Theos-Talk Archives (November 2012 Message tt00033)

--- In theos-talk@yahoogroups.com, "M. Sufilight" <global-theosophy@...> wrote:

> What is the intention behind such a policy today - compred to
> the policy used in the early years of existence of the Theosophical
> Society? - Has everything become less efficient since then?

Yes, the central headquarters became less efficient.
Some sections are efficient. For example in some countries one can fill an online form or receive it by email and join instantly. But international rules don't permit to be a member of any foreign section.

>From one hand, it's good to have autonomy of the sections and have many issues delegated to them, but from the other hand unattached members feel like orphans, first experiencing problems with joining and then with paying the fees.
Such a system impedes growth of the Society in the new countries.

In addition to that, in case of Russia, the wrong man was appointed as a presidential representative, who prevented every way admission of the new members.

In your case some byway is to apply for help to the section of some neighbouring country. They cannot accept you as a member directly but probably can help with joining as a member at large (unattached).
Another way is to apply to an international officer who is travelling near your country, for example International Secretary or Chairman of EFTS. Finally I applied to the Secretary when she visited Ukraine. But it took 800 km travel for me.