Context and thinking around our Season of Preparation costs and OMS financial model:
In 2005, the OMS began with just a handful of members. Amazingly, by the end of 2025, our 20th birthday, we will likely have over 1000 members. It’s a real coming of age for the OMS in many ways.
The OMS has been a volunteer-based organisation, from the top down, since its inception. However, over the last couple of years we have seen how our size, scope and rate of growth has caused stress both for our existing infrastructures and for our volunteers.
What does this mean for OMS now?
Our rapid growth and desire to stay true to our value of kindness and hospitality has catalysed some consultation with multiple stakeholders. We’ve also researched other Orders, similar to the OMS, in different countries, to learn from their funding models and structures.
Here are the decisions we’ve come to:
1. We now have paid staff.
a. We hired a one day a week Operations Manager a year ago and it quickly became evident that the role required at least another additional day a week. Going forward, our Operations Manager will work two days a week.
b. We have hired a three day a week administrator to manage administration, incoming inquiries about the Order, and the admissions process: the Season of Preparation, preparation cohort management, vow ceremonies and the like. They require substantially more administrative support in order to facilitate the increase of applicants and interest in the order in a timely and efficient manner.
c. The Global Convenor role, which has always been voluntary, will be paid a half day a week. Upon the selection of a new Global Convenor, they will be paid for a full day a week.
2. We are charging more for the Season of Preparation. This year the actual cost OMS currently incurs to take someone through the Season of Preparation is £150.
We will be presenting a sliding scale of payment: £100 (for those who cannot afford the full cost), £150 (actual cost of Season of Preparation), and £200 (for those who would like to help others). Additionally, easily accessible full bursaries will be made available, as well as a ‘Ring Fund’ for those who cannot afford to purchase a ring.
3. We are encouraging members to donate £10 – £100 per month towards the ongoing work of the OMS.
4. Once a year (on February 11, the anniversary of our founding), we will continue to take an annual offering towards special projects (rather than the core costs of running the order).
We understand that this is a lot of change and information to digest, and you may have questions too about the thinking behind the decision. We’ve compiled some more detailed information in an OMS Financial Model FAQ page which we hope you find helpful. If you have any further questions, please do feel free to email: info@orderofthemustardseed.com
Thank you again for your on-going support and all that you do to contribute to the Order.
With thanks,
Jill Weber (Global Convenor of the Order of the Mustard Seed)