of term of current
appointees.
VJ
Moved JEREMIAH, Seconded GOULDER
That the term of office of the Awards Committee continue to 31 December
1991, and that Awards Committee members may serve as IBD proxies but
must resign if appointed to the IBD in their own right.
Passed unanimously.
36.
(90-36)
Moved SHAUGHNESSY, Seconded McNULTY
That an international Mensa meeting be held in Europe in 1992, that a
Committee be appointed by the IBD to assist the Host Group with planning,
and that bids to serve as the Host Group for this meeting be sought from all
national Mensas in Europe.
Passed with BAUMEISTER, JEREMIAH and KUPPER opposed, ADRIEN
and GOH abstaining.
(90-37)
SHAUGHNESSY began discussion of this matter by noting that she had been
asked by the previous IBD to try to determine interest in such an international
occasion. She had done a survey that established that there is considerable
interest. The question now is how to proceed. Do we need a Host Group,
professional assistance, or both?
15
34. Discussion Item.
SCHULMAN noted that in 1996 it will be Mensa's 50th anniversary. The
occasion should be anticipated now so that an appropriate celebration is
achieved.
REMINE agreed that plans should be made now and said American Mensa
would be pleased to assist. However, he felt the occasion would best be
marked by a meeting in England.
There was general agreement expressed that the Board should start "thinking
creatively" in terms of the 50th anniversary. McNULTY said he would refer
to the British Board for advice and ideas.
JM
35.
Discussion Item
SCHULh4AN noted that the term of office of the Awards Committee required
definition, and that clarification is needed on Committee members' service on
the IBD. There needs to be a postal ballot on the length of term of current
VJ
appointees.
Moved JEREMIAH. Seconded GOULDER
That the term of office of the Awards Committee continue to 31 December
1991, and that Awards Committee members may serve as IBD proxies but
must resign if appointed to the IBD in their own right.
Passed unanimously.
36.
(90-36)
Moved SHAUGHNESSY, Seconded McNULTY
That an international Mensa meeting be held in Europe in 1992, that a
Committee be appointed by the IBD to assist the Host Group with planning,
and that bids to serve as the Host Group for this meeting be sought from all
national Mensas in Europe.
Passed with BAUMEISTER, JEREMIAH and KUPPER opposed, ADRIEN
and GOH abstaining.
(90-37)
SHAUGHNESSY began discussion of this matter by noting that she had been
asked by the previous IBD to try to determine interest in such an international
occasion. She had done a survey that established that there is considerable
interest. The question now is how to proceed. Do we need a Host Group,
professional assistance, or both?
15
.
KULTUKKA felt that it would be best to have a Host Group, based in
Europe, and to seek professional assistance, bearing in mind that this could be
quite expensive.
REMINE said there is still ample time to plan and suggested forming a
committee.
The Chairman asked SHAUGHNESSY to form a Planning Committee for a
1992 International Mensa Meeting.
SHAUGHNESSY then noted the Mission Statement for the Committee:
"The Planning Committee for a 1992 International Mensa meeting is charged
with:-
1.
soliciting bids from national Mensas in Europe, to serve as Host Group
for the meeting;
2.
circulating a Postal Ballot to IBD for approval of the Host Group
selected and the proposed site and dates; and
3.
assisting the Host Group with logistical planning and publicity for the
meeting, which may include proposing a budget for professional assistance
by a conference planning firm."
The statement was accepted by the Board.
37.
Moved SHULTZ, Seconded KUPPER
That the report of the IBD Representation Subcommittee be accepted, that
the proposed amendments to the Mensa Constitution be put to a Postal Ballot
among all members in Spring 1991 (to coincide with the election), and that
new Standing Orders be adopted by each body if the Constitution is amended
as proposed.
The Motion failed with GOH and KUPPER abstaining.
No issue has so thoroughly and earnestly occupied and troubled the Board in
recent years as has the matter of the size, function, representation and cost of
what is bound to be a larger IBD in future. Committees were formed to study
and report. Debates and discussions ensued for three consecutive IBD-IGC
meetings. All IBD-IGC delegates participated in the exchange of viewpoints.
16
.
The IRD wants tn see Mensa develop internationally. This is now happening.
The anticipation must be that under existing rules new groups will become
eligible to sit on the Board. This, however, leads to some basic problems,
about which there seems little disagreement. The IBD will become
increasingly unwieldy. Costs for meetings will escalate. The IBD could try to
redefine rules for eligibility, but this would inevitably lead to a reduced
representation or voice - or no voice - for smaller groups currently
represented. Delegates have agreed that the problems are emerging and must
be solved, but they have also insisted that the democratic nature nf t h e snciety,
reflected in the language of the Constitution, be preserved.
