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WHO, ME?. ..
In the December issue of NATIONAL BAHA'I Rrvn-:w, members of eight of the larger Bahá’í communities were encouraged to heed the recent instructions
from the Universal House of Justice to “go forth
of admistrative activity by forming new Assemblies.” If you were not included in the list of those addressed in last month’s appeal,
perhaps you are now! If so, simply ask yourself, comfort of my present abode for one nearby, the
in the establishment of a goal of the Nine Year Plan? Before Riḍván are you willing and able to join the ranks of those valiant souls bearing the title of
“homefront pioneer”?
Seattle, Washington awaiting nearby
St. Louis, Missouri just across the street
or river is
Los Angeles, Pasadena, Riverside, Santa Monica, California
a hop, skip and jump away is
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania a short commuter
ride away is Milwaukee, Wisconsin down the highway a piece is
to further broaden the base
am I willing to sacrifice the reby preserving or assisting
BELLEVUE
EDMONDS
ISSAQUAH
KENT
KIRKLAND
KITSAp COUNTY COMM. DISTRICT #1
SNOHOMISH COUNTY
CLAYTON, MISSOURI COLLINsvILLI-:, ILLINOIS EDWARDSVILLE, ILLINOIS
CLAREMONT
LAGUNA-BEACH SAN CLEMENTE J .D.
ORANGE COUNTY CENTRAL J .D. SANTA BARBARA—GOLETA J .D. SANTA PAULA
SOUTH GATE
VICTORVILLE
CENTRAL CHESTER COUNTY Lowna Bucxs COUNTY WILMINGTON, DELAWARE DELAFIELD TOWNS!-I11; Mvsxx-zao TOWNSHIP OcoNOMowoc
JANUARY ‘1969
ofor/in? we./5/oon./Se fa a alloying jridute
SAMANDARIFAMILY
CARE OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
HEARTS GRIEVED OVER LOSS DEARLY LOVED HIGHLY RESPECTED IRREPLACEABLE HAND CAUSE GOD TARAZU‘LLAH SAMANDARI. RECALL WITH DEEP EMOTKJN HIS UNIQUE VHHT UNYTED STATES LAST OCTOBER AS REPRESENTATIVE SUPREME HOUSE JUSNCE OCCASON INTERCONHNENTAL CONFERENCE IHS SUBSEQUENT TRAVEL TEACHING ACROSS COUNTRY GENERATED :HGNlflCANT PUBLKHTY OFFERED LASTING EXAMPLES BAHA’I DEVOTION STIMULATED HENDS EXALTED THBR CONCEPTS BELOVED CAUSE TO WHICH HE DEVOTED HIS TOTAL SUBSTANCE HIS NAME WILL DOUBTLESS REMAIN LIPS l—IEAR'l‘S AMERICAN BELIEVERS FOR GENERATIONS. PRAISE LORD IKETS FOR CHOOSNG SUCH EXTRAORMNARY MOMENT FOR DEPARTURE SUCH EXTRAOREHNARY SERVANT.ASSURE YOU OUR LOVING PRAYERS
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Wilmette, Illinois
September -l, 1968
To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’í of the United States
536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette. Illinois, U.S.A. '
Beloved Friends.
With deepest gratitude and appreciation we received your most loving cable of sympathy, through the kindness of our Universal House of Justice. Nineteen members of our family were in the Holy Land on that historic occasion, and, later, Mr. Soheil Samandari and I went to Tehran on the invitation of the beloved friends of the family, to attend memorial meetings held in honour of my beloved Father. Your beautiful message was shared with nearly one hundred members of his family. It was indeed a solace to our hearts, and all of us were deeply touched by your fine sentiments and
I 10/
/.¢.J/
your appreciation of his achievements in the largest Field of his activities, during his last teaching mission in the West. He, who had started life by seeing the Blessed Perfection in prison, and during whose whole life had been compelled to teach the Faith with extreme wisdom, could, in the last year of his life, experience the absolute freedom to proclaim and teach the Faith in your great land! This made a triumphant end to a life of dedicated service.
The encouragement of witnessing the spiritual capacity, the enthusiasm and devotion of the friends in North America. and especially of the youth, enabled him to face and overcome the difficulties of making such an arduous journey during the winter, at such an advanced age. My Father and I were deeply touched by the most sincere and warm-hearted hospitality shown us by all your beloved communities, and, had my Father been able to write in English, he would undoubtedly have expressed his deep feelings of gratitude. In fact, it was his wish and my great desire, that I should write on his behalf, but due to the condensed program, this became impossible. My heart would be calmed and his soul made happy if our deep and sincere feelings of
gratitude could be conveyed to all those devoted friends. Please forgive my long delay in answering your
message. I had so many urgent duties to perform on my return from Persia, and found a large pile of letters awaiting me and I continue to receive them by each post. With very loving greetings from all members of the Samandari family, Yours in His service, MEHDI SAMANDART
¢5.&,..I
Continental Board of Counsellors Announces
Its First Series of Conferences
The Continental Board of Counselors for the Protection and Propagation of the Bahá’í Faith in North America is launching ten week-end Conferences to be carried out in collaboration with the National Spiritual Assemblies of Canada and the United States—five across Canada and five within the eastern and western coasts of the United States. Participating in each of these week-end gatherings will be one of the Hands of the Cause of God, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors, a representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States or Canada, and two Auxiliary Board members.
Both the plan to hold these Conferences and the special programs which have been developed for them have been inspired by the Message from the
Universal House of Justice dated Riḍván 1967, in which that Supreme Body pointed out the aspects of the teachings which should be stressed in our efforts to become deepened in our understanding of our beloved Faith; namely:
What is Bahá’u’lláh’s purpose for the human race?
For what ends did He submit to the appalling
cruelties and indignities heaped upon Him?
