AAGT in Action: Building Connections with Phoenix Mensa

AAGT’s work extends beyond conferences, professional learning, and advocacy. It also means showing up, building relationships, and creating connections with others who care about gifted individuals and the communities that support them.

Last Saturday, AAGT Vice President Dr. Rowe Van Meter and Board Director Dr. Becki West Keur attended the Greater Phoenix Mensa Appreciation Event to connect with members of the organization and share more about the work of the Arizona Association for Gifted and Talented.

Why does this matter?

Gifted individuals do not stop being gifted when they leave the classroom. The experiences, needs, interests, and challenges associated with giftedness can continue throughout a lifetime. Organizations like AAGT and Phoenix Mensa may serve different communities and have different missions, but there are meaningful opportunities to learn from one another, build connections, and strengthen support for gifted individuals across Arizona.

These relationships also help expand the reach of gifted advocacy. The more people who understand the importance of supporting gifted learners, the stronger our collective voice becomes. Community members can advocate, volunteer, share their expertise, support programs, connect AAGT with new partners, and help ensure gifted learners and those who serve them have access to the resources and opportunities they need.

For AAGT, getting involved in the community means listening as much as sharing. It means learning about the work others are doing, identifying areas where our goals align, and finding meaningful ways to support one another.

We are grateful to Dr. Van Meter and Dr. West Keur for representing AAGT and beginning these conversations with Phoenix Mensa.

This is what AAGT in Action looks like: showing up, building relationships, and creating a stronger community for gifted learners across Arizona.

And there is a place for you in that work, too.

Whether you are an educator, parent, student, community member, organization, or simply someone who believes in the potential of gifted learners, we invite you to connect with AAGT, get involved, and help us continue building a stronger gifted community throughout Arizona.