Bahá’í World/Volume 12/Youth Activities Throughout the Bahá’í World

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[Page 562]

5. YOUTH ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT

THE BAHA’T WORLD

AROUND THE WORLD WITH BAHA’I YOUTH*

(Compiled by the National Bahá’í Youth Committee of the United States)

INTRODUCTION

BAHA’I Youth the world over have been very busy carrying on extensive studying, teaching, and administrative work. The reports of the different countries during the years 106-108 of the Bahá’í era show the important role the youth have come to play in the present Bahá’í world. The youth have pioneered in many countries. They have been the mainstay of some communities. They have served on Local Spiritual Assemblies, as well as on many national committees.

Shoghi Effendi has said in one of his letters (through his secretary), “The youth today must show forth a greater maturity than any previous generation, for they are called upon to pass through perhaps the gravest crisis in the history of the world, and they must meet their destiny with faith, steadfastness, assurance and poise.”

The reports of a number of the Bahá’í Youth Committees around the world give evidence that the Bahá’í youth everywhere are maturing. And although the youth have become more and more active in shouldering adult work, they have not neglected the youth work. No, the Bahá’í young people have also carried on their own activities. They have persisted in spite of programs of austerity, in spite of restrictions in some localities, and have redoubled their efforts to carry out the different plans of the Guardian.

In The Advent of Divine Justice (p. 58), Shoghi Effendi has given this message to the Bahá’í Youth: “No greater demonstration can be given to the peoples of both continents of the youthful vitality and the vibrant

’The period covered is roughly 1949-1952 (Bahá’í Years 106—108, inclusive). Bahá’í Youth on reaching the age 21 years become voting members and assume responsibilities with adults in the Bahá’í Community. The report of the National Youth Committee of the United States is given on pages 586-596.

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power animating the life, and the institutions of the nascent Faith of Bahá’u’lláh than an intelligent, persistent, and efiective participation of the Bahá’í Youth, of every race, nationality, and class, in both the teaching and administrative spheres of Bahá’í activity. . . . I hope, and indeed pray, that such a participation may not only redound to the glory, the power, and the prestige of the Faith, but may also react so powerfully on the spiritual lives, and galvanize to such an extent the energies of the youthful members of the Bahá’í community, as to empower them to display, in a fuller measure, their inherent capacities, and to unfold a further stage in their spiritual evolution under the shadow of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.”

Responding to these inspiring words, the Bahá’í Youth continue to spread their glorious Message, and to work for their wonderful Faith, and prepare themselves to be of greater service as the adult membership of a New World Order.

GREAT BRITAIN

During the years 1950 to 1952, following the completion of the Six-Year Plan, the key words of all Bahá’í activity were “consolidation” and “austerity.” We soon discovered that the task of consolidation was as demanding as that of initial teaching, and called for mature minds and a new kind of patience.

The new maturity of the community was demonstrated by the lowering of the youth age limit from 30 to 25 years. Now we officially adopt the sober responsibilities of age five years sooner than before. We find youth serving on local spiritual assemblies in many towns and making valuable contributions in the pioneering and teaching field.

Strict austerity has limited the number of National Youth Committee meetings and local youth activities. In 1950, World Youth Day was celebrated by local devotionals inaugurating a special youth fund for contri [Page 563]BAHA’I YOUTH ACTIVITIES

butions to the Shrine of the Báb. Youth were asked to donate money they might otherwise have spent if a national youth gathering had been arranged.

In 1951 the publication of the Bahá’í Youth Bulletin was suspended for austerity reasons, but, at the same time, we saw an exciting new development in the appointment of a National Youth Committee for Scotland.

The youth activities during the Summer Schools of 1950 and 1951 reached their height when an entire day’s program of teaching, entertainment and the presentation of different aspects of Bahá’í life was carried out successfully for both Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís.

This year’s Youth Committee has tried to consult and organize largely by correspondence. Its activities include the encouragement of isolated youth, single youth members in adult communities, and the support of the work of local youth committees. In some communities all the youth serve on the local spiritual assemblies, and they have decided against the formation of a local youth committee for the present. But London, Bournemouth, Birmingham and Newcastle have active Youth Committees meeting regularly and making extremely useful contacts with associations and non-Bahá’í communities which are sympathetic to our principles.

Plans for the future include a youth conference in Nottingham to be held over the coming Naw-Rúz for all the British Bahá’ís. Four of Britain’s youth served as pioneers to Africa in the six-year plan. The youth of today are the pioneers and administrators of tomorrow!

GERMANY

The German Youth celebrated World Youth Day in the city of Heidelberg. Arriving on bicycles, by train and on buses, over fifty young friends came to participate in this sixth post-war World Youth Day. The specific topic was: “World Peace, Our Obligation.”

ITALY

The Bahá’í Faith, since the year 1947, has found hearty response in Italy among young people. So in the course of time a Youth Committee was formed, the basic work of which consists in attracting interested young

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people to our Faith. Despite general difficulties in presenting religious topics, other than Catholic, in Italy, the number of young declared believers is slowly but steadily increasing. Especially in the year 1951 the Youth Committee attracted some young elements to the Cause in Rome. In the communities of Florence and Naples a number of young people were deeply interested in the Message.

There are also youth working on the following committees appointed by our Assemblies: Translation, Feasts, and Book Sale. Two of us are even members of the Spiritual Assemblies of Rome and Naples.

Our committee was often visited by friends coming from abroad—frorn Persia, America, Luxembourg, Switzerland. Personal acquaintance strengthened the already solid ties of Bahá’í brotherhood and fellowship. Among our dear guests we mention, with a special feeling of gratitude for the spiritual inspiration they gave us, Jindra Mynarové, Rustam Payman, Masoud Berjis and Peri Mottahedeh. Representatives of our committee took part in the European Teaching Conferences of Brussels, Copenhagen and Scheveningen, visiting with the local youth committees.

