Dear Respected Thay,

Dear Beloved Sangha,

This June, Plum Village is hosting an international Order of Interbeing retreat, celebrating the 60-year continuation of our Order. This is a unique opportunity for Order members from around the world to practice together and honor the Order’s continuation across generations.

The original Order members were all young people, full of energy to bring peace into the world. In the past year, we started an international study group for young OI aspirants to support and encourage young people to join the Order. Our study group has 75 participants from 29 different countries and 5 continents.

We deeply wish to support these young aspirants to be part of this historic gathering in Plum Village and celebrate our global diversity together. Many of our aspirants come from the Global South, identify as BIPOC/People of Color and/or LGBTQIA+. Many have chosen engaged livelihoods that provide only a small income or no income at all.

For some aspirants—especially those in Africa and Latin America—this would be their very first opportunity to attend a retreat at a Plum Village center. Without substantial financial support for travel and retreat costs, their participation would not be possible.

In total, 25 young aspirants from our study group are seeking financial support to attend this retreat. We are therefore reaching out to our global Sangha family, inviting you to help make their presence possible. Your contribution—of any amount—will directly support travel and retreat costs, enable these young practitioners to be nourished by the collective energy, wisdom, and care of the international OI family.

Supporting these young aspirants is not only an act of generosity—it is an investment in the future and continuation of the Order of Interbeing. Being able to practice alongside senior members and fellow aspirants from around the world will deeply support their aspiration, practice, and capacity to serve.

With trust and deep gratitude for your support,

Trish Thompson, Chân An Định

Julia Ramanoelina, Chân Hài Nghiêm

Br. Chân Trời Bảo Tạng

- Wake Up International OI Study Group (WIOS) Supervising Dharma Teachers

Arlind, Jaz, Jazz, Joanna, Maíra, Simone, Soeui-Fah, Verena & Br. Duc Niem

- WIOS Organizing Team

(Contact: oi [at] wkup [dot] org)

PS: If you would like to attend the retreat but but face challenges with travel, or would benefit from assistance—such as having a young aspirant accompany you and help with logistics—please feel free to reach out to us.