Brilliant Star A BAHA'I COMPANION FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS MARCH/APRIL 2010

THE HEART OF e

JUSTICE [Page 0]Brilliant Star

Bahéa’i National Center 1233 Central Street Evanston, Illinois 60201 U.S. 847.853.2354 brilliant@usbne.org

SUBSCRIPTIONS: 1.800.999.9019 WWW. BRILLIANTSTARMAGAZINE.ORG

Amethel Parel-Sewell EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR C. Aaron Kreader DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR Amy Renshaw SENIOR EDITOR Susan Engle ASSOCIATE EDITOR Annie Reneau ASSISTANT EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS Debbie Aceves * Angel Alphonce # Marge Anderson Lisa Blecker © Nina Brame © Marzi Branyan ® Wendy Brawer Adrienne Carter © Anders Henry Chippindale © Odeline Fitzgibbons Noél King © Don LaVange « Richard Lepine © Wayland Lockhart Doug Marshall ® Lindsey Neeb Kathy Pant Kai Parel-Sewell « Ken Parel-Sewell © Morgan Peirce Donna Price # Raeleigh Price # Avery Reneau ® Steve Scott Zoraida Soeiro * Renee Stahl « Jeremy Toback Tiazza Wilson

Original illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader, unless noted. By Lisa Blecker: Art for p. 8 and animals on p. 22 Historical photos courtesy of National Bahl Archives, unless noted

Story and activity credits: By Amy Renshaw: 2,5,6,9, 11, 14, 16, 24, 28, 29 By Susan Engle: 12, 18, 20, 23, 26 By Annie Reneau: 3, 10, 21, 22, 27 By Lisa Blecker: 8 By Donna Price: 4, 7

Brilliant Star magazine invites all kids to explore the Baha'i Faith. Itis the second most widespread religion in the world, with more than five million Baha'is.

The Baha'i Faith was founded by the Prophet Bahd’u'lldh (‘Glory of God” in Arabic) in 1863 Baha'u'lléh taught that all people are part of one human family, and that all religions come from one God Baha'is work to bring peace and unity to the world, and end prejudice and discrimination of all kinds

Baha'u'llah’s eldest son, Abdu'l-Bahd, interpreted His teachings and led the Baha’ community after Bahd'u'lléh’s passing.

Brilliant Star encourages kids to bring their virtues and talents to light, and use them to make the world a better place. Brilliant Star is produced bimonthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd's of the U.S.

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND RENEWALS To order or renew a subscription, contact Baha’ Subsoriber Service by phone at 1.800.999.9019 or by e-mail at subscription@usbnc. org Standard U.S. rates: $18 (One year); $32 (Two years)

International airmail: $38 (One year); $68 (Two years)

Canada and Mexico: $28 (One year); $48 (Two years)

SUBMISSIONS \We welcome submissions and ideas from contributors of al ages. For editorial themes or submission guidelines, mail your request with a self-addressed stamped envelope, or e-mail us (above).

RIGHTS, PERMISSIONS, AND CLASS USE All content in this magazine is copyrighted by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is ofthe U.S. or by individual contributors.

For permission to copy or translate material, contact: Rights and Permissions, Briliant Star, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 Teachers may photocopy pages in limited quantities for classroom use. The name of the magazine and issue date must be present on all copies. and proper credit given to the copyright owner.

INTERNET RESOURCES AND INTERNET SAFETY We often provide Internet resources to encourage readers to explore atopic, or to share our references. While we make every effort to choose reliable ‘websites, Brilliant Star does not endorse or account forall content in referenced websites. Furthermore, we urge caution and parental guidance when using the Internet. For more information about Internet safety, visit: wwnw.wiredkids.orgiwiredkids_org.html

ISSN 0884-3695

WHAT’S INSIDE

FAVORITE FEATURES

Baha‘u'llah’s Life: Mission of Peace Baha‘u'llah’s family overcomes injustice in ‘Akka.

Maya’s Mysteries Test your powers of fairness and courage.

Nur’s Nook Save for service in a super piggy bank.

We Are One Explore and care for the place we all call home.

Radiant Stars Get to know kids who shine, like you.

Lightning and Luna: Episode 37 The Uplifters face a new threat from the Erasers.

Stargazer: Adrienne Carter

She brings hope and courage to survivors of tragedy.

Music Café What's your wish for friends around the world?

Riley’s Rainforest Can helping others make you healthier?

Calendars What's special about March and April?

Cosmo’s Corner

A crossword and more from our favorite chameleon

Shining Lamp: Lady Blomfield She chose a life of service over luxury.

aMAZEing ADVENTURE Soar the skies to the sun of justice.

[Page 1]NEW eTINATIONS

Sanctuary in the Sea Find protected species in a Hawaiian refuge.

Are you a champion of justice? Justice is treating cy everyone fairly, as members of one human family. We all deserve to live in peace, with access to food, healthcare, education, and other basic needs. You stand up for justice when you get along with kids from all backgrounds, show respect to everyone, or refuse to gossip. You can also speak up for those who face prejudice and discrimination —whether in your neighborhood or across the world.

What Do You Say? Practice speaking up for what you think is right.

Seeking Justice for Baha'is in Iran Learn about Baha’is unjustly imprisoned in Iran.

You Can Take a Stand Quiz yourself on good ways to deal with bullies.

Drawing on Your Experience What would you invent to help people in need?

In this issue of Brilliant Star, you'll explore the need for justice and how you can help. Play a globe-trotting service project game,

Giving around the Globe take a quiz on dealing with bullies, Where will your journey of service take you?

Dressing for Diversity What does clothing say about culture?

and draw an invention to assist others. You'll also

Ecoville Exploration meet Adrienne Carter,

Take an earth-friendly tour with a Green Map.

who counsels people © during chaotic times, “Change” for Change such as natural Follow how small change makes a big difference. disasters and wars. Using your virtues WY Growing a Better World and talents, you can NX ap

The rice grains hold secrets for the future.

find imaginative ways to serve the world and build justice. And we'll be cheering you on.

PRINTED WiTH PRINTED IN THE U.S. AT AN FSC-CERTIFIED FACILITY, . one 2 SOY INK]_ sep FPO. USING FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER AND SOY INKS. With love from Brilliant Star

[Page 2]+ Sanctuary in the Gea

ANAK a

="Act towards all living creatures with justice and equity.” —‘Abdu'l-Bahd A

. SS S

pee

=> n the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean lie some

J of Earth’s precious treasures—the Northwestern Uf Hawaiian Islands and their creatures. They’re part .| of one of the world’s largest protected marine areas, covering nearly 140,000 square miles (362,000 sq km).*

These islands are extraordinarily rich in biodiversity. As a unique refuge for wildlife, they are home to over 7,000 species, many of which are found only in Hawaii. The critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals live

here—the last 1,200 remaining on Earth. It’s the nesting grounds for almost all of Hawaii's threatened green sea turtles. Fourteen million sea birds also nest here, and many types of coral thrive.

The islands’ hearty ecosystem also gives scientists rare opportunities for research. We have much to learn in order to protect our oceans from threats like over- fishing and pollution. By protecting the diverse habitats of animals, we can help keep the earth in balance.

> LM: In this Hawaiian setting, find eight hidden animals. Most are endangered species. \ | y .

<p

Hawaiian Monk Seal

Oahu Tree Snail

Green Sea Turtle

Tiger Shark

S LEATHERBACKS ARE © THE LAKGEST TURTLES |= IN THE WORLD. THEY CAN GROW OVER SEVEN | SAS FEET (2M) AND WEIGH |] OVER 2000 guns ai) 907 KE)! VI ) SO SS WN

2 Brilliant Star %# MARCH/APRIL 2010

an aan

Black-footed

<->

Leatherback Sea Turtle

Kroc

Finch

Laysan Duck

pall

Albatross

“This area isthe Papaiznaurohuikea Marne National Monument. Leam more at papahanaumokvakea gov

[Page 3]ABrief ; Timeline |

The hife of Baha'u [lah

The highlighted area marks the time in which this story takes place.