What does He mean by the “new race of men”?
What are the profound changes He will bring
about?
The hope of the Continental Board of Counsellors and of all the participants in these Conferences is that they may launch a massive campaign toward the mobilization of the spiritual resources of the Canadian and
[Page 3]
REVIEW
United States Bahá’í Communities and result in a spiritual upsurge that, through careful follow-up endeavors, will reach every believer in both Communities.
The date and location of each of these Conferences are listed below.
December 6, 7, 8 Greater Montreal Area,
Quebec January 10 ,11, 12 Oshawa, Ontario January 17, 18, 19 Moncton,
New Brunswick
January 31, Atlanta, Georgia February 1, 2 February 7, 8, 9 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 14, 15, 16 February 14, 15, 16 February 21, 22, 23
St. Louis, Missouri Los Angeles, California Phoenix, Arizona
February 21, 22, 23 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan February 28, Vancouver,
March 1, 2 British Columbia
It is only through the full support and enthusiastic cooperation of all of the friends that these efforts will achieve their intended purpose. A loving and most cordial invitation is extended to every Bahá’í to attend and participate in these special gatherings.
Please watch your local and state bulletins, or inquire of the local spiritual assemblies for detailed information on these Conferences.
Our Pioneers Write . . .
u
. . . to me, to be a pioneer is to willingly change one way of life for another, one set of values for" another. At the time the change is made there is an unknown quality that may register as doubtfulness or exhiliration, depending upon the makeup of the individual. For me it was a mixture of the two. I was so grateful and thrilled to at last (since I had wished to pioneer for many years) be able to serve in the capacity of a pioneer for our beloved Faith, yet doubtful that I had the necessary qualifications. . . . Yet once that decision is made to pioneer there is no going back—your pledge to Bahá’u’lláh . . . spurs one on . . . When the plunge into the unknown is finally accomplished, one is sustained by the excitement of the adventure and the quest for those ‘waiting souls’ becomes an obsession. This is the time when one truly scans every face in the hope of finding ‘the face of the Beloved, ‘. . . Then when the supreme moment arrives when the first responsive soul is found, words cannot express the joy and gratitude that fills one’s heart—gratitude that God has rewarded your efforts and used you for His purpose and you have been allowed to become a channel for His grace, in a ‘vast and spacious country’ where the Name of Bahá’u’lláh was unknown...”
“You must get out of your own community to grow spiritually, so you get out of your rut. Theoretically you can pioneer in your own home town, but practically speaking, because the grooves we dig for ourselves are so deep, you must make the move in order to jolt yourself out of your adaptation to the society you live in. In a new area, you start pioneering your own soul, which is the real pioneering.”
Pioneer goal of the Month SOUTH AFRICA
The toughest of goals for the toughest of pioneers. DON'T volunteer unless you like CHALLENGE Challenge to bear restrictions in your methods of teaching Challenge to obey the local laws while in the service of Bahá’u’lláh Challenge to be steadfast but flexible, enthusiastic but disciplined. If you can meet this kind of challenge, you should know that SOUTH AFRICA has: —beautiful scenery —a temperate climate —plentiful employment —excellent living conditions Pray and meditate on this — then write or phone: Department of International Goals 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091 telephone: 312-256-4400
A Goal of the Month is Filled!
There has been gratifying response to the appeal in the November NATIONAL Bahá’í REVIEW for a pioneer to fill the goal in Togo, West Africa. Miss Norma Clark, of Cleveland, Ohio will pioneer there and plans to leave in late March, in time to be at her post by Riḍván. Miss Clark is a youth, having organized and served actively in a Bahá’í college club at the University of Tulsa (Oklahoma) where she graduated cum laude in June 1968. Her training is for teaching, and she is fluent in French and German. The former language will be of great help to her in pioneering in her goal where French is spoken. At present she is employed by the telephone company in Cleveland and is earning funds to support herself in her pioneer post until she can secure a position there.
Attention! Youth Only —College Age!
The snow may be flying, but summer is not far ahead. It is not too soon, in fact, this is the time to plan for the long summer vacation ahead. How about considering a six week experience in actual pioneering? Plans for international youth projects to Central America are being formulated for groups to travel-teach in Indian areas with a pioneer guide. You should be familiar with Spanish and be able to finance yourself. Will you participate in this exciting, educational preparation for later pioneering? Can we count on you?
Write to the DEPARTMENT or INTERNATIONAL GOALS, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091
Mayor George A. Gonzales of Sante Fe, New Mexico smiles as he receives a copy of The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh from Mrs. Robin Lepard, right, chairman of the local Spiritual Assembly of Sante Fe, Looking on is Jean Nothwartg of Nambe, chairman of the local Assembly of Santa Fe County.
Children Dramatize Teachings
A joyous commemoration of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh was held for children and their families at the House of Worship on Tuesday afternoon, November 12. Some visitors came from as far as Milwaukee to participate in this happy occasion. A program was presented by the children, ages 3 through 14, who attend the Sunday classes at the Temple. using much of the material created by Canadian pioneer to Africa, Mr. Roger White.
The program began with the pre-primary and primary age children shuffling on an impromptu stage. each carrying a large card with one of the letters required to spell “Bahá’u’lláh" and the two smallest girls holding the cards with the apostrophes. The audience was led in song by a youth and his guitar. singing “Bahá’u’lláh Is The Glory of God." After a few verses, the little children stood in place holding high their cards, spelling the name of Bahá’u’lláh, with the “apostrophes" standing on nursery chairs. They were so entranced by the audience's happy and enthusiastic reaction, they waited for quite a while before resigning themselves to walking off stage!
After the recitation of a poem entitled “Are Parents Really Necessary?" written by Mr. White, the prayer “Blessed Is The Spot" was read by a child while the pre—primary and primary children made appropriate gestures with their hands. describing in the air "a valley," “a mountain," “a refuge." etc.
