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For many decades, the Theosophical Society in America has provided educational support for prisoners throughout the United States. Through our published literature and a variety of correspondence courses that we provide at no charge, prisoners are given the opportunity to use their prison time for learning and self-improvement. We also offer reduced membership rates for prisoners wishing to join the Theosophical Society in America. For information on membership rates for prisoners, please contact the membership department (membership@theosophical.org). 

The prison program enlists the aid of qualified TSA members who volunteer their time to mentor prisoners who have enrolled in one or more of our correspondence courses. For members who are interested in becoming a prison mentor, please contact the National Secretary (natsec@theosophical.org) for details. The prison program also coordinates its work with the Theosophical Book Gift Institute, a non-profit organization whose charter includes providing free Theosophical books to prisoners. 

In a typical year we respond to many hundreds of letters from prisoners. At any given time, we have from 50 to 60 prisoners enrolled in courses. Statistics have shown that the recidivism rate among prisoners who spent time studying Theosophy is significantly lower than the national average. Here is a sampling of comments from prisoners who have been part of our program: 

• "I was very excited and proud to receive my certificate for completing my correspondence course. I feel my Theosophical education gives me a purpose and a sense of being.” Ryan, Texas
• "I just wanted to thank you for the book you sent; it really made my Christmas.” Don, Illinois
• "The hardest thing about prison is watching everyone you know forget about you. I believe in my two years of correspondence you're the first to reply.” Jeffrey, Florida
• "Believe me when I tell you that in obtaining this information, I am also moved to tears.” Trandoe, Massachusetts 

Your kind and generous donation will enable us to continue this service to men and women who are incarcerated. Donations will be used to defray the costs of books, instructional materials, and postage.

Our work... making a difference in our world

Founded in 1875, the Theosophical Society is a worldwide organization dedicated to the promotion of genuine brotherhood among all people and the encouragement of the comparative study of religion, philosophy, and science, so that we may better understand ourselves and our place in the universe.

In support of this mission, we:

• Maintain a library open to the public that provides research and study resources for subjects ranging from Theosophy, mysticism, and esotericism to world religions and philosophy.
• Conduct many programs on a wide variety of topics.
• Provide study material and e-Learning courses through our Web site.
• Webcast and provide podcasts of lectures and events to all those near and far on the internet.
• Publish books on related topics through our Quest Books imprint: www.questbooks.net
• Operate one of Chicagoland's premier spiritual bookstores, the Quest Book Shop: www.questbookshop.org

Making a bequest is not complicated...

The Theosophical Society in America (TSA) is a tax-exempt organization.

It is easy to include the Theosophical Society in America in your estate plan by adding a simple codicil (addendum) to an existing will, as follows:

"I give, devise, and bequeath to the Theosophical Society in America, an Illinois not-for-profit corporation, the sum of $________ (or a description of the specific asset), for the benefit of its general purposes."

Gifts or bequests may take several forms:

• Cash
• Transfer of stock to the Society
  (receive a donation credit for the full appreciated value*)
• Real estate*
• Assignment of retirement accounts
• Life insurance
• Personal property, such as valuable collections*

*Avoid paying capital gains tax on the increased value of your gift. Be sure to check with your professional advisors for additional information on how these options apply to your situation.

A Vision of Generosity

The long term vision of many of our members through the years has strengthened our foundation and made possible the role the Society serves today. The Legacy Program is intended to expand and extend the impact the Society has for the good of all human kind. Over the years, the TSA has encouraged interfaith dialogue and an end to religious intolerance; religious exclusivity is not an option.

• People from all walks of life share the same
  divinity in themselves and all of creation.
• There is an ageless wisdom tradition that spans all times and is foundational to all faiths.
• Exploration of life and nature reveals the mystery of interconnectedness and unseen forces.

Classes and Internet services spread these messages of unity and Purpose throught the world.

 We ask  you to claim the Legacy Program as something you want to be a part of. Your gift will be another part of the Legacy we are creating for the future. There is so much to be done. We hope you will see the impact you can make and will include the  TSA in your estate planning.   

For more information regarding bequests and gifting  options, please contact our:

Development Officer     
Theosophical Society in America
P.O. Box 270/1926 N. Main Street
Wheaton, Il 60187-0270

(630) 668-1571 x321
(800) 669-1571 x321

legacy@theosophical.org 

The Mission

The Theosophical Society in America encourages open-minded inquiry into world religions, philoso­phy, science, and the arts in order to understand the wisdom of the ages, respect the unity of all life, and help people explore spiritual self-transformation. Devotion to truth, love of all living beings, and com­mitment to a life of active altruism are the marks of the true Theosophist. We must be ever vigilant to new ways to present this mission and its ideals and to maintain the Society's place in the world.

The Annual Fund

The Annual Fund has helped provide the margin of excellence in funding programs during the past twenty-one years. Members and friends of the So­ciety have donated generously to provide support to new as well as ongoing programs and services for members and the public out of love for the truths we have each discovered on our own personal quests. All the dollars we collect are returned to members in programs, publications, and services.

The Opportunity

The Annual Fund allows the Society to try new concepts and to experiment. It allows us the freedom to grow. It allows our dreams to take form. It creates opportunities for new quests.

The focus of the Annual Fund this year will be the continued improvement of our edu­cational and outreach efforts, especially im­proving member's experience on our web site. Your gift will support introductory and advanced studies of timeless Wisdom giving Theosophical perspectives on current topics.

The Challenge

In support of our efforts, the Kern Foundation is once again providing a matching chal­lenge grant. In the year to come, your do­nations will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $60,000. Together we can see our theo­sophical vision grow for generations’ to come.

How the TSA Serves Members and^- the Public
 

• E-Learning
• Audio CDs
• Quest Books
• Quest Magazine
• Library Services
• Information Leaflets
• Web-Cast Programming
• World Wide Web Home Site
• Classes, Workshops & Lectures
• Correspondence Courses
• Retreats and Seminars
• National Lodge
• The Messenger
• Video DVDs
• Book Shops

How Members Support National Programs

• Dues
• Bequests
• Capital Fund
• Teaching Others
• Life Membership
• General Donations
• Pooled Income Fund
• National Center Staff
• Personal Commitment
• Annual Fund Donations