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Dear Members and Friends,

The Board has spent many hours exploring our vision for the future of the TSA.  Our Board members and other Theosophical Society leaders are participating in an outreach to all our members but making presentations at local groups, federations, and through internet participation.  Because our time is often limited when we make formal presentations, we are making the following document available to you for your study.  This document reflects the many ideas that were a part of Board discussions.  When you are filling out your questionnaire, these may give you additional ideas.  Do remember that this is a working document that incorporates many ideas and a huge wish list.  Your responses will help us identify priorities and we move forward with our plans for the future.

         Examining the Current State and Future Possibilities for the Theosophical Society in America.

Introduction

1. We Are All Finding Things of Value in Theosophy

2. When You Have Something of Value, You Share It.

3. This is all about

1. Making Sure that the Gift of Theosophy Continues to be Available to All who Are Seeking

2. Focusing on Ways in which Theosophy can meet the Needs of People in the 21^st Century

Purpose of the Visioning Process

1. Reaffirm, in modern language, the Fundamental Purpose of the TS

2. Infuse New Life into the TSA

3. Recognize and Respond to the Challenges facing our Society arising out of Ongoing Social and Technological Change

4. Find Ways to Work More Effectively to Achieve our Purpose

5. To Better Serve Members & Groups

1. To Better Serve Humanity

6. Involve the Entire Membership in the Process

 Approach for this Process

1. Re-State the Purpose of the Theosophical Society

2. Describe Where We Are

3. Outline Where We Are Going

4. Define the Steps to Get There

5. Involve the Entire Organization throughout the Process

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE SOCIETY?
The Theosophical Society in America:

1. Has A Vision Of Wholeness that Inspires a Fellowship United in Study, Meditation and Service;

2. Encourages Open-Minded Inquiry into World Religions, Philosophy, Science, and the Arts in order to:

3. Understand the Wisdom of the Ages,

4. Respect the Unity of all Life,

5. Help People Explore Spiritual Self-Transformation;

6. Holds That

7. Our Every Action, Feeling, and Thought Affects all Other Beings,

8. Each of Us Is Capable of and Responsible for Contributing to the Benefit of the Whole.

The TSA Seeks To:

1. Form a Nucleus of the Universal Brotherhood of Humanity

2. To Support Individual Spiritual Awakening in which True Brotherhood is a Reality

3. To Foster Cooperation and Mutual Support among Individuals, Groups and Organizations

4. Encourage the Study of Comparative Religion, Philosophy and Science as an aid to:

5. Discover and Experience the Fundamental Truths of Life

6. Develop One's Unique Path to Awakening

7. Investigate the Unexplained Laws of Nature and the Powers Latent in Humanity, in order to:

8. Understand the Laws Governing Spiritual Growth

9. Cultivate the Patience, Insight, Understanding, Compassion, Sympathy, and Love that Characterize Spiritual Growth

10. Understand Paranormal Experiences and Apply such Capacities to a Life of Active Altruism

THE CURRENT SITUATION
The Theosophical Society in America is in Transition. 

From the late 19^th Century to the Present, We Have Remained Viable through:

1. Current Challenges Demand Action

2. Aging and Declining Membership

3. Severely Declining Lodge Membership

4. Financial Limitations

5. The Basic Message of Theosophy Is One of Hope and Inspiration

6. A Dynamic and Coherent Philosophy of The Purpose and Nature of Life

7. Theosophy Is Consistent and Harmonious With the Fundamental Truths That Lie at the Heart of All Great Faiths. 

8. The Theosophical Way of Life Facilitates Individual Spiritual Growth

9. A Rich Body of Literature based on the Ageless Wisdom

In Addition, the Society has the Resources to Meet the Challenges:

