Support Our Work and Become a Member of a Movement
What if dying didn't have to be solitary?
Membership at Emberlight is an invitation to belong – to walk with others who value presence, compassion, and community through every season of life. Membership is how you become part of this circle, as someone who says: this matters to me, and I want to be counted among those who hold it.
When you join, you become part of a movement returning care to the hands of community. You also sustain the home itself, where volunteers in Western North Carolina care for people from all walks of life through their final days, free of charge.
What Membership Opens
Emberlight membership depends on conscious giving. There's no set number of volunteer hours, no pre-determined amount we ask of you. Some members give financially, some give time and skills, many give a bit of both, in whatever way fits this season of their life. What matters is not the size of the gift, but the yes behind it.
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Early access. First invitation to our workshops, retreats, and gatherings before they open more widely.
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Member gatherings and education. A standing place at events where death is spoken of honestly, without flinching.
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A hand in Suites care. A closer connection to the daily life of our comfort care home and the people it holds. You’ll hear the stories of our residents and the impact of your gifts in our Embers That Light Our Way monthly member newsletter.
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Discounted lodging. A reduced Airbnb rate when you visit campus for an event or retreat.
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A sense of belonging. A named place in a community that holds grief and joy in the same room.
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Living into your legacy. A tangible way to see your values made real in the world, while you're here to witness it.
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Behind-the-scenes updates. A closer look at the work between the newsletters, from the garden to the Sanctuary.
You don't have to be local. You don't have to live in our state, or even in the US.
We don't know what happens after the last breath leaves a body. We do know that the crossing fire burns steadier when more hands help tend it. We would be glad if yours were one of them.
Voices From Our Circle
We asked a few people who joined this year to tell you, in their own words, what becoming a member has meant to them. Their stories are below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to donate to be a member? Yes, in some way. We are asking you to make a conscious commitment of giving. You may choose to donate financially, offer your volunteer service, or a combination of both.
What does conscious giving mean? Conscious giving begins with a question rather than an amount. What does this work offer you, the community and the world? Your gift follows from that answer and is a reflection of the change and the impact you can create in the world.
Do I need to renew every year? Yes. Membership is an annual recommitment to support this path of love and service. Each fall, we ask members to reconnect and register again to have their presence counted.
Do I have to live near Swannanoa to be a member? No. Members join us from across the country and beyond. We have members in 27 states and six countries around the world.
Who do I contact with questions?
Chelsea Trinka. giving@emberlightway.org.
New Members: Ready to Begin Your Journey as a Member?
Existing Members, see next section.
Take a moment to listen to the New Member Reflection. This short audio meditation helps you pause, consider what generosity means to you, and set an intention for how you will contribute.
After Completing the Reflection:
When we give with a generous intention, we both deepen our own lives and enrich the world around us. Commit today. Your action ensures that Emberlight remains a sanctuary where presence, compassion, and wisdom guide how we live and how we meet death.
“It takes time to practice generosity, but being generous is the best use of our time.”
– Thich Nhat Hanh