Region 2 RVC Candidates

Region 2 RVC Elect
NomCom Candidate Ed Gordon Ed Gordon, Metropolitan Washington Mensa 43295 Rush Run Terrace Ashburn, VA 20147 703-723-3504 ed@edgor.com
National Mensa Positions: National Nominating Committee, 1998 (and others) PRP Judge, 5 times, including 2001. PRP Chair, 2002 MERF Judge 2001 for Region II LDW Coordinator 2002 for Region II Local Group Positions: Newsletter Editor Boston Beacon (2 years) Broward BrowBeat (1 year) MWM CapM (1999-2001) Regional Gathering CoChair (2000 MWM), and other RG functions over the years MERF Judge 1995-1998 for Broward, and during the 80s for Boston
Reason For Seeking Office: Now is a time for healing. There has been a lot of turmoil, both inside and out of Mensa, and we need to step back and regroup to deal with the 21st Century. I perceive a need for AML to realize that we are back in a growth period, applaud that growth, and regroup to continue the success we are achieving. There is a need for motivation, and recruitment of leadership, and through work within the Region, including the work on the LDWs for Regions I and II, we can motivate new blood to step forward to run the organization. In addition, I am in the process of creating a coalition to field a bid for the 2005 AG in Region II.
Skills and Experience other than Mensa: I have been in the Software Industry for 28 years now, with 4 years of graduate work under my belt, affording me the opportunity to work with intelligent individuals and create syntheses based on cooperation and mutual satisfaction, achieving successful results. Through these years, the opportunities have presented themselves to chair groups for the Boston Computer Society and the IEEE, running meetings and coordinating their efforts. I have been newly promoted to Senior Member Status of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers), chairing Local Activity Committees, currently serving as Director and Professional Activities Coordinator for the Northern Virginia Section. In addition I am serving as Partners' Chair for the 2002 Sections Congress, which can best be equated to "Hospitality" Chair for an IG.
RVC Candidate Questions
Q: Recently Regions 1 and 2 held a joint Leadership Development Workshop (LDW), and very few people attended from Region 2. If you become RVC, will you try to hold a LDW within our region, and if so, what will you do to encourage people to attend?
An LDW is crucial. I find the complaint I hear most often in Region II, and in other regions is the lack of volunteerism. A well-publcized, and inexpensive training session could be used to spark interest, and encourage members to participate in the workings of their Local Group.
Q: What value do you see in having a Region 2 Website, and how can it best be used to benefit the members of our Region?
A prominently available website, reachable from Local Group, National and personal websites is necessary. Information on the workings of the Region, and especially RGs and meetings can be available from the website. Region II is lucky to have an up-to-date, informative and easy-to-use website, and it is my priority to keep it that way.
Q: Some RVCs have appointed Assistant RVCs. If elected, do you think you will appoint an assistant, and if so, what responsibilities would you give this person?
I have had several inquiries in that area, and that has included offers of assistance. I will be contacting those individuals once the election is over, and be offering them the ability to perform services for the region. Those who are interested may reach me at ed@edgor.com.
Q: Should local funding be increased? If so, then what could be cut from the budget to make such funding possible?
There has been much discussion on the cost of yearly dues. American Mensa has strived hard to keep the cost low, in order to keep the dues low. There are cost-cutting efforts still in process, and if they are successful, there will be more funds available for the local group.
Q: What is the best use of RVC funds?
The best use of RVC funds is to help the local groups. Emergency funds should be available to solve problems. Also, leadership development is important, and funds should be earmarked for running LDWs.
Q: Do you aspire to any Mensa office higher than RVC? If so, which office?
At this point, the only thought on my mind concerns how I can best serve the Region. I do aspire to help the organization manage and improve communication to the membership, through newsletters and the web, and would make that one of my goals as RVC.
Q: What are your goals as RVC?
My goal is simple: to be accessible to the members of the Region, and be responsive to their requests for assistance. I can be reached now at rvc2candidate@edgor.com.
Q: How do you plan to go about meeting those goals?
I am available by telephone, email, and I will set up a mail group for Region II. I plan to attend all RGs, and to make myself available for other requests for attendance. In addition, I will have a staff of experienced members to assist me.
Q: What is your present level of activity within your local chapter, and do you plan to be involved with your local chapter during your term as RVC, if elected?
Due to my hectic involvement at work, and running the Partner's Program for the IEEE Sections Congress (spouse hospitality for the international convention), I was busy. In the meantime, I have been available to MWM for counsel, and have assisted members of the ExComm in at least one decision of which I am proud. I will be available to them as required, and as stated previously, I always keep avenues of communication open.
Q: If you lose the RVC election, what are your plans in regards to service to Mensa over the next two years?
I am not planning on losing, and as such have made no other plans, other than to be available when needed. I am not hesitant to act as a catalyst, when requested, as I have been for the PRP program in 2002, and the AG bid for 2005 for Hershey.

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