The principal theme of this working conference was “The TOS into the Future”. To set the direction and tone for our discussions, Vic Hao Chin, Jr delivered a PowerPoint presentation on the topic “The TOS 100 Years from Now” and Maria Parisen addressed us on “Creative Meditation: Balancing Inner and Outer Action.”

Three short talks were given on the topic “Service as Sacred Labour” by Birendra L. Bhattacharyya (India), Cynthia Trasi (England) and Dorothy Bell (Australia). Our speakers are shown in order below.

Birendra’s talk has been added to our website as a Featured Article and Cynthia’s and Dorothy’s talks will be added in due course.

During the conference, TOS workers had the opportunity to participate in two workshops, choosing from four topics: Serving with the eyes of spirit, Tapping the amazing potential of volunteers, Deep Listening and Service and the Spiritual Life. 

All workshops were thoroughly enjoyed and for some participants were highlights of the conference.

Here are photographs of some of the workshops.

One of the main items of work during the conference was the joint development of a Plan of Action for the TOS for the next five years – 2014-2018.

This work was undertaken in three plenary sessions. The first session consisted of a report on progress in implementing the existing 2008-2013 Plan of Action.

In the second plenary session, participants worked in small groups to share ideas and plan actions for the next five years.

The third plenary session provided TOS workers with the opportunity to discuss the ideas generated in session two with fellow members from their own country. They collectively identified priority actions for their country and planned strategies to implement them during the next five years. Where there was only one representative from a country, the person planned individually.

The intensity and energy of these discussions were a clear indicator of the commitment of those involved. We look forward to seeing the fruits of these planning sessions over the coming years.

TOS workers from India

TOS workers from the UK

TOS workers from Hungary

TOS workers from Tanzania

TOS workers from the USA

TOS workers from Australia

TOS worker from Kenya

TOS worker from the Philippines

TOS worker from Canada with Diana