On this occasion, the proposals put forward by the Sub-Committee chaired by
SCHULTZ, were rejected by the IBD.
The sense of the discussion, at its conclusion, and with regret, was that the
Board knew what was required, however it was not satisfied with the prospects
implied by proposals thus far for a reduced or curtailed representation for any
national Mensa. SHAUGHNESSY suggested that, in view of the failure of the
proposals to carry, these issues should not be brought back to the Board for at
least two years.
The Chairman, with the endorsement of the Board, suggested that
SCHULTZs Sub-Committee be thanked for its extensive work and be
disbanded.
H.
GOOD AND WELFARE (Matters Arising)
1.
Moved KUPPER, Seconded McNULTY
To establish a programme, Mensa Around The Earth (MATE), in order to
promote association between any two Mensa groups in different countries, for
mutual benefit, cultural exchange, friendship and understanding;
To establish the position of International Mensa MATE Coordinator to
administer this programme; and
To appoint Virginia J Host to the position of International Mensa MATE
Coordinator.
(90-38)
Passed unanimously.
KUPPER reviewed details of the proposal, and thanked Virginia Host for
plans she had prepared and circulated. She also thanked Mensa Canada
President, KH Wickremasinghe, for his contributions to the development of
this programme.
17
.
.
2.
Discussion Item
McNULTY noted that the personal statements appearing in the "Entre Nous"
section of the International Journal seemed sometimes to be forms of direct
advertising, or of a "mate sought" nature which are contrary to the "contact
and friendship" purpose of that section. He then proposed these guidelines:
Entre Nous Restrictions
The Entre Nous Section is
to:
a substitute for paid advertising and is limited
1.
Items of general interest to members internationally (i.e. not '7ob seeking"
nor "lovelorn" types and not concealed "personal ads" which could appear
in national magazines.
2.
Forty (40) words or less.
Moved GOULDER. Seconded BAUMEISTER
That the IBD adopt the McNulty guidelines for the Entre Nous Section of the
International Journal.
Passed unanimously.
(90-39)
McNULTY agreed to write to IJ Editor Stevens to advise her of the
guidelines.
3.
JM
FISHER suggested that it would be useful to establish a computer bulletin
board network for contact between Mensa officers and members. He then
volunteered to develop such a project and to begin work on it directly. WF
Members of the IBD expressed support and appreciation to Fisher.
4.
SHAUGHNESSY proposed that there be an exchange of "boutique" catalogues
between Mensa groups in various countries. She also suggested that Vince
Bonzagni be appointed Boutique Co-ordinator until 31 December 1991. These
suggestions were approved by the Board.
5.
The Chairman moved to thank Delaware Valley Mensa for its courteous
assistance and good will in serving as hosts in the IBDnGC meeting.
Seconded and passed unanimously.
18
(90-40)
.
.
I.
POSITION
or NEXT MEETING
KUPPER reported that she had "expressions of interest" from two European
Mensas, though no definite bids as yet. She anticipated that the next meeting would
be held in Europe.
VINCENT advised the Board that he had discussed an IBD-IGC meeting bid with
Mensa Yugoslavia Chairman, Josip Sahan, who said his group was "very likely" to
make a formal bid shortly. Both Zogreb and Dubrovnik sccmcd attractivc and
affordable locations. The Board was enthusiastic about this prospect. VINCENT to
Ev
pursue with Saban, and report to Kupper.
J.
ADJOURNMENT
Prior to the end of the meeting, Chairman SCHULMAN addressed the IBD, noting
that this would be his last meeting in the Chair. He expressed his "deep
appreciation for the continuing courtesy, good will and brotherly feeling" conveyed
by the members of the IBD "at each and every meeting". He thanked the delegates
for their support and said he was grateful to have been able to serve Mensa as
International Chairman and Director of Administration.
The IBD applauded Schulman and expressed a warm message of appreciation.
Director of Administration, Helen Kupper, whose term of office would also be
expiring prior to the next meeting, remarked that when she joined Mensa twenty
one years ago, she "never expected to serve the society in so many roles" and that
she had enjoyed herself tremendously.
The delegates applauded Kupper too, and thanked her for her many contributions
to Mensa.
Moved BAUMEISTER, with a unanimous Second
That the Meeting be adjourned
Passed unanimously.
(90-41)
The Meeting closed at 5.00pm on Monday 22 October, 1990.
19