1817 November 12 Birth of Baha'u'llah in Tihrén, Iran

1844 Recognizes the Bab as anew Messenger of God

TBP FRIES | Imprisonment in the Black Pit of Tihrén

1853-1863

Exile in Baghdad, Iraq. From 1854-1856, He goes into the mountains to pray in solitude.

1863 April 22 Declares Divine Mission

as Prophet-Founder of the Baha’ Faith

1863-1868 _| Exile in Constantinople (Istanbul), then Adrianople (Edirne), Turkey. Begins writing letters to kings and rulers in 1867, urging world unity

1868 Last exile, to prison- city of ‘Akka, Israel

Agia FE) Finally free to live in countryside homes of Mazra‘ih and then Bahji, outside ‘Akka

Baha'u'llah passes. away at Bahji.

Baha’u’'llah’s Life: Mission of Peace Seeing with Your Own Eyes

ackbiting and gossip can spread like

wildfire and be just as destructive.

Like smoke from a fire, rumors

can cloud your vision. How do you clear the air to see the truth for yourself?

In 1868, Baha’u'llah encountered vicious

rumors when He and nearly 70 of His family and followers were sent to the prison-city of ‘Akka, in what is now Israel. Baha'u'llah, a Messenger of God, and His followers, called Baha'is, had done nothing wrong. But some government and religious leaders wanted to stop Baha’u'llah’s teachings of peace. Rumors raged among the citizens of ‘Akka that the Baha'is were terrible criminals. Because of these rumors, most people in ‘Akka treated the Baha’is with suspicion and hate. When they arrived, a crowd gathered to jeer and mock them.

After being imprisoned for over two years, Baha'u'llah and most of His family were moved to different houses, then finally crowded into a house too small for them.

Soon after, a conflict erupted among some of the exiles who did not follow Baha’u'llah’s teachings. This intensified hostility from the people of ‘Akka. Ilyas ‘Abbud, whose house was attached to Baha’u'llah’s, barricaded the walls that separated the homes. Baha’i children were chased and pelted with stones.

Some of the Baha'is were imprisoned at an inn in the city. Soldiers who kept guard over them treated them harshly. However, the gentle and patient character of the Baha'is began to change the guards’ hearts.

Soldiers guard the prison in ‘Akka, where Baha'u'llah, His family, and about 70 Baha'is were confined.

Baha'u'llah was in this prison in ‘Aka for over two years. The two windows at the right look out from His cell.

They admitted that they had been prejudiced by the rumors. The guards became friendlier, and the Baha’is even had them in for tea. The soldiers soon believed that the authorities were unfair for imprisoning the Baha’is. Finally, they boldly refused to stand guard over people they saw as peaceful.

Ilyas ‘Abbud also had a big change of heart after living next to the Baha’is and seeing their behavior. He tore down his barricades, and he even offered his own home to Baha'u'llah and His family!

Over time, others in ‘Akka began to see with their own eyes that the rumors about the Baha'is were false. A new governor came to ‘Akka who treated the Baha'is with kindness. He admired Baha’u'llah’s son, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, so much that he removed his shoes in ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s presence out of respect. He even sent his own son to be taught by ‘Abdu’l-Baha.

Life in ‘Akka had started out terribly for the Baha'is. But after the conflicts, rumors, and lies settled, many saw the true nature of Baha’u'llah and His teachings.

Photos © Baha'i International Community

MARCH/APRIL 2010 » Brilliant Star

3 [Page 4]of God, be living

UP FOR JUSTICE!

“

‘Abdu’l-Baha

your own school or neighborhood.

ais ae ARE ou don't need superpowers to fight for justice.

Y= developing your natural powers of fairness and courage, you can stand up for justice in

You have lots of opportunities every day to build peace and respect. When you follow rules and laws, share your stuff, or stand up for a kid who’s getting picked on, you're practicing justice.

not cool. Let’s do

YOU A CHAMPION OF JUSTICE?

You don’t have to cause a big confrontation. Sometimes it’s enough to simply say, “Hey, that’s

something else.”

Tt might seem scary at first to speak up for what

you think is right— especially when others don’t agree. But you can start with small steps and build your confidence. Who knows? You might inspire others to be champions of justice, too.

1. I remember that all people deserve to be treated with respect and fairness. Often=3 ¢ Sometimes=2 © Rarely=1

2. I find ways to help others in my family, school, or community. Often=3 ¢ Sometimes=2 © Rarely=1

3. Whether I’m winning or losing, I’m a good sport. Often=3 ¢ Sometimes=2 © Rarely=1

POWERS OF JUSTICE .

4. When there's a conflict, I patiently listen to all sides. Often=3 © Sometimes=2 ¢ Rarely=1

5. If others are being bullied, I speak up or get help. Often=3 © Sometimes=2 ¢ Rarely=1

6. I respect people’s belongings and property. Often=3 © Sometimes=2 ¢ Rarely=1

7. L avoid gossiping about others. Often=3 © Sometimes=2 ¢ Rarely=1

8. When I’m the leader, I give everyone a chance to participate and be heard. Often=3 © Sometimes=2 ¢ Rarely=1

Take this quiz to see how you're using your powers of justice. Circle your answer for each statement below. Then add up your points.

9. Iam honest when I take tests and do homework. Often=3 © Sometimes=2 © Rarely=1

10. I care for Earth’s resources by conserving and recycling. Often=3 ¢ Sometimes=2 © Rarely=1

11. I treat others the way I want to be treated. Often=3 ¢ Sometimes=2 © Rarely=1

12. When someone is getting left out, I try to talk to them or include them. Often=3 ¢ Sometimes=2 © Rarely=1

_ 36-28 points: Great job! You're making a difference in the world as a champion of justice. Keep it up.

___— MY TOTAL POINTS:

27-19 points: Good start. You're developing your powers. Continue to practice and build confidence.

18-12 points: You do have the power of justice within you. Pick some actions from the quiz and try them.

Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2010

[Page 5]WHAT po YOU say?

ook out for number one! Every man for himself!

Have you heard lines like these? It’s important

to take care of yourself, but it’s also vital to consider those around you. Most cultures and faiths have a version of the Golden Rule, which says to treat others as you want to be treated.

WHY WOULD SOMEBODY RISK GETTING IN TROUBLE JUST FOR THEIR RELIGION? THAT’S RIVICULOUS.

a |e

BE NICE. HE LOOKED IISERABLE. POVERTY 1S MHUGE PROBLEM | OR

ALL OVER THE WORLD.

WRITE WHAT YOU WouLp Say:

MAYBE WE CAN HELP BY DONATING TO THE FOOD BANK.

All people are part of one family, with essential human rights. We can help create a just world, where people respect each other, live in peace, protect the environment, and share resources fairly. How do you respond when someone doesn’t show consideration for our global family? What do you say?

EVERYBODY suouL |_| THEY'RE STANDING

HAVE THE RIGHT [og] UP FOR WHAT THEY TO PRACTICE BELIEVE IN.1

THEIR RELIGION! THINK IT’S BRAVE,

WRITE WHAT YOV WOULD Say:

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? THAT BEGEAR JUST = ASKED ME FOR MONEY! WHAT ALOSER.

WHY BOTHER RECYCLING? IT’S NOT REALLY GOING TO HELP. WHAT CAN ONE PERSON 70, ANYWAY?

EVERY ett Hers. LD you coup KEEP ALL RECYCLING ONE CAN LOR | yOUR EMPTY CANS OUT SAVES ENOUGH ENERGY |_| OF THE LANDFILL. THEY

TO RUN A COMPUTER TAKE HUNDREDS OF FOR THREE HOURS! YEARS TO DECOMPOSE!

WRiTE WHAT YOV WouLD Say:

MARCH/APRIL 2010 % Brilliant Star 5 [Page 6]Seeking Justice

for Baha’is in Iran

magine being snatched from your family and

daily life, then confined to a dismal jail cell,

with little food to eat—all because of your religion. That’s what life has been like for seven Baha’is in Iran since spring 2008. The two women and five men are in Evin prison in Tihran.

