Intertel (previously the International Legion of Intelligence[1]) is a high-IQ society founded in 1966, that is open to those who have scored at or above the 99th percentile (top 1%) on one of various standardized tests of intelligence.[2] It has been identified as one of the notable high-IQ societies established since the late 1960s with admissions requirements that are stricter and more exclusive than Mensa.[3][4]
Formation | 23 November 1966 |
---|---|
Founder | Ralph B. Haines |
Type | High IQ society |
Membership | 1,500+ |
Official language | English |
Website | intertel-iq |
Intertel was founded in 1966 by Ralph Haines,[5][6] following the example of Roland Berrill and Lancelot Ware (founders of Mensa), who wanted to create an association adapted to the gifted needs without any specific restriction of admission (with the exception of a minimum IQ). Intertel thus became the second oldest organization of this kind, Mensa being the first.
The organizations has three purposes, stated in its constitution:[7]
Intertel is divided into seven regions, with the majority being in North America. Region VI, also known as International, includes members from the rest of the world.[7]
Aligned with one of the goals stated in its constitution, Intertel's members also participate in research on high intelligence.[8][9]
In 1978, Intertel established the international "Hollingworth Award"[10] in memory of renowned psychologist Leta Stetter Hollingworth, who specialized in research on gifted children. This award was annually presented until at least 1993, first sponsored by Intertel and then the Intertel Foundation.[11][12]