About Us

What is Mensa?

MENSA is an international society in which the sole qualification for membership is a score at or above the 98th percentile on one of a variety of standardized I.Q. tests. Mensa is a non-profit organization whose major purposes are to identify and foster human intelligence, to encourage research into the nature, characteristics and uses of intelligence, and, primarily, to provide an intellectually stimulating social environment for its members.

Mensa provides intelligent individuals an opportunity to meet and interact with their peers at events on local, regional and national levels. Mensans also exchange ideas through a variety of publications. Mensa members work to help others in their communities by providing scholarships and volunteering for community-oriented activities.

Inland Empire Mensa

INLAND EMPIRE MENSA (IEM) serves the growing Inland Empire region of Southern California, encompassing Riverside and San Bernardino counties. With 382 members, IEM hosts many activities and meetings each month for our membership: dinners, discussion groups, special interest groups (SIGs), our monthly Board meeting, holiday parties, monthly game night, and more. Browse this month's calendar for information about what's happening in IEM.

The History of Inland Empire Mensa

Until the early 1980’s, the Inland Empire area was part of Greater Los Angeles Area Mensa (GLAAM). In 1982, Sara Pauley was elected Area Secretary. She and Assistant Area Secretary Len Metz drove to L.A. for meetings. Sara and Len learned that with the approximately 300 Inland Empire members they had, and a strong core of dedicated volunteers, they could make it as a separate group.

With support and encouragement from Dave Felt, the former AMC Chair and our first Regional Vice Chair, Sara and the IE members withdrew from GLAAM and founded Inland Empire Mensa, with Sara elected as our first Local Secretary.

The Geography of Inland Empire Mensa

IEM covers a very large geographical area. To facilitate planning of more localized activities and allow members to meet other Mensans in their areas, IEM is divided into ‘Enclaves’ by zip code. We are looking for volunteers to be Area Coordinators in each Enclave, to help expand communication and encourage local member activities and participation.

I. Ontario, Chino, Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga, Alta Loma, Upland, Norco, Corona
II. Fontana, Colton, Bloomington, Riverside, San Bernardino, Rialto
III. Redlands, Highland, Running Springs, Yucaipa, Loma Linda
IV. Big Bear Lake/City, Angelus Oaks, Blue Jay, Crestline, Arrowhead
V. Morongo Valley, Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms
VI. Moreno Valley, Perris, Romoland, Banning, Beaumont
VII. Lake Elsinore, Sun City, Murrieta, Temecula, Canyon Lakes, Menifee
VIII. Coachella Valley - Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Thousand Palms, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Desert Hot Springs & Blythe
IX. Apple Valley, Victorville, Hesperia, Wrightwood, Phelan, Mt. Baldy, Helendale, Hinkley
X. Hemet, San Jacinto, Idyllwild, Winchester