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NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE CALLS FOR MONTH
OF PRAYER AND ACTION
THE NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE HAS DESIGNATED THE MONTH OF BAHA (MARCH 21-APRIL 8) AS A TIME FOR SPECIAL PRAYERS DIRECTED TOWARD NATIONWIDE ACTION IN BRINGING GROUPS TO ASSEMBLY STATUS AND “SAVING" JEOPARDIZED ASSEMBLIE. THE OBJECTIVE IS A NET GAIN OF‘ SIXTY LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES BY THIS RIDVANE WHAT MORE MEANINGFUL WAY IS THERE FOR US TO ACHIEVE THIS OBJECTIVE THAN BY PRAYER-DIRECTED ACTION? AT EITHER 9:00 A.M. or 9:00 P.M. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THE TEACHING PRAYER FOR YOUR REGION BE SAID PLUS PRAYER NO. 43 ON PAGE 58 OF BAHA'I PRAYERS. WATCH WHAT HAPPENS!
As the National Teaching Committee met and reviewed what the American Bahá’í Community has accomplished so far this year, it could not help but be encouraged—in fact, enthusiastic about our tremendous potential for a significant victory by this Riḍván As we prayed and consulted, the answer was obvious. All of us, the entire American Bahá’í Community, must be given the bounty and privilege of supplicating to God for this assistance in our teaching efforts as well as expressing our grateful praises for His love and mercy. Prayer-directed action will continue to win the victories.
Tulsa, Oklahoma was the site of our fourth regular meeting. The love, warmth and radiant enthusiasm of the Tulsa Bahá’í Community was a constant joy. The beginning of the entry into the Cause by troops is happening around us! We cannot but conclude, after reviewing the remarkable increase in groups with seven or more adult Bahá’ís (over 70%), that the American Bahá’í Community can achieve the goals of the Nine Year Plan by Riḍván 1971. The potential is there. We were reminded of some passages from the messages of our beloved Guardian and Universal House of Justice as we tried to gain some perspective of our times.
In the 1965 Riḍván message from the Universal House of Justice two conditions were cited. One was “within the Faith itself" and our “ . . . capacity to accomplish all and any definitive goals assigned to it, goals . . . by which the Cause is established physically, legally and socially in the world . . ."
“The second condition . . . involves the relationship of the Cause to humanity. Almost universally there is a sense of an impending breakthrough in large-scale conversion. Reports of the Hands of the Cause and of Board members constantly mention it; many National Spiritual Assemblies believe that they have reached the shores of this ocean. And, indeed entry into the Cause
by troops has been a fact in some areas for a number of years. But greater things are ahead. The teaching of the Faith must enkindle a world-encircling fire in whose light the Cause and the world—protagonists of the greatest drama in human history—are clearly illumined. Destiny is carrying us to this climax; we must gird ourselves for heroism.”
Can we doubt that we are “on the shores of this ocean”? Across the United States a steady and increasing number of our fellow-citizens are now entering into the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. This will increase during these fast fleeting years of the Nine Year Plan, and we can only refer to the Writings as a guide to what this means.
Our beloved Guardian, in a letter to the American Bahá’í Community dated May 13, 1953, discussed the implications of a steady flow of new believers as being “absolutely vital” and of “extreme urgency" in safeguarding the victories already won throughout the world. He further stated: “This flow, moreover, will presage and hasten the advent of the day which, as prophesied by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, will witness the entry by troops of peoples of divers nations and races into the Bahá’í world—a day which, viewed in its proper perspective, will be the prelude to that long-awaited hour when a mass conversion on the part of these same nations and races, and as a direct result of a chain of events, momentous and possibly catastrophic in nature.
will suddenly revolutionize the fortunes of the Faith, derange the equilibrium of the world, and reinforce a thousandfold the numerical strength as well as the material power and the spiritual authority of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.”
To even suggest that we can dimly appreciate the tremendous implications of the Guardian’s words would be presumptuous on our part, and certainly not our intent. It is, however, obvious from these passages that the American Bahá’ís can achieve their assigned goals, and that the signs our beloved Guardian and later the Universal House of Justice have cited are ever more apparent in the United States with each passing day. This is why the National Teaching Committee was moved to designate the first month of this new year as a time for prayer-motivated action. It’s so right! It’s the Bahá’í way of responding to the challenges of our times.
—NA’I‘IONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE
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TEACHING. AND7 CONSOLJJDATIOVN
Another Way to Pioneer
Bahá’ís, particularly members of minority groups who want to teach in small towns and villages, should consider the wide range of good paying jobs now available through the Forest Service.
Information comes via the Idaho State Goals Committee that the Forest Service indicates it will give preference to members of minority races, particularly Negro, in filling these jobs.
Interested persons should obtain, immediately, form SF 57 from their local post offices. Although the form no longer asks for one’s race, this should be given in some manner‘ to assist the employer in choosing employees from minority groups.
The Forest Service provides employment in a great number of small locales where people of minorities otherwise would find no means of livelihood. However, all job opportunities are not confined to small towns.
The Forest Service has employment in a number of occupations in addition to forestry; for example, in engineering, heavy equipment operation, secretarial work, business administration, and seasonal work in fire fighting, on brush crews and on various field crews.
Such employment opportunities open new doors and avenues which can be utilized by Bahá’ís in helping to take the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh to the various strata of society living in remote towns and villages. The following is an experience of a Bahá’í couple who moved with the Forest Service three years ago to a provincial, outwardly prejudiced town of 700 in a remote mountainous area of Idaho.
Soon after the Bahá’ís arrived, a Nigerian exchange student majoring in forestry also arrived for summer training. (At that time the attitudes of the Forest Service differed from those implied in its current employment practices.) He arrived unwelcomed and was left on his own to find housing, and at first was placed in menial jobs which excluded any forestry training. He would have left the town ignored were it not for the Bahá’í couple who befriended him, had him transferred to more meaningful work and had taken him to a number of Bahá’í functions. Now back at school in West Virginia, his interest in the Faith continues.
The next summer, upon the recommendation of the Bahá’í Forest Service employee, two Nigerian students were requested for training there. This time they were met on arrival by most of the staff officers and their wives, had their living accommodations waiting for them, and were warmly received, with the local people vying for the opportunity to help and entertain them. The students were invited to address high school classes, and children of the town boast of having met and spoken with them.
The Bahá’ís again had the bounty of their company during their summer Bahá’í travels, and they, too,
were attracted to the Faith and are still reading and keeping in touch.
In this provincial town which outwardly seemed terribly prejudiced, one couple showed the privilege and delight in befriending others. One by one, others too, came to experience the bounty.
Affenfion College Speakers!
The Department of Proclamation is seeking information concerning young people, both students and non-students, who would like to contribute to this year’s youth proclamation effort as college and youth group speakers.
Contact: National Teaching Committee, Attn: Department of Proclamation, l12 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091
Now
In just a few more weeks — on April 21 (Riḍván) to be exact—the fate of each local Bahá’í community will be decided. Will it continue to carry forward the light of a divinely-ordained institution, or will it revert to group status? Will those groups presently striving so diligently to become local spiritual assemblies attain their goal?
As together the American Bahá’í community offers its prayers during the month of Bahá, the answer may very well rest with you. Those believers who are able to do so are urged to move to a locality listed here on or before April 21. The opportunities for services to our precious Cause are illimitable, and your services are needed NOW.
