Staff

Ring Lake Ranch’s year-round staff includes Kirk Lindstrom, Facilities Manager; Alli Moore, Business Manager; Amy Mears, Associate Director; and Andy Blackmun, Executive Director. 

 

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Ring Lake Ranch is an ecumenical, theologically progressive retreat center. Out of that commitment, Ring Lake Ranch strives to create a safe and welcoming culture that supports spiritual growth and renewal, community, and intellectual stimulation for all members of the Ranch community in a wilderness setting. We create that culture by expecting the following from our staff:

Intentional Inclusivity: We seek to welcome all guests, volunteers, and staff, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, or disability (while also acknowledging the limitations inherent in the physical facility and environment).

Shield Guests from Conflict: Many guests come to the Ranch to regenerate from busy lives and burnout and staff should not burden guests with RLR staff-related issues. Complaints and conflict are inevitable and need to be discussed, but with staff only. Conversations regarding politics and social issues should be held in the spirit of listening and seeking to understand. Divisive debate is inconsistent with the environment we are creating for our guests.

Guest Engagement: The staff team is expected to engage with guests throughout the day, participate in meals and meal clean-up with guests when possible, and understand that each staff position carries hospitality responsibilities. Staff members are invited, though not required, to participate in evening seminars.

Community Life: Working and living at Ring Lake Ranch is an exercise in living in intentional community. Patience, generosity, and mutual support are key components of an enjoyable staff season at Ring Lake Ranch. Staff members are expected to be helpful and supportive of one another at all times. Conflict is inevitable but also provides opportunities for growth, connection, and wisdom. If staff members are in conflict, they should make every effort to resolve the issues between themselves. The Executive Director is always available to help work out any issues if needed. Talking negatively about other staff without addressing issues directly with the other people involved is never helpful.

Living in a community means caring for the health and well-being of everyone in the community, including oneself. RLR provides regular time off and staff should take time to rest and relax regularly; the work of the Ranch can feel endless, so everyone should understand that their health and well-being are as important as any particular task that ‘must’ be done. Staff should ask for help whenever needed.

At the same time, members of the RLR staff should be prepared to offer help whenever requested. Job responsibilities should be fulfilled with the intention of supporting other staff in their work, i.e. work spaces kept clean and organized for the next person, etc.

The health and safety of the entire RLR community is a priority. Caring for the health of the entire community means that staff should take paid sick days that are available when needed. During times of possible exposure to communicable diseases, staff, guests, and volunteers will be expected to follow public health recommendations for masking and other prevention practices.

Servant Leadership: The year-round RLR staff should see themselves as in service to the summer staff and understand that they are tasked with making sure that the summer staff has what they need to perform their jobs well and happily.

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