Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies me to be a Mensa member?

To qualify for Mensa, you must have scored in the top 2% of the general population on an accepted, standardized intelligence test. Five million Americans are eligible for membership.

What type of people are members of American Mensa?

Mensans come from all walks of life. They range from 2 to nearly 100 years old. They represent both sexes, all races, various professions, and many beliefs. However, they share one trait: high intelligence.

What is Mensa like?

Intellectual Stimulation: Mensa is a society where no two people think alike. But they do think a lot. Share your knowledge with others by joining a Special Interest Group. Attend the convention of any Mensa group in any country to hear stimulating speakers on a wide variety of topics. Participate in local events where, regardless of the setting, lively conversation on every topic imaginable is the norm.

Social Interaction: Introverts and extroverts alike enjoy attending many local activities. Here you can be active or passive, speak or just listen... the choice is yours. Typical events include restaurant outings, games nights, discussion groups and more. Don't see an event that interests you? You're welcome to start a new one -- all of our events are hosted by members.

Acceptance: Mensa members often refer to the organization as their "second family". The bond can be immediate and life-long. In Mensa, you are free to voice your opinions and share your ideas on anything under the sun. Your ideas will be respected - but don't expect everyone to agree with you! Mensa members are definitely individuals, so you can be sure of lively good-humoured discussion wherever Mensans gather.

Where is Northwest Florida Mensa?

Northwest Florida Mensa encompasses the all of Florida west of the Apalachicola River, or, put another way, all of Florida that is in the Central Time Zone.

How do I have social interaction with other members?

Activities are scheduled on the Mensa calendar. Locally, these range from meetings to guest speakers to parties. Members can also attend regional and national gatherings that provide opportunities to meet other Mensans. More information about other Mensa events is available on the American Mensa website.

How do I receive intellectual stimulation as a member?

You'll find a good "mental workout" in the Mensa Bulletin, the national magazine. In newsletters published byNorthwest Florida Mensa, and Mensa's other 135 local chapters, you can share your opinions as well as read other points of view. Meetings and gatherings provide many opportunities for intellectual stimulation.

How do Mensans help others?

- Mensa Education & Research Foundation: MERF sponsors scholarships, participates in research, rewards excellence in gifted research, and publishes the Mensa Research Journal.

- Gifted Children Resource Program: This program provides information on gifted children and gifted children resources.

- Project Inkslinger: Inkslinger started when the Mississippi and its tributaries flooded parts of the Midwest and South. Several schools and libraries lost their entire collections to water damage. American Mensans helped replace these books and continue to help libraries and schools in need.

Are there groups in American Mensa that share my special interests?

At the present time, there are more than 150 national special interest groups (SIGs) that range from Chocoholics to Military History and from SCUBA to Babylon 5. These groups are started by members who share a common interest. Groups communicate regularly via newsletters and other forums. In addition, Northwest Florida Mensa has some local SIGs.

Are there other special benefits to being a Mensa member?

Along with the intellectual and social activities, members receive other special benefits including programs that offer special discounts to Mensa members. We are always looking into new areas to provide extra value for Mensa membership. More info on membership benefits is available on the American Mensa website.