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REVIEW 3
Jeopardized Assemblies Large Goal Groups (con.)
snrr. ASSEMBLY ADULT BEIJEVERS srnr. GROUP ADULT BEL“.-‘VER5
NORTHEASTERN STATES SOUTHERN STATES
No“’.loi's°Y North Piaiiiiieid 3 Arkansas Fayetteville 8 New York Amherst Township 8 Florida Key West 7 Babylon Township 8 Orlando 3 Town of Tonowanda 6 Riviera Beach 7 Yonkers 3 Tallahasee 7 Rhode Island Providence 8 Louisiana Slide“ 7 South Carolina Greenville County 3 SOUTHERN STATES Winnsboro 7 Arkansas Rogers 7 CENTRAL STATES Kentucky Louisville 7 Illinois Edwardsville 7 Texas University Park 7 N0” iibmok 7 Park Forest 7 CENTRAL STATES Pm‘ Ridge 3 Peoria Heights 7 Illinois Downers Grove Twp. 8 iowa iowa City 8 Kansas Salina 7 Sioux City 7 Michigan Ypsilanti 3 Michigan East Lansing 7 Ohio North Olmstead 6 Niies Township 7 South Dakota Sioux Falls 8 Mi5so“i'i Springiieid 3 South Dakota Mapleton Township 7 Wisconsin Muske o Townshi 7 WESTERN STATES Oconofmwoc ‘’ 7 Arizona Verde Valley 7 Wiison Township 3 California Alturas 8 Compton J-D- 8 WESTERN STATES Los Gates 8 Oxnard 7 Al'iZ0na. 8 pacifica 7 Ft. Defiance 7 pismo Beach 5 Na-Ah-Tee Trading Post 8 Santa Maria 8 Prescott 3 C9101-ado AI-vada 8 California BEIITIOHI 7 Aurora 6 Claremont 8 New Melico McKinley County 7 C°n_°°rd 7 Washington Bellevue 8 Covma 7 Franklin Cnty, Comm. Dist. No. 3 5 Eureka 7 Issaquah 8 Freemont 8 Hawthorne 7 Laguna Beach, San Clemente, J.D. 7 Liv r r Large Goal Groups Or0:iiTe°Je_D_ iii , San Jose, Mil itas. J.D. 8 STATE GROUP ADULT BELIEVERS Samacruz p 8 NORTHEASTERN STATES sa”“°€a 7 South Gate 7 Maine Kittery 7 Stockton 7 Massachusetts Brookline 6 ViCt0FViii€ 7 Greenfield 7 Colorado Ft. Collins 7 New Hampshire Hinsdale 7 idaiio idaho Faiis 7 Hudson 3 Pocatello 8 New Jersey Hackensack 8 Nevada Reno-Sparks Indian Colony 8 Paterson 7 New Mexico Las Cruces 8 Springfield 7 Oregon Umatilla County 7 New York Beacon 7 Washington Shelton 8 Vermont Burlington 8 T0pP6niSh 8
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APRIL 1969
INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY GOALS
A Progress Report
With the current emphasis on pioneering, domestic and international, it is sometimes overlooked that the Universal House of Justice has charged the American Bahá’í Community with another category of goals: that of assisting certain of our sister communities abroad with the acquisition of suitable properties for Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, Houses of Worship, and schools or institutes. Since the beginning of the Nine Year Plan your contributions to the National Fund have provided
financial assistant to Bahá’í communities working on these goals in such far-away places as Taiwan, Bolivia, Chile, West Africa, Tanzania, and the Indian Ocean area. Nearly $50,000.00 has been contributed by our National Spiritual Assembly so far in the Nine Year Plan toward the acquisition of suitable building sites, or the actual construction of facilities; which is 50 percent more than that shown in the last report (see BAHA’I News SUPPLEMENT, Oct. 1967, p. 3).
OUR NINE YEAR PLAN PROPERTY GOALS ABROAD STATUS AS OF MARCH I. 1969 NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY UNITED STATES (PLACE) GOAL ASSISTANCE TO DATE STATUS 1. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas) Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds $ 378.99 Still searching, land (Investigations) extremely costly 2. Indian Ocean (Reunion Island) Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds $10,013.30 Completed Sept. 1968 3. Tanzania (Dar-es-Salaam) Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds $13,513.75 Completed April 1968 4. Uganda and Central Africa Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds Still searching (Brazzaville, Congo) 5. West Africa (Monrovia, Liberia) Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds $ 8,408.65 Completed Dec. 1968 6. West Central Africa Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds Building located, pur(Accra, Ghana) chase in process, expected need $10,000 7. Taiwan (Taipei) Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds $ 6,011.60 Completed 1967 8. Netherlands (The Hague) Temple Site Advisory Searching, land most scarce and costly 9. Norway (Oslo) Temple Site Site located, in negotiation, expect substantial need 10. Portugal (Lisbon) Temple Site Not reported 11. Chile (Santiago) Temple Site $ 4,500.00 13 acre site under purchase 12. Venezuela (Caracas) Temple Site Seeking token site at present 13. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas) Temple Site Searching, land extremely costly 14. Indian Ocean (Mauritius) Institute Not reported 15. South and West Africa Institute Not reported 16. West Africa (Bomi Hills, Liberia) Institute $ 3,102.80 Completed 1967 17. Bolivia (Cochabomba) Institute $ 3,000.80 Completed 1967 18. Ghana Institute After securing Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds 19. Virgin Islands Endowment Under consideration 19 Goals $48,929.89 6 completed 3 in process
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REVIEW
Tanzania Grateful for U. 5. Assistance
The Bahá’ís of Tanzania, who recently completed the construction of their National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. with financial assistance from the U.S. National Fund, through their National Spiritual Assembly have expressed their deep gratitude. Their letter to our National Spiritual Assembly reads in part:
“ . . . extend our gratitude to the Bahá’ís of the
United States, who sacrificially and devotedly made
the acquisition of our Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds a reality—in
fulfillment of the statements of the Beloved Master
that the United States Bahá’í Community has a
special place in the history of the Faith and will bring
about the peaceful co-existence of the human race.
This Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds together with the many more
you have erected and will, through the Universal
House of Justice, continue to erect shall confirm your
endeavor for the establishment of the Faith of Baha ‘u’llah in all parts of the world and hence the achieve ment of the highest goal of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh establishment of Universal Peace."
The Tanzania Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds 10031611 in Da1'-€SSalaam, has a central hall seating 200 and a roof garden of the same capacity, besides a library, recreation room and offices. The Tanzanians concluded their letter:
“Once again, we pray to the Blessed Beauty to
reward Yhu abundantly in His services, and that you
fulfill all the tasks 'assigned to you by the Universal
In n
House of Justice. With loving Bahat greetings, . .
A Goal Completed in Liberia
The exciting news of the completion of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Monrovia, as reported on page 6 of the April Bahá’í News brings to completion still another goal of the Nine Year Plan, one in which the United States Bahá’í Community cooperated with that of West Africa. In a special message to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States the Bahá’ís of West Africa expressed their gratitude for the financial assistance of the American Bahá’ís who, through their National Fund, helped make possible the winning of this goal at an early date.
Goal of the Month International Youth Project
College-age volunteers are wanted for six weeks mini-pioneering projects this summer. If we have enough volunteers we can plan three projects: one to Mexico (Spanish required); one to Guatemala (Spanish advantageous); and one to Honduras (Spanish not essential).
These projects must be self financed, the cost per person for each being approximately $250-$300 including round trip transportation from Miami.
We must hear from volunteers by May 10 so that plans can be finalized.
Write or phone the DEPARTMENT or INTERNATIONAL GOALS 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Ill. 60091 Phone: 312-256-4400
Call for Pioneers in the Field of Education
The National Spiritual Assembly has strongly endorsed our plans to encourage the friends to engage in short-term pioneering projects, where the will to pioneer is strong, but the personal situation does not at the time make possible a permanent move to another country. A lot of pioneering can be accomplished in only two years, or even just one. And for those in the field of education, this may have a special appeal.
The National Spiritual Assembly has asked us to find teachers and others in the field of education who would consider serving as short-term pioneers on a self sustaining basis to foreign lands in the following attractive ways:
1. Take a one year sabbatical or a one year leave of absence.
2. Take a one year sabbatical plus a one year leave of absence.
Their professional training should enable these pioneers to be self supporting on these short term projects, and we will be happy to discuss details and give factual information.
Di-:PAR'rMi-:N'r or INTERNATIONAL GOAIS
Voting Age for Bahá’ís
From time to time the National Spiritual Assembly receives the recommendation that the voting age for Bahá’ís be lowered from twenty-one to eighteen so that members under twenty-one would be eligible to vote in Bahá’í elections and to hold elective offices. The age of twenty-one years for these purposes was established by the beloved Guardian and is universal throughout the Bahá’í world. The National Spiritual Assembly has no authority to change it. Except for these two restrictions, Bahá’í youth of fifteen years and over have all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of Bahá’ís who are twenty-one and older.
