Type 1. For these Mensans, the glass is definitely half empty. On top of that, someone took the other half, or else they ran out and the Type 1 M did not get his or her share. These are the bitchers and whiners, the ones who point out that whatever the AMC or ExComm does, it is wrong. They have no solutions or suggestions, only complaints. They seem to be Type A people too, and we have too many of them. A typical comment from a Type 1 would be, "You are out of beer, when are you going to get more?"
Type 2. For these Mensans, the glass is half full, and they are working on filling it, not emptying it. These are the volunteers and officers, the ones who are on the AMC and ExComm. When the beer runs out, they volunteer to restock it. We do not have enough of these members.
Type 3. These are the 80% we never see at events. They are the core of Mensa that renews every year and are satisfied to receive the Mensa Bulletin, their local newsletter, and their membership card. From them we try to get Type 2's and avoid getting Type 1's. The Bible says, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the Earth." In Mensa, depending on your point of view, we might say, "Blessed (or cursed) are the Type 3's, for they shall inherit Mensa." If we allow the Type 1's to burn out all the Type 2's, Mensa will fold. We must work to steadily convert Type 3's to Type 2's, and muzzle the Type 1's.
Type 0. These are our lapsed or quitting members. Some may be burned out Type 2's, others may be disgusted Type 3's. We need to work to prevent Types 2 and 3 from becoming Type 0's. But I'm not sure we should work to convert Type 1's to Type 0's necessarily, although in some cases it may be best.
There is also a Type 1.5, a Type 1 who actually offers alternatives and solutions to the problems he or she sees. These are the recovering Type 1's on their way to becoming Type 2's. there is hope for these members, and it may be possible to convert them fully.
So, what type are you? Mensa is looking for a few good Type 2's, and a few less Type 1's.
Originally published as an electronic letter-to-the-editor in the December 1995 Mind Bets, newsletter of Southern Neveda Mensa, Carole Moran, Editor.