Welcome to Mensa!

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We hope you’ll find this primer helpful as you navigate Mensa and connect with other Mensans like you! We’ve covered a number of useful topics, including dues rates, governance and policies, and short descriptions of our available publications.

Also, we’ve included information on the organization written by other members so that you have firsthand knowledge of what to expect.

By all means, contact your Local Secretary or local Membership Officer if you have questions about your Local Group and getting involved. If you have questions about your membership or have suggestions for this primer, feel free to let us know.

A special note to new members: There are two basic approaches to becoming active in Mensa: the introvert's or extrovert's approach. We invite you to take either one or a combination of the two.

Dues: Information about our dues rates and proration, additional family member discounts, life membership dues, and membership renewal procedures.

Gatherings: Learn all about Mensa's gatherings: types, attendance tips, hotel information, what to expect, and how to plan ahead for the best time.; By Shawn Kenney

Geography: Get information about American Mensa's geography including its regions and Local Groups.

Governance: Get information about how American Mensa is governed at the national and local level.

Help your group: Here are 11 easy things and one harder one all members can do to help their local Mensa groups — as written by a local officer.; By Ruth Parvin

Local Groups: In geographic terms, the most tangible thing your Mensa membership offers is contact with other members through your Local Group. We know that joining this Mensa family will be one of your most rewarding intellectual and social experiences.

Member benefits: American Mensa offers a number of benefits and services to its members, and often members are able to offset their annual dues through the discounts provided by our providers.

Mensa Foundation: Human intelligence is the world's most important resource. The Mensa Foundation is dedicated to nurturing and protecting that resource through its programs and events.

Mensa speak: Mensans thrive on abbreviations and acronyms. Here are a few definitions that should immediately increase your comprehension of all things Mensa.

Publications: Your Mensa membership includes four free publications to read at your leisure. Most are available to read online or download if that’s your preference. Also get information on mail delivery and updating your address.

Volunteering: Perhaps more than any similar organization, Mensa has a strong “do-it-yourself” philosophy. Its activities at every organizational level are directed by volunteers, and members are strongly encouraged to create and/or run any program or activity that sparks their enthusiasm.

Young Mensans: Mensa membership is not limited or ordered in terms of age; Young Mensans are valuable members of the Mensa family. Get information about local and national opportunities.

Johns Hopkins University Gifted Youth Survey: Johns Hopkins University research study to examine parent/caregiver perspectives and observations of personality characteristics in young, gifted learners.