 Lurie is a member of Mensa.The United Nations/RANAN LURIE Political Cartoon Awards were created by former Secretary General Kofi Annan in 2000 and continued by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.The award recognizes cartoons that ""enhance, explain and help direct the spirit and principles of the U.N."" The three first awards are worth a total of $18,000 and are distributed along with ten recognition plaques signed by the Secretary General and Ranan Lurie.