Before their arrest, they were a group called the “Friends in Iran,” or Yadrdn, who helped with the needs of Iran’s 300,000 Baha’is. In most places, local and national Baha’i communities are led by elected groups called Spiritual Assemblies. But the Baha’i community in Iran has not been allowed to elect formal leaders since 1983, when the Islamic government outlawed them.

From the birth of the Baha’i Faith, Baha’is in Iran have faced religious discrimination. Baha'u'llah, the Faith’s Prophet-Founder, was imprisoned in the 1800s and then exiled. His teachings promote world peace, the oneness of all religions, and the equality of women and men.

For a year after their arrest, the Friends in Iran were not permitted to see their lawyers. They are charged with several crimes, but with no supporting evidence. One of their lawyers, the Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi, said, “If justice is to be carried out and an impartial judge should investigate the charges leveled against my clients, no other verdict can be reached save that of acquittal.”

The trial date for the Friends in Iran was postponed three times. The trial finally began on January 12, 2010. Only two lawyers for the Baha’is were allowed inside, and no observers, including family.

The Friends in Iran are not the only Baha’is who face persecution. At least 50 others are in prison in Iran, where mistreatment of Baha’is is official government policy. More than 200 Baha’is were killed in Iran between 1978

\ \ LV}

¢ Tell your friends, classmates, and neighbors about what's going on with the Baha'is in Iran.

¢ Say prayers for all those who are imprisoned and persecuted because of their religion.

¢ Hold a devotional gathering with your family, and invite friends from other faiths to join you.

Above: The seven “Friends in Iran” are being persecuted because of their religion. In the back, left to right are: Fariba Kamalabadi, Vahid Tizfahm, Jamaloddin Khanjani, Afif Naeimi, Mahvash Sabet. In the front, left to right, are Behrouz Tavakkoli and Saeid Rezaie.

Left: Shirin Ebadi, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, is one of the lawyers defending the rights of the Friends in Iran.

and 1998. Baha’is there have been deprived of their legal rights and are often denied jobs, money, and property. Baha’i students, from elementary school to college, are often harassed by teachers. Baha’is are usually not allowed to attend college, and when they are, they are often expelled.

Governments, leaders, and groups from around the world have spoken out in support of the Baha’is. A United Nations resolution expressed deep concern for the human rights of many in Iran, including Baha’is. The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives both passed formal resolutions criticizing the persecution of the Baha'is.

Baha'is and people of all religions deserve the freedom to practice their faith in peace. By speaking out, we can help extend this basic human right to Iran.

around the wor

n standing up for justice

¢ With your family, write to your elected officials, thanking them when they express support for the Baha'is in Iran.

¢ Learn about the latest news by talking with your parents or visiting http://news.bahai.org and http://iran.bahai.us.

6 Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2010

Photo of "Friends in Iran” © Baha’ International Community Photo of Shirin Ebadi by Don LaVange [Page 7]You Can Take a Stand

ave you ever seen someone getting

bullied? Maybe you wanted to help,

but didn’t know what to do. Maybe you worried about being the next target. Maybe you've already been bullied. Whether it happens to you or someone else, bullying can be scary and upsetting. But there’s good news—you have the power to make a difference.

When bystanders ignore mean behavior, the bully

may think they support what he’s doing. But most kids don’t like to see bullying. One study found that

when bystanders took a stand, the bully stopped more than half of the time.

There are ways to help without confronting the bully or risking your own safety. Telling a trusted adult is one of

\ __ the best things to do. If the adult doesn’t do anything, don’t give up. Keep talking to adults until someone listens and takes action. You can also be a friend to kids who are picked on. Bullying is wrong. Your courageous actions can promote justice. Take this quiz to build your confidence and get more ideas.

Read each question, then choose the most effective response in each situation.

1. If a bully is insulting my friend: a) I yell back and threaten the bully. b) I do nothing, feeling relieved it wasn’t me. c) I calmly encourage my friend to walk away with me.

2. If I see bullying: a) I just watch, hoping nobody gets hurt. b) I slip away and quietly tell an adult. c) Lignore it and go to class.

3. If I've been bullied at school: a) I hide the bully’s backpack in the cafeteria. b) I tell my parents or a teacher. c) I bully other kids to feel better.

4. If there is no anti-bullying policy at my school: a) I talk to my teachers or principal about making one. b) I tell kids bullying isn’t against the rules. c) I ask my parents to send me to a different school.

5. If kids who pick on me hang out in the same place at school: a) I wait until they're bullying someone else, then walk by. b) I get friends to walk with me. c) I won't go to class if it’s near there.

6. If an adult asks me about a bullying incident I saw: a) I tell the truth about what happened. b) I tell them I didn’t really see anything. c) I make it sound like it was no big deal.

s )

7. If a friend of mine is

picking on someone:

a) I say, “Way to go!” b) I check to make sure no teachers are coming to catch him.

c) I say, “Let’s do something else,” to distract my friend and get him to stop.

8. If a kid is often alone and is regularly picked on: a) My friends and I sit with her at lunch.

b) My friends and I try to ignore her.

c) I feel helpless because there’s nothing I can do.

9. If there’s grabbing, pushing, or hitting, or it looks like there might be: a) I dump my backpack and get ready to jump in. b) I get an adult right away. c) Istand a little farther back.

10. If kids make fun of my clothes: a) I tell my parents I need new clothes. b) I wear a big coat over my outfit all day. c) Tignore them because my clothes are fine.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 26

MARCH/APRIL 2010 »% Brilliant Star 7 [Page 8]hallenges around the globe—such as poverty, pollution, and natural disasters—may seem overwhelming. But with the power of creativity, people are finding new ways to work together, solve problems, and change the world. With creativity, a doctor can discover the next medical breakthrough, a performer can uplift hearts, and a scientist can invent an earth-friendly fuel. Have you thought about how a career in sciences or the arts can help our global human family? Even before starting a career, you can use your creativity to help others. You can volunteer

Youll Need Win ty 2-liter plastic bottle with cap (label removed) + two 4 Y2" x 12" (11 x 30. cm) Pp p ip

WHAT SERVICE ARE YOU SAVING FOR?

Siving for Service

your time and help raise funds for charities. Start by making this piggy bank and decorating it in your own style. Use it to store funds you collect with your acts of service. For example, you could put on a concert with friends or have a bake sale to raise money

for your favorite charity.

MY PIGEY BANK WEIGHS A TON.

strips of construction paper

glue + hole punch = scraps of paper + sharp, new box cutter or craft knife (and an adult to help) « pipe cleaner « scissors four empty thread spools, jumbo beads, or similar objects for legs * optional: buttons, fabric scraps, permanent markers

Make Your Own Wy EB ink | Follow these steps to start putting your creative and compassionate ideas into action.

1 Glue short ends of paper strips together to make one long strip. Glue strip tightly around center of bottle. Let dry.

Turn bottle over. Ask an adult to carefully use the sharp box cutter to create a 12" x Y4" (4x 6 cm) slot (through paper and plastic) in center of bottle (for coins) and a Ya" (.6 cm) slice near bottom of bottle (for tail).

6 Insert one end of pipe cleaner into small tail slit. Wind opposite end around your finger to form a spiral.

2 To make front legs, generously glue two spools (or beads) about 1/2" (4 cm) apart on paper close to cap. Glue two other spools along edge of paper directly opposite them. Let dry overnight.

Punch two holes in scrap paper and glue paper dots on bottle cap for nose.

aig

"7 Create your pig's eyes and mouth by gluing on buttons, paper, or fabric, or with markers. Add more decorations if you wish, Now you're ready to save money.*

Bi Cut ears from scrap paper. Fold at base of each ear (7 to make tabs. Make

small cutsintabsso © car we

edges will lie flat. Glue tabs to bottle.

8

Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2010

To retrieve money from the piggy bank, ask an adult

to help you make the change slot larger with scissors. [Page 9]_\ Drawing On Your Experience

s an aerospace engineer at NASA,” Dr. Steve _ Scotti helps design aircraft and spacecraft.

playground equipment. He was happy to do a service project that “would have [a] lasting

He wanted to do a service project in a place impact on children, who learn so much from

like Africa, using his technical and problem-solving skills. their play.” Steve also gave talks to older students

Steve learned about preschools in rural Swaziland about NASA and the importance of learning. He says, with lots of needs. Many kids in Swaziland walk— “With help from the local Baha'is and my new Swazi sometimes for long distances—on bumpy dirt roads friends, everything turned out even better than my greatest to reach small schools with very few supplies. hope... It was such a wonderful experience!”