A Sacred Duty
The election of local spiritual assemblies at Riḍván will, for many believers, present their first opportunity to participate in a local Bahá’í election. The importance of such participation in the Administrative Order can not be overemphasized, for when we vote in our communities we are exercising a very fundamental Bahá’í privilege, the right to choose our administrators.'We must realize that when functioning administratively we are carrying out the second part of our twin and inseparable duties of recognition of the Manifestation of God for this Day and obedience to whatsoever has been revealed by His Pen.
In a letter to the believers dated March 12, 1923, the beloved Guardian reminded us that “ every declared believer of 21 years and above, far from standing aloof and assuming an indifferent or independent attitude, should regard it his sacred duty to take part conscientiously and diligently in the election . . . of his own local Assembly.” Later in that same letter, Shoghi Effendi has told us that “In order to avoid division and disruption, that the Cause may not fall a prey to conflicting interpretations, and lose thereby its
purity and pristine vigor, that its affairs may be conducted with efiiciency and promptness, it is necessary that every one should conscientiously take an active part in the election of these Assemblies . . .”
In addition to fulfilling our sacred duty to participate in our local election, we have the bounty of voting without having to be subjected to preliminary electioneering or nominating of candidates. No believer can exercise his voting right without being profoundly con ‘ scious of the nature of Bahá’í institutions and of the
qualities needed in their elected members. Shoghi Effendi in a letter dated June 3, 1925 has referred to “the necessary qualities of unquestioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a well trained mind, of recognized ability and mature experience."
Elections are held annually indicating that Bahá’ís have a recurring responsibility to prepare themselves, as voters, to recognize merit, capacity to place the interests of the Faith above self, friends, class, nation or any other group. The beloved Guardian has also stated that new believers, or believers moving to a new locality, unacquainted with the members of the community, are not obliged to vote; again emphasizing the spiritual importance of this privilege, and the importance of being conscious of the nature of those Bahá’ís for whom we are voting.
We approach the joyous event of the election of our local spiritual assembly in a spirit of prayer, casting our ballots for those whom prayer and reffection have guided us to select as those best fitted to serve. Bahá’ís know that through prayer and meditation they receive guidance and the Will of God may be better understood. With this knowledge, each Bahá’í elector may wish to enhance his personal preparation for the forthcoming election of his local assembly with daily prayers for guidance.
National Bahá’í Convention
The following information on the National Bahá’í Convention, April 24-27, 1969 at the National Bahá’í Center, Wilmette, Illinois is presented for the information of delegates and visitors who are planning to attend. 0 Current Bahá’í identification cards are required for admittance to the National Convention. Outdated cards must be renewed before coming to Wilmette, as it is not possible to renew cards at the National Convention. 0 Nursery: There will be professional child care for children 6 years and under at 237 Linden Avenue, one block from the House of Worship. The fee will be 50 cents per hour for the first child in the family and 25 cents per hour for each additional child in the family placed in the Nursery. No meals will be served and children who are ill will not be admitted. The Nursery will be open during the following hours:
Friday, April 25: 8:45 a.m.-12:45 noon; 1:45 p.m.-5:30
p.m. Saturday, April 26: 8:15 a.m.-12:45 noon; 1:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 27: 8:15 a.m.—l:30 p.m. Important: Children must be called for by closing times indicated. Please note that the Nursery is not open during the lunch hour or in the evenings. 0 Program for Visitors: A program for visitors (Bahá’ís who are not delegates) will be held on Saturday,
APRIL 1969
April 26, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the auditorium of Central School which is located at Central Avenue and 9th Street in Wilmette. Bahá’í Youth visiting at the Convention are urged to attend this program. 0 Program for Youth: A program for Bahá’í Youth visiting at the Convention will be held Saturday, April 26, from 7:30 p.m. to approximately midnight at the Central School auditorium and cafeteria. 0 Program for Pre-Youth: Plans are presently being made to hold special programs for pre-youth who visit during the Convention. Details will be supplied at the Convention. 0 Volunteers will be needed for a variety of jobs during the National Convention. This includes helping in the dining room and kitchen, ushering, guiding, assisting with child care, and a number of other jobs. Bahá’ís who would like to help are asked to write the Bahá’í House of Worship Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill. 60091 so they can be scheduled to serve in one capacity or another for several hours during the Convention. Those writing to volunteer should indicate their times of arrival at the House of Worship and upon arrival at the Convention they should check with the House of Worship Office to find out when and where they are scheduled to serve. 0 Important Note: Delegates and Bahá’í Visitors to the National Convention are reminded of the following: No pictures are to be taken of the Convention sessions except by official Convention Photographers. No tape recordings of the Convention sessions are permitted, except the official recording for the National Spiritual Assembly. After editing, excerpts of the official tape recording will be made available through the Bahá’í DisTRIBUTION AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT. Personally produced items or other items are not to be sold in or around the House of Worship. All materials sold at the National Convention must be sold through official National Bahá’í outlets.
YOUTH PROCLAMATION ! !
The National Spiritual Assembly’s proclamation program, which presently extends through 1973, has as its general theme: “Justice For All Peoples.” Last year marked the opening phase of this program with the formation of the North American Bahá’í Office for Human Rights (NABOHR) and its theme: “Human Rights Are God-Given Rights.” The subsequent national and area conferences on human rights throughout the year had, as one of their many results, the active interchange of ideas between NABOHR and the American community at large.
Moving forth in the ever-widening dimension of proclamation the National Spiritual Assembly has this year,
as a continuation of its 1968-1973 proclamation program,
appointed a Proclamation Committee. The Committee,
an appendage of the National Teaching Committee, has
as its main objective for the year 1969 through 1970
YOUTH PROCLAMATION! The implications of this objective
are far reaching and great!! It means taking the
Message to no less than all youth in all areas of the
country and in every strata of society! It demands a
sustained effort to reach students in both high schools
and colleges. It seeks to harness the energies of minor
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REVIEW
YOUTH PROCLAMATION (con.)
ity youth, to incorporate the potential in existing youth organizations, to expand proclamation into the arena of youth publications and other mass media, to extend teaching efforts to the so-called “hippie” culture, ghettoes and slums and our Indian brothers throughout the United States.
This proclamation year will place special emphasis on the fact that the Bahá’í Faith is a cause that youth can identify with. That the Bahá’í Faith has solutions to the problems that concern youth, such as war and peace, the race problem, the true meaning of education, a meaningful religious belief, a new system of values and building a better world. That in the Bahá’í Faith youth can find a way to serve God and man.
The theme selected by the Proclamation Committee to characterize the surging spirit of youth for this Youth Proclamation Year is: “Youth for One World” (YOW! That’s something to shout about!). The symbol selected by the Committee is a picture of a globe with the numeral one burned into its surface. The Committee has indicated that these symbols will be used on all proclamation materials, such as bumper stickers, buttons. posters; they will be used on special publications for wide distribution to youth in high school and college publications and in radio and TV programs. They can be used at youth conferences, youth firesides, youth public meetings; they can be utilized as an essential part of the Bahá’í Message for Bahá’í speakers to youth groups in colleges, churches, ghettoes, Indian reservations, on the block and everywhere that there is a receptive heart or a listening ear.
We must be mindful, however, of the enormous task and the tremendous responsibility that we as youth take upon ourselves in promoting this Cause. We must be ever mindful of the crucial need for loving harmony, for open and sincere communication, between youth and the older Bahá’í community. We must emphasize and utilize the advantages and growth that this type of relationship includes. We must be kind in our desire to reach our hands out to our fellow men. Above all, we must, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states, (Paris Talks, 10th edition, page 80) “Let your actions cry aloud to the world that you are indeed Bahá’ís, for it is actions that speak to the world and are the cause of the progress of humanity." And again, “Therefore strive that your actions day by day may be beautiful prayers. Turn towards God, and seek always to do that which is right and noble. Enrich the poor, raise the fallen, comfort the sorrowful, bring healing to the sick, reassure the fearful, rescue the oppressed, bring hope to the hopeless, shelter the destitute!
