The Theosophical Order of Service (TOS) is the service arm of the Theosophical Society (TS), a world-wide organisation devoted to the promotion of universal brotherhood without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour. Dr Annie Besant founded the Theosophical Order of Service in February 1908 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.’ The motto chosen was
‘A Union of Those who Love in the Service of All that Suffers’,
and its aims:

1) To minimise the sum of misery in the world;
2) To forget self in working for others;
3) To eliminate selfishness and substitute love as the rule of the world; and
4) To live to the highest that is within us.

The first object of the Theosophical Society is
to form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity without distinction of caste, creed, race, gender, nationality or colour.

This is essentially a spiritual task requiring inner transformation that comes about gradually through outer action. The Theosophical Order of Service, with its emphasis on practical Theosophy, helps to balance the inner and the outer work. Its role is to help students of the perennial wisdom take that wisdom and make it a force for change in their own lives as well as in contemporary society.

The Theosophical Order of Service acts as a forum where members may air their views and take stands on affairs of public interest. It offers a framework in which people may engage in practical and humanitarian action in promoting the first object of the TS: the formation of a nucleus of universal Brotherhood. The Theosophical Order of Service has achieved much work of social significance over the years, and members’ fund-raising efforts have resulted in significant sums of money being donated to humanitarian causes around the world.

The Theosophical Order of Service extends a welcome to all who respond to the ideal of service and who give or wish to give it practical expression through the many avenues available for the alleviation of suffering and for the promotion of harmony and understanding.

The minimum subscription currently is £4 p.a., but we are mainly dependent on donations for our work. Cheques should be made payable to 'The Theosophical Order of Service'.

Every day, thousands of children die due to the effects of malnutrition. Yet there is sufficient food production to feed every adult and child in the world. Thousands of children are not able to go to school even when there are no tuition fees in public schools. They cannot afford to buy shoes, uniform, books, etc. Thousands of mothers are not familiar with the rudiments of child rearing, marital relationships, sanitation, etc.