Guidelines for Members of the Theosophical Order of Service

7/28/2019 Guidelines for Members of the Theosophical Order of Service

1/11

[3rd Draft]

GUIDE for MEMBERS of the THEOSOPHICAL ORDER OFSERVICE

The Theosophical Order of Service (TOS) was founded by Annie Besant inFebruary 1908 to enable members of the Theosophical Society and non-members to organise for various lines of service in sympathy with the firstobject of the Society: To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhoodwithout distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour.

It draws together like-minded people committed to respecting and servingthe One Life in all beings.It encourages the establishment of a personalrather than remote relationship with those in need. To alleviate or preventgreater suffering, TOS asserts that action is required in the service of all Liferather than just to Humanity.

Purpose

The two-fold purpose of the Theosophical Order of Service is unselfish service for the needy and suffering

the inner transformation of the server.

TOS-Philippines, as a foundation, has expanded the articulation of thegeneral purpose by stating: to make the ideal of Universal Brotherhood ofthe Theosophical Society real and practical in daily life by alleviating humanmisery and pain so as to make the world a happier place for all to live in.

Mission

Annie Besant summarised the mission of the Order in the motto:Towards a union of those who love in the service of all that suffers.

1


2/11

As the service arm of the Theosophical Society, the Theosophical Orderof Service (TOS) shares, in the words of H.P. Blavatsky, the most holyand most important mission to unite firmly a body of men and womenof all nations in fraternal love and bent on a pure altruistic work, noton a labour with selfish motives (HPBs Letter to America, 1888).

AimsCommitting itself to this union, TOS-Philippines aims to

minimize the misery in the world;

work for others selflessly;

eliminate selfishness and greed and the law of the market andsubstitute selflessness, love, charity and the law of mutual aid asthe rule of the world;

live to the highest that is within each of us.

Courses of Action1) Work along self-selected lines of service for the uplift and protection of theplanet and its

inhabitants;

2) Strengthen individual action through collaborative group action;

3) Create social consensus through public advocacy;

4) Explore opportunities for practical application of theosophical principles toissues of

contemporary concern;

5) Build the capacity of people through training and education;

6) Promote social action as a transformative spiritual practice to be valuedand nurtured;

7) Start with living the life of service at home

________________The T.S. Order of Service aimsat making Theosophy practical in order that the sum

of human misery within and around the areasof every branch of our Society may be visibly diminished.

It will seek to model the conceptions arrived at

2


3/11


4/11

HealingGroup healing through meditation and prayer. There is a

prescribed ritual which is usually followed.Participants should be vegetarians for at least six months

before joining the healing group. This includes also the study and

advocacy of all forms of medicine and healing methodsthat are either tested or practiced traditionally. Arts and Crafts

Providing opportunities for artistic expression; promotingcreativity and wholesome approach in allaspects of life; getting involved in the cultivation andappreciation of beauty for its ennobling effect on the humanpersonality.

Members may work individually or collectively as a local TOS group orchapter. Members may contribute to national projects that are consistent

with theosophical principles.

Relationship with the Theosophical SocietyTheTheosophical Society values the Theosophical Order of Service as anavenue to express theosophical living,finding in it a setting whereindividuals may work with others at the local and international level,choosing areas of service that reflect their skills and interests.

The TOS places the utmost importance on a harmonious working relationshipwith the TS.Though the TOS has not so far been present in all the countrieswhere the TS is active, it aspires to being a veritable partner of the TS inmaking the teachings of Theosophy of transformative value in the world.They share the vision of universal brotherhood that is embodied in the firstObject, and complement each other in the distinctive ways they go about itspromotion.

While the TS maintains neutrality on controversial social and political issues,the TOS provides a framework in which stands may be taken on matters ofpublic concern.

Affirming that inner growth and service go hand in hand, the TOSseeks to help the TS in uniting those for whom Theosophy represents adynamic force for both social and individual transformation.

_____________________

The Theosophical ideas of charity

4


5/11

meanpersonal exertion for others;personal mercy and kindness;

personal interest in the welfare of those who suffer;personal sympathy, fore-thought and assistance in their

troubles or needs.

