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State Department again censures persecutions in Iran

For the third year in a row, Iran's continuing repression of its Bahá’í minority has been cited by the U.S. State Department in its annual review of human rights practices around the world.

"The Bahá’í religion is not recognized in Iran," the report says, "and since the revolution (in 1979), the Bahá’ís, Iran's largest non-Muslim minority, have suffered severe persecution, mainly government-directed and aimed at the religious leadership.

"Approximately 200 Bahá’ís have been executed or have died following torture" since 1979, the report says, including "at least six in 1985."

Tests of Islamic knowledge and orthodoxy, according to the report, have been dropped in recent years on the grounds that they conflict with a constitutional provision that "the interrogation of people regarding their beliefs is forbidden.

"This provision is ignored, however, in the treatment of members of the Bahá’í faith."

The State Department document, titled "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1985," cites confiscation of Bahá’í properties, demolition of religious shrines, seizure of Bahá’í-owned businesses, and denial of employment to Bahá’ís.

"Much of the Bahá’í religious leadership," the report says, "has been arrested, as have many ordinary Bahá’ís.

"Charges are vague: 'crimes against God,' 'corruption on earth,' and 'Zionism' are among the most frequent," but "the real reason for the arrests," according to the report, "seems to be advocacy of Bahá’ísm."

As of December 1985, some 767 Bahá’ís were reportedly in prison in Iran.

"While we are gratified that fewer Bahá’ís were executed in 1985 than in the previous four years," says Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, "we are deeply concerned that the Iranian Bahá’í community may be destroyed by the Islamic fundamentalist regime.

"In fact, Iran's actions against the Bahá’ís constitute no less than genocide, according to the definition of that crime set forth in the UN's Genocide Convention."

That Convention was ratified February 19 by the U.S. Senate, 37 years after its adoption by the UN General Assembly (see article elsewhere on this page).

Noting the landmark vote last December by the UN General Assembly condemning Iran's human rights practices, with specific reference to the Bahá’ís, Dr. Kazemzadeh expressed the hope that the UN Commission on Human Rights, now meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, would continue to press the Iranian government to respect the religious freedom and rights of that country's 300,000 Bahá’ís.

"The real treasury of man is his knowledge."—Bahá’u’lláh

Court verdict reflects Iranian view of Bahá’ís as 'infidels'

More evidence of Iran's persecution of Bahá’ís was uncovered in a recent translation of a court verdict in Tehran which held that a Muslim driver found guilty of manslaughter in the death of a Bahá’í did not have to compensate the survivors because "the victim was a member of the misguided and misleading Bahá’í community, and is considered an unprotected infidel."

Bahá’ís in the U.S. recently received the text of the Tehran court's verdict in the manslaughter case.

Although the defendant was found guilty and sentenced to three months' imprisonment "because of his negligence of traffic rules," the court ruled that "the accused is relieved of any obligation (for compensatory damages to the survivors)" because the victim was a Bahá’í.

The court further stated that "there is no explicit provision in Islamic law about damages and fines payable to unprotected infidels," adding that its decision was consistent with the writings of the Ayatollah Khomeini.

Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, calling the court's verdict "an ominous signal," linked it to an earlier court decision in Iran that denied a widow life insurance benefits after her husband's death because a contract with a "heretic" was not valid and enforceable.

President Reagan has on several occasions appealed for an end to religious persecution of Iranian Bahá’ís.

In his Human Rights Day message last December 10, Mr. Reagan criticized the Iranian government's "rampant religious persecution, especially against the Bahá’ís."

Louhelen College has some openings

The Louhelen Residential College still has a few openings for the September 1986 session.

So far, applications have been received from students in Alaska, Alabama, New York, Washington state, Guatemala, West Africa and El Salvador.

The program promises to offer students a unique opportunity to live in a Bahá’í environment while taking degree-earning courses at either a two-year or four-year college. While living at Louhelen, students will take a formal course in Bahá’í studies and study skills classes in speed reading, test-taking, writing, time management and vocabulary development.

Prospective students should write for an application and/or further information to: Louhelen Residential College, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

PEACE CONFERENCE KEYNOTE IS VARIETY

Plans for the first Bahá’í International Peace Conference, to be held August 28-31 in San Francisco, California, call for an outstanding program for the entire family including plenary sessions with notable speakers, entertainers and multi-media presentations.

In addition, there will be workshop sessions to provide a forum for in-depth discussions on themes taken from the Universal House of Justice's statement, "The Promise of World Peace," including racism, the elimination of prejudice, the equality of men and women, universal education, and the disparity between rich and poor.

Special sessions will feature musical and other artistic expressions.

Convention to mark end of Plan, launch new Six Year effort

The 77th Bahá’í National Convention, designed to celebrate the victories won during the Seven Year Plan and to launch with vigor and enthusiasm the new Six Year Plan, will be held May 1-4 at the McCormick Center Hotel in Chicago.

Among the highlights of this year's Convention will be an audio-visual production, "The Seven Year Plan in Review," summarizing and characterizing the achievements of the U.S. Bahá’í community during the past seven years.

On Friday evening, focused See CONVENTION page 8

Senate ratifies UN's Convention on Genocide

After 37 years of debate, the U.S. Senate ratified by a vote of 83-11 on February 19 the United Nations International Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, also known as the Genocide Convention.

The Universal House of Justice mentioned the Convention in its statement "The Promise of World Peace," saying that "all such measures, if courageously enforced and expanded, will advance the day when the specter of war will have lost its power to dominate international relations."

The Convention declares genocide an international crime and obliges signatory nations to punish those who commit genocide, which is defined as the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political or cultural group. [Page 2]JOYFULLY ANNOUNCE DEDICATION MOTHER TEMPLE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT WILL BE HELD NEW DELHI 23-27 DECEMBER 1986. AMATÚ’L-BAHÁ RÚHÍYYIH KHÁNUM WILL REPRESENT UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE THIS HISTORIC OCCASION AND DEDICATE TEMPLE. TEMPLE DEDICATION COMMITTEE FORMED UNDER AEGIS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY INDIA WILL CONVEY NECESSARY INFORMATION.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE FEBRUARY 24, 1986

WELCOME TO THIS CRASH COURSE ON “ENTRY BY TROOPS”. by Heidi Burns, Lakewood, Ohio

VIEWPOINT

First ‘Bahá’í/Marxist Dialogue’ held

The highly successful Bahá’í/Marxist Dialogue, sponsored by the Association for Bahá’í Studies and held January 24-26 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Michigan, appears to have been an event of major significance for the Cause, having taken place during the auspicious opening month of the fourth epoch of the Formative Age of the Faith and at a time of ever-accelerating emergence of the Bahá’í community on the world stage.

The seminar provided a clear indication of the intellectual force of the Bahá’í teachings and the respect they so readily command, even when perceived by those who operate within the confines of other views of reality.

Two of Canada’s leading Marxist scholars, Professors Colin Leys and Howard Buchbinder, participated in the dialogue. Both are much-published and highly respected.

This month’s article, an impression of the recent “Bahá’í/Marxist Dialogue” at the Louhelen Bahá’í School, was written by Gerald Filson, secretary of the International Bahá’í Audio-Visual Committee, which operates out of the Bahá’í National Center in Canada.

When faced by a clearly-reasoned and well-articulated expression of the Bahá’í teachings, both acknowledged in their various remarks their awareness of the intellectual challenge of the Bahá’í claims, and of its views on such topics as the nature of human beings and society, the historical development and progress of the human race, the present world situation, and other issues.

Prof. Buchbinder presented a clear and straightforward summary of the Marxist position, and this was followed by an eloquent and revealing historical synopsis by Prof. Leys of the fortunes of the Marxist position.

An explanation of the Marxist view of the nature of human beings and society was given by a well-spoken graduate student, Laurie Adkin, one of Canada’s leading Marxist experts on Central American politics and an able feminist advocate, who replaced a suddenly ill Prof. Meg Luxton of York.

All of these presentations were generously appreciated by the Bahá’í participants for their clarity and evident labor of preparation.

Each session began with a major presentation by a Marxist scholar with additional comments by the two other Marxists. The Bahá’í position was then presented with comments, and a discussion followed.

The Bahá’í view on the spiritual nature of the human being was presented by Prof. William Hatcher of Quebec’s Laval University, with additional comments by Counselor Farzam Arbab of Colombia’s FUNDEAC Rural University and Prof. Glen Eyford of the University of Alberta.

Dr. Arbab’s major presentation on social and economic development distinguished the Bahá’í point of view from an approach which argues that the individual must be changed first in order to achieve social transformation, and the alternative view that society must first be restructured if the individual is to change.

In another session, Dr. John Huddleston, budget director of the World Bank, outlined the administrative order of the Bahá’í International Community, with additional comments on some of the practical and spiritual aspects of the Bahá’í community by Dr. Eyford and Mrs. Sheila Banani.

The dialogue was conducted in a wonderful spirit of courtesy, humor and dignity under the extremely able chairmanship of Dr. Eyford.

The Marxist representatives, while not conceding their fundamentally different position, freely remarked about the beauty of the Bahá’í vision, captured, for instance, in passages by the Guardian, and indicated their admiration for the atmosphere of intellectual search, freedom from dogma, and substantive discussion carried on in the Bahá’í context.

They did not mask their puzzlement with the Bahá’í view on several issues and were provoked enough to raise important questions which, although answered, will nonetheless give Bahá’í scholars and the Association for Bahá’í Studies important issues requiring further elaboration of the Bahá’í point of view.

From beginning to end, the seminar moved on a high and spirited plane. In offering gratitude to the guests, Dr. Jane Faily, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, drew attention to their essentially spiritual qualities which had attracted the love of the Bahá’ís during the brief weekend gathering.

The dialogue gave ample proof of the potency of the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith, even when understood in secular terms.

It also galvanized the Bahá’í participants to labor more diligently in the field of Bahá’í schol-

See COMMENT page 26

Bahá’ís present ‘Promise of World Peace’ to government leaders throughout country

As of the end of February, the National Spiritual Assembly had received almost 60 reports of presentations of the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement, “The Promise of World Peace,” to governors, senators and congressmen.

The reports from local Spiritual Assemblies contained many heartwarming stories of supportive comments and interested questions asked by the officials involved.

The Spiritual Assembly of Davenport, Iowa, presented U.S. Congressman Jim Leach with a “World Citizen Award” along with the peace statement, and received a warm telegram from the Universal House of Justice:

“Delighted outstanding success presentation peace statement award Congressman Leach. Assure loving prayers abundant blessings may reward your dedicated efforts proclaim precious Cause.”

Rep. Leach was singled out for the award because of his role in bringing Congressional attention to the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran.

Letters from other local Spiritual Assemblies told of immediate and positive responses from officials in several areas of the country.

In Wisconsin, Governor Anthony Earl said he would lend his “full support to your efforts in the promotion of these principles of peace, so we may take them from the local and state levels into the world arena.”

Congresswoman Virginia Smith of Nebraska said that “the emancipation of women as a prerequisite to peace (is) particularly significant,” and added, “how true it is that the primary challenge is to raise issues to the level of principle as distinct from mere pragmatism.”

Sen. Robert Stafford of Vermont related the peace statement to his support of the Peace Academy that will be opening to graduate students in the fall. He said he would make the faculty of the Academy aware of the document.

When a delegation from the Bahá’í community of Los Angeles presented the statement to Congressman Augustus Hawkins, he asked many questions and more than doubled the time allotted for the presentation. He then said he would like to be kept up-to-date on Bahá’í activities.

Many communities also report extensive press coverage of their presentations.

In Texarkana, Texas, the local newspaper ran a lengthy article on the presentation to U.S. Rep. Jim Chapman including a 12-column-inch picture of the event.

The congressman was quoted as saying, “It is peace efforts like these that will help to bring about worldwide peace in the future.”

The delegation coordinated by the Spiritual Assembly of Durham, North Carolina, was doubly successful in its presentation February 14 to Congressman Jim Valentine.

Two Durham papers ran articles, one of which also published a 44-column-inch feature entitled “Bahá’ís Taking Root in Durham” on the front page of its second section.

The presentations have also provided many opportunities for indirect teaching.

In Oakland, California, a group of Bahá’ís presented the peace statement to Congressman Pete Stark before a full house at a town meeting.

As he accepted “The Promise of World Peace,” Rep. Stark remarked on the Bahá’ís’ peaceful and non-violent beliefs.

In Idaho, Bahá’ís read the “Prayer for America” as they presented the peace statement to Sen. Steven Symms at Idaho State University.

The presenter, Aziz Ghalili, told the senator, “Here we have white and black, Persian and American, men and women. We Bahá’ís do not just talk of peace; we are living it.” [Page 3]

LETTERS

"The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions."—‘Abdu’l-Bahá

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 denigrate another’s opinion or to 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, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

To the Editor:

I would like to address the topic of meeting the budget and monthly Fund goals.

We can see from the charts that accompany the Feast letters that contributions rarely meet or exceed goals more than about three Bahá’í months during the year. That’s if we’re lucky.

This has bothered me for a long time, possibly ever since I became a Bahá’í 11 years ago.

Personally, I find it depressing and discouraging to have goals set so far over my head that I can’t meet them at least half the time.

I look at the goals charts and think, "What’s the use? What’s my little contribution going to do when we’re this far behind?" Others must feel this way too.

I’m not suggesting our sights should be so lowered that we meet our goals with ease every month. I am suggesting that when the National Assembly next considers a budget, they could perhaps take into account the two highest contribution amounts for the previous 19 Bahá’í months and try to establish a budget somewhere between them.

I think we’d find that not only would more individuals, Groups and Assemblies participate, but the contribution level would go up as well if believers had a goal they felt was realistic and attainable. It would also add to their enthusiasm to see themselves winning more goals in this area.

I would like to know how others feel about this.

Kathryn M. Earle Absecon, New Jersey

To the Editor:

Several recent letters have stated that bringing about a large scale increase in the number of new Bahá’ís should not be our main focus as a community.

These letters suggest that it is not in our best interest, for various reasons, to do so.

As part of the consultative process, we need to examine the guidance from the Universal House of Justice on this matter.

In its Riḍván 1984 message to the American Bahá’í community, the House of Justice asserted that the soul-shaking events taking place in Iran "make even more urgent than ever the necessity of multiplying the size of your community," and concluded by saying that "the progress of the Cause in your country undoubtedly depends on such expansion."

It is worth noting that "undoubtedly" means beyond the shadow of a doubt; with certainty. If there were other ways to advance the progress of God’s Cause, the House of Justice would assuredly have advised us of them.

Since they have asserted that it is beyond the shadow of a doubt that the progress of the Cause depends on increasing the size of our Bahá’í community, it is up to us to strive to be obedient to this guidance.

Recall that in the statement on world peace, the Supreme Body stressed the fundamental importance of the will to act in order to achieve that sacred goal. Similarly, we American Bahá’ís are faced with the challenge of the will to act to increase the size of our community.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá said that the Messengers of God do not come to earth for the purpose of enlisting large numbers of people under Their banners. They come to heal the sicknesses of the world.

Bahá’u’lláh asserts: "That which the Lord hath ordained as the sovereign remedy and the mightiest instrument for the healing of all the world is the union of all its peoples in one universal Cause, one common Faith."

This is why we teach. It is God’s remedy. This is why we must strive to achieve a mighty increase in new believers and multiply the size of our community.

Any rationalizations or arguments on our part for other "more meaningful" activities simply fall into the realm of "idle fancies and vain imaginations" when compared to God’s remedy and the infallible guidance we have from the authorized Centers of our Faith.

On a down-to-earth, practical level, consider that we Bahá’ís teach the oneness of humanity, and claim to love all people. Yet there are vast numbers of people in this country whom we have not reached, and are not presently exerting any effort to reach.

If we don’t reach them with the love and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, how can we care for them? How can we claim to be humanitarians? If we don’t open the doors of the Faith and welcome all these people—en masse—into our fold, how can we substantiate our claim to be lovers of all humanity?

It is an inconsistent set of priorities and values that allows us to voice our humanitarian concerns while simultaneously rationalizing not offering God’s promised Faith to countless yearning souls. Is it any wonder, then, that God’s House of Justice has said that it is "fundamental" for us to increase the size of our community?

We must act! For it is our will to act in increasing our numbers that may provide the impetus for the peoples of the world to act to bring peace to the world.

Richard Gurinsky Alamogordo, New Mexico

To the Editor:

I am a member of a small community in a rather remote area. Needless to say, I enjoy the "letters" section a great deal.

The letters from Bahá’ís I am attuned to make me feel good, while the letters I dislike help me to grow by working harder on my own imperfections—like intolerance—which I am now trying to replace with prayer and love.

There are always letters to which I want to respond, but I am usually too busy.

However, David Khorram’s letter (November) put into words an idea that is long overdue. I wish to commend him and to add my voice to those asking for a page for new believers.

It has been about seven years, but I well remember thinking, "Okay, I’m a Bahá’í. Now what do I do?" I was lucky, because after a few months a neighboring Bahá’í community took me under its wing.

I would like to add a suggestion or two to Mr. Khorram’s idea:

1. On the front page, a highlighted box directing the new believers to their page.

2. On that page, a constant reminder that they can seek out Bahá’ís in other communities and/or other Bahá’ís in their own community—they can make the first (and second or third) move, which in most cases will be appreciated by those they contact.

Consolidation is so important, and I believe this would go a long way toward accomplishing it.

Beverly Cron Agua Dulce, California

To the Editor:

I have noticed in many publications from the States as well as other places that much has been written about "The Promise of World Peace."

It is indeed a weighty document, and it’s wonderful to see the friends deepening, thinking about and planning efforts to present the document to leaders of thought and the media.

I’ve noticed something else that I would like to bring to the attention of my fellow-Bahá’ís, and that is the way in which we refer to this document.

In our articles, we consistently refer to "‘The Promise of World Peace’" as the "peace statement" or "peace message." But this is more than just another message or statement; this is a promise by the infallible Supreme Institution of the Faith.

Of course, we know that even the Universal House of Justice has termed it a "message" or "statement." You and I are looking for ways to shorten the title, but I would like to raise a red flag in our minds so that we don’t delude ourselves into thinking that this is simply a statement or message.

Maybe we could start thinking Peace Promise; at least it would solidify in our minds the reality of what is "The Promise of World Peace"!

Jan Huang Taipei, Taiwan

To the Editor:

I am writing because I am concerned about the fees we charge at Bahá’í conferences.

At the recent Bahá’í Youth Conference in Phoenix, Arizona (December 27-31), I paid $60 for my wife and me just to get into the conference room.

Considering that many people, including us, could stay for only a part of the conference, I think that soliciting people to pay $60 as an "admission fee" to a Bahá’í-sponsored conference is outrageous!

I know of many people in our community who wanted to go to the conference but could not afford it.

One family of two adults and two small children (ages 5 and 3) drove from Tucson to Phoenix to attend the Saturday afternoon and evening sessions. When told they would have to pay $100 for admissions, they were forced to turn around and drive home; they didn’t have the money.

A Bahá’í conference is one of the few places where the Bahá’ís have an opportunity to see old friends, meet Bahá’ís from other communities, and enjoy the spirit of seeing many Bahá’ís in one place.

It is unfortunate that attendance is limited to one group of people—those who can afford it.

I understand that the costs involved in holding a major conference are high. But there are many ways to raise money to cover the costs: asking for donations, holding fund-raising dinners, auctions, etc. A mandatory admission fee should not be one of them. There is a difference in the Faith between contributions and solicitation.

My intention is not to criticize the Youth Conference in Phoenix. Without any question, it was a success.

The purpose of this letter is rather to create an awareness that we could get an even better attendance at conferences if we were to make the registration fee voluntary.

Vafa Aflatooni Tucson, Arizona

To the Editor:

The Navajo-Hopi District Teaching Committee would like to invite those who are interested in pioneering to consider the Navajo and Hopi Reservations.

Many of our long-term pioneers have moved on to other things during the past year, and we need your help to keep some Assemblies functioning as well as to help form new ones.

This is one of the loveliest areas in the country. We’re close to the Rockies and the desert Southwest. There are many beautiful natural geological formations, ancient Indian ruins, mountains, canyons—something for everyone who likes nature.

The climate is moderate with cold winters and warm summers. Most parts of the Reservations receive some snow in the winter, but it is generally light except in the mountains.

Skiing, Phoenix, Albuquerque and Las Vegas are all a day’s drive away.

Teachers and nurses are needed here, as other health professionals. Families may have better results with the teaching work in most areas, but single persons are certainly welcome.

Useful personal characteristics include tolerance, perseverance, respect for cultural differences, patience and friendliness (without being overbearing).

Anyone who is interested in foreign pioneering but doesn’t want to leave the country should contact the Navajo-Hopi District Teaching Committee, P.O. Box 2553, Window Rock, AZ 86515. We’ll do what we can to help you find employment.

Louise Ingraham, secretary Window Rock, Arizona

To the Editor:

Every year at Christmas, we receive anguished letters from parents about Christmas festivities: "What shall we do? It’s so embarrassing. The children long to participate in the celebrations that permeate the schools, homes and shops."

To a degree, we can appreciate and share the excitement, the songs, the trees, decorations, parties, gifts, etc.

We can lovingly give small gifts to our relatives, neighbors and friends, and we can wish them a "merry Christmas."

If they should give us or our children small gifts, let us be grateful and express our gratitude. There is no need to be cold or indifferent or embarrassed. Yet many Bahá’ís show these attitudes at Christmas time.

By showing loving appreciation of the Christmas traditions, we build bridges with our relatives, neighbors and friends. Every bridge is an open door and gives us the opportunity to show the Bahá’í spirit of friendliness, neighborliness, warmth, sympathy, generosity, magnanimity and unity.

The same spirit of warmth and appreciation applies to Easter, Hanukkah, and other religious festivals.

See LETTERS page 31

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[Page 4]

CHAMPION-BUILDERS

GRACE ROBARTS OBER

During the 1938 Bahá’í National Convention, held in the House of Worship in Wilmette, Harlan Ober called his wife, Grace Robarts Ober, to the podium to speak about her teaching activities in Kentucky and Toronto, Canada.

In a voice filled with emotion, Mrs. Ober challenged her audience to enter the arena of service, issuing a resounding call for teachers to arise and carry the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to all parts of America.

As she finished she grasped the table with her left hand and, raising her right arm as high as she could in a gesture characteristic of victory or farewell, cried out in a triumphant voice, ‘Ya Bahá’u’l-Abhá!,’ then sank into a chair on the platform.

As Mrs. Ober was being helped into another room, the friends in Foundation Hall began to pray on her behalf.

Shortly afterward, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly appeared, announced the ascension of her beloved spirit, and asked that everyone join in the Prayer for the Departed.

In a letter from the Guardian to Mr. Ober a few weeks later came these words:

“The dramatic passing of your well-beloved wife has certainly served to deepen considerably in the friends the urge to consecrate themselves more firmly than ever to the service of the Cause.

“They might all well emulate the noble example which she has set before them throughout her rich career as a Bahá’í and endeavor to follow in her footsteps and to strive to live up to the high standard of Bahá’í service and conduct which she always maintained.”

During ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s stay in America in 1912, Grace Robarts had the honor of being chosen to obtain and prepare an apartment for His arrival.

She cared for His home as housekeeper and hostess while He and His secretaries, and those Persians who had the privilege of serving Him in various capacities, remained there.

She kept the home immaculate, always ready for the stream of guests from morning to night, Bahá’ís, inquirers, and souls in difficulty to whom ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was always a loving Father.

It was during one of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visits to New York City that He suggested Grace’s marriage to Harlan Ober. These two

See OBER page 30

Conference

from page 1

sions of peace along with presentations aimed specifically at youth and Persian believers.

A program for children ages 3-14 is planned to acquaint them with the peace statement and to engage them in discussions and other activities revolving around practical approaches to achieving world peace.

Late evening “night owl sessions” on Thursday and Friday will spotlight top entertainers from around the U.S.

A fully-stocked Bahá’í bookstore will provide a full range of Bahá’í literature, proclamation materials and conference keepsakes.

Convenient transportation includes a fleet of shuttle buses to serve all conference facilities.

Special rates have been arranged at six San Francisco hotels (see map). Workshops and other activities will take place in most of them, and each will have at least one hospitality suite at which to relax and receive the latest conference information.

Conference headquarters is the San Francisco Hilton and Towers, site of classes for older children and various other conference events including night owl sessions for youth. The hotel is one block from Union Square.

Rooms at the Hilton are $60/night flat rate (main building) and $70/night flat rate (Tower rooms).

Other hotels: Sheraton-Palace ($60/night flat rate); Cathedral Hill ($58/night flat rate); Hyatt-Union Square ($90/night flat rate); Holiday Inn-Golden Gateway ($50/night flat rate); San Franciscan ($50/night flat rate, regular room; $75/night flat rate, family suite).

All rates are for 1-4 persons per room and do not include meals.

Special rates have been negotiated at these hotels for your convenience; they have been chosen with comfort and value for the dollar in mind.

Parking: San Francisco Hilton and Towers, $5/night/guests (indoor self-park); Sheraton-Palace, $16/day in garage across the street; Cathedral Hill, free/guests (garage under hotel); Hyatt-Union Square, $16/night (valet only); Holiday Inn, free/guests (indoor garage); San Franciscan, public lot within 1 block available.

Advance registration packets will include conference credentials; folder; express check-in, admission to all plenary and workshop sessions, special workshops and night owl sessions; and admission for children to children’s and pre-youth conference activities.

During conference sessions, a cooperative nursery will be available for children ages three and under.

Peace Conference to require hundreds of able volunteers

You have seen the dawn of a new day of understanding and unity with the release of “The Promise of World Peace” by the Universal House of Justice. Now come and participate in the glory of the sunrise as the first Bahá’í International Peace Conference gears up to radiate the light of this divine remedy across the face of the earth and into the hearts of all mankind.

The conference runs from Thursday, August 28, through Sunday, August 31; Monday, September 1, is set aside for sightseeing and departure. The Volunteer Coordination Task Force has been formed to recruit and supply volunteers for the organizers of the conference. We will need many volunteers, literally hundreds (100 for the children’s conference alone). Below is a questionnaire for your consideration should you decide to take the plunge. This is a fantastic opportunity to become involved in the dissemination of the peace message to mankind.

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION PROFILE

Name __________________________________________________ Street address _________________________________________ City, State, Zip _______________________________________ Phone (daytime) ____________________ (evening) __________ Bahá’í I.D. number (if you are a Bahá’í) ________________

Please circle your area of interest and ability: Graphic arts; music; audio-visual equipment; clerical; carpentry; children’s activities; children’s teacher; medical (first aid/CPR); electrical equipment; usher; public relations; messenger; driver; babysitter; chanting prayers/songs; registration; reception; other (specify): ____________________________________________________

What are your foreign language skills? (list/level) Fluent/fair (circle) interpreter of: ____________________ Fluent/fair translator of: ______________________________

When are you available? During/after/before conference? For limited periods during? _____________________________

Can you provide transportation in the area? ______________ Can you provide scholarship funds? _____________________ Can you provide housing? _______ For how many? ________ Do you request housing? ________ For how many? ________ If you wish, you may indicate your ethnic background: ________________________________________________________

Please return this form to: VOLUNTEERS FOR PEACE, P.O. Box 243, El Cerrito, CA 94530.