“This is the work of a true Bahá’í, and this is what is expected of him. If we strive to do all this, then are we true Bahá’ís, but if we neglect it, we are not followers of the light, and we have no right to the name.
“God, Who sees all hearts, knows how far our lives are the fulfillment of our words."
Not much more than that can be said, so let us deepen, plan, execute, grow and promote the Cause of God through sustained effort to plug all of mankind into one world!
Ya-Bahá’u’l-Abba! ——PROCLAMATION COMMl'l'l‘EE
Presentations
At a dual presentation ceremony. Mayor Haco Boyd of Little Rock, Arkansas, receives The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh from Albert Porter accompanied by H. W. Holmes and Dr. Allan Ward. Standing at the extreme right, Mr. John (Jack) Merriweather. City Manager, holds his proclamation book already presented to him.
In December the Bahá’ís of Edmonds, Washington, presented a copy of The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh to the Mayor of the city. Mrs. Hazel Mori, left, and Mrs. Dixie Yotter are shown with Mayor Harve Harrison at the time of the presentation.
Mayor Joseph Doll of Stockton, California, holds Proclamation he signed designating Bahá’í Week in Stockton. With him are Bahá’ís Miss Valerie Wilson, left, and Mrs. Catherine Merriman who were among those who presented the Mayor with The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh at the same time.
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Presentations
Representatives of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of
West Chester, Pennsylvania, with Mayor Charles H. Andress
on January 13 for the signing of a proclamation naming Sunday, January 19, World Religion Day in the borough. Shown
from left: Erwin Schawacker, Mrs. Mae H. Anderson, the
Mayor, and Mrs. Helen Underhill. The delegation also pre
sented the mayor with a copy of The Proclamation of
Bahá’u’lláh.
Letters explaining the purpose of Bahá’í World Religion Day and asking clergymen to use a Bahá’í prayer for unity at their Sunday services were sent to all of West Chester's churches.
I. -.-'1' ">~A'7' -""'a§*.:~ . Richard C. Lee, Mayor of New Haven, Connecticut, holds presentation copy of The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh as he talks with Bahá’ís Mrs. Bessie Daniels and Oscar Stone. The Mayor received the book cordially and told of his efforts to encourage better understanding among the citizens. The Bahá’ís of New Haven have had a number of well attended public meetings and the spirit generated at these and at regular firesides and classes has brought several declarations.
APRIL 1969
THE EXTENDED WELCOME
Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your hearts burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path.‘
A Chinese student on Columbia University’s campus was greeted one day with a bright “good morning” by a passing professor. A smile crossed the lips of the student who said that “you know, you’re the first person who has spoken to me in a week.” The professor was taken aback and was quick to invite the young man for dinner.'After much discussion with other foreign students and visiting professors on campus, it was poignantly realized that there were no facilities in the vicinity to act as a welcoming focal point for visiting students and professors—and thus the beginning of International House in New York City whose purpose it is to help foreign students adjust to the complexities of American living and to help introduce them to Americarts.
A welcoming, open and hospitable manner should be almost second nature for Bahá’ís but these basic important ingredients somehow can be so overplayed in talks that the real meaning of the words tend to escape us from time to time. The visitor to this country can more than often find himself in very lonely straits. Sometimes there is that most monstrous fear of just using the English he may know—the problem of not really being able to_communicate his thoughts and feelings as adequately as he may like may lead to a shyness and perhaps quietness which is not necessarily characteristic of that individual. There is often the uneasiness of having to cope with such small things as different table manners and just having to eat alone for lack of companions. There is often that total feeling of inadequacy of not knowing where to go and exactly what to do under certain circumstances because of different cultures, different ways of looking at the same things. Although openness and friendliness are supposed to be synonymous with what “makes up" an American or for that matter a Bahá’í, there are times when we must admit that we find ourselves shying away from making that first step forward to greet, to simply converse for fear of not being'able to come out with the right thing to say or do. But no matter! The important thing to remember is that every single effort one makes counts. Those who have travelled abroad alone know that feeling of loneliness, know that awkward timidity and know how strong that wish is from time to time that someone would happen along to make things just a little brighter. That sincere and warm interest one expresses by asking visiting professors, businessmen, students and so forth about their countries, about their customs and about themselves or the invitation which is extended for dinner are sure ways of exemplifying the Bahá’í attitude of brotherhood and are sure ways of improving the much needed idea of an overall better international understanding of people. customs and ideas. What nicer way can our sincere interest in those who are trying to adjust to things a little different from what was experienced “at home" be met with a smile and a warm “gracias," “merci” . . .
THE COMM1‘ITEE roa THE UNITED NATIONS “ ParisTalks, p. 16.
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REVIEW
". . . thou art
in essence thought . . ."
The following are excerpts from a talk given at the Area Youth Conference in Oshkosh, Wisconsin by Mrs. Charles (Patricia) Glover. When Mrs. Glover accepted the Faith some years ago she became the “first of the Mohicans” to become a Bahá’í.
“In all our instructions in the Writings on how to teach the Faith we are told we must first teach ourselves. Because the Universal House of Justice and the National Spiritual Assembly have asked us to emphasize deepening, I feel this is something we have to consider again and again. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says in Secret of Divine Civilization: ‘O Brother, thou art in essence thought, what is the rest of thee but bones and sinew?’ Here I find the clue of how we can ‘speak to the heart.‘ It has to be a thoughtful process. The world has become very complicated and nowadays even to love (as we are told to reach the Indians with love) has to be done by thinking. He also says ‘knowledge is love, study, listen to exhortations, think, try to understand the wisdom and greatness of God.’
“I suppose because we are part of an affiuent society here in America, there is a tendency to think of our love for the poor minorities as being a matter of giving them material assistance. It is of course a fine thing to help the poor, but our goal is teaching. We want to reach these people and enroll them in our ranks. Now, if never before, they know they are equal. In our attitude toward them we have to realize this fully ourselves if we hope to get our message across. Justice and equality cannot be a pretense anymore. To get involved in social work among the Indians or to put ourselves in a position of giving out help to them, defeats the very purpose of what we are setting out to prove. They will never believe you think you are equal to them if you are in a position of superiority.
“I think we must honestly admit we are living in a sick society and as Bahá’ís be on guard that it does not infect us. We have the Divine Physician who can treat the cause of these illnesses. The power structure is dealing with the effect of the illness and that is all our getting involved in social projects would be. We are told in Pattern of Bahá’í Life that ‘the people in the east show the utmost kindness and compassion to the sick and the suffering. This has a greater effect than the remedy itself. You must always have this thought of love and affection when you visit the ailing and afl’llicted.’ How true this must be toward these ailing and afflicted because of the moral decay in our society. Our love then should be time and effort with the people, and attention and understanding without superiority.
“Now I will read what Chief Seattle wrote to the President in 1855: ‘But why should I mourn at the ultimate fate of my people? Tribe follows tribe and nation follows nation and regret is useless. Your time of decay may be distant . . . but it will surely come, for even the white man whose God walked and talked with him as friend to friend cannot be exempt from the
common destiny. We may be brothers after all. We shall see,’ and Chief Joseph said, ‘When the white man shall treat the red man as his brother then there will be one sky over us and one country around us. We will speak with one mouth . . . and the Great Spirit will send rain to wash away the blood and tears.’ The Great Spirit has sent the rain, the Bahá’í Teachings.
“It seems to me that after we become Bahá’ís we often forget about the ‘independent investigation of reality’ which is important in our deepening just as it was to our becoming a Bahá’í. Just as we need to work together and work in groups we must know that teaching is an independent responsibility and not wait to be told by the group, what to do and how to do it. The generation gap, as I understand it, is youth realizing adults are not committed enough to improving the world. In the Faith we can close this gap because all people had to be committed to this principle in order to become Bahá’ís. With ‘independent investigation of reality’ we become deepened and learn detachment. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says, ‘Some souls are like parrots..They learn any note which they may hear and sing it but they themselves are unaware of what they utter.’ This isn’t good enough for Bahá’í youth. There are more and more people talking about ‘God is dead,‘ and those who don't believe there is a God. We can't argue that there is unless we have thought it out and are really convinced ourselves. You've heard this before but I'd like to repeat it. He says. ‘Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words.’ This is the only way to teach. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá tells us ‘No soul must either publicly or privately utter one word in contradiction to the general teachings.’ In order to do this we must know all the teachings.
