The American Bahá’í/Volume 15/Issue 10/Text

The American Bahá’í
October, 1984

October 1984

The American

Baha’i

As a part of its Campaign of Unified Action, the National Spiritual Assembly is calling on the American Bahá’í community to launch during the month of Qudrat (November 4-22) the greatest wave of fireside teaching ever seen anywhere in the Baha’i

world. EVERY Spiritual Assembly, Group and isolated believer in the

By DAVID E. OGRON

The Youth Movement and its impact on the Faith in North America was the centerpiece August 25-27 as nearly 2,000 young people from 52 countries gathered at Canada’s first International Baha’{ Youth Conference to rededicate themselves to securing a resounding victory in the final months of the Seven Year Plan.

THE conference, whose theme was ‘‘If you only knew ...,”’ was blessed by the presence of the Hands of the Cause of God ‘AliAkbar Furútan, John Robarts and “Ali-Muhammad Varga.

Registration figures showed that about 800 youth from the U.S. and another 800 from Canada were among the 1,972 participants who also included four youth who traveled all the way from the Philippines, 10 who came from Germany, and six youth from Japan who are members of that country’s National Teaching Committee and National Youth Committee.

India and Australia were represented by youth who are now attending college in the United Kingdom.

Conference speakers, in addition to the three Hands of the Cause, included Counsellors Farzam Arbab and Lloyd Gardner; four members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada; and Auxiliary Board members Carol Bowie, Reginald Newkirk and David Smith from Canada and Robert Harris from the U.S.

THE PROGRAM included original music composed for the

Classifieds Persian...

Publishing Trust The Media Spanish . In Memoriam.

country is being asked to vie with every other fellow-believer in a tremendous ‘‘spiritual competition’’ whose purpose is to assure an overwhelming victory in the final phase of the Seven Year Plan.

It’s a competition whose tangible rewards go even beyond the satisfaction of knowing that the goals set forth by the Universal

The Hands of the Cause of God (left to right) John Robarts, ‘AliMuhammad Varqé and ‘Ali-Ak

House of Justice have been secured and that we can move toward the next Plan from a position of utmost strength and confidence.

For example, the district whose resident Bahá’ís hold the most firesides per capita during the month of Qudrat will win, among other things, the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears and

bar Furitan address the nearly 2,000 young people at the 1984

Baha’i International Youth Con

his wife, Marguerite, for one full week.

Mr. and Mrs. Sears will come to that district to conduct firesides for five evenings before joining the friends for a special weekend victory rally.

And that’s not all:

¢ As many other Hands of the Cause of God as possible will take part.

‘Youth Movement’ enkindles Canada conference

ference at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada,

Newcomers, veterans receive ‘fresh vision’

74 NTRs attend 7th annual Training Institute

Seventy-four National Treasurer’s Representatives from across the country gathered at the seventh NTR Training Institute held during the Labor Day weekend, August 30-September 3, in Evanston, Illinois.

THIRTY were newly appointed NTRs. Among the veterans, a number had served since the program’s inception in 1976.

The intensive four-day conference balanced inspiration (five devotional programs at the House of Worship, a special archives exhibit), instruction (presentation techniques for all the deepening courses NTRs offer their communities), intellectual stimulation (talks by Robert Henderson, Glen Eyford, Bud Polk and Robert Harris), consultation on the components of a nationwide Fund education program, and recreation (a hilarious “NTR Follies’” show, special tours of the national administrative offices and House of Worship, and free time for swimming and socializing).

“The objective of the Institute,’’ said Dan Ware, a Treasurer’s Office staff member and conference organizer, ‘‘was to inspire the NTRs with a fresh vision of the Faith of Baha’u’llah, and to

create a sense of identity as representatives of the National Treasurer.’”

The tone for the Institute was established by Robert Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, in his opening address.

‘WE DON’T need money to do things,” he said. ‘‘We do things that require money.’’

The difference between those two points of view made a deep impression on the NTRs, and will certainly have an impact on their future work.

Mr. Henderson expressed great pride in the sacrifices and the financial accomplishments of the American Bahd’{ community in recent years, pointing to the in

crease in contributors and total contributions.

At the same time, he said, while the workload has increased dramatically at the National Center, the over-all administrative costs have declined.

Mr. Henderson also gave high praise to the community for its unfailing strong support of the International Fund, enabling the Universal House of Justice to help other nations that are unable to become self-sufficient at this time—such as India, where 73,000 persons recently embraced the Cause.

THE National Treasurer's Representatives considered their role

See INSTITUTE Page 25

Plan’s goal for Reservations won

The following cable was sent September 6 by the National Spiritual Assembly to the Universal House of Justice to announce that the Seven Year Plan goal of raising 50 Local Spiritual Assemblies on Indian Reservations in the U.S. has been achieved: JOYFULLY REPORT EIGHT NEW ASSEMBLIES SIOUX RESERVATIONS SOUTH DAKOTA BRINGING TOTAL 50 SEVEN YEAR PLAN. PLANS CONTINUE TEACHING WINTER MONTHS. SUPPLICATE PRAYERS.

Said Robert Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly: ‘‘This is the second consecutive Plan in which the Native American believers have been the first to achieve a major goal.””

November to witness nationwide ‘month of firesides’

¢ THE members of the Continental Board of Counsellors resident in the U.S. will participate along with Auxiliary Board members and their assistants. They'll also hold firesides throughout that district.

¢ The National Spiritual Assembly will meet that weekend in

See FIRESIDES Page 4

UN representative to study rights i violations in Iran

On June 25, the Baha’i International Community announced that the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) had decided on May 24 that a special representative should be appointed to make a thorough study of the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

IN making its decision, the BIC announcement said, ECOSOC was endorsing a recommendation submitted to it by the UN Commission on Human Rights which, in its resolution 1984/54 of March 14, 1984, had expressed its ‘deep concern at the continuing serious violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the Islamic Republic of Iran ... and particularly at the evidence of summary and arbitrary executions, torture, detention without trial, religious intolerance and persecution, in particular of the Baha’is, and the lack of an independent judiciary and other recognized safeguards for a fair trial.””

In view of the gravity of the situation in Iran, the BIC said, the Commission had requested its chairman to appoint a special representative to carry out an investigation. The ECOSOC decision provides the necessary approval for the appointment.

The mandate of the special representative will be ‘‘to establish contacts with the government of

See UNITED Page 9

Charleston paper profiles WLGI Radio

WLGI Radio in Hemingway, South Carolina, was profiled August 6 in an article in The News and Courier of Charleston.

The article, headlined ‘*Baha’i Ventures into U.S. Broadcasting from Radio Station in Hemingway,’’ includes a brief history of the Faith, mentions some of its principles such as the oneness of mankind, equality of the sexes, and universal peace, and describes some of the programming concepts of WLGI and Baha’i Radio in Ecuador.

[Page 2]VIEWPOINT

The American Baha'i

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Dorothea M. Reed, a member of the Baha’i community of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, has been named a consultant to the board of directors of that city’s Community Council of Senior Citizens Inc.

THE appointment was made June 11 by Eileen Foley, who is the mayor of Portsmouth and president of the Council.

In making it, the mayor said that Mrs. Reed and her late husband were “‘responsible for initiating many of the services for the elderly that we have in the Seacoast area.”

Those services include transportation for senior citizens, a discount program, a job placement service for those 55 and older, an Elder Abuse program, support groups for those who have the care of elderly patients, and information and referral service (known as CARE), and a monthly bulletin, the Voice.

Mrs. Reed, who is secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Portsmouth, was recently appointed to the advisory committee of the

‘There can be no fimit

to one’s contribution:

National Baha'i Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

Comment

In the spring of 1979 a Baha’i family (grandmother, mother, and two grown children) moved to a small town in the Midwest as homefront pioneers.

IT WAS a reasonable move, close to the children’s colleges and entirely in keeping with the spirit of this family.

The grandmother, now 89 years old, had given many of her children to pioneering posts around the world, and wished to spend the remaining days of her life doing her part. The mother had been a homefront pioneer almost her entire married life; how could she do differently now?

The post they selected was a col The American Baha’i

(USPS 042-430) Published monthly by the National Spiritual As

postage paid at Wilmette, IL.

Editor: Jack Bowers ‘Associate Editor: David E, Ogron

The American Bahá’í welcomes news, letters ana ‘other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Faith, Articles should be written in a clear and concise manner; color or black and white glossy photos should be included whenever possible. Address all materials to the Editor, The American Bahs’i, Wilmette, Il. 60091

N. Hampshire Baha’i named consultant to senior citizens

State Council on Aging for Long Term Care, and is a board member of the Portsmouth Community Health Services.

She has received many awards for her volunteer services to the community.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) singled her out in the New England area for her ‘‘significant and valued contribution to the enrichment of retirement living.””

In addition, she has been the recipient of the ‘Woman of Achievement’’ award of the Piscataqua Business and Professional Women’s Club, the Joseph Vaughn award from the State Council on Aging, the Richard Lockhart memorial award from the Seacoast United Fund, Seacoast Woman of the Year award from “Seacoast Woman”? (Portsmouth Magazine), and was named New Hampshire “‘Woman of the Year’’ by the Manchester Union.

Last year, Mrs. Reed received national acclaim when President Ronald Reagan said of her, ‘‘Nancy and I congratulate you for your outstanding and dedicated volunteer services to your community. Our nation is enhanced because of caring people like you.”

lege town with a small but active Baha’i community and an Assembly that hovered on the brink of jeopardy.

Although the family had in the past been quite well off financially, they readily moved into the only available apartment, a small converted office that was barely adequate for the four of them.

They had almost no material possessions, and the grandmother and mother spoke only Persian.

WHILE the children were away at school, there was no one to translate for them, but nevertheless the two women faithfully attended Feasts and other meetings, and opened their home for firesides and deepenings.

The mother began taking English lessons and talked to everyone she met, always remembering to offer an English-language pamphlet on the Faith and an invitation to attend a fireside.

The local Bahá’ís were kind, but sometimes mentioned how difficult it was to incorporate ‘“‘the ladies’’ into the community as they had known it.

Although the town was only an hour’s drive from several metropolitan areas, the Persian believers in those areas found it difficult to visit more than once or twice,

Counsellor Pereira given D.C. ‘farewell tribute’

A special ‘‘farewell tribute’’ was held July 29 at the Bahá’í Center in Washington, D.C., to honor Counsellor Sarah Martin Pereira who moved in September to Charlotte, North Carolina, after living for 22 years in the Washington area.

ONE hundred-eighteen people, Baha’is and non-Baha’is, friends and professional colleagues of Dr. Pereira, were present for the ‘‘afternoon of appreciation and loye’’ which was hosted by the Spiritual Assembly of Washington and the assistants to Auxiliary Board members Albert James and Dr. Sam McClellan.

Dr. Pereira was praised for her contributions to the field of education by Dr. Paul Cooke, president of D.C. Teachers College (now a part of the University of the District of Columbia), and for her years of outstanding service to the Faith by Mr. James.

Two of her fellow Baha’is, Dr. Elsie Austin and Theodies Washington, lauded Dr. Pereira’s sense of discipline and purpose, her sweetness of speech, and her wise and loving counsel.

Mrs. Velma Sherrill, who was unable to attend the program, sent a heart-warming message on be= half of the Continental Board of Counsellors in the Americas.

The tribute was chaired by Mrs.

This month’s column, “‘On Remaining Steadfast,’’ was written by Rhonda S. Palmer of Plano, BRK Nee ee so the two women found themselves for the most part cut off from the culture they knew so well.

Meanwhile, in Iran, the revolution began, and their chancy income suddenly became non-existent. The children were forced to leave school.

The mother, who had been a capable accountant in Iran, could find no work in a town that resented Iranians.

IT WAS mentioned more than once that their chances of finding employment or other help might be better in a larger city, but the Tesponse was always the same: “We are pioneering. We are here for the Assembly.’”

Eventually, the children went to places where jobs were available, and even today they are working their way through school while supporting the family at its pioneering post.

The mother has learned to speak English beautifully (although, she says, not well enough) but now she can’t practice what she has worked so hard to learn because the grandmother (now in

Anita loas Chapman, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Washington.

INCLUDED in the program were poetry readings by Donna Denise and musical selections by vocalist Lucinda Finch.

There were special words of appreciation for two of Mr. James’ assistants, Sheila Cowan and Shirley Grammer, who played a major role in planning the gala event.

Dr. Pereira first came to Washington in 1941 as a teacher of French and Spanish at Miner Teachers College.

Four years later she returned to Cleveland, Ohio, her home town, where she taught at two colleges before becoming a homefront pioneer in West Virginia where she served as chairman of the Department of Foreign Languages at West Virginia State University.

Dr. Pereira was named an Auxiliary Board member in 1954, was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly in 1960, and returned to. Washington two years later as chairman of the Department of Foreign Languages at D.C. Teachers College.

In 1973, Dr. Pereira was appointed a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in North America, whose responsibilities have since been expanded. to encompass both North and

her 90s) has had several strokes and a heart attack and must be cared for 24 hours a day.

The grandmother slips in and out of confusion. She wants no one but her daughter to care for her, but doesn’t always remember who her daughter is.

During her more lucid moments she pleads with Baha’u’llah to let her join the rest of her family in the Abha Kingdom. She has made her desire very clear, that she be allowed to die as a pioneer as did her son in Africa, her daughter in Greece.

I WAS a member of that community. I loved those women, but I really had no way to judge the enormity of their sacrifice.

Today I live in an area with a large Persian Baha’ population, and now I’ve had a glimpse of the world those women left behind. Not just the food and music, not just the language, so melodic and familiar, but a different way of looking at the world, almost a different rhythm to their life.

I have seen the efforts made to ease the pain of homesickness and have caught a glimmer of the effort it takes simply to go on, day after day, in this strange new land.

So I would like to pay tribute, however inadequate, to these women, mother and grandmother;

DR. SARAH M. PEREIRA

South America,

While shoulder duties for the F carried out her profes Il responsibilities. at D.C. rs College, and later served as Acting Academic Dean at the University of the District of Columbia, Harvard Campus, before her retirement in 1980.

ig her many Dr. Pereira

Persian family an example to every pioneer

to their children, and to all those Baha’is who find themselves pioneering in these United States, by choice or by the Will of God.

The beloved Guardian has given them the highest prai

“To the band of pioneers, whether settlers or itinerant teachers, who have forsaken their homes, who have scattered far and wide, who have willingly sacrificed their comfort, their health and even their lives for the prosecution of this Plan; ...I myself, as well as the entire Baha’i world, owe a debt of gratitude that no one can measure or describe.

“To the sacrifices they have made, to the courage they have so consistently shown, to the fidelity they have so remarkably displayed, to the resourcefulness, the disine, the constancy and devotion they have so abundantly demonstrated, future generations viewing the magnitude of their labors in their proper perspective, will no doubt pay adequate tribute—a tribute no less ardent and well-deserved than the recognition extended by the present-day builders of the World Order of Baha’u’llah to the Dawn-Breakers, whose shining deeds have signalized the birth of the Heroic Age of His Faith.’’ (Messages to America, p. 70)

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[Page 3]

LETTERS

October 1984

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“The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions.’’—‘Abdu’lBaha

The American Bahá’í welcomes letters to the editor on any topic of general interest. The purpose of the ‘letters’? column is to allow a free and open exchange of ideas and opinions, never to derogate another’s opinion or attack anyone on a personal level.

Letters should be as brief as possible (a maximum of 250 words is suggested). Letters are subject to editing for length and style. Please address all letters to the Editor, The American Bahá’í, Bahd’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

To the Editor:

If there are other Baha’is who share the trepidation toward what one writer (August) saw as an apparent preoccupation of many Baha’is toward exclusively renouncing the persecution of their fellow believers, the following information may be of interest.

Amnesty International’s twoyear Campaign for the Abolition of Torture (CAT Campaign) is providing international channels in which to focus world opinion regarding instances of torture and persecution wherever they may occur.

Baha’ is who wish to participate in a global effort to protest persecution and torture may want to consider this non-partisan campaign.

I would hope that whether or not they choose to participate in the CAT Campaign, however, they make sure that someone in their area is spearheading efforts to publicize the Iranian situation effectively. And if that is not us Baha’is, with the information which the National Spiritual Assembly and its Office of Public Affairs disseminate, then who, and with what information?

Those friends who wish to disseminate news of the plight of Iranian believers in a direct and active manner will more than likely find receptive audiences and even co-workers in Al.

Anyone who would like to learn more about the CAT Campaign can write to Campaign for the Abolition of Torture, Amnesty International USA, 304 W. 58th St., New York, NY 10019.

Lewis V. Walker Knoxville, Tennessee

To the Editor:

The notion that the Baha’i Faith has somehow become a “statistical religion”? stems from the notion that statistics are, in themselves, inimical to religion.

THIS, in turn, stems from the dichotomy of ‘spirituality vs. administration.”

Yet one of the things that attracted me to this marvelous Cause was (is) the very way that it deals with such dichotomies: ‘‘two wings of a bird,”’ and so on.

In a slightly different conn the Blessed Beauty

“Should a man wish to adorn himself with the ornaments of the earth, to wear its apparels or partake of the benefits it can bestow, no harm can befall him if he alloweth nothing whatever to intervene between him and God, for God hath ordained every good thing, whether created in the heavens or in the earth, for such of His servants as truly believe in Him” (emphasis mine).

Now consider this quotation from the Guardian: ‘‘To dissociate the administrative principles of the Cause from the purely spiritual and humanitarian teachings would be tantamount to a mutilation of the body of the Cause, a separation that can only result in the disintegration of its component parts, and the extinction of the Faith itself.’”

A further quote from the Guardian may, I hope, serve to bring these elements together:

“IT IS surely for those to whose hands so priceless a heritage has been committed to prayerfully watch lest the tool should supersede the Faith itself, lest undue concern for the minute details arising from the administration of the Cause obscure the vision of its promoters, lest partiality, ambition, and worldliness tend in the course of time to becloud the radiance, stain the purity, and impair the effectiveness of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.””

It should be apparent that, inasmuch as we do not wish for such an event to occur, we must be prayerfully watchful.

At the same time, we should remember that, without some way to evaluate our collective progress (i.e., statistics) we would be drifting in the area of religious chaos with no clear direction.

If the community wishes to avail itself of the aids that technology affords us (which, incidentally, can be said to have been “created in the earth’’), then no harm can befall us. The same proviso applies: ‘‘...if (we) allow nothing whatever to intervene between (us) and God ...””

Friends, without the development of both wings, the bird jus’ don’t fly!

Martin R. Flick San Mateo, California

To the Edit:

After several years of loving and devoted service, Mr. Moussa Mostaghim, the deputy of Huqiqu’llah for the central and eastern areas of the U.S., has resigned because of ill health.

With the approval of the Universal House of Justice, Dr. Daryush Haghighi has been appointed in his place.

S. Varga Montreal, Canada

To the Editor:

In spite of the significant achievements of the American Baha’i community over the years, we have experienced less than satisfactory progress in two vital areas: teaching and support of the Fun

WHILE it must in all fairness be said that the efforts that have been made have been successful, nevertheless there must be something amiss when the Universal House of Justice finds it necessary to note the ‘‘sad lag in the pace of enrollments”’ and a national ‘‘Day of Unity and Sacrifice’’ draws participation of only half /the number of Baha’is that was hoped for.

Many ideas have been set forth in this forum concerning these problems, but I believe that most of them miss the root of the problem.

The underpinning of the advancement of the Cause of God, Baha’u’ lah tells us, is the spiritual development of the individual.

He tells us further that if we do not attend to this development, our efforts must fail.

I believe it is precisely this problem which has arrested our progress in the above areas, and that until we take action to improve and purify our lives we will continue to be disappointed. When all is said and done, God will grant the ultimate victory through us, not for us.

WHAT can be done? I must admit I am somewhat at a loss for ideas.

Certainly we should deepen on the relationship of spiritual qualities to teaching. We must pray for such qualities and try to reshape our lives around the principles of the Faith.

But I feel that some form of program of spiritual development—an active program as opposed simply to deepening—is needed to help individuals learn the practice of living more fully a Baha’i life.

If this can be done on a large enough scale, there is no limit to what we can accomplish. Bahá’u’llah also promises victory to those who rely solely upon God.

Dale E. Lehman Hanover Park, Illinois

To the Editor:

The New Orleans Metro-Media Committee, on behalf of the Baha’i_ communi in the New Orleans area, wishes to thank the friends for their suggestions for World’s Fair media activities.

As you know, we'll be proclaiming the Faith through posters on the famous St. Charles Street trolleys in New Orleans during July, August and September.

Thank -you again, and please pray for our success.

Davis Stanley Jones Secretary, Metro-Media Slidell, Louisiana

To the Editor:

I wish to respond to the letter (July) on statistical religion.

It is necessary that we bear in mind the purpose and spirit with which we are given goals, facts and figures regarding the growth and progress of the Cause of God.

I believe the following quote from Shoghi Effendi in Principles of Baha’ Administration (p. 23) explains in part that purpose and

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“Whilst consciously labouring towards the attainment of this end (helping mankind to recognize the uniqueness and supreme station of the Baha’i Revelation), he (the individual believer) should, by supporting every branch of the administrative activities of his national and local Assembly, seek and obtain the fullest information on the character and extent of the world-wide progress of the Cause, and strive to contribute his share towards the strengthening of the spirit of solidarity among the component parts of the Baha’i world.””

Perhaps someone will devise a better way for us to glimpse the character and extent of the worldwide progress of the Cause. Perhaps there is a better way to provide information that will help us evaluate .whether we are really contributing our share to the Baha’i world.

But until we find these better ways, let’s spiritualize goals and statistics for ourselves in light of our true aim and purpose, to acquaint the body of humanity with the sublime Revelation of Baha’u’ll4h.

Larry Scott Port Arthur, Texas

To the Editor:

The eyes of the world are upon us. We need to clean up our way of living by taking a close look at ourselves to make sure we are doing what we are supposed to be doing.

Sincerity is lacking in many of us in the way we dress, act, study, live and associate with others.

MORE of us need to step forward and improve the Faith in areas that need improvement.

the Baha’i Faith.

Mark Tobey / Art and Belief

The purpose of this book is to illustrate a theme the connection between the work of this major artist and his religious belief as an active member of the Baha’i Faith. The book includes poems and essays by Mark Tobey himself, numerous illustrations of his work, and a series of articles about aspects of the artist and his art, including contributions from two distinguished American art critics.

Of special interest to Baha’fs, as well as a valuable book for those interested in art, and the work of Mark Tobey particularly, but not yet familiar with

128 pp, 9 x 8% in, 79 reproductions (17 in colour) Hardcover $16.95* (332 — 139), Softcover $8.95* (332 — 140)

Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order (including 10% for postage and handling, minimum $1.50) to:

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 “This de not exported by the Publishing Trast

Resignation to the status quo or simply giving up does not improve anything.

“*We’’ need explicitly to ‘‘practice’? what Baha’u’llah preached.

We are not allowed to turn away from the Word of God just because of the hypocrisy and exploitation we see in religion, or because it interferes with our play, or whatever excuse. We must make religion a part of our lives and practice what is preached to bring about peace and unity.

All the prophets of God have warned us not to treat religion as something vain or unimportant.

The Baha’i religion can and should not be ignored if we are truly serious about solving the world’s problems.

Larry Pedersen Hood River, Oregon

To the Editor:

Hooray for your ‘‘letters’ column. Freedom of expression is the inherent weakness resulting in poor enrollments.