-- H. P. Blavatsky in The Key to Theosophy[Chapter XII, Section On Charity.]

_________________

The TOS in the Philippines

The Philippine branch of TOS was registered with Security andExchange Commission as a non-sectarian, non-profit, charitable

institution on March 9, 1994.

TOS-Philippines initially supported several community-managedprojects, including a credit cooperative, supply of potable water, a drugstore, and a pre-school. These projects attracted foreign volunteers towork in the communities. TOS eventually focused its efforts on childrenand youth and in developing the Golden Link education systeminspired by theosophy.

TOS initially assisted in developing the curriculum and managing theSunshine Learning Center, a pre-schoolfor children located in thepremises of the TSP headquarters. Another project, the TOS Learning(TOSLC) Center, was initiated in San Vicente Ferrer (SVF), Camarin,Barangay. 178, Caloocan City. TOSLC is a community-based preschoolcatering to the children from age 3 years to 5 years old and servingeconomically poor families in the surrounding communities. The TOSLCbuilding was constructed in May 1996, with fund assistance fromASMAE, a French NGO. A group of French volunteers stayed in thecommunity for a month and helped in constructing the building.

In 2002 the TOS supported the establishment of the Golden Link

primary and secondary school for less privileged families in Barangay177 of Camarin. Many of the students were supported by grantscholarships. In 2009, Golden Link became a college institution. Itcurrently provides guidance to four kindergarten and primary schoolsthat advocate the Golden Link approach.

At present, TOS is exploring innovative approaches related to informaland formal education. It assists lodges in developing and planning

5


6/11

projects. The TOS holds office at TSP headquarters building, 1 Iba St.corner P. Florentino St., Barangay Sta.Teresita, Quezon City, MetroManila.

The TOS in the Philippines cooperates with the International TOS and has

fraternal relations with TOS national organizations in various countries.

Responsibilities of the TOS National PresidentThe role of the National President is to: nurture, inspire and support local TOS groups, ensuring that the spirit of

the TOS motto, a union of those who love in the service of all thatsuffers permeates their work

develop and maintain strategies to enhance communication andnetworking between TOS groups and with community groups that sharesimilar principles

maintain good communication with the national TS, informing TS groupsabout the purpose of the TOS and its relationship to the TS and promotingTOS activities amongst the membership at large

encourage TS groups with no associated TOS group to start one andsupport them in doing so

organise gatherings of organisers, beneficiaries and donors, whereappropriate, in order to create fraternal links amongst them

obtain an annual report from each TOS group in the country, organise theannual meeting and plan the TOS contribution to the national TSconvention

coordinate the collection and despatching of donations for internationalTOS projects, where appropriate

provide an annual report to members in the Philippines and theInternational Secretary

contribute to the promotion of the TOS internationally through itspublications.

Board of Trustees

The TOS has a policy-making Board comprising of seven (7) Trustees

The President of the TSP serves as the ex-oficio Chairperson of the TOSBoard of Trustees

All members of the Board are to be elected at a meeting of members for aterm of two (2) years

The TOS national president is selected from among the members of theTOS Board of Trustees.

The Board meets at least once every two months.

6


7/11

StructureThe National President will maintain the following as basic units of the TOSorganizational structure: a section that will inform, harmonize and coordinate work of TOS

members Standing Committees on Investments, Membership and Foundation

Programs

The units are headed by regular members of the TOS.

Membership

Regular members of TOS are those who are also members of goodstanding in the Theosophical Society. They can vote and be electedduring elections.

Associate members of TOS are non-members of the TheosophicalSociety who are in sympathy with the purpose and aims of the TOS.

Honorary members are deserving individuals and institutions whohave contributed significantly to the TOS.

Applicants can become Regular and Associate members afterfollowing a prescribed procedure, including payment of membershipdues. Final acceptance of application is made by the TOS Board ofTrustees

A record of membership will be kept as accurately as possible,including contributors and participants.

Withdrawal of MembershipAny member may withdraw from the Foundation by giving prior notice of atleast thirty (30) days and settling whatever obligation the member owes theFoundation. Membership fees or contributions are non-returnable with thecessation of membership.

