Returning to the MROP as an initiator took me deeper than the first time. It was a perfect mix of time in service, in nature, and with brothers. I had no idea that the preparation time on Monday and Tuesday would be so meaningful as well. It is a role I could see doing again and again not only for myself, but on behalf all the men coming through for the first time.
~ Thoughts from an Initiator
The following is for men who have already gone through the MROP:
If you have ever wanted to return to an MROP and even help put one on, serving as an initiator is your opportunity. This is not a repetition of the MROP experience, but rather gives an initiated man the opportunity to deepen his understanding of the MROP while he plays an important role of service in supporting the initiation of other men.
About Being an Initiator
Being an initiator is a multifaceted and essential role. It gives initiated men the opportunity to create and hold the container for the entire MROP process. Following the tradition of a community of elders initiating others into their next stage of life, we are inviting you to join us as an initiator as we “keep the edges hot” in our role of supporting the rites. This will deepen your experience of what happened at your own MROP as you are a part of each gathering in the Sacred Space for the rituals and teachings as well as playing special roles throughout the MROP.
When the initiates are meeting in their small groups, you’ll also be meeting in council with the other initiators. When the initiates are out on their day in the wilderness, you too will spend time by yourself out in nature. Initiators also join in the everyday tasks to make the MROP happen, such as taking turns serving food or washing dishes. Together with the kitchen team and the core team, we’ll all stand shoulder to shoulder, giving our prayerful strength and support to our brothers and to the men being initiated. Thus there is a wonderful rhythm of time together, time alone, time in sacred space, time doing self-care and resting, and time in service. Come join us for a meaningful week. You’ll leave refreshed, reinvigorated, and you’ll have helped paid forward the gift of the MROP to others.
Ideally initiators would arrive Monday May 13th with the rest of the team, and help set up the site. Monday through Wednesday morning involves not only the physical work of setting up, but there are other key preparatory activities, including a fair amount of time with brothers preparing the space and ourselves for what is to come. It is a great chance to spend time with the Weavers and staff and a great amount of bonding occurs with everyone before the initiates arrive on Wednesday. You’ll play an important role in the welcoming of initiates on Wednesday, so even if you aren’t able to come until Wednesday, we ask all initiators to arrive as early as possible.
Everyone who comes is asked to carry their own weight financially. If you need a scholarship, however we will do our best, recognizing that our priority is to scholarship initiates over initiators. Ideally, money should never be a reason one can’t participate. The cost for the program is discounted if you can arrive to help early. (see below)
This program is for you if:
- You have been through the MROP and are an initiated man
- You have a keen desire to deepen your spiritual journey by revisiting the messages of your initiation
- You want to be an active “initiator” – a man who invites and supports other men to become initiated into the Journey of Illumination
- You understand that you are not going through the rites again
- You can be present and be part of the container for the entire MROP event
- Are willing to serve wherever you’re needed in the moment
Many initiators bring men with them who haven’t yet gone through the rites themselves. For some, the thought of going to MROP where they know a friend will be there is a huge help. Please consider who you might invite to the MROP.
As we are able to use initiators, and as initiators are able to serve, we may have additional roles before and after the MROP as well, as we walk this cohort of men through what we expect to be a transformative experience. More details to come on this.
Initiator Program Cost:
$675 Standard for those who arrive Wednesday of MROP
$525 Standard for those who arrive by noon Tuesday of MROP (to help set up)
$395 Standard for those who arrive on Monday morning of MROP (to help set up)
$850 Help scholarship those in need and support the work of Illuman
Scholarships are available. Our goal is to ensure that money is never the reason men can’t participate.
To participate as an initiator, please complete this application and register and pay using this link. (two separate links and steps).
The next step, following your interview, is to complete a medical form.