AGM 2025 Minutes English

Thank you for being here.  AGM is a perfect way to gather as a society.

11:02   Quorum confirmation & Minute recorder (Administrator)

Name all proxies being held; quorum 7% of members in good standing including proxies

–          Proxies: one by proxy

–          7% of Members: Quorum met (see registration numbers form administrator) 7% of 474 = 33, we have 52 present

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

11:04    Reading of the Verse for the Dead (Corinna)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………       

11:07    Names of deceased and new members (Claudette)

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

11:10    Opening Verse 4^th panel of the Foundation Stone (Kaitlin)

Printed copies available at door (distributed by Claudette)

Notes:

–          Affirmed: Kim Hunter, Heidi Vukovich

–          No business arising from the minutes

–          No objections

–          None

President’s Report:

–          This year on Council, we have intentionally emphasized anthroposophy; our meetings begin with mindful / heartfelt connection with each other as Council members regarding anthroposophical content.

–          Anthroposophy in Toronto (AIT Update): Through mutual goodwill, the ASC and AIT have found a way to stay united while fostering autonomy. This means AIT remains a branch within the Society, while also retaining autonomy in some financial aspects.

–          As a Council, we are exploring and practising working with Sociocracy, which supports us in listening to one another, considering a multitude of perspectives, and becoming aware of what is new. We used it to explore two areas this past year:

–           in our conversations about AWSNA and its relationship to Waldorf schools and the Anthroposophical Society. This approach was helpful in deepening our understanding of how these activities and bodies are interwoven; and

–          regarding membership dues. Through our exchanges we modified our membership contribution form. We are now bringing a conscious shift from the idea of “dues” and “paying” to a spirit of contributing to and supporting the Society.

–          We have envisioned, discussed and planned how to increase branch activity (a Communication committee will report on this).

–          We are ensuring that we keep our attention on continental and world relationships. A shared Zoom meeting with Council colleagues in Hawaii, the U.S., and Canada is coming up in June.

–          We have organised ourselves internally and have created three committees: Development & Governance Committee, Communications & Membership Committee and Finance Committee.  We are looking for new members—you are more than welcome to join!

Development & Governance

–          Committee Mandates – this committee supported each committee in creating their committee mandates, including the scope of work, the measure of accountability and the limits of their role.

–          Yearly Reflection Template – an annual reflection process was developed to work with paid employees to review their work, set goals and determine areas of support. This process will also work as a self or peer evaluation process for each Council member.

–          Council Handbook – has been initiated to support new members to orientate themselves to the work. This will be a continued project into 2025-2026

–          Another ongoing task is the updating of Officer role descriptions, alongside Employee role descriptions.

–          Some bylaw reviews were made and revisions will be suggested, on an ongoing basis

Communications & Membership:

–          Communication

–          We are reviewing all communication channels—including the e-newsletter, website, email distribution list, and Facebook page. Feedback is welcomed!

–          Membership Development:

–          Our goal is to build stronger connections among members and help new and existing members connect with one another, build friendships, and increase overall membership.

–          We have offered several cross country webinars in relation to this goal thus far.

–          Additionally a membership drive is underway, encouraging us to reach out to those who may already be connected to the Society but are not yet official members. A flyer is available to help support these conversations and engagements.

–          Next Steps: We are considering how best to communicate with the public moving forward.

Finance Committee

–          The goal of this committee is to advise on the financial status and practices of the ASC. It will support the work of the Treasurer, Bookkeeper, Administrator and Council.

–          Current work has been to review and create a process for grant requests (members from the Council).

–          We are actively looking for new members to join us

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Notes:

–          Distribution of Financial Reports:

–          Reports were sent via email, postal mail, and made available in the members’ section of the website.

–          Members who indicated email as their preferred method of communication should have received the report electronically.

–          Current Financial Status of the Society:

–          Membership remains stable at 474 members.

–          Annual deficit is currently around $8,000–$10,000, largely due to increased travel costs post-COVID.

–          Fiscal reduction measures have been in place to manage spending.

–          Manitoba Festival Update:

–          Awaiting outcome of one final grant application that may reduce the financial impact.

–          If declined, the festival will show as a deficit.

–          $35,000 loss occurred due to a Canada Council for the Arts grant not being approved as expected.

–          Artist has re-applied, and we remain hopeful the grant will come through.

–          Additional Notes:

–          Printing costs remain high relative to membership size.

–          Generous donations have helped meet past shortfalls.

–          This fiscal year, the core fund was not drawn from, though historically, it has experienced gradual depletion.