American, two other airlines set discount fares to Conference

Arrangements have been made with American, PSA and Alaska Airlines to offer special discount fares to those attending the Peace Conference in San Francisco.

American will offer a minimum discount of 45 per cent if flights are booked at least 14 days before departure, and 40 per cent if travel is booked within 14 days of departure.

PSA and Alaska will offer 25 per cent off full coach fare. Discounts apply only to travel within the continental U.S. and cover the period from August 21-September 7.

To reserve your flight, call American Airlines toll-free (between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. your local time) Monday through Friday, 1-800-433-1790, and ask for Star File No. S61833.

American will handle reservations on PSA, Alaska Air and American Eagle, and will also handle reservations from cities they do not serve.

Tickets will be mailed to you by Association Travel Inc.

By booking through the above 800 number, you can get advance seating assignments and request special meals on American Airlines. Boarding passes on American flights will be mailed with your ticket(s).

Gramm-Rudman passage leads to cutbacks in aid for refugees

The Refugee Program Office at the Bahá’í National Center has recently learned that the U.S. government’s programs for refugees have been cut back as a result of the passage of the Gramm-Rudman bill.

Henceforth, refugees will be eligible for federal assistance programs for 31 months after arrival, not 36 months as was previously the case. Additional Refugee Act legislation now pending would further reduce the figure from 31 to 18 months, if passed.

All refugees arriving in this country are entitled to the Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance Program, which also qualifies the refugees for health insurance. The specific services provided by these programs vary from state to state.

For more information and specific details on how the cuts will affect your state, contact the state and Federal Offices of Refugee Settlement in the capital of the state where you reside.

Genocide

from page 1

The Convention, adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 1948, had been ratified by 96 nations but until this year remained blocked in the Senate.

Last year the National Spiritual Assembly began collaborating with Amnesty International and the American Bar Association to urge U.S. senators to vote for ratification of the treaty.

In November, the National Assembly asked individual Bahá’ís in 16 states to contact senators who had expressed reservations about ratifying the Convention.

During the subsequent debate on the Senate floor, two senators cited the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran as a contemporary example of genocide.

“Just in our days,” said Sen. Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, “in the medieval darkness of Iran, the gentle and peaceful people belonging to the Bahá’í faith are subject to a deliberate attempt to eradicate their group from existence.”

Sen. John Heinz of Pennsylvania called the persecution of Iran’s Bahá’í community “the very heart of tyranny—a calm, reasoned, even routine process carried out in accordance with the law that results in the systematic persecution of a group deemed ‘unprotected’ by basic standards of human rights.”

Many of his colleagues praised Sen. William Proxmire of Wisconsin for his passionate support of the Convention. The senator had urged its support in almost every regular Senate session since 1967.

Several Jewish groups also expressed their appreciation. Elie Wiesel, chairman of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, said the Senate’s action “signals to the world how committed the people of the United States are to human rights ...

“I know a law on genocide will not stop future attempts to commit genocide,” Mr. Wiesel said. “But at least we as a moral nation, whose memories are alive, have made this statement: we are against genocide.”

Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, said, “The Bahá’ís feel that the endorsement of the principle of governmental response for acts intended to destroy ethnic or religious minorities has incalculable symbolic value.

“It is symbolic acts that gradually create the climate of opinion in which certain concrete deeds become impossible.”

National Archives seeks state, district voting lists from ’52-67

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking state and district voting lists used in State and District Conventions from 1952-67.

Anyone having such lists that they could donate is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

It is not the quantity, but the spirit— National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 5]

FINAL REPORT—TWO-YEAR OVERVIEW

STARTING BLOCK (Kamal, Asma, Izzat 140 B.E.) (August 1-September 6, 1983)

ENDING BLOCK (Qawl, Masa’il, Sharaf 142 B.E.) (November 4-December 31, 1985)

District Names: Alabama N, Alabama S/Florida NW, Arizona N, Arizona S, Arkansas, California C No. 1, California C No. 2, California N No. 1, California N No. 2, California S No. 1, California S No. 2, California S No. 3, California S No. 4, Colorado NE, Colorado SE, Colorado W, Connecticut, DelMarVa, Florida C, Florida N, Florida SE, Florida SW, Georgia NE, Georgia NW, Georgia S, Idaho N/Washington E, Idaho S, Illinois N No. 1, Illinois N No. 2, Illinois S, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana N, Louisiana S, Maine, Maryland W/D.C., Massachusetts, Michigan Mainland, Minnesota N, Minnesota S, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Navajo/Hopi, Nebraska, Nevada N, Nevada S, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico N, New Mexico S/Texas W, New York E, New York W, North Carolina C, North Carolina E, North Carolina W, North Dakota, Ohio N, Ohio S, Oklahoma E, Oklahoma W, Oregon E, Oregon W, Pennsylvania E, Pennsylvania W, Rhode Island, South Carolina C, South Carolina E No. 1, South Carolina E No. 2, South Carolina N, South Carolina S No. 1, South Carolina S No. 2, South Carolina W, South Dakota, Tennessee E, Tennessee W, Texas C No. 1, Texas C No. 2, Texas E No. 1, Texas E No. 2, Texas N, Texas S, Utah, Vermont, Virginia N, Virginia SE, Virginia SW, Washington NW, Washington SW, West Virginia, Wis. N/Peninsular Mich., Wisconsin S, Wyoming.

Iowa, Maine finish 1-2 as VIE Campaign ends on high note of triumph

THE FUNDS

The VIE Campaign has ended in a smashing victory with notable gains in Fund participation made by nearly every district in the country during the two-year effort.

The final VIE report appears in this issue. It compares the 1983 “starting block” (average of each district’s participation percentage over the first three months of the campaign) with the December 1985 “ending block” (average of each district’s participation percentage over the last three months).

Heading the list throughout the campaign were Iowa, Northern Minnesota, and Maine. The friends in these districts took special delight in challenging each other in their effort to support the National Fund.

The 50 per cent barrier was toppled in January 1985 when Northern Minnesota achieved 51.6 per cent participation during the month of Sharaf.

Enthused and challenged by that accomplishment, Edith Elmore, a National Treasurer’s Representative from Iowa, wrote, “Nothing seems impossible now that Northern Minnesota has broken the 50 per cent barrier.”

The friends in Iowa concurred, reaching their own all-time high of 77 per cent individual participation only two months later, during ‘Alá.

Montana and Southern Nevada also rose to the challenge, and each achieved a district participation record of more than 50 per cent. Montana peaked at 57.2 per cent participation for the month of ‘Alá, while the month of ‘Azamat found Southern Nevada at 58.1 per cent.

Not to be outdone by any district, the friends in Northern Minnesota compiled the all-time high of 78.2 per cent participation, barely topping Iowa’s accomplishment.

Local communities across the country came up with their own variations based on Bahá’u’lláh’s exhortation to “Vie ye with each other in the service of God and of His Cause.”

Children were especially attracted to the concept of vying within their communities. Genay Snyder, an NTR from Kansas, reports the outcome of her community’s Fund project: “We have a VIE Campaign going on between the children and adults. The children win every time!”

Even though the VIE Campaign itself has come to a close, the spirit of “VIE” lives on.

We are indebted to the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears for challenging us through his humorous acronyms and steadfast encouragement to become regular contributors to the National Fund.

This campaign was truly a “Victorious Individual Enterprise.”

Winners’ Circle

(Based on reports from February 1984 to March 1986)

Highest percentage participation	Most improved participation
1. Iowa	1. Oregon Eastern
2. Maine	2. Maine
3. Minnesota Northern	3. Nevada Southern
4. Pennsylvania Western	4. South Carolina East No. 1
5. Wisconsin Southern	5. Texas Central No. 2
6. Tennessee Eastern	6. New Mexico S/Texas W
7. Vermont	7. Navajo/Hopi
8. Minnesota Southern	8. South Carolina Central
9. Nebraska	9. New Mexico Northern
10. Georgia Northeast	10. Texas Northern
11. Nevada Southern	11. Texas Southern
12. Wisconsin N/Michigan Upper	12. South Carolina Western
13. New Hampshire	13. Vermont
14. Pennsylvania Eastern	14. Kansas
15. Louisiana Northern	15. Idaho Southern
16. Idaho Southern	16. Minnesota Southern
17. Kansas	17. Florida Central
18. Idaho N/Washington E	18. Texas Central No. 1
19. Ohio Northern	19. Georgia Southern

‘Landmark’ gains in contributions nudge National Fund closer to $8.7-million goal

Landmark gains in contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund are edging us ever closer to our $8.7-million annual goal.

Throughout the year we have experienced a surge in contributions as the American Bahá’í community arose to the call for unified action.

New contribution records have been established for each of the past 16 Bahá’í months. In one of those months (Qawl), contributions soared 75 per cent above the same month a year ago.

What’s more, five other Bahá’í months have had contribution levels of more than 25 per cent above last year.

Currently, the year-to-date contributions are 19 per cent above 1984-85. As of this writing (March 5), responses to the challenge by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears for 20,000 individual contributions during the final month of the Bahá’í year (March 2-21) are beginning to flood the Treasurer’s Office. A strong response seems assured.

This year, more Bahá’ís than ever before have tasted the “sweetness” of giving to the National Fund.

See FUNDS page 30 [Page 6]FRANCES FOSS GRIFFITH

Frances Foss Griffith, pioneer to St. Maarten for 20 years, dies

Frances Foss Griffith, a pioneer for 20 years to the island of St. Maarten, Dutch West Indies, died at her post in February.

Her pioneering efforts began in 1965 when she attended a Pioneer Training Institute at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Davison, Michigan.

Her strong desire to teach the Faith led her to take a two-week teaching trip to many Caribbean islands. After spending only one day on St. Maarten, she knew it would soon be her home for the rest of her life.

She returned to the States only for as long as it took to prepare for the pioneering venture, which began with her arrival on St. Maarten on September 29, 1966.

Despite financial difficulties and other tremendous tests, she was determined to remain a pioneer. At first, most of her Bahá’í teaching was in the form of lending or giving books to interested people. She also made a few trips to various islands in the Caribbean.

She struggled to support herself, taking on whatever work she could including sewing, typing, writing for a newspaper, and working at a radio station.

It was not until 1986 that her efforts were rewarded, with many people declaring their faith in Bahá’u’lláh.

Her activity was unceasing. During the evening of her life she was planning a teaching trip that would have taken her around the world.

OPEN GOALS

AFRICA

• (F) Mauritania 2
• (E) Uganda 1

AMERICAS

• *(S) Argentina 3
• (S) Chile, Easter Island 1
• (E) Dominica 2
• (S) Ecuador, Galapagos Isl. 1
• *(F) French Guiana 1

AUSTRALASIA

• (E) Caroline Islands, Truk 1
• (E) Tuvalu 2

GOALS TO BE FILLED 14

• Replacement goals

LANGUAGE KEY E—English F—French S—Spanish

Some questions, answers about pioneering

PIONEERING

What is pioneering?

Quite simply, pioneering is leaving one’s home to serve the Faith in another place where Bahá’ís are needed. The Universal House of Justice and the National Spiritual Assembly identify these places and establish priorities among them.

The International Goals Committee is responsible for aiding and routing U.S. pioneers to overseas goals, while the National Teaching Committee oversees the task within the continental U.S.

You may move only a few blocks to build or restore a neighboring Assembly. You may go to a homefront goal in another state, or you may undertake that “prince of all goodly deeds” and be off to another country, another continent, or a small island half a world away.

Pioneering is a personal act, the act of an individual believer, and one that is undertaken in response to the present needs of the world community of Bahá’u’lláh. It is important that a Bahá’í who is planning to move consult with the appropriate committee so that his move can serve both his personal needs and those of the Divine Plan.

Should I pioneer?

The initial decision is a private one, between the believer and God. Sometimes the decision is “no” or “not yet.” Personal circumstances, a strong sense of direction to some other form of service may cause a temporary or permanent “No, it’s not for me.”

However, the Manifestation of God Himself, our great Exemplar, our beloved Guardian, our divinely-guided Universal House of Justice, the Hands of the Cause of God, and our National Spiritual Assembly have so emphasized this service that no Bahá’í should fail to ask himself, “Should I pioneer?”

Which has priority, homefront or international pioneering?

The priority for Bahá’í service is clearly identified in this statement:

“The Guardian has pointed out that the most important service anyone can render the Faith today is to teach the Cause of God.

“The degree of importance of areas of service is first, pioneering in a virgin area of the Crusade, second, pioneering in one of the consolidation areas abroad, and third, settling in one of the goal cities of the homefront; and finally, teaching with redoubled effort wherever a Bahá’í may reside.” (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, August 22, 1954; in Lights of Guidance, pp. 439-440)

Why is overseas pioneering given so much importance in the Bahá’í Faith?

It is a staggering and exhilarating thought that the Bahá’í Faith has spread in only 140 years to almost every corner of the globe without even one Bahá’í minister, clergyman or salaried missionary.

How did it spread? Through the work of pioneers and traveling teachers—the ordinary believers.

There is still an overwhelming need for pioneers to help with the teaching and consolidation work that has resulted in 148 National Spiritual Assemblies.

The U.S. was given 108 overseas goals during the third phase of the Seven Year Plan (April 1984-April 1986), which, for the most part, have been filled. Almost 1,900 posts received U.S. pioneers during the Seven Year Plan (April 1979-April 1986), and the need will continue during the Six Year Plan.

Many other countries need pioneers even though they are not included in the official list.

Is there a particular type of training that is of the most value to a prospective pioneer? What if I’m trained for all the wrong things?

It is true that some trades and professions are more suited to overseas employment than others, but there are no “wrong” kinds of training. Don’t disqualify yourself—contact the International Goals Committee for advice.

Under what circumstances would the International Goals Committee discourage me from overseas pioneering?

Pioneering is a task enjoined on all Bahá’ís—it is not a matter of qualifying for it. Anyone can move to any other country he wishes if he is financially able to do so.

A believer who desires to move from one country to another is not obliged to consult with the International Goals Committee in advance. However, it makes the move much easier for him if the administrative processes set out by the Universal House of Justice are followed and his arrival in a new country is anticipated by the Bahá’í community there.

While keeping in mind the principle that anyone can pioneer if he so chooses, the IGC also tries to guide the process of pioneer movement with wisdom and a concern for both the receiving community and the pioneer.

Those who have a recent history of difficulty adhering to Bahá’í law, or emotional troubles, or marital problems (including a year of patience) would be advised to refrain from making a pioneer move until the difficulties have been resolved, both as a protection for the receiving country and for themselves.

What are the duties of a pioneer?

“... A pioneer has no specific duties different from those of any other believer, indeed a pioneer becomes a member of the community in which he settles. There is, however, a growth of responsibility, one could say, commensurate with the degree of prominence that a believer attains.

“Thus when a pioneer goes to an area where there are no other Bahá’ís, he becomes the representative of the Faith in the eyes of the people of that area. They will judge not only him, but also the Faith itself, by the way he acts.

“The same is true to some extent of the first person to accept the Faith in an area. Similarly, if a pioneer settles in a community of new believers, they will tend to look to him and will be influenced by his example and by his words.

“The more a believer’s actions reflect upon the good name of the Faith, the greater should be his willingness to sacrifice his own interests for the sake of the Cause of God.” (Quoted in a letter written by the Secretariat on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Assembly of Finland, October 20, 1982)

Would I be a pioneer if I went to a country other than the ones identified as assigned goals?

In many instances, yes. If you receive a job offer in a country other than those assigned as goal areas, please consult with the International Goals Committee before refusing such an offer.

Many times, Americans fill goals assigned to other countries, and the rest of the Bahá’í world does the same for us. (However, moves to Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, Hawaii or Alaska are not considered as pioneering because these National Assemblies, like the U.S., are suppliers of pioneers.)

Congressman given ‘Promise of Peace’

On January 20, members of the Bahá’í communities of York and New Oxford, Pennsylvania, presented a copy of “The Promise of World Peace” to U.S. Rep. William F. Goodling of Pennsylvania.

The Bahá’í delegation was comprised of two youth, John Bechtel IV and Julie Gardner, and two adults, Lee Feldman and Don Gardner.

Rep. Goodling expressed his hope for peace and said he would definitely read the statement.

Bahá’í items placed in time capsule in Plainfield, New Jersey

As a part of its Centennial Year celebration, the city of North Plainfield, New Jersey, placed a time capsule in the ground last December 31. The capsule is to be opened in 50 years.

Among the items in the capsule are a Bahá’í prayer book and a copy of the peace statement, “The Promise of World Peace.”

Two Bahá’ís, Patricia Rosser and Albert Weiss, were members of the Centennial Committee.

SUMMER TEACHING PROJECTS FOR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS

COUNTRIES	DATES	LANGUAGES	ACTIVITIES
Finland	July 3, 1-3 weeks including summer school July 11-18, 1986	English (translation provided)	Teaching, consolidation. Public meetings on peace statement. Accommodations provided.
Ireland	July 3 One month; summer school August 2-10	English	Ability to speak at firesides. Musical talent or audio-visual presentation helpful. Some accommodations provided.
Italy	July 3-open	Italian, English	To increase zeal and vitality of local youth. Wherever possible, accommodations and food provided.
Spain	July 3 Two weeks	Spanish only	Teaching. Musical talent helpful. Visit, consolidate communities. Accommodations provided wherever possible.

Belgium, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom are also eager to receive traveling teachers this summer. Dates and length of time vary through July and August.

To: International Goals Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, Illinois 60091

I am interested in learning more about the following project:

Spain ______ Finland ______ Italy ______ Ireland ______

Name __________________________________________ Bahá’í I.D. Number ______________

Address _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________

Telephone ( ) ________________________________ Age ______________ [Page 7]Jaleh Dashtizadeh, a member of the Bahá’í community of Northwest Harris County, Texas, has won a $10,000 President’s Endowed Scholarship to Texas A&M University where she will begin her freshman year next fall after graduating from Cypress Creek High School in Houston. Besides receiving excellent grades, most of them in honors classes, Jaleh has been active in many other activities including American Field Service, Mu Alpha Theta (math society), the National Honor Society, and the Academic Decathlon.

'Youth Peace Clubs' are formed in high schools

Bahá’í youth on both coasts have recently formed "Youth Peace Clubs" at their high schools to promote the aims of the Bahá’í Youth Movement.

These clubs, while not in any way associated with or sponsored by an agency of the Faith, focus on the goal of world peace through non-violent and non-political means.

They are proving to be an effective organization by which to unite high school students on the topic of peace. The clubs sponsor activities that promote a discourse on peace-related issues as well as events that elevate the youths’ awareness of their role in the establishment of peace.

Although Youth Peace Clubs may be formed by one or more Bahá’ís at a high school, the Peace Club constitution does not mention the Faith or any other specific religion or sponsor.

The clubs are simply the product of individual youth taking the initiative to promote the peace issue among their contemporaries.

In Pennsylvania, Bobby and Linda Ahdieh received permission from their school principal to form a club that would coordinate activities for the International Year of Peace 1986.

Each club at their school was invited to name a representative to serve on the Peace Club planning committee. Already, they have planned several monthly activities including essay contests, tree plantings and peace exhibits in the school library.

Several Youth Peace Clubs are being formed at high schools in western Oregon. Based on a general constitution that reflects many of the Bahá’í prerequisites for peace, the clubs are open to all interested students.

Bahá’í youth who may wish to consider launching a similar initiative at their school are encouraged to contact the National Youth Committee before contacting their school administrators.

The committee will be happy to supply interested youth with a sample constitution and an activities proposal that can be considered for use in forming the club.

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

Traveling teachers welcome four into Faith in Bahamas

A small group of young traveling teachers from southeastern Florida recently hopped over to the Bahamas for the weekend ... and welcomed four new Bahá’í individuals into the Faith during the course of their two-day stay!

The National Assembly of the Bahamas has decided to initiate two upcoming projects, a week-long effort in the spring and a month-long project this summer.

This is an exciting way to serve in an international capacity with little expense and few visa problems. Interested? Contact either the International Goals Committee (Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, phone 312-869-9039) or the National Youth Committee (1371 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, FL 33313, phone 305-584-1844).

Remember, it’s not too early to start making your traveling teaching plans, either at home or abroad, for the summer of ’86.

As many of you know, the "mighty mobilization" of the Bahá’í Youth Movement calls for the recruitment of 1,000 youth for domestic and international teaching this summer.

Whether you can participate for a weekend or the whole summer, now is the time to start making your plans. Pray about it, study the possibilities, consider the time and funds available, and arise to serve.

If you’d like details on some of the summer’s project possibilities, contact the National Youth Committee.

Let us hear from you!

Please continue to share your experiences as homefront pioneers. They serve to encourage your fellow pioneers as well as inspire others to arise. If you can arise to become a homefront pioneer, phone the National Teaching Committee’s homefront pioneering desk, 312-869-9039.

Youth to greet new Six Year Plan with regional conferences

The network of Regional Youth Committees will be hosting a series of regional youth conferences this spring to usher in the Six Year Plan and explore the anticipated growth of the Bahá’í Youth Movement in the challenging days ahead.

Each of the 12 committees will host and design its own program, and announcements about scheduling and registration will be made shortly in regional bulletins.

Much of the program content will focus on the "mighty mobilization" called for by the Universal House of Justice in its 1984 message to the youth of the world.

This mobilization, as defined by the present level of youth activity, includes the united response of young people to the aims of the Bahá’í Youth Movement, the recruitment of youth to the year of service, and the mobilization of at least 1,000 youth projecteers this summer.

All Bahá’í youth are encouraged to attend the regional youth conference in their area to learn more about the individual’s response to the call for a "mighty mobilization" of Bahá’í youth.

Santa Ana’s AKISA program aims to reach the city’s Laotian, Cambodian population

A very special project continues to grow in Southern California. Known as AKISA (Adults and Kids in Santa Ana), it is designed to reach the Laotian and Cambodian populations in that city.

Many of these people are newly arrived refugees from Southeast Asia. The project tries to help them adjust to their new home in America.

One of the specific goals of AKISA is to help the children learn to speak English. Although it is not a youth project, youth are a big part of its success.

Alex Gottdank, a young Bahá’í who lives on Minnie St. in Santa Ana, an area that is primarily Cambodian and Mexican, exemplifies service to the Cause at its best.

His warm, happy nature has attracted several Cambodians to the Faith, not because he is a good teacher (although he is), but because his actions speak louder than his words.

Living with the people whom he is teaching, sharing their good times and bad, he has become a true friend and brother.

As the circle of friendship has grown, more people in the area are becoming receptive to the Faith and more Bahá’ís have arisen to become part of the project.

AKISA can be seen as a social and economic development effort that also has attracted a number of new believers to the Cause.

This summer, as in the past, teaching efforts will center around Madison Park near Minnie St. where people of diverse racial, cultural and religious backgrounds gather to socialize and relax.

Although the Spiritual Assembly of Santa Ana reflects a great deal of the diversity of the community—Filipino, Cambodian, black American, Persian and white American—the project has not yet been able to reach the Mexican population.

On Minnie St., Cambodians live on one side and Mexicans on the other, and animosity between the two groups is strong. Slowly and lovingly, the steps to bridge this prejudice are being taken.

The strength created by the diversity of the Bahá’í community and the involvement and dedication of the youth are examples of the power of love and unity that will undoubtedly bring great bounties to the teaching work in Santa Ana.

Summer projecteers are welcome to help with AKISA; those who are interested should contact the Spiritual Assembly of Santa Ana, c/o Adelina Brown, secretary, P.O. Box 6091, Santa Ana, CA 92706.

Asian Conference has ‘unity’ theme

This song, "Insignificant Me," was the theme song of last year’s Asian Bahá’í Youth Conference:

How can insignificant me help the cause of unity; How can one so weak and small help the cause of peace at all.

There isn’t much that one can do, but how about if there were two, and if each two should have a friend, we’d double forces once again.

And on and on this system goes, by leaps and bounds it grows and grows

from crawl to creep to walk to run, the Most Great Peace is surely won.

Young Bahá’í recounts her experience as Spelman College’s only white student

Some time ago we learned of a truly exemplary effort on the part of a young Bahá’í. Debby Jackson, a student at Smith College in Massachusetts, chose to study for a semester at Spelman College in Atlanta, making her the only white student at Spelman, a private university for black women.

We asked Debby, who is majoring in American studies, to share both the reasons and the results of her decision, and are pleased to share her comments with her fellow youth. She is truly an example of how each individual youth can "move the world."—Bahá’í National Youth Committee

To the National Youth Committee

Thank you for asking me to write a short summary about my experiences with my dear Spelman sisters. I am happy to share what I’ve learned, and I earnestly pray that my efforts here will fade into the air and become a part of that energy force that inspires us all to sacrifice and be devoted servants.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá explains what this beloved Cause is doing: "...it is harmony and fellowship, and love and solidarity; indeed it is compassion and unity, and the end of foreignness; it is the being at one, in complete dignity and freedom, with all on earth."

Each word is powerful, specific and hard to accomplish. Like any Bahá’í, I pray to be equally loving and compassionate to all. But it was not until going to Spelman that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s inspiring words were changed from an intellectual understanding to a burning desire in the heart (perhaps you could call it a "Bahá’í heartburn"?) to have a warm atmosphere of unity and fellowship.

This experience has made me aware and sensitive to making sure people feel accepted, involved, needed and unconditionally loved. Indeed, being the only white student at an all-black

See SPELMAN page 32

DEBBY JACKSON

D.C. holds 4th Thanksgiving Conference

More than 230 Bahá’í youth from the East Coast gathered November 28-December 1 at the fourth annual Washington, D.C., Thanksgiving Conference whose theme was "Wage Peace."

The conference, planned by six youth ages 14-21, was described by many participants (including adults) as the best they had ever attended.

Central to the talks and discussions was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prophecy that youth are going to be in the vanguard of establishing world peace.

There were two speakers from the United Nations including one non-Bahá’í. Among the other speakers were Auxiliary Board member William Roberts, Tahirih Ahdieh, and Duane Omid-Varan.

Also, youth had a chance to direct questions about the Bahá’ís in Iran to Kavian Sadeghzadeh, a Bahá’í youth who recently left that country.

With the help of a dance performed by two local bands, "The New Generation" and "This End Up," and Fund participation of 65 per cent by youth at the conference, more than $3,500 was raised for the National Fund.

The conference committee invites you to mark your calendars for the fifth annual Washington conference, to be held November 27-30, 1986.