Baha’is are greatly engendered by the consultative process, and if. Baha’ is never have a chance to express their concerns—their ideas on how to teach—how is it possible to identify the appropriate “‘varied approach’’ so necessary for reaching every stratum of society? Hence, we don’t. No consultation, no enrollments.

For 30 years as a Baha’i, I’ve wondered what will cause American Baha’ is to arise to the destiny of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statement, “The continent of America is, in the eyes of the one true God, the land wherein the splendors of His. light shall be revealed, where the mysteries of His Faith shall be unveiled, where the righteous will

See LETTERS Page 28

[Page 4]The American Baha'i

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WILLIAM HENRY RANDALL.

“Your heart is a magnet that attracts the bounties of God. Your purpose is pure. I am greatly pleased with you. ...’”

These words were addressed by

‘Abdu’l-Bahá to William Henry Randall who wa: ing the Master during a pilgrimage in 1919.

WHEN ‘Abdu’l-Bahá invited Mr. Randall to “‘ask anything you wish,’ he replied: ‘“‘My Lord, I want only the flame of your love eternally in my heart to make me steadfast and to serve Thy Cause and the friends of God.”

The Master then said, “Your wish is granted.’”

William Randall was born into a Roman Catholic family in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 19, 1863. He studied with tutors abroad and at Harvard University.

He developed at an early age an interest in history, science and religion that remained with him throughout his life.

In 1905, Mr. Randall was married to Ruth Wales Pratt. Their children, Margaret Peregrine and William Henry Jr., were later given the names “‘Bahiyyih’’ and “Baha'i” by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

During the last adventuresome | days of the clipper ships, Mr. Randall entered the shipping business, working his way up from office boy to president of his company.

A FEW years before the outbreak of World War I, he organized a firm that owned a large fleet of steamers. During the war, Mr. Randall was a member of the U.S. Shipping Board, and as such appeared on several occasions before the U.S. Senate.

Business was for him secondary in importance to the great ‘‘spiritual business,”’ and his greatest endeavor was the study of religion.

Mr. Randall first heard of the Faith from a visitor from England, Alice Buckton, who told a group of friends about the Baha’i martyrs in Iran.

She introduced him to Harlan Ober who gave him Baha’i literature and spent many hours explaining the teachings. It was not

See RANDALL Page 26

Firesides

Continued From Page 1

the winning district, and its members will take part in as many firesides as they can.

© As many radio and television programs and newspaper interviews as possible will be scheduled in advance to take place during that exciting week. All of the participants will make themselves available for such opportunities in various parts of the district.

¢ There will be an unforgettable “Victory Weekend’”’ for the Baha’is and seekers in the district ith a special victory rally on Sai urday for the Baha’is and a public meeting on Sunday for everyone.

‘Shoghi Effendi didn’t say the

fireside was one of the most powerful methods to use (in teaching),”’ Mr. Sears said in announ ing his intention to participate i the Jong ‘‘victory celebr:

Archives seeks volunteer help

The National Baha’i Archives is looking for volunteers to help ina project to catalog its reference library.

Presently needed are volunteers to search for cataloging copy in the Library of Congress National Union Catalog and/or on-line bibliographic data bas

Also needed are librarians with an interest in doing original cataloging.

Those with library experience, a background in library science, or a willingness to learn iographic searching are asked to contact the National Baha’i Archives, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

tion” after the month of firesides. “*He said it was the most powerSul.

“HE didn’t say it was one of the most effective. He said it was the most effective method yet found.

“*Haven’t we always been looking for something like that? If it’s the most powerful and the most effective, why should we look for anything else?

Why aren’t we using this method? Every nineteen days. Far more than we are doing now?”

The Universal House of Justice, said Mr. Sears, has written the following:

“It is now imperative for every Baha’i to set for himself individual goals. The admonition of “Abdu’l-Bahá to lead at least one new soul to the Faith each year and the exhortation of Shoghi Effendi to hold a Baha’i fireside in one’s home every Baha’i month are examples of individual goals. Many have the capacities to do even more, but these alone will assure final and complete victory for the Plan.”

IN VIEW of the many incredible promises we have from the Central Figures of the Faith, the Guardian, and the Universal House of Justice, said Mr. Sears, “let us arise under the leadership of the Continental Board of Counsellors and our National Spiritual Assembly with an enthusiasm never before attained, and show them we are ready to carry out, and ‘vie with each other’ in the Campaign of Unified Action.

“I believe we shall have such a downpour of individual firesides that we shall astonish, not only ourselves, but the entire Baha’i world when they hear the news. the Cradle of the AdOrder, can ‘show the way” until we have this ‘vast in

Frank W. LaQuier (lef), an American Indian and fifth generation Baha'i who is vice-chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of St. Cloud, Minnesota, was one of 50 minority students chosen from several hundred applicants to altend an introductory workshop on biomedical research February 28-March 1 in Washington, D.C.,

sponsored by the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, a division of the National Institutes of Health. Mr. LaQuier is employed at the Rock Mountain Laboratory where he is involved in genetic research. With Mr. LaQuier in this phot Dr. Bennett, one of the instructors at the workshop in Washington.

crease in the number of new believers’ in every part of the planet too.

“Prepare, beginning this moment, for a November filled with such a burning fire of enthusiasm, sacrifice and devotion that it will bring about that wondrous day of victory our beloved Guardian longed to see in this field of Baha'i firesides, but never did.

“Let us give that victory to him now, at long last.

“Shoghi Effendi praised the friends for every victory, however incommensurate with the Holy Spirit that surrounded them every

day of their lives. Just as our Universal House of Justice praised us in its Ridvan message. Let us become worthy of their love and praise, as we hear again those poignant words of the Sign of God on earth. He sai

«««._.a little effort on our part is so richly blessed by Bahá’u’lláhwe can only wonder what the rewards would be for a great, concerted, truly inspired effort by all members of the community.’

“Isn't it long past time we

found out? I say, yes! And I say: November!””

Christine Kurianowicz

(second from left), 2 Baha’ from Cape Girardeau, is one of five members of . Precision

Flying Team, Other members are (left to righ) Ray Heyde, Brian Caldwell, Marvin Ellis and Douglas Kuck.

Baha’i woman earns spot on U.S. Precision Flight Team

Christine Piech Kurianowicz, a member of the Baha’i community of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, earned a spot last May as one of the five best U.S. civilian flyers in competition to select the 1984 U.S. Precision Flight team.

MRS. Kurianowicz, the only female on the five-member team, flew in August in an international precision flying competition near Dublin, Ireland.

She earned the right to fly in the prestigious event by competing at DeQueen, Arkansas, against 29 regional championship flyers from around the country including four from last year’s team.

“While precision flying isn’t an Olympic event—it takes place every two years instead of four,’” says Chris, “international participants compete as enthusiastically, and it’s an honor to represent one’s country.””

Pilots using single engine light planes are tested for precision skills in three areas: flight planning, navigation, and landings.

“Concentration is important,’” says Chris, ‘“‘because every minute or so there’s a checkpoint on the map. To maintain correct flying time, each checkpoint must be passed within five seconds of the estimated time.

“That’s what I love about the competition; it depends solely on. your skill as a pilot. women compete equally.””

CHRIS, a native of Elmhurst, i became interested in fl

ing as a student at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

After her husband, John, gave up scuba diving and took up flying, Chris said, ‘If ’'m going to be up there flying around, I want to. know how to handle the plane.’

She learned so well that soon she and John had qualified for the SIU flying team, the ‘Flying Salukis,"” who have won six of the last eight annual National Intercollegiate Flying Competitions.

In 1978, John won first place in local Cessna precision flight competition, and Chris placed second.

A year later, while pregnant, Chris qualified to compete in the national U.S. Precision Flight finals, and placed 10th.

Now, five years later, she is the only mother of two to represent the U.S. in the international Precision Flight competition.

Food drive praised

Young Bahda’js in Pendleton, Oregon, were lauded in the local newspaper in August for a drive in which they collected canned goods for the Salvation Army to help its efforts to feed transients and the

poor.

The Faith was mentioned prominently in an article in the East Oregonian, which was accompanied by a large photograph of seven of the Baha’i children.

In the first two weeks, the youngsters brought in more than 140 cans of food for the needy.

[Page 5]THE FUNDS

October 1984

3

NTRs consult on social, economic development program

A major emphasis of the seventh NTR Training Institute over the Labor Day weekend was the topic of social and economic development, which has come to the fore as a result of the message of October 20, 1983, from the Universal House of Justice (see The American Baha’i, December 1983, p. 1).

THE KEYNOTE speaker on this topic was Dr. Glen Eyford, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

Dr. Eyford first addressed the Institute on Saturday evening in Foundation Hall at the House of Worship.

An interesting note about the presentation is that, for the first time, a session of the NTR Institute was opened to the public and advertised throughout the greater Chicago area.

A reception followed the talk, giving those who attended an opportunity to meet with Dr. Eyford and ask further questions.

Dr. Eyford spoke to the NTRs from his international and academic perspective. Addressing the Institute on two occasions, he stressed the need for knowledge, volition and action in social and economic projects.

The Radio Baha’i project in Ecuador was highlighted by Dr. Eyford as an example of success in the area of social and economic development.

Robert Henderson (above), secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Bud Polk (below) address the NTR Institute.

“‘THEY speak to people about the things people are interested in,” he said. ‘Radio Baha’i started several years ago with the simple desire to help the villagers—who are largely illiterateto understand what’s going on in their world, their small world where the most important thing is survival.””

Dr. Eyford pointed to several elements present in the Radio Baha’i project that should be incorporated in any successful social and economic development effort.

Before proceeding, he said, the following aspects should be considered:

° THERE needs to be access to knowledge and information.

There should be local control

and local benefit.

It needs to be integrated.

According to Dr. Eyford, Radio Baha’i began talking to the people, giving them instructions that were really appreciated.

“The people then began talking back to the radio station,’ he said, “‘telling it what they wanted to hear. The radio personnel found that they could speak directly to the needs of the people.

“A dialogue was created—it was like a small town newspaper which really responded to the needs of the people.’’

INTERESTINGLY, what the people wanted most to know about was themselves: their music, their culture, their mythology, all of the past.

“Our job,” said Dr. Eyford, is to help set loose in individual human beings that potential which is most under-utilized in the world today: the human potential.””

But knowledge alone, he said, “‘has never been enough to change people.””

Volition—the part that is often overlooked because it takes time—must be present; then “‘the people must be led to action,” said Dr. Eyford.

Today, he said, Radio Baha’i is about 85 per cent music, ‘‘but the music is all indigenous. It is all played by villagers.””

A REMOTE yan, he sai used by the station, which goes from village to village recording music to be played on the air the next day. Thus, it is the will of the people—the villagers—that keeps the station alive.

DEEPENING PROGRAMS

and deepening. manage family finances. element of Baha’i life.

will.

FILMSTRIP PROGRAMS

Amelia Collins.

House of Justice.

AVAILABLE FROM NATIONAL TREASURER’S REPRESENTATIVES

America’s Spiritual Destiny: A course on the spiritual destiny of America and the role thatthe Fund plays in helping this community to fulfill that destiny. The Individual Believer and the Rhythm of Growth: A course on the spiritual importance of universal participation, the conditions that must be present before it can be achieved, and the specific duties that every Baha’i is called upon to fulfill in the areas of teaching, living the life, contributing to the Fund,

The Secret of Wealth: A practical course that teaches participants how to prepare a personal budget and The Mystery of Sacrifice: An in-depth examination of the Baha’i Writings regarding this fundamental

Where There’s a Will ...: Practical guidelines to help individuals comply with the Baha’ law to leave a

A Call to Remembrance: An inspiring account of the life and sufferings of Baha’u’llah. Rich Ones on Earth: A brief sketch of the lives of the Hands of the Cause of God Martha Root and

The Greatest Undertaking: A stirring look at the construction of the permanent Seat of the Universal

Material Man: An exploration of the relationship between man’s material and spiritual natures. A Testimony of Love: The history of the Baha’i Fund in America. The Day of God: A meditation on the nature and greatness of this Day. In Loving Memory—The Greatest Holy Leaf: A tribute to the life of this treasured member of the Holy Family published on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of her passing.

“Each year they have a huge festival which attracts thousands of people, and where the best musicians come,’’ said Dr. Eyford. “They become proud of the stories, the myths, and the images of the past.””

Concerning Baha’i involvement in social and economic development projects, he said the approach must be “‘scientific, it needs to be practical, and it has to consist of applied spirituality.

“We are introducing, at Baha*u'llah’s request, a new paradigm; a new model; a new image of the world—a way to become united; a new order of human rfelations.””

Bud Polk, another Baha’i professional in the area of social and economic development, spoke of his work in urban Chicago areas.

“Grassroots Bud,’’ as he referred to himself, said social and economic development is any organized activity that will better the lot of our fellow-men.

HE SAID further that three general areas of existing services are available for Baha’i involvement: social services and welfare; voluntary organizations; and eco

nomic development organizations.

Any project undertaken by a Baha’i community, said Mr. Polk, should be fun. Social and economic development projects shouldn’t be regarded as “‘chores,”’ but rather as a means to uplift the spirits of our fellowmen through the positive influence of the Baha’i teachings.

Nevertheless, he added, Baha’is should be practical in their approach to such projects by assessing the cost of failure. The biggest failure, however, is to do nothing at all.

Mr. Polk suggested a step-bystep plan for implementing a social and economic development program in a local Baha’i community:

Read and study available literature on the subject.

Interview the social and economic development organizations

in your community.

Volunteer to work with one of

those organizations.

Make clear your understanding of the people and environment

that the organization serves.

Assess the needs of the people

in the area chosen.

Evaluate the project.

Mi Polk suggested several works that Baha’is can read to increase their knowledge and understanding of the subject. They include:

The Secret of Divine Civilization, by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Cirele of Unity, compiled by Anthony A. Lee. all Is Beautiful—Economics as if People Mattered, by E.F. Schumacher.

Mr. Polk presented a clear and concise method for success that could aid Baha’i communities in successfully implementing a social and economic development project.

Tapes of the talks by Dr. Eyford and Mr. Polk will soon be available from your National Treasurer’s Representative.

[Page 6]IGC: PIONEERING

The American Baha'i

6

In 1957 the beloved Guardian said, ‘Africa is truly awakening and finding herself and she undoubtedly has a great message to give and a great contribution to make to the advancement of world civilization. To the degree to which her peoples accept Baha*u’llah, will they be blessed, strengthened, and _protected.’’ (From a letter written February 16, 1951, on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in ‘Living the Life,” a compilation of the Universal House of Justice, November 1972)

EVER since the Ten Year Crusade, pioneers have been settling in Africa, working diligently amidst the rising tide of conflicting forces, materialism, and nationalistic passions which are all about them.

Their voices are ‘‘raised in a universal song of praise to the Glory of God and the oneness of mankind, calling on their fellowmen to forget and forgo their differences and join them in obedience and service to God’s Holy ‘Command in this Day.” (The Universal House of Justice, February 8, 1970, to all National Spiritual Assemblies in Africa)

This year the Universal House of Justice has called for 78 more pioneers to the African continent. Sixteen must come from the United States and must go to six countries.

It shouldn’t be difficult, if there are those who heed Shoghi Effendi’s words:

“Let them dedicate themselves—young and old, men and women alike—and go forth and settle in new districts, travel and teach, in spite of lack of experience, and be assured that Baha’u’lláh has promised to aid all those who arise in His name. His strength will sustain them; their own weakness is unimportant.’’ (‘A Special Measure of Love,” pp. 1-2)

BENIN (four pioneers, preferably Persians)—The People’s Republic of Benin is a small country on the southern shore of the “West Africa bump,” similar in area to Pennsylvania. Its population of 3.3 million is primarily rural, scraping out a living by farming. The chief crops and staple foods are maize, sorghum, rice, millet and cassava. The official language is French, and several African languages are also commonly used.

Benin gained its independence from France in 1960 and established its constitution in 1979. Its Marxist-Leninist government has moved steadily toward the models of the Soviet Union and other Eastern Bloc countries.

Benin’s climate ranges from hot and humid in the southern coastal region to hot, dry and dusty in the craggy, rugged river border with Niger to the north.

Unless one has secured a job be

AFRICA GOALS ASSIGNED Benin * Lesotho 2 Liberia - 2 Mauritania 2 Tanzania 4 Uganda 2

TOTAL 16 “Iranians preferred

fore arriving in Benin, it is best to enter on a tourist visa, which can be extended. Although there are few job possibilities, it is legal to look for work while in the country, and if one finds a job the tourist visa can be changed to a residence/work permit without his having to leave the country.

Perhaps the best chances for work come through the Peace Corps or UN Volunteer or other UN-affiliated organizations. People hired from outside the country have much better benefits. Retired people or those with independent incomes are encouraged to go to Benin.

There are no particular problems there for single pioneers, either men or women.

Education is compulsory in Benin. There are secondary schools and one technical high school with all instruction in French. The university offers liberal arts, sciences, medicine and law degrees, and there is also a technical college.

The Baha’i community in Benin is thriving. Many native people have become dynamic teachers, and wonderful results have occurred. Pioneers who are knowledgeable about the Christian or Muslim faiths would be a great asset. Also, the elderly are greatly respected in Benin.

For cost of living and other particulars, contact the International Goals Committee.

LESOTHO (two pioneers)Lesotho, a small, mountainous country in southern Africa, is slightly larger than the state of Maryland. It was opened to the Faith in 1954 and has its own National Spiritual Assembly.

A land of spectacular and beautiful mountains, it is divided into lowlands, foothills and highlands, and has a pleasant climate with sunshine more than 300 days each year.

With a population of 1.4 million, only about five per cent of whom live in the cities, Lesotho boasts one of Africa’s highest literacy rates. The official languages are English, Sesotho and Afrikaans. The people greatly respect pioneers who take the time to learn the language. Books are available, and tutors can be readily hired.

Lesotho (pronounced La-SOOtoo) is a relatively poor country whose economy is based on subsistence agriculture, livestock, and the earnings of its people who are employed outside the country in mines. It is heavily dependent eco nomically on the Republic of South Africa.

There are two ways of pioneering to Lesotho. One is to go with sufficient cash to invest in a business. The government encourages this, as there is a large labor pool but few jobs. A minimum of $20,000 capital is needed.

A second way to go is as a professional in fields such as accounting, engineering, teaching or medicine, generally through U.S. AID contracts or similar agencies.

It is best to be hired from the U.S., as work permits must be obtained before entering the country. Most teaching posts are in villages away from the capital of Maseru, where there is the greatest need for pioneers.

There are about 3,000 Baha’is in Lesotho, All aspects of the Faith’s development need help, but there is a special need for help in consolidation and administration,

Single people, retired people and families are welcome.

LIBERIA (two pioneers)—Liberia, on the west-central coast of Africa, is a tropical country with two seasons: rainy and dry. The coastal area is hot and humid with heaviest rainfall; the interior highlands usually have cooler nights and somewhat less rainfall.

The country is governed by the military, and is relatively underdeveloped with rice and cassava the principal crops grown for food and rubber, coffee and cocoa grown for export. Other important industries include logging and iron and diamond mining.

Monrovia, the capital, also is the seat of the National Spiritual Assembly. There are 10 counties in Liberia, each of which has at least one large town.

English is the language common. to all, and the one that is taught in the schools. There are also many local dialects.

Employment is scarce, but possible for those with the resources to open their own businesses, especially in such technical areas as auto mechanics or printing.

Teachers for vocational or technical schools also have a chance of getting jobs, but the pay is low and irregular.

It’s possible to find work with U.S. AID, UN agencies, the Peace Corps, or other agencies, and the bush areas can use clinics, pharmacies, schools, drugstores, ice cream shops—the field is wide open and foreign investment is encouraged.

Pioneers who are self-supporting have the best chance of settling in Liberia.

The most pressing need is for pioneers in rural areas. In the 10 counties of Liberia, only four have pioneers. There is a challenging opportunity for those who are willing to live a simple African way of life with minimum conveniences.

16 U.S. pioneers needed in 6 African countries

EUROPE

‘Gunmte EOUITORIAL > Corevi SST SO Cones Ganon

ATLANTIC OCEAN

‘Sour WEST

MALAGASY AFRICA —Trepot Capncom ____ (NAMIBIA, SOTSMANAE a a IAZILANO ner of CJeSotH0 ‘sour Arnica INDIAN OCEAN

The government is friendly toward the Faith. There are no problems or restrictions for Persians, but it is recommended that one have at least $1,500 U.S. a month income’ for subsistence. There are about 2,500 Baha’is Liberia, with a great need for consolidation and deepening.

TANZANIA (four pioneers)The United Republic of Tanzania is in the Indian Ocean south of Kenya and north of Mozambique. Two other islands, Zanzibar and Pemba, also lie off the coast.

The country boasts some of the largest lakes in Africa: Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika and Lake Nyasa. Of its total area, more than 23,000 square miles consists of inland water. The climate can be divided into four areas: the hot, humid coastal plain; the hot, arid central plateau; the high, moist lake regions; and the temperate highland areas. Lightweight tropical clothing is worn year-round, although in the cooler seasons a light wrap is also worn.

It is difficult to estimate the cost of living, as it changes rapidly, but it is best to work on an expatriate contract for the best pay.

If you are retired and in good health, you could live in Tanzania depending on your income.

For school teachers who may be interested in applying for jobs, it is best to contact IGC and work through recruitment fairs, a list of which can be supplied by the committee.

Those who have money to invest, without the need to recover

\ sme sn A SE

the investment, can probably secure a residence visa. The pioneer’s ingness to make such an investment and see it through is, looked upon favorably by the government, which must approve any project in advance.

Raising products for export is another possible way of obtaining a residence visa. It is illegal to work on a visitor’s or tourist visa.

The people of Tanzania, easygoing by nature, speak English and Swahili. The Baha’i community is relatively large, but many of the Baha’is do not take part in community activities; there is a great need for deepening and consolidation.

UGANDA (two _pioneers)Uganda, site of the Baha’i House of Worship in Africa, gained its independence in 1962. After Idi Amin was overthrown in 1979, a military commission headed by a civilian was established, paving the way for a presidential election. It is now a republic patterned after the British system of government.

. The country is about the size of Oregon, and English is the official language. Some 40 tribal languages also are spoken.

Agriculture accounts for nearly all of Uganda’s export earnings, especially coffee and cotton.

As a people, the Ugandans are generous and hospitable. Pioneers are needed who can help rebuild the country materially as well as spiritually.

While there is still some unrest,

See GOALS Page 26

[Page 7]YOUTH NEWS

October 1984

Photography contest is second in series for Youth Year

The second in a series of contests for artistic and scholarly ex

ARASH TIRANDAZ

Galveston Bahai youth has superb high school record

Arash Tirandaz, a 17-year-old Baha'i youth from Galveston, Texas, was graduated from high school with honors in June and began his studies this fall at the University of Texas where he plans to major in chemistry.

WHILE in high school he excelled at chess and in speech, was an active member of the math club and team, and two years ago was admitted to the national mathematics honor society, Mu Alpha ‘Theta.

As a senior, Mr. Tirandaz was chosen because of his many achievements to represent. the school in Washington, D.C., on the Close-Up Foundation’s annual tour of the nation’s capital.

Also this year, he won second place in the local science fair in chemistry and was elected president of his school’s Key Club.