Group singing was followed by children from the 5th through 9th grades pantomiming “Audience BrainTeasers." They acted out well—known quotations from the Bahá’í writings, such as “An excess of speech is a deadly poison," “Mount your steeds, O ye heroes of God!" etc., while the audience guessed the appropriate quotations.
The children from the 3rd and 4th grade classes then read selections regarding the spiritual significance of the Day and the program closed with everyone singing “Alláh’u‘Abhá!"
JANUARY 1969
- 4
Bahá’ís of Waterloo, Iowa present Proclamation book to the Mayor. Left to right: Candice Kemp, Dale Barth, Mrs. Barbara Nance, and Mayor Lloyd Turner.
Bahá’í Week in Iowa
The Bahá’ís of Waterloo, Iowa selected October 27 through November 2 for Proclamation Week. The book The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh was presented to the Mayor, Mr. Lloyd Turner, who graciously accepted it and said it would have first priority in his reading. Other activities during the week included: a public meeting, well attended, at which Ronald Hauck of Downers Grove, Illinois spoke; several firesides; an evening of prayers; a fun night; and a community potluck dinner. There was a very attractive window display in the downtown area and the youth presented a panel program on the Central Figures of the Faith.
A Matter of Conscience
The United Nations’ sponsored “Human Rights Year" is now over. The desi to “Year" has seen many programs presented and awa - - nded out; the special “Da " has had communi ies ll 0 - ol their efforts to callyfor more consideratin a d terning human rights. We have a te de Cy to ecial “Days" and “Years" for a host of worthy .--?4*‘ We d€V0l9 much time, energy and t ug t so tha ‘ programs panels, open discussions fil showing§\a* d so forthwill be a success and th s t e impact of he cause will perhaps go straight to he hearts and inds of those participating. Do we cont nu to think in terms of what that Day or Year mean‘? ill the Bahá’í community really stretch themselve aove and byond whatever they organize for Human Rihts Day‘? hat will you do personally to carry on a ter the U.N.’s “Human Rights Year?" Will you speak up or write a le er to your local school if you know that . asic humn right is being violated? Have you though 0 getting i volved with your local Fair Housing Comm tt e’? Will yu say something if you know there is job i criminatin on the basis of race, religion or sex‘? Th point is: i volvement in the fie e ' ' man rig ts for all individu
an
als does In e =.-.-.-.:. -- ear" or ‘anfi :_:.:v “ "‘ ‘ ing for brea roughs should c tinue L -y you persona . can on " - -r ry day
Your thoughts, queries or sugg ‘ s are w ' elcomed. Do let us hear from you.
' — Ti-n-: COMMrrr1-:1-: ron THE UNITED NATIONS
[Page 5]
REVIEW
". . . the right of every human being "1
People most often associate the United Nations with UNICEF‘—the United Nations Children's Fund. Probably the two biggest reminders of this particular agency of the United Nations are Halloween night, when little masqueraders ask for pennies and come the Christmas holidays, the colorful UNICEF greeting cards one receives or sends. The proceeds are then used in various UNICEF projects around the world. UNlCEF‘s basic appeal is obviously centered on our compassion for the wants and needs of all children around the world, but it is important that we do not overlook the number of other agencies connected with the United Nations—agencies which are equally important to the complex make-up of the U.N.
In a recent talk given in this country by Lord C.P. Snow, the noted British novelist and scientist, the ominous fact was stressed once again that famine will not be at all uncommon in the vast majority of the underdeveloped countries. Within the next ten years, the signs of famine will become manifest in countries where war has not contributed to the situation such as the crisis in Biafra. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) —one of the many agencies working with the U.N.—assumes the responsibility of doing something about this huge discrepancy between the world's food supply and the worlds increasing population. Agricultural programs aimed at increasing the output of food, food donation programs (administered with the help of the World Food Program) and research (developing nutritional powder foods) have been set up to attack this very grave problem.
Should you wish more information about the FAO or any other agency connected with the U.N., write: The Office of Public Information, The United Nations, New York, NY. 10017.
THE COMMITTEE ron THE UNITED NATIONS
l.ParisTalks. p.15]
Presentations to Public Libraries
5
n,.,,,,,,.,; National Bahc'I'I' Fund
8 Cumulative Monthly lncome: 1968-1969
|.2oo -
moo - go"
lllllE'—YEAR PLAN Q39
I.ooo suns ,§°
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
I00
I I I I I I I I I I I I
AS0F=_>7»:>§.I::3_-:,-:_.£§%.:§52a5s.e§.%
INCOME FOR NOVEMBER 1968
Regular Contributions . . . . . . $|00.09B.48
Special Contributions . . . , . . . . . . . . . 20,084.39
Estates . . Other Income . 877.73
Total Income . . . . . . . . . .. $l2|,060.60
Cumulative Total, April I - December I $b29.l I7.04
Cumulative Deficit ,. .. .. . . $l82.BB2.96
NUMBER OF ASSEMBLIES CONTRIBUTING
November
298 (76 Percent of total)
Bahá’í groups as well as assemblies find that presenting books, pamphlets and posters to public libraries is an effective way to proclaim the Faith. Left: The Las Vegas South (Nevada) local Spiritual Assembly presented to the Clark County Library a proclamation poster and some pamphlets. Charles Atkins, center, is shown accepting the poster for the Library from Luanna Emery, left, and Barrie Bailey. Barrie designed and completed the poster in beautiful eye catching colors. Right: Display of books recently given to the Warren, Ohio Public Library by the Warren Bahá’í Group. The display was on view for three weeks. The Group also made a similar gift to the Kent State Academic Center which will display it in similar fashion.
[Page 6]
JANUARY ‘1969
Where Our Dollars Go A series presented by the Coordinafing Committee for the Fund
Youth and College Acfivifies
“Make this youth illumined and this weak one strong . . .