Of special importance to us was the visit of Mr. Ted Cardell, who passed through Rome on his way to pioneer in Africa. He met with members of our committee who, deeply moved by his inspiring Bahá’í enthusiasm, went to bid him farewell at his departure, expressing to him once more their Bahá’í love and their wishes for great spiritual success.

The celebration of some Feasts and Festivities—such as the Day of the Covenant and World Religion Day—was entrusted to the Youth Committee. Our youth explained on those occasions to numerous audiences the religious value and meaning of the Manifestation of Bahá’u’lláh.

The hopes of young people in general are, of course, very high, even if their practical achievements sometimes fall short of their hopes. But we are sure that “older” Bahá’ís will apply also to our shortcomings these words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “There are imperfections in every human being, and you will always become unhappy if you look towards the people themselves. But if you look towards God you will love them.”

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Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Maywood, Illinois, incorporated June 11, 1951.

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Fresno, California, incorporated February 20, 1953.

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Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of San Diego, California, incorporated April 29, 1953.

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Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Sacramento, California, incorporated April 9, 1954. (One member had died.)

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EGYPT

The National Youth Committee continued the work it started last year, extending the range of cultural activities and youth studies with illuminating and outstanding results. Social activities were carried out on a larger scale, including parties held at the homes of the friends. To these parties non—Bahá’ís were invited to enable them to get some idea about the Bahá’í community. This resulted in narrowing the gulf between Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís. Some Bahá’í studies were included, besides fun, in the program of these parties.

The committee, in cooperation with the National Spiritual Assembly, carried out several projects for the Faith, such as, the pioneering project in central Africa. This project was carried on simultaneously by the National Spiritual Assemblies of Persia, India, the United States and the British Isles. The pioneering project in Libya and Algiers, also the Five-Year Plan for Egypt and Sfidén, are still being worked out.

The committee published several religious documents and some valuable studies on the Faith.

The National Youth Committee, with the support of local committees, made regulations for the approaching summer school. The National Youth Committee planned for symposiums on pioneering which were held by all the local committees. These symposiums explained the pioneering project. A booklet on the African project was discussed.

A registration book was prepared for youth to record their ages, occupations, aims, and qualifications for pioneering. This registration book was intended to enable the committee to select the persons to be recommended for pioneering.

National Youth Day, in which all the local committees of Egypt assisted, was celebrated on December 23, 1951. Its subject was “The Basis of International Peace.”

International Youth Day, which was celebrated on the 25th of March, 1951, was very successful. It was thoroughly planned by the National Youth Committee under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly. Important personalities were invited to this International Youth Day, including writers, journalists and other broadminded people. A film of the Mashriqu’l-Aqtikér was shown, and at the close of the sym THE BAHA’I WORLD

pcsium the guests were invited to an elegant banquet.

PERSIA

The Persian Bahá’í Youth have enjoyed real cooperation while performing their duties. In the following report some of the Bahá’í youth activities for the years 106-107 are outlined.

With the help of the youth, forty-two new Bahá’í youth centers have been established. At present there are 207 committees and thirteen youth groups, totaling 220 Bahá’í youth centers.

The Bahá’í youth have contributed to the teaching program, but owing to the present restrictions, full results were not obtained in this field.

What the Bahá’í youth have accomplished in pioneering really deserves attention because they have participated notably in the fulfillment of the 45-month pioneering plan. The number of the Bahá’í youth who have pioneered during the two years exceeds 120. In addition the youth, by means of teaching trips, donations, and correspondence, have been in contact with the pioneers. The Persian National Youth Committee strove by every means possible to encourage youth to pioneer—with the result that classes were opened for the teaching of arts and for the guidance of candidates.

Reducing the number of illiterates was an important project during the two years. Classes were held in which friends of all ages participated. The Bahá’í youth contributed by providing funds and by sending teachers to the Bahá’í centers. As a result of the project a number of youth have been taught to read and write. We can now state that in several centers there are no Bahá’í illiterates. Despite difficulties experienced in this field and the lack of facilities at hand, we hope with the new plans and the help of the Almighty, better results can be obtained with the view to completely dispelling illiteracy from the Bahá’í community.

The teaching of children and youth has been undertaken by the youth in all the centers. The following classes were held:

1. Classes for children.

2. Classes in the Bahá’í Writings in which Bahá’í Laws, principles, administrative order, history and other subjects were taught.

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. 93$ 5‘1 ‘ , . , Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Glendale, California, incorporated April 29, 1954.

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Tucson, Arizona, incorporated January 21, 1954.

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Spiritual Asembly of the Bahá’ís of. Oak Park, Illinois, incorporated February 16, 1954.

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Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Nashville, Tennessee, incorporated April 13, 1954.

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Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Greenwich, Connecticut, incorporated April 23, 1954.

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3. Classes for increasing general knowledge—scientific and literary conferences, discussion classes, speech and reading, Arabic and English, fine arts classes, and summer school classes were held for the youth.

As usual the Bahá’í youth have traveled to many Bahá’í centers, especially during the summer time. They have profited from this opportunity to visit the Bahá’í pioneers. They have met and worked with other Bahá’í youth. More than 170 Bahá’í youths have gone on teaching trips during those two years.

Youth clubs have been established in more than twenty centers. In some places

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More than 5,000 Bahá’í youths attended the Bahá’í symposium which was held on Sunday the 6th of S_t_1ahru’l-Mulk, Year 106 (February 12, 1950), in more than eighty places in Persia.

The program included Rúḥíyyih Khánum’s article, a speech on “The Future World under the Bahá’í Faith,” music, and other activities. During the symposium contributions were given for the pioneering plan.