Youth urged to attend Convention

Bahá’í youth are encouraged to attend the National Convention being held in Chicago in early May. A part-time youth program will be offered and will include presentations by Bahá’í speakers and a side trip to the House of Worship in Wilmette. Be sure to register early using the form in The American Bahá’í. [Page 8]

Convention

from page 1

consultation will begin on the seven major objectives of the Six Year Plan:

1. Carrying the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the generality of mankind.

2. Promoting a greater involvement of the Faith in the life of the larger society.

3. Generating a worldwide increase in the production and use of Bahá’í literature.

4. Accelerating further the process of the maturation of local and national Bahá’í communities.

5. Devoting greater attention to universal participation and the spiritual enrichment of individual believers.

6. Emphasizing the Bahá’í education of children and youth, and the strengthening of Bahá’í family life.

7. Pursuing in well-established Bahá’í communities projects of social and economic development.

On Saturday morning, the delegates will gather in Foundation Hall at the Bahá’í House of Worship to elect the members of the National Spiritual Assembly for 1986-87.

That evening, a special gathering of fellowship and fun will celebrate the success of the Seven Year Plan while serving as a platform from which to launch the Six Year Plan.

On Sunday morning, delegates and visitors will be taken to the House of Worship for a special session of prayers for the success of the Six Year Plan.

Other events that are to take place in support of and in conjunction with the National Convention are:

• Children’s classes
• A bookstore
• Exhibits/booths
• A commemoration of the 12th Day of Riḍván
• A 24-hour prayer vigil at the House of Worship
• A Convention photograph
• Highlights of the forthcoming Peace Conference in San Francisco

In addition, non-delegate sessions will provide an opportunity for workshops and discussions facilitated by the Hands of the Cause of God, Counsellors, and members of national committees.

The workshops will be designed to lay the foundation for success in the Six Year Plan.

Federalists given ‘Promise of Peace’ at L.A. conference

On February 8, copies of the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement, “The Promise of World Peace,” were distributed to members of the Southern California chapter of the World Federalist Association during its annual meeting in Los Angeles.

More than 30 of the 45-50 persons at the meeting accepted copies of the statement, which were made available with the permission of the WFA’s regional leaders.

The guest speaker, Tom Hudgens of the national WFA, who is not a Bahá’í, recalled vividly in his talk the photograph in The Washington Post of President Reagan with the peace statement in his hand.

Four Liberian broadcasters tour WLGI Radio

Four Liberian broadcasters and their American escort recently visited WLGI-Radio Bahá’í in Hemingway, South Carolina.

The Liberians were visiting the U.S. to learn more about community and public radio. They will be the managers of radio stations in a new rural radio network in Liberia.

WLGI-Radio Bahá’í was chosen as one of the stops on their tour because it is one of the few stations in this country that is programming for social and economic development among rural people. WLGI was the only rural station visited by the group while they were in the U.S.

During their visit, the Liberians heard Dr. Roy Jones, director of the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, present an overview of the history of the people who comprise WLGI’s primary audience: rural blacks in the South Carolina low country.

In his remarks, Dr. Jones emphasized the West African heritage of many of WLGI’s listening audience, and detailed aspects of their culture and economy that are uniquely different from mainstream American society.

WLGI staff made presentations about the station’s history and philosophy, paying special attention to the Bahá’í principles that guide the station’s work.

Attention also was given to the many challenges faced when starting a new radio station.

The visitors were especially delighted by the delicious Southern dishes prepared by Mary Beckman, the Institute’s cook, and by her singing of gospel songs.

An evening performance by the Kingstree Bahá’í Youth Choir and Bahá’í poet Priscilla Jeanne added significantly to the success of the visit.

Pictured are the four Liberian radio broadcasters and their American escort who recently visited WLGI-Radio Bahá’í in Hemingway, South Carolina, as part of a tour of American broadcast facilities funded by USAID.

The Liberian group’s American escort called the visit to WLGI “the highlight of our tour.”

The request to visit WLGI came about through contacts with the Institute for International Research (IIR) in McLean, Virginia. Under a contract with the U.S. government, the IIR is helping the Liberian government to build four new regional radio stations.

IIR learned about the successful Bahá’í radio stations in South America and South Carolina from Kurt Hein, general manager of WLGI, who was in Liberia in 1984 to help establish a Bahá’í radio station in that country.

“Two of the Liberian visitors,” says Dr. Hein, “were already acquainted with the Bahá’í Faith through Bill Frank Enoanyi, the manager of the new Bahá’í station being built in Liberia.”

“We hope that their visit to WLGI will encourage them to collaborate with our new station in Liberia.”

WLGI introduces new record club with ‘twist,’ invites friends to join

WLGI-Radio Bahá’í invites Bahá’ís from around the U.S. to join an unusual record club.

The club is different from most record clubs because instead of receiving records from the club, you send them to the club!

WLGI-Radio Bahá’í needs records. We receive some of our music from record companies, but we need much more! It’s a great way to make extra contributions to the Faith, to take part in the activities of WLGI, and to help keep our expenses down.

Here’s how it works. Simply call or write WLGI and let us know how many albums you can contribute (it could be one a month, one a year, or a one-time-only contribution).

We’ll then get in touch with you and give you the name of an album we need. When we receive the album, we’ll send you an acknowledgement including a receipt for an “in-kind” contribution.

As an extra incentive, WLGI is holding a “Name the Record Club” contest. Send us your suggestions for a name for this crazy club. If your entry is the one chosen, you’ll receive a free WLGI T-shirt and other goodies!

For more information, write to WLGI-Radio Bahá’í, Route 2, Box 71, Hemingway, SC 29554, or phone 803-558-2977.

RACE UNITY

28 non-Bahá’ís present at tribute to Dr. King’s work

Forty-one people including 28 non-Bahá’ís attended a commemoration of the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a symposium on eliminating racism as a step toward world peace held January 19 at Central Oregon Community College and sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Bend, Oregon.

The keynote speaker, Earnestine Berkey, a Bahá’í from Albany, Oregon, who is a long-time member of the NAACP, spoke of the importance of Dr. King’s life and teachings and what the holiday means to her and to all Americans.

Following her address, workshops were held on interracial marriage, non-violence, and anti-Semitism.

The meeting ended with a talk by the Rev. Roy Brewer of Bend Presbyterian Church, “The Theology of Equality.”

On January 18, an interview with Lang and Lisle Veach, co-organizers of the symposium, was aired on KTVZ in Bend.

Summer teaching

Attention young people ages 18-25: Summer teaching projects are being arranged in Europe, and possibly in Spain, Italy and Finland.

If you are interested in being considered to participate, or want more information, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as possible!

from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

O God, Guide Me!

Prayers to bind the hearts of children to Bahá’u’lláh

• excellent for family devotions and fostering a sense of Bahá’í identity
• makes a special gift from parents and Spiritual Assemblies to children and libraries
• contains one NEW prayer and updated translations
• includes prayers for guidance, spiritual education, protection, spiritual happiness, dawn, obedience to God, healing, light of God, assistance from God

New design; durable cover 48 pages 22 illustrations $3.75*

• Price valid only in the United States

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 TEL. 1-800-323-1880 [Page 9]

Family Unity Night (Fun)

FIRST WEEK: MAY 2 (Peace Through Association). Thought for the Week: “... it is the being at one, in complete dignity and freedom, with all on earth.” Prayer: Bahá’í Prayers, pp. 198-99. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials: 1. The Hidden Words, No 33, p. 11. 2. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 20, paragraphs 1 and 2. 3. The Divine Art of Living, pp. 107-09, Nos. 1 and 2. Activity: Play a cooperative game of “stand up.” Sit on the ground, back-to-back with a partner, knees bent and elbows linked. Stand up together. This can also be done with three or more people. Or, refer to lesson No. 3 above (Divine Art of Living). Pick a bouquet of spring flowers and place it in water. Observe what happens to the flowers in a few days when they are no longer in “association” with the earth. Refreshments: celery stuffed with peanut butter, raisins or cream cheese; fruit juice.

SECOND WEEK: GRANDEUR (‘Azamat, May 17). Thought for the Week: “God’s greatest gift to man is that of intellect, or understanding.” Prayer: Bahá’í Prayers, pp. 120-21. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials: 1. The Hidden Words, No. 65, p. 19; No. 69, p. 20. 2. Gleanings, No. CXXII, pp. 259-60; No. CXXIV, pp. 261-62. Activity: Refer to The Hidden Words above and the treasures within each person. Use a box, glue, crayons, rocks, buttons, etc., to make a treasure chest. Talk about the treasures—the knowledge of God, attributes, etc.—as it is being built. Or, weather permitting, go on a treasure hunt outside. Have older children create a hunt for the younger ones. Refreshments: Mom’s choice this week.

THIRD WEEK: DECLARATION OF THE BÁB (May 23). Thought for the Week: “I am preparing you for the advent of a mighty day.” (the Báb) Prayer: Bahá’í Prayers, pp. 56-57. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials: 1. Anthology for Bahá’í Children, pp. 10-12, 14, 15. 2. ‎The Dawn-breakers The Dawn-Breakers‎, pp. 51-65, or Release the Sun, pp. 12-15. 3. Selections from the Writings of the Báb, pp. 6-8. Activity: Light a green, fragrant candle for the rendition of the story of the Báb’s declaration. If possible, have an older child tell the story. Explain that the Báb wore a green turban. Refreshments: Apple pie, ice cream and milk.

FOURTH WEEK: ASCENSION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH (May 29). Thought for the Week: “Our mission is to seize and possess the hearts of men.” Prayer: Bahá’í Prayers, pp. 175-76. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials: 1. The Hidden Words, Nos. 31 and 32, p. 33. 2. Gleanings, LXXXI, pp. 155-58. 3. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, No. 5, pp. 17-18. Activity: Weather permitting, play some relay games with the family. Interesting variations of the game include walking with a peanut on a spoon; walking with something on one’s head, like an apple or a sock-ball; or a two-legged relay in which one leg of each player is tied together so the players must work in unison to move. Also, if old socks are saved from the laundry, they make good balls for throwing, catching and juggling. Refreshments: Fresh fruit/dried fruit and juice.

FIFTH WEEK: FEAST OF NUR (Light). Thought for the Week: “... This century is, verily, the source of His Light and the dayspring of His Revelation ...” Prayer: Bahá’í Prayers, pp. 58-59. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials: 1. The Hidden Words, No. 20, pp. 8-9. 2. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, No. 32, pp. 66-67, and p. 31-32 (begin at 3rd paragraph). 3. The Reality of Man, pp. 45-47. Activity: Make a rainbow. Examine/enjoy a prism, cut glass crystal, diamond, etc. (anything that can refract and bend the light) in the sunlight. A mirror in a glass of water can also be used. Explain that white light contains all the colors of the rainbow. If we can bend the light, we can see the parts. Water droplets in the sky sometimes act as prisms and we can see a rainbow after a storm. Refreshments: Ice cream sandwiches, ice cream cones, or popsicles.

Dr. Jane Faily to be among speakers at Louhelen Women’s Conference

EDUCATION

On June 27-29, the Louhelen Bahá’í School will hold its first national Women’s Conference.

Among the speakers will be Dr. Jane Faily, a psychologist at the Royal Ottawa Hospital, London, who is a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

Three sets of concurrent workshops will be offered: “The Greatest Holy Leaf: Heroine and Leader,” conducted by Diane Taherzadeh; “Women in Peace” (Shiva Tavana, the National Spiritual Assembly’s representative to the United Nations); “The Family” (Dr. Faily); “Single Parenting” (Gwen Taylor Ghods); “Women Raising Their Voice in Consultative Meetings” (Marjorie McCabe); “Women’s Health” (Kip Kozlowski and Lisa Irish); and sessions on “Career Planning” and “Single Women.”

Dr. Faily and Ms. Tavana were among the Bahá’í delegates last summer to the UN’s International Women’s Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.

Another keynote presentation will be given on “Women of Color,” and a panel discussion will be held on putting into practice in one’s daily life new attitudes and behavior patterns that will advance the cause of women.

“The purpose of the conference,” says Lisa Irish, a member of the Louhelen Council, “is to increase women’s awareness of their roles in society, to provide a forum for exchanging views and sharing perspectives, and to become better equipped to overcome the barriers that prevent women from contributing their talents and skills to society and the Bahá’í community.

“The conference,” she adds, “will offer a variety of activities. Talks, workshops, artistic performances, and fellowship are planned and will work together to stretch the mind, broaden perspectives and cheer the heart.”

The Women’s Conference is the first in a series being planned by the Louhelen Council. A subsequent conference is anticipated for 1987 for women and men that will focus on their common search to discover their respective natures and to fulfill with each other’s help their respective roles, purposes and potentialities.

Women are encouraged to make other arrangements for their children so that they can give the conference their fullest attention, and local communities are asked to help single mothers so that they may attend without their children.

Child care for children under age 11 will be provided for those who are unable to make other arrangements, provided they register at least two weeks in advance.

For information on rates and registration, see the Bahá’í Schools insert in this issue of The American Bahá’í.

New children’s class directory lists more than 350 Bahá’í programs in U.S.

A children’s class directory, recently compiled by the National Teaching Committee, lists more than 350 Bahá’í children’s class programs in the U.S.

This network highlights progress that has been made on behalf of Bahá’í child education during the course of the Seven Year Plan.

“The children’s class network,” says Janice Lever, national coordinator of child education programs, “is a tangible result of efforts on behalf of children by many dedicated people in the national community.

“Many of us who were active in Bahá’í child education at the beginning of the Plan,” she says, “forget how many changes have taken place.

“Most children didn’t then have access to local Bahá’í children’s classes, and conventions, conferences and regional schools most often organized hastily constructed programs after the children arrived with their parents.

“Now,” says Ms. Lever, “much of this has changed. Nearly all conventions, conferences and regional schools provide well-planned children’s programs.

“These changes, coupled with the recently initiated registration of Bahá’í children, reflect significant changes within the community.”

If your local children’s class program is not included in the national network directory, you should provide the name, address, phone number and Bahá’í I.D. number of a contact person for the program and forward it to either the District LEAP coordinator or the National Teaching Committee office.

The promise of peace

The Challenge of ACTION

Promote YOUTH ACTIVITIES nationwide ...

The National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

Applicants sought for new position, director of operations, at Green Acre

The Green Acre School Council, in consultation with the National Teaching Committee and National Properties Committee, has created a new position, director of operations, at the Green Acre School.

Applicants are being sought for this position. Those who are interested should apply directly to the Office of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

The director of operations will be responsible for the over-all management of the school and its rebuilding program.

This person will oversee the programming, and maintenance of all facilities. The work includes scheduling, staffing, financial management, facility management, enhancement of programming, working with publicity and developing the Friends of Green Acre.

Interested applicants should have a background of experience in facility management, public relations skills, business management skills, be familiar with Bahá’í administration and have sensitivity for the educational and developmental needs of the Bahá’í community.

If you are traveling outside the United States for any reason, please contact the International Goals Committee for information.

Louhelen site for Teacher Training Conference

A four and one-half day National Child Education Teacher Training Conference will be held July 2-7 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School near Davison, Michigan.

The conference, sponsored by the National Teaching Committee in cooperation with the Louhelen School, will focus on classroom teaching skills and lesson planning and curriculum.

“There is essential agreement and enthusiasm on the part of the conference planning team about the potential of the conference for providing needed help to children’s teachers and local school programs,” says Dr. ‎Geoffry Geoffrey‎ Marks, Louhelen’s director of academic affairs.

“A needs assessment questionnaire, disseminated by the National Teaching Committee through the local schools network, is serving as the basis for conference planning.”

Each participant will, as a result of training activities, be in a position to improve the quality of his own program and to serve as a resource person to other class programs in his area.

Local Spiritual Assemblies are encouraged to sponsor, and to subsidize if necessary, children’s class teachers in their areas who might not otherwise be able to attend the event.

Attendance will be limited to 100 persons.

The conference fee (for five nights, four and one-half days) is $130 per person. (A non-refundable $10 fee is required to secure one’s registration.)

Parents are encouraged to make home care arrangements for their children. Child care will be provided in special cases.

Applicants should complete the registration form and return it to: Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

CHILD EDUCATION TEACHER TRAINING CONFERENCE

Name ____________________________________________________________________

Mailing address ___________________________________________________________

City _______________________________________ State _______ Zip __________

Telephone ________________________________________________________________

Name of local school program ______________________________________________

Name of sponsoring Assembly (if applicable) __________________________________

I have enclosed a $10 deposit fee: ________

(Registration fee may be paid by check, VISA or MasterCard. Include card number and expiration date. Your name should be written as it appears on the card.)

[Page 10]

Local Assembly should report full details of formation

To be able to report the status of the Six Year Plan goals to delegates at the National Convention, the National Teaching Committee needs to know how many local Spiritual Assemblies were formed at Ridván.

To obtain the information, a telephone poll is conducted the day after the elections.

This is done by having each Assembly, upon its formation, contact its District Teaching Committee. The committee then calls the National Teaching Office and reports all formations within its area.

Immediately after your Assembly has formed, you should phone the contact person for your district and inform him of the formation. You should then complete the local Spiritual Assembly Report Form and send it (yellow copy) to the Bahá’í National Center.

If questions arise concerning your Assembly election, please feel free to contact the National Teaching Office, 312-869-9039.

• Alabama, Northern. Jacqueline Osborne, 205-764-1766.
• Alabama, S/Florida, NW. Daffraneeze Riley, 904-623-6055.
• Arizona, Northern. Pari Khavari, 602-991-4950.
• Arizona, Southern. Gwen Calhoun, 602-458-5280.
• Arkansas. Martha Clark, 501-442-7064.
• California, Central No. 1. Beatrice Link, 408-395-5951, or 408-395-5351.
• California, Central No. 2. Jan Coker, 209-855-3075.
• California, Northern No. 1. Shahin Hardwick, 916-334-0295.
• California, Northern No. 2. Diane Sullivan, 707-433-1465.
• California, Southern No. 1. James Bailey, 213-727-5030.
• California, Southern No. 2. Cynthia Carlton, 714-688-6415.
• California, Southern No. 3. Mark Eaton, 805-525-1223.
• California, Southern No. 4. Eileen Norman, 619-942-2440.
• Colorado, Northeast. Martha Tromp, 303-688-6686.
• Colorado, Southeast. Jenifer Green, 303-687-2393.
• Colorado, Western. Fred North, 303-533-7892.
• Connecticut. Hamid Rafi’i, 203-223-5562.
• DelMarVa. Charlotte Harmon, 301-835-2967.
• Florida, Central. Linda Grannis, 305-469-2500.
• Florida, Northern. Debbie Miller, 1-800-59BAHAI.
• Florida, Southeast. Suzanne Cantville, 305-793-1184.
• Florida, Southwest. Frances Hunter, 904-344-3458.
• Georgia, Northeast. Norah Nasseh, 404-790-1736.
• Georgia, Northwest. Arthur Cutting, 404-767-9807, or 404-997-3279.
• Georgia, Southern. Anne Jalali, 912-825-3542.
• Idaho, N/Washington, E. Bradford Lucas, 509-765-1909.
• Idaho, Southern. Sherry Perkins, 208-745-8479 (H), 208-356-8860 (W).
• Illinois, Northern No. 1. Rexine Brown, 309-798-2400.
• Illinois, Northern No. 2. Lorraine Hewett, 312-975-8981.
• Illinois, Southern. Bonnie Crim, 618-543-7484.
• Indiana. Cathy Russell, 317-675-6915.
• Iowa. Fay Himes, 319-843-3382.
• Kansas. Phyllis Medrano, 316-662-8243.
• Kentucky. Mark DeAraujo, 606-236-0421.
• Louisiana, Northern. Delores White, 318-221-9911 (H), 318-861-7659 (W).
• Louisiana, Southern. Ernel Mitchell, 504-244-8174.
• Maine. Janot Comeau, 207-935-3843.
• Maryland/D.C. Frances Coley, 202-726-5909.
• Massachusetts. Gina Shamey, 617-894-7558.
• Michigan, Mainland. Hermione Pickens, 313-742-6208.
• Minnesota, Northern. Harlen Whitling, 218-384-4511.
• Minnesota, Southern. David Bair, 612-588-8601.
• Mississippi. John Smith, 601-636-8628.
• Missouri. Joyce Stohr, 816-535-6215.
• Montana. Topaz Rosen, 406-586-6323.
• Navajo-Hopi. Roan Stone, 505-863-6701.
• Nebraska. Harry Eckerson, 402-694-5925.
• Nevada, Northern. Bradley Corbin, 702-356-0521.
• Nevada, Southern. Marion West, 702-294-1050.
• New Hampshire. Jonathon Ring, 603-772-4680.
• New Jersey. Richard Tomarelli, 609-769-4257.
• New Mexico, Northern. John Hostetler, 505-344-8058 (H), 505-888-4600 (W).
• New Mexico, S/Texas, W. Curtis Wynne, 505-887-2529.
• New York, Eastern. Jack Bush, 718-358-1280.
• New York, Western. Candace O’Neill, 716-759-2248.
• North Carolina, Central. Samuel Williams, 919-679-2133.
• North Carolina, Eastern. Karen Tarlo, 919-237-2441.
• North Carolina, Western. Jerry/Peggy York, 704-327-0826.
• North Dakota. Mavis Nymon, 701-232-0058.
• Ohio, Northern. Pleasant Montgomery, 216-991-0475.
• Ohio, Southern. Rose Wendel, 513-372-1844 or 513-433-1120.
• Oklahoma, Eastern. John Algeo, 918-224-8252.
• Oklahoma, Western. Willis Sutter, 405-235-2802.
• Oregon, Eastern. Ruth Hall, 503-276-1868.
• Oregon, Western. Megha Shyam, 503-745-5027.
• Pennsylvania, Eastern. Bob Basso, 717-599-5939.
• Pennsylvania, Western. Deb Hilbert, 814-796-6380.
• Rhode Island. Olympia McGee, 401-751-6632.
• South Carolina, Central. Heloise Hebert, 803-776-4596.
• South Carolina, Eastern No. 1. Bret Breneman, 803-667-1540.
• South Carolina, Eastern No. 2. Ellen McAllister, 803-382-9738.
• South Carolina, Northern. Ralph DeFreitas, 803-328-8395.
• South Carolina, Southern No. 1. ‎Glados Gladys‎ Ziegler, 803-553-6791.
• South Carolina, Southern No. 2. Amber Spahn, 803-838-5452.
• South Carolina, Western. Annette Young, 803-855-2072.
• South Dakota. Theora McVay, 605-543-5811.
• Tennessee, Eastern. Edith Osborn, 615-867-9323.
• Tennessee, Western. Carolyn Eck, 901-664-1694.
• Texas, Central No. 1. Irma Gray, 512-820-3077.
• Texas, Central No. 2. Don Ewalt Jr., 915-368-0053.
• Texas, Eastern No. 1. Rose-Marie Stevens, 817-540-0127.
• Texas, Eastern No. 2. Mary Maxwell, 713-436-9632.
• Texas, Northern. Homa Villagomez, 817-549-1200.
• Texas, Southern. Sheron Knowlton, 512-552-7603.
• Utah. Shari Meyer, 801-776-6048.
• Vermont. Bill Schmidt, 802-365-7603.
• Virginia, Northern. Kitty Herriott, 703-978-5649.
• Virginia, Southeast. Terri Hamrick, 804-723-6413.
• Virginia, Southwest. Mark Foster, 703-328-1010.
• Washington, Northwest. Cheryl Stull, 206-452-7901.
• Washington, Southwest. Fran Amundson, 206-943-8093.
• West Virginia. Sorour Payman, 304-466-5296.
• Wisconsin, N/Upper Michigan. Thomas Rowe, 715-341-3084.
• Wisconsin, Southern. Michelle Broussard, 414-332-0143.
• Wyoming. Mary Churchill, 307-332-9496.

On September 17, designated International Day of Peace by the mayor of Willoughby, Ohio, the six-member Bahá’í Group of Willoughby distributed copies of the mayor’s proclamation along with Bahá’í literature in downtown areas of the city. Pictured in front of city hall are (left to right) Dudley Woodard, Grace Phillips, Merle Woodard, Ida Lace and Ramez Maher (now pioneering in Chile). The sixth member, Tamara Kirilcuk, was busy teaching at a local private school.

Larry and Dorothy Pedersen, isolated Bahá’ís in Halfway, Oregon, won a fifth place ribbon with this booth at the Baker County Fair whose theme was ‘We Are the World.’ Eight Bahá’í quotations were used which related to the theme and to local industry. Many compliments about the exhibit were received including one from a minister.

Bahá’ís urged to befriend mainland Chinese

The Chinese Teaching Committee has made appeals in the last several issues of The American Bahá’í for people who are interested in teaching Chinese to contact the committee’s convenor through the National Teaching Committee.

The response has been positive, and there has been increased interest generated in sharing the Message of Bahá’u’lláh with Chinese people.

One area of interest has been in forming friendships with people from “mainland China.” This is an important teaching activity whose impact cannot be measured or fully understood at this time.

The Universal House of Justice has said that it is important to teach Chinese people wherever they reside, and has given particular guidance regarding teaching and enrolling citizens of the Peoples Republic of China who temporarily live outside that country.

If, during the course of the friendships formed with Bahá’ís, any of these people learn enough about the Faith to express a sincere desire to enroll, they may do so. However, they may also be accepted as a believer without having to sign an enrollment card or accept credentials.

For their own protection, this latter course may be wiser.

The Faith is not openly taught in China, and it must be made clear that one of the basic principles of the Faith is loyalty to government, and that followers of Bahá’u’lláh are exhorted to be good citizens.

The Universal House of Justice would like to be kept informed of any such persons who wish to enroll in the Faith, as well as their plans to return to their homes in China.

The following excerpts from a letter written by the Chinese Teaching Committee to selected college Bahá’í Clubs gives insight into the importance of forming friendships with people from mainland China who are studying in the U.S. at this time:

“Of the 20,000 students and scholars from mainland China who are studying or doing research in universities outside China, 10,000 are at present in the U.S.

“These people are the ‘cream of the crop’ of one billion Chinese; they will be the leadership of the future Chinese society in all the academic, administrative, political and economic institutions of the country....

“They ... are within reach ... to associate with them, to befriend them, and to familiarize them with the name and tenets as well as the spirit of our precious Faith ...

“They do not need Chinese-speaking teachers as they all desire to speak English and learn about all facets of the American way of life.

“These Chinese students are in a position, and therefore we Bahá’ís are in a position, to influence the largest human society in the world in the next two decades....

“The method of approaching them is not to invite them to structured meetings or firesides, but rather to invite them to parties and social activities where a few Bahá’ís can form genuine friendships.”

Reports show wide diversity of teaching activities among minority groups in U.S.

The reports that the National Teaching Committee receives about minority teaching are among the most exciting and moving information in the amazing chronicle of events in the American Bahá’í community.

Shoghi Effendi wrote, in The Advent of Divine Justice, “no more laudable and meritorious service can be rendered the Cause of God, at the present hour, than a successful effort to enhance the diversity of the members of the American Bahá’í community by swelling the ranks of the Faith through the enrollment of the members of these (minority) races.

