Previous Projects

TOS Supports Lakota Waldorf School

On the windy plains of South Dakota, in the middle of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, stands a shining example of theosophical education.  Combining Waldorf educational methods (founded by theosophist/anthroposophist Rudolf Steiner) and traditional Lakota values, this school transforms its students’ lives, and transformation is the very essence of a theosophical school.  Let us count just a few of the ways: Read more about TOS Supports Lakota Waldorf School

The Legacy Project

The Theosophical Order of Service has started a legacy project. The purpose of the program is to interview Theosophists, via video, to document their personal spiritual journeys and/or to provide their perspectives on the true meaning of service. The interviews will be posted on the TOS Facebook page and the TOS YouTube page. Please subscribe to our YouTube page so you can receive updates on the latest legacy posts.  Read more about The Legacy Project

For Denver Members, It Was Looking A Lot Like Christmas

In December of 2018, members of the Denver Theosophical Society donated items from the wish list of the Lakota Waldorf School located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. From undergarments to winter coats to books to munchkin-sized eurythmy dancing slippers, members felt the warmth of a job well-done as they worked together to keep the little ones warm and happy. Read more about For Denver Members, It Was Looking A Lot Like Christmas

The TOS Wheaton at PRC

The Theosophical Order of Service local group in Wheaton regularly volunteers at a food pantry once every quarter. Our Wheaton group has seen many ups and downs with membership in our almost twelve years of existence (no different than any small group or lodge!) But what has always remained is the desire to help those less fortunate by volunteering where needed. On our volunteer day, we helped 105 different families with their shopping. Read more about The TOS Wheaton at PRC

Healing and Helping the Homeless

The Red Bank Study Group in New Jersey was looking for various ways to include service in their program. After viewing the instructional video of the healing ritual, it was decided to perform the healing ritual two times a month. Transcripts of the ritual were sent to the group leader and the ritual is now a regular part of their meetings.

Feedback about the ritual was very positive. After performing it, members have mentioned how much more relaxed they feel. While healing is sent to those on the healing list, energy is also sent to the planet and all sentient creatures that inhabit it, including those of us who do the ritual. If your study group, branch or lodge is interested in starting a healing group, please let us know. Information can be obtained at info@theoservice.org. Read more about Healing and Helping the Homeless

TOS Campaign for Kindness

Please join in the TOS Campaign for Kindness taking place throughout October, 2017. 

Here’s how it works

The entire month of October, 2017 becomes a canvas for your acts of kindness, large or small.  You can structure it any way you like. 

  • Perhaps you join in a community project on one day in October.  Find one by clicking here.
  • Perhaps you devote a week to carrying a bag on your daily walk, picking up at least one piece of litter per day.  Or maybe it's seven pieces per day--whatever is comfortable for you. 
  • Maybe you commit to one act of kindness each day during October, even if it's just making eye contact and smiling at someone, holding the elevator, letting a driver into your lane, sending a comforting thought, etc.
  • Maybe some of your family members or co-workers would like to join you in performing acts of kindness.
Read more about TOS Campaign for Kindness

Haiyan (Yolanda) Relief Operation Update Jan. 8, 2014

Below are photos of the shipment and distribution of one 20-foot container load of construction materials delivered to the town of Carles, the northernmost town of Iloilo which was severely hit by super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). Because of the national focus on Samar and Leyte, little aid reached Carles and surrounding towns. The Theosophical Society and Theosophical Order of Service shipped several waves of relief goods (food, clothing and construction materials) to Carles and Sara of northern Iloilo province.

Service: for PASSION, not Duty

In a song about the journey to the spiritual path, Colorado artist Jamie Wolfe sings, "How I long to run this race for passion, not duty."  Her words strike a chord as I ponder what moves people to serve. 

CHUSHUL HOME CLOSED

The Theosophical Order of Service recently learned that the Chushul Home for orphaned Tibetan children has indeed been closed by the Chinese (see the following letter). The children are still together however which should lessen any trama they may be experiencing by leaving their home of many years. Our contact with Chushul writes "I am looking into other opportunities to help the Tibetan people, particularly orphaned children, as well as continuing to look after my Chushul Family. I consider you [the TOS] to be a part of the Chushul Family and will keep you informed."

Joseph's House: Seeing God in Everybody

The big gray house. Gwendolyn, a member of the Washington DC Theosophical Society (TS) group, often wondered what went on in the big gray house up the street from where she lived. It was “Joseph’s House,” a hospice caring for the dying homeless.  After taking a tour, Gwendolyn told her fellow TS members they just had to see this for themselves.

Southern Tier Trees for Veterans Project

This is a Veteran benefit support project which is opening in the Southern Tier area, presented by the Susquehanna Study Group of the Theosophical Society in America.

The Trees for Veterans Program allows you to honor a particular Veteran with a tree planted in the Southern Tier area, while raising much-needed money for local Veteran groups and programs.  This is an official Theosophical Order of Service, USA, project. Donations are collected by TOS-USA and are fully tax-deductible.

TOS Action Group Wheaton - Silent Auction

The Theosophical Order of Service will be holding its third annual Silent Auction at Theosofest on September 11, 2010 at the Theosophical Society in Wheaton, IL. All proceeds from the auction go to benefit the homeless at the various local shelters that the TOS Action Group has been serving.
As part of our Silent Auction, two handmade donations, which are valued at over $200.00 are raffled off at the end of the day and this year is no different.

Our warm gratitude goes to Ben Furman and Pam King for their generosity.

 

TOS Action Group Wheaton - Calendar

We at the T.O.S. action group in Wheaton have been experimenting with different methods of service, and everybody involved has had very positive and useful insights into how to make things more effective and efficient. One such insight, which is the subject of this posting, is the forming of a yearly calendar, which will make it easier to serve all of the 7 branches of the T.O.S., as outlined by Mrs. Besant:

TOS Action Group –Wheaton, IL

Meet the TOS Action Group –Wheaton, IL

The TOS Action group was formed in September 2008 by a group of individuals who share a desire to get actively involved in service work. Meetings are held the fourth Monday of each month to discuss ideas; plan how we can increase and participate in service opportunities and take the necessary action to complete the project. All meetings and activities are open to TS/TOS members, nonmembers, families with young adults, and retirees who just want to help. Participants are encouraged to get involved at their own pace in whichever project appeals to them most.

Left to Right: Jon Knebel, Joe Maiello, Jade Maestras, Paula Finnegan, Pam King, Jon Johansen
Kneeling in Front: Lois Tomaskovic  Photographer: Jeanne Proulx
 

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