Membership Dues Assistance


Our members financial circumstances range from modest to millionaire, and we want to maintain that dimension of diversity, along with the many others that characterize our group.  In that light, we have created an annual fund allocation to offer payment of dues for one year to up to two of our members, based on two criteria.  One of these is need, and the other is active participation in Memphis Mensa activities. 

The application process is confidential, and will not be revealed to anyone that does not have a specific responsibility to maintain that confidentiality, whether the application is approved or not.  The two-person committee to evaluate these applications is comprised, ex officio, of the current Treasurer and the Ombudsman of Memphis Mensa.  Applications will not be accepted unless both of these offices are occupied.  No other officers or members will be apprised of this action, other than by the appearance of an unspecified check payable to AML.

To apply for this program, please submit an application (letter or Email) to either of these persons, both of whom are listed on our "contacts" page.  The recipient will immediately forward it to the other committee member.  The application should describe the level of need in rough terms, and as well, describe the expected level of Mensa participation for the following year.  These criteria will be considered by both members of the committee, who may - and likely, will - request additional information from the applicant and from others.  If both agree, the application will be approved.  The Treasurer will write a check from general funds, payable to American Mensa for the current amount of annual dues, and send the check to the applicant for forwarding to AML with the applicant's membership or renewal.  The application for assistance, any other information, and a short summary of the deliberation and findings will be printed, placed in a sealed envelope marked with purpose and date, but NOT the name.  It will be kept for five years for audit purposes, then destroyed without being opened. 

The "earmarking" of two years dues for this purpose will renew automatically every March 31 unless cancelled or modified by the ExCom.  However, depending on the state of Memphis Mensa finances, the committee may also request replenishment of this allocation at any time during the year.