A service group called Micro Steps connected him Steve says, “Don't be afraid to try something new, with two schools. Then he worked with a local company __ because even if it doesn’t work out as you hope, you'll to design steel swing sets and have them built. do some good and grow from the experience...

In 2009, Steve went to Swaziland to help install the Service benefits you as much as others.”

What would you like to invent, build, or do to help others? Think about people in need around the world, and imagine using your talents to make their lives better. Draw what you'd share here. =

————,

a

sit = —

“National Aeronautics and Space Administration MARCH/APRIL 2010 y% Brilliant Star 9

[Page 10]Dressing for Diversity

“As the body of man needeth a garment to clothe ft, so the body of mankind must needs be adorned with the mantle of justice and wisdom.” —Baha’wllah

Ws: you live in a chilly northern climate

or a hot desert land, what you wear is a

vital part of your daily life. Your clothes help protect

you from sun, wind, and cold. They may also show something about your culture or religion.

Like diverse clothing, people’s beliefs and ways

of life vary from place to place. Honoring and

respecting these differences is important to building

unity and justice. When people make unfair judgments about those who look or dress differently, that’s prejudice. If it leads to bullying or other unjust treatment, that’s discrimination.

We may wear different garments, but we're all human. No matter where we’re from or what kind of clothing we choose, everyone has the right

to live in peace.

Each of these Kids is ¢ oven a clue about where the “ren

Write each Kid's number next to the name of their country. ? UAMBO! MY DRESS 1S INADE MY ISLAND COUNTRY IN THE MY SHIRT AND PANTS, CALLED SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN WAS || Noenigeeica sone musim | | KURTA AND PAJAMA, ARE ADE | | a EROM KAN ALAC TROPICAL WEATHER. WE : OF COTTON OR SILK IN SUNMER WOMEN AND GIRLS CHOOSE BOLD DESIENS. KANGA WEAR A COMFORTABLE WRAP TO WEAR THE HIUAB, OR AND WOOL OR HEAVY SILK IN RTCA TCRINNGe CNLED ALAVA-LAVA. FP 5] ueADSCARE, FOR NODES. J LWNTER. I SPEMK HINZL 7 BLESSINGS IN GHAI THE PLAID PATTERN, OR TARTAN, OF HOLA! THE DESIGN OF MY My KILT CAN INDICATE WHAT REGION MAYAN AUIPIL TELLS ABOUT MY Rabie ACE OR CLAN BELONG 10. BASPIPE VILLAGE AND MY BELIEFS. MY PENSE CoITEAINGS % B PNYSIC 15 POPULAR INIMY COUNTRY. COUNTRY BORDERS MEXICO. DANCE. MY CUIBWE TRIBE ss - 6 Census LIVES NEAR LAKE SUPERIOR. YZ y heal ey 4 w eer . vi “L earth Population Lang

Si =|

B) Morocco) =

_( C ) Guatemala ==

Brilliant Star 4% MARCH/APRIL 2010

rausn

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 26 Spanish: Hola = Hello

Swahili: Jambo = Hello [Page 11]EXPLoRE AND PROTEcT THE EARTH AND ITS €REATURES

i ~ a ‘All the members of this endless universe 3 E Ge are linked one to another.” —Baha’'i Writings )

WOW, REALLY?

The earth is not

a sphere. At least, Every full bus keeps up to not perfectly. It’s

40 cars off the road. Overall, flattened at the public transit saves four poles and swollen billion gallons of | at the equator. ore) gas per yearin , Earth’s shape also What's 93 million miles away the U.S. alone. changes over time. (150 million km) and affects all life on Earth? If you guessed the

mighty sun, you're right. This PROTECTING O

burning ball of gas is so huge,

Get on the bus.

it's 99.8% of our solar system. Yet its size and Dr. Carlos Nobre studies climate change distance are just right for generating the heat and its impact on the Amazon rainforest. and light that allow life on our planet. If it He won the 2009 Brazil Environment

. Personality Award for his work. Dr. Nobre were closer, Earth would be too hot. If it were says, “It is estimated that if the warming

farther away, Earth would be frozen. Our sun is process continues unchecked, by the end

one of over 100 billion stars in our galaxy, of the century 40% of all the species on but it's the only one known to support life. Earth will be threatened with extinction.”

WHERE IN THE WORLD? ;

Carved from solid rock about 100 BCE to 200 CE, the Treasury Zoologists believe these creatures recognize each

was actually a royal tomb. Its name comes from a legend other by their unique pattern, like a fingerprint. that it held pirates’ hidden treasure. Unscramble the letters The stripes may also confuse predators, such as lions. to find its location: Fill in the blanks to find the most common species: PERTA, JNDORA P AI S ER

Photos/illustations: Field by Lakov Kalinin, Treasury by Joseph Cale, zebras by Eric Isselée

MARCH/APRIL 2010 »% Brilliant Star 11

[Page 12]Ww«x

Connect with kids around the world! How are they like you? How are they different? Each of us has a unique ¥ story to tell. What’s yours?

Wayland L. Age: 12 | live in: British Columbia,

Canada ¥

| want to be: Inthe military to be a peacekeeper

Best quality or virtue: Helpfulness

Hobbies or sports: Making models, hockey, and basketball

Favorite Baha’ activities: Junior youth classes

2 4

Place I'd love to visit:

London, England

| like to help people by: Volunteering 5 4

If you could fix one major problem in the world, what would it be?

I would get rid of war, because it is the cause of a lot of suffering and doesn’t help very many people.

If you could help people anywhere on Earth, where would you like to go? Whatever place ...most needed help. For service I would give them clean water, food, and help them solve problems in their community.

What's your advice for dealing with bullies? Tell someone and get their advice dealing with the problem.

Noél K. a Age: 13

| live in: Santiago, Chile

| want to be: Aveterinarian

Something | like about me: Ilike that I’m able to get along with a lot of people. Ilove to read and os [play] basketball. Favorite Baha'i activities: Pre-youth class, firesides, devotionals, Feasts, summer school* >

Place I'd love to visit: Europe

Hobbies or sports:

| like to help people by: Listening to their problems

If you could fix one major problem in the world,

what would it be? Violence towards animals, because I love animals,

«

Age: 12 | live in: Illinois, U.S.

| want to be:

Agymnast

Something | like about me: Iam flexible when it

comes to difficult situations. » < Hobbies or sports:

Dance, gymnastics, Chi- nese, violin, and orchestra Favorite animal or pet: Horses. Ialso have a

and I hate to see people treat them wrong. They have a life, just like us.

If you could help people anywhere on Earth, where would you like to go?

I would go to Africa. I would help all the sick children that need medicine or food.

If you could give three things to every person on Earth, what would you give them? Iwould give them food, love, and water.

black Belgian sheepdog named Duchess, whol love.

Place I'd love to visit: Rome

| like to help people by: Solving conflicts and doing community service If you could help people anywhere on Earth, where would you like to go? Uganda, Africa. Ihave a pen pal from Kampala, and my school donates money tothe school there.

What's your advice for dealing with bullies?

Stand up for yourself, and do not sink to their level. If you could give three things to every person on Earth, what would you give them? The power of virtues, agood friend, [and] ) s agood education

12

Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2010

Firesides are meetings for people to learn more about the Bahd' Faith

At devotionals, people ofall faiths pray together. Feast is a Baha'i community gathering with prayers, consultation, and fellowship. [Page 13]k

Age: 13 To India and try to

| live in: California, U.S.

| want to be: Police officer or park ranger

Something | like about me: I like being sensible, because my friends aren't. I’m kind of like their conscience.

Hobbies or sports: I love to snowboard and fish and ride my bike.

Favorite Baha’/ activities: I’m in ajunior youth group that does regular service projects like volun- teering at the food bank...

Place I'd love to visit: Russia... there’s lots of snow there in the winter.

