| ←Previous | National Bahá’í Review Issue 10 |
Next→ |
| Return to PDF view |
 | The text below this notice was generated by a computer, it still needs to be checked for errors and corrected. If you would like to help, view the original document by clicking the PDF scans along the right side of the page. Click the edit button at the top of this page (notepad and pencil icon) or press Alt+Shift+E to begin making changes. When you are done press "Save changes" at the bottom of the page. |
A CHALLENGE OF COLOSSAL MAC-ENITUDE
The Universal House of Justice Calls Upon American Believers to Win Remaining Goals
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States.
Dear Bahá’í Friends,
HE NUMBER AND character of achievements of your community since the Nine Year Plan was launched must indeed compel our gratitude. On the homefront, 62 [additional] local spiritual assemblies have been formed and 500 new centers have been established. Traveling teachers and pioneers have gone forth from your community in troops, offering all of their resources and their very lives to the Cause. They have scattered to the far-flung fields of the globe to proclaim the glory of God’s Revelation; have opened the Turks and Caicos Islands; poured into the Caribbean area carrying the torch of the Faith to new outposts there, and so firmly established the Cause in that chain of islands that a new pillar on which the Universal House of Justice rests was erected. With unfailing generosity, you have assisted your sister communities to acquire Bahá’í properties. Your community has indeed merited the title of “torch-bearers.” Remaining Goals In view of the tasks which remain to be achieved, it is evident as we rapidly approach the midway point in the Plan, that your community now faces a challenge of colossal magnitude, for the pace of the work must be greatly accelerated if all the goals are to be won. On the homefront, 206 local spiritual assemblies must be formed, including at least one in each of the four states where there has as yet been only one established, two in Puerto Rico, and the Assembly in Key West must be re-established. No less than 787 new centers must be opened to the Faith. Abroad, pioneers and traveling teachers are still needed on every front to continue to carry the Faith forward throughout the entire world. You are called upon for further financial contributions to acquire the remaining properties so urgently needed by your sister communities. A gigantic, collective effort will be required to successfully discharge all these responsibilities. We think it is important that you phase out the remaining homefront goals of the Nine Year Plan, adopting subsidiary plans for each year between now
and Riḍván, 1973, bearing in mind the need to consolidate all the goals thus far won. When formulating plans for a consolidation program, to be carried out concurrently with the proclamation of the Faith, particular thought should be given to the twelve states where there is now a minimum of only two local spiritual assemblies. Deepening the Spiritual Life of the Individual
Above all, the duty of deepening the spiritual life of your newly-enrolled co-workers is paramount, for the fate of the entire community depends upon the individual believers. Without the whole-hearted support of each and every one of the friends, every measure adopted, no matter how well thought out, is foredoomed to failure. It is the individual believers who must maintain the local assemblies and the centers already won at the cost of such great sacrifice. It is they who must, afire with the love of Bahá’u’lláh, go forth to further broaden the base of administrative activity by forming new assemblies and implanting the standard of Bahá’u’lláh in new localities; who must arise in response to the call to travel to the remote outposts of the Faith and push back the frontiers; and who must, through your wise and loving guidance, become your collaborators in carrying out your God-given mission.
We are deeply cognizant of the tremendous burden of responsibility you carry, but we are confident that your dearly-loved community will arise with a renewed spirit to assume its weighty responsibilities.
We shall offer a special prayer for your Assembly that you will be enabled to carry forward unremittingly all your tasks to their triumphant conclusion.
With loving Bahá’í greetings, Tun: UNIVERSAL House Or J USTICE Aug. 14, 1968
COMMENTS
We are told that soon after His declaration, the Báb summoned the people of the West to issue forth from their cities to spread the glad tidings brought by the Promised One. It was not until the revelation of The Tablets of the Divine Plan by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that we realized the full import of that summons. For North
Americans it came to mean that theirs was the primary responsibility to take the new message to all the continents and islands of the world. Those, like Martha Root and Agnes Alexander, who responded immediately to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablets got a glorious foretaste of the transforming effect that the Cause was destined to exert on people everywhere. These souls have made their indelible marks on the annals of our Faith. Yet it was only after the execution of the first three systematic teaching plans inspired by these Tablets and formulated by our beloved Guardian —the first and second Seven Year Plans and the Ten Year World Crusade—that the generality of the believers began to understand the mighty influence and the marvelous achievements latent in that original summons issued from Shíráz.
Today, we stand at the midway point of the fourth in the series of systematic teaching plans: the Nine Year Plan of the Universal House of Justice. Again we have been showered with praise. “Your community,” the House of Justice says, “has indeed merited the title of ‘torch-bearers.’ ” And again we have been challenged to maintain our primacy by discharging the remainder of what continues to be the “lion's share” of the tasks.
Fortunately, before receiving this letter, the National Spiritual Assembly had already established a threeyear phased program with specific annual goals, which complies with the directives of the Universal House of Justice. Besides, the Five Year Youth Program was launched last August as a subsidiary of the Nine Year Plan. Our ambition is to win all our homefront goals by Riḍván 1971. Early accomplishment of these goals would save us the exhaustion of breathless activity during the last years of the Nine Year Plan; it would give us a chance to consolidate our gains and, perhaps, achieve some more by 1973. The American community is able to win an early victory, if the friends will support wholeheartedly the programs being developed by the National Teaching Committee.
The most significant responsibility laid upon us in this letter is the duty of deepening the spiritual life of the newly enrolled believer, because, “the fate of the entire community depends upon the individual believers.” This is not the first time that an infallible institution has underscored this point: The Guardian emphasized it in his letter of July 28. 1954 to our National Spiritual Assembly (see CITADEL OF FAITH, pages 130-131). It would do us well to recall his penetrant remarks. Here, in a reference to the Ten Year Crusade
OCTOBER 1968
Shoghi Effendi addressed the individual member of any and every community, the member of any and every group, the isolated friend:
“This challenge, so severe and insistent, and yet so glorious, faces no doubt primarily the individual believer on whom, in the last resort, depends the fate of the entire community. He it is who constitutes the warp and woof on which the quality and pattern of the whole fabric must depend. He it is who acts as one of the countless links in the mighty chain that now girdles the globe. He it is who serves as one of the multitude of bricks which support the structure and insure the stability of the administrative edifice now being raised in every part of the world. Without his support, at once whole-hearted, continuous and generous, every measure adopted, and every plan formulated, by the body which acts as the national representative of the community to which he belongs, is foredoomed to failure.”
