What kinds of activities are there?

Activities include restaurant dinners, talks, games evenings, barbecues, cultural outings, bushwalks, and more. Members are eligible to join in Mensa activities anywhere in the world. There is a network of contacts - through which members can find Mensa friends and hospitality in other countries and within Australia - and a huge range of Special Interest Groups (SIGs), nationally and internationally, which members can join in order to pursue common interests with like-minded people.

SIGs are started by members and cover interests as varied as astronomy, chess, computers, law, philosophy, photography and Sherlock Holmes. Some SIGs are international. And if there's no SIG for your special interest it's easy to start one.

There's also a growing Mensa presence on the Internet, with many national branches having their own Web sites.

How are the meetings organised?

There are regular activities in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and other centres, coordinated by State Secretaries but mostly organised by local members themselves.

As a member, may I take along a relative or friend to Mensa activities?

Yes. There are many events to which a member may bring a spouse, other family member or friend. Members' children are welcome at daytime events advertised as suitable. See Children for information about child membership.

May I attend events on a trial basis before joining?

Yes. Prospective members are also welcome to attend one or two events before joining or applying for membership. In this case, please contact the State Secretary beforehand.

Are there special events for children?

At present there are not many events exclusively for children. However, some of the State Secretaries organise (or persuade members to organise) activities designed for families. These provide social interaction for the parents as well as the children. There are also some Special Interest Groups (SIGs) for young members or which young members might like to join.

Please also see the questions and answers under Children.