If you could help people anywhere on Earth, where would you like to go?

x

| live in: Maryland, U.S.

«

Something | like about me: Istand up for my friends.

Age: 10

| want to be: An astronaut

Hobbies or sports: Soccer, art, and climbing trees!

| like to help people by: ’ Helping younger kids to not be scared

If you could fix one major problem in the world, what would it be?

War, because thousands of people are being killed every day and that makes their families very lonely and sad.

If you could help people anywhere on Earth, where

x

build healthier housing and water systems...

Describe a time you or a friend were treated unfairly. In first grade I was bul- lied a lot. tried to reason with them, but it didn’t work. The only grown-up who did anything about it besides my father was the bus driver... Ifhe saw me being bullied, he’d always break it up and send the bully to the school office.

would you like to go? Maybe in Africa. I would get sick kids healthy again with the Doctors Without Borders people.

What's your advice for dealing with bullies? Either be nice to them, or if they are really hurting you, tell an adult. You could also try to be their friend.

“God has crowned you with honor and

7 —__

Age: 13 | live in: Minnesota, U.S.

| want to be: Dancer or singer

Best quality or virtue: ;

Happiness

Something | like about me: My helpfulness to others Hobbies or sports:

Volleyball a4

Favorite Baha'i activities: Teaching [the] Baha’i Faith

Place I'd love to visit: 4 Hawaii

If you could fix one major problem in the world, what would it be? Pollution, because when the world is polluted people will get diseases, [and] plants and animals will die... [Then] people won't get food and the plants and animals will be extinct.

Here’s how:

1, If you're age 7-14, write us at brilliant@usbnc.org

If you could help people anywhere on Earth, where would you like to go? Tanzania, teaching Baha'i children’s classes

What’s your advice for dealing with bullies? That people should stop bullying, because we are all the same, no matter what.

If you could give three things to every person on Earth, what would you give them? Education, [the] message of Baha'u'llah, [and a] smile

or Brilliant Star, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL

60201. Include your name, age, mailing address,

phone number, and e-mail address.

x

«

«

2. When it’s your tum to shine, we'll send you questions and a form for you and your parents to sign.

3. Answer the questions and send them to us with the signed forms, along with at least two good- quality, close-up photographs of your smiling face. gs Photos should be in sharp focus and show your eyes clearly. Please don’t send color copies, low- resolution digital images, or copyright-protected images (like school portraits).

MARCH/APRIL 2010 » Brilliant Star

13 [Page 14]Os ES EN lp Pg

LIGHTNING SND LUNA

wer

\“>

—s ae

if f ae as Oran NEW THREAT ae ee

g AT COLIN’S HOUSE FOR A JUSTICE JAM REHEARSAL ...

THANKS. BAXTER GOT IT FOR ME ON THEIR TRIP.

—

REAVING ABOUT LIGHTNING AN? LUNA?

REMEMBER HOW THEY WERE IN BRAZIL AT THE EXACT SAME TIME AS BAXTER AN? BRIVEET?

| EVER THINK THAT MAYBE—BAXTER AND

YOU’LL THINK I’M CRAZY, BUT—DID YOU

BRIDGET ARE LIGHTNING AND LUNA? I

1770 THINK

YOU’RE CRAZY!

MINNAH, SOMEWHERE, THERE ARE TWO KIVS WHO REALLY ARE LIGHTNING AND LUNA. WHY NOT THEM? THEY’RE STRONG.

THEY STICK UP FOR WHAT’S RIGHT. ISN’T THAT PART OF BEING A BAHA'I?

THINK ABOUT IT. THEY’RE

ALWAYS DISAPPEARING... .

THEY CAN’T. THEY HAVE: SECRET IDENTITIES —LIKE

COLIN, IF

THEY WERE UPLIFTERS— THEY’? TELL US,

BUT IF THEY’RE UPLIFTERS,

THAT'S IT! YOU’VE BEEN REAPING TOO MANY COMIC BOOKS.

WELL, MAYBE. BUT IT WOULD BE SO AWESOME!

SO, WHAT’S THIS NEW DANCE? TAKE IT SLOW — WE HAVEN’T BEEN TO PRACTICE INA WHILE.

YEAH, IT’S COOL TO HAVE YOU BACK!

THOSE CREEPS FROM DOWN THE STREET WERE MESSING WITH ME AGAIN.

14

Brilliant Star 4% MARCH/APRIL 2010 [Page 15]<= = HERE’S THE REST OF THE DRE YOU THATS NOT COOL. TEM. LET’S GET STARTED. OK? DID |] THEY CHASED |] yu SHOULD WALK WE’ VE ONLY GOT TWO WEEKS YOU GET MME AND HOME WITH US AFTER UNTIL OUR BIG PERFORMANCE CALLED ME DANCE PRACTICE. AT THE FUNDRAISER...

STUPID NAMES. a it YEAW. THEY’LL

LEAVE YOU ALONE IF WE STICK TOGETHER.

OK, THANKS, GUYS. TZ L

0 YOU THINK AND L NOTICED ALMOST EVERYBODY | [WELL LOTS THE SPAGHETTI LINE THERE’S SOMETHING DID THEIR BOOK REPORT ON THE SAME OF KIDS sO PLOLE. « TOOK FOREVER, BUT _ || OPP HERE? WHAT’S BEST-SELLER. DOES IT SEEM LIKE FOLLOW THE || WHO DON’T

THE BURGER LINE IS WITH ALL THE EVERYONE IS TRYING 10 BE THE SAME? ARGYLE VESTS? oy FADS. |i FOLLOW ALONG!

—ss SOON, EVERYONE WILL SEE THAT ONLY FANATICA FINN THOUGHT I HAVE THE REAL STRATEGY TO GET RIV

OF THE DESPICABLE UPLIFTERS. T’LL HER RIPICULOUS OCEAN 1 SCHEME WOULD WORK.* CONTROL EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE!

= == —— THE FIRST LAUNCH IN THESE CITIES WAS A SUCCESS. WE’RE PREPARING THE SECOND LAUNCH.

AW, INY PERFECT PLAN Soe

1S IN. MOTION. INFORM PAN THE OTHER ERASERS. if —— are. JAS vas

“See Episode #27, July/Aug 2008 through Episode #34, Sept/Oct 2009 WHO IS PR. DEVIOUS, AND WHAT’S HE UP TO?

MARCH/APRIL 2010 % Brilliant Star 15 [Page 16]=

Giving around the Globe

For 2-6 players

ame time! Get your family together to learn

where on Earth each person would like to go.

What kind of service would they like to do? All around the world, people contribute their

in another country or close to home. Everywhere you go, there are lots of ways you can help out. In this game, tour the world and lend a hand

with service projects near and far—from planting time and talents to helping our global family. Some _ trees to working at a medical clinic. Play the game

spend a few months or a year as a volunteer. with your friends or family, and explore a world Others build a career of service to those in need— of service.

YOU'LL NEED: Two 6-sided TO PLAY: Decide who goes first. On your turn, roll both dice and move forward or backward. You may dice; movers (like toy figures, use the same path more than once. See the extra actions to take at the Rest Area spots in the key at coins, or pebbles); paper right. On a Travel Talk spot, answer and then roll again. Write down each Service Project spot you and pencil for each player visit. Go to five different projects, then be the first to get back to start with an exact roll of the dice.

.

Ganada

ce Wildife -_ om Wellness oe ca

Travel Talk What would be cool about volunteering in another country?

U.S. Homes for the Homeless

Travel Talk What is a language you would like

to learn?

G. America Fi Supporting Travel Talk Schools 500% Answer, roll,

and move again. S. America

e?

e e A Reconstructing Service Project ee, e Roads Fi Write down each 7 eee?

project you land on.

16 Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2010 [Page 17]:

ry

Rest Area Gpots

When you land here, roll again and complete the action in the key that matches your new dice roll.

2 = Listen and learn from native people. Go to any spot. 3 = Refuse to try any new food. Lose a turn. 4=Learna game to play with area kids. Go to nearest project. 5 =Forget to filter the drinking water. Lose a turn. 6 = Drop litter along the road. Lose your latest project (ifyou have one).

