What is the Postcard Pals SIG?
First and foremost, the Postcard Pals SIG is a postcard pen pal group for Mensans. There will be informal gatherings hosted by members in their own communities. It is simply a way for members to meet each other, enjoy each other's company and to do some sightseeing. To be an official gathering**, it must be announced beforehand in the newsletter. So, please send me all the necessary details so I can include them in the newsletter. Be careful to send the notices with enough time for people to make the necessary travel arrangements. It would be appreciated if you send other SIG members postcards signed by all the attendees. If you can't make the gathering, it would be really cool if you sent the host a postcard saying you can't make it and wishing everyone a great time! There is a photo album for pictures from the gatherings. Bob Murrin and Jed Henderson helped us with the Second Photo Album Su Lyn Seah has helped start our third photo album.
**Of course, unofficial gatherings are allowed! If you are traveling through another member's hometown and would like to visit, please do so! Pictures and news of that meeting will be accepted as well!
What is expected of a member?
To exchange postcards with fellow SIG members and to be willing to attend gatherings if they are in your home country (if not, be courteous enough to send a card saying you are unable to attend). Please realize ahead of time that corresponding by postcard can take a lot of time and money. Members can request that they go on inactive status where they are still members of the SIG, receiving newsletters but not actively corresponding with other members. There is a section of the newsletter where people can tell a little bit about themselves and include such things as why they enjoy postcards and what type of postcards they enjoy collecting.
What should an organizer of a gathering know in advance?
Attendance depends on many things including the time of the gathering (i.e. if it is a Christmas gathering, realize that people might prefer to spend the holiday with their family and friends - a gathering for New Year's might get more attendance), distance and money. Those that do attend are interested in doing so many things: Sightseeing, enjoying the company of SIG members - perhaps even attending a local Mensa event, and so on. People can stay at the home of the organizer as well as in accommodations arranged by the local SIGHT coordinator or inexpensive lodging nearby. It is would be nice if guests brought a gift for the organizer(s) to thank them for the hard work involved in organizing the gathering.
How to become a Member of the Postcard Pals SIG
Step 1: Let me know you are interested in becoming a member. You must include your snail mail address when you contact me.If you don't include your snail mail address, you won't get a sample newsletter. (see step 2)
Step 2: In the next newsletter you will be listed as an "interested" member and you will receive the newsletter.
Step 3: With the newsletter you will get this short description of the Postcard Pals SIG and what is expected of a member.
Step 4: If are still interested then it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to send me a postcard and explicitly say that you want to join the Postcard Pals SIG. The postcards also must include your current Mensa membership status. American Mensa requires that I fill out reports to the SIG officer annually and in those reports, I must tell them the percentage of SIG members who are Mensans. If you do not tell me your current Mensa membership status, you will not be allowed to join the SIG. Without this postcard confirming your interest in becoming a full member of the SIG, I will assume you are no longer interested and not send you further newsletters.
Step 5: People who send postcards without a legible name and address will not be accepted for membership. I have to know where to send the newsletter!
Step 6: Newsletters are available by email only.
IMPORTANT MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
It is your responsibility to update me about changes in snail mail addresses, email addresses and your desire to remain in the SIG. If mail is returned from any SIG member on two occasions then that person will be removed from the list, whether it is snail mail or email, you will be removed from the SIG roster until which time you provide me with the correct mailing information. As long as your mailing information is valid, you will remain listed as a member until you tell me otherwise.
Postcard Pals Contest
The contest is just a fun way to keep members in touch with each other. Each calendar year, the winner of the contest makes the rules for that year. It could be that any card they receive will count or it could be only special types of cards will count (i.e. city views; music related; etc.). At the end of the year, that person will announce the winner and they in turn get to set the rules for the New Year.
Click here to learn more about deltiology - the hobby of collecting postcards!
Coordinator: Cathy Novick
Email:
postcardcathy@gmail.com
