RVChat - July 2009
by Lori Norris

Well the AG is finally here. If you're attending, please check out the "Playlist" on AML's Web site. There are some great Leadership Development Workshops listed. These workshops are not just for current and future officers, but for anyone interested in the operation of Mensa. The skills gained in these sessions can be applied to other organizations or in your professional life. And on Wednesday, July 1st, some of the Region 1'ers will be having dinner together. Contact me if you're interested in joining us.

The AML website contains quite a bit of reference material. There are handbooks for many of the officer positions. These handbooks are updated regularly by the Leadership Development Committee. This past year I have put in a lot of work on the Area Coordinator and LocSec handbooks. They are both in the final stages of the approval process and will be on the Web site once they are finalized. Other handbooks, such as Membership Officer, are close to completion.

Ron and I did some traveling around the Region in May. Boston's Mini RG at Cape Cod was enjoyed by about 130 fellow Mensans. Along with about 20 other CTWM Mensans, we spent a pleasant afternoon collating and preparing the membership directory for mailing. Had a good time, great conversations and a few paper cuts. We attended a book discussion meeting here in RI and the RI New Member Dinner with 27 members attending, both new and experienced. We traveled to upstate New York and participated in a MoNNY Games Night featuring some of this year's Mind Games contestants and then the next day we had brunch in Vermont with 15 other members. Brunch attendees included members from Vermont, RI, CTWM and Boston. On Memorial Day, we attended a CTWM New Member BBQ and spent a sunny day with 41 members, new and not-so-new. And then we closed out the month by joining a group of friends outside of Boston for a magnificent Italian dinner. It was a busy month.

Would you like to see an activity on your local calendar, perhaps encompassing your favorite past-time? Consider hosting the event yourself. Contact your group's Program Officer or Area Coordinator for details and event planning assistance. Ron and I have hosted events here at our home as well as at public places. Attendance has ranged from two guests to well over 20 guests. Events of any size are enjoyable and rewarding to the hosts as well as the guests. This month marks the beginning of my second term as your RVC. I look forward to continuing to work with all of the local groups and doing what I can to make your Mensa experience all that you hope for. As always, I welcome your comments and questions.

Lori