“A blending of these highly differentiated elements of the human race, harmoniously interwoven into the fabric of an all-embracing Bahá’í fraternity, and assimilated through the dynamic processes of a divinely appointed Administrative Order, and contributing each its share to the enrichment and glory of Bahá’í community life, is surely an achievement the contemplation of which must warm and thrill every Bahá’í heart.”

Following are a few recent highlights of minority teaching in the U.S.:

● Two successful Hispanic conferences have been held in California—one in Soledad in the Salinas Valley, the other in San Fernando, just north of Los Angeles.

The efforts of a few dedicated Bahá’ís are bearing fruit as three Hispanic believers in the Salinas Valley have become active teachers while another opens her home for meetings each week.

In Arizona, the Raúl Pavón Project has focused on Hispanic and Indian teaching, and 22 new believers have been enrolled since last November. One of them is a Native American, believed to be the first of her tribe to enroll in the Faith.

In south Texas, one Hispanic family has been studying a Ruhí Institute booklet on their own after beginning the study with a Bahá’í teacher, and another Hispanic family has begun hosting a well-attended monthly fireside at which children’s classes are held while adults learn about the Faith. There have been three recent enrollments, and two Bahá’ís in the area have become active teachers.

● The Chinese Teaching Committee reports that articles about the Faith and “The Promise of World Peace” have appeared in at least 13 Chinese-language newspapers with additional press presentations planned for major cities on the West Coast.

As reported earlier in The American Bahá’í, teaching activity in the form of establishing friendships with Chinese students and scholars from mainland China is taking place on nearly a dozen college campuses.

The National Teaching Office continues to receive requests for the Chinese translation of “The Promise of World Peace.” It should be given only to friends and relatives in this country.

● The National Teaching Com- (continues on page 18) [Page 11]

TEACHING

In a letter of Ridván 1982 the Universal House of Justice called for "a mighty upsurge of effective teaching" to meet the challenge of the growing hunger of peoples of the world for "the love of God and reunion with Him." This is the last in a nine-part series that explores the principles of teaching the Faith. Every believer can, through the simple and direct guidance found in the Writings, become an all-confident, effective Bahá’í teacher, capable of uniting hearts with Bahá’u’lláh.

This final article in the series on effective teaching does not focus on the teacher or on the seeker. Instead, it is concerned with the Bahá’í community.

"All the Bahá’ís," Shoghi Effendi indicated, "should devote themselves as much as possible to teaching the Faith...."

But, he added, "they should also realize that the atmosphere of true love and unity which they manifest within the Bahá’í community will directly affect the public, and be the greatest magnet for attracting people to the Faith and confirming them." (From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian, The Individual and Teaching, No. 64)

"Unless and until the believers really come to realize they are one spiritual family, knit together by a bond more lasting than mere physical ties can ever be, they will not be able to create that warm community atmosphere which alone can attract the hearts of humanity, frozen for lack of real love and feeling." (From a letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, The Individual and Teaching, No. 59)

Building this unity involves many things, from efficient running of activities such as Feasts or teaching campaigns to the practice of Bahá’í principles in community life such as racial unity and the equality of men and women, and to the day-to-day interactions that make up our daily life such as concern for the sick or simply going to the movies together. The key lies in the term "spiritual family."

As society encounters ever more difficult problems due to the breakdown of the old world order, Bahá’í community life will take on added importance. It should be a refuge not only for the Bahá’ís but for all humanity.

The Bahá’ís, the Universal House of Justice has written, must "increasingly stand out as assured, orientated, and fundamentally happy beings, conforming to a standard which, in direct contrast to the ignoble and amoral attitudes of modern society, is the source of their honor, strength, and maturity.

"It is this marked discipline of the Bahá’í community on the one hand, and the increasing confusion, despair, and feverish tempo of a doomed society on the other, which, during the turbulent years ahead, will draw the eyes of humanity to the sanctuary of Bahá’u’lláh’s world-redeeming Faith." (Wellspring of Guidance, pp. 79-80)

The development of community life will continue into the Six Year Plan. The House of Justice has indicated that its major objectives would include "further acceleration in the process of the maturation of national and local Bahá’í communities," "universal participation of individual believers," and "strengthening of Bahá’í family life." (Message of January 2, 1986)

Development of the community must begin with each individual. As we work to transform ourselves, we can practice our new attributes among our spiritual family, building the bonds of unity that must attract the hearts of all humanity.

Nothing can replace the daily, persistent effort of individuals to extend the love they have received from Bahá’u’lláh to the entire Bahá’í community.

"Wherefore must the friends of God, with utter sanctity, with one accord, rise up in the spirit, in unity with one another, to such a degree that they will become even as one being and one soul. On such a plane as this, physical bodies play no part, rather doth the spirit take over and rule; and when its power encompasseth all then is spiritual union achieved.

"Strive ye by day and night to cultivate your unity to the fullest degree. Let your thoughts dwell on your own spiritual development, and close your eyes to the deficiencies of other souls. Act ye in such wise, showing forth pure and goodly deeds, and modesty and humility, that ye may cause others to be awakened." (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 203)

Bahá’ís perform in Portland's Gospel Concert

Bahá’ís in Portland, Oregon, participated February 22 in the third annual Gospel Concert sponsored by the Black United Front.

As a part of the varied program, a Bahá’í, Miss Charlotte Easley, played and sang one of her own compositions, "Poem to Papa," devoted to her grandfather, Oliver Thomas Barnes. Miss Easley blended the poem with two separate works, "We Are Each Other's Home" and a Bach-styled fugue titled "All the Children of the World."

Also performing during the evening of music and fellowship were the combined choirs of Marantha and Mount Olivet churches.

Seven Year Plan Teaching Progress

ASSEMBLIES Assembly goal (Seven Year Plan)........................1,750 Local Assemblies formed................................1,779 Assemblies on Indian Reservations (goal: 50).............61

Welcome to these new Assemblies: Acworth, GA Flathead County, MT La Place, LA Blacksburg, VA Seaside, CA

NEW BAHÁ’ÍS Seven Year Plan goal....................."unprecedented increase" Since Ridván............................4,356 (as of February 14) Number of youth (included in total)..........1,191 (27% of total)

World Peace The Earth Is One Country...

A thought expressed by the Bahá’í Faith

YES...RUSH MY ORDER PLEASE... Name Address City. State MasterCard/VISA (circle one) card number Zip Phone exp. date

Description / Quantity / Cost

OUTDOOR BILLBOARD/30 sheet $45.00 ea. (Global Theme) BUS POSTER/11 x 27" Pack of 10 @ $2.00 ea. $20.00/pack (Global Theme) Full Color 14 x 17 POSTER/Set of 2 $2.50 per set (Global and Logo Peace Themes) Full Color, Allows for imprint area 8 x 11 POSTER/Set of 2 $1.00 per set (Global and Logo Peace Themes) Full Color, Allows for imprint area BUTTONS (24)/Variety pack (Global and Logo Peace Themes) 10 per pack $5.00 per pack BUTTONS 100 per pack $40.00 per pack BALLOONS/Variety Color Pack $12.50 per pack 100 per pack BUMPER STICKER/Rectangle $5.00 per 10-pack 10 per pack WINDOW STICKER/Circle $6.50 per pack 10 per pack

EXTRA PLUS CAMERA READY NEWSPAPER ADS/Peace Campaign $3.00 per set (Theme topics, with imprint area) 2 column and 1 column, Black & White, 85 line screen; All ads ready for repro in your local newspaper PEACE PRESENTATION KIT-MEDIA $3.50 per kit PEACE PRESENTATION KIT-GENERAL PURPOSE $2.00 per kit

Subtotal Handling (Please add 10% for handling. $1.50 minimum) Total

Mail coupon and check or phone: 800-323-1880 or 312-251-1854 in Illinois Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue. Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 12]

77th BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CONVENTION

(May 1-4, 1986)

CONVENTION SEATING REGISTRATION

REGISTRATION BY LETTER IS ACCEPTABLE; HOWEVER, PLEASE INCLUDE ALL THE INFORMATION REQUESTED BELOW.

NOTE: This does not reserve hotel accommodations. Please contact the hotel directly.

PLEASE PRINT — USE ONE FORM PER FAMILY

LIST ALL ADULTS ATTENDING (Mr./Mrs./Miss) ____________________ I.D. No. __________ (Mr./Mrs./Miss) ____________________ I.D. No. __________ (Mr./Mrs./Miss) ____________________ I.D. No. __________ (Mr./Mrs./Miss) ____________________ I.D. No. __________

Address ___________________________________________ Phone ( ) __________

LIST ALL YOUTH ATTENDING Name ____________________ Age _____ Special needs ____________________

LIST ALL CHILDREN ATTENDING Name ____________________ Age _____ Special needs ____________________

A QUALITY CHILDREN’S PROGRAM IS PLANNED. PRE-REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL TO ASSURE YOUR CHILD’S PLACE IN THIS PROGRAM.

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW!

Mail to: Office of the Secretary, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Attention: National Convention Registration.

More than 30 gather in Arizona for New Believers’ Conference

NATIVE AMERICANS

More than 30 Bahá’ís and seekers including 19 Navajos gathered January 11-12 at the Native American Bahá’í Institute on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona for a New Believers’ Conference.

Most sessions were held in the Institute’s prayer hogan in an atmosphere of spirituality and warmth.

Many Reservation pioneers were there to help in the deepenings including Ken Morphet-Brown of Shonto, Arizona, a former pioneer who recently returned to the Reservation.

Also attending were newly declared Bahá’í Victoria Yazzie and her cousin, Lula Dobson, from the Red Lake Chapter community on the western part of the Navajo Reservation.

Victoria is the granddaughter of Leta Gray, an elderly Bahá’í who had the bounty of attending the 1978 Bahá’í National Convention at which the Native American Bahá’í Institute had its beginnings.

The conference included the sharing of “Bahá’í stories,” with all of the Bahá’ís who were present telling the story of how they became Bahá’ís.

An added bounty was a presentation by Chester Kahn, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, about the presentation in December of “The Promise of World Peace” to President Reagan.

The conference ended with an unexpected session of prayer and consultation which resulted in a decision to help a Navajo Bahá’í family with the construction of a new home, with materials provided by the family and volunteer labor by the friends. Construction was happily begun on January 25.

Shown are some of the participants in a New Believers’ Conference held January 11-12 at the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Arizona.

Mary Manybeads (dark dress), a Navajo elder and a Bahá’í, attended the Council Fire held last year at the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Arizona. Here she is seen visiting with Navajo Bahá’ís Paul and Nancy Yellowhorse.

More important information about 77th Bahá’í National Convention May 1-4

The 77th Bahá’í National Convention will be held May 1-4, 1986, at the McCormick Inn, 23rd & the Lake, Chicago, IL 60616. The toll free number is 1-800-621-6909 (in Illinois, phone collect 312-791-1901).

Rates: $55 per night (plus tax)—1, 2, 3 or 4 in a room (two double beds). Rollaways are available @ $10 each.

Suites available: 1- and 2-bedroom suites are available (phone the hotel for rates). All suites have parlors with sleepers in addition to the bedrooms.

Reservations: Must be made directly with the hotel. Please be sure to identify yourself as attending the Bahá’í Convention, May 1-4. Request confirmation to ensure that your reservation was received. Please (1) give the names of all those sharing the room with you, and (2) indicate any special facilities needed for the handicapped (rooms to accommodate wheelchairs, etc.), as the number of such rooms is limited.

Sharing rooms: The hotel will not find you a roommate. You must make your own arrangements.

Transportation: There is regular bus service—Continental Air Transport—to the McCormick Inn from O’Hare Airport ($7.50) and from Midway Airport ($6.50). Taxis are also available.

Remember: You must register in person, with your Bahá’í membership card in hand. You may not register another family member or a friend by proxy. The coupon above includes registration information for seating and for registering children and youth at the Convention.

Santa Clarita Bahá’ís sponsor fourth annual Human Rights event

On February 9, the Bahá’ís of Santa Clarita Valley, California, sponsored their fourth annual Human Rights Awards ceremony.

Honored for their “selfless dedication to humanity” were Elizabeth Curwen and Carol Gelsinger, directors of the Santa Clarita Valley Special Children’s Center.

The keynote speaker at the awards banquet was Floyd V. Baxter, judge of the Newhall Municipal Court.

Nebraska Bahá’ís give peace statement to Omaha Indians

History was made January 26 at the Macy Indian Reservation as the Omaha Indian people were presented a copy of the peace statement from the Universal House of Justice.

More than 50 people attended the ceremony, which was sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Macy and included prayers, a meal, games and “world peace” coloring worksheets for the children.

Earlier that day, a pre-dawn prayer session planned by Kay Webster’s family was attended by several Bahá’ís including Auxiliary Board members Robert Postlethwaite and Ronna Santoscoy.

The Native Americans were visibly touched by the prayers and songs of the Bahá’ís.

UNIPAR cheered by children’s letters, art work depicting new Temple in India

Art work and letters received from children across the country are delighting UNIPAR and the staff of the Office of the Treasurer.

These lovely gifts are being sent in response to the recent children’s Fund materials focusing on the construction of the House of Worship in India.

Colored pictures of the Temple in India, water colors of lotus blossoms, and original drawings of graceful Indian women balancing bowls on their heads adorn the office walls.

Contributions accompanied all of these loving tokens from the children. Their letters explain the source of the money—from allowances and payment for extra chores around the house to money from a wallet that was thought to be lost.

UNIPAR is always happy to receive such letters so he can write back to his new friends.

The children’s Fund materials are being presented in a variety of ways. Communities find them a successful addition to their Feasts or weekly children’s classes; families are having fun working on the stories and activities at home.

Additional copies of the materials are available to your community or family. Send your request to the Office of the Treasurer, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

‘Indispensable medium for growth’ National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 13]The Bahá’ís of greater Doylestown, Pennsylvania, observed Universal Children’s Day on October 1. A 6-by-12 foot display, designed by Rita Leydon and made by the community, was placed in the children’s reading room at the Melinda Cox Library in Doylestown where it was to remain for a month before traveling throughout the Bucks County library system during 1986. Seated is Helen Underhill with her book God Speaks and Other Poems which she donated to the library as a part of the observance. Standing (left to right) are Noushin Mahboubi, Krispin Leydon, Bobby Cerruti, Kyra Mumbauer and Neda Mahboubi.

Cedar Rapids Bahá’ís aren’t keeping ‘Promise’

The Bahá’ís of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, have been busy presenting “The Promise of World Peace” to city officials and other groups with more presentations yet to come.

So far, 19 presentation copies and 51 study copies of the peace statement have been presented.

On January 7, the mayor and city commissioners were given copies. Afterward, copies of the statement were given to the news media with a press release about the presentations to the mayor and city council.

Other groups that have received the peace statement include the Linn County chapter of the United Nations Association, the Cedar Rapids-Marion Conference of Clergy, and the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission.

On January 19, copies of “The Promise of World Peace” were given to representatives of the NAACP, the Black Coalition, the Black Women’s Civic Organization, and The Sisters as a part of the Spiritual Assembly’s public observance at Coe College of the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Mayor Donald J. Canney of Cedar Rapids, Iowa (second from left) receives a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ from members of the Spiritual Assembly of Cedar Rapids (left to right) Margene Nelson-Willis, Jim Siegling and Rohollah Hosseini. The presentation was made January 7. (Photo by Wayne Anderson)

Judge Dorothy Nelson peace event speaker

Judge Dorothy W. Nelson, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly, was the speaker at a public meeting February 9 in Anaheim, California, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Orange.

About 75 people including several non-Bahá’ís attended the event whose theme was “World Peace and Justice.”

Entertainment was by the Inland Empire Choir, a Bahá’í group from Riverside County.

As a result of the meeting, an extensive article about Judge Nelson and the Faith appeared in the Orange County Register, which has the largest circulation of any newspaper in the area.

Archives’ Hoagg Papers recount Faith’s presence on world scene via early International Bureau

The establishment by the Guardian in 1928 of the International Bahá’í Bureau in Geneva, Switzerland, served a variety of purposes.

It effectively gave the Faith a presence in the city of the League of Nations and declared its international nature, served as part-publisher, part-translation service to disseminate the Message throughout the European continent, and encouraged its nascent Bahá’í community.

Henrietta Emogene Martin Hoagg, a deepened and consecrated Bahá’í and a supremely well-organized person as well, was a wise choice to become one of the Bureau’s early administrators, from 1928-35.

The Emogene Hoagg Papers in the National Bahá’í Archives document the Bureau’s efforts to pursue a mission that was well-described by Mrs. Hoagg herself:

“Geneva is certainly a center for international activities along the lines of material, ethical and social interests, and if the Spirit of the blessed Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá can only permeate these activities, think what an effect can be produced on the world!

“It is for such help as to make this International Bureau a possible force in the work here that we are asking your prayerful cooperation ... until it becomes international in character as a body cooperative, through the united interests and efforts of the friends throughout the Bahá’í world.”

Accomplishing such goals with a staff that rarely exceeded four on-site workers was bound to entail difficulties, and the Papers evidence them. The staff had perennial health problems and at times Emogene and her colleague, Julia Culver, had to leave to recuperate.

She nevertheless managed by mail when necessary, and the Papers contain considerable correspondence with acting managers Anna Lynch and Margaret Lentz.

All levels of Bureau activity are documented: its funding, the work of translation, literature dissemination, contacts with non-Bahá’í groups, matters pertaining to its relationship to National Spiritual Assemblies, and its humanitarian efforts on behalf of certain individuals in Geneva.

The challenge of addressing the pressing work despite the divergent personalities of the Bureau staff, teachers Helen Bishop and Julia Goldman, and the young people that the Bureau cared for, permeates the Papers’ Bureau correspondence and notes.

The Emogene Hoagg Papers also document other important chapters in Mrs. Hoagg’s life: 1. her month spent under the tutelage of the renowned Mírzá ‘Abu’l-Faḍl in Egypt following her pilgrimage in 1900; 2. her role as lecturer, author and deep student of the Faith, with voluminous notes, detailed diaries and an extensive collection of the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; 3. her activities as a “trouble-shooting” traveling teacher and deepener on behalf of the Guardian and National Teaching Committee, and her dedication in communicating the need for deepening at the grassroots in Bahá’í administrative principles; 4. her service as a pioneer in Cuba, 1940-41; and 5. her resolve to be a homefront pioneer to the end, writing at age 70, “If there is no one else, no one younger and with more ‘pep’ who wishes to go to South Carolina, I offer myself.”

Emogene Hoagg passed away at her Charleston post in that portentous state in 1945.

Dissertation on martyrdom available

Several months ago, a doctoral dissertation by Fereshteh Bethel, a Bahá’í from Escondido, California, was published by University Microfilms International.

The work, titled “A Psychological Theory of Martyrdom: A Content Analysis of Personal Documents of Bahá’í Martyrs of Iran Written Between 1979 and 1982,” has been referred to by the Universal House of Justice as “meritorious” and “scholarly” work and a “marvelous tribute” to the martyrs of the Faith.

In summary, it analyzes the contents of 95 letters, wills and court statements of recent Bahá’í martyrs from a psychological perspective and uses eyewitness accounts of Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís for the purpose of cross-validation.

Among its conclusions is that the belief and response of Bahá’í martyrs to persecution and imminent execution were not according to the typical conventional psychology, in which individuals react to severe social stressors with a negative attitude and behavior, but were of an atypical nature and very positive.

To obtain a copy of this 262-page research study in hard or softcover book form, on microfilm or microfiche, write to University Microfilms International, 300 N. Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Order number: 84-17798.

In the U.S., you may call (toll free) 1-800-521-3042 or 1-800-521-0600. From Canada, call 1-800-343-5299.

You may obtain a cassette tape of a talk given by Dr. Bethel on this topic from Images International, Needham Heights, MA 02194 (phone 617-449-7595).

A New Magazine for Bahá’ís: Dialogue—A Quarterly Journal Exploring the Implications of the Bahá’í Faith for Our Time

In this first issue:

“Disinvestment: Is It A Bahá’í Issue?”

“Star Wars or World Peace”

“Cultural Pluralism in the Bahá’í Community”

“When the Saints Come Marching In: The Art of Bahá’í Biography”

And more!

I wish to subscribe to Dialogue.

• Enroll me as a friend of Dialogue for 1986-87 ($50.00)
• Please send me my year’s subscription — US/Canada ($10.00)
• Please send me my year’s subscription — Outside North America ($15.00)

MAIL TO: DIALOGUE • P.O. BOX 24821 • LOS ANGELES, CA 90024

NOTE: Dialogue is a private venture not associated with the National Spiritual Assembly or any other institutions or agencies of the Faith. [Page 14]

Agreement with U.K. to increase level of service

An agreement signed by the Bahá’í Publishing Trusts of the United States and United Kingdom will mean a dramatic improvement in service to Bahá’ís in the U.S. and Europe.

Under terms of the agreement, the Trusts will exchange large quantities of their books and serve as distribution agencies for the other.

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom will distribute books throughout Europe, which will save the national distribution agencies of Europe’s Common Market countries ‎the time and money time and money‎. Shipping times and costs for books among Common Market countries are much lower than those for books in the U.S.

The U.S. Publishing Trust will now distribute books from the United Kingdom to Alaska and Hawaii.

“We believe that this new link of cooperation between our two Trusts is a landmark in providing more and better service to Bahá’ís in Europe and the United States,” says Larry Bucknell, general manager of the Publishing Trust.

“It will mean that more of our books are available to buyers in Europe, and the complete line of books published in the United Kingdom will be available here.

“We’ll also have much larger quantities of titles we presently carry,” he says, “which means we will seldom, if ever, run out of popular books.

“The Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom has become one of our largest suppliers in the last few years,” says Mr. Bucknell. “It produces high quality books and compilations that are becoming an integral part of the deepening of the Bahá’í community and a support to its teaching efforts.”

Among the titles that will be available from the United Kingdom are a new printing of the introductory book All Things Made New; compilations on women, the Huqúqu’lláh, and health and healing; several children’s books; a number of works by the Central Figures of the Faith; and prayer books that have not been imported in the recent past.

Details about the arrival of these books and their prices will appear in upcoming editions of The American Bahá’í. The first shipment was expected in mid-April.

In February, members of the National Spiritual Assembly toured the newly remodeled offices of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust and Distribution Service. They also visited the warehouse, which was relocated last year into the building at 415 Linden Avenue in Wilmette, Illinois. It was their first chance to see the many changes made by the Publishing Trust and Distribution Service over the past 18 months.

Trust co-publishes new compilations on women, Huqúqu’lláh

Bahá’í Publications Canada and the Bahá’í Publishing Trust are co-publishing two compilations, one on women and another on the Huqúqu’lláh, from the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.

Both publications are expected to be delivered to Wilmette in mid-April.

The compilation on women contains the first translations into English of quotations from Bahá’u’lláh on the station of women. Also included are a number of previously untranslated passages from Tablets written by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

The compilation is divided into sections on “The Bahá’í Concept of Equality,” “The Role of Education in the Development of Women,” “Application of the Principle of Equality to Family Life,” “Women in the World at Large,” and “Fostering the Development of Women.”

The compilation on the Huqúqu’lláh contains more than a hundred quotations, most of which are from the Pen of Bahá’u’lláh.

The prices of these two new compilations were not available as The American Bahá’í went to press.

Distribution Service to drop postage charges starting May 1

Beginning May 1, the Bahá’í Distribution Service will eliminate charges for postage and handling on all domestic orders.

The move has been under study for some time, according to Larry Bucknell, general manager of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, and the decision to implement the change was made in mid-March.

“We have calculated our over-all shipping costs,” says Mr. Bucknell, “and believe that we can absorb the cost of postage into our price structure.

“We’ll be adjusting some prices of books and other items to balance out the cost of dropping shipping charges, but the price changes will be small.”

The advantages to customers, he says, far outweigh the slight price increase.

“Individuals who order directly from the Distribution Service won’t have to pay a flat rate for postage or a minimum charge. Our accounts—especially those for schools and district conventions—will not have to take postage charges out of their profits.

“Also,” Mr. Bucknell adds, “when accounts back-order several books, which may arrive at different times, they often have to pay a disproportionately large amount to ship a single back-ordered book.”

As a part of the decision to drop postage charges, the Distribution Service will begin shipping virtually all packages by United Parcel Service. UPS is faster, safer, and all packages are automatically insured.

The only exceptions will be those customers whose only address is a post office box. UPS does not deliver to post office boxes.

“There may be a rough period during the transition,” says Mr. Bucknell, “but we’re certain the benefits will become apparent very quickly.”

The change in postage charges does not affect customers who order from outside the 48 contiguous United States, nor does it affect other Bahá’í agencies outside this country which order from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

TOP 20 SELLERS

(Through third quarter of 1986)

1. The Promise of World Peace (study edition)
2. The Promise of World Peace (presentation edition)
3. Bahá’í Challenge (game)
4. Unrestrained as the Wind
5. Mona (video)
6. Peace pamphlets
7. Bahá’í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion
8. Unto Him Shall We Return
9. All Flags Flying, SC
10. Bahá’í DayBook
11. Bahá’í Prayers, HC
12. Bahá’í Faith in America
13. We Are One (cassette)
14. Wall calendar
15. Datebook
16. Bahá’í Prayers, SC
17. Waging Peace
18. Bahá’í and the New Era, SC
19. Ark of Destiny (video)
20. Bahá’í Readings, SC

TOP 20 ACCOUNTS

(Through third quarter of 1986)

1. Green Acre School, Maine
2. Louhelen School, Michigan
3. Los Angeles, California
4. New York, New York
5. Clackamas County, Oregon
6. San Francisco, California
7. Washington, D.C.
8. Riverside, California
9. Arizona DTC, North
10. Seattle, Washington
11. Austin, Texas
12. Texas DTC, Eastern No. 2
13. Dallas, Texas
14. Bosch School, California
15. San Jose, California
16. Wilhelm School, New Jersey
17. San Diego, California
18. Connecticut DTC
19. Florida Summer School
20. Washington East School

How to order

To order any titles listed on this page, individuals living anywhere in the world should see the Bahá’í Distribution Service coupon below.

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

Pictured are participants in a conference February 22-23 in Eustis, Florida, sponsored by the Bahá’í Distribution Service for its representatives.

ORDER FORM

Quan.	Title	Amt.	Quan.	Title	Amt.
	All Flags Flying, HC	$20.00		Leo Tolstoy and the Bahá’í Faith, SC	$4.75
	All Flags Flying, SC	10.00		O God, Guide Me!, SC	3.95
	Bahá’í Pocket Calendar	10/1.85		Peace: More Than an End to War, HC	16.00
	Bahá’í Wall Calendar	1.25		Peace: More Than an End to War, SC	8.95
	Bahá’í Faith in America, HC	19.95		Prayers and Meditations (Brit. Ed.), HC	11.00
	Divine Art of Living, SC	7.95		Unrestrained as the Wind, SC	7.95
	Leo Tolstoy and the Bahá’í Faith, HC	9.95		Unto Him Shall We Return, SC	7.95

Total plus 10 per cent postage ($1.50 minimum for postage)

Enclose a check for the full amount, or

VISA/MC (CIRCLE ONE) EXP. DATE

CARD NO.

