MWM's Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are like mini-clubs within Mensa. These groups meet regularly to share a common interest, such as classical music, cooking, science fiction, politics, or investments.

SIGs are separate from, but still operate under the auspices of, either a local group (in this case, MWM) or American Mensa, Ltd. That means some SIGs are local and others national. To start a SIG (and new ones are always welcome), first decide whether you want it to be local or national.

For a local SIG, simply contact MWM's SIGs Coordinator. You'll have to provide some basic information, such as the name and purpose of the SIG and promise to hold events reasonably often (monthly or quarterly is fine). The process for a national SIG is a bit more formal. The National SIGs Officer can provide the necessary application form.

Let's take a hypothetical SIG for fly fishermen. We'll call it "Flies R Us." What we cannot do is call it "Mensa Flies R Us" or "Flies R Mensa." The name "Mensa" is an international trademark and cannot be used in the title of any SIG. Let's say we want to publish a newsletter. The same naming rules apply, so "Creel Issues" is okay, but "Creel Issues of Mensa" and "Mensa's Creel Issues” are not.

It’s a good idea to have your SIG’s events listed in Capital M. Just contact Leslie Carroll, Programs Officer.

Above is adapted from the 2008 MWM Member's Handbook, adapted from Capital M, June 1991.

* Denotes a national SIG. See the twice-yearly listing of National SIGs in the national Mensa Bulletin