Dear Helen,
We've been looking over your risk position and we want to suggest some minor changes in the way you handle your Mensa activities.
We know you have a reputation as a good cook and enjoy serving food and drink to your guests, but are you licensed or certified in food safety? If not, it would be better from a risk management position if you just refrained from offering your Mensa guests anything except individually packaged chips, wrapped candy and canned soft drinks — unopened, to be sure. And serving alcohol in any form is very hazardous from a RM perspective.
As a matter of fact, it would really be best if you didn't invite Mensa guests to your home at all. Getting a gibby tummy is only one small part of the risk picture. There's always the possibility of someone being bitten by your dog, or tripping in the yard, or having a chair collapse under them. Don't underestimate the probability of a lawsuit!
Oh, and just to be on the right side of risk management, don't offer to share a ride to Mensa activities. We know you're a good driver, but accidents do happen! And don't share your room with anyone except immediate family; you don't know what someone might misinterpret.
Of course, accepting these suggestions will make it all but impossible for you to do any more SIGHT hosting, but do you really think it's worth taking the chance just to be hospitable and to get acquainted with strangers?
It's our duty as your advisors to think about all the things that might happen and tell you how to protect yourself by mitigating your responsibility. It's especially important now, because the American Mensa board has its own Risk Management team and is actively engaged in distancing itself from liability. And you know who that leaves holding the bag!
By the way, did you read the disclaimer now being included with the listings of Gatherings in the Mensa Bulletin? We strongly urge you to use the same sort of wording whenever you list anything in your local Calendar; it won't protect you completely, but it does show due prudence in the event of a suit.
We hope you will continue to enjoy all the benefits of your Mensa membership, carefully.
Sincerely,
Bill Yew, RM Consultant