For the second year in a row, his biography was published in “Who's Who Among American High School Students,”” and he won the Group W Cable Youth Leadership Award for his performance in the areas of scholastic achievement, physical fitness, cultural awareness, and community service.

An honor roll student many times, Mr. Tirandaz completed many college classes while still in high school and was able to enter the University of Texas as a sophomore.

OUTSIDE of school, he is in the Boys’ Club and is a member of the city tennis team.

He is a member of the local Bahai Youth Club, has attended many Baha’j conferences, and was named at age 17 by the Galveston Island Spiritual Assembly to be its public relations officer.

Mr. Tirandaz, who came to the U.S. six years ago from Iran, is the son of Dr. Houshmand Tirandaz and Mrs. Shiva Amirkia Tirandaz of Galveston.

pression in celebration of International Youth Year 1985, which gan last month with a song writing category, continues this month with photography.

THE contests are sponsored by the National Youth Committee.

Entries should reflect the theme ““YOUth Can Move the World,”” which was chosen by the Youth Committee for the final phase of the Seven Year Plan, or the United Nations theme for International Youth Year, ‘‘Participation, Development, Peace.’

All entries should be submitted as 9 x 12-inch black and white or color photographs with name, address and age of the contestant

marked clearly on the reverse side.

One prize will be awarded in each of the following age groups: 12-15 years, 16-20 years, and 21-24 years. A grand prize also will be awarded.

Prizes will be gift copies of Lights of Guidance: A Baha’i Ref Summer youth projects marked

Exciting news continues to filter in to the National Youth Committee office about the summer teaching projects held across the country.

“THE summer of 1984 was definitely a resounding success,’’ says Karen Pritchard, secretary of the National Youth Committee.

“Countless numbers of victories, large and small, were achieved as the youth marched into the fields of service and teach Baha’i one of 45 named to Illinois

Council of Youth

Scot McLemore, a 17-year-old Baha’i who is a senior at Batavia (Illinois) High School, is one of 45 young people chosen this year for a two-year membership on the IIlinois Council of Youth.

The council, which grew out of the 1960 White House Conference on Children and Youth, meets four times a year and hosts a leadership seminar each summer.

Mr. McLemore, who carries a 3.71 grade point average and plans to study robotic and computer engineering in college, also excels in sports and music.

He was named last year to the All-Conference football team, plays point guard on the school’s basketball team, and is a member of the school band.

ing. “Among the most exciting of these achievements was the spread of a fresh spirit of dedication that appears to be establishing ‘a mighty mobilization’ called for by the Universal House of Justice.’”

Teaching projects in South Carolina, South Dakota, Oregon, and on the Navajo-Hopi Indian Reservations resulted in more than 400 declarations, while a service project in Southern California resulted in unprecedented publicity for the Faith.

One of the distinguishing features of these efforts is that each sprang from the grassroots of the Baha’i community.

“EACH of these projects, both service and teaching,’’ says Ms. Pritchard, “‘was born from a local desire to serve the Cause, and each was supported by a strong local response of manpower, funds and other resources.

“Individual initiative was tapped by ‘local institutions, and while in most instances youth arose from many parts of the country to help, the Baha’i community at the local level played the major role in planning and executing the activities.””

The National Youth Committee and National Teaching Committee will be working closely with communities and districts that are

U.S. Baha’i youth begin preparations for International Youth Year events

Youth across the country are beginning preparations for International Youth Year 1985.

Government agencies at the national, state and local levels are planning observances for this commemorative year, so efforts are under way to include Baha’i youth in the plans.

The National Youth Committee has asked all local youth clubs to contact officials in their localities to ascertain what plans, if any, are being made for an IYY observance and to volunteer their help.

If no plans have been made, Baha’i youth are offering to make them.

For instance, the ‘‘Tree Project,”’ a campaign to plant 20,000 trees in memory of the early martyrs of the Faith, is an appropriate service to offer any community in the U.S.

Aiding in the proceedings of the Youth Year is a marvelous opportunity for youth to serve the Cause, proclaim the Faith, and render services to mankind.

If your community doesn’t yet have a youth club, please contact the National Youth Committee for help in forming one, Let’s work together to seize this opportunity!

YOUU can move the world!

erence File, and the grand prize will be tuition to the Baha’j school of one’s choice.

All prizes will be awarded at the International Youth Conference next summer at Ohio State University where the winning photographs will be displayed. The

BAHA'I INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE

Ohio State University July 3-7, 1985

deadline for the photography category is December 3, 1984.

Additional categories for artistic and scholarly expression will be in the media of essay and poster design. Details will be published in upcoming issues of The American Baha’.

by resounding successes

planning winter holiday and/or summer projects to recruit projecteers. Interested sponsors are encouraged to contact either of these offices soon to arrange for early

publicity and recruitment.

The Youth Committee can be contacted at its offices at 1371 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, FL 33313, or by phoning 305-584-1844.

More regional College Club conferences

Did you miss the regional Baha’{ College Club Conference in your area? Don’t despair ... there are four more conferences that you can attend.

October 13 at the University of California at Berkeley, They’ve lined up some great speakers including Counsellor Fred Schechter and Auxiliary Board member Edward Diliberto. Contact Brian Miller, 415-843-6346, or Bijan Irani-Najad, 415-540-8592.

October 13-14 at the University of South Carolina, Columbia. Speakers include Cap Cornwell, secretary of the National Teaching Committee, and Smokey Ferguson, a member of the National Youth Committee. The program includes a public discussion of the United Nations International Youth Year theme, ‘‘Participation, Development, Peace.’’ Con tact Sharareh Vafai, 803-791-7555, or Dick Hatch, 803-254-9857.

October 19-29 at Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. Jackie Eghrari of the National Youth Committee will be among the speakers discussing the College Campus Plan for 1985 as well as plans for the final phase of the Seven Year Plan and International Youth Year. Contact Babak Etemad or Mary Louise Roy through the campus operator, 215-447-7000.

October or November (exact dates unavailable at press time) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Please note that this is a change; the conference was to be held at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Contact Anooshiravon ‘‘Anoosh’’ Mostaghemi or Mrs. Mostaghemi, 608274-0995.

Time is at hand to make your plans for annual Disney World conference

It’s that time of year again ... time to get ready for the annual Youth Conference at Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

This year, the conference has been expanded an extra day, from December 27-31, and the program promises to be extra special as it serves as the kickoff for the Baha’i observance of International Youth Year 1985.

The theme is ‘‘Let Deeds, Not Words, Be Your Adorning.’’ The speakers will include two members of the National Spiritual Assem bly, Dr. Dwight Allen and Dr. Alberta Deas; Mildred Mottahedeh, a member of the International Goals Committee; Jack McCants, and Dr. Hussein Ahdieh, all speaking of the kinds of deeds we can perform in service to the Cause and to humanity.

Want more information? Simply clip the coupon and mail it to the National Youth Committee ... and complete details will be returned to you quickly.

See you at the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT Center this winter!

YES! I'd like details on the Disney World annual Youth Conference

Name Phone Address City State Zip Mail to:

Baha’i National Youth Committee 1371 Sunset Strip Sunrise, FL 33313

[Page 8]

Assembly Development Program
Bahá’í Schools

Brilliant Star (Child’s Way) Magazine
Local Education Adviser Program

Personal Transformation Program

EDUCATION

The American Baha’i #8

Family Unity Night (Fun)

FIRST WEEK OF NOVEMBER: BAHA’i NATIONAL CENTER/HOUSE OF WORSHIP. Thought for the week: ‘The source of all learning is the knowledge of God—exalted be His Glory.” (Baha’u’llah) Prayer: Triumph, p. 202. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. 1. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’lBaha, pp. 99-100, No. 64. 2. Baha’i Administration, pp. 184-187. 3. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 94, No. 58; p. 93, No. 55; p. 95, Nos, 59, 60; p. 96, Nos. 61, 62. 4. Bahd’s World Faith, pp. 414-416, 5. The Dawning Place, pp. 83, 76-86, 59-60 (quote from ‘Abdu’l-Baha). 6. If possible, learn and sing the “Temple Song” by Louise R. Waite (found in The Dawning Place, pp. 266-67). Activity: 1. Show pictures of and talk about the Mother Temple and the administrative buildings. Familiarize yourselves with it and other Houses of Worship in the world. Include those that are under construction and the site of the Temple on Mt,-Carmel. 2. Have fun blowing soap bubbles. Use a straw, pipe, large or small wands. How many bubbles can be blown in one blow? ‘The largest and the smallest? 3. Recite favorite poetry, or read together a favorite family story. Refreshments: Gingerbread. Top with either fresh whipping cream or tangy lemon sauce.

SECOND WEEK OF NOVEMBER: BIRTH OF BAHA’U’LLAH. Thought for the week: “Our Cause is but One.” (Baha'u'llah) Prayer: Praise, p. 123, or Spiritual Qualities, p. 153 (middle). Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. 1. Arabic Hidden Words, No. 63. 2. Days to Remember, pp.”125-132. 3. The Blessed Beauty—Bahá’u'llih, by Mahnaz Afshin, pp. 1-8. 4. Gleanings, pp. 50-56, No. XXII. 5. God Passes By, p. 93 to bottom of 96. 6. Baha’s World Faith, p. 400. 7. The Bible, Isaiah 11:1-10; Isaiah 40:3-5; Isaiah 60; Ezekiel 1:28. Activity: Begin a family tradition. 1. See cupcake decorating refreshments. 2. Each make a white tissue paper flower (rose). Use the flowers for a centerpiece at evening meals throughout the week to remind you of this special celebration. Save the flowers from year to year to out only at the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh. Some families may wish to use silk roses for this tradition, or purchase one fresh white rose for the occasion. 3. Together, make a list of the many names that refer to Baha'u'llah. How many can you think of? God Passes By is a good resource. Refreshments: Bake cupcakes. Everyone decorate them as desired, Have available various toppings such as vanilla and chocola M&Ms, chopped nuts, candy, sprinkles, red hots, coconut, Share decorated cupcakes with family, friends, neighbors—makes a good teaching/sharing opportunity!

THIRD WEEK OF NOVEMBER: QAWL/SPEECH. Thought for the week: “‘Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”’ (Psalms 19:14) Prayer: Teaching, p. 174 (center); or p. 175. Lesson: Read and dis‘cuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. Keep in mind the power of one’s speech and choice of words; the tongue can be a twoedged sword. 1. Bible, Ecclesiastes 5:1-7; Psalms 39:1; 37:30-31. 2. Bahá’í World Faith, p. 105. 3. The Koran, Sura XLIX, pp. 468-70 (Rodwell’s). 4, Arabic Hidden Words, Nos. 27, 29, 43. 5. Persian Hidden Words, Nos. 76, 66, 5, 44. 6. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 139, No. 115; p. 92, No. 53; p. 93, No. 54; p. 134, No. 108. Activity: 1. Word Guess game. Needs two clue givers; guessers; several guess words written on slips of paper. Object: ‘‘Guessers’’ try to guess the word that the ‘‘clue givers” try to communicate. Clue givers choose a word from a slip of paper, and without consulting, begin to create a complete sentence that would describe the word. They should alternately give clues in sentence. Example: A, ‘‘Something”’ B ‘‘that’’ A “‘you’’ B “‘scramble”’ A ‘‘for’’ B “breakfast.”” The fun comes when the clue givers aren’t thinking along the same lines and must quickly adjust their thinking. 2. As weather dictates, roller skate outside (or in the basement) together; or take a trip to the local roller skating rink for family fun. Refreshments: Pudding Native American Style. 1 qt milk scalded; 5 TBLs stone ground corn meal; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ginger; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1 TBL butter; 1 cup molasses; 1/2 cup raisins. Place corn meal in saucepan, pour milk over, stir until it boils, continue to cook on low heat until thick and creamy, about 15 minutes. Mix rest of ingredients with beaten eggs and pour corn meal mixture over. Mix and pour into greased baking dish. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. Serve warm with ice or whipped cream.

FOURTH WEEK OF NOVEMBER: THE MASTER/DAY OF COVENANT/ASCENSION. Thought for the week: “Be happy. Be as | am.”" (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) Prayer: Firmness in the Covenant, p. 70; or prayer from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 319-320. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. Note the importance of the last will and testament for purity of the Covenant. 1. God Passes By, pp.

See FUN Page 9

Louhelen to host Thanksgiving conference

The Louhelen Baha’i School will host a Thanksgiving weekend conference November 23-25 that will focus on acquiring the attribute of gratitude.

THE conference, titled “In His Praise and Thanksgiving,” will explore how developing a pervading sense of gratitude to God for His many blessings contributes to mental and spiritual health.

The speakers will be Dr. Jane Faily, a senior psychologist at the Royal Ottawa Hospital and member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada; Dr. William Smith, president of WNBS-TV in

ip

Shown are young Bahá’ís preparing the ground for a tree planting ceremony at the Louhelen Baha’ School in Michigan, The Ba ha’i_ observance of International

Derry, New Hampshire; and Mrs. Marcia Smith, a former teacher who is active in the arts and in human relations work.

The conference will seek to stimulate a deeper awareness of “Abdu’l-Bahá’s counsel, ‘‘Be thou happy and well pleased, in order that thanksgiving may conduce to the increase of bounty.’”

Other aspects of the event will include recreational activities, group singing and devotions, arts and crafts, and organized social activities designed to stimulate a sense of unity and spiritual fellowship.

Youth Year 1985 calls for youth to plant 20,000 trees in memory of the early martyrs of the Faith,

A program for children and youth ages 0-18 will be offered.

The cost for adults is $46 (for a room shared with two or three others). Rates for children and youth are lower. Those registering less than two weeks in advance pay $4 more.

To register, send a $10 non-refundable deposit to the Louhelen Baha'i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

5th Kentucky Institute to be held at Morehead

The fifth annual Kentucky Baha’i Institute will be held October 25-28 at Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky.

This year’s theme is ‘Service to Humanity: An Agenda for Action.”

Speakers will include Auxiliary Board member Javidukht Khadem; Mary Kay Radpour, editor of- Brilliant Star magazine and a member of the national Race Unity Committee; Nancy Branham Songer, an agricultural educator specializing in development; and Mimi McClellan, a music educator.

The program includes classes for pre-youth in grades 6-8 and for youth in grades 9-12. The featured youth speaker will be Almitra Henderson, a member of the “Brilliant Star’ youth group in California.

The registration fee is $12 for adults, $4 for children. Registration will be at Adron Doran Uniyersity |Center onthe, Morehead State campus.

Dormitory rooms, are $6 per night. There are-facilities for 150 people.

For more information, please contact Julia Rome, . Frankfort, KY 40601, or phone 502-227-7434.

60091);

behavior standard. $5.

AVAILABLE WORKSHOPS

EDUCATION MATERIALS AVAILABLE

Child/parent education materials that are presently available from the National Education Committee of the United States. (Checks should be made payable to ‘‘Baha’i Services Fund,’’ earmarked “Children’’ and sent to the National Education Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL

Developing Baha’i Lesson Plans—If Bahá’í lesson plans are to be different from and better than other lesson plans, they must be formulated within a broad and unique philosophical framework. The morning part of this workshop is devoted to this larger framework, while the afternoon is devoted to developing specific lesson plans which are then carried out in local programs. A second workshop is held 4-6 weeks after the first, and lesson plan results are shared and evaluated. Special resources to lesson planning are the Baha’i Curriculum Guide and the Baha’; calendar.

Workshop II also introduces the use of New Games as an education tool. $5.

Politeness and Manners: Children and the Nineteen Day Feast—A local community workshop designed to help the community in setting and implementing a behavior standard for children at the Nineteen Day Feast. The material looks to the Spiritual Assembly as the point of unity for establishing the

TV in the Home—Designed to help parents in their efforts to be properly vigilant about the effects of television on their children, and to make informed choices about the use of TV in the home. Included as a topic in the ‘‘Baha’i Parent Program,”’ the material is available as a separate workshop. $4. Programs for youth (ages 12-20) available as of September 15, 1984:

Handbook for the Summer Garden Baha’i School (a daily summer school program for children). The goal of having spiritually enriching educational experiences for children and youth during the summer is not unique. For many Baha’i communities the pursuit of this goal has included such diverse activities as weekend classes, week-long day camps, weekend camp-outs, field trips, and community retreats at summer schools. Perhaps the latest, but certainly not the last, approach to this goal is a daily, several-week (five weeks works well for Summer Garden) summer school program. This handbook outlines the efforts of ordinary people in ordinary circumstances to carry out a successful program. $6.

a |

[Page 9]EDUCATION

October 1984

More than 100 attend Oregon Summer School

More than 100 people attended this year’s Wallowa Lake Baha’i Summer School, held July 21-24 at the Wallowa Lake Methodist Church Camp six miles south of Joseph, Oregon, at the foot of the Wallowa Mountains.

Classes were planned for age groups ranging from four years to adult. Topics included: —

Youngsters and adults enjoy a game of ‘drop-the-hat’ (with Frisbees) during the Wallowa Lake (Oregon) Baha’i Summer School

A New Day; To Know God; Spiritual Dawn; To Worship God; Under One Tree; Our Inner Life; Spiritual Response; Our Private Character; Spiritual Descendants of the Dawn-breakers; Becoming a Pure Channel; Mirroring Forth Those Eternal Principles Proclaimed by Baha'u'llah; Our Spiritual Destiny; Responding to

which was held July 21-24 at the Wallowa Lake Methodist Church ‘Camp.

BAHA’!

Bosch

1. October 26-28: Fireside Weekend. Bring inquiring friends, or for new believers and others to renew their vision of the Faith. Adults 15 and over, with child care for ages 1-10 during class periods by pre-registration only. Teachers: Maury and Lois Willows, Abdullah Brooks, Robert Malouf. Rates: $46 adult, $22 children 1-10 years.

November 23-25: Youth Weekend. Theme: Reaching Out. A session for youth to help them in teaching friends from other religious backgrounds and in becoming involved in the Youth Movement. Rates: $69 session for ages 15 and older.

November 23-25: Thanksgiving Session. Theme: Vision of World Order, the Writings of Shoghi Effendi. General session, classes for all ages. Teacher: S. Pattabi Raman. Rates: Adult, $54; youth 15-20, $46; junior youth 11-14, $39; children 1-10, $27.

December 22-26: Winter I. Theme: One God, One Family. Social and economic development; implications for the family and the community. Workshops about careers relevant to developing countries. Teachers: Richard DaBell and Hoda Mahmoudi DaBell, David Rutstein, Richard Martin, Missy Martin. General session, classes for all ages. Classes and activities for children. Rates: Adults, $100; youth 15-20, $84; junior youth 11-14, $72; children 1-10, $48.

December 28-January 2: Winter Il. Social and economic develop SCHOOLS—WINTER SESSIONS

ment: new possibilities in the evolution of the Baha’i world community. Teachers: Nathan Rutstein, William Davis, David Rutstein, Richard Martin, Missy Martin. Adult session, ages 15 and older. Rates: $100 per person.

Registration: Two weeks before session starting date; send $20 for each person enrolling to: Bosch Baha’i School, Jeremy Phillips, registrar,

Santa Cruz, CA 95060. For information, phone 408-423-8093. Florida Winter School

November 22-25, Camp Alfia, 22 miles south of Lakeland off Hwy. 37. Theme: Baha’is AriseThe Role of the Individual in the Progress of the Faith.

Meals and lodging: Camp dining hall. Cabins with 10 bunks each, also two dorms and four bedrooms. Facilities: 325-seat auditorium, two 60-seat classrooms, classes held in dining hall. Recreation: canoeing, bonfires, softball, swimming, tennis, pingpong, volleyball, basketball, shuffleboard, and nature trails.

Rates: per day including room, meals and facilities: adults $12 per day; youth 15 and older, $12; junior youth 5-14, $10; children 2-4, $7; infants, no charge. Day students $3 plus meals.

Registrars: Gale and Kitty Hur

ley, - Gulfport, FL 33707. Phone 813 343-2468.

Missouri Baha’i School November 23-25. Theme: The

Imperishable Dominion. Site:

See SCHOOLS Page 21

the Needs of the Age; and Baha’ Writings on Health and Healing.

The teachers were Sherrie Reiswig, Polly Helmhout, Ted Hayes, Pat Jacobsen, Karleen Trueax, Jules Vautrot, Katherine Young, Steve Ellis, Dorothy Pedersen, Ruth Hall, John Lang, Martha Warren, Barbara Haloapo, Barbara Rosenkranz, Donna Postlewait, Jewell La Belle Hart, and Craig Bornmann.

A presentation of the Local Education Adviser Program (LEAP) was made by Mary Thompson, while Marcia Lang spoke about the upcoming Eastern Oregon District Convention in Bend.

Other highlights of the school included singing by M.L. Johnson; a talent show; a presentation of the film ‘‘Gandhi’’; hiking, volleyball, and other group participation games.

The Baha’i youth performed a service project at the close of the summer school, planting a flowering tree at the monument and resting place of Chief Joseph, the famous chief of the Nez Perce Indians, at the head of Wallowa Lake.

UNICEF packets are available

UNICEF packets that can be presented to children’s school teachers by Baha’i parents are available from the National Education Committee office.

The packet is a welcome gift to the teacher and helps to establish the child’s Baha’i identity in the classroom. Each packet contains:

° A fact sheet entitled ‘‘The Baha'i Faith and Its World Community”’ (for the teacher's information).

Packets are $7 each from the National Education Committee, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

The Wallowa Lake Methodist Church Camp, site of this summer’s Wallowa Lake (Oregon) Ba hi’{ Summer School. In the background are the Wallowa Mountains.

Louhelen School schedules weekend gathering for junior youth ages 11-14

The Louhelen Baha’i School will host_a weekend conference October 26-28 for junior youth 11-14 years old.

The conference is co-sponsored by the National Youth Committee and the Louhelen Council.

Teachers will include Mrs. Carol Dickson; a member of the National Youth Committee; and older youth from Michigan and other states.

The conference will feature a balanced program of classes, recreational, social and devotional activities,

“This is the first in a series of conferences for junior youth that the National Youth Committee will be conducting throughout the country,”’ says Gilbert Smith,

chairman of the National Youth Committee.

“We're eager to extend the work of our committee into the junior youth age group, and we’re pleased to be having the first of these conferences at Louhelen because of the fine series of programs for junior youth the Louhelen Council has been offering.”

Those who are interested in registering for the conference may contact the school at 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

The cost for the weekend is $36.60 for those who register at least two weeks in advance. Those who register less than two weeks before the conference pay $4 more.

United Nations

Continued From Page 1

the Islamic Republic of Iran and to make a thorough study of the human rights situation in that country based on such information as deemed relevant, including comments and materials provided by the government, containing conclusions and appropriate suggestions, to be presented to the Commission at its 41st session.””

One of the matters that the special representative will be investigating is the plight of Iran’s 300,000 Baha’is.

FUN

Continued From Page 8

237-243. 2. Baha'i World Faith, pp. 438-40. 3. Persian Hidden Words, No. 63. 4. Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 49. 5. The Koran, sura CX-Help, p. 468 (Rodwell’s). 6. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdi ,. 70-71 (‘*O army of God!’’) 7. Baha'i World Faith, pp. 79-:

"I-Baha,

dle); pp. 357-59. Activity: 1. Dictionary game (ages 6 and up). a. “‘It chooses an obscure word from the dictionary and verifies that none of the ‘other players knows its meaning. b. Each player invents and writes a plausible sounding definition, and “tit’” writes the real definition. c. “It” gathers and reads all the definitions and players cast one vote each for the definition they think is the real one. d. Players score one point for each vote their definition gets from other players, and one point for each time they guess the correct definition. 2. Sing and play young children’s games such as ‘*The farmer in the dell,”” “Ring around the rosie,” “Hokey pokey,” etc. Refreshments: Sliced cheese, sliced apples and crackers.

