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Mensa's purposes are to identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity; to encourage research on the nature, characteristics, and uses of intelligence; and to provide a stimulating intellectual and social environment for its members.
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In keeping with these goals, American Mensa's then-chairman, Gabe Werba, proposed an annual Colloquium in 1980, saying, . . .I want to stimulate within Mensa a climate of intellectual excitement in which concepts can be explored, dialogues can be started, and ideas can be generated that will move us in new directions.
The first Colloquium was held in October 1982, citing as its purpose: To offer a forum for any interested Mensan to explore, debate, evaluate, and offer judgment on a major issue of long-range importance to society.
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Using the format of that first Colloquium as a springboard, each Colloquium that followed made experimental changes, learning from previous experiences and trying some new features. While colloquiums share with annual and regional gatherings those organizational chores necessary for the smooth performance of any conference or convention, the participants come primed to discuss whatever topic is presented, not primarily to socialize - although there is also ample time to do that.
This is an American Mensa event - a national gathering with a serious purpose. The main concerns of AML and the Mensa Education & Research Foundation are that colloquiums are conducted in a professional and cost-effective manner to achieve objectives that lend credence to the purposes of Mensa, and that they provide benefits to all participants.
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Local groups may contact their regional vice chairman and the national membership officer for assistance in exploring the feasibility of hosting a Colloquium.
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Colloquium listing | Colloquium Web site | Event registration
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