39
Today in the United States there are nearly 3000 Bahá’í youth between the ages of fifteen and twentyfive. Youth ages fifteen to twenty make up forty per cent of the Faith’s current enrollments in this country. In June of 1968 over 500 youth gathered in Wilmette for the first National Bahá’í Youth Conference, the largest gathering of Bahá’í youth in this country’s history. In November, 1968, youth themselves made the arrangements for and then attended no less than twenty-two area youth conferences throughout the United States for the purpose of consulting with each other on plans of action.
What, then, is happening with the Bahá’í youth‘? Why this surge of activity? And how is it relevant to the entire Bahá’í community?
The Universal House of Justice. back in June of 1966, issued an historic challenge to the Bahá’í youth of the world—a mandate to “render invaluable services to the Cause of God" by “simultaneously . . . remaking the character of human society and preparing themselves for the work they can undertake later in their lives." The House of Justice called upon the youth to center their energies in “three great fields of service”: (1) “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; (2) “teaching the Faith, particularly to their fellow youth, among whom are some of the most open and seeking minds in the world"; (3) “the preparation by the youth for their later years."
As a direct response to the message from the Universal House of Justice, the Department of Youth and College Activities was formed at the National Bahá’í Center in 1967 as one of five departments under the National Teaching Committee. The purpose for its existence. very simply, is to aid the Bahá’í youth in this country in achieving the goals which the House of Justice has declared are their immediate and weighty responsibility.
One of the Department's major tasks was the planning and coordination of the first National Bahá’í Youth Conference. The primary purpose of the Conference was to assess the youth resources throughout the country. When. as a single body of 500, they urged the National Spiritual Assembly to give them a "youth plan." it was suddenly and distinctly clear that the youth were ready for action. The response of the National Spiritual Assembly is already legend: its immediate reply was “yes," and the idea of the Five Year Youth Program was born.
On August 31, 1968, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the arrival of Bahá’u’lláh in the Holy Land, the Five Year Youth Program was launched and distributed to Bahá’í youth and communities throughout the nation. At the same time, the National Spiritual Assem
_w .
I ,,.,
The Joans. Miss Fries, left, and Mrs. Lincoln serve the Depart ment in Wilmette.
bly indicated that it would be the responsibility of the National Teaching Committee. through its Department of Youth and College Activities, to plan for and supervise the implementation of each of the Program’s goals.
With barely time to catch its breath, the Department of Youth and College Activities found itself in the midst of planning and coordinating, with the assistance of youth committees, twenty—two area youth conferences. so that the youth of the nation could come together and make specific plans and commitments for winning their goals. At the same time, the Department had to prepare, for distribution at the conferences. guidelines for the immediate implementation of each Youth Program goal. Included were statements on dispersal, homefront and international pioneering, travel-teaching, Bahá’í college and high school clubs, special service projects directed at minority teaching, youth contributions to the Fund, and deepening and individual conduct.
The Youth Department is now in the process of mapping out long-range, phased plans for the achievement of each of the Five Year Program goals and communicating these plans to the youth. organizing and nurturing the twenty-five area youth committees which were formed throughout the country in November, 1968, to assist in coordinating youth teaching and deepening plans, and corresponding with hundreds of youth all over the country who want to be “where the action is.” This Department operates on a budget of $l6.000, a little more than one cent out of every dollar contributed to the National Fund.
Where will the new youth movement lead‘? What will be its fruits? Reports from the area youth conferences indicate that in every section of the country Bahá’í youth, one by one. are arising to offer their energies and to dedicate their lives in the service of Bahá’u’lláh. Certainly we will witness the gradual realization of the vision of Shoghi Effendi, who foresaw that it is the Bahá’í youth “who can contribute so decisively to the virility, the purity, and the driving force of the life of the Bahá’í community, and upon whom must depend the future orientation of its destiny, and the complete unfoldment of the potentialities with which God has endowed it."
[Page 7]
REVIEW
Circuit Teachers Lisfed
The newly revised Bahá’í Teacher and Speaker List was mailed early in November to all assemblies and goals committees. Guidelines for Circuit Teaching which was originally prepared for and distributed to the goals committees at the July 1968 briefing sessions, was also provided to assemblies at this time for their information and assistance.
Within a week of the date of this mailing, notes and letters expressing appreciation and excitement began to flow into the National Bahá’í Center. Since the final details of the project necessitated a brief moratorium in connection with other responsibilities in order to hasten its availability, the warm response was most gratifying.
Of the 600 people approached for inclusion of their names on the list, 356 responded affirmatively, exceeding a hoped for fifty per cent response. Since the mailing, others have submitted the necessary information for inclusion in a forthcoming s\upplement, which is already being compiled. We seek cooperation as follows:
1. Please send your recommendations for additions as soon as possible, particularly in those areas where there is a scarcity of available and capable people.
2. If you are one of the individuals to whom forms were sent for this purpose, and you have procrastinated, please forward them now.
3. See that all members of your community or committee are familiar with the context of the covering letter as well as the suggestions in the “Guidelines”.
4. Report transfers of listed people to the Department of Expansion for inclusion in the supplement.
5. Advise groups and isolated believers of the existence of the list and the prescribed procedure for use of it.
The number of direct requests to Wilmette for speakers has already subsided, which has happily freed time for initiating circuit plans for the many friends who have offered their services. Soon there will be a flow of teachers crisscrossing the entire country. In most instances the traveling teachers will be offered to well established localities. However, we, as well as you, are very goal oriented. Therefore, we anticipate Your use of teachers in your own nearby goal cities, even though they have been offered directly to your community. This method will make the broad planning, from the National level, much simpler, and will allow extra time for scheduling.