[Page 10]TEACHING

The American Baha’i

10

The homefront

Pioneer

It’s always such a pleasure to read the letters that are received by the National Teaching Committee from homefront pioneers.

WE encourage pioneers to let us know about their experiences on the homefront so that these may help us to prepare new pioneers.

Also, we ask that potential pioneers and those who are already at their posts contact the National Teaching Committee so that they can be counted toward the goals of the Seven Year Plan.

You may have noticed such ads in the most recent issues of The American Baha’i: ‘‘H.F.P. (homefront pioneers) please call home!””

What a thrill to read of the blessings that Bahá’u’lláh has showered upon our homefront pioneers. Below are excerpts from two letters received before and after Ridvan 1984 by the National Teaching Committee, from one of our many homefront pioneers.

February 1984; ‘‘...writing to keep you informed of our progress. On January 26 we had another declaration which brings us up to nine!

“We have gained three new declarants since June. Come Ridvan you can take me off your homefront pioneer list. We'll have an Assembly here again. ...

“I wish to note that our teaching activities have been seriously curtailed due to illness, it and people out-of-state visiting. But our DTC (District Teaching Committee) asked us to pray at 7:00 cach day, the Tablet of Ahmad and our regional teaching

prayer. “It works! Of course! ... June 1984: ‘...1 read the statis

tics on homefront pioneers were sent out last year and how many achieved their goals, so I thought I'd better contact you.

was sent by the Wheaton, Illinois, Assembly to the Pierce Peninsula area of Washington state. With my arrival we were six.

“Now we are 10 and elected our Assembly at Riḍván in the name of Yazd. We received so much help from our District Teaching Committee, were ‘adopted’ by another Assembly, Lakewood, and most important, prayers by the dozens were sent up for our success. ...

“I’m convinced that continual prayer is the most important help, since our declarants tended to ‘pop up,’ not attend many firesides or whatever.

“I pray that this Assembly will never dissolve again, and that other homefront pioneers will dedicate themselves to prayer.

“It was nice to see prayer listed as the first thing in your article in the June issue.

“Your friend,

Diana Moore-Cason Pierce Peninsula, Washington

Gregory Institute hosts special ‘youth week’

A special Youth Week was held July 15-22 at the Louis Gregory Baha'i Institute to launch the Army of Light’s Campaign of Unified Action in South Carolina.

ONE HUNDRED-ten youth participated in the conference during the weekend including some who had never before attended a large Baha’ gathering.

About 50 youth and adults went to more than 20 localities to teach and consolidate in the Eastern district of the state.

More than 30 declarations were made during the week including eight-youth and one person who

Sharon Allen (standing at right), a member of the National Youth Committee, chaired the special Youth Week conference July

was born in 1897!

Also, several youth announced their intention to become homefront pioneers to South Carolina, which is calling for 40 homefront pioneers this year.

The week’s teachers were Stan and Florence Bagley who presented a course on public speaking and research, and Regina Anchondo who discussed commitment and action, and how to increase them for the Faith.

During the weekend, the youth heard Cap Cornwell, secretary of the National Youth Committee, speak on the nation’s teaching

15-22 at the Louis Gregory Baha’i Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina.

Twin Cities meeting moves Campaign of Unified Action into higher gear

The Campaign of Unified Action rolled into high gear in the Midwest following a meeting July 14 in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota with Counsellor Farzam Arbab.

The Counsellor, who was invited by Auxiliary Board member Stephen Birkland to meet that weekend with Board members and their assistants in that area, also agreed to meet with all the Baha’ is to discuss the Campaign of Unified Action.

Among the more than 120 Baha’is present at the meeting were Auxiliary Board member Khalil Khavari and several of his fk tants, assistants to Auxi Board members Stephen Birk. land, Thelma Jackson and Ron Parsons, and U.S. pioneers to Honduras and the Cameroons.

In his remarks, Counsellor Arbab amplified the themes contained in the letter of May 27,

The Bedrock of All Other stitutions National Baha'i Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

1984, to the American Baha’i community from the National Spiritual Assembly and the Continental Board of Counsellors for the Americas.

The Counsellor exhorted the friends to forget the past. What was impossible seven or 10 years ago, he said, is now possible, largely as a result of the sacrifices made by the Baha’is in Iran.

The National Assembly and the Counsellors, he said, are emphasizing individual initiative in teaching. Local Assemblies are being asked to encourage such initiative from the friends.

Communities are likewise being encouraged to develop plans for teaching that take into account the unique resources and needs in their area.

The campaign, said the Counsellor, calls for a broad-based, grassroots move toward realistic plans tailored to each community’s needs.

In summing up, he said, ‘‘The only definition failure is if we stop acting.””

Dr. Arbab’s talk was followed by a spirited question-and-answer session.

Pictured (left to right) are some of the ‘older youth’ who participated July 15-22 in a special Youth Week conference at the Louis Gregory Institute in South Caro needs and opportunities for youth to serve including working in Haifa as gardeners or guards, the two-year service program, the International Year of Youth in 1985, and college clubs and homefront pioneering.

DR. ROY Jones of the national Race Unity Committee spoke “From Creative Word to Creative Action,” and discussed the need to read the writings of the Guardian more intensely to understand the forces of history that are affecting our lives and the ways in which we can respond to them.

Auxiliary Board member Elizabeth Martin also addressed the conference.

Trudy White and Amber Spahn

Wan

Leon Sternberger, Carey Murphy, Amber Spahn, Mike Gearhart, Dr. Alberta Deas, and

Susan Sternberger.

told the youth of teaching in the early years in South Carolina, discussed present teaching methods, and accompanied the youth to the towns when the teaching work began.

Dr. Alberta Deas, administrator of the Gregory Institute, also addressed the youth during the week and spoke about the need to deepen as we teach in the essentials of the Covenant.

South Carolina was blessed by the active participation of so many excellent young teachers from the Virginia and Washington, D.C., areas, some of whom remained to teach in the state for several weeks after the conference.

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[Page 11]

TEACHING

October 1984

Unified Action theme of large Green Acre conference

More than 140 Baha’is participated August 25-26 in the first conference on the Campaign of Unified Action to be held at the Green Acre Baha’i School.

DR. WILMA Brady, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, was the keynote speaker.

Other speakers were Robert Wilson, former secretary of the National Teaching Committee; Linda Giardina, chairman of the National Education Committee; and Shirley Lee, national Public Affairs coordinator.

The purpose of the conference was to acquaint the parti with the many resources available from the offices at the National Center, and to stress the importance of integrating the processes of proclamation, expansion and consolidation in a systematic way to increase the effectiveness of local programs.

Fortified by the speakers with inspiration and a knowledge of the wealth of resources at hand, individuals were assigned to one of 10 workshops.

Each group was given the description of a city or region and the current status of its Baha’i community. Workshop members then imagined themselves as the Baha’is in the ‘‘situation community’’ and were asked to devise a plan to increase the number of adherents to the Faith.

EACH group began by grasping the vision of the roles to be filled by the worldwide and American Baha’i communities.

They then surveyed the given situation, reviewed available national, regional and local resources (people, equipment, facilities and finances), established and prioritized the short-range objectives (strengthening the Baha’i community, increasing its vis ity, etc.), and selected their prime target audience (the Baha'is, the general public, the media, ete.).

Each workshop was assigned a different situation. This format allowed individuals to review a panorama of possibilities. and became a vehicle for stimulating creative suggestions.

More than 140 Baha'is took part

August 25-26 in the first confer In Workshop Session II, a strategy for achieving the objectives was devised, a course of action was outlined, and provision was made for feedback and review of

Asians enjoy buffet dinner at San Francisco Baha’i Center

The Kearney Street Workshops being held at the Baha’i Center in San Francisco came to a lovely end-of-summer close when, following the last session, the Asian guests including photographers, poets, dramatists and artists were invited by the Asian Teaching Committee of San Francisco to enjoy a buffet dinner prepared by the committee.

THE evening afforded a wonderful opportunity for Baha’is and Asians to exchange thankyou’s and, in such a relaxed atmosphere, to become better acquainted with one another. The Baha’is had an opportunity to learn more of the Asians’ own viewpoints, terminologies and feelings.

Two weeks later the committee received a call from George Leong of the Kearny Workshop group,

asking if once again they could use the Center to host a special program featuring Eric Chock, a poet/author from Hawaii.

The Center was also requested for use for a concert of Chinese music performed by American students of master musicians visiting from the People’s Republic of China. The concert was the first to present the results of a cultural exchange between the U.S. and China.

About 375 people, most of them Asians, attended the concert. The musicians were delighted to be able to perform in the Center, and mentioned many times that the acoustics were excellent for their music.

The Baha’is furnished the site and the flowers, took care of lighting and other such related items. The Chinese and their aux

On April 19, Baha'is from the Hmong tribe in Laos who are now living in Portland, Oregon, hosted for the first time that commu NI Hmong also participated for the first time in the annual election of the Spiritual Assembly of Portland.

nity’s Nineteen Day Fe: The available from the Baha’i commu- See FARMERS Page 26

iliary group took care of the refreshments.

Perhaps the most meaningful aspect from the Baha’i point of view was the happiness expressed by the Asians; several said that they felt the evening was really successful and that a wonderful exchange between the two groups had taken place,

Radio panel show keys Bridgeport, Texas, Baha’i school

The first major media event ever held in connection with the Bridgeport (Texas) Baha’i Summer/Winter School took place August 14.

The only radio station in the county was the medium for a Baha’i panel discussion which was broadcast throughout Wise County. Five Baha’is who were attending the school participated in the discussion.

The hour-long program was supported by the Dallas/Fort Worth area Baha'i Office of Public Affairs.

The Baha’is in Bridgeport sent invitations to more than 40 churches, and posted invitations ‘on several store front windows.

Invitations to listen also were placed in the local newspaper and in a bulletin that is distributed throughout the county.

At their weekly meeting at the Dallas Baha’i Center, some youth from around the district contributed one-third of the money needed to pay for the broadcast.

‘Indispensable medium for growth’

National Bahd’{ Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

ence on the Campaign of Unified

Action to be held at the Green

the impact made on the target audience.

Reports given at the final session highlighted a variety of new approaches and inspired more

here Baha’ School Maine.

in Eliot,

than one participant to exclaim, “T can’t wait to get back home and share all these wonderful ideas!’”

Reaching farmers is discussed at Nebraska Summer School

Bahá’ís from eight states and three countries at the Nebraska Summer School held three special meetings to discuss reaching farmers and rural people with the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

AMONG those present were Mrs. Judy Heikes, winner of the 1984 Kansas’ Master Sheep Producers Award; Kenneth, Krapf, winner of the 1983 Conservation Farmer of the Year Award for the Will and South Cook Water and Soil Conservation District; and Hal Maggiore, a_ professional photographer for ‘‘Successful Farmer’? magazine.

The conference was opened with a discussion of the importance of family life on the farm, after which teaching plans were discussed.

It was generally concluded that a door-to-door approach would not work on Midwestern farms. Since farmers participate in religious services on Sundays, as a family, it was felt that direct teaching might be regarded as an intrusion of privacy,

The following ideas were considered:

© Mail a Baha’i “‘teaching kit’’ to each farm. It would consist of a coupon for the book, Thief in the Night, an invitation to attend a public meeting, a list of telephone numbers of local Baha’is, a list of firesides, information about the Faith including the pamphlet “The Open Door,”’ and a photograph of the House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

OFFER a correspondence

course through the mail. One is

nity of Phoenix, Arizona.

Advertise the Faith on the

radio and on television after the morning farm report.

Become involved in local 4-H,

women’s clubs, the American Legion, Toastmasters, etc.

Attend and participate in local craft festivals. Invite Baha’i craftsmen to come to your town. and participate in the shows.

When people move to a small

town, go to their home and welcome them to the area. You may even wish to organize a “‘welcome wagon.””

Offer a public service, such as

a workshop dealing with stress, or a free blood pressure check; offer to conduct classes at a local community college.

INVITE local Sunday school

classes, and their teachers, to your farm. Serve refreshments.

¢ Request traveling teachers from the National Teaching Committee.

Celebrate World Religion

Day. One way to do this is to visit the ministers of local churches, explain the purpose of World Religion Day, and ask that they speak to their congregation on a prechosen topic such as ‘‘God Is the Supreme Physician.’”

Hold ‘‘firesides’”’ by inviting

local townspeople, craftsmen or farmers who can speak on their particular interest, art or skill. Do not discuss the Faith at this meeting, but when people express an interest or curiosity about the

[Page 12]

ACE UNITY

The American Baha

12

‘When the racial elements of the American nation unite in actual fellowship and accord, the lights of the oneness of humanity will shine...’ (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 54)

S.C. Baha’i earns top honors for work in domestic violence

Annette Reynolds, a Baha’i from Orangeburg, South Carolina, puts the Faith’s message of the unity of mankind into practice as she helps individuals and families in the area of domestic violence.

AS AN extension home economist with Clemson University’s Extension Service, Ms. Reynolds has helped form two groups: Sisters Reaching Out (a peer counseling group), and Sisters United (a group of concerned citizens which provides services for battered spouses and those close to them).

She has provided emergency housing, meals and counseling for abused women and their children. Once past the crisis period, she “‘adopts’’ the women as sisters.

Ms. Reynolds has developed two leaflets, one for abused spouses and those close to them, the other for community groups.

In an effort to raise community awareness of the problem, she has spoken many times at churches, before civic clubs and other groups, and has conducted a survey to assess the need for the shelter that Sisters United hopes to establish.

A 24-hour crisis hotline has been set up, and she is one of. several volunteer counselors on call evenings and weekends.

Later this year she’ll be in New York City to accept the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Extension Home Economists.

The award, for exceptional program development and leadership, is one of the highest given by that organization.

She’ll also give an overview of the domestic violence prevention

ANNETTE REYNOLDS

project—Reach Out, Stop the Hurt—as a part of the Home Economics Exchange Workshop.

“It’s essential to eliminate the violence between family members if we are to have any hope of achieving a less violent society,” says Ms. Reynolds. ‘‘I’m just doing what I can to help.”

Dr. Nasir Bashirelahi (center), who served as master of cere

community of Howard County, Maryland, is shown with the two speakers—Thom Thompson, a

Baha’i who is featured on ‘Crisis Counselor’ on the Cable Health Network, and Dr. Harriette MeAdoo, dean of the School of Social Work at Howard Unive

in Was! ton, D.C. Each speaker was given a copy of the book

To Move the World. The public program was held at the Central Library in Columbia, Maryland, in which a display promoting Race Unity Day was presented for one week.

Distinguished panel highlights Wisconsin race unity program

A state Supreme Court Justice, two community leaders and an educator participated August 12 in a panel discussion on the advantages of race unity at the first Race Unity Conference sponsored by the Spiritual Assemblies of Madison and Middleton, Wisconsin.

The conference, which was tended by more than 50 people including many non-Baha’is, was moderated by Douglas SamimiMoore, a Bahá’í from Highland

Park, Illinoi:

Its theme—The Advantages of Race Unity—was chosen to promote a positive discussion and to avoid reviewing old-order conflicts between the races.

Panelists were encouraged instead to share their vision of a better, racially unified world.

It was a novel approach, said panelist Betty Franklin, executive director of the Madison Urban League, and one she said she had

all On Sunday, June 10, the Baha’i Assemblies of Baltimore City, Bel

Air, and Baltimore County-West, Maryland, cooperated to sponsor a Race Unity Day observance at the Baltimore Baha’i Center. The speaker (left photo) was Mrs.

Marilyn C. Greene, a member of the national Race Unity Committee, whose topic was ‘How Rel gion Can Help Foster Race U ty.’ Musical entertainment was supplied (right photo) by the

“Welcome Travelers’ Gospel

group of Baltimore. Dr. Fred Lee of Baltimore County-West served as master of ceremonies. A Race Unity Day proclamation was issued by William D. Schaefer, the mayor of Baltimore.

never previously considered.

The other panelists were Wisconsin State Supreme Court Justice William Callow; Charles Matthews, the Dane County Affirmative Action officer; and Dr. Frank Evans, a Department of In Wisconsin State Supreme Court Justice William Callow (left) and Charles Matthews, Dane County Affirmative Action officer, were among the panelists August 12 at

100 attend Race Unity Day picnic in Virginia

About 100 people, many of whom were not Baha’is, attended a Race Unity Day picnic in June sponsored by the Baha’i community of Mecklenburg County, Virginia.

The public was invited through newspaper ads, radio public service spots and letters to local churches.

struction specialist and the only Baha’i on the panel.

Media coverage of the event was excellent and included a quarter-page article in the largest local newspaper as well as television and radio reports.

a Race Unity Conference sponsored by the Spiritual Assemblies of Madison and Middleton, Wisconsin.

A local disc jockey volunteered to serve as master of ceremonies and another man offered to set up a sound system.

The program, at the state park amphitheatre, featured Baha’i and non-Baha’i musicians, break dancers, puppeteers, and a Bahd’{ speaker.

[Page 13]BAHA’I DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

Assemblies, Groups urged to open BDS accounts

The newly formed arm of the Baha’i Publishing Trust, the Baha’i Distribution Service, is urging all Assemblies and Groups to consider opening accounts to purchase books and other materials.

“THERE are a number of good reasons to establish an account, even in the smallest communities,”” says Robert Blum, marketing manager for the Distribution Service.

“Even if you seldom order

IDEAS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

Presentation Book

Call to the Nations

An ideal book for presenting to

congressmen or local dignitaries

that examines the worldwide

social and moral chaos, explains

the principle of the oneness of

mankind, and foretells a future

world commonwealth in which

human rights are ensured.

(HC, $6.00) : Pamphlets

Building a Unified Community

Explores the purpose of human

life and describes how unified

communities can emerge when

that purpose is realized and

acted upon.

(PM, 10/$3.00)

Divine Law: Source of Human

Rights

Describes how justice—the

cornerstone of human right

central concern of the Baha’i

Faith.

(PM, 10/$3.00)

The Environment and Human

Values: A Baha'i View

Delineates the basic illness of our

society and environment and

outlines Baha’i principles that

will help restore a balance within

the environment and within the

sphere of human values.

(PM, 10/$3.00)

Equality of Men and Women:

A New Reality

Discusses the Baha’i teachings

on the equality of men and

women, Excellent for groups that

are interested in the status of

women.

(PM, 10/$3.00)

books from the Distribution Service, having a Distribution Representative (formerly called li brarians) on file means your community will receive regular informational mailings about new books and other materials that are either in production or newly available,” says Mr. Blum.

“Distribution Representatives also will receive order forms and updated price lists on a regular basis. When the time comes to order books, or you have a pending event for which you need materials, your community will be prepared.””

One of the most obvious reasons to have an account with the Distribution Service, he adds, i: that “‘you receive a 10 per cent discount on purchases of more than $25.

“The discount usually covers the costs of shipping the books, with a little left over. As the community grows and more books are ordered, the proceeds from book sales can be used to establish a lending library or to purchase books to place in public libraries. The money accumulated from the discount can be used in any way the Group or Assembly chooses.’’

THERE are other advantages too, says Mr. Blum:

“Our accounts are billed only for those books which they receive. If an individual sends a check for a book that is out of stock we must send back a credit invoice.

“Then the individual may either use the credit for another purchase or return the invoice to receive a check. Accounts are saved that extra step.””

Also, he says, Groups and Assemblies that have accounts can take advantage of two other services, back order and standing order.

If a Distribution Representative requests it, any item that is out of stock will automatically be back ordered. The back order is noted on the invoice he receives.

Accounts may also request a standing order and receive a specified number of copies of any

new title, says Mr. Blum,

AN individual who orders books must pay the list price of each book plus a percentage for shipping and handling. The Distribution Service is able to charge communities with established accounts the exact shipping charge.

“We're able to charge accounts less for shipping,”’ says Mr. Blum, “because it’s simply much less work to deal with an account which is already on our records.

“Every time an individual orders, all the paper work must be repeated because we have no existing file for that person on our data base. It’s like starting over.””

There may be a time, he says,

“when we'll consider opening an account for individual Baha'is, but for now the best possible situation is to have Distribution Representatives in every community.

“As with any business, we ask that Baha’i communities pay their bills as promptly as possible. The Distribution Service is an independent business and must pay for the books it buys, so it is essential that Baha'i communities deal with us ‘as they would any other creditor.””

Any recognized Group of two or more adult Baha'is, and all Assemblies, are eligible to open an account with the Baha’i Distribution Service.

Trust remodeling under way; brief services slowdown seen

Remodeling is now under way on the building that houses the Baha’i Publishing Trust and the Baha’i Distribution Service.

THE FIRST stage of the remodeling operation was to be completed by about October 15.

“First, we'll be gutting the back of the building and remodeling it to accommodate the warehousing operation,’’ says Larry Bucknell, general manager of the Publishing Trust. “By the first of November we expect to begin moving the shelving and hardware into the building at 415 Linden Avenue, and shortly after that we'll begin transferring our inventory.

“While the inyentory, is being transferred,”’ he says, “‘we expect to have a noticeable slowdown in order processing.

“Our intention is to do all we can to make the slowdown as brief as possible. Since we haven't had to move this many books and materials before, it’s a little hard to predict how long service will be affected.”

According to Mr. Bucknell, the remodeling of the Publishing Trust and Distribution Service will reduce the overhead costs of maintaining a separate warehouse, and ultimately will help keep a lid on the rising costs of

book publishing.

“‘We can only hope,’” he says, “that the remodeling and transfer of our inventory goes as smoothly as the installation of our new computer system.

“We're already seeing an improvement in the speed with which we are processing orders. These two significant changes in the way we do business should result in better service to our customers and much greater efficiency in our internal operations.’”

U.S. Baha’i Directory for June ’84 available

The June 1984 issue of the United States Baha'i Directory has been published and is available upon request to Spiritual Assemblies and Groups.

The directory contains information on how to contact Spiritual Assemblies, Auxiliary Board members, District Teaching Committees, and selected schools and institutes.

Once a community requests a directory, it will automatically receive one every six months.