“The sustaining strength of Bahá’u’lláh Himself, the Founder of the Faith,” the Guardian categorically states, “will be withheld from every and each individual who fails in the long run to arise and play his part.” Thus, it is evident that nothing can be more important to our development than a concerted effort to deepen ourselves individually in the verities of the Faith.
The National Spiritual Assembly urges the local spiritual assemblies, National Teaching Committee, state goals committees, groups, and —above all-— the individual believer to study this letter from the Universal House of Justice with a serious determination to apply its directives. The assemblies and committees must provide the means for individuals to deepen their knowledge of the application of the Teachings.
In his moments of trial or doubt, let the individual refer to this letter and to the cited statements of the beloved Guardian to restore his strength and refocus his perspective. Let him not flinch in the execution of his sacred responsibility to the national community. For it is he alone, in the privacy of his conscience, who must decide to pray, teach the Cause, study the lifegiving Word, fight his own spiritual battles, and give to the Fund. The triumph of the Nine Year Plan, indeed the existence of our community, depends on whether or not the individual believer is personally committed to these five requirements of universal participation.
—— NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
National Spiritual Assembly Announces Five Year Program for American Youth
To the Bahá’í Youth of the United States Beloved Friends:
With the optimistic and gladsome voices of the National Bahá’í Youth Conference still resounding in our hearts, we announce on the joyous occasion of the Centenary of the arrival of the Lord of Hosts in the Holy Land the goals of the Five Year Youth Program. No occasion could be more propitious for such a tremendous undertaking on the part of the youthful members of our national community. We have only to recall Bahá’u’lláh’s own reference to His debarkment on the shores of ‘Akká. Said He: “Upon our arrival, We were welcomed with banners of light, whereupon the Voice of
the Spirit cried out saying: ‘Soon will all that dwell on earth be enlisted under these banners.’ ” In the spirit of high expectations generated by this utterance, we call upon the American Bahá’í Youth:
- To deploy 500 from their ranks to fill homefront and
foreign goals;
- To settle 350 of these in teams throughout the southern states of America;
- To send at least five pioneers to Africa and 20 to Latin
America;
- To double the number of Bahá’í College Clubs from 61
to 122, with at least one in every state;
- To establish 20 high school clubs;
[Page 3]
REVIEW
- To inaugurate a traveling-teacher program, to include circuit teaching by teams and musical groups:
- To increase their contributions to the National Bahá’í
Fund by sustained regular giving, and to assume responsibility for producing $100,000 of the 1968-69 national budget;
- To establish special service projects directed toward
minority teaching;
- To engage in a systematic deepening program based
on the instructions for deepening enunciated in the Riḍván 1967 message of the Universal House of Justice; and
- To improve, through daily prayer, constant study of
the life-giving Word, and self-examination, their personal conduct.
These goals are at once a challenge and a blessing. In a society torn by dissension and distracted by one transient passion after another, the role of Bahá’í youth assumes gigantic proportions; for it is they who must assist in establishing the only true balance by which the accomplishments of the future are to be measured and guaranteed. That balance—heralded by the Primal Point, proclaimed by the Everlasting Father, explained by the beloved Master, and amplified by the Sign of God on Earth — is none other than the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. One of the major concerns of Bahá’í youth must be the avoidance of any cleavage in the Bahá’í community. Every youth must believe wholeheartedly and demonstrate that a “generation gap” has no place in the new World Order. Difference in age, far from engendering negative considerations, is to be valued as one expression of unity in diversity.
The Five Year Youth Program, to be directed by the National Teaching Committee through its Department of Youth and College Activities, is a subsidiary of the Nine Year Plan. In adjusting to its challenges and requirements, the youth should never lose sight of the three fields of service defined by the Universal House of Justice in its letter to the Youth of Every Land:
First, the foundation of all their other accomplishments, is their study of the teachings, the spiritualization of their lives and the forming of their characters in accordance with the standards of Bahá’u’lláh. . The second field of service, which is linked intimately with the first, is teaching the Faith, particularly to their fellow-youth. among whom are some of the most open and seeking minds in the world. . . . The third field of service is the preparation by the youth for their later years.
We challenge the American Youth, fully mindful that youth have played a major part in the birth and growth of our priceless Faith; and, as the Universal House of Justice reminds us: “Let it, therefore, never be imagined that youth must await their years of maturity before they can render invaluable services to the Cause of God.” Moreover, let it not be forgotten that those Americans who arise to do their part are designated as “spiritual descendants of the Dawn-breakers."
As you embark on this significant undertaking, we send you our warmest love and assurance of our special prayers on your behalf.
Sincerely,
— NATIONAL SPIRITUAL Assmvmnr August 31, 1968
Status of ANISA Clarified
It has been brought to the attention of the National Spiritual Assembly that a group of Bahá’ís is planning to form a national corporation which will originate and implement programs of a humanitarian and educational nature. The name of the corporation is ANISA (American National Institutes for Social Advancement).
Since news of this development has spread far and wide, the National Spiritual Assembly wishes to clarify that this corporation is not being sponsored by any Bahá’í institution, although some of the friends, including members of the National Spiritual Assembly itself, may be serving on ANISA’s board of directors. The friends should regard ANISA as a non-Bahá’í organization, but may participate in its programs professionally, if they wish.
In commenting on the feasibility of the National Spiritual Assembly's sponsorship of ANISA, the Universal House of Justice offered the following guidance on May 13, 1968:
In view of the urgency of conveying to you our decision regarding the ANISA project we have, after careful study of the material which you presented, as well as the instructions of the beloved Guardian bearing upon the question, arrived at the following conclusions which we share with you.
