One hundred years after its reestablishment, the General Anthroposophical Society is taking on the task of broader participation by members worldwide. This is one outcome of the General Assembly held at the Goetheanum from March 31 to April 2, 2023.
Since its reestablishment in 1923/24, over 41,000 members from 54 countries have joined the General Anthroposophical Society. In doing so, they support the work inspired by Anthroposophy, as seen in practice at Steiner/Waldorf schools, in Biodynamic Agriculture and in the professions of Anthroposophic Medicine. According to the aspiration, it is about a healthy relationship between humans, the earth, and the cosmos.
To perceive the concerns of members worldwide and to include them in the work at the Goetheanum is challenging. In recent years, there has been an increasing need for effective participation – even by those members who are unable to travel to the General Assembly. Discussions between the management and members has resulted in a guiding proposal from the management for further development of the form of the General Anthroposophical Society, for example, by way of dialogue forums with all interested members. This proposal has been supported by a large majority, especially since many of the concerns of the more than 20 motions on the table will be incorporated into this process.
Parallel to this, a process is taking place to reflect the findings on the emergence of today’s constitution in the statutes and to further develop them according to current needs. This process is taking place in the form of open-ended discussions; the management and Goetheanum leadership see it as their responsibility to ensure an international, intergenerational and equal balance in this process.
The loss of about 583,130 Swiss francs due to the loss of grants from Weleda was absorbed by the use of equity capital. The General Assembly approved the annual accounts and discharged the managing committee.
Translation Eliza Rozeboom
Image General Assembly 2023, Photo: Wolfgang Held