“I think when we begin to understand detachment we will find we sometimes have to be detached from those around us to successfully do the work of teaching. Bahá’í youth, I would think, don't have time for the usual things of the world. How many times ‘Abdu’l-Bahá emphasizes our biggest obligation is to teach. To become a Bahá’í we must be ‘associated with the spirit of the present day Administration,’ and so how much more important to be doing His work after we are members.”
L. to r., Joan Bulkin, of Burbank, California; John Eichenauer III of Tempe, Arizona, and Eulalia Bobo of Beverly Hills, California, were speakers at one of the public meetings held during Proclamation Week in Scottsdale, Arizona, last November. This successful and inspiring effort, carried. with surprisingly low costs (see NATIONAL BA!-!A'I Review March, 1). 6) has had excellent‘ results shown in attendance at firesides and the World Religion Day meeting.
[Page 10]
‘I0
Proclamation in Bellingham, Washington
The highly successful proclamation week in November in Bellingham, Washington, planned and executed by ten youth and ten adults included a variety of features and brought excellent attendance. There were: a table with Bahá’í pamphlets at State College campus; an art festival showing the work of Bahá’í artists and bringing warm praise from many; a music festival at which songs of love and world unity were performed by Phil Lucas, Kathy Carter, Clyde Johnson and Dan Bartle to a large and receptive audience; a public meeting at which Dr. Mahmoudi and Winston Evans delivered moving talks; and “The Flowering Covenant“, a multi media production by Bahá’ís of Eugene, Oregon which was warmly received by an appreciative audience.
Affenfion Wrifers!
The Department of Proclamation urgently requests you to send in any material you might have pertaining to youth, youth problems,items of interest to youth, youth teaching as well as indirect teaching items of whatever style. It is possible that some of these articles will be used in a national publication, so please make copies as we cannot return the copy sent in.
Send to: National Teaching Committee, Attn: Department of Proclamation, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091
A United Teaching Effort
The Bahá’ís of Sparks, Nevada, a small but active teaching community, consulted on ways to proclaim the Faith more dramatically and decided to rent a small house in a commercially zoned neighborhood where a Bahá’í sign could be prominently displayed. The problem was to finance it and still meet their commitments to the National Fund. Finally one of the Assembly members, a young bachelor, offered to live in the bedroom of the house, help fix the other rooms for a Center and pay what he was currently paying for his small apartment. Several other members promised to
Bahá’í Center at Sparks, Nevada.
APRIL 1969
Thaddeus Tumer introduced Winston Evans who spoke on “Discerning the Signs of the Times” during proclamation week in Bellingham, Washington.
0
Two new parents in Florissant, Missouri, the Gordon Wagners, included a Bahá’í Children's prayer on the printed announcement of the birth of their son. As it was sent to many friends and acquaintances who did not know of the Faith they received favorable comments and questions about the Faith from many new sources.
0
The Sun-Bulletin of Binghamton, New York recently published an account of the Faith giving its principal teachings and telling of the reasons many of the local believers chose the Faith. Entitled: “Bahá’ís: A faith one chooses anytime after the age of 15” the story was the result of a public meeting held recently in Binghamton and brought several responses including a request for a speaker at a church class for high school sophomores.
contribute the balance of rent needed, in addition to their regular contributions. The house was rejuvenated and a large sign prominently placed in the front yard.
The Center is used for weekly firesides, invitations being sent by printed “flyers” to local homes, the program to be continued until all of the 14,000 homes in Sparks are reached.
As a springboard for youth activities the Center has produced results, the youth membership has swelled from four to seventeen with new enrollments coming in almost weekly. The youth and adults cooperate closely in all community activities. The report from Sparks states: “Sparks has indeed wiped out the so-called generation gap. A youth representative meets with the Assembly twice a month to report and consult. . . . Almost miraculously, through the efforts of one of the youth, a good contact was made in Carson City (the extension teaching goal). Now less than one year later there is not only the assurance of a Carson City Assembly by Riḍván, but a possibility of one next‘Riḍván in theCounty.
“Sparks has learned several lessons. . . . The promise of assistance if we serve is not an empty promise; nor is the promise of what can be accomplished by a united, loving community. . . . We know that our youth are our greatest treasures and most valuable assets. . . . We know that the Bahá’í way of life is a way of total commitment and we are willing to let our youth teach us the meaning of total commitment. . . .”
[Page 11]
REVIEW
A Time at Renewal
With the coming of Spring, the Bahá’í Community of the United States enters a new fiscal year. The old fiscal year ends on March 31; the new begins April 1. Like Spring, the new fiscal year is a time of renewed promise and great expectation. The old year is completed and rolled up; its successes and failures are now history. But the challenge and promise of the new year are living, driving forces.
The National Spiritual Assembly has very recently set the budget for the National Bahá’í Fund for this new fiscal year. This new budget is also a Spring-like manifestation of new life and stands as a testimony to the commitment of the Friends in this country. It seeks $1,500,000 to carry on the vital work of Bahá’u’lláh in our Nine-Year Plan.
This is a staggering sum. But reflect a moment that there are many single churches in the United States which set a higher annual budget. How can we not give the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh our full support? The past year has shown many successes; the coming year promises greater challenges. Let us begin now to fully support this vital budget and avoid the complacency that has characterized the early months of past years. The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh rests on our sacrifice!
Bahá’í Publishing Trust
Universal House of Justice Publishes New Statistical Book
The Universal House of Justice has published a revision of the statistical information. The tables have been revised to give a clearer picture of the status of the goals at the midway point of the Nine Year Plan.
It is being offered as a means of increasing the awareness of the believers to the urgency of winning the remaining goals of the Plan.
This information is important for any study of the Nine Year Plan by summer schools, institutes, conferences and local deepening programs, as well as for individual study. A limited supply is available.
Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. $1.00 NET NOTE: Please order through your local literature service (librarian).
Order from: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.
Bahá’í exhibit at “Pageant of Churches” held in Quincy, Illinois last Fall. Of the fifty-four entries the Bahzi’z' exhibit was among five to be pictured in the local paper. Attendance at the Pageant was over 16,000.
J
-. .,.. mmuugg
II . 1 I n,,,.,,,,.d National Bahá’í Fund $ Cumulative Monthly Income: [968-1969 l,200 — /' moo e" lllNE—YEAR PLAN '-°°° units 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 I00 I I I I I I I I I I I I A5°F=_>3:»:-,IIZ§2:.-_-—.i-§~”_<,t62ae.e£.% INCOME FOR FEBRUARY 1969 Regular Contributions $ 63.l53.52 Special Contributions 4,296.I3 Total Contributions . . S 67,449.65 Estates . . . . :Other Income l.|0Z.00 Total Income . . 5 b8,55|.65 Cumulative Total, April I - March I $875,B94.|3 Cumulative Deficit 3240.605-37
NUMBER or ASSEMBLIES CONTRIBUTING February
283 (72 percent of total)
Green Acre to" Hold Experimental Sessions
What is deepening? How can deepening best be encouraged? How can summer schools develop new and more meaningful programs of spiritual education?
In a beginning attempt to grapple with these questions, the Department of Research and Development of the Green Acre Council is planning two exciting special sessions for this summer. These experimental sessions are being designed as periods of intense deepening during which different types of programs and activities will be conducted on an experimental basis. They promise to be both exciting and rewarding to those who participate.
The sessions will be two weeks in length, July 6-July 19 and July 20-August 2, and are being planned for 10-15 Bahá’ís of all ages and backgrounds. Cost of the two week session will be $50, but all interested persons are urged to apply since scholarships will be available. Those applying must be available for either of the two sessions.