1. The initiation of such projects, as a minor undertaking of the organized efforts of any National Bahá’í community, far from contravening the spirit of the Teachings of the Faith. is consistent with the guidelines given to us by the beloved Guardian and would serve to vindicate the claim of the universal principles of the Faith. We refer in this connection to the letter of the Beloved Guardian to your body. dated February 20, 1927 (see Bahá’í Administration. 1960 edition, page 126). But in view of the present limited resources and capacities of the American Bahá’í community and the risks that are involved in the project we feel that your Assembly should not, itself, undertake such a project at this time.
2. We make no comment on the merits of the ANISA proposal as such, but if individual Bahá’ís wish, in their professional capacities, to engage in such projects for the welfare of their fellow-men, it would be meritorious.
3. As to affiliation with, or financial support of organizations that advocate philanthropic aims in sympathy with our own ideas the friends should be guided by the general principle given to us by Shoghi Effendi, namely that as individual Bahá’ís they should approach and participate in such activities after they have first been assured that the growing needs of the work of the Faith are being met adequately. We refer you in this connection to the Guardian’s letter dated October 18, 1927 (see Bahá’í Administration, 1960 edition, pp. 140-141).
It must be made absolutely clear that neither the National Spiritual Assembly nor any other Bahá’í institution should promote, sponsor, or encourage the sponsorship of this type of project at this time.
The Bahd'I' and Political Campaigns
The National Spiritual Assembly takes this opportunity to remind their friends of the principles that should guide their relationship to political campaigns.
1. A Bahá’í may not take out membership in, or associate with, a political party or organization designed to support a political party.
2. It is inappropriate for a Bahá’í to contribute funds or service to political parties or campaigns.
3. However, a Bahá’í is free to exercise his right as an American citizen to vote for political candidates as his conscience dictates.
At the basis of these guidelines is the spirit of unity which animates our Faith. The Master warned us against partisan political activity several times.
Shoghi Effendi explained to us repeatedly the dangers of partisan political involvement. He once wrote to the Amercan ‘believers as "tdllows: ""L.e't ‘them refrain "from associating themselves, whether by word or by deed, with the political pursuits of their respective nations, with the policies of their governments and the schemes and programs of parties and factions. In such controversies they should assign no blame, take no side, further no design, and identify themselves with no system prejudicial to the best interests of that worldwide Fellowship which it is their aim to guard and foster.” (World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 64). The beloved Guardian further asked us to beware lest we become the “tools of unscrupulous politicians."
In this political year, it is imperative that the friends guard against any political ensnarement.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Human Rights Awards Banquet
The North American Bahá’í Office for Human Rights (NABOHR) in cooperation with the Washington, D.C. Spiritual Assembly is presently working on the arrangements for the Human Rights Awards Banquet. The banquet, under the auspices of NABOHR, will be held on December 10, 1968, which is the 20th anniversary of the U.N. Declaration of Human Rights. At the banquet NABOHR will present awards to the individual and organization in the U.S. that made outstanding contributions in the field of human rights. The banquet will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. Several Bahá’ís who are well known entertainers will appear on the program.
A Call for Stenographers
HELP! The National Bahá’í Center reports a critical shortage of experienced stenographers and high speed typists willing to serve in Wilmette for a period of at least two years. All interested Bahá’ís should send a brief resume to the Department of Personnel and Administrative Services, National Bahá’í Center, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.
OCTOBER ‘1968
"Make Me Victorious" Bahá’ís of St. Mary's Co.. Maryland Report Victory
One year ago in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, there were only four Bahá’ís. This group of three adults and one youth has increased and at Riḍván 1968 they formed their first Spiritual Assembly.
Just what did this group of four Bahá’ís do to enroll ten new believers? They have generated such a stir that people in the rural county feel there are a couple of hundred Bahá’ís. They had an intensive nine-month program of weekly paid ads in the newspaper. This seemed to earn the good will of the publisher and editor because feature articles of the Faith have been quite good—including one of the Intercontinental Conference of headlines across the top of a page. This June the Assembly witnessed its first marriage and this was reported on the front page with a picture taken by the reporter and four quarter-page columns describing the event. The Bahá’ís have bought ads in high school yearbooks, and program booklets of civic groups whose '1Elea'ls were Bans’: ‘in principle. Local radio stations give free time announcing civic and religious events, and the Bahá’ís have taken advantage of this to announce their firesides and to get the word BAHA'I before the public. They are currently running the “World in Harmony” Program radio tape for six months once each week. The Bahá’ís have spoken in schools, church groups, and private talks with from one to 35 people about the Faith. They have placed books and World Order magazine in the public and school libraries. For two years there has been an attractive Bahá’í exhibit with slides and film with literature at the County Fair. A showing last fall of the film “Lamp Unto My Feet" to high school civics classes, and the Bahá’í telephone number in the phone book with a fine ad in the yellow pages have helped to put the Faith before the public.
But most of all, these Bahá’ís feel the credit for these thousands who have heard and these ten who have declared goes to continual prayer to “make me victorious through the armies of Thy Supreme Kingdom.” Since they are not working for themselves, but for Bahá’u’lláh and for the Kingdom of God on earth, assistance has come because “Thou art powerful to do that which Thou willest, and Thou art mighty over all things.”
Universal participation in teaching, prayer, and support of the Bahá’í Fund, are indispensible for successful progress in giving the word. Today there are few people in this rural Southern Maryland county who haven’t at least heard of the Bahá’í Faith. We pray now that we can continue to inform people of the existence of the Faith and what we believe.
The Department of International Goals
The Foreign Goals Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly now functions at the National Center as the Department of International Goals. Its duties are to assist the National Spiritual Assembly in carrying out the international goals of the Nine Year Plan. Mr. William C. Wold, formerly of Greenwich, Connecticut and now living in Wilmette, has recently been appointed director of the Department.
[Page 5]
REVIEW
A ~» - - is/is?!‘-'3" At the Institute “Adventure in Pioneering” at Davison School. August 3-4, 1968. Story in National Review for September.
