Why Join?
There are many reasons for belonging to Mensa. Here are just a few:
Social and Friendship
Joining Mensa opens up rich and varied social opportunities, with something happening somewhere in the UK every night of the year. Local groups organise pub social evenings, quiz nights, games afternoons, walks, talks and cultural events.
There is also a busy calendar of national and international events, including regular British Mensa events; Thinks at Oxford, Mensa at Cambridge, the Music Weekend, the Games Weekend, and the Scottish Mensa Annual Gathering. The biggest event of the year is the British Mensa Annual Gathering which incorporates the society's AGM in amongst a packed programme of varied events. In 2011 the Annual Gathering was held in Coventry, and this year will be held in September in Belfast.
Personal Development
Members are able to volunteer for a wide range of roles within the society - from standing for election to the Board of Directors, to editing newsletters, organising events or helping newer members get the most out of their Mensa experience.
Mensa also offers a range of psychometric tests, with our partners Team Focus. These can help the individual to understand more about themselves and their capabilities
- Explore your personality to identify your Learning Style and Career Preferences
- Explore your interests to suggest particular career themes
- Compare your thinking skills with other job applicants
- Learn more about yourself
Personal Development and Mensa Psychometric Testing >
Monthly Magazine and Newsletter
Every month, members receive a glossy national magazine packed with thought-provoking articles, news from around the Mensa world and member letters. In addition, each area has its own Regional Newsletter, giving details of people and activities throughout the UK.
Special Interest Groups
There are more than 100 SIGs for members to join, covering all aspects of hobbies and interests, from Rambling to Rock music and Science Fiction to Science fact. SIG activity can include newsletters, events and online forums.
Mensa Games
Every year members compete to be declared Mensa Champion in a range of games - including Brain of Mensa, Chess, Mensa Connections, Cribbage, Mastermind (Board Game), Monopoly, Pool, Scrabble, Settlers (of Catan), Snooker, Trivial Pursuit
Mensa Merchandise
Members of Mensa are able to purchase exclusive branded items to demonstrate or commemorate their membership of the High IQ Society. These include our best-selling membership plaque, lapel pin and Mensa clothing - perfect attire for a Mensa event near you.
There is even a Mensa Credit Card available to members from MBNA.
Support for Gifted Children
British Mensa currently has around 1,300 Mensans under the age of 18. These are full members of the society, and are offered the same range of benefits as adult members. They are encouraged to join their own special interest group - Junior-M SIG - and some regional groups may organise family friendly events such as days out, walks, or games afternoons.
In addition, the society's Gifted Child Consultant works with Mensa to create support programmes and events for people living and working with gifted children.
International Contacts
Members of British Mensa are welcomed throughout the world at Mensa events and have access to the SIGHT network for travellers.
SIGHT >
Mensa Publications
Mensa publishes a range of Mensa Publications which are available to buy online or at most good bookstores.