All persons who are interested in participating in these special sessions should send their names and addresses by May 15 to: The Department of Research and Development, % Thomas Sousa, Cor. Secretary, 45 Gleason Rd., Northampton, Massachusetts 01006.
[Page 12]
‘I2
APRIL 1969
UNITED STATES BAHA,'I’ SUMMER SCHOOLS—'|968
Davisori Bahá’í School
Davison, Michigan
July 20 through September 1
Rates: Per Day: single room $7.00; double room $6.00 per person; dormitory $5.50; youth and junior youth (9 through 20) $4.00. children (3 through 8) $3.00. 15 per cent discount to families of four or more (immediate family).
Reservations: With deposit of $2.00 should be sent to Registrar, Davison Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Rd., Davison, Michigan 48423 Tel. 313-653-5033
Geyserville Bahá’í School
Geyserville, California
July 7 through September 7
July 13 through 20 Special session for children ages 7 through 11.
Rates: Adults (21 and over) singles $6.00 per day, $36 per week; couples $10.00 per day, $60.00 per week. Youth (15 through 20) $4.00 per day, $28.00 per week. Children (6 through 14) $2.00 per day, $12.00 per week.
Reservations: With deposit of $5.00 per person should be sent to Mrs. Anna Boyd, Geyserville Bahá’í School, P.O. Box 86, Geyserville, California 95441 Tel. 707-857-3412
Green Acre Bahá’í School Eliot, Maine July 3 through September 1
Rates: July 3 through August 16; adults (21 and over) $7.00 to $8.00 per day, $40.00 to $45000 per week; youth (15 through 20) $5.00 per day, $25.00 per week; children (6 through 14) $3.00 to $4.00 per day, $15.00 to $20.00 per week; August 17 through September 1; adults, $8.00 to $9.00 per day, $45.00 to $50.00 per week; youth $6.00 per day, $30.00 per week; children (6 through 14) $3.00 to $4.00 per day, $15.00 to $20.00 per week. In the case of families with more than two children in attendance charges will be made only for parents and two oldest children. Scholarship aid available on request to Bradford Lucas, 137 Linebrook Rd., Ipswich, Mass.
Deadline for registration: two weeks ahead of arrival date.
Registration: With deposit of $5.00 per person to Registrar, Green Acre Bahá’í School, 189 Main St., Eliot, Maine 03903 Tel. 207-439-0019
Prospective students are invited to pre-pay all or part of their expenses for the 1969 Green Acre summer school if they would like to minimize the obligation remaining at the end of their stay. Simply make advance payments, which will be credited to your account, in whatever amount you wish (at least five dollars), whenever it is convenient for you. Make check or money order payable to Green Acre Bahá’í Council. Mail prepayments to S..G. McClellan, 95 Avon Hill St., Cambridge, Mass., 02140, until June 30. Thereafter mail to Registrar, Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine, 03903. Note that such prepayments do not guarantee a reservation. Make reservations by writing early to Registrar, Green Acre
Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine, 03903. All advance payments will be refunded in the event that you do not attend for any reason.
Northwest Bahá’í Summer and Winter School
Millersylvania State Park Group Camp (near) Olympia, Washington June 21 througl1 June 29
Rates: Per session, adults, $27.50; youth (12 through 17) $20.00; children (7 through 11) $15.00, (3 through 6) $10.00. An additional late charge of $2.50 per person after registration deadline.
Deadline for registration: June 14
Reservations: With deposit of $2.00 per person should be sent to Miss Linda Pielick, 909 Glass, Olympia, Washington 98501 Te. 206-357-8241
Northwest Bahá’í Children’s Summer Conference
Bahá’í Center, 4874 Cedar St., Astoria, Oregon
July 20 through July 26
Rates: Per session, per person $11.00. Family rateswrite for information.
Reservations: With deposit of $1.00 per person should be sent to Mrs. Ethelyn Lindstrom, 4874 Cedar St., Astoria, Oregon 97103 Tel. 503-325-2986
Southeastern Bahá’í School Camp Dorothy Wall, Black Mountain, North Carolina July 20 through July 26 Rates: To be announced later but about the same as last year. Deadline for registration: July 1 Reservations: With deposit of $3.00 per person, make check payable to Southeastern Bahá’í School. Send to Mr. George A. Frye, 209 South Vanderhorst, Winnsboro, South Carolina 29180 Tel. 803635-5406
Southwestern Bahá’í Summer School
Lake Bridgeport Methodist Camp
Bridgeport, Texas
August 10 through August_17
Rates: Adults (21 and over) and youth (14 through 20) $7.50 per day, $40.00 per session; Children (10 through 13) $7.50 per day, $34.50 per session, (6 through 9.) $4.50 per day, $20.00 per session, (up through 5) $1.00 per day, $3.50 per session.
Reservations: With deposit of $1.50 per person send to Mrs. Pauline Koskie, 415 E. 5th, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034 Tel. 405-341-0233
Southern California Bahá’í Summer School
Camp Osceola (in the San Bernardino Mountains)
June 28 through July 5
Rates: Adults (21 and over) $9.00 per day, $45.00 per week, dormitory only; youth (12 through 20) $7.00 per day, $35.00 per week; children (3 through 11) $5.00 per day, $22.50 per week.
Deadline for reservation: June 15
Reservations:With deposit of $5.00 per person should be made to Mrs. Sue Gilliland, Registrar, 15733 La Paz Drive, Victorville, California 92392
[Page 13]
REVIEW
Use of the Greatest Name in Publicity
The symbol of the Greatest Name is a sacred symbol of the Bahá’í Faith. The use of this symbol is legally protected for proper Bahá’í use under the trade mark registration by the National Spiritual Assembly through the U.S. Patent Office.
Because of the significance of the symbol it should be displayed only at Bahá’í centers or homes and should not generally be used in connection with publicity photos: i.e. photos appearing in news media. It has been noted that some Bahá’í communities and groups have used the symbol in news photos to identify the persons in the photo as Bahá’ís.
The symbol of the Greatest Name should not be used in exhibits at Fairs, in connection with Bahá’í Week, or in store window displays on the Faith.
In addition the symbol should not be used on programs, or on give away literature.
Coming Special Events
Bahá’í communities and groups can use the following events to bring the Faith to the attention of the public, as proclamation events.
Plan for local publicity on the National Bahá’í Convention, April 2427; the l25th Anniversary of the Birth of the Bahá’í Faith (Declaration of the Báb), May 23rd; and Race Unity Day, June 8th.
The Public Information Department has mailed Public Information Kits for each of these events to all Bahá’í assemblies, State Goals Committees and to public information representatives.
Theme for Race Unity Day is: Race Unity —God’s Command, Man’s Challenge.
Spanish Translation of Bahá’í’ Fact Sheet Now Available
The Fact Sheet on the Bahá’í Faith has now been translated into Spanish. It will help greatly with proclamation efforts and should be widely distributed to editors of Spanish newspapers and periodicals, Spanish language radio stations, producers of Spanish radio and television programs, Spanish community organizations, civic leaders in the Spanish community and to high schools, colleges and community li braries, particularly those located in predominantly Spanish areas. Reproduced in the same format as the English edition, the Fact Sheet consists of 12 pages, including a photo page to show pictures available to authorized media from the Public Information Department. All statistics given are the most recent ones released by the Universal House of
Justice. To order request: Bahá’í Fact Sheet(Spanish Edition) . . . 25 cents each from Bahá’í DISTRIBU TION AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT, Linden Avenue, Wilmette, 60091.
112 Illinois
Television Spot and Program
Two television items are now proclaiming the Bahá’í Faith. A oneminute public service announcement has been sponsored by the Public Information Dept. on 16 mm color film and has been distributed to 500 television stations in the continental United States. A 30-minute interview of Mr. Lynn King, a Bahá’í from Moore, Oklahoma and a native of Alaska, was televised over KLRNTV, Austin, Texas, an educational TV station. This interview dealing with the Bahá’í Faith was videotaped and will be aired over other educational television stations in Texas, New Mexico, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Tennessee. It is expected that some 50 million persons will view this program.
