Download - Anthroposophical Society in America

Creating a Michael Support CircleA time of crisis is very often the birth moment for importantnew initiatives. It is with that awareness that we are proposinga new funding program, the Michael Support Circle, to complementthe membership dues that are our financial foundation.For the Anthroposophical Society in America, the worldwideeconomic crisis comes on top of several years of declining annualincome. For 2009 our deficit before legacies is approximately$50 per member. Over the last year your national council hastaken a number of steps to reverse this situation.»»We have examined and trimmed costs, and our treasurer,Jerry Kruse, a real expert in nonprofit finance, is strengtheningour accounting practices to give a clear focus on meetingcurrent expenses with current income.»»We are also restructuring some of the positions of the AnnArbor office to help us minimize costs and yet help us bettermeet the evolving needs of our membership and the times inwhich we live.»»We commissioned a task force to evaluate, and have undertakenan overhaul of, our communications processes: upgradingthis printed quarterly, adding a monthly news report deliveredby email, and redesigning our website (a project still inprocess), with further ideas in discussion.»»A second task force is examining the purpose, collection andfacility needs of the Rudolf Steiner Library. Its excellent newsletteris being folded into this quarterly where it will reach amuch larger readership.»»At the end of May we will have a meeting of the CAO, Collegiumand General Council to explore enhanced collaborationand mutual understanding among these leadership groups.»»We are making our strategic planning more sustained, and wewant to make it more inclusive of all the representative andleadership groups in the society.»»We are encouraging new approaches to meetings like thisfall’s AGM, and we have scheduled another very special nationalconference for early August 2012 with the full executivecouncil from Dornach.These steps the council has taken are important, but evenmore important is the continuing creative work and success ofindividuals and groups around the country. The many visibleinitiatives out of anthroposophy—artistic, therapeutic, educational,ecological, agricultural, social, financial, and spiritual—are deepening and extending their work and services. Recognitionof this work has been growing. And the research work inthe sections of the School for Spiritual Science continues to gainstrength.Now we are all further challenged by the global economiccrisis—but this is a time when anthroposophical research,insights, and practical experience are even more valuable andneeded.At this challenging moment we need two things from everyfriend and member. One is for you to participate fully and fearlesslyin the new initiatives and community building that arespringing up quite remarkably both from young people engagedwith anthroposophy, and from many established groups as well.Participate in groups and meetings, use and support the new resources,and make new connections with those around the USAand beyond who share your particular interests and concerns.Our second need is for you to reaffirm your financial support.Everyone can help. Many anthroposophists have very limitedresources, but the deed that stands behind the smallest giftremains both economically and spiritually important.There are also members and friends who can increase theirfinancial commitment. Ernst Katz, MariJo Rogers, and I arepersonally contacting individuals who we feel might be able tojoin in this effort. We propose to create a circle of donors who arewilling and able to invest in the society at this difficult time. Aswe work to improve the society’s work and the fabric of the life ofanthroposophy in this country, we hope that the members of thisMichael Support Circle would help overcome our operating shortfallby pledging an annual unrestricted donation of at least $1,000through at least the next five years. If you can consider joiningthis effort and haven’t yet heard from Ernst, MariJo, or myself,feel free to contact any one of us through the national office.We stand at a critical juncture in world affairs and in ourAnthroposophical Society. As we continue our building and rebuildingefforts, a budget that is truly balanced would allow usto turn our full attention to the essential tasks of the society andbecome more visible and active through member initiatives andthe human encounter. I am convinced there are many peoplewho want to work with us, if only we can become more visibleand active!Torin M FinserGeneral SecretaryThe Annual Members’ Meetingof the Anthroposophical Society in Americawill be held on Sunday, October 4, 2009 at theThreefold Auditorium, 285 Hungry Hollow Rd.,Chestnut Ridge, New York. The meeting willbegin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 1:00 p.m.Members are invited to submit proposalsto be considered for the meeting. Items forconsideration may be addressed to the GeneralCouncil and must be submitted in writing andsent via first-class mail postmarked by August4, 2009 at the latest. Send your request to theSociety office at 1923 Geddes Avenue, AnnArbor, Michigan 48104.Thank you.36 Evolving News for Members & Friends