Who are we?

History of the TOS  |  Purpose of the TOS  |  Volunteers

History of the TOS

The Theosophical Order of Service, or TOS, as it is generally known to Theosophical Society members (or OTS or OST in some countries owing to language differences), was founded by Annie Besant (photo at right) in February 1908, six months after her election as President of the Theosophical Society, in response to the wish of a number 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 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”.

Purpose of the TOS

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 25 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 will be available on-line soon.

The current international team of volunteers

Radha Burnier - As International President of the Theosophical Order of Service, Mrs Radha Burnier sets the overall direction of the work of the TOS. She inspires its members by her trenchant editorials on world events and by her longstanding personal work to uplift society, particularly through the Olcott Education Society and the Besant Memorial Animal Welfare Centre. Mrs Burnier is based at the worldwide headquarters of the Theosophical Society in Adyar, Chennai, India.

Diana Dunningham Chapotin - who lives in France, is International Secretary of the TOS. Her 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.

Fernando Pérez Martin - of Madrid, Spain, is our Spanish language coordinator. In addition to his work as Director of the TOS within Spain, he fosters the TOS groups in South America. He edits the Spanish language pages of The Service Link magazine and does a great deal of translation of TOS news from English into Spanish. Along with his colleague Raul, he also runs a Spanish-language TOS website.