The television spot announcement incorporates many Bahá’í principles and uses a split screen technique to show contrasts. In order to qualify the spot announcement for use as a public service announcement(free), no mention of the Faith is made until the end. The final scene is a gorgeous shot of people leaving the House of Worship in Wilmette and gradually moves back to a full view of the edifice and gardens. The final words are; “This has been a public service announcement of the Bahá’í Faith." The potential audience for this professionally produced film is in the millions.
Each Bahá’í community, group and state goals committee has been informed of the television stations in their areas receiving the film. Reports reaching the National Bahá’í Center already indicate that several television stations across the country have already used the spot announcement. Bahá’ís are asked to keep the Public Information Dept.
informed of airings of this announcement.
Mr. King’s interview is part of a series titled, “Men and Ideas" and is Program 167 of this series. Beulah Hodge is the interviewer. The program will also be broadcast over radio stations in Texas. The program both on television and radio will travel from station to station and it is expected that it will be several months before the program makes the total circuit. The Public Information Newsletter for February 1969 contains the various stations that will carry the program.
Notes
0 Some facts for Speech files: Since the beginning of the 20th century more than $4,000 billion have been spent on wars and military preparedness. Global military expenditures now take more than 7 percent of the world's gross product. They are greater by 40 percent than worldwide expenditures on education by all levels of government, and more than three times world-wide expenditures on public health, according to the latest (1966-67) survey of 120 countries by the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency . . . Half the governments in the world spend more on defense than on education. The average annual expenditure per soldier, world-wide, is $7,800. For each of the estimated 1 billion young people in the world’s school-age population (ages 5-19), public expenditures for education average $100 annually. (Source: Dept. of State, Foreign Policy Briefs, Feb. 10, 1969)
0 Bahá’í Communities in the Greater Chicago area have formed the Greater Chicago Proclamation Committee. Included on the Committee are representatives of Bahá’í communities in Chicago, Wilmette, Winnetka, Skokie, Oak Park and Des Plaines. Other communities in the area are expected to have representatives on the Committee. The Committee will coordinate public information activities of these communities in order to more efficiently and economically utilize the news media in the area for proclamation efforts.
[Page 14]
‘I4
YOUTH AND COLLEGE
.74/rag/e .$ag.4 0/ flip/udn
The twelve days of Riḍván, April 21-May 2, celebrate, the Guardian tells us, “the holiest and most significant of all Bahá’í festivals. " According to Bahá’í laws, work is forbidden on the first, the ninth, and the twelfth days of Riḍván.
It was at this time in 1863, in the Garden of Riḍván just outside of Baghdad, that Bahá’u’lláh declared His Mission to His companions. (Read the entire story in God Passes By, pp. 151-162.)
Bahá’u’lláh Himself refers to Riḍván as the “Most Great Festival," the “King of Festivals," and the “Festival of God,” and He further declares, “This is the Day whereon the unseen world crieth out, ‘Great is thy blessedness, O earth, for thou hast been made the footstool of thy God, and been chosen as the seat of
His mighty throne’. (GPB p. 154)
How do you plan to celebrate Riḍván? Write and let us know!
OPPORTUNITIES MUST BE EXPLOITED
A number of very exciting reports have been received about teaching the Faith on college campuses. We share these in the hope that other Bahá’ís may be encouraged to act. In the words of our beloved Guardian, issued as a challenge to the American Bahá’ís over thirty years ago, “The opportunities which the turmoil of the present age presents, with all the sorrows which it evokes, the fears which it excites, the disillusionment which it produces, the perplexities which it creates, the indignation which it arouses, the revolt which it provokes, the grievances it engenders, the spirit of restless search which it awakens, must, in like manner, be exploited for the purpose of spreading far and wide the knowledge of the redemptive power of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, and for enlisting fresh recruits in
the ever-swelling army of His followers. So precious an opportunity, so rare a conjunction of favorable circumstances, may never again recur. . .” (The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 40,)
The Bahá’í Club of Florissant Valley Community College, in Florissant, Missouri, sponsored a discussion on Human Rights Day entitled “Race: Some Socio-Religious Aspects.” The format was a panel composed of non-Bahá’í student debaters, members of the Bahá’í Club, and a Bahá’í VISTA worker from the ghetto area of St. Louis (see picture).
The first portion of the program was a discussion of racial problems in St. Louis in the areas of housing, education, social activities, etc. The panel then interacted freely with the students present both by answering and by asking questions. After the problems had been thoroughly discussed, the Bahá’ís had an opportunity to present as solutions the Bahá’í teachings relevant to these urgent problems.
This technique proved very successful. Participating students were grateful for an opportunity to have a free and candid discussion on race“live” and unhampered by any classroom sterility. Then. after this interaction with fellow students, they were ready to weigh the Bahá’í solutions and investigate them individually. The discussion though originally planned for two hours, lasted six, and although students were free to come and go, an average of twenty-five to thirty were present at all times.
The Bahá’í Club of the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma, celebrated Negro History Week by arranging for a guest lecturer on Negro History and inviting the entire student body to attend. Their invitation stated in part: “The purpose of the Tulsa University Bahá’í Club in celebrating
Bahá’ís and student debaters in a. panel on “Race: Some Socio—Religious Aspects," sponsored by the Florissant Valley Communlty College Bah¢i’2' Club.
Negro History Week is to point out the oneness of the human race. In order to bring about world peace, we must recognize the vast wealth of culture and tradition inherent in the different racial groups. Diverse races have a necessary and distinct contribution to make to humanity and Bahá’ís around the entire planet are working daily to promote these truths.”
The Bahá’í Club of the University of Maryland wrote a letter to the Chairman of the History Department to express appreciation for a Negro History course. The Club then suggested that the Black Curriculum be expanded and offered sources for additional faculty members and concrete suggestions for the expansion of the program.
A member of the Bahá’í Club of Meramac junior College, in Kirkwood, Missouri, writes: “There are only two of us on campus, and I am really surprised as to how much we can do. Last semester we tried so diligently in spreading the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, almost to no immediate success. But you couldn’t believe what is happening this semester!.' Last week we invited a Black Revolutionist and a Bahá’í to speak. The Bahá’í gave a tremendous introduction to the Faith; after that he and the Revolutionist carried on a racial dialogue. Would you believe we had over 150 people attend,this meeting, and it lasted for over four hours!! I couldn't believe my eyes! I was on cloud nine, floating all the way! We are continuing these racial dialogues for this first one broke the barrier of communication between the black and white students. This one meeting had quite an impact upon the student body and the faculty. They believe
The Bahd’2's of Los Angeles Valley College presenting four books and 50 pamphlets to the college library. The event
was noted in the student newspaper. which included this picture and a short article about the books.
we really have something great. This
is truly the power of Bahá’u’lláh working through two female Bahá’ís."
As this issue of NATIONAL Bahá’í
Rrzvnaw goes to press, the Southern
Methodist University Bahá’í Club in Dallas, Texas, is sponsoring a Bahá’í Week. They have invited
Mr. Winston Evans as their main speaker, and they write, “Many faculty members have asked for Mr. Evans to speak to their classes. As of now we have six big speaking engagements planned for him. One of these engagements will be to about 300 seminary students in the Perkins School of Theology. He will also speak to two public meetings on campus.” The Week has presented a great opportunity of publicity, and posters, radio spots, and newspapers are all being used by the Club. In addition, the Bahá’í’s have arranged for a showing of the film “And His Name Shall Be One," a Bahá’í exhibit in the Student Center, and panel presentations on the Faith. The Club is already looking ahead to major follow-up activities, including participation in the campus Spring Fair and a television program on the Faith! We look forward to hearing reports of their success.
The Bahá’ís of the University of Wisconsin at Madison invited eighteen religious groups to celebrate Intercalary Days with them. In their invitation (the stationery with a picture of the House of Worship on the front and the principles listed inside) they said, “The Intercalary Days are a festive time of year for Bahá’ís... This informal occasion is purely for developing friendship and promoting harmony. It will include singing, an art display and refreshments. . . ."