Europe Medical Mission

Travel Talk Where are three places in the world that you want to visit?

North Africa Healing for the Hungry

. ° Peocccee®

Financing Farms

South Africa \° ° > °e

7 =Learn to cook a native dish. Go to Healing for the Hungry. 8 =Help area kids learn to read. Go to Supporting Schools.

9 =Forget to learn local phrases. Lose a project (if you have one).

10 =Help with a building project. Go to Homes for the Homeless. 11 = Lose your passport. Lose a turn. 12 =Help out with first aid. Take another turn.

Russia Rid for Elders

Travel Talk What talents would you like to share with others?

China Refuge for Orphans

Travel Talk >

Describe a time you helped someone else.

Australia Goral Reef Gare

MARCH/APRIL 2010 » Brilliant Star

17 [Page 18]Q. What was the most challenging experience

for you when you were a kid? Having to leave Hungary during the Hungarian Revolution in 1956,* escaping through the border. . . It was a huge secret. Otherwise, we would have been imprisoned, or shot, if we would have been discovered ... And we walked about 20 kilometers [over 12 miles] to get to Austria... We were so tired, and so cold... [We were] in various refugee camps for four months before we came to Canada, without knowing [the] language, owning absolutely nothing. [Just] one little suitcase.

Q. What was it like starting a new life in Canada? One of the real difficulties was the school . . . Because I didn’t speak the language, they put me back three years. So I was supposed to be in grade 8, but I ended up to be in grade 5. And I worked really, really hard in that first year to make up. So my life

Q. What do you like best about your work with youth? One of the most challenging things is assisting a young person to have a sense of meaning in their lives, to have a reason for living, to have a purpose. So many of the kids who come to us, they either never had this

ADRIENNE CARTER

magine if your parents told you that you're fleeing from your | home and country, without telling your family and friends. When Adrienne Carter was 12 years old, that’s exactly what happened. She and her parents made a dangerous escape from a war in Hungary, later arriving in Canada. Adrienne grew up and overcame many challenges to become a psychotherapist. Today, she helps troubled youth in British Columbia, Canada. She also volunteers for Médecins Sans Frontiéres (Doctors Without Borders) to counsel those in shock and trauma from tragic events. She has served in 11 countries, including war zones and places recovering from natural disasters, such as the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004. Though her work involves danger, Adrienne is fearless. She says, “If one is afraid, it would be a pretty difficult job to carry on.” Adrienne is ready to assist anywhere. Soon after this interview, Adrienne was asked to serve in Haiti, in the wake of the catastrophic earthquake that has taken over 200,000 lives.

Left: Adrienne, at about age 10 in Hungary. As a kid, she dreamed of helping others. Right: When Adrienne was 12, she and her parents stayed in refugee camps in Austria after escaping their country.

consisted of really just studying, because I had to translate all the homework from English to Hungarian, solve it, and then retranslate it back into English.

sense, or they lost it. They are deep in depression and anxiety. And to be able to assist them to gain a sense of who they are and a sense of purpose, that’s really absolutely amazing.

18 Brilliant Star 4 MARCH/APRIL 2010

“In 1956, more than 200,000 refugees fled from Hungary to avoid war with the Soviet Union. [Page 19]STA

An intervie,

Left: After a destructive earthquake in Pakistan in 2005, Adrienne lived and worked in tents.

Q. So, finding a purpose is a key to good mental health? / Yes, absolutely. And those who have some kind of spiritual connection—they seem to find it a whole lot easier to find a purpose, whatever [their] spiritual background . . .

But those who have no belief . . . they're not interested Below: Adrienne worked with children in India who were traumatized after the Indian

Ocean tsunami in 2004.

in the world, they don’t see themselves as being a part of the world—these are the youth who struggle. Q. How do you actually help people in crisis? We know part of it is training others to assist with counseling. That’s always a big part... But I do see hundreds of people also myself, especially the more difficult cases ... A lot of people become psychotic from the shock. They become extremely depressed . . . [I do] a lot of psycho-education of what helps them to deal with the stress and anxiety a little bit easier, never minimizing the horror that they have gone through.

Q. How did you get involved with Médecins Sans Frontiéres? 7 Left: Adrienne

In 1999 .. . Kosovo was at war, and . . . people were x documented the escaping .. . [ know what it meant to be a refugee .. . So a aftermath of the Indian Ocean

I called . . . Médecins Sans Frontiéres. They were just "3°" beginning their mental health program... [We] traineda ... team... of doctors, nurses, and school counselors . . .

[We provided] counseling assistance, and my job was to give them all the support, the supervision . . . Then every

tsunami in 2004. It “destroyed everything in its path,” and left families devas- tated, she said. year, I was called into a disaster area, or a war-torn area.

Q. When you work with kids who have suffered, do they tend to turn to religion, or turn away from it?

I work a lot in Islamic countries, and they do turn to ... There is a lot of praying that’s happening that religion. In fact, that’s a tremendous comfort to many assists people . . . this happens in Muslim, Hindu, people, because when things become too much, one Christian communities quite a bit...

of the things I can help them with [is] what to give [When] many people go through a real spiritual over to the divine power so they will have more energy crisis . . . they blame God, especially if they lost their to resolve the things that they have some control over whole family .. . The pain is enormous.

Q. With all the suffering you've seen in your work, how do you keep a hopeful outlook?

I have a very hopeful, positive outlook .. . Being a Baha’i community. I have a chance to visit them every- Baha’i is really a tremendous help .. . In all of these where. Through that, you get fed. You get additional ... countries, there is always .. . a hopeful, positive energy. You're ready to go on and do some more.

MARCH/APRIL 2010 % Brilliant Star 19 [Page 20]MUSIC CAFE

“Music, sung or played, is spiritual food for soul and heart.” —Bahda’i Writings

VO YOU EVER WISH ON A STAR? SOMETIMES AT NIGHT, L THINK OF MY FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD AND SEND /

THEM PEACEFUL THOUGHTS. WHAT 70 YOU WISH FOR?

WISHING WELL By Renee Stahl and Jeremy Toback

G

Ds G — Y-# = t S i t © f° _* _¢ ¢ _#_,_|, 5 o_- oe i — T if lAn-y - one who’s sad to- night__ IT wish you well wie 2An-y - one wholaughed to - day I wish you well 3 fa C G

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t — | (<** * *_* 2.) geeee 2 2) ry T tT = = I An-y-one —_who’s had a_ fight__ I wish you well — An-y- one_who’s scared at night An-y-one —_withsomething to say___. I wish you well An-y-one who wants to play_ 6 he r En G (Gotoverse2) Chorus G fF — — —— t—¥ x © 2 15" foe 0-9-0 ot eee Cy) 7 f= _— a] I wish you welll wish you. well__ I wish you peace I wish you —_ I wish you welll = wish you__ well__ 10 ) 4 G © Cc _ G Cp a tt ee eee e IT vm y y = J T Ti love I wish you now cause now is e-ver and was. I wish yousight I wish you 14 hu G iS Cc LG £3 & tye? [op ye we 2 |? oer ot I t — t | eo | ae 4 ——a | sound I wish you know You know you know when it’s found Hm - m we, ay @ 19 ] -~ py G 2. G er = © | 2 Tif : pe Be ety ei cy) - u To I — Hm - - m 1 wish you peace I wish you 23 in c c = as ee + — t t — { — t el ya T r l love T wish you now Cause now is —e- ver and was_ I wish you an A G . 7 G Repeat (pnts Lx — 2 = —t ———t t = SS SSS Se = ra e I YY T sight I wish you sound I wish_____ you_._ well___ I

20

Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2010

"> Spread Cheer — Volunteer!

“| E ave you ever noticed how great it feels to help others? Service is mot only good for your spirit, it can also improve your physical and mental well-being.