To request a copy of the directory, simply write to the Office of Membership and Records, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Oo Quan. ‘Amt. Quan. Amt. 1 — America’s Spir. Destiny, SC $4.50 __ Destiny Package C $13.00 51.30 lbieaain for eeae) — Apostles Baha'u'llah, CS 70: __. Divine Law, PM. 10/3.00 _ “4 a Ro = pantiactook BE. 188 — Env. and Human Values, PM 10/3.00 Batons «cirri (or te fan armount oc Pocket Calendar 142 10/1.78 Equal. Men Women, PM _=—10/3.00 _ D Wall Calendar 142 B.« 1,00 _. From Behind Veil, SC B25 ta, Build. Unified Comm., PM 10/3.00 Mark Tobey: Art & Belief, HC 16.95 __ CARD NO. E Call to the Nations, HC 6.00 Mark Tobey: Art & Belief, SC 8.95 _ Orr Nae ‘The Dawning Place, HC 20.00 20.00 _ R ‘The Dawning Place, SC 12,00 12.90 _ Name —. Destiny Package A 8.0 $.00 _ — Destiny Package B 19,00 100 _ address a ix a ~ City State R Bahá’í Distribution Service pecepted: Cre hone: 1-% 323-1880. M 415 LINDEN AVENUE 2 )

WILMETTE, IL 60091

(All prices are NET—no discounts. No charges on accounts accepted. Credit card orders accepted by

TAB: 10/84

VISA/MC (CIRCLE ONE) EXP. DATE —___

Total plus 10 per cent postage

Zips

ZR7POnm Deore

Prices good through November 30, 1984

Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh

The American Baha'is

a dynamic talk by Counsellor Peter Khan on the challenges and promises of America’s glorious destiny

60-minute cassette

Catalog No. 831-047

$7.00

PLUS

America’s Spiritual Destiny

a guide for personal or group study; 104 pages

Catalog No. 363-026

$4.50

ORDER NOW AND SAVE

Call 1-800-323-1880 before October 31, 1984

Destiny Package A contains Apostles cassette tape America’s Destiny guide Catalog.No. 560-101 $8.00 now ($10.00 after Oct. 31, 1984)

Destiny Package B contains Apostles cassette tape America’s Destiny guide

Advent of Divine Justice, HC

Catalog No. 560-102

$19.00 now

($23.50 after Oct. 31, 1984)

Destiny Package C contains Apostles cassette tape America’s Destiny guide Advent of Divine Justice, SC $13.00 ($18.00 after Oct. 31, 1984)

[Page 14]TREASURER’S REPRESENTATIVES

14

WHO ARE THE NTRs?

NTRs are representatives of the Treasurer of the National S| tual Assembly. Their mandate is to help the believers in their area of service understand the relationship between the use of material iritual growth. yn, they are available to train local treasurers in the technical, educational and spiritual aspects of administration of the Baha'i Fund. NTRs are not fund-raisers!

The following individuals have been selected to serve as NTRs through August 1985. They are listed according to the Districts in which they serve. Every community is encouraged to meet with its NTR at least once a year.

NTR DIRECTORY

Alabama, Northern—#028 Bobbie H. Piper

Birmingham, AL 35243 205/967-0334

Alabama S/Florida NW—#019 Pamela Taylor

Eglin AFB, FL 32542 904/651-8095 Arizona, Northern—#072 Reed Amadon P.O. Box 193 Tsaile, AZ 86556 602/724-3371 602/724-3311 James and Patricia Harris P.O. Box 111 Clarkdale, AZ 86324 602/634-5685 Arizona, Southern—#066 Barbara De La Cruz

South Tucson, AZ 85713

602/882-3041

602/745-5588 Arkansas—#033

Becky Doan

Little Rock, AR 72204 501/227-7002 501/371-3485

California, Central No. 1—#076 Vern Allie PO Box 429 Redwood Estates, CA 95044 408/353-1261 415/961-2550, X3070

John J. Gallagher

Hayward, CA 94544 415/537-0575,

Robert Lewis

Richmond, CA 415/526-3956 415/524-4342

Debra Taylor

94804

Newark, CA 94560 415/794-3461 415/657-6300

California, Central No. 2—#077 Leland and Marie Carlson

California, Northern

Hanford, CA 93230 209/582-5830 209/582-2541 (Leland)

Claudette Varnado

Fresno, CA 93726 209/252-3569

Harold E. Moore

Sacramento, CA 95820 916/452-0109

Keith Stahl

Sacramento, CA 95842 916/344-3704

Ken Turner

Broderick, CA 95605 916/372-3387 916/371-8789

California, Northern No. 2—#074

Mike Bryan

Rohnert Park, CA 94928

107/584-0679 > 707-585-1723

Karen Wilson

PO Box 297 - Star Route

Kneeland, CA 707/445-3430

95549

California, Southern No. 1—#078

Nigel Austin-Weeks

El Segundo, CA 90245 213/322-2899

Farshad Berjis

S. Pasadena, CA 91030

818/441-4834 Brian Mealey

Long Beach, CA 90803 213/431-1141 213/615-0311, X1198 Charles White

Los Angles, CA 90008

213/290-1062 213/649-6693 California, Southern No. 2—#079

Judith and Shad Afsahi

Anaheim, CA 92804 714/956-1889 213/236-5862(Shad) Melvin Chester

Newport Bch, CA 92663 714/645-2557 714/836-8042

California, Southern No. 3—#080

Ralph P. Neal

PO Box 3150

Shell Beach, CA 93449 805/546-9382

Albert A. Okuma, Jr.

Ventura, CA 93003 805/642-0822 805/646- 6860/2231

California, Southern No. 4—#069

Keith Fuller

Carlsbad, CA 92008 619/729-6110 714/831-0900

1—#075

Michael and Nancy Lavach

Lakeside, CA 92040 619/561-7336 619/696-4217 (Michael)

Colorado, Northeast—#037 Sue Christianson

Greeley, CO 80631 303/356-2228

Chuck Hall

Englewood, CO 80100 303/781-2586 303/329-9335 Colorado, Southeast—#065 Sevilla Caldwell

Colorado Springs, CO

80904

303/636-2847

303/475-5129 Colorado, Western—#036

Mark A. Reddy

P.O. Box 1728

Durango, CO 81301

303/259-1538

303/259-2890 Connecticut—#005,

Adair Luciani

Woodbridge, CT 06525 203/397-0867

DelMarVa—#020 Bill Winters

Claymont, DE 302/798-3895 302/999-9805

Florida, Central—#058 Michael J. Reimer

19703

Casselberry, FL 32707 305/695-7808 305/423-2261

Florida, Northern—#027 Nahid Venus

Jacksonville, FL 32207 904/396-4885

Florida, Southeast—#018 Covey Cantville

Royal Palm Bch, FL 33411 305/793. 1184

305/583-6044

George G. Savitt

Miami, FL 33134 305/448-5228 305/592-3423

Kurt Wells

Boca Raton, FL 33433 305/482-3892

Florida, Southwest—#015

Bobby Thaggard

Tampa, FL 33617 813/988-1399 813/253-2207

John Wing Lakeland, FL 33801

813/665-1933 813/665-1451

Georgia, Northeast—#025

Joe Ferguson

Stone Mt., GA 30088 404/469-9829 404/897-5887

Kevin Schuler

Athens, GA 30606

404/353-7298 Georgia, Northwest—#026

Catherine McDonald

Tucker, GA 30084 404/496-0979 404/420-8112

William F. Varner

College Park, GA 30337 404/766-2696 404/530-2593

Georgia, Southern—#017 Cecile Bigatin

Savannnah, GA 31401 912/236-0051

William F. Varner

College Park, GA 30337 404/766-2696 404/530-2593

Idaho N/Washington E—#085,

David Gregory

Okanogan, WA 98840 509/422-5334 James W. Workman PO Box 366 Lapwat, ID 83540 208/743-1535

Idaho, Southern—#083

Gerry Albright

Nampa, ID 83651 208/467-7223

Minois, Northern No. 1—#050 Elizabeth and Gerald Helt

DeKalb, IL 60115 815/756-3252

Illinois, Northern No. 2—#044 Charlotte George

Tinley Park, IL 60477 312/532-5939 312/798-4600

Leslie A. Wilder

Prospect Heights, IL 60070 312/541-5237

Minois, Southern—#051 Debora and Scott Martin

Monticello, IL 217/762-9759 217/762-2908 (Scott)

Jim Weik

61856

Webster Grove, MO 63119 314/968-9699 314/631-4400

Indiana—#057 Lawrence H. Dwyer

South Bend, IN 46601

List of National Treasurer’s Representatives by district

219/287-5463 219/288-4655

Peter Jones

Muncie, IN 47304

317/284-0023

317/284-6696 lowa—#059

Edith M. Elmore

Bettendorf, IA 52722

319/332-5525

309/794-1515 Kansas—#064

Kenneth R. Hollingshead

P.O. Box 327

Lenora, KS 67645

913/567-4449

913/567-4885

Genay H. Snyder

Emporia, KS 66801 316/343-3135 Kentucky—#031

Debra and Dennis Reid

Danville, KY 606/236-7034 606/236-8400 X259 (Debra) 606/236-9220 (Dennis)

Jim Wilde

40422

Lexington, KY 606/268-3261

Louisiana, Northern—#032 Kim Bowers

40509

Kilgore, TX 75662 214/984-2915,

Nezzie Harris

Vicksburg, MS 39180 601/638-5537 601/636-5221 Louisiana, Southern—#088 Bernice Dormio

Westwego, LA 70094 504/436-1581 504/341-2273 Maine—#001 Samuel Brown Cambridge, ME 04923 207/277-3724

Manny Reimer Eliot, ME 03903

207/439-3632 207/439-4515

Maryland/D.C.—#021

James L. Sturdivant Greenbelt, MD 20770 301/345-2918 202/245-0024, x0009

Massachusetts—#003

Norma Gimlin P.0. Box 989 Northampton, MA 01061 413/586-5193 413/586 9440 Mike Hoffman

Milford, MA 617/478-4604 617/528-8600, X2306

01757

ASS

a

prec ietn iti set

I. isipad PLIES EE OE

ee [Page 15]

TREASURER’S REPRESENTATIVES |

October 1984

15

Ray Schmucker

Boxboro, MA 01719

617/263-6823

617/493-8775 + Michigan, Mainland—#054

Zander Krowitz

Cadillac, MI 616/775-1763 616/775-2421 Tom Rykwalder

49601

Manchester, MI 313/428-9454 313/995-7854

Sally Singer

48158

Saginaw, MI 517/792-8416 517/893-3961

Minnesota, Northern—#056 Timothy M. Crawford

48603

Virginia, MN 55792 218/749-3609

Minnesota, Southern—#089 Mike Teren:

Minneapolis, MN 55403 612/870-8801 612/339-8894

Soheil Zebar jadi

Bloomington, MN 55437

612/835-4074

612/874-5298 Mississippi—#029

Frances Falvey

Gulfport, MS 39501 601/863-6856

Nezzie Harris

Vicksburg, MS 39180 601/638-5537 601/636-5221

Margaret Quance

Gulfport, MS

601/863-6856

601/868-2311 Missouri—#060

Badi Eshraghi

39501

Kansas City, MO 64155 816/734-8735 816/274-1367

Joyce E. Smith

King City, MO 64463 816/535-6215 816/535-4319

Jim Weik Webster Grove, MO 63119

314/968-9699 314/631-4400

Barbara Wisman

Union, MO 63084 314/583-8887

Montana—#082 George H. Belshaw

Bozeman, MT 59715 406/586-1225

Carol Koelzer

Billings, MT 59105 406/232-1798 406/252-4874

Navajo/Hopi—#098

Reed Amadon P.O. Box 193 Tsaile, AZ

602/724-3371 602/724-3311

86556

Barbara Tong

PO Box 395

Tuba City, AZ 86045 602/283-5675

Nebraska—#063

Carol Jean Befort

North Platte, NE 69101 308/534-8434 308/534-6780

Jo Ellen Clifton

Grand Island, NE 68801 Don Schneider

Fremont, NE 68025 402/727-5708 402/721-1562

Colin Taylor

North Platte, 308/534-4939 308/532-8980 Nevada, Northern—#073 Richard Bush

NE 69101

Reno, NV 89502

702/329-3982

702/784-5236 Nevada, Southern—#068

Joan McWhirter

N. Las Vagas, NV 89030 702/642-6272 702/649-3137

New Hampshire—#002

Geoffrey G. Martin

Concord, NH 03301 603/225-9257 603/228-1345

New Jersey—#008 Corinne A. Manogue Institute of Advanced Study Princeton, NJ 08540

Rodney Richards

Yardville, NJ 08620 609/585-6120 609/984-7861

New Mexico, Northern—#070 James Hopper, III

Santa Fe, NM 87501 505/988-2157

New Mexico S/Texas W—#071 Gary Worth

El Paso, TX 79912 915/542-3505 915/532-5421

New York, Eastern—#009 Bob Arrington

Katonah, NY 914/232-8344 212/683-3500

10536

Gary J. Dunn

Hempstead V., NY 516/481-7860 516/595-5825

John Hilton

Albany, NY 518/436-8230 518/477-2100

John D. Marlow

12208

Greenwich, NY 518/692-7694 518/584-4100

Robert Scheidet

12834

Rocky Point, NY 516/821-0141 516/473-8400

New York, Western—#010 Brydon J. B. Grant

11778

East Amherst, NY 14051 716/688-1417 716/898-3377

Bruce Watson

Syracuse, NY 13224

315/446-0360 315/456-3509

North Carolina, Central—#013 L. Douglas Johnson

Greensboro, NC 27407 919/852-0845 919/275-4578

Anne H. Respess

Tobaccoville, NC 27050 919/983-2356 919/983-2356

North Carolina, Eastern—#024 Robert Ruby

Raleigh, NC 27609 919/847-2885 919/872-9500

North Carolina, Western—#012 William C. Wachob, Jr.

Charlotte, NC 704/537-8762

North Dakota—#061 Earl Henrikson

28205

Bismark, ND 58501 701/224-8690 101/258-6672

Ohio, Northern—#053 Frank S. Jenkins

Warrensv'l Hts OH 44122 216/283-8526 216/687-3021

Ohio, Southern—#055

Terry A. Krasko

Athens, OH 45701

614/592-6366

614/592-6644 Oklahoma, Eastern—#034

Mary Ellen Baker

Broken Arrow, OK 918/258-3795, 918/744-2505, Oklahoma, Western—#091 Polly and Rudy Koskie

74°12

Edmond, OK 405/341-0233

Oregon, Eastern—#016 Ruth Hall

73034

Pendleton, OR 97801 503/276-1868 Oregon, Western—#084

Norman C. Ives, Jr.

Springfield, OR 97477 503/741-0996

Chris O'Donnell

Gladstone, OR 97027 503/656-0524 503/249-4556

David Phelps

Tigard, OR 97223 503/639-0750 503/639-8612

Steve Toussaint

12319 SE Oatfield Road Milwaukee, OR 97222 503/654-7129

Pennsylvania, Eastern—#038 Laura Lawrence

Bethlehem, PA 215/868-5604

Pennsylvania, Western—#007 Craig A. Parke

18017

Donora, PA 412/379-5625 412/379-8727/6222

Rhode Island—#004 Bud Phelps

15033 :

Coventry, RI 02816 401/397-5536 South Carolina, Central—#039

Dorothy Biering

Holly Hill, sc 29059 803/496-7038

S.Carolina, Eastern No. 1—#040 Roya Anvar-Campbell

Florence, SC 29501 803/662-0662 803/558-2977

S.Carolina, Eastern No. 2—#094

Roya Anvar-Campbel1

Florence, SC 29501 803/662-0662 803/558-2977

Anthony Mockabee

Moncks Corner, SC 29461 803/761-3106 803/743-3733

S.Carolina, Northern—#011

Rob McKie

Pickens, SC 29671 803/878-6664 803/859-3695

S.Carolina, Southern No. 1—#041

Anthony Mockabee

Moncks Corner, SC 29461 803/761 3106 803/743-3733

S.Carolina, Southern No. 2—#042 Amber Spahn

| ssn A RS SED EDS SE SEES SSS ESSERE

Walterboro, SC 29488 803/549-2186 803/524-8473

South Carolina, Western—#043 Rob McKie Pickens, SC

803/878-6664 803/859-3695

South Dakota—#062 John Luthy

29671

Brookings, SD 57007

605/692-7321 605/692-6030 Tennessee, Eastern—#030 Dorothy C. Edwards e, 4 East Ridge, TN 37412 615/867-3384

Gail Humpston

Knoxville, TN 37922

615/966-4601

615/482-0101 Tennessee, Western—#093

Marcia Lample

Nashville, TN 37211 615/833-3676

Texas, Central No. 1—#047 Ruben Betancourt

Austin, TX 78750 512/250-9391 §12/244-4062

Texas, Central No. 2—#045 Michael Kelly

Lubbock, TX 79410 806/793-2728 806/763-4213

Texas, Eastern No. 1—#035

Kim Bowers

Kilgore, TX 75662

214/984-2915 Margaret Menking

Rowlett, TX 75088

214/475-8570 214/437-2400, X2483

Carole Trout

Richardson, TX 75080 214/690-4540

Texas, Eastern No, 2—#049 Irvin Hanks

Missouri City, TX 77489 718/437-7514 713/850-7244

Texas, Northern—#046 Gisela Webb

Lubbock, TX 79424 806/794-7359 806/742-2261

Texas, Southern—#048 Gilbert L. Rucker

Victoria, TX 77904

512/575-2708 512/578-3571

See NTRs Page 22

[Page 16]eC er CLASSIFIEDS.

The American Baha'i

16

Classified notices in The American Bahá’í are published free of charge as a service to the Baha’i community. Notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial messages can be accepted for publication. The opportunities referred to have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly, and the friends should exercise their own judgment in responding to them.

°

ATTENTION retired educators: established pre-schools in Swaziland need supervisors by the end of January 1985. One school requires a mature couple to be caretakers for the regional Baha’i Center and to supervise nearly 60 pre-schoolers under two bi-lingual teachers. Free housing may be available. Also needed is a single supervisor for a small two-teacher school at the National Center in Mbabane; temporary housing may be available. People who are mature and financially independent are needed in both positions, and one’s own transportation is practically a must. For complete details, contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

WHAT a bargain! Back issues of Brilliant Star and Child’s Way magazines are available for collectors, teachers, parents and children of all ages! $1.50 for each issue of Child’s Way, $2 for each issue of Brilliant Star. “Please specify dates with your request. Send to Brilliant Star, Suburban Office Park, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343.

EMPLOYMENT opportunity on the Hopi Reservation in Arizona for teachers with “‘special ed and Chapter 1’’ experience or training. Contact Louis Barajas, P.O. Box 211, Kykotsmovi, AZ 86039, or phone 602-734-2295. Mr. Barajas is principal of the Reservation school, and is not a Baha’i.

HELP save an Assembly by becoming a homefront pioneer to Mount Airy, North Carolina, a community of 8,000 near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Virginia border. A one-story, three-bedroom house with bath, large kitchen and

Got a new address?

MOVING? Got a new telephone number? Don’t forget to let your local community secretary and the National Spiritual Assembly know about your new address and phone number right away so there will be no interruption in receiving your Baha’i mail.

For your convenience, there is an address form on the last page of this issue of The American Baha’i. Simply put it in an envelope and mail to: Baha’f National Center, Office of Membership and Records, Wilmette, IL 60091.

two-car garage is for sale. The asking price is $19,000. Contact Shahin Nikoui, c/o Oscar Merritt,

_ Mount Airy, NC 27030, or phone 919786-8411.

ONLY ONE more Baha’i is needed to raise Braintree, Massachusetts, to Assembly status. Braintree is within commuting distance of Boston and about an hour from Cape Cod. The Baha’is of Braintree will help in any way they can in locating employment and housing. Write to Esther Rastegari, Braintree, MA 02184, or phone 617-848-8663 and leave a message on the recorder.

BAHA’i authors interested in the peace movement are invited to submit articles for possible publication in a compilation similar to Circle of Unity. Please contact Kalimat Press, 10889 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90024, or phone 213-208-8559.

FIELD technicians in education with specialties in management, resources, computers, teacher training, and other areas are needed for a project in Lesotho, Southern Africa. Also needed in Lesotho are qualified personnel in health, nutrition, communications, mass media, developing Countries, marketing, radio, agriculture, education, training, satellite communications, and _research. These are all U.S. government positions. For information about applying, contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

MOLINE, Illinois, needs Baha’is to maintain its Assembly status. Moline, in the Quad Cities area, has an active Baha’i community surrounded by five other Assemblies. There are two community colleges, four four-year colleges, Palmer College of Chiropractic, the Quad City Graduate Center, and many trade and business schools. The housing situation is excellent for buyers and renters. The job outlook for blue collar workers is poor, but there are openings in service professions and businesses serving the more than 350,000 area residents. Government workers may be able to transfer to the Rock Island Arsenal. For more information, contact Pam Dunbar, Moline, IL 61265, or telephone 319-797-6458.

NEED a homefront pioneer? Help us send one to your locality. Keep us informed about jobs, schools, rooms for rent, homes to share, and a general description of your community. These are most helpful in matching pioneers to posts. Please write to the National Teaching Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039, ext. 235.

COME live the life in smalltown Bridgeport, Texas (population 4,000) about 40 miles from North Texas State University and

Texas Women’s University in Denton (many people in the area commute to school) and about 50 miles from Fort Worth. Two adults and their three children are the only Baha’is in the county. The oil industry is thriving here, as is the rock-crushing industry. An area college is seeking instructors to teach extension classes in Bridgeport. There are two hospitals and two nursing homes in the area. The economy is relatively healthy, and the small-town atmosphere is great for raising children. The Bridgeport Baha’i School is held every summer and winter at Lake Bridgeport. For more information, please write to Cindy Bullion, _. Bridgeport, TX 76026, or phone 817-683-2055.

PETE Jorgensen of Panama, HP1XZB, would like to meet Baha’i ham radio operators in the evenings on 14313.

WANTED: Information about the location of the personal papers of Miss Olive Alexander, Captain James E. Scott, and Mr. and Mrs. Mabry C. Oglesby. Anyone having information about these papers is asked to contact the National Baha’i Archives, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

MONTESSORI teacher is needed for a new Baha’i-owned school in Hendersonville, Tennessee, 20 miles north of Nashville, where the small Baha’i community is family-oriented but welcomes single Baha’ is and cultural, chronological and racial diversity. Our goal community is 10 minutes away and has no “‘found”’ Baha’is yet. We’re looking especially for an energefic teacher of young children and new believers. Please contact Andrea Seals, corresponding secretary, Hendersonville, TN 37077.

HELP! Brilliant Star magazine is always in need of good materials for children, and has a special need for activities, stories and articles for younger children (primary grade ages). Send to Brilliant Star, Suburban Office Park, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343.

THE NEW “Homefront Pioneer” booklet is now available from the National Teaching Committee. The booklet lists and explains the committee’s priorities for homefront pioneers and provides helpful information for all Baha’is about homefront pioneering. You'll want to have this information for yourself and your Assembly to be knowledgeable about the homefront pioneer program and how we can use it to help win the goals of the Seven Year Plan. For free copies, please write to the National Teaching Committee, Baha’ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039, ext. 235.

ATTENTION prospective homefront pioneers. Here is your golden opportunity to complete an Assembly. New Hampshire has eight towns with seven or more

adult Baha'is: Hudson, Epping, Rochester, Bristol, Lebanon, Laconia, Woodstock and Lincoln. For more information, please contact Jon Ring, secretary, New Hampshire District. Teaching Committee, __ Exeter, NH 03833, or phone 603-772-4680.

PROJECT coordinator wanted for Washington, D.C.’s ‘Project 1000.’’ Opportunity for a devoted Baha'i to assist the Faith on a part-time basis. The Assembly is willing to help in finding a parttime job in the D.C. area. Write to the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Washington,

Washington, DC 20011.

RETIRED couple sought by the Spiritual Assembly of Eugene, Oregon, to live in and manage the city’s Baha’i Center, a turn-ofthe-century two-story home located beside the University of Oregon among the fraternity and sorority houses. The main floor is used by the Bahá’í community and the upper floor is the manager’s quarters. There is a large kitchen, one bedroom, a bath and front room with skylight. The $235 monthly donation by the managers covers all utilities and phone. If you are interested, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Eugene, P.O. Box 19743, Eugene, OR 97401.