Cancellation of MembershipFor a serious and weighty reason, the TOS Board of Trustees may cancel themembership of an individual member by two-thirds vote and after ensuringthat all avenues of mediation and conciliation are explored according tofundamental theosophical principles of brotherhood.

Establishing TOS Local Chapter

When a TOS chapter is established locally, at least two thirds of themembers of a chapter are regular members

7


8/11

Decisions are made by vote or consensus. Records of meetings arekept.

The TOS chapter coordinates with the local TSP lodge and/or with theTOS national office.

The TOS chapter makes a periodic report to the TOS national office.

Financial Accountability

Where donations are collected or funds are raised, records of accountshall be kept and made available for auditing.

Funds should always come from ethical sources.

Funds are donated to projects or activities consistent with the Purposeand Aims of the TOS.

Reporting

TOS members are provided with an Annual Report of activities andfinancial transactions.

Review and Planning

Periodically, TOS members are encouraged toengage collectively inevaluating how well the organisation is working.

Its officers may seek feedback on their skills and on their openness ofmind in conducting the affairs of the TOS and review the effectiveness

of the structures and processes of the organisation in achieving itsgoals.

A TOS Program of Activities is made at the beginning of each year togive direction to service work.

_____________________

All knowledge is useful, and one dayyou will have all knowledge; but while you have only part,

take care that it is the most useful part ...Study then, but study first that which will most help you to

help others.

-- Alcyone, At the Feet of the Master

8


9/11

_________________________________

Role of the International TOS

At the international level, the TOS is managed by the International Secretaryas an autonomous department of the Theosophical Society under theinspiration and guidance of the International President of the TS who is theex officio President of the TOS. The Secretary is appointed by the Presidentfor the period s/he determines.

The International TOS is dedicated to Support individuals striving to apply theosophical principles in their lives

through altruistic service in their local communities

Encourage and guide the formation of TOS groups for work in self-selected lines of service in many areas, such as world peace, animal andsocial welfare, environmental protection, healing, theosophical educationand parenting

Encourage networking of TOS groups with humanitarian serviceorganisations and informal community action groups whose mode ofaction is consistent with the theosophical principles underpinning thework of the TOS. Such networking may include collaboration withenvironmental, human rights and United Nations support groups, forexample.

Encourage communication amongst TOS groups around the world so thatthey support, inspire and cooperate with each other

Channel support for TOS projects, especially in developing countries

Facilitate a rapid response amongst members to international crisesrequiring emergency relief

Provide resource materials for members

Provide training for members in skills and attitudes helpful in servicework

Organise international working conferences from time to time when suchinitiatives are considered beneficial to achieve specific outcomes.

Theosophical Order of Service Foundation, Inc.

A Union of those who love in the service of all that suffer

9


10/11

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Date: ___________________The Board of TrusteesTheosophical Order of Service Foundation, Inc.TSP Bldg., No. 1 Iba St.corner P. Florentino St.

Barangay Sta. TeresitaQuezon City, Metro Manila

Dear Sir or Madam:I wish to apply for membership in the Theosophical Order of Service

Foundation, Inc.

Name:________________________________________________________________________________Birth Date: ___________________ Age: ________ Sex: _______ Civil Status:

______________________

Address:_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Tel. no. _________________________Emailaddress:___________________________________________

Educational Attainment: ____________________ Occupation:___________________________________

Member of the Theosophical Society: _____ Yes / _____ No

Type of Volunteer Engagement_____________________________________________________________(e.g. animal welfare, active citizenry, healing, nature protection, arts and crafts,education, etc)

Volunteer time to be provided (in a day, in a week, in a month)___________________________________

I believe in the purpose of the Theosophical Order of Service Foundation, Inc.,and I shall serve as a volunteer for its realization.

Very truly yours,

__________________________Signature of Applicant

Noted by: _________________________TOS Board Secretary

10


11/11

Accepted on the meeting of the TOS Board of Trustees held on_____________________ 20

11

Guidelines for Members of the Theosophical Order of Service

Documents

Transcript of Guidelines for Members of the Theosophical Order of Service