Comments and suggestions on both brochures will be most welcome, as well as reports on activities involving selected teachers.
A Visit to the Apaches
On the weekend of November 9, several Arizona Bahá’ís were invited by Philip Cassdore, a chief of the San Carlos Apache Indian tribe, to visit his reservation as a first step in exploring some spiritual solutions to the tragic conditions of a people who over the years have been forced away from much of their traditional religion and way of life.
The following letter of love and concern is shared in the spirit of our all being one family:
“Dear Ones . “Philip Cassadore, an Apache friend living in Phoenix, but not long off the reservation, invited several of us up to his family’s place at San Carlos. Indian fashion, he just said it would be a good idea to come up, and no mention of what we would ‘do’ oncerthere, a most realistic approach, to leave this open ended. So, making our response worthy of the invitation we just said we could go. . . . I put sleeping and cooking things in the truck, and enjoyed the drive up immensely. Both going and coming I was struck again with the immensity and awesome beauty of the country between Superior and Globe—and beyond felt so much at home in a sweep of land much like the Verde Valley. Philip says his reservation is 100 miles square. There is the San Carlos river which nourishes some trees—but for the most part it is desert, with low purple mountains — soft breezes and lovely, lovely air, blue skies, clear starSpangled nights.
A1" the Cassadore Home
“We turned off the highway to drive towards the village—typically for me a wrong turn . . . picked up an Apache couple and child, took them a piece, and then discovering we were on the wrong track, we let them out near their home (we thought), and turned around. Then I found the Kahn car—Chester, Annie, her sister, Gracie, Mary Jane, and about five of the children . . . we set about to find the Cassadore home, which we finally did—a neat white dwelling apart from the village, on the edge of a field. From a little shack close by came a man who with blurred speech told us the Cassadores would be back soon; a large pleasant young woman followed him with children clinging to her skirts and in a very kind way made us feel welcome. It was then towards evening and the breeze was cooling, so Mary Jane in her quiet efficient way, began building a fire, and Chester took over. It was a good way to get the feel of the place, and soon Philip’s mother came walking back from the hospital where she had been visiting her sister, and Philip and David drove in . . . before I knew it, they had “moved” the fire over in a shelter near the house —and this kept us comfortable all evening. We cooked and ate by firelight. I took out hot dogs, but Mary Jane and Annie and Grace (Annie's sister) got together chicken to cook over the coals, and we ate royally in short order. The neighbor family joined us, and two ancient Apache women, speaking no English, and after dinner a few more wandered in . . . among them two young women, Vista workers. They seemed friendly enough—but the
Among those pictured with the host family and Mr. Cassadore (standing, left) are Bahá’ís David Stuart (center) and Nancy Phillips (left, front) of Phoenix; Emma and Walter Jones (center, back row) of Verde Valley: Mary Jane Kahn (extreme left) of Flagstafi‘; and Auxiliary Board member Chester Kahn (left, back row).
next day when I met one of them again at the rodeo grounds I had such a feeling that they were “on" the place, but not “of" it.
Film of Ceremony
“They have electricity at the Cassadore’s and running water (a far cry from the Hopi villages), and this enabled Philip to show a film he had taken of the last two days of a ceremony which marked the “coming of age” of several Apache girls, a cousin of his among them. It seemed that soon after this the young cousin had been “struck by lightening” . . . it was put this way. One of the old ladies who came was the mother of the girl (she seemed so old) and she wanted to see the film. I walked over to my car to get something and at that point Philip must have started the film, for from the little group in the semi-darkness came a wailing cry which rose and fell like an Apache chant. There was something so timeless, so . . universal in the sound that it might have been all mothers crying in the ebb and flow of grief . . . the film itself was beautiful, the dancing, the shy girls dressed in buckskin and beads, the men (godfathers) joining them in the simple, almost shuffling steps, the masked dancers leading the way in faster rhythm, and the repeating again and again, in circle, in square, in a kind of timeless movement. We sat in silence watching it, and then from behind us, beyond the bushes came the cry of coyotes
first a bark, then the unmistakable howl. Mrs. Cassadore moved about uneasily, and went into the house.
“But then all was still, the lights of the film went out, and all that remained were the embers of the fire, which blazed up with new logs, and warmed the chill of the night. The moon rose over the hills. and Philip began to sing, then Chester, and Annie took the little drum in time. The Apache-Navajo . . . might be one family, so similar are the songs and the language. Throughout the time they spoke easily together, laughing a great deal, for there must have been some funny differences in words which they made great sport of
. the Kahn girls took the drum and sang a kind of
JANUARY ‘1969
Navajo-Bahá’í chant and then Annie joined them to sing “Sugar in the morning, sugar in the evening, sugar in the summer time" with a Navajo beat, much fun. Then Philip sang again, with drum, and the ladies got up to dance in circle . . . soon we were paired off. I danced with the lady who had sobbed at the sight of her little daughter, and she was humming in Apache beat as she danced seemingly consoled. Then we sat down to talk, and the next day Philip explained some of the things they (the Apache friends) said. Among them—“we go to church we pray to Jesus." This, Philip said, is the stock remark every time they meet a “white” person—for it is expected that they are somehow connected with the missionaries, and they want to ward off any kind of sermonizing by explaining that they are already “churched” . . . I don’t really know what was said, for it was an ApacheNavajo talk, and I had the feeling that it was a warm. wonderful way to get acquainted there was so much laughter.
Campfire Brealtfasi
“We had a lovely campfire breakfast, set up in no time. Afterwards some of us visited with Mrs. Cassadore, a lovely, greyhaired woman, soft of speech, beautiful of countenance. She is most understanding—said that she was going to church because if she did not, the minister would not let her alone for the rest of the day. It was easier that way. But she went on to say that there were so many churches, . . . and it was so sad.
