Basic Facts: A Brief Intro

Who Is NNJM?

NNJM stands for Northern New Jersey Mensa, a local chapter of American Mensa. We are a diverse and interesting group of over 600 members from all ages.

What Is Mensa?

Mensa is an international society whose sole qualification for membership is a score in the top 2 percent of the general population on a standardized intelligence test. They aim to foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity, and provide a stimulating intellectual and social environment for members.

Where Is NNJM?

Local groups are determined by Zip Code areas. NNJM is made up of the Zip Codes starting with 071, 073, 074, 075, 076, 078, part of 079, and most of 070. This is roughly the area of the state north of Interstate Route 78, minus Sussex and part of Warren counties.

Why should I Join NNJM?

  • 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!
  • 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 was NNJM born?

Once upon a time, the organization called Mensa was unknown in northern New Jersey. Slowly, a small number escaped from the Densa masses and banded together for mutual mental preservation.

On a June day in 1969, Sid Riskin called Marvin Lippincott to see if he was interested in being active in Mensa. Marv’s reply was to come on over and discuss how to have Mensa become a viable entity in the northern part of New Jersey. Thus was born North Jersey Mensa, growing into Northern New Jersey Mensa as we know it today. There were other groups before and after that also contributed to NNJM, some of which will be mentioned further.

Sid began publishing a local newsletter, Entropy, and acted as Local Secretary. Marvin became Treasurer. In November (issue #3 of Entropy), a call was made for more participation and a meeting was arranged to discuss the future and organization of NJM. Events listed for November included poker, bridge, a luncheon, an open house and a business meeting.

How Can I Join NNJM?

First you have to be a member of American Mensa.  Tell them you want to be in Northern New Jersey Mensa.  If you’re in our turf, that will be the default anyway, but it never hurts to be sure. Learn more on our How to Join page.

Click here to learn more.