1. The Wisdom & Dedicated Work of Members and Friends

2. Valuable Resources at Local, Regional and National Levels

3. Support of the Kern & Sellon Foundations and Membership Contributions

4. Creative Action Will Result in a Stronger, More Vibrant Society

5. Initiatives to strengthen the Society include:

6. Expanding Programs for Members-at-Large,

7. Taking Advantage of The Internet

8. Reaching Out across the Entire Nation to Hold Regional Conferences

9. Initiating an Extensive Capital Campaign in order to:

10. Establish a Program Endowment Fund

11. Meet Critical Infrastructure Needs

However, THE CHALLENGES REMAIN - There is More to be Done

1. Re-Examine our Methods and Goals

2. Look for Creative New Ways to Serve Humanity

                              WHERE DO WE WANT TO GO 

We Envision the TSA:

1. Actively Serving Humanity

2. Embracing Our Niche And Uniqueness

3. Being Open And Inviting To All People

4. Becoming an Organization of Members & Friends

5. Developing Collaborative Relationships

6. Strengthening  & Revitalizing Theosophical Lodges and Study Centers;

7. Actively Promoting Transformational Practices

8. Seeking  New Ways To Express Theosophy

9. Keeping in Step with Current Trends And Concerns

10. Being Open and Self-Reflective

11. Developing a Wide and Active Funding Base

                              HOW WE WILL GET THERE

1. ACTIVELY SERVE HUMANITY:

 
The Primary Focus of the Theosophical Society in America is Service to the Universal Brotherhood of Life   This imperative is the standard against which all that we do is to be guided and measured.  

STEPS

Permeate  our Culture with the “Law” of Service

1. The Path to True Self-Knowledge is the Path to an Awakened Consciousness

2. “Self-Knowledge is, of Loving Deeds, the Child”

Work More Closely With The Theosophical Order Of Service. 

1. Encourage Individual Involvement In The Work Of The TOS.

2. Publicize Activities & Projects Within & Outside The TSA

3. For Greater Involvement In Current Social Concerns

4. As A Path Toward Creating Strategic Partnerships.

Emphasize the Fundamental Role of Service in Daily Life ; “Walk the Talk”

1. Create an Atmosphere of Service In Regional Conferences

BECOME KNOWN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

STEPS:

1. Train Members & Staff to explain, “What Theosophy Is” and “What the TSA Does.”

2.  Create a Marketing Function

3. Ensure All Materials Meet Quality Standards and Reflect a Consistent Message

4. Identify New Audiences And Outreach Opportunities

5. Coordinate Mutually Supportive TPH, QBS, And Public Programming Outreach

6. Publish a Series of Theosophical Tracts

7. Sponsor Public Activities that Promote Theosophy

EMBRACE OUR NICHE AND UNIQUENESS: 

1. Theosophy Provides a Non-Dogmatic Framework for the Search for Truth and Spiritual Awakening.

2. It is a Framework within which a Diversity of Legitimate Spiritual Paths may be Explored and Integrated.

STEPS:

1. Identify What Makes The TS Unique

2. Emphasize the Value of Core Teachings

3. Relate Core Teachings To Other Traditions

4.  Demonstrate The Relevance Of Theosophy in Everyday Life

5. Train And Encourage Leaders to Guard Against Dogmatism

6. Honor Differing Views on Important Issues

7. Emphasize the Theosophical Perspective on The Place Of Paranormal Abilities in a Spiritual Life.

8. Encourage Theosophical Study Programs Through Fellowships

BECOME OPEN AND INVITING TO ALL PEOPLE: 

Demonstrate Brotherhood in the Activities of the Society at All Levels.