Name

Address

City \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ State \_\_\_\_\_ Zip \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Credit card orders ($10.00 minimum) are accepted by phone: 800-323-1880 (outside Illinois), or 312-251-1854 (within Illinois).

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE WILMETTE, IL 60091

TAB 4/86 Prices good through May 31, 1986 [Page 15]

To help launch the Six Year Plan.

Peace MORE THAN AN END TO WAR

The Bahá’í approach to the organic process leading to an enduring peace

At last! A comprehensive compilation of the Bahá’í Writings on peace

“Here is a roadmap for change, a handbook to guide our steps into the twenty-first century. The passages contained in this volume can help us release our potential to change and enable us all to accelerate the process of joining human hearts in the most mighty endeavor since the dawn of creation. No more revelation from God is needed to establish peace in our time. There is no better source than this new compilation to help us realize that this is the age of peace, and we are the people who will build it.” —Counselor Robert Harris

“Bahá’u’lláh’s world-renewing vision of peace beckons our souls: His brilliant social principles satisfy our minds’ search for a structure that can support that vision. Finally a path is traced, a path that we can follow through the darkness of racism, materialism, and personal despair, a path that leads us from chaos to world order. After pondering Peace: More Than an End to War, we will enter intelligently, vigorously, and joyously into the spiritual adventure of the Six Year Plan. Read it and soar.” —Dr. Jane Faily, member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada

Peace: More Than an End to War contains 492 references from the Bahá’í Writings on the topic of peace plus the peace statement by the Universal House of Justice and 11 prayers for peace. It is an excellent volume for presentations to friends and dignitaries and for deepening and teaching. Contains a foreword by Peter Khan, appendix by Firuz Kazemzadeh, glossary, references, bibliography, and index. Available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service in mid-April. HC $16; SC $8.95.

Children’s prayer book ready; Divine Art of Living returns

O God, Guide Me!

O God, Guide Me!, a prayer book for children, is now available in a new edition with one new prayer and updated translations of others.

The new design features an attractive burgundy cover with silver stamping and a white illustration. The interior text and drawings are printed in brown ink with a red border.

The book contains prayers for divine guidance, spiritual education, protection, spiritual happiness, dawn, obedience to God, healing, light of God, and assistance.

The 22 interracial illustrations delight the eye and help a child conceptualize the meaning of the prayers.

Excellent for family devotions and for fostering a sense of Bahá’í identity, O God, Guide Me! also makes a special gift from parents or Spiritual Assemblies to children and to libraries. It’s available now from the Bahá’í Distribution Service in softcover only, $3.75.

The Divine Art of Living

The Divine Art of Living has also returned in a handsome new gift edition, updated to meet contemporary needs.

The new edition contains 421 excerpts from the writings, including new selections and translations and two new chapters—one on marriage and one on the day in which we live.

Other topics include prayer and meditation, health and healing, tests and difficulties, raising children, death and immortality, and unity and peace.

Full of warm, reassuring passages, The Divine Art of Living is a perfect gift for friends, relatives and seekers, and serves as a special companion for Bahá’ís.

Available now from the Bahá’í Distribution Service in softcover only, $8.95. [Page 16]

U.S. cutbacks place UN on unsteady financial ground

UNITED NATIONS

This article, which consists of excerpts from the Washington Weekly Report, published by UNA/USA, was prepared for The American Bahá’í by the National Spiritual Assembly’s UN Office in New York City.

The United Nations begins its fifth decade in 1986 with many difficulties, among them the financial crisis it faces as a result of the cutback in U.S.-assessed contributions to the UN System from 25 per cent to 20 per cent as mandated by the Kassebaum Amendment which takes effect October 1.

That reduction, combined with a probable five per cent cut in U.S. voluntary contributions imposed by the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Deficit Reduction Act, means that the UN could face bankruptcy.

The negative mood in Congress which has produced these restrictions, and the lukewarm support of the American public that no longer translates into a mandate for stronger U.S. participation in the United Nations, offers a critical challenge to Bahá’ís in the U.S.

We must transmit our enthusiasm and support to the American public and convince public officials and the people who elect them that the UN matters.

The Kassebaum Amendment

On August 17, 1985, on signing the fiscal year 1986-87 State Department authorization into law, President Reagan expressed concern about several UN-related provisions that could affect the ability of the U.S. government to meet its treaty-mandated contributions to the UN System.

Terming the legislation “...vital to the national security of the United States,” Mr. Reagan’s statement nevertheless emphasized that “a few serious problems are raised, however, by other provisions of the Act, the foremost of which pertain to our relations with the United Nations and its specialized agencies.

“These provisions,” he said, “establish conditions that may be impossible to meet within the period of time indicated, thereby requiring reductions in U.S. payments of assessed and voluntary contributions. Activities of these organizations of importance to the United States could be deleteriously affected as a result.”

President Reagan’s statement made particular reference to the Kassebaum Amendment, sponsored by Sen. Nancy Kassebaum of Kansas, which mandates a reduction of U.S.-assessed contributions to the UN and 10 specialized agencies’ budgets unless weighted voting on budgetary matters is adopted in each of the agencies.

The provision in the bill sent to the President stipulates: “Such voting rights shall be proportionate to the contribution of each member state to the budget of the United Nations and its specialized agencies.”

Appearing before two subcommittees of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs last December 4, Elliot L. Richardson, chairman of the United Nations Association (UNA) called congressional adoption of the Kassebaum amendment “counter-productive” and maintained that it jeopardizes American influence at the UN.

“By demanding what is unachievable, namely weighted voting,” he said, “it (the amendment) greatly complicates the task of securing more far-reaching major improvements in UN management and performance which are more achievable today than they have been for decades.”

The amendment, he noted, “seeks no cuts in spending, and no program or administrative improvements, no fiscal or management reform. ...

“Rather than using our influence within the system to promote the kinds of changes we want to see, the Kassebaum Amendment requires the U.S. to commit an illegal act by unilaterally refusing to meet our dues commitment to the UN.”

Mr. Richardson urged the government to “sort out our priorities for the future, to decide what kind of UN we want, and work aggressively to make it a reality.”

In conclusion, he termed the political climate at the UN “a more propitious time for revitalizing the UN than any period I can recall.

“With constructive U.S. leadership and the support of Congress,” he said, “there is now an enormous amount that the UN can do to improve its ability and its reputation for grappling with major global problems.”

As of February, in its fiscal 1987 budget submission to Congress, the administration foresees withholding $79.1 million in U.S.-assessed contributions to the UN System as a result of the Kassebaum Amendment’s implementation.

At present, neither the UN nor any of its specialized agencies has formally undertaken a process that would lead to weighted voting on budgetary matters. Many experts argue that such an action would require modification of the UN Charter itself.

Meanwhile, the UN recently announced the formation of a group of experts to review inter-organizational decision-making, an idea proposed by Japanese representatives during the 40th General Assembly.

Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Deficit Reduction Act

As a result of the passage of this Act last December, U.S. voluntary contributions to the UN programs were to undergo broad cuts effective March 1.

The 1987 budget, submitted to Congress on February 5, foresees $186 million in U.S. voluntary contributions to international organizations and programs in 1987, about $80 million less than the present level appropriated by Congress.

Hardest hit by the reductions would be UNDP—the United Nations Development Program, from the present $142.1 million to $102.5 million, and UNICEF, down from $51.4 million to $34.2 million.

Can you identify anyone in this picture?

This is a photograph of an early group of Bahá’ís in New York City. If you can identify anyone in the picture, please write to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Bosch Bahá’í School hosts conference for urban Assemblies on West Coast

Members of eight local Spiritual Assemblies gathered at the Bosch Bahá’í School last November 8-10 for a West Coast Urban Assemblies Conference.

Assemblies represented at the conference, one of a series of such gatherings called for by the National Spiritual Assembly, were Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and San Jose, San Diego, Long Beach, San Francisco, Santa Monica and Los Angeles, California.

Also taking part in the conference were Counsellors Fred Schechter and Velma Sherrill; Dr. Robert Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly; Juana Conrad, a member of the National Teaching Committee; and six Auxiliary Board members: Opal Conner, Joyce Dahl, Ed Diliberto, Margaret Gallagher, Marsha Gilpatrick and Jim Schoppert.

Following opening remarks on Saturday by Counsellors Schechter and Sherrill and Dr. Henderson, each of the Assemblies presented its own community profile including its concerns and listing its successes.

After consultation, it was decided to focus workshop consultation on the major concerns expressed in those reports, namely, (1) internal administration, (2) external administration, (3) apathy/activation, (4) teaching, and (5) integration of the community.

Among the topics discussed under external administration were handling personal problems, delegating the work of the Assembly, and the feasibility of having paid staff and local Bahá’í Centers.

External administration dealt primarily with the question of how our Bahá’í communities relate to the rest of the world and the means we employ to reach out to the larger community.

Language, it was pointed out, is a major barrier to integrating the community. Several Assemblies are offering ESL classes; some are using translation tapes. Various means are employed to help ensure participation at Feasts. The key is, translation must be provided.

A lengthy discussion of teaching concluded, among other things, that campaigns should be kept simple and not over-organized, teaching must take precedence on Assembly agendas, and that we teach by example—deeds, not words.

The discussion of apathy/awakening emphasized the ways in which to help larger communities become spiritually motivated and uplifted.

Sunday’s session was centered primarily on three issues: (1) administrative concerns, (2) teaching, enrollment and declaration, and (3) the “most challenging issue” of eliminating racial prejudice.

The conference closed with a strong indication from everyone that more such meetings are needed, and it was agreed to look toward 1986 at about the same time for a follow-up event.

Canton Bahá’ís plan to distribute 20,000 statement summaries

During a 20-week period (May 1-September 30), the Bahá’ís of Canton, Ohio, plan to distribute 20,000 copies of the summary of the peace statement, “The Promise of World Peace,” to people in the Canton area, one copy for each of the 20,000 early martyrs of the Faith.

During that same time, the community plans to sponsor three billboards in the area and 20 bus posters using either the “Wage Peace” theme or another global theme.

These efforts will be buttressed by a series of firesides and deepenings centered around the themes contained in the peace statement.

On Friday, January 3, a four-member Bahá’í delegation from Illinois’ 16th Congressional District presented a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ to U.S. Congresswoman Lynn Martin (seated). The delegation included Margaret Clayton of Roscoe Township, Mike Mandeville of Cherry Valley Township, and Judy Moe and Earl Rowe of Rockford. In accepting the peace statement, Congresswoman Martin expressed knowledge of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette and concern over the situation of Bahá’ís in Iran.

WANTED: The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking state and district voting lists used in State and District Conventions for the period 1952-1967. Anyone having lists they could donate is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 17]

INTERMEDIA

News from Office of Public Information

By cooperating with other communities in its district, the Bahá’í community of Visalia, California, has been able to sponsor television spots once a day for a month on one of the local network channels. They have set a goal of a spot a day for one year.

The Bahá’í Group in Poland, Ohio, celebrated the 40th anniversary of the United Nations at the local chapter’s annual dinner. A Bahá’í, Dr. Kong T. Oh, chaired the public meeting whose keynote speaker was the Bishop of the Youngstown Diocese. The ‎Bahá’í’s Baháís‎ presented the Bishop with the peace statement and received a warm letter of thanks from him. The UN event, which attracted publicity in Youngstown’s only local paper, included quotes from the Bahá’í Writings and the “Prayer for America” in the program.

WRIU-FM, the campus radio station at Rhode Island University, is airing the 20-minute show “Many People, Many Places,” the first Bahá’í program to be broadcast in that state. Recent topics have included a discussion of the culture of Antigua, development projects among fishermen in Third World countries, the travels of Florence Mayberry, and an interview with Counselor Robert Harris on the Faith and its teachings for personal growth and world peace. Future programs are planned about Israel, the Falkland Islands, and social and economic development around the world. If you are traveling in Rhode Island and wish to be a guest on the program, contact the Mullers, 401-789-5336.

When Bahá’ís in Federal Way, Washington, sent a press release about World Religion Day to their local paper, their PI representative received a call to come to the office for an interview. The articles that resulted appeared on the front page of The News’ report section. They featured six column-inches of copy about the teachings of the Faith. Also included was contact information for the local Bahá’í community.

The spirit of the Campaign of Unified Action was evident when the Spiritual Assemblies of New York City and Albany worked with the New York State Legislature to pass a resolution proclaiming the third Sunday in January “World Religion Day.” Efforts are now under way to make it an annual observance in New York state.

The Bahá’í community of Colorado Springs, Colorado, received four column inches of press coverage for their Martin Luther King Day program. The public was invited to an impressive event that included the following speakers: June Walker, president of the Colorado Black Women for Political Action (“The National and Global Effects of Martin Luther King’s Movement”); Dahlia Lynn, director of the UCCS’ Office of Affirmative Action (“The Impact of Martin Luther King Jr. on the Role of Education in Social Change”); Dr. M. Messner, a member of Physicians for Social Responsibility (“The Indispensability of World Peace and the Role of the Individual”); and Donald McCardle, a member of the Bahá’í community (“The Moral Philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King and Its Implications for the Modern Age”).

The Spiritual Assembly of Durham, North Carolina, received ample press coverage for its presentation of the peace statement to Congressman Tim Valentine. About two weeks before the event, they sent a press release to three Durham newspapers and some suburban papers, and several days before the presentation, they telephoned the city editors of the two Durham dailies to remind them of it. They then visited the papers and presented the city editors advance copies of “The Promise of World Peace.” Results: the Durham Morning Herald gave them a four column-inch article headed “Valentine to Receive Bahá’í Peace Statement.” The Durham Sun ran an 11 column-inch photo of one of the ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ with the congressman, and published a 44 column-inch article including a photo headed “‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ Taking Root in Durham” on the front page of the paper’s second section. The Assembly reports that the peace statement has opened doors that for years had been closed.

The Assembly can also take credit for excellent coordinating and advance planning—both were major keys to their success. LET’S HEAR YOUR STORY!

Will Your Community Be Ready for RACE UNITY DAY?

1986’s Race Unity Day will be celebrated June 8. Now is the time to prepare to make this day a special occasion for proclaiming the Faith.

Available FREE upon request: (Please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope)

• sheet of quotations about prejudice
• sample press release to publicize your activity
• sample proclamation for mayors
• public service announcements for radio and TV

For sale:

• radio public service announcement, “Speaking Out Against Racism” (60 sec) ............................ $5.00

Send orders for free materials to the Bahá’í Office of Public Information, Wilmette, IL 60091. Orders for sale materials should be sent to the Bahá’í Distribution Service. There is a minimum postage charge of $1.50 on BDS orders (10 per cent for orders above $15).

Work’s the same, but new name is Office of Public Information

The national Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs is now the Bahá’í Office of Public Information. The function of the office remains the same; that is, developing and serving the national Bahá’í Public Information Network.

The National Spiritual Assembly Office of External Affairs in New Haven, Connecticut, is responsible for contact with the federal government, national organizations and nationally prominent individuals. The function of public information is a more accurate description of the type of work done at the National Center in Wilmette.

Governor Toney Anaya of New Mexico receives a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ from Emma Fragua, a member of the Bahá’í community of Jemez Pueblo, as Bahá’í Adibeh Mullen looks on. A nine-member Bahá’í delegation whose members included blacks, an Hispanic, a Native American, a Nepalese and a Persian, met with the governor February 6 at his office in Albuquerque. (Photo by Jim Hopper)

SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE FOR THE PEACE STATEMENT

(CONTACT’S NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(CITY, STATE, DATE)—Representatives of the Bahá’í Faith today presented (FILL IN THE NAME OF THE DIGNITARY, or REPRESENTATIVE OF ORGANIZATION) a statement on world peace recently issued by the international governing body of the Bahá’ís, the Universal House of Justice.

On December 10 that same statement was presented to President Reagan at a special White House Human Rights Day program to which all nine members of the governing body of the Bahá’ís of the United States were invited. A personal presentation was also made to the Secretary General of the United Nations and to nearly 80 (USE THE MOST CURRENT FIGURE AVAILABLE) heads of state or their representatives.

“The Promise of World Peace” is the first formal document to be addressed by the Bahá’ís to the peoples of the world. It was issued on the occasion of the United Nations International Year of Peace. In over 200 countries, the statement is being delivered by Bahá’ís to leaders of political, academic, religious and social organizations and to state, national and international officials. In (YOUR STATE) Governor (NAME) and (“ALL” or “NUMBER”) state legislators (WILL BE or HAVE BEEN) presented the statement, to date.

According to (NAME and BAHÁ’Í TITLE, or LOCAL BAHÁ’Í SPOKESPERSON IF NO TITLE), “The Promise of World Peace” defines the root causes of war and disunity and outlines a course of action for their elimination. “We offer it as a source of hope and feel that its message is of special importance to leaders, organizations and individuals at the grassroots level,” (REPEAT LAST NAME) said. “Their involvement in the peace process is crucial to its eventual success.”

The Bahá’í Faith began in Iran in 1844 and has over 4,000,000 followers worldwide; 100,000 in the United States. Bahá’ís believe that certain barriers must be overcome before peace can be achieved. Among these barriers are racism, unrestrained nationalism, religious conflict, the unequal status of women and lack of both a universal language and universal education.

INSTRUCTIONS

YOU MAY USE THIS SAMPLE RELEASE (OR PREPARE ONE OF YOUR OWN) TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO THE MEDIA ABOUT YOUR PRESENTATION OF THE PEACE STATEMENT TO INDIVIDUALS OR ORGANIZATIONS.

PLEASE RETYPE IT ON 8 1/2-INCH BY 11-INCH PAPER, DOUBLE-SPACE AND FILL IN THE INFORMATION AS SPECIFIED. AN ACCOMPANYING BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPH OF THE OCCASION WILL ADD INTEREST TO THE REPORT. FOR A “HOW-TO” PACKET ON SENDING OUT PRESS MATERIALS, SEND A STAMPED, SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE TO THE BAHÁ’Í OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION, WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091.

You can also include information about other Bahá’í peace activities that you are planning or that have already taken place. Information with a local slant is much more likely to get published. Be sure to replace some of the general paragraphs above so you don’t add too much length to the release. [Page 18]18 / The American Bahá’í / April 1986

BAHÁ’Í CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. “Divine ——— demands that the rights of both sexes should be equally respected ...” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

5. “So long as these two wings are not equivalent, the bird will not ———.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

10. “Force is losing its weight and mental alertness, ———, and the spiritual qualities ... in which woman is strong are gaining ascendancy.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

13. “... for each is the complement of the ———.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

14. Vane (scrambled).

15. ———-ing; contending.

16. To forbid. The Báb was the first Prophet to ——— the practice that required women always to appear veiled in public.

18. Biting; agreeably sharp to the taste.

20. “——— before God depends not on sex, but on purity and luminosity of heart.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

22. To bog down.

23. New York (abbrev.).

24. Mr. (Spanish).

25. Overtime (abbrev.).

26. Cease (scrambled).

29. Nickel (abbrev.).

30. For the first time in the history of revealed religion, Bahá’u’lláh ——— the equality of men and women.

32. “Woman’s lack of progress has been due to her ——— of equal education and opportunity.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

34. “If there is not enough money in the family to ——— both the girl and the boy, the money must be dedicated to the girl’s education, for she is the potential mother.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

DOWN

1. The watchword of ——— in diversity is the animating purpose of the world-wide Law of Bahá’u’lláh.

3. Time (scrambled).

4. “——— of the sexes is, for Bahá’ís, a spiritual and moral standard essential for the unification of the planet.”

6. Veil (scrambled).

7. You (scrambled).

8. “Until womankind reaches the same degree as man ... humanity cannot ——— its way to heights of real attainment.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

9. Spiritual quality; opposite of hate.

11. To examine.

12. “... for it is the mother who rears, ——— and guides the growth of the child.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

16. “Humanity is like a ——— with its two wings ... the one is male, the other female.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

17. Hence the new ——— will be an ——— less masculine and more permeated with the feminine ideals ...” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

19. Bachelor of Arts (initials).

20. Reflecting the attributes of God.

21. Toward the inside of.

22. Opposite sex (to a woman).

24. “O Children of Men! Know ye not why We created you from the same ——— dust? ...” (Bahá’u’lláh)

25. Cord (scrambled).

26. Something that often leads to the solution of a mystery.

27. The organ of hearing.

28. Yes (Spanish).

31. Slice open.

33. Edward (abbrev.).

Answers on page 30

Puzzle copyright © 1986 by Juliette Whittaker

UPCOMING COURSES

at the Amoz Gibson Centre Arecibo, Puerto Rico

June 23-July 6: Introduction to Development Media. A two-week introductory course designed to give students a general overview of development media as well as hands-on practice in the basics of art, graphics, music, audio-visual presentations, radio, the press, and more. Principal instructors: Amoz Gibson Centre staff. Languages of instruction: English, Spanish.

July 7-13: Media and International Bahá’í Service. A special one-week institute designed to prepare Bahá’ís who will participate in Youth Year of Service projects or other international Bahá’í service. Sessions on pioneering, travel teaching, living abroad, use of the media, cross-cultural communication, learning a foreign language, and Spanish. Principal instructors: Randie Gottlieb, Tom Sousa. Language of instruction: English.

July 14-August 3: Bahá’í Radio Broadcasting. A three-week general level course designed to train students in the fundamentals of radio broadcasting with emphasis on Radio Bahá’í. Principal instructors: Susan McLaren, Al Segen. Languages of instruction: English, Spanish.

August 30: Homemade exhibits. From silk-screen to PVC, a one-day do-it-yourself graphics workshop designed for the Bahá’ís of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. Principal instructor: Chuck Smith. Languages of instruction: English, Spanish.

December 22-January 11: Development Communication. An intensive three-week general level course for Bahá’ís and others interested in the use of appropriate media and technology for international development. Emphasis on fostering local participation, collaboration and control. Principal instructors: Kurt Hein, Anita Jorgensen. Languages of instruction: English, Spanish.

For more information, write to the Amoz Gibson Training Centre, Rio Arriba, Arecibo, Puerto Rico 00612.

Dr. King remembered at Oregon school

On January 21, Mary Howard, a Bahá’í from Redmond, Oregon, spoke to more than 200 children at Kenwood Elementary School in Bend about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his impact on her life.

Her presentation was the only formal recognition by public schools in this town of more than 17,000 (mostly white) people of the anniversary of Dr. King’s birth.

Ms. Howard, who was raised in Louisiana as the daughter of a sharecropper, well remembers the many indignities suffered by blacks before Dr. King’s civil rights crusades began.

She told the children that “if Martin Luther King were here today, he would tell you to continue your education and always stand up for what you believe.”

Minorities

from page 10

mittee also receives requests for teaching materials in Khmer (Cambodian) and Hmong from all parts of the country, and every few weeks we hear news that someone who was taught the Faith, and perhaps enrolled, in one of the refugee camps in Thailand or the Philippines has been “found” through these teaching efforts.

Translations of the peace statement in Lao and Hmong will soon be available thanks to the efforts of active Lao and Hmong teachers who were once themselves in refugee camps and are now a part of the American community.

In Portland, Oregon, the well-attended children’s classes of the Asian Bahá’í School continue to be held every Friday evening.

• The American Indian Teaching Committee reports new teaching activity in a number of states.

Among the recent successes are the “Yellow Rose Project” in east Texas, and the “Trail of Light” tour through northern and central California.

Yellow Rose will continue indefinitely, while there have been requests for the Trail of Light to return to California in August with one team traveling from the north and one from the south, both meeting together at the Bahá’í Peace Conference in San Francisco over the Labor Day weekend.

Bahá’ís on the Uintah-Ouray Reservation in Utah have recently taken the initiative to form a Spiritual Assembly by joint declaration. Meanwhile, Indian Bahá’ís planned a successful social activity to foster unity on the Lummi Indian Reservation in Washington state, and the all-Indian Assembly on the Nez Perce Reservation in Idaho sponsored a successful observance of the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Bahá’ís in North Dakota have arranged for a Bahá’í who is an Alaskan Native elder to visit the Bahá’ís on North Dakota Reservations and help with the presentation of the peace statement to the tribal chairman. He will also speak at their winter school.

In Wyoming, plans are being made for a youth summer project on the Wind River Reservation, while in northern Minnesota, fairly regular teaching activity takes place on weekends.

There are five new Bahá’ís on the Gila River Reservation in Arizona where at least 56 tribal chairmen, and in some cases the tribal council, will receive personal presentations of the peace statement.

The National Spiritual Assembly has given the American Indian Teaching Committee responsibility for coordinating the presentation of the peace statement to tribal leaders and councils; Assemblies wishing to make such presentations should contact the AITC at the Bahá’í National Center.

• The expansion and consolidation of the Faith in South Carolina has continued during the winter; most of the new believers there are black. Washington, D.C., has recently enrolled 40 black believers, and there have been several declarations among blacks in Kansas.

These are only a few highlights of teaching activity among people whose racial and cultural diversity will bring new ideas and expressions of spiritual understanding to enrich the American Bahá’í community as we proceed into the fourth epoch of the Formative Age of our development in North America.

There are no doubt many more stories of activities and events to share with one another. The National Teaching Committee would like very much to hear of such teaching activity.

Bahá’í’s works shown

Works by Auxiliary Board member James Schoppert were among those displayed in January at a Contemporary Northwest Coast Art Exhibition at the Sacred Circle Gallery of American Indian Art in Seattle, Washington.

Mr. Schoppert, who received his BFA in sculpture and printmaking from the University of Alaska, Anchorage, and his MFA in sculpture from the University of Washington, has had his work included in the collections of Rainier Bank, the Washington State Arts Commission, the PACCAR Corporation, and the Delta Corporation.

from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Peace MORE THAN AN END TO WAR

Here is the most comprehensive compilation to date of the Bahá’í writings on peace.

312 pages, 504 excerpts from the Bahá’í writings, beginning with the peace statement by the Universal House of Justice and concluding with prayers for peace.

The possibilities for using it in proclamation, teaching and deepening are endless—

Foreword, appendix, glossary, references, bibliography, index.

Hardcover $16.00 softcover $8.95

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 • TEL. 1-800-323-1880

• Price valid only in the United States

[Page 19]

Development of Cause of God

We are about to enter, as the Universal House of Justice indicated in its message of January 2, 1986, the fourth epoch of the Formative Age of the Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh.

It is worthwhile, at this juncture in the history of the Faith, to look back and see where we have come from, what tests and trials we have undergone. How have we, as a world community, striven to fulfill our vision and goal of unity in diversity?

How have we, the American Bahá’í community, been able to utilize the opportunities that world events, in accordance with God’s major Plan, have placed at our disposal—the Southeast Asian, Persian and Haitian refugees, for example, in addition to the persecution of the Cause in Iran.