Research shows that volunteers feel better physically and live longer than those who don’t volunteer. Some scientists say this may be because helping others releases beneficial chemicals in your body.

happiness and self-esteem. One reason may be that serving others gives you a sense of purpose and

Scientists think that one reason —_ accomplishment. It feels good to know you're making the world a

better place. And when you focus

volunteering is good for you is because it usually involves working with people. Studies show that people with good relationships are healthier—in body and mind.

on helping people in serious need, it can put your own troubles and worries in a clearer perspective. Along with building your health, volunteering can help you develop virtues such as responsi-

Being out in the community lets you make new friends. And if you volunteer to do something that you're passionate about, whether it’s the arts, environment,

bility, leadership, and organization. These skills lead to success in other

sports, or animals, you can meet areas, such as school, sports, and

kids with similar interests. family life. No matter what service you choose, volunteering can make

a big difference in other people's

Volunteers report feeling less stress, depression, and anxiety,

and more good feelings, such as lives—and your own.

eT Fruit We Thought “Be ye ... a refuge to the

helpless, and a treasury for the poor... Think ye at all times of rendering some service to every member of the human race.” —‘Abdu'l-Baha

. from the Slut of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing...

” —Bahd’u'fah

Explore and Sear How to Start Serving y ant to volunteer, but aren’t

Were where to begin? Wherever you live, you can find some way to be of service. Think about how you can use your interests and talents to help out, and try these ideas:

O Feed, walk, and groom animals at an animal shelter.

D Cook a meal and take it to an ill or elderly friend.

O Organize a clean-up day for your neighborhood or park.

O Plant a garden or trees at a community center.

O Give a talent show at a nursing home.

O Collect household supplies or clothes for new immigrant or refugee families.

O Run a race to raise money for a cause.

True or False? Serving in your community can help you in school. Answer: True. In one study, high school students who volunteered were more likely to improve their grades and graduate from college than those who didn't volunteer. Helping out in your

community is a smart move—in more ways than one!

include The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research, by te ( ind Community Service and ‘Its Good to Be Good 2009: Health and the Generous Heart," by

fst MARCH/APRIL 2010 ¥% Brilliant Star 21

[Page 22]¢

ECOVILLE EXPLORATION

elcome to Ecoville! We're proud of our

town’s natural, cultural, and earth-

friendly spots. We've created a Green Map to help you explore our community.

Green Maps guide people to local sites that serve humanity and protect the environment. Using universal icons, they show things like bike paths,

5 green buildings, and farmers’ markets. They can

include natural habitats, such as forests and ponds, as well as cultural attractions like art centers and museums. Green Maps can educate people about the positive aspects of their communities, and raise awareness of environmental projects and concerns.

You can make a Green Map of your area. You might find new places to explore and help take care of the earth at the same time.*

ollow the directions to enjoy a tour of Ecoville, and then meet for a celebration.

eooe” WILDLIFE DRIVE a

SUSTAINABLE STREET

a

ft

ART STUDIO LOCAL MUSIC

BIOSPHERE BOULEVARD

a ecouos PUBLIC LIBRARY im .

WATER @ ENERGY OS, SITE

FAIR TRADE

CAFE

ft RECYCLING

a ft a ROR

CENTER

PUBLIC PARKING

MUSEUM tft

Find the spots on the map and fill in the location names.

1. From Conservation Circle, go east one beach to the block, then south two blocks. Grab an

apple at the

8. Go west. Check out some native trees, then grab a drink across the street at the

5, Head north past the parking lot. Learn

about endangered species at the

2. Go west one block, then turn south at the corner. Explore your creativity at the

6. Go east on Ecology Road and turn left on River Road. Drop off a bag of food at the

3. Continue south. Cross Biosphere Boulevard and enter the

4, Take the water transport east past the tour the

9. Continue south. Follow the path through the park, then help out with a reading program at the

10. Go north one block and » celebrate with your friends at the

7. Continue north. Cross Wildlife Drive and !

Green Map System, Inc.

é

22 Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2010

To learn more, see GreenMap.org SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 26

[Page 23]“Change” for Change

“Let us try with all the strength we have to bring about happier conditions, so that no single soul may be destitute.” —‘Abdu'l-Baha

hear coins falling into your very own bank. _ have enough to eat? About 1.4 billion live on less

Earning money can help you and your future. than $1.25 a day. And 72 million kids are denied the It’s also a way to help others. Many people around right to go to school. Your generosity can help change the globe are in desperate need of basic things, such _ things. Imagine every person with extra money giving as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. Sharing —_ some to those in need. The more we share, the closer your money can make a big difference. we'll come to a just and peaceful world.

ca-chink, ca-chink. It’s cool to Did you know that over a billion people don’t

These kids have raised money to help four global causes. Follow the paths to find out which cause each kid is supporting.

<x"

SV

RY

Kone ‘tel eaching

MARCH/APRIL 2010 % Brilliant Star 23

March 2-20 is the Fast for the Baha'i Faith, when Baha'is ages 15-70 do not

eat or drink between sunrise and sunset.* It’s also time for prayer, meditation, and spiritual renewal. The Baha'i writings say the Fast can “refresh and reinvigorate the spiritual forces” in our souls. Those forces —such as self-control, forgiveness, and kindness —can help people of all faiths live in harmony and create a just world. After

the Fast, it’s time to celebrate a new beginning at Naw-Riz, the Baha'i New Year.

M: faiths, including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, have a period of fasting.

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Holi Women’s History (Hinduism) and support

Baha'i New Year our planet.”

30

Did you know? Passover Ared kangaroo can (Judaism) leap 25 feet (8 m) Ve Honors the Jews”

freedom from = )) slavery in Egypt

Ea

ina single hop!

“1 *Introduction—Those who are ill, traveling, doing heavy physical labor, pregnant, 24 Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2010 nursing, or menstruating are not required to fast. 14~Some areas do not use

Daylight Savings Time. 27—Learn more at www.earthhour.org [Page 25]APRIL 2010 ¢ 167 Baha’i Era

magine a beautiful garden on a riverbank, full of blooming roses and singing

nightingales. The Garden of Ridvan (or “Paradise”) outside Baghdad, Iraq, was just

such a place. In 1863, Baha'u'llah and some of His followers spent 12 days in this garden, where He announced His mission as a Messenger of God. From April 21-May 2, Baha'is celebrate the Ridvan Festival, which Baha'u'llah called the “King of Festivals.” Gatherings may include prayers, food, music, drama, and other arts. The first, ninth, and twelfth days of Ridvan are Holy Days on which Baha'is do not work or go to school. ‘s\

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

2 3

Every 19 days,

Baha’i Feast

is held on or Good Friday Prevention near the first (Christianity) of Cruelty to day of the International vo Mon Baha’i month. Children’s Book Day * )

BAHA’i

ae MONTH OF Ik a aon making =~ : J L

SS cities healthier. Paw”, eee (GLORY)

13 gq" @ 15 aa 1% 17

Gogmo’s Word Challenge a) Wander around seeking fun

b) Travel across the galaxy

¢) Stimulate, stir into action

22 23 24

Easter (Christianity)

Did you know?- Endangered fishing cats of Asia can swim Songkran (Thai New Year, aa 1B 15)

underwater. Les ae Spring celebration with splashing water

18 19 20

FIRST DAY OF Global Youth i Earth Day Service Day National Arbor RIDVAN Aton of paper from (April 23-25) Day (U.S.) > The Festival of recycled materials How can you help Forests are home to True or False? Ridvdn begins. saves 17 trees. your family or up to 90% of known

Apples, strawberries, and other fruits are members of the rose family.

25 Ag 26 27 29

NINTH DAY OF dg

community today? land species.

WHAT STARTS WITH “T,” te ENDS WITH “T,” AND MONTH OF RIDVAN 1S FILLED WITH ST”? iA Honors Baha'u'llat

JAMAL family joining Him

in the Ridvan Garden

A TEAPOT!

MARCH/APRIL 2010 % Brilliant Star 25 [Page 26]ER

OSMO'S CORN

Look for clues throughout the magazine.

