In-Person Hosting and Facilitating
Hallmarks
You can call it an In-person Make Shift Coffee House if it meets the following 7 criteria:
- The purpose is to help people understand each other's political views, and hang out.
- Free admission and a welcoming environment for all ages and all types of people.
- Diverse political perspectives and beliefs among participants (special outreach required to achieve this).
- Neutral, humble, creative, competent facilitation.
- Free food, coffee, and other beverages.
- Live music.
- Listed on the In-person Make Shift Coffee House website calendar.
Host An In-person Make Shift Coffee House
Does your community provide opportunities for respectful, civil discussions with people of diverse political opinions?
If not, YOU could get it started. Consider bringing an In-person Make Shift Coffee House to your local library, grange hall, church basement, school, VFW hall, or other public space.
Send us an email to request our comprehensive Hosting Guide or our Guide for Colleges and Universities.
Although Make Shift Coffee House Hosts are not required to attend our Training Sessions, it's highly encouraged!
Facilitate an In-person Make Shift Coffee House
Facilitating an In-person Make Shift Coffee House is not for amateurs, yet any experienced facilitator who believes in the Make Shift Purpose and Hallmarks can do a terrific job.
Before you facilitate an In-person Make Shift Coffee House, we recommend (although not required) you have:
- Attended a Make Shift Coffee House
- Participated in Make Shift Coffee House Facilitator Training with Craig
About Facilitator Training
An In-Person Make Shift Coffee House Training Session with Craig Freshley is a full-day event. The morning portion focuses on topics like logistics, promotion, venue, music, food, etc. The afternoon portion focuses on topics such as implementing Make Shift Coffee House formats, facilitation techniques, how to handle group conflict, time management, etc. Facilitators are expected to attend both the morning and afternoon sessions.
Let us know if you are Planning an In-person Make Shift Coffee House
If you are planning to host or facilitate an In-person Make Shift Coffee House, it's critical that you let us know so we can post it on our website calendar, be a resource for you, and provide you with Make Shift Coffee House branded materials. We want to be helpful. Please reach out and ask us questions.