Pioneer Goal of the Month
VENEZUELA Can YOU fill this goal? WILL You?
If you have these qualifications: —Spanish language ability —— An interest in Indians and mass teaching —resourcefulness and ability to endure rough living —$3000.00 financial reserve (desirable but assistance from deputization funds may be possible) You are needed in: Barquisimeto, Puerto Ayachucho, or Guajira, or to travel to the Indian territories. If you wish to headquarter in the big cities your help is also needed. Meditate and pray on this, then write or call: DEPARTMENT or INTERNATIONAL GOALS; 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, 111. 60091; phone: 312 256-4400.
A Bahá’í Week in Georgia
One hundred and sixty people attended the Southeastern Bahá’í Summer School held at Camp John Hope, near Perry, Georgia July 22-29. Whatever trial was caused by the estimated five million Georgia gnats which were also in attendance was not enough to dim the spirits of the friends and sincere seekers. There were many new faces, new teachers, new Bahá’í songs and talents which helped make the week inspiring and memorable.
Subjects studied and discussed included: Islamic beliefs and their relation to the Faith; Biblical symbolism including the study of the Covenant of God and how it is the true refuge today as in the past; marriage and the family, given in a balanced and informative way. The Most Challenging Issue was discussed in lecture and workshops and the many ways in which Bahá’ís are teaching the Faith by living were recounted. It was learned that Bahá’ís have moved into ghetto neighborhoods, sent their children to ghetto schools, invited those racially oppressed into their homes in genuine friendship. Ways in which believers can bring the Bahá’í answer to the needs of all peoples were suggested in the discussions.
Highlight of the week was a program in which Mrs. Mary Gibson showed slides of the Bahá’í Holy Places and told movingly of the imprisonment and exile of Bahá’u’lláh, bringing the spirit of Haifa to all.
Mayor Wendell E. Hatcher of Ann Arbor, Michigan presents Tobias Peterson, chairman of the local Assembly, with Proclamation in recognition of the contributions of the Bahá’ís in offering spiritual yet practical solutions for world unity, world peace and justice for all peoples. The occasion was a luncheon celebrating the 25th anniversary of the formation of the first local Spiritual Assembly in Ann Arbor. Five of the original members, still in Ann Arbor were honored. Also shown are: Mrs. Joy Earl, speaker and Dr. Peter Khan Auxiliary Board member.
North Central States Summer School
Offers Varied Program
The fourth annual North Central States Bahá’í Summer School, held near Barnum, Minnesota during the first week in July on the theme “The Destiny of Mankind” brought a warm and happy spirit to the hundred and forty who attended.
Two of the courses concentrated on the events in the lives of Bahá’u’lláh and of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, bringing to life the momentous days of Their ministries. Other subjects were: “Living the Bahá’í Life”, “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh” and “The Most Challenging Issue.” There were also seminars dealing with aspects of the general theme of the school on subjects such as: “The Soul of Man”, “The Proclamation to the Kings” and “Why Our Cities Burn.”
The children were blessed with a well taught and diversified program including classes on the Faith, arts and songs, stories, hiking and sports. Some of them learned to chant a Bahá’í prayer in Persian.
Varied evening programs gave opportunity to share personal experiences related to the Faith, to see a slide program about the American Indian, to be entertained and socialize.
There were several unscheduled but most welcome special events including a two hour prayer session for teaching efforts around the world, two declarations of faith, and an interview by a Duluth television station which videotaped portions of the Bahá’í wedding whch was held later at the school, interviewed the participants and took pictures of the school. These were to be shown on television sometime during the next weekend. The school was blessed with having Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Florence Mayberry as teacher and of being among the first to hear the momentous news of the establishment of the Continental Boards of Counsellors and of her appointment as member of the one for North America.
At the North Central States School. June 30-July 6. 1968
Some Summer Bahá’í Activities
Reports from various sources on proclamation and teaching activities this past summer have included the following:
0 The Southwestern Bahá’í Summer School had 177 in attendance and five declarations of Faith in Bahá’u’lláh. Several valuable suggestions for teaching among minorities (one of the goals of the Nine Year Plan) were recorded and have been referred to the National Teaching Committee for implementation.
0 Prayers for the growth of the Faith among the largest tribe of American Indians, the Navajo, were offered by Bahá’ís at the Mother Temple of the West and on the four mountains held sacred by the Navajos during the weekend of August 17 and 18, particularly at dawn of Sunday August 18. The four mountains are Blanca Peak, central Colorado; Mount Taylor, near Albuquerque, New Mexico; Humphreys Point, near Flagstaff, Arizona; and Hesperus Peak, southwestern Colorado. They represent the four points of the compass, East, South, West, and North, respectively.
0 An average of 50 Indian children attended the day camp project on the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation again this summer, during a five week period, five days a week. The Bahá’ís of Hamburg Village and Hamburg Township, in Western New York carried out the project which was climaxed by a Bahá’í camp-out conference attended by over 100 people coming from Minnesota, Ohio, Michigan and Western New York.
0 Bahá’í booths at state fairs have been and are being set up in many parts of the country. To list just a few: Louisville, Ky.; Topsfield, Mass.; Hamburg, N.Y.; Prince William Co., Va.; Springfield, Ill.; Fargo, N.D.
An Act of Worship
While recently observing on nationwide television, the tragic events surrounding the national convention in Chicago, one could not help but be struck by the glaring contrast between that gathering and the national and state conventions of the Bahá’ís. It served to bring into bright focus, once again, the sacredness and beauty of Bahá’í elections. It called to mind Hand of the Cause Horace Holley’s statement during one of the National Conventions several years ago when, as the time aproached for the election of the National Spiritual Assembly, he likened the Bahá’í election to an act of worship. As we turn our thoughts and hearts to Bahá’u’lláh, sincerely asking for guidance and assistance in selecting those believers qualified to occupy administrative positions and serve His Cause, we are, in reality worshipping God.
How grateful we can be, particularly at this hour in history, that contrary to the ways of the world, Bahá’í elections are approached in a spirit of prayer and without preliminary electioneering or nominating of candidates.