To help answer these questions, we present here a part of a talk by the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum who spoke to Bahá’í youth giving them some insights into what prompts the Bahá’ís to pioneer to distant lands to carry the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to all the peoples of the world.

The participation of friends from Southeast Asia and from Persia in the Bahá’í process and experience in the U.S., and to a lesser degree in some other Bahá’í communities, in recent years has indeed been a living testimony to the fulfillment of what she had said many times in the mid-’60s.

We should recognize, however, that the work of integrating the Bahá’í refugees into the U.S. is not yet over. Indeed, a wider vision of integration would include not only the Bahá’í refugees but indeed every active member of the American Bahá’í community who, one and all, will have to integrate into an age the promises and potentialities of which will carry us through the successive stages of the Formative Age and on to the threshold of the Golden Era of the Bahá’í Faith.

“I think we have to recognize the fact,” Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum told the youth, “and as Bahá’ís we have to get it firmly fixed in our heads, that this religion of Bahá’u’lláh is not going to be an American religion, it’s not going to be a Persian religion, it’s not going to be a religion that wells out of the corrupt springs of our decaying civilization ...

“This religion is going to be something to which all men are going to bring their contribution to this World Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, this World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. It is going to be built by everybody.

“And perhaps when the day comes that the American Indian, the African villager, the Asiatic villager, has come forward in the service of the Faith, and his voice is more often heard in our councils, then perhaps we will begin to have a glimmering of what the outline of the future World Order will be. But it’s not what we have now, nor what civilization has, nor what we have as American Bahá’ís, nor what the Persian Bahá’ís have as Persian Bahá’ís. It doesn’t exist. It has just put its head above the ground.

“In our Administrative Order is the germ of the World Order. And even our Administrative Order is only very slowly developing. It’s becoming understood, according to Bahá’í administration as taught to us by Shoghi Effendi, it is becoming increasingly understood by people who are used to thinking in terms of administrating. But it doesn’t mean that that’s the whole of Bahá’í Faith, or the only way that it can be understood.

“There are going to be contributions made to the Bahá’í administration and to the World Order by all the people of the world who enter into the Bahá’í Faith.”

Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, talk on “Pioneering: Challenge to Bahá’í Youth,” at the National Bahá’í Youth Conference, 1970 (Bahá’í Publishing Trust, Wilmette, IL). Parts of the talk including some of the above is included in the movie “It’s Just the Beginning,” which has highlights from that conference.

رشد و ترقی امرالله

در قسمت انگلیسی بخش فارسی این شماره مقاله ای تحت عنوان بالا درج شده است و مختصراً ذکر شده که از آنجا که جامعه جهانی بهائی در شرف ورود به عهد رابع عصر تکوین گشته است سزاوار آنکه نگاهی به گذشته انداخته و دریابیم که این موقعیتهای کنونی به چه نحو و به قیمت چه چیزی نصیب باسلسلان عصر تکوین گشته است.

سپس بخشی از نطق ایادی امرالله امةالبهاء روحیّه خانم که در کنفرانس جوانان در سال ۱۹۷۰ ایراد فرموده اند نقل شده. در این قسمت از نطق خویش روحیّه خانم اشاره میفرمایند که یاران الهی بایستی این واقعیت را بذهن خویش بسپارند که این شریعت مقدسی که از سماء اراده مالک قدم بر اهل عالم نازل گشته ابداً قرار نیست که به شکل و فرمی درآید که بهائیان آمریکائی یا ایرانی درک کرده اند یا آنکه اقتباسی از مظاهر ظاهراً مترقی و باطناً فاسد مدنیت محکوم بزوال باشد. بلکه این جامعه روحانی جهانی که بنام حضرت بهاءالله مفتخر است جامعه ای خواهد بود که تمامی ملتهای جهان میبایست سهم خویش را در ساختن آن ادا نمایند.

قسمتی از نامهٔ یکی از یاران از ایران

"... فهمیدم حضرت بهاءالله جل جلاله چقدر تأکید در گفتار و رفتار و عمل با تعالیم الهی را مؤکد میفرمایند که در مردم تأثیر بسزائی دارد. امروز ‎بجایئان بجهانیان‎ از اثر رفتار بهائیان و عمل به تعالیم الهی و فدا کردن جان و سر در درگاه معبودشان ثابت گردید که سفینة الله حق است و ما اگر صد سال هم با تمام رسانه های گروهی مجهز به سیستم تبلیغ میکردیم چنین گیرا و جذاب قلوب نبود. عزیزان ما ‎مروزی امروزی‎ میفهمیم و برأی العین میبینیم که خداوند خودش ممدّ احباست و پشتوانه ما حضرت عبدالبهاء سرّالله الأعظم که با وقار تمام تسخیر قلوب مینماید. عزیزانم نمیدانید چه شور روحانی در دل این آب و خاک و جوانان پیدا شده. هر یک شیر بیشهٔ محبت الله شده اند. از صبح تا شب میجوشند و میخروشند. دربدر کوی بکوی در پی تکمیل کمالات نوپایگان هستند. سرتان را درد آوردم خواستم بگویم در عین بدبختی خوشبختی بزرگی دامنگیر ما است که توجه نداریم. دلتان شاد باد..."

HOMEFRONT PIONEERING

شهرهای زیر را یاران الهی استقبال میکنند به جمعشان بپیوندند و توأماً در تقویت اساس امرالله و نشر نفحات الله بکوشند. با شخص زیر تماس بگیرید.

شهر	ایالت	با شخص زیر تماس بگیرید
Durham	New Hampshire	Jon Ring (603) 772-4680
Midland	West Texas	Dean Rector, Midland, Texas 79707
Woburn	Massachusetts	Helen B. Gorman, Woburn, MA 01801, (617) 938-3579
St. Peters	Missouri	Spiritual Assembly of St. Charles County, P.O. Box 1361, St. Charles, MO 63302
San Carlos	Arizona	Karen English, (602) 425-3704
Marshalltown	Iowa	Iowa DTC, P. O. Box 63, New Liberty, IA 5276
Cedar Falls	Iowa	(319) 843-382
Noble	Oklahoma	Lawrence Hennion, (405) 321-8000
Window Rock	Arizona	Navajo-Hopi DTC, P. O. Box 2553, Window Rock, AZ 86515

اطلاعیه

همچنانکه یاران الهی سابقه اش را داشته اند گاه بگاه گروهها و سازمانهای سیاسی اعلامیه ها و اعتراض نامه هائی خطاب بدولت های مختلف انتشار میدهند و از یاران الهی میخواهند که از اینگونه فعالیتها حمایت کنند.

اخیراً نیز چنین اعتراضیه ای از طرف "سازمان دمکراتیک جوانان و دانشجویان ایرانی" منتشر شده و برای جلب علاقه یاران به حمایت از فعالیتهای خود، نام بهائیان را در ضمن گروههائی که مورد ظلم و ستم قرار گرفته اند ذکر کرده اند. گرچه یاران الهی با مقرّرات اداری امرالله در این گونه موارد آشنا هستند معهذا محض یادآوری خاطر نشان میسازیم که اعتراض یا تظلم احباء نسبت به تضییقات معاندین صرفاً و منحصراً توسط مجاری تشکیلات اداری امرالله بسمع جهانیان و مراجع قانونی خواهد رسید و افراد احبّاء در هر سنّی مجازند که نظرات خویش را در هر موردی بتوسط مراجع تشکیلات امر الهی ابراز نمایند و نه سایر مؤسّسات غیربهائی. چه که اهداف و آرمانهای اینان همیشه در جهت خیر عموم نبوده و در بعضی موارد با روح تعالیم بهائی منافات دارند.

محفل مقدّس ملی در پیام ۸ مارس ۱۹۸۵ در اشاره باینگونه تحرّکات چنین مرقوم فرموده اند: "در این مرحلهٔ خطیر که امر الهی با خونهای شهادتهای یاران با وفا و ستمدیده ایران ... از مرحلهٔ مجهولیت بیرون میآید ما در اینجا باید مطمئن باشیم که دست بعملی نزنیم که فداکاریهای آن یاران از جان گذشته را بی ثمر نماید و امرالله را از ترقی باز دارد. هر نفسی که ولو هر قدر خفیف با جمعیتهای سیاسی یا ‎میدانکه میداند که‎ در وعده های زودگذر آنان میتوان راحت و امنیت یافت تماس و مراوده برقرار نماید و یا بنحوی به تأثیرات منفی که این عمل بر خواهران و برادران بی دفاع بهائی در ایران خواهد داشت وقعی ننهد باید انتظار داشته باشد که عضویت خویش را در جامعه پیروان اسم اعظم ندیده ..."

نشریات جدید

مؤسّسه ملی مطبوعات امری امریکا اخیراً بتجدید چاپ یکی از مجموعه های آثار مبارکه بنام The Divine Art of Living مبادرت نموده اند. این کتاب شامل ۱۶۴ صفحه و مشتمل بر ۴۲۱ فقره نصوص از آثار مبارکه جمال قدم و حضرت عبدالبهاء در خصوص جنبه های مختلف حیات بهائی میباشد. بعضی مواضیع این کتاب عبارتند از منظور از دعا و مناجات، صحّت و شفا، حکمت بلایا و امتحانات، روابط بشری، تربیت اولاد، حیات روحانی در عالم خاک و عوالم بعد، وحدت و صلح، درک عظمت این یوم بدیع. این کتاب نظرات بهائی را در خصوص مسائل مختلفی ابراز میدارد که انسان عصر حاضر با آنها مواجه است و عاجز از درک وقایعی است که در اطرافش در جریان است. برای هدیه بدوستان غیربهائی بسیار مناسب است.

اخیراً مؤسّسه ملی مطبوعات امری هندوستان موفّق به طبع و نشر کتابی در شرح حیات حضرت بهاءالله شده. مؤلف این اثر جناب دکتر ریاض قدیمی میباشند. کتابی است مفید و موجز در طی ۴۵ صفحه بقطع ۸/۵ x ۱۱ اینچ اطلاعات بسیار مفیدی که از سی و چهار مآخذ اقتباس شده در اختیار خواننده قرار میدهد.

انگارد ... ما بهائیان آرزو مینمائیم که روزی همه ایرانیان دست بدست یکدیگر در ایرانی متحد مفتخراً بایستند و بین ملتها چون قهرمانان نوع دوستی قیام نمایند. ما میدانیم که حصول چنین آرزوئی با تغییر سیاستها نبوده بلکه با تقلیب قلوب افراد تحقق خواهد پذیرفت.

"عنقریب اجمیع اقطار عالم ندای بلی بلی و لبيك لبيك مرتفع خواهد شد چه که مفرّی از برای احدی نبوده و نیست." جمال قدم

"قسم بکتاب اعظم که امرالله احاطه نماید و جميع ارض را اخذ کند." جمال قدم [Page 20]

اولین کنفرانس بين المللی صلح

۲۸ – ۳۱ آگوست ۱۹۸۶ سانفرانسيسکو ـ کاليفرنيا همچنانکه ياران الهی را قبلاً مطلع نموده ايم کنفرانس بين المللی صلح دارای برنامه های متعدد و متنوع نطق، موسيقی، اجراهای نمایشی، جوانان و برنامه های مخصوص احبای ايرانی ميباشد. ضمناً برنامه های مختلفه برای اطفال سن ۳-۱۴ سال طرح ريزی شده است. برنامه های موسيقی در شب شامل هنرمندان از اطراف ايالات متحده خواهد بود. کتب امری بحد وفور برای فروش در اختيار همگان خواهد بود.

اتوبوسهای مخصوص برای نقل و انتقال شرکت کنندگان از هتل به محل کنفرانس تدارک ديده شده اند.

نرخ مخصوص با شش هتل در سانفرانسيسکو تعيين شده است. در هر يک از اين هتلها نيز برنامه ها و جلسات مشورتی در موضوعات مختلف تهيه شده است. محل اصلی کنفرانس هتل هيلتون سانفرانسيسکو ميباشد.

San Francisco Hilton and Towers

قيمت اطاق در هر شب در اين هتل ۶۰ دلار و در قسمت Tower Room از همين هتل ۷۰ دلار است.

قيمت ساير هتلها بشرح زير است:

Sheraton-Palace	$60.00	هر شب
Cathedral Hill	$58.00	هر شب
Hyatt-Union Square	$90.00	هر شب
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway	$50.00	هر شب
San Franciscan	$50.00	عادی
San Franciscan	$75.00	يک دستگاه

اين نرخها برای يک تا چهار نفر بوده و شامل غذا نمیباشند.

طرز رزرو کردن جای هتل و ثبت نام برای کنفرانس

۱ – ثبت نام برای کنفرانس کاملاً مجزا از رزرو کردن جا در هتل است.

۲ – فرمهای مخصوص برای ثبت نام در کنفرانس و رزرو هتل در قسمت انگليسی همين شماره درج شده، رجوع فرماييد.

۳ – چکی بمبلغ يکصد دلار بعنوان بيعانه مستقيماً به هتل مورد نظر خود همراه با فرم مخصوص که تکميل کرده ايد تا قبل از ۳۱ جولای ۱۹۸۶ بفرستيد.

۴ – دفتر مخصوص کنفرانس رزرو هتل را تأييد کرده بشما اطلاع خواهد داد گرچه شما بيعانه را مستقيماً به هتل خواهيد فرستاد.

۵ – اگر بخواهيد رزرو هتل را باطل کنيد لااقل ۱۵ روز قبل از ورودتان با نامه به دفتر مخصوص کنفرانس اطلاع دهيد.

۶ – اگر ضمن پانزده روز قبل از تشکيل کنفرانس ميخواهيد رزرو را باطل کنيد مستقيماً با هتل خويش تماس بگيريد.

۷ – برای آنکه سپرده يکصد دلار خويش را پس بگيريد بايستی حداکثر تا ۷۲ ساعت قبل از تشکيل کنفرانس رزرو خود را باطل کنيد.

رسالت روحانی

لجنه ملی امور احبای ايرانی امريکا در صدد تهيه ويدئويی در مورد رسالت روحانی احبای ايرانی در ايران و ساير نقاط جهان ميباشد. از يارانی که ذوق و تجربه در نمايشنامه نويسی و يا تهيه فيلم دارند تقاضا ميشود با اين لجنه تماس بگيرند و نظرات و طرحها و پيشنهادات و برنامه هايی را که مربوط با يجاد چنين ويدئويی ميشود مطرح فرمايند.

ميدان خدمت

از جمله خدماتی که ياران الهی ميتوانند با کفايت عهده دار آن شوند و گاه بگاه مورد نياز مؤسسات اداری امرالله هستند، استخدام در دفاتر مختلفه حضيرة القدس ملی بهائیان امريکا، مؤسسات و توابع مشرق الاذکار در ويلمت، دفاتر رسمی محفل مقدس ملی امريکا در نيويورک و همچنين خدمات مختلفه در مرکز جهانی بهائی است. ياران الهی که متمايل به استخدام در هر يکی از مؤسسات امری ميباشند ميتوانند مستقيماً با دفتر مخصوص استخدام بشرح زير تماس بگيرند.

National Bahá’í Center Department of Human Resources Wilmette, IL. 60091

مدرسه گرين ايکر Green Acre نياز مبرم به داوطلبانی در حرفه های نجاری و رنگرزی برای يک هفته ميباشد. تدارک غذا و مسکن با مدرسه است.

در مدارس بهائی گرين ايکر Green Acre و لوهلن Louhelen مشاغل مختلفی در تابستان وجود دارد از قبيل آشپزی، کمک در آشپزخانه، مدير برنامه ها، معلم کلاسهای اطفال و جوانان، نگهداری اطفال، فروش کتاب، کتابداری، نگهبانی از اماکن. علاقه مندان با آدرس های زير تماس بگيرند.

Green Acre Bahá’í School P. O. Box 17 Eliot, ME 03903

Louhelen Bahá’í School Davison, Michigan 48423

نهضت طرسی را ياری نمائيد

جامعه امری فلورنس Florence در کارولینای جنوبی تبلیغ يک هزار نفس را بامر الهی تا رضوان جزء اهداف جديد خويش قرار داده است و از يارانی که بعنوان مبلغ سيّار برای مدت معينی بآن نواحی سفر کنند استقبال مينمايد. برای اطلاعات بيشتر با جناب دکتر راسخ و بانو تماس بگيريد.

Dr. or Mrs. Rassekh (803) 667-8140

تبلیغ چينى‌ها

لجنه ملی تبلیغ چينی ها ياران الهی را کماکان تشويق مينمايد که هر هنگام فرصتی يافتند که با مردم چينی طرح دوستی و مراوده بريزند از اين فرصتها استفاده کنند و اصول اساسيه اين آئين نازنين را در مورد لزوم استقرار نظمی بديع به توسط طيب الهی بآنان تفهيم نمايند و بحکمت و بيان آنان را بشريعه الهيه راه نمايند.

ياران عزيزى که علاقه مند به خدمت در ميادين بين المللی هستند يا لجنه مهاجرت بين المللی توسط دفتر محفل روحانی ملی تماس بگيرند.

International Goals Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, Illinois 60091

جوانان

بيش از ۲۴۰ نفر از جوانان بهائی از ايالات شرقی امريکا در چهارمين کنفرانس سالانه واشنگتن دی سی در تاريخ ۲۸ نوامبر – ۱ دسامبر شرکت نمودند.

موضوع اصلی صحبت اين بار "تجهيز صلح" بود. اکثر شرکت کنندگان منجمله بزرگسالان معتقد بودند که اين کنفرانس که با همت شش نفر از جوانان بسن ۱۴ الی ۲۱ برنامه ريزی شده بود بهترين کنفرانسی بود که تا بحال شرکت نموده بودند.

موضوع اصلی صحبت نبوّات حضرت عبدالبهاء در مورد اين بود که جوانان جهان پيشاهنگ استقرار صلح خواهند بود. ناطقين دو نفر از نمايندگان سازمان ملل متحد بودند که ‎يکيشيان يکيشان‎ غير بهائی بود. بيش از ۳۵۰۰ دلار به صندوق ملی تقديم شد.

پنجمين کنفرانس سالانه واشنگتن دی سی ۲۷ – ۳۰ نوامبر ۱۹۸۶ خواهد بود.

افتتاح ام المعابد شبه قاره هندوستان

طبق تلگراف واصله از معهد اعلی مورخ ۲۴ فوريه ۱۹۸۶ مراسم افتتاح ام المعابد شبه قاره هندوستان در تاريخ ۲۳ الی ۲۷ دسامبر ۱۹۸۶ با حضور و توسط امة‌البهاء روحيه‌خانم نماينده بيت العدل اعظم برگزار خواهد شد.

ابلاغ پيام الهی توسط انتشار پيام صلح

اخبار رسيده حاکی است که در ‎اواوسط اواسط‎ فوريه ۱۹۸۶ ياران ايرانی مقيم هوستون بسياری احباء در شهر گالوستون Galveston شتافته و توأماً ببيانيه صلح بيت العدل اعظم را به رؤسای دويست خانه دولتی تقديم نمودند. ‎بسته دسته‎ خانه خود نسخه های متعددی از نسخه اصلی تهيه کرده در اختيار کليه کارمندان که بالغ بر يکصد و پنجاه نفر بودند گذاشتند. سپس ياران الهی به ملاقات مدير کل فرهنگ رفته و بيانيه را بتقديم ايشان ميرسانند. جناب مدير کل پس از مرور پيام ميگويند که آنرا در بازديد دبيرستان شهر انتشار خواهند داد و تشويق خواهند نمود که در ساعات معین که جلسه عمومی محصلين است برای نوجوانان بخوانند و راجع به صلح و نتايج آن برای محصلين شرح بدهند.

در تمام اين ملاقاتها احباء با شوق و علاقه رؤساء مواجه شدند و پيام الهی با اعزاز و وقار ابلاغ گرديد. ياران الهی مصمم هستند که بيانيه صلح بيت العدل اعظم را تا ششماه ديگر بتمامی مؤسسات رسمی و خصوصی در گالوستون ابلاغ نمايند. مزيد توفيق کليه ياران الهی را در سبيل نشر نفحات رحمن از آستان الهی سائليم.

استقرار پناهندگان

اخیراً دفتر استقرار پناهندگان در محفل روحانی ملی مطلع شد که بودجه برنامه های دولت امريکا برای پناهندگان جهان بخاطر تصويب لایحه گرام ادمن Gramm-Rudman بمقدار قابل ملاحظه ای تقليل يافته است. بنابراين پناهندگانی که تاکنون از برنامه های دولتی بمدت ۳۶ ماه استفاده مينمودند اکنون فقط تا ۳۱ ماه استفاده خواهند برد. لوايح ديگری که در جريان مرور هيئت مقننه هستند اگر تصويب شوند اين مدت را به ۱۸ ماه کاهش خواهند داد. تمام کسانی که بعنوان پناهنده ‎با مريکا به امريکا‎ وارد ميشوند حق استفاده از برنامه کمکهای مالی و پزشکی را دارند که شامل بيمه بهداشتی نيز ميباشد. اين برنامه ها از نظر جزئیات در ايالات مختلف ممکن است تفاوتهايی داشته باشند.

برای آگاهی از جزئیات برنامه های پناهندگان و اينکه چگونه در ايالت شما اجرا ميشود لطفاً با دفاتر ايالتی و ملی استقرار پناهندگان در مرکز ايالت خويش تماس بگيريد.

يادآوری

از ياران الهی استدعا می شود چنانچه دوستانی را ميشناسند که در سنين اخير ‎با مريکا به امريکا‎ آمده اند و تا کنون بدلائل متنوعه در تسجيل و ‎عضويشان عضويتشان‎ در جامعه بهائی امريکا تأخير شده تشويقشان فرمايند که با دفتر لجنه ملی امور احبای ايرانی امريکا کتباً تماس بگيرند و وضع کنونی خويش را شرح دهند. اين دفتر تسريع در تسجيل اين دوستان با طی مراحل لازمه خواهد نمود. [Page 21]

تهنیت عید اعظم رضوان

"فیا مرحبا بهذا عید الله قد ظهر عن افق القدس بجذب بدیع" طلوع عید اعظم رضوان ۱۴۳ بدیع را که خاتمه‌الالطاف نقشه منبعه هفت ساله و فاتحه الالطاف نقشه منبعه شش ساله ۱۹۸۶-۱۹۹۲ میباشد بعموم یاران و باور آن اسم اعظم تبریک گفته موفقیت جمیع را در سبیل تحقق وعود الهیه از آستان الهی خواستاریم.

حضرت ولی محبوب امرالله در توقیع منبع "نظم جهان آرای حضرت بهاءالله" صادر در نوروز سنه ۸۶ بدیع (۱۹۳۰ میلادی) بیانی میفرمایند که مضمون آن چنین است: این حقیقت بر هیچیک از پیروان ثابت قدم امر جمال قدم مخفی نماند که ارواح مخالفی که با امر الهی در مسیر تلاش برای شناساندن خویش بجهانیان مقابله خواهد نمود بنهایت شدیدتر از آنست که تا کنون لمس نموده‌است. و بمحض آنکه معانی مکنونه در دعاوی عظیمه آن حضرت بر رهبران موسسات و معاهد دینی و سیاسی روشن شود، این طفل رضیع امر الهی میبایست با دشمنانی بسیار پردازد که بمراتب قویتر و موذی‌تر از معاندین قدیمی اش میباشند که او را تا کنون بمصائب لا تحصی مبتلا ساخته‌اند. در جریان تشنجات و اضطراباتی که مدتیت محکوم بزوال را در بر میگیرد چه بسا دشمنانی بوجود خواهند آمد که بر شدت لطمات و ضرباتی که بر این شرع انور تا کنون وارد شده خواهند افزود.

The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, P.17

"چنانچه این ظهور و مظاهر اشیائیه آن اعظم مظاهر است، کذلک حروفات نفی این ایام هم از جمیع ازمنه قبلیه و بعدیه اعظمتر و در اعراض ثابت‌تر و راسخ‌ترند. کذلک قدّرنا الأمر فی لوح حفیظ." جمال قدم

نطق جناب دکتر حسین نجی که از روی نوار پیاده شده

DR. NAJI’S TALK

دوستان عزیز

ولوله در شهر نیست جز خم ابروی دوست فتنه در آفاق نیست جز خم ابروی دوست بکمال شکرانه و سرور ملاحظه میکنیم که در بحبوحه این جهان منقلب و پر ابتلا چگونه اهل بها و برگزیدگان حضرت کبریا و راکبین سفینه حمراء و مقتبسین از نور هدی با قلوبی سرشار از عشق و امید و تسلیم و رضا متوکلاً علی الله منقطعاً عما سواه به اجرای وظائف خطیره روحانیه خویش مشغول و مألوفند و در میان طوفانهای شدید و هول انگیز مستولی بر عالم انسان مشاهده مینمائیم که جسان سباحان قلزم کبریائی و طائران هوای عزّ سبحانی بکمال صبر و متانت و سرور و استقامت مشی انحراف ناپذیر خود را در سیر اجرای رسالت روحانی اهل بها در عصر تکوین دور الهی ادامه میدهند، و درین شاهراه زرینی که بخون بیست هزار شهید رنگین شده با قدمهائی استوار پیش میروند. دوستان عزیزتر از دل و جان در هنگامه این بزم روحانیان که جام بلا بدور آمده و سرود عشق وفدا طنین افکنده و رنه "قوموا علی النفس بکلیتکم و انفقوا ما وهبکم ربکم و بارئکم" جان و روان آن مشتاقان را اهترازی جدید بخشیده ملاحظه فرمودید که چگونه بار دیگر روح مظلومیت مولای فرید و شهیدمان از عالم بالا جلوه‌ای تازه نمود و همچنان که در عصر رسولی قطرات خون مطهری که از سینه حضرتش بر خاک ریخته شد شجره طیبه الهیه را سقایه فرموده بود حال نیز در میان طوفان بلایای وارده بر این جمع مضطهدان شکوه مظلومیتش تجلی تازه نمود و تخریب بیت مبارکی که مطاف اهل بها و جلوه‌گاه عشق و ایمان میلیونها انسان در سراسر جهان بود اوج مظالم و مصائب وارده بر این مظلومان دلخون را محقق ساخت. هر چند عاشقان روی دلجوی او و افتادگان مخمور کوی او هرگز بخاک و گل ناظر نبوده و نیستند و بیقین میدانند که شرف آن بیت مبارک در آن بود که روزگاری ندای آسمانی موعود امم از آن برخاسته بود حال اگر بیت مطهور و خراب است رب‌البیت در کرسی عزت و جلال ابدی جالس و ندای او در سراسر کره ارض در قلوب پرشور پیروانش از همه قبائل و امم طنین افکن میباشد. ندائی که مژده تحقق اعظم وعود انبیاء و رسل و تجلی آثار "اولیه مدینت لا شرقیه و لا غربیه" الهیه را در آفاق و انفس منتشر میسازد. این ظلم شدید هرچند قلوب اهل بها را شدیداً جریحه‌دار ساخت و چشمان میلیونها انسان در اقطار جهان از تألم آن خون گریست ولی تردیدی نیست که طبق سنت الهی طلیعه ظهورات و بروز امدادات غیبیه و حصول انتظارات بدیعه روحانیه در سراسر جامعه‌های انسانی خواهد بود. طنین کلنگ هائی که بدست ظالمان بر دیوارهای بیت مبارک منسوب بآن مولای مظلوم و شهید اهل بها زده شد خاموشی و سکون نخواهد داشت بلکه امواجی از روح مظلومیت و فدا در آفاق منتشر میسازد و علی‌الخصوص در مهد امرالله باین مشتاقان جان برکف روح و نشوری جدید میبخشد و درسی تازه از معانی عشق و جانبازی می‌آموزد.