JOBS are available in Grenada for certified teachers, especially at the secondary level, and licensed nurses, preferably with midwife trai . Also, a position for a nunist with a masters degree in public health. Also needed are dentists, orthopedic surgeons, eye specialists, psychiatrists and specialists in agriculture suited to tropical production. For more information, contact the Interna

tional Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

A TWO-YEAR position as a project manager is available in the North Pacific. Those with architectural or engineering experience in management are needed. Write to the International Goals Committee, Baha’ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312869-9039.

BRATTLEBORO, the gateway to Vermont, the four-season state, needs homefront pioneers to keep an incorporated Assembly functioning. Brattleboro is a vital, active town of about 13,000 with growth in light industry; music and crafts abound. There are three colleges within a half-hour travel time, not far away, and a large tourist and restaurant industry. For more information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Brattleboro, P.O. Box 221, Brattleboro, VT 05301, or phone Barbara Guthrie, 802-257-4433, or Barbara Goldman, 802-254-6918.

DO YOU work in an employment agency or related field? Consider helping in a referral network with other Baha’is around the country. Please write to the National Teaching Committee, Baha’i_ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039, ext. 235.

UNICEF packets that can be presented to children’s school teachers by Bahá’í parents are available from the National Education Committee office. The packet is a welcome gift to the teacher and helps to establish the child’s Baha’i identity in the classroom. Each packet contains a

See ADS Page 27

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[Page 17]

BAHA’I YOUTH CONFERENCE

October 1984

17

Conference

Continued From Page 1

event by Canadian Baha’i musicians, and dance interpretations ranging from contemporary ballet and classical dances from India to a break-dancing competition.

The conference was opened by Hugh Rooney, assistant vice-president of the University of Western Ontario, who welcomed the participants on behalf of the school. Mr. Rooney was also present at a Baha’i-sponsored tree planting ceremony on the campus.

Another special guest, Canadian Senator Jacques Hébert, cussed the important contributions to be made in developing countries by youth as a part of his description of Canada World Youth, an international assistance organization which he founded.

Bahai speakers focused on topics that included the United Nations International Youth Year 1985; thinking and creativity; free will; dealing with stress; accounts of recent martyrdoms; and of course, the Youth Movement.

Referred to time and again throughout the conference, this “movement,” which is in reality a grassroots rededication by Baha’i youth in Canada and the U.S. to serve the Cause of God , had its

&

Canada’s Ballet Shayda performs

during a session of the Baha'i In- London, Ontari withstand that opposi Canada. See CONFERENCE Page 26

inception during meetings of

Counsellors, National Assembly members, Auxiliary Board members, members of National Youth Committees, and selected Baha’i youth that took place last February in Invermere, British Columbia, and in May at the Louhelen Baha’i School in Michigai

THOSE meetings were held in response to the message of January 3, 1984, from the Universal House of Justice to Baha’i youth all over the world (see The Ameri April 1984, p. 7).

Since then, the Movement has manifested itself in an increased level of youth activities that has included service and teaching projects in Canada and in states from California to South Carolina.

Some young people arrived in

Canada two days before the conference was to open to attend a special Youth Movement session at which plans for teaching, deepening, proclamation and service projects were set forth and developed.

Many of the youth wore round, solid green lapel buttons devoid of any lettering, the symbol of the Youth Movement.

Throughout the conference, youth signed their names to a scroll addressed to the Universal House of Justice which carried this pledge:

We, the participants of the

ternational Youth Conference in

Baha’i Youth Movement in North America, pledge, in response to your message of January 3, 1984, to seize all opportunities, at this portentous hour, to serve the Cause of Baha’u’llah and to move the world.””

THE SCROLL, bearing the signatures of many conference participants, stretched from one end of the stage to the other when it was unrolled by some of the youth during the final conference session.

In a cable to the Universal House of Justice, the youth in London, Ontario, invited young Baha’is throughout the world to join the Youth Movement.

Dr. Hossain Danesh, the conference chairman and chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, read a letter of greetings from the National Spiritual Assembly of El Salvador and asked for a committee of youth to draft a reply.

Later, Dr. Danesh announced that it had been decided that the message from the Universal House of Justice would be read each day that the conference was in session.

Speakers at a panel session on International Youth Year included Charles ‘‘Cap’’ Cornwell, secretary of the U.S. National Teaching Committee, and Nancy Mondschein, a member of the U.S. national secretariat’s Department of Community Administration and former representative of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly to the United Nations in New York.

‘Other panelists were Canadian youth Vafa Akhavan and Dr. Sharon Hatcher; Ann Datson, director of the International Youth Year secretariat in the Canadian State Department; and Nancy Ackerman, public information officer for the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

A LARGE conference bookstore provided taped copies of conference presentations that were offered for sale while the conference was still in progress.

The agenda, although full and busy, allowed some time for outdoor activities including competitive and non-competi games and a service project in which a large number of youth cleaned up litter in city parks.

Among the evening activities were a dance and rock concert featuring Canadian Baha’i singers and musicians.

Mr. Furútan, who spoke on three occasions, delighted the audience with his sharp sense of humor and with marvelous stories of his days as a student when he was the only Baha’i at his university.

Dr. Varga spoke on two occasions, during which he drew the attention of his audience to the future opposition to the Faith which was described so eloquently by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and traced the steps outlined by the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, to reinforce one’s inner spiritual life in order to

TO THE BAHA’i YOUTH CONFERENCE IN LONDON, ONTARIO WE HAIL WITH JOY AND HOPE THE ENNOBLING PURPOSES OF YOUR CONFERENCE IN LONDON, ONTARIO. YOU ARE GATHERED AT A MOMENT WHICH RESOUNDS WITH THE SIGNIFICANCES AND CHALLENGES POSED BY THE WORLD-SHAKING EVENTS ENVELOPING THE COMMUNITY OF THE GREATEST NAME IN BAHA’U’LLAH’S NATIVE LAND. THE OUTPOURING GRACE PROVIDENTIALLY YOUCHSAFED THE ONWARD MARCH OF OUR HOLY CAUSE AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THESE EVENTS IS CLEARLY EVIDENT. OUR HEARTS LEAP AT THE INNUMERABLE IMMEDIATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FURTHER UNFOLDMENT OF THE ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH TO WHICH, UNDOUBTEDLY, YOU CAN AND WILL APPLY YOUR ABUNDANT TALENTS, YOUR ZEST FOR ACTION AND, ABOVE ALL, THE ENTHUSIASM OF YOUR DEVOTION. SURELY, YOU WILL SEE THAT THE HEROIC DEEDS OF SACRIFICE ON THE PART OF YOUR IRANIAN BRETHREN ARE MATCHED WITH CORRESPONDING EFFORTS ON YOUR PART IN THE VAST FIELDS OF TEACHING AND SERVICE LYING OPEN BEFORE YOU. THE EXHORTATIONS ESPECIALLY ADDRESSED TO YOUTH BY OUR BELOVED MASTER AND THE GALVANIZING INFLUENCE OF THE GUARDIAN’S GUIDANCE WILL ECHO EVEN MORE LOUDLY IN YOUR HEARTS NOW. INDEED, WE WILL PRAY ARDENTLY AT THE HOLY SHRINES THAT YOU MAY REALIZE IN YOUR LIVES THE IDEALS THEY SO PERSISTENTLY UPHELD, THAT YOU MAY THUS ‘ACQUIRE BOTH INNER AND OUTER PERFECTIONS’ AS YOU INCREASE YOUR STUDY OF THE HEAVENLY WRITINGS, STRIVE TOWARD EXCELLENCE IN THE SCIENCES AND ARTS, AND BECOME KNOWN FOR YOUR INDEPENDENCE OF SPIRIT, YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND YOUR SELF-CONTROL. MAY YOU, AS ‘ABDU’L-BAHA WISHED, BE ‘FIRST AMONG THE PURE, THE FREE AND THE WISE.’

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

AUGUST 25, 1984

Reggie Newkirk (right), an Auxiliary Board member from Canada, launches his patented one-hand

Mr. Robarts’ light-hearted presentation included some of his musings on being among the dwindling number of the Hands of the Cause.

Each of the Hands of the Cause was presented with a green Youth Movement button and a red rose.

“DEALING with Stress’ was the topic of a presentation by Dr. Jane Faily, a clinical psychologist and member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, and Fereydoun Ardestani, an engineering student from Ottawa.

Logical proofs of the existence of God were discussed by Dr. William Hatcher, a professor of mathematics at Laval University in Québec City and member of the National Spiritual Assembly of

jump shot during a pick-up basketball game at the Baha’i International Youth Conference.

Another member of the National Assembly of Canada, Dr. Glen Eyford, spoke on thinking and creativity, while “Evolution” was the topic addressed by Dr. David Smith, an Auxiliary Board member from Canada.

Robert Harris, an Auxiliary Board member from the U.S., used humor and the theme of youth as Bahá’u’lláh’s “‘spiritual soldiers”’ to make his points.

Entertainment between the various conference addresses included a performance by Ballet Shayda from Ottawa, which presented a blend of classical and modern dance, and an appearance by the Neda Baha’i Youth Choir from Detroit, Michigan.

[Page 18]PERSIAN PAGE

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October 1984

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[Page 20]

PERSIAN PAGE

The American Baha’i

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[Page 21]

BAHA’I PUBLISHING TRUST

October 1984

21

THE BAHA’I WRITINGS

The Secret of Divine Civilization—A Bahai view of Iran’s glorious future

“This holy land of Persia’’ will ‘become in every sense the focal center of human perfection, reflecting as if in a mirror the full panoply of world civilization.’”

HOW CAN that be? you are asking. Iran, in the Baha’i press, only brings increasingly grim accounts of the senseless persecution of innocent Baha’i men, women and children, and of horrifying torture preceding their execution. In the non-Baha’i press, the news from Iran is not much better.

It was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in The Secret of Divine Civilization, first published in 1875, Who was able to see the end in the beginning and to predict the glorious future of the “‘holy land of Persia.” It is the Master Whose voice today, from the pages of an old book, brings hope for a land that seems to have lost its way.

In The Secret of Divine Civilization, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá puts forth a plan for the regeneration of Iran (or of any spiritually impoverished country). The program calls for, among other things, universal education and the eradication of ignorance and fanaticism; for responsible people participating in a representative government; for codified laws, and for institutional justice to safeguard human rights and liberties.

Fundamental to the program ‘Abdu’l-Bahá advocates is the generative force of religion and the degenerative role of priestly power in human affairs.

The conviction of that inevitable triumph of the divine spirit of religion enabled ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to see the end in the beginning; enabled Him to implore His fellow countrymen to release themselves from the ‘‘blind following of the bigots’’; and, finally, enabled Him to envision the restoration of ‘‘this withered land to sweet new life.’”

“Abdu’l-Bahá, in The Secret of Divine Civilization, can help us, too, by enlarging our perspective on the future of the land which is now bringing so much suffering to our fellow Baha’is.

(Hardcover edition only, $10.00.)

Buying books for older children now helps lower costs, increase volume

(In the September issue of The American Bahá’í, the Publishing Trust announced on Page 15 an ambitious program of books for children and youth and suggested that all those who were concerned about such materials could help

| make the program a reality.—Ed.) °

“My child (niece, granddaughter, favorite youngster) is three years old, and I buy every Baha’i book that is published for threeyear-olds. What more can I do?”

THIS is an oft-heard question from Baha’is who are concerned about more Baha’i books for children and youth.

There is more that you can do, according to Dr. Betty J. Fisher, general editor of the Publishing Trust.

You can buy a copy now of every book that is published for 1-3 year olds. And you can buy a copy now of every book that is published for 3-7 year olds, 7-11 year olds, 11-15 year olds, and for those over 15 years old—and put them away until the child in question is ready for them.

“Look at it this way,’’ says Dr. Fisher, ‘‘The print run for an average adult title (for example, To Move the World, or The Light of Guidance) is about 5,000 copies. For these titles, there are around 5,000 book-buying adults one can count on.

“In contrast, the average print

run for a book for children or youth is around 2,000 copies. To complicate things further, the book buyers are split among 1-3 year olds, 3-7s, 7-11s, 11-15s, and 15 and older.

“It becomes a matter of mathematics,’’ says Dr. Fisher. “If every parent of a three-year-old would buy a copy now of every book published for older children, it would increase by several times the given number of persons buying the book.

“THE END result,”’ she adds, “‘would be more of a given book sold, lower costs per book at a given age level, more money avail able for producing other books for children and youth—and, ultimately, more books available in each age group.

“You can procrastinate now,’” says Dr. Fisher, “‘but the book for seven-year-olds probably won’t be available when your three-yearold is seven. Or you can buy that book for older children now—and help ensure that when the child is seven, there are three or four books available—not one or none.

“You can also share the contents of this article with friends and relatives who are concerned about having more books for children and youth,’”’ adds Dr. Fisher.

Here are some new—and old—angles for observing UN Human Rights Day

Let’s face it. Finding a new angle for observing UN Human Rights Day on December 10 is always a challenge.

But there are new angles—and old ones you or your community may not yet have tried.

FOR instance, has your mayor or other local dignitary recognized the efforts Baha’is are making to promote human rights, especially those of minority groups, women, youth, children, and those who are persecuted? Honoring such a person with a Bahda’{ book or other token of gratitude on Human Rights Day would be well

Publishing Trust unveils noteworthy new lineup of calendars

Do you have a hard time keeping track of all your Bahá’í and other activities? Has the Publishing Trust got a calendar selection for you this year!

What makes this year’s calendar offerings especially noteworthy is the format for the new Baha’i Datebook 142 B.E.

Each page of the Baha’i Datebook features seven days; two weeks are visible at a glance. The result is that the Datebook has almost three times as much writing space per day.

The 64-page Datebook also in Ordering from Baha’i Distribution Service

Individuals living anywhere in the world can order titles listed on this page from the Baha’i Distribution Service at the prices quoted (see the coupon on Page 13). U.S. customers should add 10 per cent for postage and handling (minimum $1.50) for UPS or fourth class mail; foreign customers should add 15 per cent (minimum $1.50) for surface mi

Baha'i institutions outside the 48 contiguous states should order directly from the Baha’i Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

cludes more blank pages in the back than in previous years for writing notes.

And the Baha’i Datebook begins in March with the Baha’i New Year, instead of in January.

“Starting the Baha’i Datebook in March ties it more closely to the Baha’ calendar system,’’ says Larry Bucknell, general manager of the Publishing Trust. ‘It will help reinforce our Bahá’í identities.”

The Baha’i days and months as well as the Gregorian days and months are clearly marked in the Datebook. Feasts, Holy Days, special event days, and legal holidays are also noted.

The cover of the Baha’i Datebook features a photograph of the handsome Baha’i National Center building in Evanston, Illinois.

Allin all, you can’t pass up this new way to organize your Baha’i year.

Baha’i Wall Calendar 142 B.E.

The Bahai Wall Calendar 142 B.E. féatures a full-color photograph of the monument to the Greatest Holy Leaf in Haifa. Below the photograph, a 14-month calendar (January 1985-March 1986) is printed. Feasts, Holy Days, and other Baha’i anniversaries are clearly marked.

On.the back of the Wall Calendar more details about the Baha’i calendar are given including a full listing of the Baha’i months (with English and Arabic names), Holy Days and anniversaries, with information about when they should be celebrated.

The back of this year’s Wall Calendar also includes a statement by Shoghi Effendi about the significance of the monument to the Greatest Holy Leaf, which is pictured on the front.

You will welcome the Wall Calendar as an esthetically pleasing addition to your home or office. Baha’i Pocket Calendar 142 B.E.

The Baha’i Pocket Calendar 142 B.E. is a 12-month, walletsized calendar with Baha’i Feasts, Holy Days, and anniversaries marked and listed on the back.

Printed in blue-green ink on white, the Pocket Calendar is a handy reference for your purse, wallet, desk drawer, or committee or Assembly notebook. ~ You needn't be disorganized if you order these three items to help you keep track of all the events in 142 B.E.!

The Baha’i Datebook is $1.85; the Baha’i Wall Calendar is $1.00; and the Baha’i Pocket Calendar is $1.75 for a package of 10.

appreciated.

Perhaps your congressman has helped with legislation on behalf of the Baha’is in Iran. A similar presentation to show your appreciation is a fitti response when he or she is vi area.

Donating Baha’i books to a school or library is always appropriate on such an occasion.

And if you are planning a public meeting, perhaps the theme of the event could be the persecution of the Baha’js in Iran, or the subject of torture in general.

Consulting on human rights issues as they relate to social and economic development may also lead to‘ideas-about how to celebrate the event in your locale.

Whatever your community chooses to do, Human Rights Day is an opportunity for teaching, for broadening our awareness, and for utilizing Baha’i literature to proclaim the Faith.

Order now to make sure you have materials on hand well before your Human Rights Day observance on December 10.

MAY 1985 “Azamat 142 518 Saturday lal 472 5/19 Suntey aml 473 5/20 Monday Kamal 4/4 S23 Twesdey aga 475 S/22 Wednestey ual Ys 572) Tharsdew beylat 77 tenn of he Bab

S24 Frey sig 78

A sample page (reduced) from the new Baha’ Datebook 142 B.E. which features more writing space per day.

For ordering information, see the box on this page or the Baha’i Distribution Service coupon on Page 13.

Schools

Continued From Page 9

YMCA Trout Lodge, Potosi, Missouri. Meals and lodging: Rustic cabins and family-style dining.

Recreation: Hiking trails, riding trails, lake, square dancing, bonfires, hayrides, singing, good cheer. Rates: includes two nights lodging and meals. Adults, $66; youth, $56.50; children 3-13,

35.50; infants under 3, $5. ProTo include a variety of topics designed to enhance our personal transformation by enabling us to unfold our true potential and to rediscover the essence of our Faith.

Registrar: Robert Yoder, Rock Hill, MO 63119; phone 314-962-9011.

[Page 22]

The American Baha’i

22

EYE ON NATIONAL

How many times have you been at a committee or Spiritual Assembly meeting, at a conference or Summer School, when some matter needs referring to the National Center?

Someone says, ‘‘Let’s ask National,’’ and off it goes.

But what is ‘‘National’’? How many offices are there? Where are they? How many people work there, and what do they do?

These are some of the questions that remain, for the most part, unanswered in the local community.

As familiar as the work is to the National Center staff, it becomes apparent when visitors arrive that what ‘‘National’’ is may not be so familiar to everyone else.

This column is intended to answer such questions—and many more!

This is your National Center, the heart of the American Baha’i community. You should be as familiar with it as you are with your own heart.

We'll continue this column for some time—and if there are questions you’d like answered, please address them to the Office of Personnel Affairs, ATTN: “Eye on National,” and we’ll try to answer them here. To begin:

What Is Where?

The majority of National Center offices are not in the House of Worship. In 1980 the American Baha’i community purchased a two-story office building a few blocks south of the House of Worship, and most of the national administrative work takes place there. (Note: There’s a little picture of the building up there in the corner that will be used as the identification for this column.)

Besides the National Center building and House of Worship, there are a number of other buildings: the Baha’i Publishing Trust (down the street from the Temple in Wilmette); the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds (the residence of the National Spiritual Assembly secretary and the Assembly’s meeting place), across Sheridan Road from the House of Worship; 110 and 112 Linden Avenue (headquarters for NSA Properties Inc.); the Baha’i Home at 401 Greenleaf in Wilmette; and a number of houses. ‘

Who Is Where?

The National Center office building should be considered the administrative headquarters. It houses the offices of Personnel, the Treasurer, National Education Committee, Membership and Records, Purchasing, Mail Services, International Goals Committee, National Teaching Committee, Persian Affairs, Public Affairs, Legal Affairs, ees of the Secretary, Data Processing, Periodicals, and the reference library.

Also, there are daytime maintenance personnel and a 24-hour security guard at the building. In all, about 80 people work in the National Center building.

The House of Worship houses, in addition to its own staff of four, the two-man Archives Department, two-woman Baha’i bookstore, and one-man audio-visual studio,

The buildings at 110 and 112 Linden Avenue, adjacent to the Temple, house the maintenance, security and grounds personnel for all of the sites, along with NSA Properties Inc. That adds up to about 35 employees.

The Publishing Trust, which is now the Trust and Baha’i Distribution Service, has a staff of 15, while the Bahá’í Home employs 17 full- or part-time staff and serves 20 residents (Baha’i and non-Baha’s).

We’ll take an even closer look at your National Center in the months ahead. You’ ll find out who works here, what it’s like to work here, how and why things work the way they do (or don’t!), who answers what questions, how we recruit new employees, etc.

Remember—if you have a question about the National Center, we’ll be happy to answer it.

Keep your ‘‘Eye on National’ right here, and we’ll learn more about one another so we can serve our Faith even better.

What is a ‘friendship team’?

A friendship team is a group of three to five Bahd’{s who work together to teach the Faith. A friendship team should have at least one member who is from a minority (i.c., Persian, black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, etc.). Make your friendship team as diverse as possible.

The goal of the National Teaching Committee is to have 1,500 friendship teams hosting regular firesides. A brochure has been sent to all Assemblies regarding friendship teams. For more information, contact your Assembly.

Have you formed your friendship team yet?

This photograph was taken in New York City, date unknown. Anyone who is able to identify

Can you identify anyone in this picture?

the National Baha’i Archives, Baha’{ National Center, Wilmette, TL 60091.

any of the children or who knows the date the picture was taken is asked to send the identification to

NTRs

Continued From Page 15 Utah—#087 Shari Meyer

Clearfield, UT 84015

801/776-6048 Vermont—#006

Anne Cook

Thetford Ctr, VT 05075 802/649-2989

Virginia, Northern—#014 Robert E. Hunsaker

Marshall, VA 22115

703/347-1990

703/367-3607 Virginia, Southern—#022

Kimbal Babcock

Ft. Lee, VA 23801

804/732-0307

804/734-3088

Chris Wade

PO Box 292

Scottsville, VA 24590

804/286-3838

804/286-3571 Washington, Northwest—#086

Kurt Asplund

Seattle, WA 98166 206/242-6608 Joe Bushnel]

Tacoma, WA 98407 206/752-5399 206/473-2003

Ellen Dodson 715/834-0427

715/835-3181 Wisconsin, Southern—#092 Patty Kubala

Everson, WA 98247 206/592-2429 206/592-5351

C. Edward Knight Cedarburg, WI 53012 414/377-5623 Port Orchard, WA 98366 200/874-2872 Harold R. Moe 206/476-3683 Holmen, WI 54636

Washington, Southwest—#090 Bill Yates

608/526-4118 608/526-3848

Wyoming—#081

Raymond, WA 98577 206/942-5319 William E. Moore

206/875-5707 Newcastle, WY 82701

West Virginia—#023 Leo Misagi

Daniels, WV 25832 304/763-2591 304/255-0451

307/746-4932 307/746-2717/2269

A. Dale Whiteman

PO Box 540 Evanston, WY 82930 307/789-0238

Bahá’í National Center Office Hours

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central Time) Monday—Friday Phone 312-869-9039

ocr RC CTE SET SEE SER ETE IT EC I ER ET TT Ea OEE EO Re Pe RT TSE PS PIER

Wisconsin/Michigan—#052 Fred L. Jenner (Note: When two phone numbers are shown the first is the home phone and

Eau Claire, WI the second a work number.)

Kalimat Press seeks replies to essays on social issues in Circle of Unity book

Circle of Unity is a collection of 10 essays plus an introduction. The essays address such issues as the peace movement, the women’s movement, poverty, racism, human rights, and Marxism.

But the articles represent only the views of the respective authors, and are not intended to be authoritative statements of the “‘Baha’i’’ position on the questions that are addressed.

