STAFF ALAKA’I RESIDENCY

The Staff Alaka’i Residency is a volunteer program, a missionary role. Staff Alaka’i spend one full year (3 sessions) as a leader activating younger leaders and pouring into the mission of HLR. This program is intended for those ready to lead with our staff: a step up and beyond our main residency. Its an incredible opportunity for those who want a taste of vocational ministry and thrive in a dynamic setting— one moment you may be leading residents in Bible study and worship, the next your hands are in the dirt farming, the next you’re baking sourdough bread, and the next you’re diving into the logistics of a nonprofit… Here, there’s never a dull moment and plenty of opportunity to grow in God’s calling over your life.

This program is free-of-cost and has in-kind provisions mentioned below.

What is an Alaka’i?

Alaka’i is a Hawaiian word meaning “leader” or “guide” with an emphasis on service and living out the principles they teach. Alaka’i come in as one-year missionaries to pour into young leaders, develop this program, and be trained for their own future lives of ministry and calling. They work alongside and under HLR-employed staff, Makanalani leadership, and Genesis Collective. An Alaka’i’s main functions are:

• Mentor/Teacher: leading the residents to Jesus

• Service Site Supervisor: overseeing functions of farm, production, markets, and kids house

• Assistance to Director & Coordinator: programming and hospitality support

• House Shepherd: providing care and authority to our communal living

How does an Alaka’i live?

Schedule: We provide a less-than full-time schedule (30 hrs per week) based on the residency programming.

Provisions: We make in-kind provisions, including:

• Lodging: a large bedroom (single or shared with 1-2 people), and a private bathroom

  • on a 5 acre property in North Shore Kaua’i, 7 minutes from the nearest beach and surf

• Food: 3 meals per day and snacks, regular access to farm-fresh fruit and our remaining products

Outside employment opportunity: Volunteers are connected with Makanalani Group’s local business for paid employment opportunities—at Jojo’s Shaved Ice or Chicken in a Barrel. Alaka’i can schedule shifts in their remaining hours (10-15 hours per week) of a “full” week.

Support-raising: An Alaka’i has access to missionary-style support-raising resources through HLR and Genesis Collective, as well as regular progress check-ins while they are here. This—plus the opportunity to pick up shifts—can provide pocket-money for remaining expenses: car/gas money, flights home, recreation and rest activities. HLR does not provide personal cars to staff/volunteers— we recommend they ship theirs or get one locally. Alaka’i have access to resident cars, with the same gas/mileage price and driving limits.

In-between sessions: An Alaka’i is asked to stay for at least half of the “in-between" period (when sessions aren’t running), primarily the two weeks before a session to help prepare. Alaka’i will also help with production, citrus, markets, and sheep during this time. These weeks host short days, lighter responsibilities, and a quiet house. This is a time where Alaka’i can recharge socially and spiritually before the incoming session.

California trip: An Alaka’i may be asked to lead the California trip. Their flights and food would be covered by HLR in this scenario.

Specific Tracks:

Each Alaka’i chooses an available track. Below, the tracks are listed in order of most-pressing to least-pressing:

• Farm & Land Alaka’i Track (1 Spot Available, male preferably)

  • Focused on leading farm service, progressing land-related projects like an on-property garden

  • Great for anyone that thrives in the outdoors, is interested in farming and sustainability, enjoys manual labor

  • Also has general ministry responsibilities (e.g. leading a small group, caring for residents)

• Production & Baking Alaka’i Track (1 Spot Available, female preferably)

  • Focused on leading production of farm-to-table products

  • Great for anyone interested in production/baking and starting their own small business one day

  • Also has general ministry responsibilities (e.g. leading a small group, caring for residents)

• General Ministry Alaka’i Track (1+ Spot Available)

  • Focused on the culture of the program and spiritual development of residents. Opportunities to: lead Bible study, teach, mentor, lead prayer and worship

  • Great for anyone called into further leadership in the Body of Christ

  • Will oversee whatever service site is most in-need or most fitting to their skills

• Administrative Alaka’i Track (1 Spot Available)

  • Focused on growing the communication, organization, and scheduling/programming of our nonprofit. May work closely with coordinators on recruiting and media as well.

  • Great for anyone with a call to administrative ministry or nonprofit work.

  • Looking for someone who is highly organized, structured, and an excellent communicator.

  • Also has general ministry responsibilities (e.g. leading a small group, caring for residents)

  • May oversee service site if time allows

All Alaka’i share in common ministry responsibilities, house leadership, and overseeing some amount of service— but these specific tracks drive the primary focus.

Who are we looking for?

This is a leadership for those who are ready, and for those who have graduated in age and maturity past the residency. If you’re looking simply for equipping as a leader, you should check out our main program.

• Ideally, ex-residents/interns!

  • Will show up at least 2 weeks prior to their start session for training and prep

• We are open to non-former residents/interns, but they must come during the session prior* to get trained on service sites

  • *Minimum 1 month, preferably a whole session as a resident

  • This includes emerging Genesis Collective leaders

  • This includes other exceptional candidates

• Leadership qualities

  • Humility and brokenness before the Lord, obedient to Him

  • Has a heart for Gen Z/ young adults

  • Lives a life “set apart” in prayer and scripture

  • Exceptional communication skills

  • Teachable, dynamic, honest

  • Organized and clean

  • Bold to jump in and learn, even if via failure: we are far from perfect, but we are proactive

• Ideally, 24-26 years old

  • On average, this age bracket can walk in authority and have experience to deposit to residents (average resident age= 21).

  • We are open to candidates outside this range if qualified/exceptional.

• Relevant experiences (appreciated, but not required) :

  • Leadership in church or other ministry (esp. young adults)

  • Time spent or deeply interested in: farming/gardening, baking & food, or camp ministry

  • Related degree or career experience

TO APPLY:

Reach out directly to coordinators (noah@makanalani.com) or at our contact link if you’re interested in applying or for more information!

***This role is not employment, it is not compensated***

WE ARE TAKING ALAKA’I APPLICATIONS, LOOKING TO FILL 3 MORE SPOTS ASAP