On the suggestion of the Persian National Youth Committee and with the approval of the National Youth of America, the Symposium of the Year 107 was held on Sunday, 5th of Stiahru'l-Bahá (March 25, 1950), to

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Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Reno, Nevada, incorporated April 20, 1954.

these clubs were developed as social centers for the Bahá’í youth.

The Bahá’í youth of Persia have succeeded in issuing publications in more than seventeen places. Some of the publications are in the form of wall bulletins. Ahang Badi (The New Melody) is a national bulletin which has been published for five years and has 1,200 subscribers.

Libraries are often established and supervised by the youth. At present the youth have libraries in more than seventy places. Twenty-three libraries have been inaugurated by the Bahá’í youth in the past two years. In addition, the youth have strengthened the libraries by giving books and money, and have encouraged Bahá’í youth by every means possible to use those libraries and benefit from them.

commemorate ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s trip from East to West.

The fourth Persian Bahá’í Youth Convention was held in Shahru’l-Kalimét, Year 106, eighteen delegates participating, and the fifth Convention was held with nineteen delegates and six members of the National Youth Committee. The following messages from the Guardian were in reply to the Convention’s cables:

“Assure participants fourth youth conference ardent loving prayers success deliberations befitting discharge sacred responsibilities. Shoghi.”

“Appreciate message youth convention supplicating bountiful blessing. Shoghi."

During the Years 106 and 107, fiftyseven Bahá’í youth conferences were held in twenty Bahá’í centers. The delegates of

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Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Surat, India, incorporated March 24, 1951.

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Jalna, Hyderabad (Deccan), India, incorporated 1951.

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Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Kamarhati, India, incorporated September 7, 1950.

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Mysore, India, incorporated September 25, 1950.

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the National Youth Committee attended

twenty of these conferences. Two regional

conferences were held during these years.

_ Exhibitions of fine arts were held in six Bahá’í centers during the two-year period.

INDIA, PAKISTAN AND BURMA

The Regional Youth Committees have continued to function: one in India, one in Pékistén, and one in Burma, in addition to the National Youth Committee at the center.

The function of these Regional Committees included: (1) holding the Summer

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large extent due to the sacrifices of a number of young believers. In addition to assisting in the establishment of new Assemblies, youth are the mainstay of many local Assemblies, several of which, particularly on the west coast, are constituted entirely of youth.

Youth from various centers gathered together and went on a teaching trip to South India. They toured most of the major cities and traversed nearly 3,000 miles, visiting new centers, making contacts, giving the Message to various people and also encouraging pioneers who had for a long time been isolated from the rest of the com

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Singapore, incorporated July 28, 1952.

Schools in their respective regions, (2) encouraging the youth to acquaint themselves more fully with the Bahá’í teachings, (3) consolidation of old youth centers and developing new ones, (4) encouraging youth to undertake short teaching trips in their neighborhood, and (5) holding the annual event of World Youth Day.

India Region

Though Bahá’í youth were greatly handicapped in their pioneering efforts owing to the diversity of culture and language in the places where they pioneered, yet many new Assemblies that were formed and many old centers that were strengthened were to a

munity and were striving hard to serve the Cause.

A valuable addition to our ranks was the arrival of Rizwanieh Eghrari in Delhi recently. Having stayed for a short while in England assisting the British Bahá’ís in their teaching efforts, she has now pioneered to India to settle in this country. Such instances of devotion, courage and selfless service, we are confident, will go a long way in arousing the youth of this country, and will undoubtedly induce them to follow in her footsteps.

The eleventh Summer School session was held in India from October 16-24, 1950 in the cool and salubrious climate of Panchgani, 5,000 feet above sea level. Regular

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Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Montevideo, Uruguay, incorporated 1952.

classes commenced on the 17th, the average number of youth attending being eighty. Three teachers were able to attend, namely Mr. Yazdani of Ṭihrán, Prof. Pritam Singh and Mr. N. A. Khavari. The school was specially fortunate in having Mr. Yazdani of Persia. Not often is there the opportunity of hearing one so learned and so eloquent.

On October 24, Panchgani celebrated United Nations Day and Mr. Yazdani, as the Bahá’í speaker, gave an illuminating address which was very effective. Mr. F. Tirandazi conducted the session as the Principal.

Sunday February 25 was celebrated as World Youth Day. The theme was “Now3. Cycle of Peace,” as suggested by the National Youth Committee of the United States. Meetings were held at Agra, Bombay, Delhi, Hyderabad (Deccan), Panchgani, Poona and Sholapur. Several of the meetings were held at hotel auditoriums and prominent citizens were invited. In some cities, meetings for Bahá’í youth were held in the morning, while public functions, with non-Bahá’í youth invited to take part, were

held in the evening. The programs were varied with Bahá’í talks, technicolor films of the Bahá’í Centenary and the Bahá’í Temple at Wilmette, Illinois, singing of children, quizzes, and refreshments.

Pa’kisttin Region

The Regional Youth Committee of Pakistan kept close liaison with the National Spiritual Assembly, the National Youth Committee, the Local Assembly at Karachi and the Regional Youth Committee of India. Throughout the year, the Committee remained in correspondence with most of the youth centers in Pakistan, urging them to be active towards a single goal, namely teaching, and acquainting them with the news sent to them from other parts. This Committee also assisted the Assembly at Karachi in the organization of the Summer School.

The Summer School session in Pakistan was held October 18-28, 1950. Owing to the floods in the Punjab, the attendance from the provinces was small. The early morning prayers created a spiritual atmosphere

[Page 575]BAHA’I YOUTH ACTIVITIES 575

First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís Of Tripoli, Libya, formed April 21, 1954.