In the fall of 1964, the then Community Development Committee furnished all local spiritual assemblies with information containing directives and quotations from the Writings concerning our state conventions. Local assemblies have been urged to review this material at the two Feasts preceding the November 3, 1968 state conventions, i.e., September 27 and October 16. Any assembly unable to find its copy of this material — or any group or isolated believer desiring a copy — can secure a set by writing the Department of Community Development, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.
Bahá’í Summer School held at Camp John Hope. Georgia July 22-29
[Page 7]
REVIEW
Bahá’ís Sponsor International Music Festival
Japanese dancers included young and old.
Three Bahá’í communities in California jointly sponsored the first International Song and Dance Festival in Guadalupe, California. Sponsor of the fete, which was attended by over 400 people of all races, was the Human Rights Committee of the Tri-County Bahá’í Community which includes Lompoc, Guadalupe and Pismo Beach.
The cultures of Japan, the Philippines, Hawaii, Mexico and Portugal were blended together for this colorful festival. The local newspaper report on the event stated: “. .(the)festival was a testimony of belief. Each group took part in a spirit of cooperation and everyone seemed to enjoy the festival.” Both children and adults performed in their native costumes.
A smorgasbord of international dishes preceded the song and dance program. Each group brought food typical of their native land.
The Bahá’ís of the area plan to make this an annual event since it is a vivid and colorful demonstration of unity in diversity and of the oneness of mankind. Through the festival the Bahá’ís have come to know people of different cultures in the area and they have come to know the Bahá’ís.
Children at day camp on Cattaraugus Reservation.
3 ‘ alfiél . ~. , .
9
.g
i
Proclamation, Expansion and Consolidation Discussed at National Conferences
Focusing on the remaining goals of the Nine Year Plan assigned to them by the Universal House of Justice, Bahá’ís throughout America are meeting at eighteen conferences called by the National Spiritual Assembly for three weekends this month, October 5-6, October 12-13 and October 26-27.
As announced in the August issue of the National Bahá’í Review and as further detailed on the pink insert in the September National Bahá’í Review, these eighteen conferences, attended by members of the National Spiritual Assembly and representatives of the National Teaching Committee, now underway, are dealing with important messages from the Universal House of Justice and the National Spiritual Assembly relating to the goals of the Nine Year Plan which still remain to be achieved.
If the believers still have a chance to attend the one in their area, they are urged to do so. Those who attend will receive their own copy of a set of excerpts from a selected number of heretofore unpublished letters from the Guardian of the Cause, Shoghi Effendi. The Universal House of Justice has given permission to publish these excerpts for this purpose.
National Teaching Committee Confers
on Indian Teaching
At its third meeting of the current year, held on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Arizona over the September 21-22 weekend, the National Teaching Committee consulted on Indian Teaching, calling on one of the members of the Teacher Corps, Mrs. Nancy Phillips, for additional help in the consultation. The following questions were discussed at length: proclamation among the American Indian tribes; increasing the teaching activities and pioneering both on the reservaton and in the cities; consolidation of existing local spiritual assemblies located on Indian reservations and deepening of the believers as directed by the Universal House of Justice. Reports from the state goals committees directly involved in Indian teaching as their main emphasis were reviewed, and other reports, from indviduals, local assemblies and other state goals committees also proved to be helpful in their consultations. The status of the American Indian reservation goals was likewise reviewed.
Results of the consultation and decisions made will be communicated to the appropriate local spiritual assemblies and state goals committees, particularly the Goals Committees of Arizona, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Eastern Washington and Western Washington, which are to give major attention to teaching among the Indians.
Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh
An important special event day each year is the commemoration of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, November 12. Theme of this year’s observance is: “Bahá’u’lláh——Divine Architect of Human Rights.” The following materials are recommended for use in connection with this event: The Bahá’í Teachings for a World Faith, The Faith of B a h d.’u ’l l (ih , Bahá’u’lláh—-His Call to the Nations, and The Lord of the New Age. These pamphlets can be secured from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. A Public Information Kit on the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh has been sent to all Bahá’í communities, State Goals Committees and to many groups and isolated believers. The kit includes instructions for the observance, press and radio releases, sample advertisement and other materials. Report on this event is due November 25 and should be sent to the Public Information Dept.
United Nations Day
United Nations Day observances have evolved as traditions in many communities. The day falls on October 24th of each year and is proclaimed by the President of the United States as an official day of observance. W h e r e v e r possible Bahá’ís should try to work with local United Nations Association chapters. If there is a college nearby, it may have a group known as CIRUNA which is a UNA college af"filiate. If there is no UNA chapter or Mayor’s committee for U.N. Day, then Bahá’í communities should consider sponsoring a special U.N. Day observance. A special kit for the observance has been sent to all Bahá’í communities and U.N. Correspondents by the Committee for the United Nations of the National Spiritual Assembly. Included with the kit are instructions on the observance, news releases and radio announcements, a possible letter to the editor and a report form. The report on U.N. Day ‘observance should be sent to the Committee for the U.N. as
soon as possible after the event along with press clippings and photos if available. Theme of this year’s observance is: “United Nations: Service to Mankind.”
Contacting Military Chaplains
The National Spiritual Assembly and the Public Information Department have at different times written to and made contact with the Chief of Chaplains of the Army, Navy and Air Force. They were provided materials on the Bahá’í Faith, including a Press Kit. It seems, however, that much of this information has not found its way down to Chaplains at various military bases throughout the United States. This can sometimes pose problems for Bahá’ís in military service.
It is suggested that Bahá’í communities or groups near military installations make personal contact with the Chaplain in charge and that he be aware of the location of local Bahá’í communities or groups, and that he be given a copy of the Press Kit on the Bahá’í Faith and other appropriate material.
Public Information and the Individual Bahá’í
Public information is one of the means available to assist Bahá’í communities and groups in achieving their Nine Year Plan goals.
In the service of the Cause we must always be on guard lest the means used in public information brings discredit upon the Faith. The techniques and tools of public information must be used effectively and widely to proclaim the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh, but they must never become ends in themselves.