15
The Bahá’ís of Central Connecticut State College have been supporting their local community firesides. In this way, non-Bahá’ís are able to meet a variety of Bahá’ís and see Bahá’í community life. As a result, membership has jumped from three to seven. One of the Bahá’ís has invited the youth to his home to see the film, “And His Name Shall Be One."
The Bahá’í Club of the University of Delaware has been proclaiming the Faith in the following ways: nine books presented to the University library; weekly quotes from the Writings used in the campus newspaper; weekly afternoon firesides held; three different public meetings sponsored, with publicity in the paper each time; many people reached through a talk at a local coffee house; a 50-minute radio program on the Faith sponsored; a Bahá’í press kit presented to the newspaper office to insure good publicity.
We're thrilled to hear of all these activities and eager to learn of many more. The Department of Youth and College Activities has a check—list of suggested teaching activities on campus. If you are without one, don’t hesitate to write (112 Linden Avenue. Wilmette, 111. 60091).
One High School Student
A single Bahá’í youth of high school age has been doing remarkable proclamation work in a high school of over 1500 students. He, as he says, “by the grace of Bahá’u’lláh," has managed to accomplish the following: to display a large poster of the House of Worship in the library for a two-week period, to put two copies of Ebony magazine in the library (one near the poster), to place Bahá’í books in the library, to show slides of the six Intercontinen tal Conferences in four classes, followed by discussions and distribution of literature (in one class there were so many questions that the teacher asked the youth back for the same period the next day). to show the slides again in the library for those who had missed them (about 200 students came). and finally, to put an article about the Faith in the school newspaper. Outside of school he has also managed to do some teaching in a seminary, showing the slides. distributing literature, and having discussions. and presenting a selection of the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh to the Superior of the seminary.
We are very excited about the tremendous potential for teaching the Faith in the high school. As the high school clubs start to form. we anxiously await news of their activities. If one youth can do the above. aided by the Blessed Beauty, imagine what two or more can do! (Check the passage in Baha"z' World Faith, page 401. which states, “Verily. God loveth those who are working in His path in groups. . . .")
SUGGESTION BOX
—Does your school library have Bahá’í books‘? —Does your campus newspa per have a press kit on the Bahá’í Faith?
—Do you have enough pamphlets on hand for meetings, firesides?
—Have you investigated the possibilities of campus radio and television proclamation?
—Are you aware of all the new posters, mini-teaching cards, buttons, tapes, etc. that are available through BAHéi DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE? (Check with your community librarian or write Bahá’í DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE DEPARTMENP, 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Ill. 60091, for a catalogue.)
—Have you offered Bahá’í speakers in Comparative Religion Courses?
—Have you made contact with organizations with similar principles? with the International Clubs and international students? (See The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 42-43)
BAHA'I’ DIRECTORY CHANGES ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES
Southern California Dist. #1
Manhattan Beach: Mrs. Robin H. I-lubbert. P.0. Box 887, 90266
Southern Calilornia Dist. #2
Desert J.D.: Mrs. Merle Cates, 73-126 Shadow Mountain Dr., Palm Desert 92260
Southern California Dist. #3
Ventura County J .D.: Mrs. Jane Toth, 2066 N. Medina Ave.. Santa Susana 93063 Colorado Aurora: Mr. Robert Johnston, 15806 E. 10th, 80010 Florida Sarasota County: Mrs. Jean Dobbs, 3920 Maravic Pl., Sarasota 33579 South Dade County: Mrs. Blanche Rudnick, 8107 S. W. 72nd Ave., Apt. 114E, Miami 33143 Georgia
Augusta: Mr. Morgan L. Wheeler, 1652 Pendleton Rd., 30904 Idaho
Boise: Miss Virginia K. Williams, pro-tem. P.O. Box 585, 83701 Kansas Salina: Mrs. Karen K. Logan, PO. Box 1134, 67401 Maryland Howard County: Mrs. Teresita G. Myers, P.0. Box 806, Columbia 21043 Massachusetts
Springfield: Mrs. Zylpha Gray, 127 School St., Apt. 211, 01105 Missouri
Clayton: Miss Ava Markham, 619 Westwood Dr., 63105 Ohio
Cleveland: Miss Norma R. Clark, P.O. Box 5327, 44101 Oregon
Corvallis: Mrs. Barbara Hadley, P.O. Box 309, 97330 Pennsylvania
Central Chester County: Mrs. Jo Ann Greeley, -pro-tem.
Rt. 1, Box 114, Honeybrook 19344 _
Lower Bucks County: Mrs. Marie Proctor, P.O. Box 1.
Longhorne 19047
Eastern Texas
Fort Worth: Miss Barbara McPherson, 6125 Whitman, 76133 San Antonio: Mrs. Patricia Sheppard, 112 Cornell, 78201 University Park: Miss Joyce Stansbery, pro-tem, 4344 P0tomac, Dallas 75205
Western Washington Longview: Mrs. Barbara Bothwell, 116 Virginia P1,. 98632 Makah Indian Reservation: Mrs. Klara Tyler, P.0. Box 165, Neah Bay 98357
West Virginia
Charleston: Mrs. Marian C. Lippitt, 1556-A Quarrier St., 25311
STATE GOALS COMMITTEES SECRETARIES
Iowa
Mrs. Lucinda Edwards, 1123 Main St., Cedar Falls 50613 Eastern Texas
Mr. Travis R. Griffith, 515 Lightsey Rd., Austin 78704
Bahá’í' Distribution and Service Department
Many Bahá’ís have requested a calendar based on the Bahá’í year. There is now available such a calendar for the Bahá’í year 126 (March 21, 1969 through March 20, 1970). Even though we use the Gregorian calendar, Bahá’ís can benefit in many ways by becoming familiar with the Bahá’í year, and the names of days and months. These calendars can be used as date-making and date-keeping records when planning the year’s activities and making appointments.
Each page of the calendar shows a Gregorian month
APRIL 1969
printed in black with the Bahá’í day and month shown in red in English and Arabic. Also in red for easy identification is the name of the Feasts and Holy Days and recommended time of observance. There is space for writing notes for each day.
The calendar comes in two sizes, for desk and for pocket use, and has a cover showing pictures of Bahá’í buildings and the words “Joyous Naw-Rúz”.
Ideal as gifts; order now as the supply is limited
Large size '— 8 x 11 inches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$1-00 Small size — 4% x 5% inches . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..S .40 Order from: Bahá’í DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT 112 LIN DEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091
Calendar of Events
Feasts
April 9 — Jalál (Glory)
April 28- Jamal (Beauty) May 17 — ‘Azarnat (Grandeur)
Holy Days
Feast of Riclvan — April 21-May 2 May 23 — Declaration of the Báb (May 22, about two
hours after sunset)
May 29- Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh (3:30 a.m.)
U.S. National Bahá’í Convention April 24 (evening) through 27
in Memoriam
Phil Bernstein Hollywood, Florida January 27, 1969
Grover G. Boutin, Sr. Durban, South Africa February 2. 1969 (American Pioneer)
Leroy Burns, Sr. Atlanta, Georgia February 13, 1969
Mrs. Rose Fieldman Scottsdale, Arizona February 2, 1969
Edwin F. Frost Portsmouth, NH. January 29, 1969
Mrs. Ara B. Gumaer Santa Monica, Calif. February 16, 1969
Miss Ella May Holbrook Watertown, N.Y. December 31, 1988
Mrs. Cora Hudson Aurora, Colorado January 17, 1969
Mrs. Marlys R. Jackson Bremerton. Wash. January 5, 1989
John H. Kauffman Moline, Illinois February 4, 1989
Mrs. Laura Kramer St. Joseph, Michigan January 30, 1969
Faramarz Majidi Marietta, Georgia February 6, 1989
Mrs. Verinita Mason Las Vegas South. Nevada February 4, 1969
Mrs. Adele E. Petr-as Burbank, Calif. January 17, 1989
James E. Ralph Little Rock, Arkansas May 1968
Mrs. Emely Y. Schiemann South Gate, Calif. February 8, 1969
Arthur W. Schneider Eugene, Oregon January 30, 1969
Mrs. Edna M. Williams Johnson City, Tenn. January 27, 1969
