Support Ellen's monastic training and service

Ellen McSweeney is organizing this fundraiser.

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The short version: Ellen and Susan are asking for your support as they embark on a new chapter. Ellen will soon become a Resident at the Monastic Academy (MAPLE) in Vermont, where she will enter intensive meditation training, leadership training, and service for the next 15 months. We have committed to raising $6,000 for MAPLE to support Ellen's training fee. We are also seeking to raise an additional $1,500 to offset our travel costs, as we will be visiting each other consistently throughout the residency. This is an exciting moment for us, as we seek to deepen all the ways that our relationship can become a force for good in the world.

For the longer version, read on. <3

What is MAPLE, and why is Ellen going there?

MAPLE is an educational institution that uses Buddhist monastic training to create awakened leaders. MAPLE acknowledges that our world needs leaders who can help confront our biggest existential challenges, including climate crisis and social instability, with wisdom and love.

I recently spent two months there for an Apprenticeship, which was a kind of trial period to test for mutual fit between me and the organization. Within a few weeks of being there, it became immediately clear that I was being called to stay. The teacher there, Soryu, trained for many years in the monasteries of Japan and Tibet. He has become a wonderful guide, inspiration, and role model for how I can bring contemplative practice together with community life and social transformation.

In many ways it feels like everything I’ve done in my life has led me to MAPLE: my decade of meditation practice, four years of psychological training, and two years immersed in the climate emergency movement have all come together there. The heartbreaking circumstances of our world are calling all of us to make radical changes in our lives. I feel blessed to have found a context to serve in a way that so deeply aligns with my values.

Hanging out with Susan in Stowe, VT after my first month of training -- a very happy day.

What is the goal of the training, or what might Ellen do afterward?

In the coming years, it’s possible that I’ll have the opportunity to contribute to founding another branch of the organization, perhaps closer to home in D.C. (MAPLE intends to create a “forest of modern monasteries” across the country and world; there are already branches near San Francisco and Toronto.) It’s also possible that my role will include providing psychological support to people on their spiritual paths, or even eventually teaching the Dharma myself. This is something I have always dreamed of -- but I never thought I would have the opportunity to train deeply enough to be truly worthy of the teacher role.

And how does Susan feel about all this!?
I (Susan) feel deeply grateful that Ellen has found a place that is so meaningful to her to do this training. I had the opportunity to visit MAPLE in June, and it’s clear to me that the monastery is an intensely beautiful community where important work is being done. While it is sometimes hard to be holding down the fort in DC, I am comforted by the depth of Ellen’s and my relationship and the knowledge that we are each on a path during this time, growing both separately and together. I am honored to be able to support a dream of Ellen’s in being with this community, and perhaps creating a version of that in our city once her residency is over.

How will the money be spent?

We have committed to raising $6,000 for MAPLE -- to help the organization feed, house, and train me during my residency. The remainder of the fundraising goal will help us cover travel expenses as we both go back and forth regularly between D.C. and Vermont. (Ellen will return home for monthlong periods in December, April, and August; Susan plans to visit Vermont regularly in between.)

Deep gratitude, honoring my mom, + my vow to use your generosity well

Across my life, I have been blessed with an incredibly generous community of family and friends. I am so grateful for your considering supporting me in this way, and I pledge to make the best possible use of your generosity.

As I respond to this calling, I feel my Mom’s presence with me so powerfully, and I am grateful for all my ancestors, living and gone. I don't think I would be on the Dharma path if it hadn't been for my parents' example. Through this period of training and service, I feel I am following in my Mom's footsteps and seeking to know the things that she came to know. By giving my life in service to all beings, I am simply acting upon what I learned by watching her face death with great love and courage. Thank you so much in advance for considering sharing some of your precious resources with me. And if you do choose to support me, may that generosity bring you joy!