دوستان عزیز بروز این حقایق و حوادث ما را بر آن میدارد که بار دیگر نظری بر این عالم مضطرب و پرانقلاب اندازیم و جالس بر کرسی رفیع امر الهی و مستفید از بصیرتی که آیات و بشارات نازله از اقلام مبارکه ظلمات مقدسه این آئین نازنین در درک و فهم و آگاهی بر مسیر حوادث جهان به پیروانش بخشیده ظهور مواعید الهیه را به چشم ظاهر مشاهده کنیم. عدم کفایت و نارسائی نظامات ملی برای تنظیم روابط روزافزون بین ملل و تضادهای آشتی ناپذیر سیستم‌های مختلفه اقتصادی که همگی مبتنی بر رقابت‌های ملی و فاقد روح عدالت و انصافند، در قلب یک مدنیت محروم از تربیت الهی شرائط مصیبت باری بوجود آورده است که صاحبان عقل و بصر با اضطراب و نگرانی بآن نگاه میکنند، فساد و تدنی در حیات فردی که موجب مرگ شخصیت اخلاقی انسان عصر ما شده، آشوب و اختلال در حیات اجتماعی که باعث بروز مشکل روزافزون در جامعه‌های بشری گردیده، جنگها و کشتارهای متنوعه مولود سیستم‌های اقتصادی که آتش آنها مستمراً متوالیاً در نقاط مختلفه عالم شعله‌ور میشود و هر روز بر دامنه و وسعت و شدت آنها افزوده میگردد، اتلاف منابع قدرت و انرژی‌های متعلقه بنوع آدمی، استیلای روح نگرانی و عدم امنیت و وحشت از حوادث خطیر فردا که در قلب همه جامعه‌ها از فقیر و غنی حکمفرماست فقط رئوس مشاکلی است که باختصار کامل میتوان از آنها نام برد. (ادامه دارد)

"دیگر وقت آن رسیده تا بحساب مروّجین مرامهای مادی چه در شرق و چه در غرب چه منسوب به کاپیتالیسم و چه به کمونیسم، که مدّعی رهبری اخلاقی جهانیان بوده‌اند رسیدگی کرد و پرسید که آیا جهان جدیدی که این مرامها وعده داده بودند در کجاست؟"

بیانیه صلح

کانونشن ملی

NATIONAL CONVENTION

در هفتاد و هفتمین کانونشن ملی وکلای جامعه‌های امریکا جشن فتوحات حاصله در نقشه هفت ساله برگزار و شروع نقشه شش ساله اعلام خواهد شد. محل کانونشن در

McCormick Center Hotel in Chicago

بوده و بین ۱ - ۴ می برگزار خواهد شد. از جمله برنامه‌های کانونشن نمایش فیلم "مرور نقشه هفت ساله" خواهد بود که خلاصه‌ای از خدمات جامعه بهائی امریکا در طی این نقشه است. بعلاوه اهداف نقشه منبعه شش ساله (۱۹۹۲-۱۹۸۶) بررسی گشته مورد مشاوره هیئت وکلای حاضر در کانونشن قرار خواهد گرفت. این اهداف شامل نکات ذیل میباشند:

۱ - اشاعه پیام الهی در بین تمام طبقات افراد جهان. ۲ - تزیید خدمات و اقدامات احیاء جهان در سبیل خدمت بجوامع بشری. ۳ - تقویت تکثیر و ترجمه آثار بهائی بزبانهای مختلفه جهان. ۴ - تسریع جریان بلوغ و تکامل جوامع محلی و ملی. ۵ - توجه بیشتر بتشریک یاران در خدمات امری و تقویت بنیه روحانی افراد بهائی. ۶ - تأکید در تربیت اطفال و جوانان بهائی و تقویت حیات خانواده بهائی. ۷ - تعقیب برنامه‌های توسعه اجتماعی و اقتصادی در جوامع بهائی قویتر.

برنامه‌های اطفال، محل فروش کتب امری، غرفه‌های لجنات، دوره ۲۴ ساعته دعا و مناجات در مشرق‌الأذکار، عکس دسته جمعی کانونشن، اطلاعات لازم در مورد کنفرانس صلح در سان‌فرانسیسکو از جمله سایر فعالیتهائی خواهند بود که در حول و حوش کانونشن اجرا خواهند شد.

بعلاوه برای میهمانان و شرکت کنندگان کانونشن برنامه‌های متنوعی توسط حضرات ایادی امرالله و اعضاء هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای و لجنات ملیه بمنظور بررسی نقشه شش ساله در نظر گرفته شده‌است. لجنه مشرق‌الأذکار برای روز دهم عید رضوان برنامه مخصوصی ترتیب داده‌اند. در آن واحد در محل کانونشن و در مشرق‌الأذکار ساعات دعا و مناجات برای موفقیت نقشه شش ساله برگزار خواهد شد.

حقوق الله

HUQUQU’LLAH

"مفروضی حقوق سبب ثبوت و رسوخ نفوس و برکت در جمیع شئون گردد." حضرت عبدالبهاء

مجموعه‌ای از الواح و آثار مبارکه و دستخط‌های بیت العدل اعظم الهی راجع به حقوق الله که توسط دارالأنشاء مرکز جهانی تهیه و بچاپ رسیده است بزودی آماده انتشار خواهد شد. یاران عزیز مقیم امریکا میتوانند با تماس مستقیم با هر یک از امناء حقوق الله نسخه‌هایی از این مجموعه را دریافت دارند. ضمناً یادآور میشود کماکان پرداختنی های حقوق الله به هیئت امناء حقوق الله و بنام

Huququ’lláh Trust

فرستاده شود.

Dr. Elsie Austin P. O. Box 927 Silver Spring, MD 20910

Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH 44116

Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA 90402 [Page 22]

Bahá’í Distribution Service Price List

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091 800-323-1880 312-251-1854 (in Illinois)

Price List: April 1986

Explanations of abbreviations and symbols

* = On Order	LT = Lightweight Edition
** = Net (no discount)	PA = Pamphlet
CA = Calendar	PER = Persian
CS = Cassette	PP = Photograph or Lithograph
FD = Folder	PR = Poster
CM = Game	PS = Pocket-sized Edition
HC = Hardcover	SC = Softcover
LP = Record	SPN = Spanish
VT = Videotape

Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice

Title	Type	Price
‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London	HC	$13.50
Advent of Divine Justice	HC	12.00
Advent of Divine Justice	SC	8.00
Call to the Nations	HC	6.50*
Citadel of Faith	HC	12.00
Constitution: Universal House of Justice	SC	1.50
Epistle to the Son of the Wolf	HC	11.00
Foundations of World Unity	HC	10.00
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	14.25
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	PS	3.75
Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	6.00
Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	3.50
Kitáb-i-Íqán	HC	14.25
Kitáb-i-Íqán	SC	8.50
Light of Divine Guidance	HC	21.00
Light of Divine Guidance, Volume 2	HC	16.00*
Memorials of the Faithful	HC	10.00
Messages to the Bahá’í World	HC	10.00
Messages from the Universal House of Justice	HC	9.00
Messages from the Universal House of Justice	SC	4.00
Paris Talks	SC	5.00
Prayers and Meditations--British Edition	HC	11.00
Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	7.50
Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	3.00*
Promise of World Peace--Presentation Edition	SC	3.00
Promise of World Peace--Study Edition	SC	.75
Promised Day Is Come	HC	8.00
Promulgation of Universal Peace	HC	16.00
Secret of Divine Civilization	HC	11.50
Selected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	11.00
Selected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	1.00
Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi	SC	1.00
Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	HC	12.50
Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	6.50
Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	LT	6.50
Selections from the Writings of the Báb	HC	10.50
Selections from the Writings of the Báb	LT	6.50
Seven Year Plan--1981	SC	.50
Some Answered Questions	HC	14.00
Some Answered Questions	PS	3.75
Synopsis and Codification of Kitáb-i-Aqdas	HC	2.50
Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	12.50
Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh	LT	6.50
Tablets of the Divine Plan	SC	5.00
To the Peoples of the World	SC	5.95
Traveler’s Narrative	HC	10.00
Traveler’s Narrative	SC	5.00

Compilations

Title	Type	Price
Unfolding Destiny	HC	28.50
Wellspring of Guidance	HC	9.00
Wellspring of Guidance	SC	4.00
Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	1.25
World Order of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	11.00
World Order of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	6.50
America’s Spiritual Destiny	SC	2.50
Bahá’í DayBook	SC	3.75
Bahá’í Education	SC	3.00*
Bahá’í Marriage and Family Life	SC	2.75
Bahá’í Meetings/the 19 Day Feast	SC	2.00
Bahá’í Prayers	HC	7.50
Bahá’í Prayers	SC	3.75
Bahá’í Readings	SC	5.50
Bahá’í Readings--Leather	HC	15.00
Bahá’í Writings on Music	SC	2.50
Bahíyyih Khánum: Greatest Holy Leaf	HC	10.50
Bahíyyih Khánum: Greatest Holy Leaf	SC	5.50
Centers of Bahá’í Learning	SC	1.50
Consultation Compilation	SC	1.50
Continental Boards of Counselors	SC	3.00
Days to Remember	SC	7.00
Death: The Messenger of Joy	SC	3.00
Desire of the World	SC	5.25
Divine Art of Living	SC	7.95
Excellence in All Things	SC	2.00
Importance of Deepening	SC	2.25
Individual and Teaching	SC	1.50
Inspiring the Heart	HC	9.00
Inspiring the Heart	SC	4.50
Lights of Guidance	HC	21.00
Living the Life	SC	2.25
Local Spiritual Assembly	SC	.50
Mighty River	SC	.50
National Spiritual Assembly	SC	1.00
Pattern of Bahá’í Life	SC	2.25
Peace: More Than an End to War	HC	16.00
Peace: More Than an End to War	SC	8.95
Power of Divine Assistance	SC	2.00
Principles of Bahá’í Administration	SC	4.00
Quickeners of Mankind	SC	1.00
Special Measure of Love	SC	1.00
Spiritual Foundations	SC	1.00
Universal House of Justice	SC	3.50
Unrestrained As the Wind	SC	7.95
Unto Him Shall We Return	SC	7.95
Waging Peace	SC	7.95
Words of God	SC	1.00

General Titles

Title	Type	Price
All Flags Flying	RC	20.00
All Flags Flying	SC	10.00
Another Song, Another Season	SC	2.00
Báb: Herald of the Day of Days	HC	11.95
Bahá’í Challenge	CM	20.00#
Bahá’í Faith in America: 1892-1900	HC	19.95
Bahá’í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion	HC	14.95
Bahá’í Faith--Perkins and Haynesworth	SC	2.25
Bahá’í Focus on Human Rights	SC	3.50
Bahá’í Proofs	HC	16.00
Bahá’í Studies Notebook: Conference on Health	SC	6.50
Bahá’í Studies Notebook: Development	SC	6.50
Bahá’í Studies Notebook: Health	SC	6.50
Bahá’í Studies Notebook: Marriage	SC	6.50
Bahá’í Studies 6: Violence-Free Society	SC	5.00
Bahá’í Studies 12/13: Persecution 1844-1984	SC	5.00
Bahá’í World Volumes 1-12 (set)	HC	275.00#
Bahá’í World: Volume 13 (XIII)	HC	27.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 14 (XIV)	HC	16.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 15 (XV)	HC	17.50
Bahá’í World: Volume 16 (XVI)	HC	20.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 17 (XVII)	HC	22.50
Bahá’u’lláh: King of Glory	HC	24.00
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era	HC	10.00
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era	SC	2.95
Bahá’u’lláh: The Word Made Flesh	SC	3.95
Christ and Bahá’u’lláh	SC	3.50
Circle of Peace	SC	9.95
Circle of Unity	SC	9.95
Commentary: Will & Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	2.25
Concordance to the Hidden Words	SC	2.50
Consultation: Lamp of Guidance	HC	9.95
Consultation: Lamp of Guidance	SC	5.95
Crown of Beauty	SC	10.95
Daily Lessons Received at ‘Akká	SC	6.00
Dawn-Breakers--British Edition	HC	14.00
Dawn Over Mount Hira	HC	4.50
Dawning Place	HC	21.95
Dawning Place	SC	13.50
Dawning Place of the Pacific	SC	8.00*
Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of NSA/LSA	SC	1.00
Deepening Packet for New Believers	FD	4.00
Diary of Juliet Thompson	SC	9.95
Door of Hope	SC	9.75
E. G. Browne and the Bahá’í Faith	HC	12.95
Earth Is But One Country	SC	5.00
Eminent Bahá’ís in the Time of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	28.50
Eminent Bahá’ís in the Time of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	HC	15.95
For the Good of Mankind	HC	10.95
For the Good of Mankind	SC	4.95
Four on an Island	SC	4.50
From the Auroral Darkness	SC	9.95
From Copper to Gold	SC	7.95
From Discontent	SC	5.95
From Strength to Strength	SC	2.00
George Townshend	SC	9.50
God Loves Laughter	SC	5.50
He Loved and Served	SC	6.50
Heart of the Gospel	SC	2.75
Imperishable Dominion	SC	10.95
In Galilee	HC	7.95
In Search of Nirvana	HC	6.95
In Search of Nirvana	SC	3.50
Iran’s Secret Pogrom	SC	3.50
Leo Tolstoy and the Bahá’í Faith	HC	9.95
Leo Tolstoy and the Bahá’í Faith	SC	4.75
Letters and Essays: Mirza Abu’l-Fadl	SC	11.95
Lidia: Daughter of Esperanto	HC	26.50
Lidia: Daughter of Esperanto	SC	11.95
Light Shine in Darkness	HC	10.95
March of the Institutions	SC	3.50
Mark Tobey: Art and Belief	SC	8.95
Martha Root: Herald of the Kingdom	HC	16.00
Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold	HC	21.95
Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold	SC	14.95
Master in ‘Akká	HC	11.95
Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	HC	10.00
Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	6.00*
Miracles and Metaphors	SC	8.95
Mission of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	8.95
Mothers, Fathers, and Children	SC	6.95
My Memories of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	8.95
Mystery of God	HC	16.00
Once To Every Man and Nation	SC	5.95
Other People, Other Places	HC	13.75
Phoenix and the Ashes	SC	4.95
Portals to Freedom	SC	6.50
Power of the Covenant, Part 1	SC	2.00
Power of the Covenant, Part 2	SC	2.00
Power of the Covenant, Part 3	SC	2.00
Prayer: A Bahá’í Approach	HC	8.95
Prayer: A Bahá’í Approach	SC	4.50
Prescription for Living	PS	4.75
Priceless Pearl	SC	6.00
Promise of All Ages	HC	8.95
Promise of All Ages	SC	2.75
Renewal of Civilization	SC	2.50
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 1	HC	15.95
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 1	SC	9.75
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 3	HC	18.50
Seven Martyrs of Hurmuzak	HC	8.50
Seven Martyrs of Hurmuzak	SC	3.95
Shell and the Pearl	SC	2.50
‎Shf’ih Shi’ih‎ Islám: An Introduction	HC	25.00
‎Shf’ih Shi’ih‎ Islám: An Introduction	SC	15.00
Shoghi Effendi: Recollections	HC	14.95
Some Early Bahá’ís of the West	HC	12.95
Song Celestial	HC	8.00
Sri Lanka World Peace Day Stamp	FD	2.50
Sri Lanka World Peace Day First Day Cover	FD	5.00
Stories from the Delight of Hearts	HC	9.00
Story of Mona	SC	5.00
Story of My Heart	SC	7.50
Studies in Bábí and Bahá’í History	HC	19.95
Studies in Bábí and Bahá’í History, Vol. 2	HC	19.95
Teaching the Bahá’í Faith	SC	4.35
Ten Days in the Light of ‘Akká	SC	6.00
Thief in the Night	SC	2.95
Thoughts: Education for Peace	HC	19.95
Thoughts: Education for Peace	SC	9.95
To Move the World	SC	8.50
Touchstone of Sincerity	SC	6.50
239 Days	HC	10.00
Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	5.95
Wine of Astonishment	SC	3.95
Witness of Pebbles	SC	5.95
World Peace and World Government	SC	2.50
Youth in the Vanguard	HC	10.00

Children and Youth

Title	Type	Price
Anthology for the Bahá’í Child	SC	3.00*
B. J. and the Language of the Woodland	SC	3.75
Bahá’í Prayers and Tablets for the Young	HC	5.00
Birth of the Bahá’í Faith	SC	1.00
Diamond in the Darkness	SC	3.50
Dragons of Rizvania	HC	8.95
Fly Away Home	SC	5.25
From Behind the Veil	SC	3.75
I Am a Bahá’í--Sunflower Set 2	SC	5.95
Magnified Be Thy Name	HC	5.50
Mullá Husayn	SC	3.50
My Baby Book	HC	5.00
My Name is Nabíl	HC	6.00
Nine Holy Days	SC	3.50
O God, Guide Me	SC	3.75
O God, My God	HC	6.00
Quddús	SC	3.50
Refuge and the Cave	SC	5.50
Remember My Days	SC	4.50
Remember the Rainbow	SC	3.95
Second Birth	SC	5.00
Secret in the Garden	HC	5.00
Secret in the Garden	SC	3.00
Song in the Ground	SC	3.95
Special Strengths	SC	4.50
Spotlessly Leopard	SC	3.75
Stories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	5.00
Sunflower Books--Set 1	SC	3.50
Sunshine Tree	HC	9.75
Táhirih	SC	3.50
Wonderlamp	HC	12.95
Zahra’s Search	SC	3.25

Foreign Language

Language	Title	Type	Price
ARA/ENG:	Fire/Holy Mariner Tablets	HC	17.50*
PER/ARA:	Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	21.50
PER:	Advent of Divine Justice	SC	4.25
PER:	Amr va Khalq	HC	14.00
PER:	Badayi’u’l Athar 1	HC	11.00
PER:	Bahá’í Faith Not Political	SC	4.00
PER:	Chand Bahthi-i-Amá	SC	3.50
PER:	Children’s Prayer Book	HC	7.95
PER:	Epistle to the Son of the Wolf	HC	20.00*
PER:	Fire and Light	HC	17.50*
PER:	Garden of Truth	HC	12.95
PER:	Gleanings	HC	11.00
PER:	Golzár-i-Ta’álím-i-Bahá’í	HC	6.00
PER:	History of the Martyrs of Yazd	HC	12.95
PER:	Kitáb-i-Íqán	HC	10.50
PER:	Memoirs of 9 Years in ‘Akká	HC	15.95
PER:	The Nine Days	HC	12.95

[Page 23]

Ordering Instructions

To process your order, the Distribution Service needs your name and address and a daytime telephone number. For each item ordered you must give the quantity, title and type (HC, SC, CS, etc.). Since stock numbers are no longer used when ordering books, it is essential that the type of item be included.

PER: Prayers of Bahá’u’lláh HC 8.95 PER: Prayers of Shoghi Effendi HC 3.50 PER: Principles of the Bahá’í Faith SC 2.50 PER: Secret of Divine Civilization SC 4.00 PER: Selected Letters of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá HC 8.00 PER: Selected Letters of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá SC 6.00 PER: Selected Letters of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Vol. 2 HC 6.00 PER: Selected Writings of the Báb HC 16.00 PER: Synopsis/Codification of Kitáb-1-Aqdas HC 2.50 PER: Tablet of Ahmad HC 12.00 PER: Tablets/Bahá’u’lláh After Kitáb-1-Aqdas HC 19.95* PER: Tablets for the Departed HC 16.00 PER: Tablets of the Divine Plan SC 1.80 PER: U.H.J. Messages to Iran SC 5.50

SPN: Adventimiento De Justicia Divina SC 3.75 SPN: Bahá’u’lláh Y La Nueva Era SC 7.00 SPN: Christo Y Bahá’u’lláh SC 3.00 SPN: Constitución: Casa Universal de Justicia SC 5.00 SPN: Datos Basicos PA .10 SPN: Dios Pasa SC 9.00 SPN: Dia Prometido Ha Llegado SC 4.50 SPN: Dispensación de Bahá’u’lláh SC 3.75 SPN: Epistola del Hijo del Lobo SC 7.50 SPN: Estudio-Escritos Bahá’ís SC 4.00 SPN: Fe Bahá’í Teaching Booklet SC 1.50 SPN: Hoja Mas Sagrada SC 9.00 SPN: Kitab-i-Igắn SC -5.50 SPN: On Becoming a Bahá’í SC 1.25 SPN: Oraciones Bahá’ís SC 3.75 SPN: Oraciones y Meditaciones SC 6.00 SPN: Palabras de Dios SC .30 SPN: Palabras Ocultas SC 2.00 SPN: Pasajes-Escritos De Bahá’u’lláh SC 7.00 SPN: Poder De Asistancia Divina SC 1.00 SPN: Principios Administ Bahá’í SC 4.50 SPN: Promesa de Paz Mundial SC 1.00* SPN: Quienes Dios Confia PA .50 SPN: Recopilacion de Escritos SC 3.50 SPN: Renovación De Civilización SC 3.00 SPN: Sabiduria De ‘Abdu’l-Bahá SC 4.75 SPN: Sinopsis y Codificatión Kitáb-1-Aqdas SC 4.00 SPN: Tablas de Bahá’u’lláh SC 8.00

Legacies of Service--Set of 5 CS 30.00 Lote Tree LP 4.00 Loving Hands CS 8.00 "Mona" Music Video--Beta VT 45.000 "Mona" Music Video--VHS VT 45.000 My Only Desire...Alexander CS 7.00 Triumph of Cause...Balyuzi CS 7.00 Unity in Diversity CS 8.00 Visit With the Master...True CS 7.00 We Are Bahá’ís CS 7.50 We Are One CS 8.50 "Working with Mona" Materials--Beta VT 25.000 "Working with Mona" Materials--VHS VT 25.00

Photographs, Calendars and Posters

‘Abdu’l-Bahá Color Lithograph, 11" X 14" PP 10.00 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Color Lithograph, 5" X 7" PP 4.00 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Lithograph, 10.5" X 15" PP 2.50 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Lithographs, Set of 7 PP 5.00 Bahá’í History Calendar CA 5.50 Bahá’í Pocket Calendar 1986, Pkg of 10 CA 1.85 Bahá’í Wall Calendar 143 B.E. CA 1.25 Greatest Name, 8" X 10", Silver PR 2.50 Seat of Universal House of Justice PR 3.00 Wilmette House of Worship PR 1.00

Ordering Instructions

Payment must accompany orders from individuals. You may pay by check, money order, VISA or MasterCard (include account number and expiration date). As of May 1, 1986, no postage will be charged, and all orders will be shipped by United Parcel Service (except to post office boxes) unless another method is specifically requested. Credit card orders may be placed by phone on our toll-free line, 1-800-323-1880 (except in Illinois).

Pamphlets, Cards and Folders

Bahá’í Answers, Pkg of 10 PA 2.50 Bahá’í Faith Presentation File Folder FD .50 Bahá’í Faith Teaching Booklet, Pkg of 10 PA 14.00 Building a Unified Community, Pkg of 10 PA 3.00 Communion With God--Large Type SC 1.50 God's Great Plan SC 2.00 God's New Age, Pkg of 10 PA 1.00 In Search of Supreme Talisman, Pkg of 10 PA 3.00 Meaning of Worship, Pkg of 10 PA 5.00 Message of Bahá’u’lláh, Pkg of 10 PA 3.00 Open Door with Envelope, Pkg of 10 PA 7.50 Peace Pamphlets, 10 Assorted PA 2.000 Peace Pamphlets, 100 Assorted PA 10.000 Peace Pamphlets: More Than End to War, Pkg/50 PA 7.500 Peace Pamphlets: Oneness of Religion, Pkg/50 PA 7.500 Peace Pamphlets: Race Unity, Pkg of 50 PA 7.500 Peace Pamphlets: World Government, Pkg of 50 PA 7.504 Prophecy Fulfilled, Pkg of 10 PA 4.50

Videotapes and Recordings

Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh CS 7.00 Ark of Destiny Videotape--Retai VT 35.00 Ark of Destiny Videotape--VHS VT 35.00* Bahá’í Faith: Unity in Diversity--Beta VT 35.000 Bahá’í Faith: Unity in Diversity--VHS VT 35.00 Because We Love the Faith...Collins/Baker CS 7.00 Education/Trustees Videotape--Beta VT 40.000 Education/Trustees Videotape--VHS VT 40.000 Farewell Address...Glenford Mitchell CS 2.25 Flight LP 4.00 Foundations of Learning CS 7.00 If You Only Knew CS 7.50 In His Presence...Samandari CS 7.00*

from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust An old friend returns-Updated to meet contemporary needs...

The Divine Art of Living contains warm, reassuring, and inspirational passages from the Bahá’í writings

provides guidance on topics such as ■ Prayer and meditation ■ Health and healing ■ Tests and difficulties ■ Relationships ■ Raising children ■ Death and immortality ■ Unity and peace ■ Understanding the day in which we live

revised and expanded handsome new gift edition new selections and translations 164 pages, including index 421 excerpts from the writings

makes an excellent sourcebook for quotations at Feast, a companion in time of need, and a thoughtful gift for seekers of any religious background

explores the deepest questions of life and provides the impetus for one to make of life a divine art

Softcover $7.95 Available from Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE WILMETTE IL 60091 Tel. 1-800-323-1880 $7.95 plus 10% for postage and handling minimum $1.50 (5% for overseas customers). [Page 24]

CLASSIFIEDS

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

EMPLOYMENT

ATTENTION Six Year Planners! Are you looking for a new and challenging way to use your skills and experience to serve the Faith? Consider joining the staff at the Bahá’í National Center as we serve the ongoing and rapidly expanding needs of the Faith. All positions are paid and offer generous benefits. Following is a list of current vacancies: Administrator (Bahá’í House of Worship Activities Committee). Establishes good relations with outside agencies and civic organizations, arranges and conducts tours and programs. Sponsors and hosts special events for the National Spiritual Assembly. Must have effective public speaking skills, general management abilities, and the capacity to interact with dignitaries, public officials and the general population. Must be well-deepened in the Bahá’í teachings. Secretarial assistant (Persian/American Affairs). A non-Persian speaking position that provides clerical support, greets visitors, makes appointments, helps with other projects. Good secretarial and organizational skills, typing of 55 wpm are necessary, together with a pleasant demeanor and telephone manner. Records clerk (Membership and Records, Persian desk). Helps maintain the central files related to Persian believers, processes Persian transfers and address changes, translates and responds to correspondence, handles telephone inquiries, performs data entry. Good eyesight, typing (55 wpm), and written and verbal fluency in English are necessary. Pioneer consultant (International Goals Committee). Recruits, trains and counsels prospective pioneers, corresponds with and advises pioneers in the field. Must be mature with the ability to understand political environments, climate, travel, languages, jobs and other adjustments required of individual pioneers or families. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential. Strong organizational skills, general office experience and typing are required. Pioneering experience preferred. Administrative assistant (International Goals Committee). Drafts correspondence, maintains statistical records on pioneers, helps with the preparation of “Pioneer Post,” coordinates and arranges Pioneer Training Institutes, and manages the physical aspects of the office such as ordering supplies and maintaining records. Strong organizational skills and an ability to work under pressure are required, as are a solid command of the English language and typing skills of 50 wpm. Familiarity with an Apple IIe word processor and some international experience would be helpful. Fund education coordinators (Office of the Treasurer). Two vacancies to be filled in May and August. Helps administer a nationwide program to strengthen the Bahá’í Fund by coordinating the National Treasurer’s Representative program and by responding to inquiries pertaining to the Fund from the field. College education, strong organizational skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills and a firm knowledge of the Bahá’í writings are necessary. If you would like to explore this unique form of service or know of someone who may, please contact Karen Crenshaw, Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

SUMMER jobs at the Green Acre Bahá’í School: cooks, program directors, staff for the children’s and youth programs, nursery supervisor, book sales, librarian, kitchen help, housekeepers. Please contact the Green Acre Bahá’í School, P.O. Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903.