First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of G6teberg, Sweden, formed April 21, 1953.

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which will live long in the hearts of those present. The students showed a remarkable devotion to learning the subjects, which were: (1) History of Buddhism, (2) Twelve Bahá’í Principles, (3) Laws of Aqdas, (4) History of the Bahá’í and Zoroastrian Faiths, and (5) Bahá’í Administration.

Elaborate World Youth Day Programs were conducted in Hyderabad (Sind), Karachi and Quetta. The daily papers announced the meetings at which Bahá’í youth were the speakers.

Ceylon Region

In the infant center of Ceylon, the youth are the mainstay of the community. They are engaged mainly in propagating the Cause and many of them have pioneered to virgin territories to establish the banner of the Cause. The officers of the Colombo Assembly are all youth. First to accept the Cause in Ceylon was a young man, Anver Cadir, who abandoned an influential position with a local political party and accepted the Cause.

Bahá’í youth in Colombo held regular meetings at the Bahá’í center. A two-year plan was passed by the committee to organize and form Bahá’í youth committees in other parts of the Island. Study classes were held once a week by the Study Circle Committee. Bahá’í literature was sent to friends with whom the Bahá’í youth were in contact.

In celebration of World Youth Day a public meeting was held by the Bahá’í youth of Colombo in the City Light Hall. Youth and members of the Colombo Spiritual Assembly delivered lectures in English and Tamil on the subject, “Now—a Cycle of Peace.” Very good publicity was given by the press before and after the meeting.

Burma Region

Meetings were held every Sunday morning at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. Almost all the Bahá’í youth participated, speaking on different topics of the Cause. As the majority of the members speak Burmese, lectures were delivered in Burmese. Everyone was anxious to widen his knowledge of the history and teachings of the Cause and to try his utmost to speak in public too.

The Bahá’í youth planned a very elaborate program for World Youth Day and celebrated it successfully. Talks were given

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in Burmese, English and Urdu on such subjects as Universal Peace, Unity, True Happiness. Before the meeting, a group photograph of the Bahá’í youth of Rangoon was taken.

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

The publication of the Youth Letter has continued on a quarterly basis. As in previous years we have endeavored where possible to continue the Youth Letter along lines calculated to keep local groups in touch with each other, to provide a series of Bahá’í and non—Bahá’í articles, and, finally, to keep abreast of international news that would prove of interest to youth.

This year we have published articles on youth by senior Bahá’ís, thus giving to youth the benefit of our more experienced writers. We have at all times kept the Youth Letter for general appeal, thus stimulating not only Bahá’í Youth interest, but the interest of our many non-Bahá’í readers also.

A pleasing aspect of the year’s activity has been the very large part youth played at the recent Summer School. The youth were responsible for providing both speakers and entertainment at many public functions held by local spiritual assemblies of the Bahá’ís throughout Australia and New Zealand.

A general survey of the National Youth picture reveals active youth groups in Adelaide, Melbourne, Yerrinbool, Sydney, Brisbane, Toowoomba, Wollongong, and Perth. There are isolated Bahá’í Youth in various other centers of Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.

The most outstanding event of the Bahá’í Year 108 is the formation of a Regional Youth Committee of New Zealand. This Committee has done good work and has already commenced a quarterly newsletter. Though our numbers are very small, the youth of Australia and New Zealand are doing much work on various local and national committees. The National Public Relations Committee is mainly composed of youth this year. The chairman of the New South Wales Regional Teaching Committee is a youth. In every field the youth are active. Two members of this year’s National Youth Committee have gone to Leeton, a “goal” town, as pioneer settlers. In order to keep contact, the National Youth Committee meetings are alternated, one being held

[Page 577]BAHA’I YOUTH ACTIVITIES 577

First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Porto, Portugal, formed April, 1952.

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First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of The Hague, Netherlands, 1952-1953.

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British Borneo’s first Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly, in Kuching, Sarawak.

First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa.

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at Leeton and the next at National Headquarters in Sydney. The secretary attends all meetings.

The annual Bahá’í Summer School was held early in January. The National Youth Committee conducted the afternoon classes for the youth. Naturally many adults attended too. The first week the subject of the class was “A Teaching Manual,” and the second week the subject was “Instruments of the Orchestra,” a musical appreciation class.

SOUTH AMERICA

The first National Spiritual Assembly for South America (elected April, 1951) appointed the first National Bahá’í Youth Committee, consisting of four active youth members and six consulting members.

None of the active members had ever had any experience in this field of work—only enthusiasm to serve to the best of his ability.

For the first time a census was begun of the Bahá’í Youth of South America. At the suggestion of the National Bahá’í Youth Committee, the youth in Valparaiso and Lima organized local groups. A set of bylaws was made up for social and cultural clubs organized by Bahá’í youth groups with non-Bahá’ís. These clubs will help inquirers to come in contact with Bahá’ís and learn about their very high standards, philosophy and ideals.

A monthly bulletin has been published since July, 1951 with inspirational articles; suggestions for organizing Bahá’í youth groups; models for Bahá’í youth meetings; and beautiful messages received from many National Bahá’í Youth Committees, which showed the readers the very strong bond of love and unity among the Bahá’ís of the world. The National Bahá’í Youth Committee hopes to guide and organize isolated Bahá’í youths in this territory and to help them attract the attention of other young people toward this glorious way through the bulletin.

The committee has exchanged correspondence with as many Bahá’í communities as possible, trying to help isolated Bahá’ís directly, and giving them advice and enthusiasm to work for the Faith. We know that by the will of God, with more experience, the National Bahá’í Youth Committee for South America will be able to issue a better Youth Bulletin, and help the youth of its territory in a more efficient way.