–          Council is actively contemplating how the Society might better align operations with its actual size and financial reality.

–          Q&A Highlights:

–          Q: How is the shortfall covered?

–          A: From interest generated by the core fund (which is slowly depleting) and donations. This year, the core fund was not used.

–          Participant comment:

–          “Gifting is thus very essential to the Society.”

–          Q: Can you remind us what the Manitoba Festival was?

–          A: The event faced a $35,000 loss due to a misunderstanding regarding a grant that was not approved. The artist has reapplied.

–          Q: How is ASC funding grants when capital may be drawn down?

–          A: Funding for grants comes from membership contributions designated for Canadian activities (approx. $10,000), separate from the core fund.

–          Update: Circle of Treasurers

–          A new international “Circle of Treasurers” has been formed to foster peer-to-peer fund movement globally.

–          ASC has already received support from Germany.

–          Funds are not centrally approved (e.g., by the Goetheanum Worldwide Fund), but move peer-to-peer.

–          This may offer new funding opportunities for the Society.

–          Q: Has ASC considered using Bitcoin or digital currencies?

–          A: Not yet, but there is growing interest in the mechanics of digital money.

Q: Will there be a paper trail for international fund transfers?

–          A: No international transfers are currently happening. Contributions are made via member contributions, with ledger bookkeeping maintained.

–          Motion to accept financial statements – Sebastian Bilboa

–          Proposer, Seconder Motion carried – Philip Thatcher, Tim Nadel.

–          Affirmed

 Notes:

–          Context:

–          The use of funds from the Hillhouse sale has been the subject of cross-national discussions.

–          The intent is to consider how these funds might grow and support anthroposophical initiatives.

–          Ideas Under Consideration:

–          Supporting Trillium Waldorf School in collaboration with Vidar.

–          Assisting RSCC (Rudolf Steiner College Canada) with:

–          Kindergarten initiatives

–          Tuition fund assistance

–          Supporting North American Youth Section through microlending opportunities.

–          Member Engagement:

–          The Council invites more input from members about their vision for the use of these funds.

–          Research Funding Discussion:

–          Idea raised: Could the Society support research?

–          The Circle of Treasurers has discussed this topic.

–          It was noted that the Society’s task, in relation to membership fees, is not to fund research directly.

–          However, there may be scope for supporting dissemination of research outcomes, such as:

–          Publications

–          Public presentations

–          Physical supports for sharing findings

–          Participant Feedback:

–          Suggestion: Develop a specific list of funding criteria.

–          Request: Provide a clear risk assessment, including:

–          How funds will be used

–          Documentation of risks

–          Commitment to full transparency with the membership

–          Question: Could funds more specifically support Canadian youth?

–          Response: Yes, though the Society is small and resource-limited.

–          Question: Is there a policy or guiding gesture about working only with internal organizations?
Example: Would groups like Tapestry be eligible?

–          Response: More clarity is needed. The Council is considering:

–          Who the Society partners with

–          What projects or organizations will be funded

–          The interest rates and accountability measures involved

–  Motion to approve current accountant: Sebastian

–  Kim Hunter, Kim Nadel

–  Affirmed

Notes:

–          Members of Council are re-affirmed on a yearly basis

–          Introductions of all council members made by Bert Chase:

–          Katilin Brown

–          Catarina Burisch

–          Sebastian Bilbao

–          Rubeena Sandhu

–          Barbarah Nicoll

–          Administration:      Claudette Leblanc

–          Communication :   Mark McGivern

–          Jacques Racine – Self introduction:  from Quebec where he founded, established and continues to run the cafe/store  Madragore.  Jacques worked at the Toronto Waldorf School when in 1991 he  was asked to be the physical education teacher with his training in Spatial Dynamics;. He met anthroposophy through his children attending the Waldorf school. after he overheard discussions about First Class, Occult Science etc. It took seven years to get involve.

–          Corinna Sons – Originally from Germany, came to Canada 2012; joined the Society in 2017. After joining, she wanted to be active and has been working with the Council since Fall 2024. Curious about what is happening within the Society and the movement in the coming years; she is a member of the School of Spiritual Science.

–          Kaitlin Rain Brown  – Affirmed

–          Catarina Burisch – Affirmed

–          Barbarah Nicoll – Affirmed

–          Jacques Racine  – Affirmed

–          Rubeena Sandhu – Affirmed

–          Corinna Sons – Affirmed

–          Welcome Jacques and welcome Corrina!

–          All motions carried.

–          Secretary: Rubeena Sandhu – Affirmed

–          Treasurer: Sebastian Bilbao – Affirmed

–          All motions carried