The important thing facing Bahá’ís is not learning how to use the techniques or tools of public information, but winning the attention, interest and support of the people in their cities, towns, or villages. The Bahá’í Faith has what Phople need and are seeking. How, then, can we get them to know this, especially when there are so many causes and organizations trying to gain their attention‘?
The only way is for the individual Bahá’í to take the Bahá’í Message out into the areas where people live, people from all strata of society. We must get within hearing range of these people so they can hear.
OCTOBER 1968
Proclamation Theme and Activities
for 1969-1970
During 1968 the Proclamation theme is: “Human Rights Are GodGiven Rights.” For the period from January 1, 1969 to Riḍván 1970, the National Spiritual Assembly has approved a proclamation theme of: “Youth—Power for Peace.”
For this proclamation the goal is to reach the youth of the United States in all areas of the nation and in every strata of society. Whereas a large part of responsibility for reaching youth rests upon the Bahá’í youth themselves, Bahá’í communities and groups must also take part.
The proclamation is designed to reach: College and High School students, youth organizations, youth in the ghettos and on Indian reservations, minority youth, youth in rural areas and youth publications.
The emphasis will be on the truth that the Bahá’í Faith is a cause with which youth can identify, that it has solutions for problems that concern youth, that it sees youth as having a meaningful role in society and in building a better world, that in the Bahá’í Faith youth can find a way to serve God and man, and that the Faith is modern in its teachings and outlook.
Further details on the proclamation plan for 1969-1970 will be given at the Proclamation-Expansion-Consolidation Conferences in October, and in future issues of the NATIONAL Bahá’í REVIEW.
Notes
0 October 31st is now National UNICEF Day by Presidential Proclamation. It is estimated that there are still 800 million children who need help from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
O The first world-wide International Conference on Human Rights, organized by the U.N. was held in Teheran from 22 April to 13 May 1968. The conference issued a 19point Proclamation of Teheran which calls for re-doubled efforts to guarantee all human beings a life of freedom and dignity. The meeting urged the U.N. to consider designating 1969 or 1970 as International Year for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination.
REVIEW
This piper was one of many talented performers at the music festival sponsored by Bahá’í youth in the Harlem area of New York City.
Youth Sponsor Music Festival
A day-long music festival in a neighborhood park in the Harlem area of New York City attracted hundreds of residents of the area. They were drawn through the sound of rock and roll groups, folk singers, and other musical talent as well as by the 200 well-placed posters announcing the event.
While some of the talent belonged to Bahá’ís, other talent was provided by people who had read small notices in the neighborhood newspapers announcing that the Bahá’í youth were seeking local talent for the occasion.
In addition to bringing the word “Bahá’í” to the attention of the Harlem residents, the festival enabled the Bahá’ís to make valuable contacts with community leaders, who expressed the desire to work with Bahá’ís again in the staging of community programs.
Alabama Summer Project
— Reflections
In Mobile, Alabama the Bahá’í community sponsored a summer day camp for children ages 3-15. Among the staff members were Bahá’í youth from Illinois, Indiana and California, as well as from Mobile.
One of the youth writes, “We were reluctant to leave California, because we had heard all about how conservative the rest of the country is. However, as soon as we left we
began learning so much about other peoples’ opinions and realized that we could no longer dismiss them as ‘old’ or conservative; we had to respect them because they were valid, sincere beliefs, and often much wiser than our own.
“. . . We are constantly bucking the old traditions or wise precautions which are pointed out, very lovingly, to us, and then realizing that we must ‘subdue every rebellious passion’ and sacrifice our wills in order to teach the Cause of God so that the only thing that we can be accused of is believing in the Bahá’í principles. Nothing else matters at all. Nothing! Not the way we are used to dressing, the freedoms we are used to having, the things we want to do, or anything else.
“. . . We must testify to our love for Bahá’u’lláh with every action, appearance, deed, and thought. How else can we stand out from the rest of this sick world, so that they may see how important it is to us?!
“We are learning so much from the amazing spiritual insights and understanding of the Southern Bahá’ís. . . .”
And an adult member of the Mobile Bahá’í community reports, “. . . Words cannot explain what we accomplish through our tests and dithculties of learning to work together.
“The youth in the South dress conservatively and work closely with the adults; whereas, at first our youth pioneers reacted emotionally to the thinking of the adults. However, through true Bahá’í consultation we were able to learn from each other. They learned that we have one thing in common that will unite the world, whether you are a youth or an adult, our love for Bahá’u’lláh and our concern for the protection of the Bahá’í Faith.
“. . . In working in the South you will have to go to the Writings constantly for strength and guidance. The youth learned to do this rather than take the word or an opinion of a Bahá’í on a particular subject. We feel . . . that there should be institutes sponsored for youth acquainting them with the problems of the South and how to avoid creating problems. . . .
“You should by all means use the
youth for pioneering in the South. They will be the ones to reach the
masses. Through proper guidance and preparation they will, no doubt, be successful.”
TELL US WHERE YOU AREPLEASE
Current Bahá’í youth addresses are vital for the Department of Youth and College Activities! It is imperative, therefore, that each youth inform the National Bahá’í Center (112 Linden Ave., Wilmette 60091) whenever he has a change of address. For specific instructions see the coupon on the second-to-last page of each issue of the National Bah¢i’2' Review.
Not only will a current address ensure delivery of Bahá’í News, which is your major source of information about the American and the international Bahá’í communities. In addition, the heightened level of activity among Bahá’í youth across the nation necessitates a smooth and rapid How of communication to and from the Department of Youth and College Activities. This communication is greatly hindered when the National Center has youth addresses which are not up-to-date.
ATTENTION BA:-ui'I' SERVICEMEN
The report of a successful Race Unity Day picnic at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, concludes, “I’m sending this with the hope that the young male Bahá’ís throughout the country may see what fabulous opportunities they can arise to while serving their military obligation. Since that Race Unity Day, the seeds sown have blossomed beautifully into six military declarations here at Fort Sam Houston.”