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S60 Paulo

Ever since there has existed an Assembly in $50 Paulo, Brazil, there has existed some youth activity. The pioneering family who first settled there in 1947 had an ideal set-up, for they had two Bahá’í youth, a boy and a girl.

The youth activity was not begun by making a special effort to organize but was an outgrowth of cooperation to establish a new community. From the beginning weekly meetings were held to attract people. We, the two youth, invited our friends who in turn brought their friends. The adults of the community invited their friends and everyone gathered together each week to discuss the teachings, and hear lectures which were always in English and translated in Portuguese for the first several years. Maybe many came to hear English, but they came, until weekly attendance became Close to forty, filling to capacity the home of the pioneers, which was the Bahá’í center.

We were then forced to divide the meetings and have the younger people who spoke English come another evening. In this way we learned how to conduct classes and activities, for we had the youth who would always come and we had to plan something for them. These meetings attracted many young people, mostly Europeans who knew English. Some were seeking for some intellectual activity, some for faith in the future and a solution to problems, some just friendship. The Second World War brought about these needs and our Faith offered food to these thirsty souls.

As time went on we felt the need for recreation along with the purely intellectual discussions, and, as a means to attract new youth, monthly tea-dances were held. Before the dancing and refreshments (which our guests contributed) a short discussion was held giving the Bahá’í teachings directly or indirectly on the subject chosen. After over a year of this activity it was felt that these dances had served their purpose and they were discontinued, to be given at longer intervals upon request of the group or whenever attendance at youth meetings slackened.

At the meetings we discussed, chapter by chapter, the New Era, Security for a Failing World by Stanwood Cobb, and Prescription for Living by Rúḥíyyih Khánum

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First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Trivandrum, India, 1950-1951.

m L First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Anchorage Recording District, Alaska, organized April 21, 1951.

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First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Ziirich, Switzerland, elected April 21, 1950.

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Basra, South ‘Iráq, inaugurating the land offered by one of them for the future local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.

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. . ,sf‘i * \x‘ifigflié First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Sheffield, England, 1950-1951.

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Daidanaw, Burma, 1950-1951.

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(which was the most successful). Selections from the Bahá’í Writings, talks of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, a series on comparative religions and outstanding Christian sects were other studies which were followed.

We feel that the Bahá’í Faith has given very much to many young people in SEC Paulo. It has given a hope; it has given happiness and new friendships; it has shown that a Plan and 21 Faith exist which are available when we finally awaken spiritually.

In these few years there have been five marriages among young people who have met through the Bahá’í Faith. Two of these had Bahá’í weddings, the last being the wed 583

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ings are invited to Bahai meetings. This is progressing slowly.

As we recognize the necessity of youth's vitality in a Bahá’í Community, we are striving to find those who are prepared to recognize the Word of God for this Day.

Rio de Janeiro

A weekly English class for young students is held in the Rio Bahá’í Center and many a youth has heard and read of the Faith through this activity.

Santos Last year the Holmes family were sent as

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Rosario-Santiago, Isabela, Republic of the Philippines.

ding of one of the original founders of the youth group in $50 Paulo, Bob Miessler, who married a lovely Brazilian girl, Myriam Bueno, who has become a radiant Bahá’í. This is one more tie between “different” peoples to show that in reality we are all

one.

Bahia

In Bahia there has been very little youth activity other than contacts with organized groups. Owing to conventions and family ties the young people are not yet given enough liberty of thought. We are attempting first to acquaint young people with the local Bahá’í Center by offering free English conversation classes once a week. From this group those who show interest in the Teach pioneers to Santos to establish an Assembly there. Among their new believers is a young Brazilian boy of 23 who is alive with the Teachings and has an amazing understanding of them. He has been studying to become an English teacher and is now beginning to study Spanish in order to be a more valuable Bahá’í in South America. He assures us that as long as he lives in Santos the Faith will never die there but will continually progress.

Now that we youth of South America have our National Youth Committee, we are striving to become an organized and cooperative entity. We consist of some twelve countries which speak two different languages, Spanish and Portuguese. Because of the great distances, it is only

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Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Port Said, Egypt, with a woman as member for the first time.

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Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alexandria, Egypt, with women elected members for the first time, April 21, 1951.

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Cairo, Egypt, with women elected members for the first time, April 21, 1951.

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through correspondence and a oneness of spirit and goals that we can work together. The news from other countries received through their youth bulletins is a great inspiration to us, as each community is so isolated, especially in Brazil, and each has its own particular problems. We are striv THE BAHA’I WORLD

ing now for better understanding and hape soon to be able to form a youth committee for each country which will cooperate with our National Youth Committee, at present located in Colombia. We are sure that “should anyone arise for the triumph of our Cause, him will God render victorious.”

REPORT OF INTERNATIONAL BAHA’I YOUTH ACTIVITY FOR THE YEAR 1952-1953

(Compiled by Dwight Allen)

FROM reports of youth activity in the Bahá’í Faith during the year 1952—1953, it would seem that youth are gradually becoming more aware of the importance of the role which they, as youth of a New World Order, must play in the establishment of the Faith in the minds and hearts of all men. Independently, the Bahá’í youth everywhere continued to deepen themselves in the knowledge of their Faith, preparing to meet the challenges of establishing the New World Order. Before the year was over, the challenge came in more force and potency than could have been imaginedthe challenge of a Ten Year Global Crusade. “Pioneering” became the new by-word for all Bahá’ís, a word with personal meaning. Youth learned that their due was to be the vanguard in situations which would be difficult in terms of physical discomforts; their attitude became one of eager anticipation. A young African boy wrote of a newfound awareness and understanding; a German youth was learning a new meaning for consecration; an American girl, always active in Bahá’í Administration, was finding a deeper appreciation for Bahá’í teaching—all stood ready and waiting to serve. The next year would find these same young people among the Knights of Bahá’u’lláh and far from their native lands, but this was a year of preparation as well as a year of activity.