Then Philip and David went to visit an Apache holy place, and we stayed to be with the neighbor family. By this time we were really old friends, and it was very clear how much they welcomed this new feeling as we did. But drinking is a round the clock problem the man striving for dignity, while struggling for speech, or just looking off into space— his wife covering anxiety with laughter, and the smallest little child crying, crying. Another child has a withered arm, because as they say, he was once very sick.
Consuliaiion on Problems
When Philip came back we talked. Now there is a Tribal Council, and there is still a Superintendent who can be there to watch the mistakes and struggle of the Apaches (Philip puts it simply), for so many years they could make no decision for themselves; they were reduced to utter dependence, and can take on responsibility in the midst of enormous problems only gradually. He is more fearful now than ever before, he says. Philip says that back in Phoenix he is called in to help plan a meeting on Indian problems, but they cannot bring up really vital issues, because authorities feel it is not comfortable to talk of them. . . . Then we talked of what might be done in San Carlos. Could the tribal council go to the Holy places and have their meetings, Philip? Yes, they could, he said, and I can tell from his eyes that something is working in his mind. ‘Can poor people become Bahá’ís?’ he asked David once recently. One might ask that, seeing our cars and houses, and not seeing the rest of the Bahá’í world. I think he gained some strength just having the Navajo friends there. Philip has a new song, it tells about going to Window Rock and meeting the friendly people (the Bahá’í “meeting" up there, in July) and when he gets home to the Apache he misses the love and friendship,
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so he climbs the highest mountain, looks towards the Navajo, to feel some of this same spirit as best he can, so goes the song, as he told us in English.
“There was a warm, wonderful feeling as we parted. I went with the Kahns for a short visit to the rodeo (they wanted to see how the Apaches do it). We had a lot of fun and I pulled myself away about three to drive home. On the crest of the bill I drove off to the side, and walked up to a sight of San Carlos below to say a prayer, and drive on.
To Find +|1e Remedy
“I was reading . . . at random last _night. . . . I had been thinking about pioneers -to the Hopis and to the Apaches, but there at San Carlos there must be (pioneers) for it is almost too late (I should have known this long ago, for the children at the Indian school from there were the most troubled, the glue-Sniffers, the drinkers) . . . I was thinking about what Dorothy Baker said we must have, ‘tact and divine fire’ I think were her words then this morning in Prayers and Meditations, the very first page “the lamp of Thy love is burning in their hearts, and the light of Thy tenderness is lit within their breasts” . . . it has got to be a magnet of this strength to make any difference at all.
“Then I turned to that part of the Riḍván message from the Universal House of Justice— 1967—and got a new understanding of the limited effectiveness of purely humanitarian movements . . . these, indeed, are the things ‘which will be added’—but not the objectives for which the Báb gave His life, Bahá’u’lláh endured such suffering. . . .
“What it is all about is that organic change in present day society . . . that transformation of life which we are bound to undergo, and the vision of a ‘fullness of life such as the world has never seen nor can as yet conceive.’
“Chester once said in my hearing, that the Bahá’í
At the Florida State Convention held November 3 in Orlando. This was one of the best attended State Conventions in Florida in a number of years. A dinner the night before the Convention gave everyone an opportunity for Bahá’í fellowship. At the Southern California Bahá’í Summer School.
9
Faith was so simple, we complicate it. l’m trying to understand this, and not to be mislead by the welter, the growing evidences of unbalance which cause us such pain. . . .
“There must be, and there is, within this beautiful gift of God to mankind . . . some simple remedy which one could take to the tribal council. . . .
Maybe, as a Bahá’í, but not necessarily in the name of religion—so misused and so mistrusted for good reasons. There must be a golden mean, a simple something to take to people before they utterly lose their response to a simple truth.
“I think I have an idea: take the idea of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, look at the one good quality . . . take the way of Shoghi Effendi who never looked at the limitations of Bahá’ís because he could not use them, he looked at the strengths——take the words of Bahá’u’lláh who said His message was not for one land or one people only, but for all men, and that is the way to true liberty.
“Could not one sit down with a tribal council and ask ‘what do you have going for you—-what is the plus quality: is it a long-forgotten religion which brought you in touch with your Creator; is it love of the land; is it a sense of family; is it an old way of caring for neighbor . . . or what is it?’ They, not we, would know . . . but go back as far as necessary to find the ancient good, and build up from there, and pour all resources to it . . .”
Needed — Pioneers
The National Teaching Committee as well as the Arizona State Goals Committee would welcome a response front any Bahá’ís interested in pioneering on the Apache or Hopi reservations (both goals of the Nine Year Plan) where schools and Public Health hospitals 0 er ready employment as well as precious opportunities for sustained service in Indian communities.
._ _':!;<. a.Those who attended the State Convention for Central California District #2 held November 3, 1968 in Fresno, California.
he Bahá’í Standard of Chastity
At one of the recent Area Youth Conferences, during discussion on chastity and morality, the following quotation from a letter written by the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, was referred to. At the request of the youth, it is being reprinted here since it was last published in the December 1947 issue of‘Bahá’í NEWS.
“What Bahá’u’lláh means by chastity certainly does not include the kissing that goes on in modern society. It is detrimental to the morals of young people, and often leads them to go too far, or arouses appetites which they cannot perhaps at the time satisfy legitimately through marriage, and the suppression of which is a strain on them. “The Bahá’í standard is very high, more particularly when compared with the thoroughly rotten morals of the present world. But this standard of ours will produce healthier, happier, nobler people, and induce stabler marriages.”
