About Us

The TOS works locally and internationally in such areas as

  •     education
  •     social welfare & justice
  •     healing
  •     peace
  •     animal concerns
  •     the environment
  •     emergency relief

Would you like to join us in our work? You will find more information and ways of getting involved on this website.

The TOS was founded to provide a framework in which people can engage in creative, practical and humanitarian action in a theosophical spirit. It offers opportunities for participation in activities promoting the First Object of the Theosophical Society – To form a nucleus of a universal brotherhood of humanity without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour.

It also acts as a forum in which people may air their views on global affairs in the light of spiritual principles and the ideas of the theosophical philosophy – one source of unity beyond outward differences; the inter-relatedness and interdependence of all forms of life; the ordered unfoldment of the cosmos in accordance with natural law.

Purpose of the TOS

The Theosophical Order of Service (TOS) was founded by Annie Besant in February 1908, six months after her election as President of the Theosophical Society. Mrs. Besant formed the TOS in response to the wish of members “to organise themselves for various lines of service, to actively promote the first object of the Society: To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour.” The motto chosen was: A union of those who love in the service of all that suffers.

The TOS offers a framework in which:

  • individuals may work along self-selected lines of service for the uplifting of humanity and the protection of the planet;
  • the practical application of theosophical principles to issues of contemporary concern may be explored;
  • social action as spiritual practice is honoured and nurtured.

The Theosophical Society, with its emphasis on complete freedom of thought for every member, officially maintains neutrality in controversial political and social issues. The Theosophical Order of Service, on the other hand, acts as a forum where members may air their views and take stands on affairs of public interest.

The TOS currently has branches in some 30 countries. In some of them it is a separately constituted, legally registered body and in others it operates as an autonomous department of the Theosophical Society. All activities are supported and supervised by the International Secretary of the TOS who reports regularly to the President.

Membership of the Theosophical Society is not a requirement for joining the TOS or assisting in its activities. In fact anyone may participate without being a member of either organisation, though to take office as a National Director or local branch organiser, one must be a member of both.

Detailed guidelines on the structure and operations of the TOS are available here (also available in Spanish and Portuguese.)

To learn more about us you can view a PowerPoint presentation here.

Who Are We? The International Team of Volunteers


Tim Boyd is the International President of the Theosophical Order of Service. He sets the direction of the organisation. Tim oversees its work of encouraging and supporting the service endeavours of TS members and friends in whatever field they are engaged. Tim keeps an eye on the TOS as a place where social action as spiritual practice is valued and nurtured. He sees the TOS as functioning fully within the Theosophical Society’s embrace and encourages it to allow for many different approaches to the art of serving.

 

 

Nancy Secrest lives in Washington State, USA. She is our International Secretary. Nancy’s job is to coordinate the work of the TOS internationally. She supports established groups and encourages the starting of new ones. She reports to the International President on plans and achievements. She is our friendly ear for questions, suggestions and stories of exciting new projects. From time to time she organises an international workers’ gathering.

 


David Sztain is the new Director of the TOS in Canada and our TOS International E-newsletter editor.  David recently served on the Administrative Committee of the TOS in Canada as auditor, formerly served for several years as president of Lotus Lodge and currently is secretary of Lux Study Centre in Calgary.  He served as the English Editor of the Light Bearer (Canadian TS magazine) and serves on the Board of Directors of the CTA. If that all wasn’t enough, David also volunteers outside of the Theosophical realm, in addition to being a husband and father of a baby girl!

 

 

 

Vicki Jerome, former National Vice-President of the Theosophical Society in New Zealand and current Secretary of the Indo-Pacific Federation of the TS, is the main proof-reader for international TOS English language publications and web material. Her reliability is breathtaking!

 

 


Diana Dunningham Chapotin, a former TOS International Secretary, is still consulted on certain matters. New Zealand born, she is a long-time French resident and is active within the TOS in the Paris area.

 

 

 

 

Vicente Hao Chin Jr is based in Manila in the Philippines. He performs innumerable services for the international TOS, particularly in the design and production of our publications: booklets, posters, DVDs, etc. He is our all-round advisor! Vic’s long term vision for the TOS is a source of inspiration to us all.

 

 

 

Rozi Ulics is the TOS’s webmaster. She designs and maintains the international TOS website and takes care of many technical matters. She also runs the TOS Animal Healing Network and is a member of the TOS Board of Directors in the USA.