MLA has changed enormously since it was founded five years ago. These changes have prompted many questions: why should MLA not have continued on as the all-volunteer organization it once was? Is all this infrastructure really necessary to do the sacred work in which we are involved? Above all, why should the Men’s Leadership Alliance charge significant amounts for its programs—amounts that make it difficult for those with limited means to attend? Is MLA selling the sacred? Shouldn't the work itself be reward enough for those who conduct the programs?

Perhaps the work itself would be enough, were we living in a different kind of world—one that valued soul work sufficiently to properly support those who facilitated it. Such was often the case with the shamans—their tribes saw to it that their needs were met and more. Our culture doesn't operate that way; It takes structure and funding to coordinate, market and pay for this work. Otherwise the work will always be limited to those whom word-of-mouth brings into the circle. Otherwise those who facilitate the work will continue to do so only through their own initiative.

At its inception in 2003, MLA was delivering two programs, The Art of Leadership (each summer) and the Spirit Camp (twice annually), both in Colorado. 2004 saw the creation of a program for men over 50 (Elderhood) and an annual reunion for those who participated in its programs. In 2005-06 MLA began delivering programs for youth; The Boys Wilderness Camping Trip; and two programs for fathers and sons. To sustain the work, a training of trainers program (Apprenticeship Circle) was established in 2007, with sixteen apprentices currently in training. This year, MLA is conducting programs in Tennessee, Massachusetts and Oregon, along with nine events in Colorado; including a new after-school program, and a retreat which emphasizes Christian traditions using MLA's training methodology. During this time, MLA's budget rose from $18,000 in 2003 to over $200,000 in 2007, with current commitments that will help to secure its future.

I'm a nonprofit administrator, not an expert in men's work (although participation in two spirit camps has taught me a lot). I was hired to create the infrastructure MLA needs to grow—things like a business plan, fundraising materials and so forth. I took this job because I passionately believe in MLA's mission, but I can’t live on passion alone, nor can MLA's facilitators. That's why MLA must charge for its services and continue to seek donations and grants to support the work. If we are successful in changing the way MLA conducts business, we'll be able to support all of those who come to us seeking a path to spirit and soul, whether they can afford to pay or not.

MLA is not attempting to sell the sacred. Thankfully, the sacred is not for sale, it is freely available to any and everyone who makes the decision to open their hearts to divine grace, love and beauty. However, an important part of MLA’s mission is to provide a space for just such sacred work to take place. A space created through programs organized and conducted by talented, experienced, compassionate facilitators who care as deeply about human access to the sacred as MLA’s supporters do. For this important work to succeed on a national and international scale, organization and cash flow are essential.

None of us at MLA are getting rich at this, we’re doing it because we deeply believe in the work and want to bring it to a broader audience. If we are to succeed, we need your support as we move to a more ‘business-like’ structure. Reflective of the need for this change, MLA is going through a difficult financial period and truly needs your support if we are to survive the current economic downturn; anything you can donate at this time—no matter how small— will help to keep our doors open.