Clarity About Our Structure

- by Mark McAlister

A prerequisite  for shared vision in any community is a clear understanding of the current structure.  The diagram below summarizes the key relationships in the structure of the Anthroposophical Society in North America.  If we start with simple diagrams like this, we can start agreeing on WHO needs to do WHAT.

At the centre of the diagram is the Executive Council of the General Anthroposophical Society (GAS).  This group is responsible for several tasks that relate directly to the work of our Society in North America, including:

1. Overseeing the work of the School For Spiritual Science In North America
2. Working with the American and Canadian General Secretaries (and their Councils), and ensuring  continuity with the activities of the World Society (GAS)
3. Signing membership cards (not shown in diagram)

The United States and Canada each have incorporated a national organization:  

• The Anthroposophical Society in America (ASA), which is governed by a General Council, and 
• The Anthroposophical Society in Canada (ASC) which is governed by a National Council.

Over the past decade, two new organizations have been taking shape:

• The Collegium of the School For Spiritual Science In North America (N.A.Collegium).  It is a continental organization with a direct relationship to the Executive Council at the Goetheanum.  It receives budget support from both National Societies.
• The Council of Anthroposophical Organizations (CAO).  CAO brings together people who are active in the movement.  Its mandate is also continental, although it currently exists as a committee of the ASA.
• In Canada, Class Holders in the School For Spiritual Science have met annually with the National Council.  These innovative meetings are a unique and fruitful new form of collaboration.
• In the USA, the General Council has also been exploring new possibilities for collaboration with the School For Spiritual Science through meetings with Class Holders and with the Collegium

 One final note:  In her talk at the Conference, Virginia Sease spoke extensively about the verse by Rudolf Steiner that was originally given for Ralph Courtney of the Threefold Group in New York.  (The verse was also presented beautifully at the Conference by Eurythmy Spring Valley.)  This verse has come to be known as the "America Verse," but it is unclear what this means for us in Canada.   Here is another opportunity for us to explore in  more depth our relationship with  friends south of the border!