The Rationalist Society of Australia is a society of committed rationalists who have joined together to promote rationalism in Australia.
The aims of the RSA as stated in the constitution can be seen here.
What does the RSA do?
In order to achieve its aims, the RSA:
Where does the RSA get its money?
The RSA gets its money from members’ subscriptions, Australian Rationalist journal subscriptions, donations and legacies. Two important legacies of over $500,000 have enabled the rationalist movement to be financially secure.
The finances of the movement are cared for by a group of ‘trustees’ who are the directors of an incorporated non-profit company called the Rationalist Association of Australia, which invests the money and makes grants to the RSA when required.
What is the Rationalist Association of Australia (RAA)?
The Rationalist Association of Australia is in effect a body of trustees who hold the funds of the rationalist movement and aim to maintain and increase them through investment. Formally it is a company limited by guarantee. Like any other company, it reports each year to the Australian Securities and Investment Commission and its annual statement and audited accounts are publicly accessible. Money left to the rationalist movement is usually left to the RAA. Its affairs are conducted by a board which is elected annually by its members.
Why is the RAA separate from the RSA?
Historically the rationalist movement has always been small in membership numbers (although not perhaps in talent). This has left it vulnerable to an organised takeover bid by a group or groups hostile to it or its aims. In 1926, in order to protect the movement and its funds (currently well over one million dollars), a small group of rationalists established the Rationalist Association of Australia Limited, and organised it in such a way that the members of the company were elected by existing members, thus ensuring continuity of management and mission.
What does the RAA do?
Over the years the RAA has used its funds (augmented from time to time by bequests) to support various projects of interest to rationalists. In recent years, most of the earnings from the RAA’s investments have been used to subsidise the Australian Rationalist and the other activities of the RSA, such as conferences and talks.
What is the relationship between the RAA and the RSA?
The RSA is seen as the operational arm of the movement, with an executive and committee elected annually by all RSA members, while the RAA keeps the movement’s money secure and supports the RSA in its programs and activities. In practice, there is a substantial overlap of membership between the committee of the RSA and the board of the RAA, and they often hold joint meetings.
How can I join?
Just fill in the form.
Can I subscribe to the journal without becoming a
member of the RSA?
Yes. Click here to subscribe.