Youth Conferences Glimpsed
Over the weekend of November 29 December 1, twenty-two Area Youth Conferences were held throughout the country. The two purposes of the conferences were first to discuss the implementation of the Five Year Youth Program goals, i.e. to make the move towards individual commitment and action, and secondly to elect the Area Youth Committees. As this issue of the REVIEW goes to press, several people from the National Center are returning from these Conferences. The following spot comments have been heard: “the spiritual maturity and understanding were so impressive ." “there were so many youth under 20 present—and they were so willing to sacrifice time and money. Once the principle of universal participation was more fully understood, there was much concern about the youth who were not at the conference. Each youth wanted to contact
one other youth who had not attended.” “The youth were really eager to learn—so many questions. Immediate contributions to the Fund continued throughout the weekend.” “Their prayer sessions were beautiful. Some are deepened, but many not. It was a joy to be at this Conference among so many dedicated young people, aware of their responsibilities and anxious to fulfill them." “The youth were very spiritualfantastic what they can do through
prayers. They need and can use more knowledge in administration, however." “The basic commitment
to Bahá’u’lláh is truly there—they are so thankful for the specific goals of the Five Year Youth Program so they can change the commitment to action.” “I never saw a group of kids so excited about reading and getting into the books—I think they now understand much better the importance of reading the Creative Word of God.” “The voting went so beautifully in a truly reverant atmosphere.“ “They made living the life look easy; I felt I had a glimpse of the ‘New Race of Men.’ " More specific reports about what was really
accomplished at these conferences will occur in future issues when the Conference evaluations start comingin.
PRAYER POWER
As youth are coming into the Faith at such a rapid rate, we know there are many who are not familiar with the special teaching prayers revealed to the Bahá’ís in different parts of the country by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His Tablets of the Divine Plan. In the back section of your prayer book under ‘Prayers for Teaching’ you will find these prayers. Locate the one designated for your part of the country and follow the guidelines that were given by the Master—some are to be said daily, some every morning, etc. If we say these prayers regularly, each area of the country will be better able to reap its full spiritual potential and bounties.
I can afford to sacrifice . . .
The Guardian has said, “We must be like the fountain or spring that is continually emptying itself of all that it. has and is continually being refilled from an invisible source." Bags of money that was spontaneously contributed at the Area Youth Conferences are being received at
JANUARY 1969
the National Center. It seems that the youth are striving to reach the station of ever-flowing springs, One youth recently wrote in: “Allah' 'Abhá! Praise be God, the Promised Hour is here! Enclosed I am sending my first quarter of my pledge with a note. I earn $210 a month . $100, I am sending to you. You're right, I can afford to sacrifice some and I have found that the only way to fight this battle against materialism is just not to have anything to buy although I'm tempted to buy. God will provide what I need and I find this whole arrangement very satisfying, P.S. Be encouraged, I know of some beautiful, selfless souls (who are youth) who are teaching everywhere, have no money and when they receive even a penny, contribute that to the Fund. With devotion such as theirs, we will make it.”
Attention: High School Students In case some of you were not able to attend the Area Youth Conferences, and therefore did not hear the announcement, we wanted to remind you that your HIGH SCHOOL CLUB CONSTITUTIONS ARE READY. If there are two or more declared Bahá’í students at your school, and you would like to form a club, please write to the Department of Youth and College Activities, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, 60091 and request a constitution. The constitution provides for setting up a club in school if school regulations permit, and outside of school if the school regulations do not permit a ‘religious organization.’ WE'RE WAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU!
A Note of Interest
Youth, ages 15-20, now make up 40% of our current enrollments — a rise of 6% over last year's figure at this time of 34%.
YOUTH: WHAT ARE YOU DOING OUT THERE? Please send us NEWS and PICTURES. We are anxious to hear about you and share your activities with the rest of the American Bahá’í Community. Send all to Department of Youth and College Activities, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois. SOON. Thank you.
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1969 Proclamation Theme —Youth
Starting Riḍván 1969 the proclamation theme for the next twelve months will be concerned with youth. Plans are presently being made for this proclamation effort by the Department of Youth and College Activities, Department of Proclamation and the Public Information Department.
The proclamation effort will be geared to reach youth in all areas of the country and in every strata of society. A large part of the responsibility for reaching youth would rest upon Bahá’í Youth. However, all Bahá’í communities and groups will have an opportunity to engage in the proclamation effort to reach American youth.
Plans are presently being made for proclamation efforts designed to reach college students, high school students, youth organizations, youth in ghettos, youth on Indian reservations, youth from minority groups, youth in rural areas, youth publications and other mass media.
Bahá’í communities and Bahá’í youth will be kept informed of plans and activities in connection with the proclamation for 1969-1970.
Advertising and Proclamation
One of the ways to proclaim the Bahá’í Faith is through advertising. Normally many Bahá’í Communities do not use advertising because of cost and because they have been able to secure publicity through articles in the newspapers and stories used over radio or television, However some communities have or are planning to use advertising in connection with proclamation, and therefore the following basic principles are presented.
Advertising can be either printed, spoken or put in some visual form and is generally used to influence the audience to a point of view or to do something. It can, for example, influence them to come to a meeting, to send for literature or inform them. Advertising includes not only ads in newspapers, magazines, radio and television, but such things as posters, signs, mailing pieces, handbills, billboards or others.
There is a difference between news and advertising. A news story is used
by news media because of its interest to their audience. Many media do not consider notices of meetings and statements of religious beliefs as news—this they consider advertising. News is used by news media free of charge whereas advertising must be paid for. You have no assurance that a news story will be used and if used, used correctly and at the right time. With advertising the Bahá’í Community decides when and where the ad will appear, the language of the ad, and its physical appearance.
In planning an advertisement, first determine your objective. Ask yourself: What am I advertising? What audience am I trying to reach? Why should he or she be interested? A good ad should attract, convince, and generate action. Remember AIDA as a guide: A—Attention, IInterest in, D—Desire to know, A Action to do something.
Second, get help in planning your ad. Look over your Bahá’í Community for people who are in this or related work. Ask your local newspaper or radio station to help you with your ad.
