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anthroposophist than to see emerging in this new century amovement that is unified across the generations.Below are a few further observations about the AGM and itsconference, and the events leading up to it. In the next issue wewill have a first report on the work already beginning for the2010 gathering in Chicago, which will have the strengths of thisyear’s event to build on.The EditorPre-AGM: The Round Table on the EconomyI want to briefly picture the Section for the Social Sciencessponsored“Our Money, Our Lives: A Round Table on CurrentEconomic Phenomena” which took place just before the AGM. Icounted thirty-five to forty in attendance, which I thought considerablefor a Thursday afternoon.The six panelists represented various kinds of enterprise,with common threads, it turned out, in intentions and values.Meg Gorman introduced them in alphabetical order: Terry Brettfrom Pennsylvania, of Seven Stars Yogurt fame, described thegrowing enterprise of Kimberton Whole Foods; Dr. Gerald Karnowof Spring Valley, NY, a founding member of the FellowshipCommunity, told of how the community has grown consistentlysince its inception; Patrice Maynard of New York representedthe Associated Waldorf Schools of North America; AlexanderRist of Seattle, Washington spoke both of his work on the boardof a natural foods consumer coop and his professional worldin waste management; Hannah Schwartz from Vermont representedthe Heartbeet Lifesharing initiative and its active workin a group of local initiatives; and Jasper van Brakel spoke fromhis position as CEO of Weleda USA. Patrice and Alexander areSection members.Panelists described their initiatives and current economicstanding, then engaged in discussion; under Meg’s guidance weall took crayon in hand, filling a page with others, in a silencewhich became eloquent. Questions from the audience wereposed and addressed. We ended with thoughts of how to moveforward, less in the form (it seemed to me) of an imaginationthan of values to live by – a full view of the human being inbody, soul, and spirit, including karma and reincarnation; educationin the value of our work; engaging in community-building;trust in the spiritual world.What most surprised me was that we heard not the tales ofdoom and gloom (Dire Economic Times) but, with the exceptionof Waldorf schools, the enterprises represented seemedhealthy. Weleda, for example, experienced a temporary dipin their GROWTH – from 20% to 15%. It’s now back up to 20%.Kimberton Whole Foods is expanding. The Vermont consortiumhas found ways to support individual members in down-turnmoments. Without analyzing or coming to conclusions aboutthem, the positive aspects of valuing employees, educating theconsumer, maintaining clear values were all named as contributoryto economic well-being. Dr. Karnow twice emphasizedhis view that a “monoculture” enterprise (depending on oneproduct / system / income stream) is “pathologic” and thatcommunity-building diversity is key to true success. This I havebeen pondering since.Kristen PuckettKristen edits the newsletter of the North American Section forthe Social SciencesAGM Opening: “Recognizing my inner tools—theliving Lemniscate,” guided conversationsElizabeth Wirsching had invited Youth Section participantsto come and share their questions, thoughts and ideas aroundthe Lemniscate to help open the AGM on Friday afternoon. Shebrought to the forefront her own exploration around the lemniscateand then, as inspired, those who had taken her up on theinvitation, stood up and spoke to the 300+ gathered AGM participants.Seth Jordan opened by drawing a lemniscate on thechalkboard and spoke to the Hero’s Journey, as outlined by JosephCampbell. Each of the nine sharings was heartfelt, thoughtfuland inspiring; each touched on a different theme or question,but were beautifully and organically woven together, comingto a close with Franz Ellers standing before the audience, armsoutspread, proclaiming, “I want to know you.” From here, theentire audience broke into small groups to explore what theexperience of watching, and listening, to these sharings inspiredin the listeners. These conversations then returned to the largergroup, where some shared their insights. Attendees then movedtogether through the leminscate with eurythmist Natasha Moss’guidance. In this way, Elizabeth and the Youth Section helpedset the tone for the entire AGM as one about connections notjust between ideas and studies, but in the space between humanbeings in an effort to form new relationships.The AGM Closing: Youth Section PresentationThe Youth Section was asked to present on its evolutionwithin the last few years, and a group came together to planwhat this presentation might look like. Elizabeth Wirsching’spresence at this year’s AGM was a critical statement of theimportant work that the Youth Section is doing, both internationallyand continentally. MariJo Rogers graciously welcomedthe Youth Section and demonstrated her support and enthusiasmfor all that has been emerging within the past year or so,followed by a presentation from Elizabeth on the Youth Section,with an emphasis on the new energy that has now peakedacross the globe in real-world activity. Nathaniel Williams thengot up and spoke to the landscape of the initiative work withinNorth America and the mood in which the Youth Section workson this continent. His task was no easy one, but he did it withhumor, compassion and a deep appreciation for his peers andtheir enthusiasm. Afterwards, Matthew Cortez Temple andLeslie Loy presented on the new charter and organizationalstructure that a small group has been working on for the pastten months and invited AGM participants and Society membersto truly engage with young people who are interested inanthroposophy by becoming a mentor or taking an active role inthe Youth Section. The presentation was brought to a close with40 young people streaming onto the stage, singing “Da PacemDomine” and inviting the entire audience to do so, as well. It felt,at the end, as though the entire room had taken a deep, joyfulbreath and kindled something anew.By the close of the AGM, the Youth Section participants werefeeling a particular high, inspired by the four days of intenseenergy and engagement. Many important connections andconversations had taken place, including a community-wideexamination of the nature of the anthroposophical movementin relation to the Society and the School and how young people38 Evolving News for Members & Friends