STEPS 

1. Broadly Craft Outreach, Programming and Materials

2. For People Of All Ages, and Constituencies

3. With Input from Target Constituencies

4. Applicable To Diverse Paths. 

5. Make Training Available to Staff And Members

6. For Sensitivity to Cultural Differences, and

7. On Ways to Communicate Theosophy, and the Work of the Society

8. Tailor Efforts toward Attracting and Retaining Members.

9. Emphasize Freedom of Thought and the Unique Nature of Each Individual’s Spiritual Journey.

10. Organize Regional & National Retreats with Professional Leadership

11. Open these Events to the Public

12. Make Experiential Activities Primary

13. Create a System for Continuing Contact with all New Members

14. Create a Buddy System For New Members

15. Call Every Member-at-Large at least Once per Year

BECOME MORE THAN A MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATION:

1. Expand And Revitalize Our Core Membership through the Inclusion of Dedicated Friends of our Movement

2. Help Theosophy Become an Active Presence in the World, and Known to the General Public

STEPS

1. Accept All who show an Interest in Theosophy and Wish to Participate either as Members or as Friends

2. Reassess Membership Benefits with the Intent of Realizing the Benefits of a Vibrant Spiritual Community (Sangha)

3. Provide Opportunities for People to Contribute (Funds, Efforts) without being Formally Associated with the Society

4. Initiate A ‘Friends’ Program

5. Allow Access to Programs,  Meetings, etc., Without ‘Joining’

6. Allow and Welcome Participation by Non-Members

7. Seek Opportunities for Group Interaction with the General Public

STRENGTHEN AND REVITALIZE THEOSOPHICAL GROUPS

Theosophical Groups Represent the Foundation:

1. Within which a Nucleus of The Universal Brotherhood Will Be Built

2. From Which Future Leadership and Innovation Will Arise.

STEPS

1. Identify, Cultivate And Nurture Core Supporters

2. Develop Future Leaders

3. Provide Training Opportunities for Workers & Leaders

4. Hold Regional & National Leadership Conferences

5. Provide Opportunities for Feedback on Programs & Needs

6. Organize Activities To Establish & Maintain New Groups

7. Offer On-Site Programs By Experienced Theosophists 

8. Provide Training For New Group Leadership.

9. Develop Program Materials For Groups and Members-At-Large

1. Include Programs To Help Individuals Evolve Their Spiritual Practices

10. Create Forums for Group Support and Sharing of Program Materials, Best Practices, Problems and Solutions, Etc.

Provide ongoing Guidance and Support for Theosophical Groups

STEPS:

1. Encourage Formally Welcoming New Members

2. Offer Sources for Variety in Local Programming

3. Encourage Participation with General Meditation Groups

1. As Part of One’s Spiritual Practice

2. As a Source of Potential TS Members or Friends

4. Encourage Programming based on Inspirational TS Literature

5. Light on the Path, At the Feet of the Master…

6. Include Parallel Teachings from Major World Religions

ACTIVELY PROMOTE TRANSFORMATIONAL PRACTICES 

Leading to a Life of Purpose, Meaning and Awakened Consciousness
 
STEPS

1. Incorporate Selected Practices into our Culture (Walk the Talk)

2. Offer Meditation Retreats, Workshops And Classes

3. Incorporate Transformational Practices in Programming & Materials

4. Reinforce Major Points With Relevant Theosophical Teachings. 

5. Identify Parallel Concepts between Theosophy and World Religions

6. Assist Individuals in the Evolution of their own Spiritual Practice 

7. Remove the Mystique from the Enlightened State of Consciousness

8. Study The Life and Work of Recognized Spiritual Teachers

FOSTER A DYNAMIC & OPEN CULTURE,

1. A Culture That Engenders Vitality and the Free Movement of Ideas

2. A culture that is seen as accepting of all people

3. A culture that clearly reflects the principles of theosophy

STEPS

1. Root Out Hierarchies that Inhibit a Sense of Unity, Brotherhood Or Creative Expression

2.  Honor The Natural Hierarchies That Inform Our Spirituality.

3. Unite all Levels of the TSA by a Shared Sense of Purpose and Mission.

All three of the above steps hinge on the realization that we are all part of the ongoing life process.  Individual differences in position, experience, insight, and so on are a natural part of the evolution of life.   We suffer from the illusion of separateness, created by the human paradox of being both separate and unique, and being an inseparable part of the One Life.  Hence we actively work to realize these three objectives.