Third, determine how much you can spend.
Fourth, remember that studies show that an ad generally has to be repeated at least four times (preferably more often) before it is effective in gaining the attention of the audience. Also check the placement of your ad. Is it lost on the church page? Would it be better in the news section?
References to House of Worship
On many occasions the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette has been referred to by writers as “America's Taj Mahal” or in some way compared to the Taj Mahal. In recent correspondence the Universal House of Justice pointed out such references or comparisons are not appropriate. While it is true that both buildings are unique and beautiful, this is about their only points of similarity, and it could be that unfortunate consequences could result if the two edifices were confused. In view of this, Bahá’í writers and public information personnel should avoid in writings, releases or talks use of the above comparisons.
In previous articles Bahá’í writers and Public Information Representatives were also requested to use
II
Pu;suc 'iN:FORMAri;oN
the term “House of Worship” as often as possible instead of “Temple" in connection with Bahá’í Houses of Worship around the world. Also the term Bahá’í Faith should be used and not Bahá’í World Faith.
Assistance Offered in Graphic Arts
Mr. Frank Stewart, an expert in graphic arts, has volunteered to as sist Bahá’í communities, groups and state goals committees with plans and ideas for exhibits, dis plays, posters, TV slides and other art work in connection with proclamation activities. He is also an advisor to the National Bahá’í Center on graphic arts matters and is a professional in this field. He has offered to help on a first come, first serve basis and can be reached directly as follows: Mr. Frank Stewart, 7103 Hickory Hill Road, Falls Church, Virginia 22042. Telephone: 703-534-3760.
Notes
More and more Bahá’ís are being invited to churches and synagogues to give the Bahá’í Message during services. Recently Mrs. John O. Honnold, Jr. addressed the Sabbath Service at the Congregation Temple Judea in Philadelphia. She spoke to some 300 persons on the Bahá’í Faith. After the service there was a fellowship period with cakes and coffee. Then the Rabbi opened the floor to questions and Mrs. Honnold answered numerous questions on all aspects of the Faith.
Both the National Spiritual Assembly and the North American Bahá’í Office for Human Rights (NABOHR) had representatives at the National Conference on Continuing Action for Human Rights sponsored by the President’s Commission for the Observance of Human Rights Year 1968. The Conference was held at the U. S. State Department in Washington, D. C. on December 4, 1968.
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BAHA'I DIRECTORY CHANGES
ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES
Arizona
Pine Springs Trading Post: Mrs. Ruby Nelson, Pine Springs Trading Post, Houck 86506
Central California Dist. #1
Sunnyvale: Mr. Gordon Jackson. Chairman, 1557 Wolfe Rd.. 94087
Southern California Dist. #1
Manhattan Beach: Mrs. Cynthia Berman, P.O. Box 887. 90266
Southern California Dist. #2
Desert J. D.: Mrs. Barbara Day, 74-515 Leslie, Palm Desert 92260
LaMesa: Mr. Leon Davis. 6004 Lake Murray Blvd., Apt. D, 92041
Georgia. Savannah: Mr. Albert Pleasant, 219 W. 56th St.. 31405
Northern Illinois Chicago: Mrs. Williamette Wamble, 6447 S. Lowe Ave., 60621 DesPlaines: Miss Margit M. Kennedy, 9123 N. Potter Rd.,
Apt. 2-E, 60016
Oklahoma.
Tulsa: Mrs. Freida B. Walker, 1005 W. Marshall, 74127
Oregon Portland: To correct zip code of secretary to 97212
Western Washington
South King County Commissioners Dist.: Mrs. Shirley A. Eckels, 20805 - 10th Ave., S., Seattle 98148
PLANNING TO MOVE DURING THE NEXT 30 DAYS? Help us keep your address up-to-date CUT OUT AND MAIL TO:
NATIONAL BAHA’I CENTER ‘I12 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, ILL. 6009]
‘------—------—------u---—--------------ATTACH YOUR OLD ADDRESS LABEL HERE
Name
NEW Address
City State Zip NEW Telephone: Area
Name of new locality (If different from city name)
I .-----u--------.
Reminder: Have you ALSO notified your community and SGC secretaries of your new address?
JANUARY 1969
In Memoriam
Mrs. Deana Abbott Fontana, Calif. October 25, 1968 Mrs. Gene Bernstein Hollywood, Florida November 9, 1968 Mrs. Esther H. Coleman Indianapolis, Indiana November 14. 1968 Mrs. Margery W. Dixon Reno, Nevada November 7. 1968 Preston G. Hill, Jr. Atlantic City, N.J. About November 17, 1968 Mrs. Eleanor Ioas Orinda, Calif. November 19, 1968 Mrs. Annie M. King Evanston, Illinois November 13, 1968
Mrs. Ada Markishtum Neah Bay, Wash. November 25, 1968
Mrs. Gertrude Marquis Santa Barbara, Calif. November 22, 1968
Mrs. Ethel Pinchback Fontana, Calif. November 19, 1968
Mrs. Carmen Reid Yakima, Wash. October 7, 1968
Sohayl Sahari Chicago, Illinois November 12, 1968
Mrs. Lela Wiltermood Spokane, Wash. October 27. 1968
Calendar of Events
Feasts
January 19 — Sultan (Sovereignty)
February 7 — Mulk (Dominion)
Proclamation Event
January 19 — World Religion Day
Continental Board of Counsellors Conferences January 10-12, 17-19, and 31-Feb. 2 February 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, and 28-Mar. 2
U.S. National Spiritual Assembly Meetings
January 17-19 February 21-23 March 28-30
U.S. National Bahá’í Convention April 24 (evening) through 27
3 to 3:30 p.m.
3:45 p.m.
Bahá’í House of Worship
Daily Visiting Hours 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday Devotions
Sunday Public Meetings