Press forward, Bahá’u’lláh!
O warriors of
PROPERTY TO BE CLAIMED
Will the Bahá’í youth, first name “Doug,” last name unknown, who hitch-hiked from near Cheyenne to Des Moines enroute to the National Bahá’í Youth Conference in June claim his jacket which he left in a motorist’s car? If he will write the Department of Youth and College Activities, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill. 60091, the address of the motorist will be furnished.
OCTOBER 1968
Where Our Dollars Go A series presented by the Coordinating Committee for the Fund
Community Development
The Department of Community Development is one of five departments presently functioning under the guidance and direction of the National Teaching Committee. Its primary duties are generally classified under “consolidation,” a word which for many is so abstract, while to others so many-faceted, as to immediately raise the question, “What does the Department of Community Development do?”
One of its primary areas of responsibility includes the initiation of programs to encourage and assist individual deepening. The Universal House of Justice in its message to national spiritual assemblies dated July 13, 1964, stated that: “After declaration, the new believers must not be left to their own devices. Through correspondence and dispatch of visitors, through conferences and training courses, these friends must be patiently strengthened and lovingly helped to develop into full Bahá’í maturity.” A number of self-administered deepening programs are being developed by the department to aid new believers through correspondence, particularly those who are isolated or in small groups. And deepening programs for the new believers are constantly being encouraged through local spiritual assemblies. This is one facet of consolidation.
In that same letter from the Universal House of Justice, they have stated that: “Expansion and consolidation are twin processes that must go hand in hand. The friends must not stop expansion in the name of consolidation. Deepening the newly—enrolled believers generates tremendous stimulus which results in further expansion. The enrollment of new believers, on the other hand, creates a new spirit in the community and provides additional potential man-power that will reinforce the consoldation work.” Oftentimes these new believers, these “baby-Bahá’ís” find themselves serving on local spiritual assemblies—a prodigious task for which they are frequently not prepared. Programs have been developed to assist the believers in their understanding of the functions and responsibilities of the institution of the local spiritual assembly—one of the most successful being a self-conducted LSA Study Conference. This is a facet of consolidation.
Assemblies anticipating the attainment of the legal goal of incorporation can receive information and assistance from this department, which makes available, upon request, sample Articles of Incorporation as well as other important guidelines regarding necessary steps to be taken prior to incorporation.
Any believer, group or local spiritual assembly wishing assistance in attaining the goal of Holy Days recognition from their local school authorities can secure information to assist them from this department.
The other legal goal of the Nine Year Plan, that of securing legalization of Bahá’í marriage certificates in all states is near attainment. There are now only five
In the Community Development office. Miss Judy Adlum, left. assists Mrs. Lois Goebel.
states without this legal authorization and the Department of Community Development continues to assist those local spiritual assemblies and state goals committees presently working toward this goal by furnishing vital “know-how” gathered from many sources, not the least of which is the experience gained by those local spiritual assemblies and individuals who worked for the attainment of this goal in their states. These are facets of consolidation.
Another focal point of consolidation assistance is the new and restored local spiritual assemblies. Through this department, arrangements are made for representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly to be present at Riḍván, at which time the basic materials needed by a local spiritual assembly are provided, such as the Secretary’s and Treasurer’s Manuals, The Bahá’í' Community, and By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly,” etc. Thereafter a series of aids is provided, including visits by consolidation teachers who present :1 full weekend deepening conference, tape recordings on the functioning of a local spiritual assembly, local spiritual assembly study conference materials, together with whatever aid appears to be needed throughout the year. This is a facet of consolidation.
A lending library of deepening/consolidation tapes is maintained by the department, with these materials beng made available to local spiritual assemblies, state goals committees, and summer schools which may, for various reasons, not wish to invest their funds in creating their own library of tape recordings.
This department schedules selected consolidation teachers to local spiritual assemblies in need of assistance, for example, new and restored assemblies, as previously mentioned, or those requesting assistance for reasons related to disunity, inability to function as a communty, need for direction and assistance in establishing children’s classes, etc. This is another facet of consolidation.
[Page 11]
REVIEW
The Local Spiritual Assemblies’ Quarterly Progress Reports are reviewed, summarized and analyzed by this department to determine areas of need, such as more effective teaching or deepening programs, encouragement of attendance at the Nineteen-Day Feast and other assembly-sponsored events. And local bulletins are reviewed to assist the department in keeping abreast of homefront activities.
These day to day responsibilities are carried out by a full—time department head and a part-time secretary, in close cooperation with the other departments of the National Teaching Committee, particularly that of the Department of Expansion. As new plans and programs for the strengthening of the American Bahá’í community are developed by the National Teaching Committee, this department initiates whatever steps are necessary to carry them out. The work of the Department of Community Development is also closely coordinated with the National Spiritual Assembly’s newly-established Department of Community Administration.
What do all these activities, programs, etc., cost you? They average approximately $20,000 per year, or less than 2 cents of every dollar contributed to the National Bahá’í Fund, certainly a small amount when considered in light of the Universal House of Justice’s statement as contained in this month’s issue of Bahá’í News, that: “Above all, the duty of deepening the spiritual life of your newly-enrolled co-workers is paramount, for the fate of the entire community depends upon the individual believers. Without the wholehearted support of each and every one of the friends, every measure adopted, no matter how well thought out, is fore—doomed to failure. It is the individual believers who must maintain the local assemblies and the centers already won at the cost of such great sacrifice. It is they who must, afire with the love of Bahá’u’lláh, go forth to further broaden the base of administrative activity by forming new assemblies and implanting the standard of Bahá’u’lláh in new localities; .”