Rather, it was hoped that the book would open the door to a wider discussion and dialogue within the Baha’i community.

Contributions to the sequel volume should be sent to Kalimat Press, 10889 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90024.

54703

Kalimat Press is actively seeking replies to the essays in the recently published volume Circle of Unity: Baha’i Approaches to Current Social Issues.

The replies are to be published as a small book that will contain letters and short essays in support of or in rebuttal to the ideas and approaches found in the first book.

“We see Circle of Unity as the beginning of a process, not the end of one,’’ says Anthony A. Lee, who edited the volume.

“The whole idea of the book,’’ he says, ‘‘was to begin constructive discussion and debate within the Baha’i community on the most pressing social issues of our time.””

[Page 23]

October 1984

et ee | THE MEDIA

23

INTERMEDIA

News from the Office of Public Affairs

In Coupeville, Washington, Baha’ is received nearly a full page of coverage in the Whidbey News-Times, which included an article headed “Coupeville Baha’is Agonize Over the Persecution in Iran,’’ and another headed ‘‘What Baha’is Believe.’ A third article, entitled “‘One Couple’s Road to the Baha’i Faith,’’ included a 6- by 9-inch photograph of the couple who are building an addition to their home to have a larger meeting space for the Baha’is.

In Southern California, Baha’i youth attracted nine columns of publicity spread over two pages of the Los Angeles Times for their summer community service project, which the paper referred to as ‘“‘a series of good deeds ranging from washing cars in Westminster to refurbishing the YWCA in Redlands to teaching English to refugees in Santa Ana.”” Three photos highlighted the article. Don Addison did a splendid job as public relations coordinator for the project. Coverage about ‘‘Green Spots,’’ a related clean-up project, appeared in Corona’s daily newspaper, The Independent.

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The July-August issue of Amnesty Action (published by Amnesty International) featured a full-page article on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s hearing on torture which mentioned Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh’s testimony and included several photographs.

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El Hispano, a newspaper in Albuquerque, New Mexico, featured a full-page article on ‘Aniversario del Martirio del Bab’’ (the anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Bab) that gave the history of the Faith as well as a number to call for more information, and pictured the Shrine of the Bab in Haifa. 5

Baha’i youth in Dayton, Ohio, were pictured on the front page of the Beavercreek Daily News planting evergreen trees and shrubs in front of the new city hall as a memorial to teen-age martyrs executed in Iran.

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The Reporter Dispatch in White Plains, New York, did a feature article on religious holidays that included four paragraphs on the Bahd’{ Holy Days.

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The Baha’i community of Olean, New York, co-sponsored a ‘‘Peace in the Home, Peace in the World’’ conference July 27-31 along with St. Bonaventure University’s Communiversity program. Presentations by Auxiliary Board members Nat Rutstein and Dr. Sam McClellan, who is a psychiatrist by profession, were extensively reported in the Olean Times-Herald.

Wish you could £ S

oo read about your community in The American Baha’i? So do we!!

Please submit PHOTOS (especially) and WRITE TO US.

(2) Don’t adopt the old ‘we’re too small; they get too many others’ attitude. We’d love to publish your successes!

Reprints available

of four-page article on Faith in leading Catholic magazine

If you missed the Fall 1983 issue of Catholic Near East magazine, which featured a four-page article headlined “‘The Baha’is: One of the World’s Newest Religions,” don’t be dismayed—reprints are now available. :

A striking silhouette of the Mother Temple of the West graces the front cover of the magazine whose cover intro reads, ‘“The Baha’is: Blessed are they who are persecuted for justice sake ...’”

The article has evoked so much interest from Catholics that Baha’is have been unable to get enough copies to pass around.

After selling out its entire stock in what the publisher calls “‘an unprecedented demand,”’ the Catholic Near East Welfare Association has decided to reprint.

Issues are available through local Baha’i librarians in certain centers. The Office of Public Affairs regrets that the printer’s deadlines were such that we could not adequately survey more localities.

Large quantities have been ordered by librarians in Los Angeles, San Jose, Houston, New York City, and Baltimore.

Copies are also available from the Office of Public Affairs for 50 cents each plus 10 per cent for postage.

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State, local resolutions: good idea for a number of reasons

To accelerate the momentum generated by the passage of state resolutions, why not reach out to city and county levels?

DID YOU know that resolutions condemning the persecution of Baha’is in Iran have already been passed in Chicago and Wilmette, Illinois; Carlsbad, New Mexico; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Roanoke, Virginia; Crete, Nebraska; Melbourne, Florida; and in Jefferson County, Alabama; Orange County, California; Genessee County (Flint), Michigan, and that a resolution is pending in Hamilton Towns! New Jersey?

Mayor’s proclamations have been issued in Reno, Nevada; Birmingham, Alabama; and Los Altos and Santa Ana, California. Why seek a resolution?

It lets your mayor and council know there are Baha'is in their constituency.

How to:

First, present the facts to your

representative on the city council

(or county board). Enlist other Baha’is to do likewise.

Second, suggest that he/she sponsor a resolution condemning the persecution of the Baha’is in Iran, and supporting actions taken by our government on their behalf.

Strengthen your proposal:

Background materials on the persecutions are available from the Office of Public Affairs. You’ll want to furnish your representative(s) with copies of your state resolution, if one has been passed, and information about resolutions passed in Congress (Senate No. 86 and House No.

226).

If you feel that interest warrants it, you may offer to show the video tape of the most recent Congressional hearings on May 2, 1984. This is available from the Office of Public Affairs ($30 plus $3 postage for 1/2-inch VHS). Need extra support/ideas?

Call or write the Office of Public Affairs and consult with us. We'll send you sample resolutions passed in other cities and counties and help you choose the best plan of action for your community.

Suggested materials:

© Background Information Packet—A kit suitable for presentation to leaders of thought, edi tors, religious and community leaders. It contains The Baha’is in Iran and its update, The Banning of Baha’i Religious Institutions in Iran; reprints of recent news articles and press releases, and fact sheets on the Baha’i Faith in the U.S. and the world. ($5 plus 75 cents postage)

© Statements Made by Public Officials About the Persecutions—Hon. C.N. Dombalis, U.S. alternate representative to the United Nations (11/23/83), 30 President Reagan’s Human Rights Proclamation (12/9/83), 20 cents; New York Mayor Koch’s letter to President Reagan (7/6/83), 20 cents; and statement by the Prosecutor General of Iran re banning of Baha’i religious institutions in that country (8/29/83), 25 cents.

© Public Officials Kit—A kit containing several of the statements made by non-Baha’i public Officials about the persecutions (listed above), a pamphlet on loyalty to government, reprints and fact sheets. (A must if you have never approached your town council to make an over-all introductory presentation!)

[Page 24]PAGINA HISPANA

The American Baha'i

24

Siguiendo la senda mistica con piés practicos

Shoghi Effendi, el amado Guardidn, se refirié a ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, asi: ‘‘debe para siempre ser considerado como el Centro y Pivote de la Alianza incomparable, que todo lo abarca, de Bahá’u’lláh, como Su mis exaltada obra, como el Espejo inmaculado de Su Luz, el perfecto Ejemplo de Sus ensefianzas, el infalible Intérprete de Su Palabra, la personificacién de cada uno de los ideales Baha’ is, la encarnacién de cada una de las virtudes Baha’is, la Mas Poderosa Rama salida de la Antigua Raiz, el Miembro de la Ley de Dios, el Ser ‘a Cuyo alrededor giran todos los nombres,’ el Resorte Principal de la Unidad del Género Humano, la Insignia de Ia Paz Suprema, la Luna del Astro Central de esa santisima Dispensacién, nombres y titulos que son implicitos y hallan su mas real, su més alta y mas hermosa expresién en el mégico nombre: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.””

La vida de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ofrece a cada creyente ejemplos de como nos debemos comportar para con nuestro préjimo y del amor que siempre debemos llevar en el coraz6n para la creacién entera. En este mimero y los préximos, se presentaré anécdotas de la vida del ilustre “‘Maestro,”” para inspirar nuestros corazones y acciones.

°

Monevah vino un dia donde nosotros para saber si deseabamos. ver al Maestro dar socorro a los pobres, como tenia por costumbre hacerlo todos los viernes en la maifiana.

CUANDO fuimos a las vyentanas que daban a un gran patio vimos reunidos entre doscientos a trescientos hombres, mujeres y nifios. Tal variedad de gentes sdlo puede verse en estos lugares.

Eran ciegos, cojos, invalidos, personas muy débiles; tal vez la gente mas pobremente vestida que existe en la tierra.

Un hombre tenia sus vestidos hechos de una colcha parchada;

una anciana llevaba un costalillo como capa; los nifios estaban tan andrajosos que sus vestidos apenas se sostenfan en sus cuer Habjian dos o tres creyentes con el Maestro. Se le pidié a la gente que se dividiera en dos grupos a los lados del patio y el Maestro comenz6 desde cerca de la reja a dar a cada uno de ellos una moneda, pidiéndole después que saliese.

Era una escena inolvidable. ver al Maestro ir de un lugar a otro, diciendo alguna palabra de aliento y amor para darles 4nimo.

A ESTAS criaturas pobres y sucias solfa preguntarles sobre su salud y darles una palmadita en la espalda, y una vez Lo vimos despedir a uno de ellos sin darle nada y reprenderlo por su pereza.

jCudn musical y clara sonaba Su voz cuando iba de una a otra persona, dando y alentaéndo!

Los hombres que Le acompaiiaban mantenfan el orden con gran bondad y firmeza, y vigilaban para que cada uno pasara tan pronto como hubiera recibido su porcién de manos del Maestro.

Donde, o en qué lugar de este globo, puede duplicarse la escena que tenia lugar todos los viernes en el patio del Maestro en ‘Akká Quien es prisionero de Estado del gobierno turco y ha vivido en la prision 0 expatriado desde que tenia 9 afios de edad? (From Ten Days in the Light of ‘Akká)

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Sabiendo que venia una guerra (La Guerra Mundial), el Maestro habia ensefiado a los habitantes de los villarios de Mughayb, Samrih y Adasiyyih cémo cultivar maiz para obtener buenas cosechas, tanto en tiempo de paz como en tiempo de guerra.

UNA gran cantidad de este maiz fue almacenado en pozos, algunos de éstos hechos por los romanos, que no habian sido utilizados para este fin.

On May 26, the Baha’is of Lake Elsinore, California, entered this colorful float in the city’s Memorial Day parade. The float, which featured people of diverse races, won first prize in the church jon and the sweepstakes award given to the float judged best

the parade. The float was designed by Carolyn Thompson of San Bernardino and Esther Stevenson of Mira Loma, and was built by John Stevenson with finishing touches added by Baha'is from several communities.

Asi fue posible que ‘Abdu’lBaha proporcionara alimentos a numerosos pobres de Haifa, ‘Akká y sus alrededores en los aiios de carestia de 1914-1918.

Sabemos que cuando los ingleses entraron en Haifa hubo cierta dificultad en el Comisariato. El oficial del turno fue a consultar al Maestro.

“Tengo maiz,”’ fue la respuesta de Este.

“Pero, zpara todo el ejército? pregunté el asombrado soldado.

“Tengo maiz para el ejército

britanico,”” respondi6 ‘Abdu’lBaha. El, en verdad, recorria el ca mino Mistico con piés practicos. (From The Chosen Highway, p. 210)

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He oido a la Mas Grande Rama (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) relatar una de Sus experiencias cuando El se aventuré solo a salir de la casa donde residia, teniendo sélo ocho aiios de edad.

“HABIAMOS buscado abrigo en la casa de mi tio, Mirza Isma’il. Teheran se hallaba fuertemente agitado. Algunas veces me aventuraba a salir de la casa y cruzar la calle en camino al mercado.

“Apenas cruzaba el umbral y salia a la calle, cuando los nifios de mi edad que se encontraban jugando en los alrededores, me rodeaban gritando, ‘Babi! Babi!’

“‘Sabiendo bien el estado de agitacién en que habian caido los habitantes, tanto jévenes como viejos, deliberadamante no hacia caso a sus gritos y tranquilamente me dirigia a mi casa.

“Pero cierto dia, al mirar hacia atrds, percibi una banda de pilluelos que corrian para cogerme, arrojandome piedras y gritando amenzadoramente: ‘Babi! Babi!”

“Me parecié que la unica manera para evitar el peligro en que estaba era intimidandoles, por lo tanto me volvi hacia ellos con tal determinaci6n que huyeron mohinos y desaparecieron,

“A cierta distincia pude oir lo que decian: ‘El pequefio Babi nos esta persiguiendo y seguramente va a cogernos y matarnos todos.’

“Mientras me dirigia hacia la casa, oi a un hombre decir en alta

a jien hecho, nifio valiente! Ningun otro de tu edad podria haber sido capaz de afrontar semejante ataque solo y sin ayuda.”

“Desde aquel dia no me volvié a molestar ningun otro nifio de la calle, ni of ningun insulto de sus labios.’’ (Los rompedores del alba, p. 616)

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Una mafana Lo vimos en el pequefio jardin junto al mar. El estaba de pié bajo un pequefio arbol, contemplando el Mediterraneo azul, con su rostro hacia arriba mirando el sol, silencioso, sin movimiento, pensativo, tal vez en oracién.

A POCA distancia quedaba de

pié un grupo de diez creyentes, todos verdaderos patriarcas, santos y pintorescos en su vestimenta y actitud, una reproduccién del grupo de discipulos que atendieron a Cristo hace mil novecientos afios.

Algunos de ellos vestian mantos de puro blanco y turbantes, algunos con el turbante verde indicando su descendencia del Profeta, Mahoma. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá se vestia en pleno negro con turbante blanco.

Todos se quedaron sin movimiento por un largo tiempo, entonces el Maestro empez6 a andar de un lado a otro, inhalando el aire fresco que venia del laboratorio puro de las montafias liba nesas.

Cuando E! paraba, ellos paraban, cuando El caminaba, ellos Lo seguian siempre manteniendo su distancia y demostrando amor y reverencia en todos sus movimientos.

El amor aureold el cuadro. Las escenas de antafio habian regresado en realidad vivas ante nuestros ojos, tan acostumbrados estabamos a escenas diferentes en el Oeste.

DESPUES de un tiempo Mirza Assadu’llah lleg6 a la puerta del jardin llevando un gran ramillete de rosas el que did a ‘Abdu’lBaha, Quien las llevé a un lado, hundié Su cara en ellas por un largo tiempo y entonces las separé despacio, regalando una a cada uno de los hermanos.

Mientras EI lo hacia, ellos pusieron Su regalo a sus labios, entonces colocaron la ofrenda floral en la pechera de sus mantos.

En conjunto era un cuadro celestial. ... estas caras bronceadas luminosas con la luz de Amor, hombres de apariencia magnifica y noble y ahora doblemente gloriosos en su belleza espiritual—réplicas de lo que los hombres deben llegar a ser eventualmente cuando la humanidad sera elevada por la gracia de Dios a Su Imagen Espiritual.

Estas almas carifiosas habian sido unidas por atraccién divina de diferentes sendas de la vida, y, atin mds significante, de diferentes formas de creencia religiosa.

Entre ellos habian judios, mahometanos, parsis y cristianosahora todos baha’is, amandose los unos a los otros como Cristo habia ensefiado. (From World Order magazine, junio de 1945, p. 90)

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Yo era residente de Siria. Iba a hacer una visita du’l-Baha, en ‘Akká, y recogi una cantidad de uvas para llevarlas a El.

En el camino, un amigo, sabiendo de mi vi , me entregé una bolsa de deliciosos datiles para ‘Abdu’l-Baháa. Un poco mas tarde, teniendo mucha hambre, no pude resistir la tentacién de comer los datiles.

Al llegar a la Presencia de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, El me. recibié con mucho carifio.

Entonces le entregué las uvas que yo habia traido, pensando al mismo tiempo con profunda vergiienza en los datiles que me habia comido y que debja entregarle también en nombre de mi amigo.

Entonces ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, sonriendo carifiosamente pero mirando directamente a mis ojos, dijo: “‘Muchisimas gracias, Abraham, por las uvas, pero DONDE ESTAN MIS DATILES?” (Relato al compilador de Abraham Howie, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1940)

Music conference for Baha’is slated for Costa Rica

An International Music Conference for Baha’is will be held next January 31-February 7 in Costa Rica.

The event is being co-sponsored by CIRBAL and the National Spiritual Assembly of Costa Rica.

It will include workshops and classes on composition, instrumental technique, choir directing, music for radio, legal considerations for composers, and effective use of music in the Baha’i community.

A distinguished faculty of professional musicians is headed by Jim Seals of the wellknown duo, Seals & Crofts.

Professional and semi-professional musicians, as well as talented amateurs, will be invited to submit audio cassette tapes and sheet music or lyrics for CIRBAL files and for consideration for studio recording after the conference.

Information about hotel rates and conference registration will be forthcoming.

Virginia Baha’is stage charity walk-a-thons

For the past two years the Baha’is of Mecklenburg County, Virginia, have sponsored walk-athons for charity.

The first year the friends raised $900 for cystic fibrosis, and the second year $370 was raised to help combat sickle cell anemia.

All publicity—posters, newspaper ads, radio spots—included the words “‘sponsored by the Baha’is.’”

On the day of each event, signs were posted identifying ‘“The Ba

ha’i Walk-a-Thon Registration Table” al ‘The Baha’i Walk-aThon Car’ (which patroled the route).

After each event, thank-you notes were sent to those who helped and there were follow-up newspaper articles to keep the name of the Faith in the public eye a little longer.

[Page 25]ET a a re LE Ra TO ET EE

The American Baha'i

October 1984

Institute

Continued From Page 1

in the Campaign of Unified Action, which has as its stated objective the achievement of an unprecedented level of enrollments.

The NTRs are committed to assisting the teaching work in every way possible, including adapting such courses as ‘‘The Secret of Wealth’’ (which provides a useful

Dr. Glen Eyford addresses the NTR Training Institute.

Kevin Schuler (lef), an NTR from north Georgia, takes part in one

tool for personal financial management) to make them appropriate for presentation to non-Baha’is.

The NTRs participated significantly in the regular Sunday afternoon public devotional service at the House of Worship. They had rehearsed two songs to be sung with the House of Worship choir.

It was the first time in memory that the audience had been invited to sing along with the choir. Other innovations were implemented at this service, such as the movement of the choir around the auditorium while singing ‘‘Ya Baha’u’l-Abha.””

Following the Sunday afternoon tour of the House of Worship, the NTRs enjoyed a banquet where they were treated (perhaps subjected) to the “‘NTR Follies,” an annual event in which NTRs are given an opportunity to sing, cheer, or otherwise perform.

THE NTRs also expressed their fond appreciation to Dan Ware who is lea) the Treasurer’s Office to pursue his career.

The light-heartedness of the Follies set the stage for Auxiliary

me 4

of a number of small-group discussions at the NTR Institute.

Dan Ware, who is leaving the Office of the Treasurer after almost 10 years of service there, flashes

Board member Robert Harris’ humorous address to the NTRs in Foundation Hall.

Mr. Harris assured them that his address would not be a ‘‘sermon on the amount.’’ Afterward, there were devotions in the auditorium at the House of Worship.

im a MEX his well-known broad smile as other members of the staff let the National Treasurer's Representa To close the conference, some of the veteran NTRs gave inspirational presentations, sharing stories of sacrifices and of successes,

Also, they gave helpful hints that the newcomers could use to help fulfill their objectives. This practical advice—mixed with new

oe

tives know in their own inimitable way of his imminent departure.

materials provided by the Office of the Treasurer—assured the NTRs’ success in the coming year.

The NTRs left the conference filled with joy and enthusiasm, sure of their mission and confident that their endeavors will lead to new and profound successes for the National Baha’i Fund.

Photographers vi: photograph Baha’i House of Worship

The beautiful summer gardens and a brilliant blue sky were a perfect setting for the House of Worship as it was photographed August 20 by almost 100 visiting amateur photographers.

The photographers came from all parts of the U.S. and from several other countries to attend the Photographic Society of America’s 1984 Chicago International Convention.

“I don’t know how many pictures of quality were taken,” wrote Russell Kriete, one of the tour directors for the society, “but I know many who had never heard of Baha’i were introduced to it in a most pleasant manner through the show in your auditorium and by your attendants at the Temple.””

Small-group discussions heighten participation, communication at 7th NTR Training Institute

A unique aspect of the seventh National Treasurer’s Representative Training Institute was the time allocated for small-group consultation on various aspects of the work of the Treasurer’s Office.

In keeping with the spirit of the Campaign of Unified Action, in which the programs and activities of the National Center are devised and implemented in response to the stated needs of believers at the local level, the Treasurer’s Office sought the views of the NTRs in the following areas:

tions from the Office of the Treasurer, and how can they be improved?

Local Fund education. How

can the Treasurer’s Office and the NTRs help local treasurers make more effective Feast reports? What other ways can Fund education take place at the local level?

¢ Deepening courses. How can existing NTR courses be adapted to attract non-Baha’is? What new courses are needed?

¢ Teaching and the Fund. How can the principles of the Fund be used as the basis for a fireside?

NTR promotional materials.

How should a promotional brochure be designed to inform the community about the nature and scope of the NTR program?

In addition to these topics, the NTRs consulted on the content of the National Treasurer’s report to the District Conventions.

The concrete and practical suggestions produced during these sessions were splendid examples of the power of consultation to. bring new insights to the important work of Fund education.

The Office of the Treasurer values comments and recommendations from believers at the local level, and expects to see wonderful results as the recommendations made by the National Treasurer’s Representatives are implemented in the months ahead.

More than 125 hear Counsellor Sabri

at Broward College

Isobel Sabri, a Counsellor member of the International Teaching Centre in Haifa, spoke to more than 125 Baha'is at Broward Community College in Davie, Florida, while en route to Mexico City to participate in a recent plenary session of the Continental Board of Counsellors for the Americas.

The meeting, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Wilton Manors, marked the first occasion in which a member of the International Teaching Centre had visited and spoken with the friends in

in Davie, Florida

Florida.

The Counsellor covered such topics as America’s spiritual mission; the role and activities of the International Teaching Centre; the challenges that lie ahead of us in the areas of social and economic development, and the scope and history of its unfoldment; the readiness of the people of the world to accept the Cause; the aspirations of the Universal House of Justice regarding Baha’i youth; and how the families of the martyrs in Iran should be honored and respected.

Bahai House of and the forging of the North Americ

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Order through your local librarian (including 10% for postage and

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[Page 26]

The American Baha’i

Goals

Continued From Page 6

most of the country is quite safe, particularly the southern and eastern parts. ‘‘Europeans”’ (including Americans) are highly regarded.

Food and water are sufficient, although costs are high in the capital city, Kampala. A family of three can live in a good section of Kampala with air conditioning, three bedrooms, servants’ quarters, and an acre of land for $650 U.S. a month.

The average annual income for a Ugandan is $400 U.S. Food, if ‘one eats as Americans do, can cost $70 a month for a family of three.

The country’s National Spi tual Assembly was re-formed in 1981. Before the Amin regime, Uganda had 78,000 Baha’is and

Teaching Fever Is CONTAGIOUS! have YOU Caught the Fever Yet?

News.

from around the world. In

Faith in Papua New Guinea, ment of American Indians in

ment in Perth, Australia.

