Front Porch Personnel

Hey there... just some thoughts from Ryan about how the Front Porch might be run (it's coming up very soon!)

For now, I'd like to just list a few important roles (all of which are unpaid, for now anyway) that people must assume in order to keep the place running efficiently.

Manager - The first Manager of the FP will be Christina. She will coordinate volunteer schedules, cleaning, stocking, and the business of keeping the place open. You might call "Front Porch Manager" a position, instead of a role, but the rest of these in the list will be roles, to be assumed by individuals for a particular purpose at a particular time, not something you'd put on a business card.

Host - A Host is someone who has gone through Front Porch training, understands the missional-relational vision, and has some basic experience with the nuts and bolts of the place. This person would be trusted to oversee the operation of the facility during normal cafe hours, show hospitality to any guests who come in, and coordinate clean-up at the end. A host may possess a key to the building, but not necessarily.

Barista - This is a person who wants to work at the coffee bar, and serve other hospitality functions of the Front Porch, but has not had time to gain the vision or experience that a host needs to have.
Event Leader - Anytime there is an activity, event, concert, gathering, etc at the FP, a particular individual will be the designated Event Leader. This person will be responsible for everything that happens within the context of that event. This may sound obvious, but it can be easy, if we're not careful, to have a concert or something, and no one knows "who's in charge".

Helper - This is anyone who wants to volunteer to serve the needs of the Front Porch in a particular way. Some ways to be a helper include: cleaning, equipment repair, computer maintenance, soundboard or projector operation, childcare, or get your diploma! Wait... forget that last part. Anyway... this person will coordinate a time with the FP Manager to come and help out however they see fit.

At no time will the Front Porch be open without at least two people present. One of these two people must be a Host. The other person can be anyone, as long as they keep an awareness of the Host's safety, and are willing to help whenever needed. If two people are scheduled to be at the FP, and one has to cancel, the FP will remain closed until a second person is found.

Got some more stuff about FP protocol coming soon... For now, let me know your thoughts on what I've said so far.