ln Memoriam
Dr. Irma C. Brown Milwaukee, Wisconsin June 28, 1968
Mrs. Susie Crane Cedar Rapids, Iowa June 22, 1968
Harold A. Ficke Las Vegas South, Nevada August 4, 1968
Mrs. Marguerite Givens Wilmington, Delaware July 21, 1968
Norman K. Hollenbeck Kirkland, Wash. October 31, 1967
Mrs. Estell Kerns Charlotte, North Carolina June 29, 1968
Mrs. Katie Moline
Springfield, Illinois July 8, 1968
Mrs. Mary Anna Morgan
Euclid. Ohio July 26, 1968
Wilmer David Nease Madera, Calif. August 6, 1968
Mrs. Myrtle B. Phillips Adrian, Michigan August 8, 1968
Joe Robynek West Frankfurt, Illinois April 13, 1968
Mrs. Grace Spear Orange, Mass. June 15, 1968
Richard E. Todhunter Sebastopol, Calif. June 24, 1968
Willie Walker Detroit, Michigan July 8, 1968
Homer D. Winans Victor, N.Y. March 25, 1968
Kenneth Wright Flint, Michigan June 27, 1968
National Bahd'I' Fund
Thousand S Cumulative Monthly Income: 1968-1969 I.2oo - xx’ 0 moo - go" ltlltE"YEAR PLAN Q50 I.000 - nous " ,3J‘ - -F’ 900 pg aoo - ."' 5"’ 700 ." 600 500 400 300 200 I00 1 T I I . I I T 1 | | Asoi=;""‘.'.".’.'.‘.'.".'. Essgsgggsséi II) lNCOME FOR AUGUST 1968 Regular Contributions S 47.I l6.b6 Special Contributions l0,000.00 Estates . l,505.53 Other Income . 388.57 Total income 59.0l0.8| Cumulative Total, April I -September I $347,073.70 Cumulative Deficit $l60.42b.30 NUMBER OF ASSEMBLIES CONTRIBUTING August 288 (73 percent of total)
PLANNING TO MOVE DURING THE NEXT 30 DAYS? Help us keep your address up-to-date CUT OUT AND MAIL TO:
NATIONAL BAHA‘| CENTER ‘I12 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, ILL. 60091
‘—————-n—————————-———-——-————--—.———---—ATTACH YOUR OLD ADDRESS LABEL HERE Address changes received prior to the l5th of this month should be processed in time for the next issue.
Name C . A _m NEW Address City State NEW Telephone: Area
_Jlp _
Name of new locality' (If different from city name)
Reminder: Have you ALSO notified your community and SGC secretaries of your new address?
BAHA'I DIRECTORY CHANGES ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES
Northern California
Davis: Mrs. Mary Ann Fisher, PO. Box 578, 95616
Santa Rosa: Christopher Wade, 561 Silva Ave., 95404 Southern California Dist. No. 1
Redondo Beach: Mrs. Daniele Shelton, 1111 Opal St., Apt. No. 1, 90277 Georgia
Atlanta: Mr. Lonnie Wilson, Chr., 464 Fairlock Lane N.W., 30331 Michigan
Ypsilanti Township: Mrs. Wilma Thomas, 2833 Golfside Drive, Ypsilanti 48197 New Mexico
Bernalillo County: Mrs. Pamela Womack, 421 Clarke Rd. S.W., Albuquerque 87102 Oklahoma
Tulsa: Mrs. Eileen Norman, 9218 E. 38th St. S., 74145 Oregon
Washington County: Mrs. Esther L. Erickson, 9550 S. W. Washington Dr. No. 4, Portland 97223
"ChiIds Way" Issues Available
Publication of The Child’s Way has been temporarily suspended with the issue of J uly-August 1968 (no. 118). Back issues are available for the Bahá’í years 118 through 125 (1961-1968) at $1.00 per Bahá’í year (six issues). Order from: Mrs. Jean Hutchinson, 1245 Shermer Ave., Northbrook Illinois 60062.
Have you subscribed to the most-talked-about Bahá’í magazine? Everyone is talking about . . .
World llllltl‘
One reader writes: ”Each time the magazine comes out, we wonder how you will maintain the consistently high standards you have set in previous issues.”
Another writes: ”Thank you —this is a magazine one can share with pride with anyone.”
WORLD ORDER is published quarterly at the following annual subscription rates: Domestic, $3.50 ($2.50 for students); Foreign, $4.00. We send gift cards to donees.
Join that widening circle of informed Bahá’ís for whom WORLD ORDER is must reading. Send your subscription to:
WORLD ORDER 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, Illinois 60091
OCTOBER 1968
Bahá’í Credentials Necessary for Travel
Bahá’ís traveling to other countries must have credentials supplied by their National Spiritual Assembly, and should apply for these well ahead of the projected journey. This credential is in the form of an identification card signed by the National Spiritual Assembly and is necessary for presentation when meeting Bahá’ís in other countries. The Universal House of Justice has instructed, as of July 15, 1968 as follows:
“Will you please inform all the friends that whenever they travel to another country they should carry credentials supplied by the National Spiritual Assembly.”
For credentials, write to: NATIONAL Bahá’í CENTER, 112 LINDEN Avi-:., WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091.
Calendar of Events
FEASTS October 16 — ’llm (Knowledge) November 4 — Qudrat (Power) November 23 — Qawl (Speech)
HOLY DAYS
October 20 —— Birth of the Báb
November 12 — Birth of Bahá’u’lláh November 26 — Day of the Covenant November 28 — Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
(1 :00 a.m.)
PROCLAMATION EVENTS October 24 — United Nations Day November 12 — Birth of Bahá’u’lláh
NATION-WIDE PROCLAMATION, EXPANSION & CONSOLIDATION CONFERENCES October 5-6; 12-13; 26-27
U.S. STATE COVENTIONS November 3
U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS November 8-10 December 13-15
In Memoriam
Mrs. Elisabeth T. Revell Clifton Heights, Pa.
Gary R. Wood San Francisco. Calif.
July 25, 1968 May 1968 Mrs. Sarah Sunstrong Mrs. Ida E .Zeleny Covina, Calif. Wautoma, Wisconsin
August 16. 1968 August 8. 1968
Bahá’í House of Worship
Daily Visiting Hours 10:00 am. to 9 p.m. (through October 15) 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. (after October 15)
Sunday Devotions 3 to 3 :30 p.m.
Sunday Public Meetings 3:45 p.m.