2. Anders likes that he is - (p. 13)

5. We can help bring about a just world by treating everyone with (p. 29)

7. Dr. Steve Scotti says, * benefits you as much as others." (p. 9)

8. Adrienne volunteers for Without Borders. (p. 18)

10. When dealing with bullying, talk to adults until someone 14. Colin wonders if Baxter and Bridget are - (p. 14) happiness and self-esteem. (p. 21)

17. People of all religions deserve the to practice their faith. (p. 6)

18.Ona

the environment. (p. 22)

19. From April 21-May 2, Baha'is celebrate the Festival.

él

ESS WHAT

HAPPENED TO THE q PLANT I TOOK TO MATH CLASS!

and takes action. (p. 7)

report more good feelings, such as

Map, you can find sites that help

(p. 25)

FROM OUR MAILBOX

| like all the colorful pages. It really brings the shine out of the magazine! . .. | love the competitions and think they are a great way to show everyone your talent. The cover pages are also very attractive! | like the speech bubbles, where you have to fill in what you would say in that kind of situation.” —Anita K., age 13, China

Editors’ Note: Dear Anita, Just because you

mentioned it, we ran our “What Do You Say?” special feature in this issue. Check it out on page 5.

DOWN

IKNOW—IT GREW SQUARE KOOTS!

. With the power of

, people are finding

new ways to solve problems. (p. 8)

w

and water. (p. 12)

. You can stand up for or neighborhood. (p. 4)

=

roy

in life. (p. 19)

©

Rule. (p. 5)

. Noél would give everyone on Earth food, =,

in your own school

. One key to good mental health is having a

. Most cultures and faiths have a version of the

11. Affects all life on Earth. (p. 11)

12. "Star" in Persian. (p. 27)

13. Everywhere you go, there are lots of ways you can

out. (p. 16)

16. No matter where we're from or what kind of clothing we

choose, everyone has the

PAGE 2: Seal at top right, green sea turtle at center right, shark at top center, snail on rock at bottom center, albatross at bottom center, duck at top left, finch on branch at center left, leatherback sea turtle at top left.

PAGE 7: 1) c, 2) b, 3)b, 4) a, 5) b, 6) a, 7), 8)a, 9) b, 10)

PAGE 10: 1) D, 2) B, 3)F, 4) E,5) A, 6)C,7)G

PAGE 11: Petra, Jordan; Plains Zebra

to live in peace. (p. 10)

PAGE 22: 1) farmers’ market, 2) art studio, 3) waterfront park, 4) museum, 5) wildlife habitat, 6) food bank, 7) water energy site, 8) fair trade café, 9) public library, 10) community garden

PAGE 23: 1) D, 2) A, 3)B, 4) C

PAGE 28: 1) listen, 2) consult,

3) cooperate, 4) empower,

5) communicate, 6) learn, 7) serve,

8) create, 9) organize, 10) understand, 11) respect, 12) donate

26

Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2010

[Page 27]s a wealthy member of British high society, Lady Blomfield could have

lived a life of luxury and ease. Instead, she devoted her life to helping those in need.

She was born Sara Louisa Ryan in Ireland in 1859. Her father was Catholic, and her mother was Protestant. While this led to religious conflicts in the family, it also caused Sara to explore spiritual truth throughout her life.

In 1887, Sara married a promi- nent English architect, Sir Arthur Blomfield, and became known as Lady Blomfield. They had two daughters. Twelve years after their marriage, Arthur passed away.

Lady Blomfield’s life changed again at age 48, when she discovered the Baha’i Faith. When a friend told her about Baha'u'llah, she said, “Great awe and intense exaltation possessed me with an overpowering force .. .” She felt this was the truth she had been seeking.

Save the Children Lady Blomfield grew active in her new faith. ‘Abdu’l-Baha, who led the Baha’is at the time, visited England in 1911 and 1913, and stayed in Lady Blomfield’s home. ‘Abdu’l-Baha gave her the Persian name “Sitarih Khanum.” “Sitarih” means “Star,” and “Khanum” means “Lady.”

SHINING LAMP

A Baha’ who served humanity with radiance

LADY BLOMFIELD: Defender of Children

Lady Blomfield was the first person born in Ireland to become a Baha’i. Her daughter, Mary, wrote, “Any kind of suffering touched my mother profoundly . . .”

In 1914, World War I began. Lady Blomfield helped care for wounded soldiers throughout the war. When it ended in 1918, millions of children in Europe were orphaned and hungry. Lady Blomfield worked with Eglantyne Jebb and Dorothy Buxton, who were starting the Save the Children Fund. She urged Baha'is to support it.

“Wherever there is impoverish- ment,” she wrote, “there is a menace to child-life, and the Save the Children Fund, reinforced by the Baha’is of the world, should be the Ark to carry the children safely through this time of stress and strain.”

‘Abdu'l-Baha praised the fund, calling its cause “the greatest service to the world of mankind.” The Save the Children Fund spread to other nations. Today, the International Save the Children Alliance helps kids in more than 120 countries.

A Life of Service

Lady Blomfield served the Save

the Children Fund for the rest of her life. She helped the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child become accepted by the League of Nations in 1924. She also promoted women’s right to vote and defended persecuted Baha'is in Iran.

On two occasions, Lady Blomfield traveled to what is now Israel and met with ‘Abdu'l-Baha’s family. She published stories they told her, along with her memories of hosting ‘Abdu’l-Baha in England, in The Chosen Highway.

Lady Blomfield passed away in 1939 at age 80. She was honored by many. The Baha’i author H.M. Balyuzi said she was “a gracious lady who served the Cause of Baha'u'llah with never-failing vigour and devotion.” The Save the Children Fund called her “a devoted and inspiring friend” who “gave herself to a variety of humanitarian causes with an ardour which persisted to the last days of a long life.”

MARCH/APRIL 2010 » Brilliant Star

27 [Page 28]; al iq

I etter Worl

& “Every human being has the right to live... Nobody should die of hunger ... one man should not live in excess while another has no possible means of existence.” —‘Abdu'l-Bahd

MM ore than a billion people suffer from hunger droughts, and floods make it difficult to grow food. MI

and live in poverty. Solving this crisis is a Climate change can cause higher temperatures and i goal for 189 countries that support the United severe weather, making farming even harder. Nations’ Millennium Development Goals. The goals Many people around the globe want to help. seek to relieve global challenges, like poverty and Scientists are finding ways to improve soil, handle lack of education and healthcare. pests, and manage water. Service project volunteers One key to ending hunger and poverty is help farmers use new methods, while respecting agriculture. Most of the world’s poor live in rural their culture and their needs. By working together

areas, and many are farmers. But problems like war, _ with unity, we can grow a better world for all.

Nearly half of the world depends on rice for food. Unscramble the letters on the rice grains to find verbs that help a service project succeed. Then write the words on the blank grains. The first letter is provided in green.

Zak Y AZ tea SS

28 Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2010 SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 26

[Page 29]Sum of Justice

“We entreat God to deliver the light of equity and the sun of justice from the thick clouds of waywardness, and cause them to shine forth upon men.” —Bahd’u'llah

‘UU i heavy storm clouds loom over Earth, everything seems dull and dark. It’s hard to see the beauty of our world. In a similar way, injustices like war, poverty, prejudice, and hatred can block our ability to find unity and joy among people. But just as the sun eventually breaks through the clouds, justice will one day illumine our planet. The Baha’i writings promise a brilliant future for humanity. Wars will end and nations will establish peace. The rights of all people will be honored.

GMAZGing

ADVENTURE

Le

Everyone will have fair access to resources like food, é healthcare, and education. People of different races ~s and backgrounds will live in harmony, as members of one global family.

Each of us can do our part to bring about a just world, even in small ways. We can treat everyone around us with respect and fairness. We can be of service to our family, friends, and school. Whenever x clouds block your view of our world’s radiant future,

fly steadily until you can spot the sun of justice. g :

The falcon is looking for a path among the clouds that leads to the sun. He cannot cross over any lines of the clouds’ edges. Help him find his way.

a

EL | = gy

MARCH/APRIL 2010 »* Brilliant Star

29 [Page 30]“Justice is a powerful force. It is, above all else, the conqueror of the citadels of the hearts and souls...” —Baha’u lah

Brilliant Star www.brilliantstarmagazine.org

THE HEART OF JUSTICE * MARCH/APRIL 2010 » Volume 42, Number 1 AN AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES

Brilliant Star/Volume 42/Issue 1/Text

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