What Is MWM?

   MWM stands for Metropolitan Washington Mensa, a local chapter of American Mensa.  We are currently the second largest US chapter in terms of numbers of members, and are quickly gaining on New York.

Where Is MWM?

   As you might have guessed from the name, we cover the Washington DC metropolitan area.  Very roughly, our turf extends north about halfway to Baltimore, south about halfway to Richmond, east about halfway to the coast, and west just into West Virginia.

Why Should I Join MWM?

  • In a world that is large, fast-paced, extremely busy, and impersonal, Mensa offers community: a small group of people who have something in common, enjoy each other’s company, and care about each other.  I know that if I had to move to another part of the country, I could immediately find another welcoming group of possible friends.
  • We’re an elite organization: only 2% of the world qualifies, and YOU would be part of it!
  • The Mensa community is full of people who get your jokes.  No need to explain things 5 times, slowly and carefully -- we get what you’re saying the first time and can add to it.  We can also tell if you’re blowing smoke, so have your facts right, but don’t be afraid to brainstorm -- we’re great at that!
  • MWM brings our members the best calendar of events in the country, if not the world.  We offer all sorts of events -- around 100 each month -- at all sorts of places for all sorts of Mensans over most of each calendar month, in Maryland, DC, and Virginia.  See the next paragraph for more details.  And we have an award-winning Gifted Youth Program.
  • AND check out our member benefits at US.Mensa.org.  Members can save money on auto insurance, pet insurance, car rentals, hotel rentals, travel packages, books and magazines, as well as instant discounts at PC Connection, Office Depot and Dell Computers.  All it takes is your Mensa Membership Card to save up to 30%.

When Can I Experience MWM?

   We offer around 100 wildly varying events each month at all sorts of places for all sorts of Mensans in Maryland, DC, Virginia, and even WV.  Plus, we have two free “official” events each month: the New Members’ Open House, and the Saturday Night Party, and 4 official yearly events: May’s fantastic Regional Gathering, September’s Annual Picnic, October’s Annual Election Party, and December’s Annual Holiday party.  Most of these are free and open to all members and their guests.  Finally, we also have that award-winning Gifted Youth Program mentioned earlier.

How Can I Join MWM?

   First you have to join American Mensa (not just any National Mensa within Mensa International).  Tell them you specifically want to be in Metropolitan Washington Mensa.  If you're in our turf, that will be the default anyway, but it never hurts to be sure.