Therefore, as we review the reports of international Bahá’í activity, we must consider the overwhelming spirit which motivated the conferences, the publications, the teaching activity—to swell the ranks for the Crusade to come. This spirit is perhaps best expressed in a report from the National

Youth Committee of Egypt: “The youth are earnestly aware of the inestimable bounties of God and His manifold blessings that He has chosen them to be the executors of God’s Divine Plan. They know they can afford nothing but to consecrate every ounce of their energy, every particle of their efforts for the success of this great Plan.” “We know full Well that God is on our side and that it is up to us to prove that we are worthy of the generous trust that has been conferred upon us and the honor that was ours when we were placed among the dashing battalions of Bahá’u’lláh’s young crusaders in the Spiritual Conquest of the entire Planet.”

PUBLICATIONS

A number of National Youth Committees publish newsletters or bulletins on a regular basis. The National Youth Committees of Australia and New Zealand, Canada, Egypt and the Sfidan, and Germany issue their bulletins quarterly; the National Youth Committee of India, Pakistan and Burma issue a bi-monthly bulletin; and the National Youth Committee of the United States issues a monthly bulletin. In addition to the quarterly bulletin issued in Arabic by the Committee of Egypt and the Sfidén, one issue in English was published.

Several of the National Youth Committees undertook other publishing ventures. The National Youth Committee of Egypt and the Sfidén published four booklets in two years, dealing with educational, teaching, and pioneering topics. The National Youth Committee of Iran issued two publications for Persian youth in other lands.

[Page 587]BAHA’I YOUTH ACTIVITIES 587

I,’

First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Berlin re-established after World War 11, April 21, 1950.

First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Cienfuegos, Cuba, elected April 21, 1951.

[Page 588]588 THE BAHA’I WORLD

SUMMER SCHOOLS

Australia and New Zealand. A successful youth workshop was held at summer school —a Bahá’í prayer was learned, Prescription for Living was studied and the April issue of the youth letter was edited. The sessibns ended with a concert and a barbecue. The youth also sponsored a work camp, which

enthusiasm, filled with new fire and zeal.

India, Pdkista’n. The summer schools held in India and in Pakistan both proved great successes. In Pakistan the summer school was held November 2-12, 1952, at Hyderabad Sind. In India the thirteenth summer school session was held in Panchgani October 15—24, 1952. Regular classes had a

First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Callfio, Perfi,

w a

elected April 21, 1951. ,

proved to be so successful, hope was expressed for its development into an annual affair.

Germany. The yearly summer schools brought together Bahá’í and non—Bahá’í youth in friendly association. All studied the Holy Texts of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, offered solutions to the problems of our modern day, took turns in giving a talk, and participated in discussions. The atmosphere was ideal, for summer schools were held in picturesque Youth Hostels in the most scenic parts of Germany. Thus, in addition to the serious program of study, there were many opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hikes through the woods. At the end of the sessions the youth returned home with renewed energy and

total average of eighty youth attending the sessions. They took keen interest in the discussions at the Youth Conference held on October 17 and 18, the main topic for discussion being “Pioneering.”

Canada. Youth attended the Ontario Summer School in August, 1952, to consult and coordinate their efforts.

Egypt and Sliddn. The summer school sessions held in August, 1952, were devoted to a study of the basic Bahá’í literature. The school was a very successful enterprise in which both the administrative and the social aspects of the Bahá’í Faith were practiced. The youth who attended gained a valuable and rare experience and had an opportunity to increase their knowledge of the Faith.

[Page 589]BAHA’I YOUTH ACTIVITIES

CONFERENCES—NATIONAL AND LOCAL

Egypt and the Slida’n. A Bahá’í Youth Conference was held on the 30th and 31st of October, 1952, at the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Cairo. Youth delegates from all parts of Egypt attended and many vital questions were discussed. Among the most important was the subject of pioneering. Many recommendations were made, and it was encouraging to find that immediate action was taken.

England. The London Youth Committee on its own initiative decided to hold a youth conference in March. The theme was “Our Irretrievable Chance.” At the conference it was generally felt that they could contribute tremendously toward the promotion and dissemination of the Cause through consecration, initiative, and most important of all, action.

Germany. In considering the need to extend the scope of teaching to gain new believers and contacts, the National Youth Committee realized that national youth gatherings were essential to bring greater results. Therefore, it established four national meetings to be convened each year, for the youth of different towns and cities throughout Germany. The results have been very successful, and the spirit of cooperation, of love and harmony, of becoming deepened in the Cause has been felt by all who attended. This has added stimulus to the communities when the youth returned.

The annual autumn meetings, held on a national basis, gave opportunity to discuss the teaching problems which would spread the Cause to more localities in Germany, enlarge the number of Bahá’í youth, and consolidate existing Bahá’í groups. Much was accomplished in this respect. The autumn sessions were held in Maulbronn during 1951 and in Heilbronn during 1952.

Winter schools held during the last week of December, 1952, and the first days of January, 1953, were at the Youth Hostel of Titisee, in the heart of the Black Forest of Southern Germany, near Freiburg. Meetings were held both day and evening, interspersed with recreational periods. All the youth participated in one way or another, thereby growing in the spirit of brotherhood, solidarity, companionship, and service to Bahá’u’lláh.

Ira’n. Twenty youth conferences were

589

held at fifteen centers, eleven of which had National Youth Committee representatives.

