SIGs Main Notes

There are many facets to running a SIG. The handbook is pretty big and covers a lot of ground. Really, though, there are just a few key things to keep in mind when running a SIG. Let us know if you think of any more you feel should be listed.

Have fun! Yes, I put this first. SIGs are supposed to be fun. They get frustrating when nobody writes you, or when two SIG members attack each other, or when a newsletter's late and your personal life is interfering. Remember that it's a fun job, one you volunteered for, and it should stay that way. If you're a year late with your newsletter, or are griping about the work, maybe it's time to pass it along? Keep an optomistic attitude!

Send a copy of EVERY ISSUE to the SIG Officer. It is his/her responsibility to ensure SIGs aren't breaking the law and are following all stated rules. This isn't so your SIG can be "watched and all members scrutinized". Nothing like that. This is just so the officer knows the SIG is active, in case he/she gets complaints about it.

Send back the two questionnaires a year the SIG Officer requests of you. These ask questions about membership, newsletters put out, and is really for the same reason that you need to send copies of your newslettters. It's so when someone writes and complains "I never got an issue", the Officer can respond either "You must have been missed, I've gotten one every month" or "the editor's having some trouble ... try writing again".

Send two issues a year to the National Publications Officer! This is one most people forget. National also needs to see a few issues a year to ensure Mensa isn't going to be in trouble for anything said. To check that photos and stories are being credited, and all that kind of stuff.

Try to keep track of which members are Mensans and which aren't. This is tough - many potential members won't send along Mensa IDs with their checks, and what if they lapse after a few years but remain in the SIG? Still, only Mensan members are allowed to vote in any SIG-related elections, so you need a rough idea of what percentage of your members are Mensan and, if you hold elections, make sure only those currently holding a Mensa Membership can vote.

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