October 2-6, 2024 – Dornach, Switzerland. Attending the International Conference on Inclusive Social Development at the Goetheanum was a deeply moving and transformative experience. Having been to other conferences before, I knew this one would be special, but the atmosphere exceeded all expectations. The ideals of the newly established Section for Inclusive Social Development were present in every conversation and every encounter.
Over 900 participants from 55 countries of all ages and abilities were present, welcomed, and felt at home. It was a true celebration of the 100th anniversary of Rudolf Steiner’s lectures that laid the foundations for curative education. Our shared common goal of working for true Social Inclusion was celebrated by many standing ovations and through many quiet conversations over coffee. I participated in the Asian Pacific group meeting and met with co-faculty from the new Camphill Academy Afrika program, broadening my perspective on global developments and potential. My workshop on the “Pedagogical Law” used color and form to create collages that deepened this understanding. (Becky Rutherford, Camphill Academy Board and Faculty member)
As I sit in the lobby of Kloster Dornach, all packed and ready to return home, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. The welcome at this conference was profound – each country represented was invited to stand, and seeing so many nations united in a common mission during these turbulent times was both awe-inspiring and affirming.
It would be impossible to capture all the highlights—the presentations, the artistic performances, the celebration of the founding of the twelfth Section for Inclusive Social Development – there were too many gems. What I take away with me is an affirmation of the work I have chosen, and gratitude for the colleagues and children with whom I am sharing my destiny with.
As an impulse, I hope to bring back my renewed commitment to the work and path I have chosen, and the living question posed by Zacharie Dusingizimana:
“Who am I?”
What an honor to have been witness to the founding of the Section at a time when our movement experiences challenges and questions about the future and asks the question: “Are we still relevant after 100 years?”
(Sonja Adams, Camphill Academy Faculty member, Program Director)
We anticipated that this conference would be a special event, but few could have predicted how powerful and mighty it would be. We not only celebrated a century of history since Rudolf Steiner presented the Curative Course, but we also engaged in a deep exploration of ongoing research and development across more than 40 breakout groups focused on various specialized themes. Again and again, the idea that the present is a seed for the future was manifest in the way that we all met and explored together. It was a joy to witness new generations stepping forward to represent their work in different parts of the world, with deep and dedicated passion.
One of the most joyful moments was the official founding of the Section for Inclusive Social Development. Our colleague, Jan Goeshel, founding member and President of Camphill Academy, was invited to join the leadership circle of the School for Spiritual Science, a moment that was met with warmth and support from the other Section leaders.
In the sea of faces at the Goetheanum, old friends and new ones emerged, leading to rich, intense conversations. For many, this conference was more than a gathering—it was a peace event. We embraced participants from countries currently at war with one another, carrying their pain and sharing in their hopes for a better future. This, to me, is the true meaning of inclusion: a global embrace in the name of our common humanity.
This conference was a powerful reminder that our work, rooted in Anthroposophy and dedicated to social inclusion, is more relevant than ever. The challenges may be great, but so too is our commitment to meet them with courage and love. (Penelope Baring, Camphill Academy Board and Collegium member)