The seventh National Youth Convention was held in Tihran the latter part of August, 1952. Representatives from Bahá’í centers and seven National Youth Committee members were present. Consultation was held on guiding and teaching youth and familiarizing them with the procedure and function of youth administration. The total contributions of the youth of Iran through their representatives at this convention for the Shrine of the Báb was one hundred and ten thousand rials. In response to a cable sent to the Guardian on the opening day of the convention, the following reply was received: “Supplicating rich blessings high endeavors preserve noble task. Shoghi.”

United States. The week of September 27 to October 5, 1952, Was set aside as National Bahá’í Youth Week during which the youth were urged to live the lives of pioneers and concentrate upon teaching the Faith. This week was opened with the first of the National Youth Conferences on September 27 and 28, 1952, the theme of which was “Consecration to Teaching.” Both the theme and the agenda were inspired by Leroy Ioas’ memorable letter from Haifa. The agenda was designed to provide the youth with a maximum of teaching advice and to bring out the lessons of successful teaching techniques and experiences. National Bahá’í Youth Week was concluded on October 5 with a youth public meeting in all localities where National Youth Conferences were held the week-end before. The topic for this meeting was “Why We are Bahá’ís.”

The second of the National Youth Conferences was held on January 10 and 11, 1953, and “Oneness of Mankind” was chosen as the subject. It was planned to combine a National Youth Conference with a major teaching effort on the part of the participating youth. The agenda included a panel and a public meeting.

The third National Youth Conference was planned for March 7 and 8, 1953. The theme, “Our Last Irretrievable Chance,” focused attention on the urgent needs of the few remaining weeks of the Second Seven Year Plan. The agenda, devised in the form of a series of multi—membered panels so as to afford a maximum of active participation for the attending youth, was dedicated to a complete review of the Divine Plan, and

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First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Agra, India, 1950-1951.

[Page 591]BAHA’I YOUTH ACTIVITIES 591

First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Ichalkaranji, India, 1950-1951.

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Kanpur, India, April 21, 1952.

[Page 592]592

gave the youth a clearer vision of the coming Ten Year Crusade.

The fourth and last National Youth Conference of the year was held during the National Convention period, the theme being “The Jubilee Year.”

WORLD YOUTH DAY

Throughout the Bahá’í world, the observance of World Youth Day has become an annual event and affords an opportunity for youth to present their ideas from public platforms about the Faith. The same theme is used wherever there are meetings, whether the language of the discussion be German or Persian, Urdu or English. “Hope in a Troubled World” was the theme set for the 1953 observance.

Australia and New Zealand. The Committee invited three speakers to participate, dividing the topic into three parts: “Hope

THE BAHA’I WORLD

who had been attracted to the Faith. There were public lectures, open discussions, readings from the Holy Writings, and music. This event grows in importance each year, and provides an excellent opportunity to present the world vision of the Faith.

India, Pa’kisttin, and Burma. March 25 was observed as World Youth Day. Each community held two meetings—one exclusively for Bahá’í youth and the other a public meeting.

At meetings in Sholapur, Bombay, Panchgani, and Rangoon, pamphlets, programs or other symposium souvenirs were distributed to the non-Bahá’ís attending. In both Bombay and Rangoon, good press coverage was given to the public meetings. In Karachi about fifty youth attended a meeting to discuss “Duties and Responsibilities of Bahá’í Youth.” The chosen theme for this year’s observance, “Hope in a

First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Florence, Italy, elected April 21, 1951.

of World Government,” “Hope of Education,” and “Hope of Religion.” Films were also shown.

England. The youth committee arranged a symposium of both Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í speakers to celebrate the occasion.

Germany. Bahá’í youth from all parts of Germany came to participate in the meeting held in Esslingen. Many brought friends

Troubled World,” was covered by lectures in English and Urdu. Meetings were also held in Surat and Poona.

Ira’n. The seventeenth World Youth Day was observed March 25, 1953. Reports of this observance were received from fiftyeight centers, listing a combined total of thirty-four hundred people in attendance, who contributed a total of thirty-two thou [Page 593]BAHA’I YOUTH ACTIVITIES

sand seven hundred and thirty rials for the Shrine of the Báb.

United States. Plans were made for the occasion by the National Youth Committee and were shared with the Bahá’í youth of the world. The Committee had been in correspondence with all National Youth Committees and the youth of other countries and in collaboration with them a manual for World Youth Day was written and distributed to all youth. It consisted of helpful suggestions for holding public meetings, firesides, follow-up meetings, and preparation of effective publicity. A radio script on the chosen theme was made available.

HOME FRONT

Australia and New Zealand. In Australia there are youth in all but one of the provinces, six local Youth Committees, and many isolated youth. The New Zealand group has had an increase of seven new youth out of a total of twenty-five, indicating the extent of their activity.

Canada. An increased interest in youth was revealed throughout the Canadian Bahá’í community as a whole, and the National Youth Committee answered several inquiries as to how to organize and direct youth firesides and activities in various centers. In Toronto, Hamilton, and St. Catherine the youth groups sponsored many firesides and social outings.

The Ontario Youth Committee sponsored weekly youth firesides at the Toronto center as well as several dances and get-togethers and a conference. Two youth key-noted one session of the Canadian National Bahá’í Convention in April, 1953, and throughout the Dominion, youth participation in regional conferences was prevalent.

The National Youth Committee sponsored a week-end youth forum in Kingston, with delegates attending from various Ontario centers. Canadian Bahá’í youth on college campuses at University College in Toronto and Queen’s University in Kingston have held regular firesides. These meetings received good publicity in campus publications.

Egypt and detin. During the past two years the National Youth Committee of Egypt and Sfidén has been preparing a course that includes in the study of the Faith, religious, economic, and social subjects. They also guided Local Youth Com 593

mittees in the study of the basic Bahá’í literature.