1. Train Leaders To Embrace Diversity

Honor differing views, especially those that do not find fault with the beliefs and efforts of others.  Give recognition to the results of personal experiences that affirm or question stated concepts.  Look for mutual support or underlying relationships in different expressions of what is real.

1. Offer Guidance on Managing Groups with Diverse Backgrounds

2. Develop Tutorial Material for Communicating Theosophy to such Groups.  Such material will be designed to help express theosophy in the context of their history and social culture.

3. Encourage Egalitarianism; Discuss & Incorporate Into Our Culture

Egalitarianism promotes equal political, economic, social, and civil rights for all people.  It is a natural consequence of the realization of the unity of all life.  Making egalitarianism a reality is part of helping create the conditions in which all people have the opportunity to achieve their potential.

1. Create Forums For People To Offer Their Perspectives,  to Make Suggestions, to Critique And to Collaborate

We suggest sharing thoughts, reactions, rationale and context for what has been done and what is to be done at all levels.

1. Maintain Open Communication between all Levels of the TS 

2. Coordinate Communications & Provide a Common Perspective

3. Provide Print Space For News from TS Groups

4. Involve Federations in the Above Actions

5. Commit To Greatest Possible Level Of Transparency

6. Participate in an Informal Online Theosophical News List

STAY ABREAST OF CURRENT TRENDS AND CONCERNS: 

1. Be on the Forefront of Comparative Studies & Interfaith Dialogue

2. Confront Religious Dogmatism and Scientific Materialism. 

3. Offer a Theosophical Perspective on Current Issues

STEPS

1. Develop And Hold Regular Interfaith Programs & Retreats

2. Make Quest Magazine More Contemporary. 

3. Add An On-Line Component. 

4. Include Theosophical Treatments Of Current Issues

5. Explore Other Forms Of Media Outreach (Blogs, Podcasts, Etc.)

6. Encourage Topical Programming

7. Explore Alternatives To Traditional Lectures; Encourage Informality, Experimentation, and Participation

PURSUE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

1. Seek Out Opportunities for Short-Term Collaborative Projects

For Example:

1. Host A Vegetarian Festival And Seek Sponsorship By Amy’s Foods

2. Initiate Joint Service Projects With Other Local Spiritual Organizations

3. Co-Sponsor A Meditation Retreat With The Yoga Journal, Local Buddhist Groups…

4. Support Local Colleges with Material on Spiritual Movements & Organizations…

 
                                CONCLUSION - TWO PATHS

The Theosophical Society in America Could Become

1. A Historical Society persisting on a Modest Budget

2. Existing to Keep Alive a Body of Classical Theosophical Teachings

3. Ensuring that such Resources are Always Available to the Public

4. As Such, It Would Serve a Legitimate and Noble Function

                                                  OR

1. The Theosophical Society In America Could Become An Active Force in the World, a Collection of Ideas and People in Service to a Higher Calling

 
THIS IS THE OUTCOME WE SEEK TO MAKE A REALITY

The following chart on “Keys to Success” were included in the first draft of the briefing, but not discussed at our Fri/Sat “Retreat.”  They are included here for information only.  We probably will not have time to get into this material.  I intend to go into the topic only if the discussion goes into Keys to Success.

                                          Keys to Success

• Devoted Teachers – All of us.

1. Devoted Practitioners

2. Teaching by Example

3. Showing Joy, Insight, Compassion and Humility

• Effective Publicity

1. Living Theosophy   - Walk the Talk

2. Finding Happiness, Peace and Freedom

3. Inviting Participation

• Clear Exposition of the Theosophical Life

1. Life as an Evolutionary Journey  - on all Levels

2. A journey of Individual Freedom & Responsibility

3. Living Here, Now – Achieving a Meditative Life

4. Uncovering our True Identity

• Recognizing Theosophy as:

1. Independent of any Organization

2. Apparent in Diverse Movements & Teachings

• Recognizing the Fundamental Purpose of the TS
• Helping People Find their Way
• Universal Brotherhood Arises out of the Process