Members of the Spiritual Assembly of Umea, Sweden, are on the cover of Baha’i News in September. Hailing from Egypt, Iran, Mauritius and Sweden itself, they’re only a few of the interesting people you’ll meet each month in the pages of Baha’i

Baha’i News connects you with Baha’is

alone, you’ll learn about Baha’i events in St. Lucia, Pakistan, Swaziland, Bangladesh, Portugal and Zimbabwe. And there are major articles about teaching the

kota, and social and economic develop You can read about the growth of the Baha’i world and more by subscribing to Baha’i News. Send in the form below, with a check or money order, and we’ll see that you receive the September issue, and many more exciting issues to come.

Baha’i News

1,545 Spiritual Assemblies, its own National Assembly, and a full complement of national committees, Auxiliary Board members, District Teaching Committees, a Publishing Trust, land holding company, two Baha’i primary schools, three teaching institutes, and a number of district and local Baha’i Centers.

To bring such a community back to full Baha’i spirit and proper functioning is no small task. There are few pioneers now, although there soon may be as many as 10.

Needed are accountants, bookkeepers, business professionals, managers, investors, teachers, auto mechanics, medical personnel, and others.

The International Goals Committee has detailed information about each of these countries, as well as other goal countries.

Please contact the committee without delay at the Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone one of our pioneer consultants, 312-869-9039.

We must fill the goals by April 21, 1985.

September

the enrollSouth Da

Conference

Continued From Page 17

ONE OF the most poignant and heart-stirring moments came when Rouhi Jahanpur, a 27-yearold Baha’i who was among a group of 21 Baha’i women arrested and imprisoned in Shiraz, Iran, described the sufferings and heroism of her fellow-believers including her close friend, Muna Mahmudnizhad, an 18-year-old who was one of 10 Baha’i women executed in Shiraz in June 1983 for their repeated refusal to recant their faith.

Doug Cameron, a Baha’i musician from Canada, had written a song in memory of Muna, but when he tried to sing it he was overcome with emotion and was unable to finish.

The audience, many of whom were weeping, arose as one in tribute to a fellow Baha’i youth who had made the ultimate sacrifice for Bahá’u’lláh.

Although she made no reference to herself, Miss Jahanpur was given 74 lashes with a steel cable for refusing to recant while

ON THE COVER OF THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF BAHA’i NEWS SWEDEN—UNITY IN DIVERSITY

Baha’i National Center WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091 U.S.A.

Please enter my subscription to BAHA’I NEWS. | enclose my check, bank draft, or

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Within United States: All other countries: PLEASE 1 year $12.00 1 year $14.00 PRINT 2 years .... $20.00 2 years .... $24.00 Name Bahá’í I.D. Number Address City State and country Zip code

she was in prison.

An optional evening program featured a lively rap session for 14- to 16-year-olds with Auxiliary Board members Carol Bowie and Reggie Newkirk.

Counsellor Gardner sat among the teen-agers to observe their enthusiastic participation. The youth asked a number of perceptive and penetrating questions relating to specific applications of Baha’i qualities and standards of conduct.

EVEN though a dance was next on the conference agenda, many of the young people lingered long after the formal ending of the rap session to speak with the two Auxiliary Board members.

Mrs. Bowie later observed that the teen-agers showed a definite knowledge of the Baha’i writings during the consultation.

About 80 non-Baha’is attende: an evening proclamation held in downtown London that was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of that city and featured musical presentations by some of the youth at the conference.

Media coverage included reports on local radio stations, a well-written article in a local newspaper, and video taped interviews by a crew from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s news magazine program, ‘The Fifth Estate,” with two Bahá’ís from Iran who had been imprisoned there before emigrating to the West.

The CBC program on the continuing persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran was scheduled to be broadcast throughout Canada near the end of September.

Randall

Continued From Page 4

long before Mr. Randall became a Baha’i.

In 1914 Harry, as he was known, was elected to the Baha’i Temple Unity, the forerunner of the National Spiritual Assembly, and served on that body for 10 years.

HE WAS an_ inspirational speaker, and his services were in great demand. One of his happiest teaching experiences came when he accompanied the renowned Baha’i scholar, Jenabi-i-Fadl, during his first visit to the U.S.

Mr. Randall first met ‘Abdu’lBaha in Boston in 1912, seven years before his pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

In 1913 Mr. Randall became a trustee of the Green Acre Fellowship, which later evolved into the Green Acre Baha’ School in Eliot, Maine. In that capacity he made continual physical improvements to the Green Acre property.

It was largely through his efforts that Sarah Farmer, the founder of Green Acre, was released from a sanitarium, thus fulfilling a promise by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that she would pass away in her own home.

Mr. Randall’s interest in Green Acre never wavered, and those who saw him there each summer witnessed the untiring energy, devotion and financial support he

gave to the development of the school.

On his death in 1929, a tribute from the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, included these words:

“*.,.The unsparing efforts which he exerted for the promotion of the Faith, the passionate eloquence with which he diffused its teachings, the mature judgment and ripe experience which he contributed to its councils, the liberality with which in days of prosperity he supported its institutions, and above all his upright and generous character, are traits that will long live after him, and which bodily separation can never remove.

Farmers

Continued From Page 11

Faith, invite them to a Baha’i fireside.

Make friends with the local

ministers. Occasionally, attend local church services.

Participate in local choirs and

other activities. Become known.

Also discussed was the use of local newspapers for advertising.

The newspaper should also be read for opportunities to be of service, such as sending letters of appreciation and encouragement to high school students with exceptional grades or to people who have received local awards, and notes of condolence to those who are undergoing hardships.

[Page 27]

The American Baha

27

October 1984

hrs Uigo-.

.. in The American Baha’i

The Hand of the Cause of God Zikru’lláh Khadem and members of the Continental Board of Counsellors are invited to help inaugurate a special teaching plan for Illinois that is to be in effect until the end of the Five Year Plat

Invitations to the inaugural program at the Baha’i House of Worship are mailed to every Baha’i in Illinois, which is one of three states chosen by the National Spiritual Assembly for intensive teaching and consolidation programs ...

The National Spiritual Assembly announces through its National Teaching Committee a new committee structure for organizing and coordinating the teaching work among American Indians.

At the center of the new structure is the newly appointed American Indian Teaching Committee with headquarters in Tucson, Arizona.

Working under its direction are a cluster of auxiliary committees that are assigned to work in specific geographical areas. Among them are the Navajo-Hopi Teaching Committee and the NorthCentral Indian Teaching Committee for North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

More such regional Indian teaching committees are to be formed ...

More than 600 people attend the 15th annual Green Lake (Wisconsin) Baha’i Conference whose theme, ‘‘Be on Fire with the Love of God,’’ is taken from a statement made by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His visit to the U.S. in 1912.

The speakers include the Hand of the Cause of God William

bly of Canada; Auxiliary Board member Eunice Braun; and Dr. Stanwood Cobb, a renowned Baha’i author and educator ...

Publicity received during the Baha’i National Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, includes articles about the Faith that were published every day of the event by several St. Louis newspapers ...

The New Jersey District Teaching Committee, working with the Baha’i Group of Glassboro, begins a series of three conferences to explore ways of opening the entire southern tip of that state to the Faith.

With help from the friends in Maryland and Pennsylvania, Baha’is in New Jersey open five new areas to the Faith, thus accomplishing the goal of having at least one Baha’i in each county in the state ...

Ads

Continued From Page 16

1985 UNICEF calendar (which includes Baha'i Holy Days); a special packet of lesson plans, maps, etc., for grades 4 through 6 (teachers can adapt the materials for younger children) entitled “Big World, Small World, My World’’; and a fact sheet entitled “The Baha’ Faith and Its World Community” (for the teacher’s information). Each packet is $7 from the National Education Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

INDEXES are available for Brilliant Star magazine, March

Janet Lindstrom, twice a pioneer to Switzerland

Janet Lindstrom, a Baha’i for 44 years who twice pioneered to Switzerland with her husband, Edvard, died July 3 at a nursing home in Bedord, New Hampshire.

The Lindstroms, who in 1953 had become homefront pioneers to Yakima, Washington, arrived in 1960 in Neuchatel, Switzerland, in response to a request from the European Teaching Committee.

By the following April they had helped_to establish the city’s first Spiritual Assembly, one that has functioned continuously since that time.

They returned to this country at the end of the Ten Year Crusade in 1963, then pioneered a second time to Neuchatel in 1972.

Mr. Lindstrom _ was , elected treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly of Switzerland, while Mrs. Lindstrom served from 1972-75 as the Bahá’í International Community’s representative to the United Nations in Geneva.

As both were members of the National Spiritual Assembly in 1973, they had the bounty of attending the third Baha’i International Convention and participating in the election of the Universal House of Justice.

1983-January 1984 (140 B.E.) and Child’s Way (March 1981-January 1982 and March 1982-January 1983). Send $2 for each to Brilliant Star, Suburban Office Park, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343.

MANHATTAN, Kansas, better known as the “Little Apple,’”” needs homefront pioneers to stabilize a potentially jeopardized Assembly. Manhattan, the home of Kansas State University, has employment opportunities in office work, sales (representatives) and construction. The town of about 40,000 is nestled in the lovely Flint Hills area of the plains, enjoys near access to two lakes, has fine parks and a zoo, and is within reasonable driving distance of a number of larger cities. For more information, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Manhattan, P.O. Box 933, Manhattan, KS 66502.

COME to Columbus, Indiana, a clean city with unique architec ture. Needed are skilled business people, industrial and technical engineers, and those in all areas of medical work. For more information, please phone the Baha’is of Columbus at 812-372-5936.

JOBS are readily available at i ‘ies and other schools in the Philippines. Classes are taught in English, and teachers need only a bachelors or masters degree. For veterans, the GI Bill will cover schooling costs at approved schools in the Philippines. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i_ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

MISSISSIPPI needs you! In Greenwood and Yazoo, Baha’is are in need of consolidation (phone 601-636-9439 for information). In Hattiesburg, a Group of five needs help to attain Assembly status (phone 601-544-4332). In Oktibbeha County, home of Mississippi State University, a black couple or family who could help consolidate a community of masstaught black Bahá’ís would be very welcome (phone 601-324

Gordon Tong, secretary of Navajo-Hopi District Teaching Committee, dead at 39

The National Teaching Committee was saddened to learn of the death August 18 of one of its valued co-workers, Gordon Tong of Tuba City, Arizona.

Mr. Tong, 39, the secretary of the Navajo-Hopi District Teaching Committee, was en route to a planning conference at the Native American Baha’i Institute at the time of his death.

He had served since 1976 as a member of the District Teaching Committee, and since 1980 as an assistant to Auxiliary Board member Ernest Bruss.

Mr. Tong, a native of Hilo, Hawaii, embraced the Faith there in 1968. After graduating in 1974 from the Purdue University School of Dentistry, he became a

homefront pioneer to the Navajo Reservation, residing first in Chinle, Arizona, later in Gallup, New Mexico, and finally in Tuba City where he was employed as chief of dental services at the Tuba City Indian Hospital.

Simultaneous memorial services for Mr. Tong were held in Greenfield, Indiana; Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Honduras; at the Youth Conference in Ontario, Canada; and at the Tuba City Indian Hospital.

The geographic scope of these memorial services testifies to the hearts Mr. Tong touched during his lifetime. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and their four ae Amoz, Ian, Amelia and Ali.

ba RRS SE SA REET 0 8 RR SRE SE

your new address, Baha’i I.D. number, phone number, and previous Bahá’í community to the National Teaching Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone the committee at 312-869-9039.

NORTH Dakota needs you! Bismarck, Fort Yates, the Sioux Reservation, Fort Berthold Reservation, Devils Lake Sioux Reservation all need homefront pioneers. YOUTH are especially needed and are encouraged to inquire about the low-tuition schools compared to other states. Residency can be granted after only six months. For details, contact the National Teaching Committee, 312-869-9039, ext. 235.

Baha’i National Center Office Hours

2424 weekday evenings except Thursdays). And in Philadelphia, near a Choctaw Indian Reservation, someone who speaks Choctaw or has a knack for picking up languages could help teach and consolidate the Faith in that area (phone 601-856-4658).

ATTENTION children: We want your pictures, stories and comments. We want to hear what you have to say. Send to Brilliant Star, Suburban Office Park, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343.

SPANISH-speaking or bi-lingual homefront pioneers are needed on any of three Indian Reservations in Washington state: Toppenish, Wapato or Yakima. Please contact the National Teaching Committee at the Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039, ext. 235.

H.F.P. please call home! Have you recently arrived at a homefront pioneer post? Remember, you can’t be counted as a homefront pioneer if we don’t have notice of your arrival. Please send

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central Time) Monday—Friday

Phone 312-869-9039

In Memoriam

Rahmatullah Afsahi Ernest Hill Jeanne C. Peschko Anaheim, CA Princeton, WV Flemington, NJ August 21, 1984 July 30, 1984 August 21, 1984

Virgil Anderson Lizzie Hilton Elizabeth Pharo Marshall, TX Kingstree, SC Philadelphia, PA Date Unknown May. 14, 1984 May 10, 1983 Hattie Arthur John Hummel John Riematir Sumter, SC Concord, CA Las Vegas, NV Date Unknown Date Unknown 1983

Bessie Baldwin Walli S. Khan Beverly Jo Rusich Neah Bay, WA Vacaville, CA Woodinville, WA Date Unknown August 1, 1984 July 28, 1984 Lena Becker William King Ezekiel Sanders Belen, NM Milwaukee, WI Smoaks, SC Date Unknown June 1984 February 1983 Grover Bonaparte Clyde Lampkin Louise Sanders Orangeburg, SC Terrell, TX Rembert, SC Date Unknown Date Unknown Date Unknown Rose Bonaparte Lee Lopez Robert Simmons Orangeburg, SC San Mateo, CA Terrell, TX

Date Unknown Archie Bowman

June 14, 1984 Walter Lumby

Date Unknown Richard Simpson

Sumter, SC Firth, ID Tampa, FL Date Unknown August 4, 1984 July 27, 1984 Ben Cheese Vickie Magill Doris Mae Smith College Park, GA Pendleton, OR Grants Pass, OR July 1984 August 19, 1984 April 13, 1984 John Darby Ida Medicine Kathryn Spann North, SC Parmelee, SD Sumter, SC

Date Unknown Connie Ann Davis Little Rock, AR July 18, 1984 Virginia Dorris Cleveland, OH

Date Unknown Marcella McAllaster Las Vegas, NV Date Unknown James Mitchell Orangeburg, SC

Date Unknown

Henriette Thompson Wellton, AZ Date Unknown

Genevieve Voelz Wilmette, IL

Date Unknown Date Unknown June 5, 1984 Tuba Ehsani-Qamsari Leon Mitchell Eddie Washington Arlington, VA Orangeburg, SC Sumter, SC

Date Unknown

Willie Nesbitt Sumter, SC

Date Unknown Clara Orndorff Victorville, CA”

July 3, 1984 Anjioustrephn Palma Forest Park, IL

July 1984

Date Unknown Roscoe Whitfield Marshall, TX Date Unknown Simon Young Rembert, SC Date Unknown

August 1, 1984 Paul Esterling Kingstree, SC Spring 1984

John Fair Orangeburg, SC Date Unknown Walter Haynesworth Maxton, NC

June 1984

[Page 28]f f ,

The American Baha'i

Letters

Continued From Page 3 abide and the free assemble.” Perhaps we are victims of the urban phobia, trying to enroll masses where the masses live, in cities. Perhaps we rely too much on mass media rather than asking how one teaches farmers, ranchers, dairymen, foresters, loggers or fishermen, for example. Hooray for your letters column. Let me know the next time “‘the free assemble’’ somewhere. I want to go. Creative thinking is exciting, an electric process filled with divine energies. Leo Baldwin Arcata, California

To the Editor:

That refreshing viewpoint expressed by Linda S. Epstein (August) certainly deserves a standing ovation from all of us.

Keep reminding us, Linda; we need it. pi

James E. Pier Belvidere, South Dakota

To the Editor:

It was wonderful to see the loving discussion my letter provoked under your bold headline (July)

. “Teaching the Faith not like sell ing worldly goods.’’

According to the Writings, an individual never converts a soul, it is the Spirit of Baha’u’llah which. does it. But the individual must take the first step.

I have learned to let the Holy Spirit flow through me. I follow ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s admonishment to bring one soul to the Faith each year.

I feel that when it comes to teaching the friends should not be critical of anyone’s teachingeven a salesman’s. Our problem is not incorrect teaching, it is that we haven’t enough enrollments.

Richard Hoff Las Cruces, New Mexico

To the Editor:

Your ‘‘comment’’ column (June) tells of isolated Baha’is without even a prayer book.

Can we who have more books than we need collect them for those believers and for teaching teams to take along with them?

I have two used prayer books in good condition that they could have. Although I am in a Baha’i community, as a shut-in my contact with the others is limited.

The sense of isolation is often sheer anguish, but my Baha'i books, especially the prayer book, keep my soul alive. I am deeply concerned for the believers who have none, and who are isolated.

Carolyn des Granges Roxbury, Massachusetts

To the Editor:

The internment in 1942 of 120,000 Japanese-Americans on the basis of alleged intelligence reports continues to be a matter of debate.

IN February 1983, the Commission on Wartime Relocation and

Internment of Ci that depriving these Americans of their constitutional rights was motivated by “‘racial prejudice, war hysteria and failure of political leadership.””

Among those taken from their homes was Kanichi Yamamoto, the first Japanese to embrace the Baha’i Faith, and his family.

Hiroshi Yamamoto was ‘‘relocated’’ at a race track south of San Francisco. When we visited him, he declined to show us his living quarters.

Shinji Yamamoto was exiled to the salt flats of Utah, and it was from that desolate spot that he sent us his Baha’i declaration card.

As Marion Yazdi pointed out in her memoirs (Youth in the Vanguard, Baha’i Publishing Trust, 1982), Kanichi Yamamoto took the relocation philosophically and expressed gratitude for being allowed to take his clothing with him.

His nobility of character was in sharp contrast to the ignobility of those who to this day argue that it was justifiable to send American citizens who were not proved guilty of any crime or misconduct to concentration camps.

These Japanese were the same individuals who had done so much to make California one of the greatest vegetable producing areas in the world.

There is every reason to believe that the Japanese will be among the more prominent promoters of the Cause of God in the Pacific basin, the ‘‘eye of the earth.’”

Robert L. Gulick Jr. Glendale, Arizona

To the Editor:

Rouha Rose wrote (July) in support of writing to congressmen.

I am not aware of any word from the National Spiritual Assembly on this, and would be grateful for their guidance on this important question.

My own conclusion is that letters written in the spirit of constructive, helpful guidance must come under the directive to “‘behave toward that government with trustfulness, truthfulness and faithfulness.”” ns of a representative

to keep our elected officials

formed of our opinions and wish es. Failure to do so constitutes

negligence and faithlessness to our government.

Catherine Sullivan

Taylor, Arizona

To the Editor:

For those of you who are interested in children and improving the quality of their lives, I have some information I'd like to share.

The Anis Zunuzi Baha’i School in Haiti has a sponsorship program. The cost to sponsor one child for a year is $100.

The newsletter in which I found this information is published quarterly by the school. The subscription cost is $6 a year, and

Second Class Postage Paid At Wilmette, brits 2 inol October 1984 Noe ee r ons p Moving? ne Manoa Z Fupne=DO NOT ute nicknames ot ! Tell us your Resisence | new address paaees To avoid unnecessary delays in re- 1 egving your cope of The American 1 send your new address and 2 Code weer aoe I-bel which includes 1 Your ID number to the Office of 1 and Records, Baha'i National Center, Wilmeite, IL I 60091, as soon as you know that you City me os Tee State aa Pip Code 1 co sone etme es cage am | 1 your new home is accomplished with: Most sed fsa ! 1 Dargie eae aL aire Sie ee ae 1 i Wame of Local Assembly Group oF solated locality where this person resides ' NOTE: Use this Late bh | form for individual Momeg O2teaimng label should accompany adress change | changes only. We have been receiving more than one copy I I of The American Baha’i. Because we don’t 1 need extra copies, please remove my name 1 from the mailing list for this publication. 1 1 Please check box. 1 | BAHA'I NATIONAL CENTER | Wilmette, Hlinois 60091 1 & K AS | 20) ine oD 1 i ‘ | BAHA’I I [FAITH MNO AC eS Aas enc aes elt ate end

subscriptions can be sent to Subscription Service, c/o Majzub, 8951 S.W. 85th St., Miami, FL 33156.

Quoting from the newsletter itself:

“In order to give an opportunity for individuals to participate in the exciting work of the Zunuzi Primary School, a sponsorship program has been established through which donors may bring education to a Hai child.

“Each sponsorship will enable one additional child to attend the school. The recipients of the sponsorships are chosen by the school’s director on the basis of merit and need ...

“The name and address of the sponsor is not given to the child, however, to avoid the possibility of further solicitations ...

“Sponsorships may be sent to the National Spiritual Assembly,

of Haiti, attn: Stuart North, Treasurer, B.P. 1247, Port-auPrince, Hi

“Americans wishing a tax deduction should send their sponto the U.S. National Baha’{ Fund with a note requesting that the amount be forwarded to “Haiti for use as a sponsorship at the Zunuzi school.’”

Providencia M. Lord Niantic, Connecticut

To the Editor:

Surely it is our obligation to share with one another the insights that our personal backgrounds and professions can provide, to help us in the most important work of teaching.

DICK Hoff, in his letter (May) was doing this. I believe that those

who reacted to his letter may have missed his point.

I first met Dick in 1971, shortly before my own declaration. I made that decision in a quiet moment by myself, but it was Dick Hoff and others who helped me to understand that sharing a belief Bahd’u’ll4h and the Baha’ p1 ciples was definitely linked to e1 rolling in the Faith and commi ting myself to the service of this Cause as a member of the Baha’i community.

Dick was concerned then, as he is today, that many of us fail to carry our teaching relationship with the seeker beyond a point just short of declaration and enrollment.

Some ‘would-be Baha’is’’ hesitate to make the commitment, and in the absence of a guiding hand might retreat from that decision and defer it indefinitely.

This is understandable since up to the time of actual declaration they have been ‘‘free’’ to continue their investigation or leave it off... and ‘free’? to retain old hal because they’ve not yet consented to be ‘‘bound’’ by Baha’i law. Suddenly, this is about to change.

THE presence of a Baha'i teacher, in a role not unlike that of a midwife, seems desirable: exhorting, encouraging, suggesting, prompting, coaching, reassuring, and remaining to accompany the newly enrolled believer through the earliest stages of transition that must follow.

Of course, one must be sensitive to the needs of the seeker—a few might resent an intrusion during

the intimate process of commitment.

But are we afraid that by encouraging our friend to declare his faith, we might negate the teaching that has gone before? If so, we lack confidence in our teaching and in the ability of the seeker to respond positively rather than defensively.

A salesman who understands the spirit of service will not press for a sale merely for material reward.

He knows that his product is of good quality. He demonstrates its value to those who need it, wins the trust of his customer ... then guides the process to a successful sale (and the customer becomes a buyer).

If he is like Dick Hoff, he offers advice about how to make the best use of the product, and is available for follow-up help.

We are not engaged in selling material goods. We are engaged in the most important work of helping others to learn about this Faith and to understand its potential for all mankind, so that they will want to embrace it themselves and become its servants.

Let’s not sell our Cause short. Consider the advice of the salesman: effective teaching includes securing enrollments.

John J. Phillips Braintree, Massachusetts

“The more one can give, the better it is...” National Baha’i Fund Wilmette, IL 60091