The National Youth Committee hoped to increase the number of Local Youth Committees in Egypt and the Sfidan and a’ goal of four new Local Youth Committees was

Eight members of the first Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Tokyo, Japan, 1950-1951.

set. Two were actually established in Egypt and the National Youth Committee hoped to establish the Local Youth Committee of Khartoum, in Sfidén, by the close of the Holy Year.

England. One of the objects of the London Youth Committee has been to coordinate the activities of the youth. Several socials were arranged, both at the Center and in Bahá’í homes. The Committee prepared the devotional program for the Birthday of the Báb, October 9, 1952, at the request of the London Spiritual Assembly. Other programs in which the youth participated were the presentation of a script “The Son of Desire” at a public meeting at the center, and a play given at the Naw-Rúz program, March 21, 1953.

Germany and Austria. The National Youth Committee was in close contact with many youth organizations of different religious afliliations. Bahá’í youth attended their meetings and in this way brought to them an awareness of Bahá’í thought and teaching.

Persian Bahá’í youth studying in Germany have a great influence in promoting the Faith. Both to Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís, the interaction of Persian and German Bahá’ís is a constant delight.

[Page 594]594

India, Pdkistcin, and Burma. Eight meetings of the National Youth Committee were held in Bombay, Poona, and Panchgani. Correspondence was carried on with the National Spiritual Assembly, Regional Youth Committee of Pakistan and Burma, youth centers in India, and other National Youth Committees.

The Regional Youth Committees of Pékistain and Burma met regularly, maintained regular correspondence with the National Youth Committee and rendered all possible assistance to the Local Youth Committees.

• 1 fl

THE BAHA’I WORLD

to encourage and guide the active youth throughout the country was drawn up and sent throughout Irén.

South America. The South American Youth Committee reported that during 1952-1953 they have worked hard to make every community realize the tremendous importance of the youth in the Faith; they endeavored to help them get organized and to be active in their own youth groups. It was felt that the most important task was to establish a youth committee in each Bahá’í community to insure the commu

First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Naples, Italy, elected April 21, 1951.

Many youth took active part in the discharge of the nineteen month plan. Many new assemblies that were formed and many old centers that were strengthened were aided to a large extent by the sacrifices of a number of young Bahá’ís. In addition to assisting in the establishment of new Assemblies, youth are the mainstay in many Local Spiritual Assemblies, and several Assemblies, particularly on the west coast, are constituted entirely of youth over voting age.

Irdn. The National Youth Committee of Iran was in contact with over two hundred Local Youth Committees and youth groups inside Iran; with the eleven National Youth Committees of the world; and with the Bahá’í International Bureau at Geneva, both by correspondence and by the exchange of periodicals.

During the year twenty-four representatives visited thirty-six centers to meet, stimulate and report to the Youth. A plan

nity’s future. During the year several groups were organized and, although small at present, are full of promise for the future. Groups are located in Lima, Peru; Bogota, Colombia; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Osorno, Chile; Quilpue, Chile; La Paz, Bolivia; Bahia, Brazil; and $50 Paulo, Brazil.

The Committee prepared a booklet of statutes for social culture clubs, based on Bahá’í principles and administration, in which, even if the Bahá’í Faith is not mentioned because of prevailing restrictions, more youth will become familiar with the Bahá’í way of life, principles, and spiritual ideals. The booklet received the approval of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of South America, and has been distributed to all communities which have asked for it.

United States. At its first meeting, the National Youth Committee arranged a Jubilee Calendar of youth activities for the year

[Page 595]BAHA'I YOUTH ACTIVITIES 595

First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Jakarta, Indonesia, elected April 21, 1954.

3:?

First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Kampala, Uganda, British East Africa, formed April 21, 1952.

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First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís Of Wolfhalden,

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"

Switzerland, elected April 21, 1950.

1952-1953, setting dates and subjects for four Youth Conferences and the topic for World Youth Day on March 25, 1953. The dates and subjects were chosen with special regard to the unique features of the Jubilee and Holy Year.

On July 13, 1952, the National Youth Committee met with the American National Teaching Committee, and as a result of consultation new avenues of cooperation were discovered. The National Teaching Committee supplied the National Youth Committee with a list of all the goal cities and communities in the United States, and the Youth Committee in turn wrote a personal letter to every youth residing in or around those areas informing them of the significance of Bahá’í activity in their locality and asking them to contact their respective Regional Teaching Committees and cooperate fully with them. The goals and plans of the American National Teaching Committee have been given prominent publicity in the National Youth Bulletin.

The National Youth Committee was also in constant touch with the Area Youth Committees which gave active cooperation in planning and executing youth activities.

Other undertakings of the National Youth Committee included on-the-spot coverage of the Intercontinental Conferences for the Youth Bulletin; sending of individual letters

of welcome to new Bahá’í youth; the sale of two thousand copies of the youth—prepared pamphlet, “New Horizons of Unity”; the mimeographing and distribution of an outline for the preparation of youth for enrollment in the Faith; and the compilation of a list, broken down geographically, of African students in the United States. This list was made available to all interested Local Spiritual Assemblies.

PIONEERING AND THE TEN-YEAR CRUSADE

Egypt and the Sliddn. In the past two years four Bahá’í youth entered the pioneering field. They settled in Libya and since their arrival have served the Faith well, setting an example of sacrifice and devotion. They have led the way for other pioneers who will come during the course of the World Crusade. Many of the youth who are preparing to pioneer are still at universities and colleges but the coming two years will witness a flow of pioneers to the allotted territories.

Germany. The youth of Germany look toward the Ten-Year Crusade with determination and assurance, confident they will help both in the spreading of the Faith at home and abroad.

India, Pdkista’n, and Burma. Three youth from India and Pékistén have pioneered to Africa.