What is the TOS? The Theosophical Order of Service (TOS) is a world-wide organisation based on recognition of the unity of all life and aimed at reducing suffering and injustice at all levels – human, animal and environmental. A village meeting organised by the TOS in The TOS was founded in 1908 by Dr Annie Kenya to manage their new water bore Besant, then International President of the Theosophical Society, to provide an What does the TOS do? Examples of TOS projects opportunity for participation TOS groups around the world work in a TOS members are involved in a wide range in activities which promote variety of areas including peace, social of service activities to help people living in the first Object of the welfare, education, healing, animal welfare poverty improve their lives, to help animals, Theosophical Society: ‘to and the environment. and to promote a wider world view. These form a nucleus of the Members may work on individually selected projects include: Universal Brotherhood of activities or on group projects, sometimes in  providing vocational training Humanity, without partnership with other groups. programs for rural women distinction of race, creed,  funding and supporting childcare sex, caste or colour’. While most service work is carried out in local communities, members also contribute centres and orphanages The TOS is a separate organisation from the to regional or national projects. Some TOS  establishing and funding schools Theosophical Society but is closely linked groups also raise funds for major, long-term  providing educational scholarships with it. Study, meditation and service are projects organised by TOS groups in other the three components of theosophical living.  providing medical and dental health- countries. The TOS provides a framework in which care theosophical principles can be applied in The aim of TOS members is altruistic service  providing mobility aids, spectacles daily life and to issues of contemporary that springs from their inner spiritual work. and hearing aids It is service with no intention of benefit to concern.  working with a village to put in a themselves or to their own agenda. The distinctive, two-fold purpose of the TOS water bore and establish orchards and is selfless service to the needy and suffering crops There can be no greater purpose in and the inner transformation of the server  holding meditations for World Peace and life than to serve — service to the that this requires. Dr Besant summarised healing One in many forms. the mission of the TOS in its motto:  providing blankets, clothing and food in A union of those who love in the It must not be so-called, limited emergencies service of all that suffers. service, but real service, which is direct and sincere, in which the  promoting non-violence Today there are many active TOS groups consciousness of self is forgotten.  funding and supporting veterinary care around the world, united in their ideal of and animal shelters selfless service. N. Sri Ram  conducting talks and seminars to raise The TOS is a non-profit organisation whose awareness of environmental, health, members are its greatest resource. They animal welfare and social issues work as unpaid volunteers and donations  campaigning on contemporary issues. are used for service projects, not for administration. Students of the Golden Link College run by the TOS in the Philippines Membership Please join us in putting theosophy The TOS welcomes all who are in sympathy into action with its aims and wish to put into practice the concept of the Universal Oneness of all life. You do not need to be a member of the Theosophical Society to join the TOS or participate in its work. We welcome any contribution to our work – time, energy, money and expertise. You are invited to contact your local TOS group and work The Theosophical Order of with us for peace, planet sustainability, compassion and Service harmony.

For contact details in your country, please go to the list on the home page of the international website: Do you care about: http://international.theoservice.org  peace  justice Participants at an International TOS  the welfare of people and gathering animals  the environment  healing?

To learn more about us and what we do, visit our international website at: The TOS invites you to join its http://international.theoservice.org/ members who are working to make a difference in these areas.

The toy-room in a childcare centre in Latvia supported by the Swedish TOS