GY Virtual Event Guidelines

Since Region 8 areas in my purview cover many states, I host quarterly virtual events where gifted youth (GY) can connect with one another.

All youth protection policies still apply in an online environment. While these meetings are virtual, the GY Event Guidelines still apply including

Every scheduled GYP event should have at least two adults, unrelated to each other, present, with at least one being a Mensa member or parent-volunteer who has completed a Mensa background check and has been approved by Mensa to supervise youth events.
No one-on-one contact between an adult leader and a GY in all interactions – whether in person, online, through a web conference, over the phone, via text, or in any other form. In the event where the GY’s parent/guardian’s email is not provided or available, American Mensa’s Gifted Youth Programs Manager, Molly Bundschuh shall be cc’ed on emails.
Each GY should have an adult nearby during virtual meetings; for kids younger than 13 there should be an adult in the same room.

Suggested Participation

Parents/guardians on the GY side of the call or video to simply appear and wave (or say hello) to acknowledge they know the conversation is taking place.
Parents/guardians take part in online activities and meetings

Parent/Guardian Consent Email

Starting January 1, 2024, all Zoom meetings will have a parent/guardian consent disclaimer that must be agreed upon in order to join the virtual event.

Similarly, all parents/guardians will be required to send the regional GYC the following consent via email prior to virtual participation.

Consent email should be as follows:

I give consent for my child/children [insert name(s)] to participate in Zoom meetings with their regional gifted youth program and the regional gifted youth coordinator. I understand that everyone will be following Mensa safety protocol. I understand that I need to discuss with my child(ren) their participation in the Zoom meeting.

See Also