felt about joining the Society. A new picture has emerged fromthis 2009 AGM and it is clearly now up to every single participant,regardless of age, to carry the work forward, in consciouspartnership.Leslie LoyLeslie is executive director of WeStrive (see westrive.org). Her fullreport on the North American Youth Section meeting is availableat na.youthsection.org.The Michael Support CircleWe are thrilled to report that in the past few months theMichael Support Circle has grown to a total of 48 participants.Some are long time supporters of the Society, others are firsttime donors. Still others have increased their giving in order toparticipate. Our first year goal is 50, so we are just two peopleshort of realizing this hope for 2009.In the future, our aim is to further strengthen the financial basisof our Society by also enlisting participation of organizationsand initiatives. We encourage members to send us suggestionsof people and organizations that might be approached to moreactively support the work of the Society and eliminate our structuraldeficits. The General Council is extremely pleased with theprogress we have made thus far, and we thank everyone whohas responded to this new initiative.Torin Finser, General SecretaryRudolf Steiner HouseImprovementsThe Rudolf Steiner House is starting tolook very handsome again, thanks to themany donations made by our members. Thebrick tuckpointing has been completed,many of the windows have new, doublepaned frames, and the insidehas been repainted. Thehouse looks fresher andcleaner, and is quieter andcooler thanks to the newwindows.This beautiful building at1923 Geddes, which is ourhome, was built as a fraternityfor the sons of Masonsattending the University of Michigan. Recently,the two daughters and a grand-daughter ofone of those fraternity boys from 1934 cameby the office to visit the site of their father’sand grandfather’s early life. What was fascinatingwas the photo album they had with themwith pictures of the house from that earlierera (right). There were rows of earnest youngpeople, all dressed up in tuxedoes, with theirdates in long formal gowns, for all of the dances that were heldin what is now the lecture hall. When they weren’t dancing in it,the room was a lounge, with leather couches, a pool table and amoose head over the fireplace! Quite a change. The staff enjoyedthe walk down memory lane with these ladies who were thrilledto discover the building was not only still standing, but livedand worked in with such purpose.Our large, lovely building draws quite a lot of attention inthe neighborhood. The gardens are certainly a magnet for thatattention. The curving semi-circular walkway from the sidewalkto our front door and back to the sidewalk, which meandersthrough the garden, makes a wonderful detour for kids on footor bicycle. It’s not a shortcut, mind you, but an adventure. It hasbecome a favorite rest stop for the running teams of the localhigh schools for a cool drink of spring water from the foyer.Many visitors stop by throughout the day: people drawn bycuriosity about the building itself or the society which it houses,or by nostalgia for the place they lived in during their studentyears at the University of Michigan.The Rudolf Steiner House has become a busy place, even onthe weekend when the offices are closed. Of course we havemany anthroposophical events taking place in the House:lectures, plays, festivals, eurythmy classes, research groups,business meetings, class lessons, workshops, etc. But we alsorent the house to community groups for a large variety of happenings.There are many workshops and trainings, for variousbody-work techniques, meditation, Waldorf education, anddifferent kinds of movement. We have also hosted cello recitals,christening receptions, silent retreats, cooking demonstrations,and classes. People attending these events from out-of-town areable to rent a room in the house. Others stay here while visitingtheir students at the University of Michigan,when they have appointments with theanthroposophic doctors in town, or when theyare in town for weddings or the annual Art Fair.Always the feedback we get is the same: thehouse is beautiful to stay and work in; peopleexperience a peaceful and grounded feelingfrom being here; the affordability of the roomsmakes attending the events possible for manypeople; we are so much better than a hotel! Wehave many patrons bringingwarm wishes and gratitudethrough our building.There is still work to bedone on our building. Theremaining window upgradesneed to be inserted, theupstairs hall and bedroomcarpets badly need replacing,and certain upgradesneed to be done in the kitchen. As of September30, we have received $41,120 in giftsfor this project. An additional $50,000 froma recently received bequest was allocatedby the General Council. In order to completethe work, we need to raise another $80,000.Please help us by sending your donation ofany size to The Anthroposophical Society(Rudolf Steiner House), at 1923 Geddes Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI48104, or donate online at anthroposophy.org. Thank you!Cynthia Chelius and Linda Connellfor the Society staff and General CouncilFall-Winter 200939
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