BROADCAST engineer: WLGI Radio Bahá’í needs the regular, reliable assistance of a broadcast engineer on an occasional basis. If you are experienced in that field, live in the eastern U.S., and might be able to volunteer your services to WLGI, please write to WLGI-Radio Bahá’í, Hemingway, SC 29554, or phone 803-558-2977.

The NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly of Taiwan needs a manager for its Publishing Trust. The position requires a background in sales, promotion and business administration. Duties include the daily operation of the Trust and sales strategy planning. A single person is preferred. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

WANTED: A qualified individual for the position of administrative assistant to the National Spiritual Assembly’s United Nations Representative in New York. The administrative assistant oversees the day-to-day operation of the office and provides various administrative and secretarial services. The position requires a B.A. degree with good oral and written communication skills and typing of at least 60 wpm. If you are qualified and interested in applying for the position, please send a resumé to Shiva Tavana, UN Representative, Bahá’ís of the United States, New York, NY 10017.

The BAHÁ’Í International Community’s UN Office invites applications for the position of Special Assistant in Human Rights. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree or, if more mature, equivalent experience, preferably in social sciences or international law/relations. For more information and an application, write to the Bahá’í International Community, UN Office, 866 UN Plaza, Suite 444, New York, NY 10017.

NURSES and allied health personnel: Midland, in the middle of the West Texas oil fields at the northeastern corner of the Chihuahua desert, needs you to help save its endangered Assembly. The county hospital has many openings. For information about the area and what jobs are presently available, write to Dean Rector, Midland, TX 79707.

The NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly’s Office of External Affairs is seeking help for its offices in New York City and New Haven, Connecticut. The Office of External Affairs is responsible for contact with the U.S. government, national news media, national organizations and prominent individuals. Needed are an assistant manager (New Haven office): Helps with projects relating to U.S. government, national media, national organizations and prominent individuals. One to two years’ administrative or management experience required. Proven excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary (please send no more than two writing samples) as well as strong organizational ability and typing skills. Secretary (New Haven office): Acts as receptionist, types correspondence and maintains files in fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Previous office experience, good telephone manners and typing 60 wpm are necessary with word processing experience desirable. Administrative assistant (to U.S. UN Representative, New York City): Helps U.S./UN Rep to prepare for briefings and conferences, and with special projects. Maintains correspondence files and accounts. High energy, college degree, good verbal and written communication skills, typing of 55 wpm are essential. Basic accounting skills and public speaking ability are desirable. Those who are interested in applying for service at the Office of External Affairs should write directly to that office, New Haven, CT 06510.

The BAHÁ’Í International Community invites applications for the full-time position of administrative assistant. Candidates should have excellent typing skills (65+ wpm, accurate), experience with word processing via computer, dictaphone transcription, and filing. A highly organized work pattern is necessary to deal with deadlines and a fast-paced schedule. Knowledge of other languages helpful but not required. For more information and an application, write to the Bahá’í International Community, UN Office, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 444, New York, NY 10017.

The LOUHELEN Bahá’í School is taking applications for summer staff positions for July-August 1986. Positions include assistant registrar, housekeeper, grounds/maintenance, assistant librarian, volunteer coordinator, public relations assistant, child education coordinator, kitchen workers, and recreation director. Compensation includes room and board and a modest stipend. Applicants must be at least 17 years old. Send a letter and resumé to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

PIONEERS (OVERSEAS)

AN INTERNATIONAL school in Thailand has several openings for its fall semester. Positions needed are secondary school principal, activities/athletics director, psychologist, counselor, speech therapist, physical education (elementary and secondary), librarian, and teachers of English, geography/social studies, physics, physical science, earth science, history, Spanish, business, math, music and elementary education. Requirements are a bachelor’s degree for teaching positions and a master’s degree for administrative, a certificate in teaching or administration, and two years’ experience. There is a possibility for a stateside interview. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

KOREA needs a clinical pathologist for a 650-bed hospital center/medical school. Contract conditions are negotiable. For more details, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

KWAJALEIN Atoll in the Marshall Islands needs a dentures technician for support services contract for U.S. expatriate employees. Duties include construction of upper and lower dentures, plastic manipulation for metal partials and simple partials without metal, repair of plastic portion of dental prosthesis, and repair of broken clasps and metal partials. Applicants should have an AA degree in dental lab technology and certification with at least five years’ recent dental lab experience including one year as a set-up person for full dentures. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

INSTRUCTIONAL Materials A-V Associate is needed for the International Maize and Wheat Import Center, a non-profit agricultural research and development organization in Mexico. Duties include developing training materials for use in the Center’s inservice training courses. Applicants should have a degree in agricultural communication or a related field, a working knowledge of Spanish, and experience in the development of training materials using audio-visual components. For more details, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

LESOTHO: Computer programmer wanted for a modest tool and building material retail store owned by a Bahá’í. The applicant should be proficient in programming a multi-user system in COBOL. Computer is a 16 I/O CPU with CP/M-86 and MP/M-86 operating system. Duties would include improving and developing COBOL software systems, data management and general supervision. If you are interested in applying, write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

OVERSEAS pioneers: the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is recruiting accountants to serve in countries throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America. Those hired will eventually assume positions as controllers at AID overseas posts. Requirements include a bachelor’s degree with a CPA or an MBA/MS with a minimum of 24 semester hours in accounting, U.S. citizenship, and at least three years’ relevant experience. Salary range is $27,000-$40,000 depending on education and experience. To apply, send a completed SF-171, or resumé, to: Agency for International Development, Recruitment Office, M/PM/R, Washington, D.C. 20523. If you are being considered for a position, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

AN EXECUTIVE secretary is needed to work for a Counselor in American Samoa, both for his business and his Bahá’í work. Besides having good typing skills, this person needs to be able to take shorthand. A couple might be able to fill the position if the spouse can find employment in computers, mechanics, plumbing or technical fields. If you are interested, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

MAURITANIA, an important goal country, has two positions available in agriculture: a field manager to oversee local staff of field agents, conduct agricultural tests, record and analyze results, and perform necessary tasks in administration, procurement, recruitment, and relations with the local government and USAID; and an agricultural adviser to work with a pilot project in a remote area testing irrigation and other innovations. The latter position requires fluency in French and/or Arabic, plus graduate study in agriculture and research/statistics, and preferably two years’ experience in Africa. An intern status or credit-for-work program could be arranged for graduate students. For more information contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

JOB opportunity for a gymnast in Trinidad and Tobago. Must be a qualified physical education trainer/instructor and be experienced in working with youth and adults. More information can be obtained from the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

PIONEERS (HOMEFRONT)

The SPIRITUAL Assembly of South Tucson, Arizona, is in jeopardy and requests that potential homefront pioneers contact Mrs. “Wini” Byrd, Tucson, AZ 85713 (phone 602-882-3041). An ideal spot for individuals attracted to Hispanic culture and a warm climate.

AT LEAST three adult Bahá’ís are needed to help re-form the Spiritual Assembly of Commerce City, Colorado, at Ridván. Commerce City, a suburb of Denver, is a racially diverse town, open and friendly, with housing available to fit all needs and resources, and is close to all kinds of employment and educational opportunities. Bahá’ís will find unlimited teaching opportunities as well. Please contact Belinda Boren, secretary, Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Commerce City, P.O. Box 772, Commerce City, CO 80037, or phone 303-288-4029 or 303-289-1035.

ST. PETERS, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis with a Group of three adult Bahá’ís, is an extension teaching goal of the Spiritual Assembly of St. Charles, Missouri. To reach Assembly status by Ridván, the Group needs two more adult Bahá’ís. Employment opportunities in the area are good. For more information, please contact the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of St. Charles, c/o Mrs. Diane Sisson, secretary, 3519 Gashaven, St. Charles, MO 63301 (phone 314-946-2483). [Page 25]

CLASSIFIEDS

Assembly of St. Charles County. Homefront pioneers or those who are being transferred to this area are asked to consider this full-service residential community with parks, pools and other amenities. Many teaching and proclamation activities have taken place in St. Peters including a memorial garden donated by the Bahá’ís. For details, contact the Spiritual Assembly of St. Charles County, P.O. Box 1361, St. Charles, MO 63302.

DEVOTED and mature homefront pioneers are needed on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona. Jobs are often available for elementary and junior high school teachers and for doctors, nurses, dentists, radiologists and others in the health or education fields. The school district and Indian Health Service provide housing. If you enjoy outdoor recreation and rural living, consider applying to: Tom Morgan, superintendent, Rice School District No. 20, P.O. Box 207, San Carlos, AZ 85550 (include resumé and transcripts). Health professionals, write to: U.S. Indian Health Service, Personnel Branch, 3738 N. 16th St., Suite A, Phoenix, AZ 85016 (and request an application). For more facts about the San Carlos area and/or the above information, phone Karen English in Globe, Arizona, at 602-425-3704.

HELP save an Assembly and be close to the action at the Amoz Gibson Project! Pierre and Vermillion, South Dakota, need homefront pioneers. For more information, please phone Larry Scott, 605-747-2302.

DIVERSITY is sought by the Bahá’í communities of Mesa County and Palisade, in western Colorado, with 11 per cent Hispanic population and small numbers of blacks and Asians. We’re looking for individuals who would like to relocate to this lovely area and help us diversify our Bahá’í communities. Bi-lingual and bicultural skills are badly needed. Contact P.O. Box 4089, Grand Junction, CO 81502.

HOMEFRONT pioneers are needed to help maintain the Spiritual Assembly of Noble, Oklahoma. Students are welcome. Noble is a five-minute drive from the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman; a 25-minute drive from Oklahoma City. Contact the Spiritual Assembly of Norman, P.O. Box 335, Norman, OK 73070, or phone Lawrence Hennion, secretary, 405-321-8000.

THE NAVAJO-Hopi District Teaching Committee would like to invite those who are interested in pioneering to consider the Navajo and Hopi Reservations, in one of the loveliest areas in the country close to the Rockies and the desert Southwest. There are many beautiful natural geological formations, ancient Indian ruins, mountains, canyons—something for everyone who likes nature. The climate is moderate with cold winters and warm summers; skiing, Phoenix, Albuquerque and Las Vegas are all a day’s drive away. Teachers and nurses are needed, as are other health professionals. Families may have better results with the teaching work in most areas, but single persons are certainly welcome. Useful personal characteristics include tolerance, perseverance, respect for cultural differences, patience and friendliness (without being overbearing). Anyone who is interested in foreign pioneering but doesn’t want to leave the country should contact the Navajo-Hopi District Teaching Committee, P.O. Box 2553, Window Rock, AZ 86515. We’ll do what we can to help you find employment.

YOU are needed in Woburn, Massachusetts, whose Bahá’í Group of four adults and eight children is looking for dedicated, enthusiastic Bahá’ís to move to that small suburb of Boston. The goal is to have enough believers to form an Assembly. Please help. Contact Helen B. Gorman, secretary, Woburn, MA 01801 (phone 617-938-3579).

CALIFORNIA Northern No. 1 District desperately needs homefront pioneers in several areas. For information, phone the District Teaching Committee of California Northern District No. 1, Shahin Hardwick, 916-334-0295 (home) or 916-481-4450 (work, 8:30-4:30).

WANTED: “Gardeners” to till the soil of the human heart. Hard work; excellent fringe benefits. Contact the District Teaching Committee of Northern South Carolina, c/o Donna Landau, Greer, SC 29651, or phone 803-877-0563.

HOMEFRONT pioneers are needed to help save two jeopardized Assemblies in Iowa. Marshalltown (population 27,000) is within an hour or so of Des Moines, the state capital, which is the home of Drake University. It’s a lovely, quiet town with a community college, Iowa Veterans Home hospitals, and nursing homes. There are presently eight adult Bahá’ís and several children in Marshalltown, which is the nearest Bahá’í community to the Mesquakie Indian Settlement (15 miles away), a District Teaching Committee goal area. There may be a possibility of teaching at the Settlement School which offers classes through the fifth grade. Cedar Falls (population 40,000), in northern Iowa, is the home of the University of Northern Iowa, a liberal arts college whose enrollment is 11,000. There are seven adult Bahá’ís in Cedar Falls, and several Bahá’í youth and children. If you can help save either of these Assemblies, please contact the Iowa District Teaching Committee, P.O. Box 63, New Liberty, IA ‎5276 52763‎, or phone 319-843-3382.

DURHAM, New Hampshire, only an hour from Boston, has the finest public school system in the state (including one of its only public kindergartens), sports a 10,000-student college with practically every program of study available, and includes the only Spiritual Assembly in New Hampshire presently in jeopardy. As of this time there are seven adult Bahá’ís, all of whom rent apartments. Durham needs a home owner who can help stabilize this college town. Property values are high but continue to escalate, making a home an excellent investment. If interested, please phone Jon Ring, secretary, District Teaching Committee of New Hampshire, 603-772-4680.

TRAVELING TEACHERS

SPIRITUAL Assemblies: We are willing to send traveling teachers to more affluent Assembly areas in return for help in raising funds for a much-needed Bahá’í Center in Florence, South Carolina, the heart of mass teaching, WLGI Radio, and the spirit of Tabarsi. We have everything but money! If interested, please write to Anne Breneman, secretary, Spiritual Assembly of Florence, P.O. Box 4323, Florence, SC 29501 (phone 803-667-1540).

TRAVELING teachers are needed in Florence, South Carolina, to help win the goal of 1,000 avowed believers by Ridván. Bring sleeping bag and car, if possible. For information about hospitality, phone Dr. or Mrs. Rassekh, 803-667-8140. Join the spirit of Tabarsi!

BAHÁ’Í SCHOOLS

COULD you receive college credit for working in the Green Acre Bahá’í School’s children or youth programs? Excellent experience, good for your resumé. Contact the Green Acre Bahá’í School, P.O. Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903.

A CONFERENCE for new Assemblies and new Assembly members will be held June 6-8 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School. Teachers are Auxiliary Board member Dorothy Borhani; Eugene Andrews, a member of the National Teaching Committee; and Anna Lee Strasburg of the national Office of the Secretary. Topics to be covered include building and maintaining unity on an Assembly and in the community, and consultation. To register or to obtain more information, write to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

A WOMEN’S Conference will be held June 27-29 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School. Keynote talks by Dr. Jane Faily and workshops on a variety of topics will be featured. To register or to obtain more information, write to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

ADULT literacy teacher training, July 27-29 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School. An intensive training course in the methods of teaching literacy covering major approaches to developing reading and writing skills in adults and developing appropriate materials for use in literacy classes with both Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í groups. Recommended for those interested in pioneering or working with Bahá’ís in the U.S. in areas where literacy skills need upliftment. Conducted by Dr. William Diehl. To register or to obtain more information, write to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

WANTED

WANTED: Original Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the following individuals (approximate dates of the Tablets in parentheses): Mrs. Antoinette Guiny Cone, Chicago (1912); Guy Comer Shastruger, Sheridan County, NE (1902); Fred L. Coburn, Chicago (1902); Mrs. Sarah M. Crosby, Kenmare, ND (1906); Mrs. S. Deremos, Freeport, MI (1908); Anna Douglas, Chicago (1902-4, 1910); Arthur P. Dodge, New York City (1909); Helen Fox, New York (1911). Anyone having information about the possible location of these Tablets is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

GREEN Acre Volunteer Program: many skills are needed, especially carpentry and painting. Room and board provided. If you have a weekend or a week to help, please contact the Green Acre Bahá’í School, P.O. Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903.

WANTED: Contact with Bahá’ís who are interested in exchanging articles and advertisements they have composed about the Faith. We have been writing articles for our local paper in Edmonton, Alberta, for four years and would like the fresh inspiration of sharing topics and ideas with other writers. Let’s swap! Our primary purpose is to teach the Faith, not to seek literary recognition. Write to Graham Watts and Jessica Watts, Alberta T6L 1S6, CANADA.

DIALOG writer needed to help with a story project (speculative fiction) tied in with the peace statement from the Universal House of Justice. If the short story works out, I have an outline for a novel. Write to Dean Rector, Midland, TX 79707.

WANTED: The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking copies of the May-June (Vol. 14, No. 2) issue of Child’s Way magazine, in good or excellent condition. Anyone able to donate a copy of this issue is asked to write to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

CARS or vans in good working order are needed by the Louhelen Residential College to transport students. Contact Dr. William Diehl, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

“THE PRISONER AND THE KINGS,” a book by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, is needed by the Louhelen Bahá’í School’s library. If you have a copy you would like to sell or donate, please contact Mrs. Rebecca Wideman, librarian, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

THE REFLECTIONS Department of the Louhelen Bahá’í School is seeking persons, groups and/or Assemblies to act as distributors of the “Mankind Is One” sweatshirts and T-shirts. Distributors will receive a 15% commission. Write to “Reflections,” 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

THE NEWLY formed Spiritual Assembly of Mesa County, Colorado, would like to increase the materials in its lending library and urgently needs used books and other materials in Spanish or English. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. Please send to: Mesa County Bahá’í Library, P.O. Box 4089, Grand Junction, CO 81502, Attn: Gigi Robinson.

ITEMS AVAILABLE

SPIRITUAL Mothering Journal is a non-profit, Bahá’í-oriented magazine that aims to inspire, support and help parents in their work of raising children as spiritual beings. Themes for 1986 include “Prayer and Meditation,” “Music and the Arts,” “Domestic Violence,” and “Education.” The magazine is published quarterly. Subscription rate: $7/year. Write to Gresham, OR 97030.

“REFLECTIONS” catalog listing “Mankind Is One” sweatshirts and T-shirts, tapes, books and other Bahá’í-related materials is available at no cost from the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).

A COURSE on “The Forces of Light and Darkness” by Counselor Hooper Dunbar is available on audio tape. The course examines the origin and operation of these forces, the power of the Creative Word, the interaction of spirit and matter, and presents an analysis of the forces of darkness and of the diffusion of the forces of light. Their impact on society and the individual is explored, as are the Major and Minor Plans of God, the twin processes of integration and disintegration, the purging of one’s character, and becoming incarnate light. Four tapes (edited), $30. Write to Reflections, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033. VISA or MasterCard accepted.

A COURSE on “Bahá’í Development: The Practical Process of Transforming Mankind,” by Holly Vick, Bahá’í World Center, is available on audio tape. The course examines the Bahá’í concept of development, compares it to other models, places it in the context of the Faith’s emergence from obscurity, and explores its prospects for instigating an organic change in human society and as a means of building the Bahá’í world commonwealth. Four tapes, $20. Write to Reflections, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033. VISA or MasterCard accepted.

A 1986 schedule of classes for the Amoz Gibson Training Centre for Bahá’í Media can be yours for no charge simply by writing to the Amoz Gibson Training Centre, Puerto Rico 00612, or by phoning 809-878-4189.

IF YOU have not received the newest catalog of Bahá’í jewelry by Ansar, you can secure a free copy by writing to Ansar Associates, Honeoye Falls, NY 14472, or by phoning 716-624-2055.

“HANDS ON!,” a workbook of Bahá’í educational activities for children by Sandy and Alonzo Coleman and Diane Bogolub Petit, is available from the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033). Includes more than 100 practical activities, 178 pages, 80 photos of activities described in the text, along with sample record-keeping forms and reproducible activities. The cost, including a three-ring binder, handling and shipping, is $19 (U.S. orders only). Phone orders with VISA or MasterCard are accepted.

HABLA Español? Or know someone who does? The Amoz Gibson Training Centre for Bahá’í Media offers courses in English and Spanish. For a 1986 class schedule, write to the Amoz Gibson Training Centre, Puerto Rico 00612, or phone 809-878-4189.

See ADS page 30 [Page 26]

Programa verano del Centro Bahá’í anunciado

SPANISH

En los verdes cerros tropicales de Arecibo, Puerto Rico, a media hora del radiotelescopio más grande del mundo, una nueva y vital facilidad surge al servicio de los Bahá’ís y su Fe: el Centro de Capacitación “Amoz Gibson,” operado por CIRBAL, institución Bahá’í depositario de la Casa Universal de Justicia ‎acargo a cargo‎ del desarrollo de los medios en latinoamérica y el Caribe.

El propósito del Centro es capacitar los Bahá’ís y darles conocimiento para entender, utilizar y participar en las múltiples actividades de los medios.

Al alcance de todas las Américas, este Centro comparte facilidades con el Dpto. de Radiodifusión de CIRBAL, el que dirige los planes, construcción y operación de las radio-emisoras Bahá’ís.

Ofrece cursos y talleres de media en artes gráficas, gerencia, ingeniería, programación y producción de radio, desde 2-3 días hasta sesiones aceleradas de varias semanas.

Las facilidades del Centro “Amoz Gibson” incluyen salón de clase, dormitorios, cuarto obscuro, labs. gráficas y electrónicas, y libros y manuales de entrenamiento de las ramas variadas de los medios.

Jun 23-Jul 6: Introducción a los Medios de Desarrollo

Un curso introductorio de dos semanas, diseñado para dar una vista general de los medios de desarrollo, además de práctica en los fundamentos de artes gráficas, música, presentaciones audio-visuales, la radio, la prensa, y más. Enfoque en destrezas específicas que se puede usar en el campo de desarrollo.

Instructores principales: Cuerpo Docente del Centro Amoz Gibson. Idiomas de instrucción: Español, Inglés.

July 7-Jul 13: Laboratorio en Producción de Radio

Un taller intensivo de una semana, diseñado para familiarizar estudiantes con el equipo y las técnicas básicas de producción de radio: el uso de micrófonos, tocadiscos, tajos de empalmar (“splicing blocks”), cartucheros, tocadiscos, mezcladores, y amplificadoras. Instructor principal: Kingsley Thurber. Idioma de instrucción: Español.

Jul 14-Ago 3: Radiodifusión Bahá’í

Un curso de nivel general de tres semanas, para entrenar estudiantes en los fundamentos de radiodifusión: redacción de libretos, locución, programación y producción, administración, aspectos técnicos y legales, y más, con énfasis en radio Bahá’í.

Instructores principales: Susan McLaren, Albert Segen. Idiomas de instrucción: Español, Inglés.

Ago 30: Exposiciones Hechas a Mano

Instructor principal: Charles Smith. Idiomas de instrucción: Español, Inglés.

Dic 22-Ene 11: Comunicación de Desarrollo

De serigrafía a PVC, un taller en artes gráficas de un solo día, para los Bahá’ís de Puerto Rico y el Caribe. Instrucción en serigrafía para camisetas y cartelones, y en producción económica de exposiciones y rótulos para la Fe.

Un curso intensivo de tres semanas para Bahá’ís y otras personas interesadas en el uso de los medios ‎apropriados apropiados‎ y la tecnología adecuada para el desarrollo espiritual, social y económico de los pueblos. Enfasis en el fomento de participación, colaboración, y control local. Instrucción en análisis de audiencia, educación formal y no-formal a través de la radio, programación y producción, aspectos legales y técnicos, el entrenamiento de otros, y casos actuales—con enfoque especial en el ejemplo de Radio Bahá’í, además de sesiones en como vivir al extranjero, comunicación entre culturas, e idiomas.

Instructores principales: Kurt Hein, Anita Jorgensen, Gregory Kintz. Idiomas de instrucción: Español, Inglés.

¡DISFRUTE DE LITERATURA BAHÁ’Í!
El Comite Nacional de Enseñanza ofrece para su educación, literatura Bahá’u’lláh en Español—¡gratis! Para recibirlo, por favor escribe o llama al: NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 312-869-9039

La elección anual de la Asamblea Espiritual Local

Una vez por año, ‎en al día en el día‎ 20 al 21 de abril, el día del aniversario de la declaración de la Misión de Bahá’u’lláh, los Bahá’ís adultos de cada comunidad se reunen para elegir la Asamblea Espiritual Local.

Deben elegir los miembros de entre ellos mismos para llenar las sillas vacías. ¿A quién deben elegir? ¿Cuáles son los requisitos para ser miembro de Asamblea?

Primero, es importante recordar que ningún individuo Bahá’í es superior a otro. Es la Asamblea Espiritual Local que está bajo la guía y la protección de Dios.

Todo ser humano tiene debilidades personales y fallas. Pero la institución de la Asamblea Espiritual Local es divina y perfecta.

Al escoger los nombres de los miembros de Asamblea, Shoghi Effendi pide a cada creyentes “considerar, sin la mas mínima huella de pasión o prejuicio y sin tomar en cuenta ninguna atribución de carácter material, solamente los nombres de aquellos que ‎major mejor‎ reunan las cualidades necesarias de lealtad incuestionable, de devoción sin egoísmos, de mente bien preparada, de reconocida habilidad y madura experiencia.”

La elección de la Asamblea Espiritual Local es completamente diferente a cualquier otra forma de elegir.

El mundo jamás ha visto un proceso como la elección Bahá’í. No hay nominaciones. No se discuten los nombres antes de la elección. No se hace campaña de propaganda ...

El ambiente en la sala de elección es silencioso, devocional y dignificado. Shoghi Effendi lo nombra “ese ambiente raro de devoción y de falta de egoísmo.”

Cada creyente adulto escribe, en secreto, los nueve nombres de “aquellos que la oración y la ‎reflección reflexión‎ le han inspirado sostener.”

Aquellos nueve que han ‎recibio recibido‎ la mayoría de los votos forman la Asamblea Espiritual Local.

Votar para la Asamblea Espiritual Local es el “deber sagrado” de cada individuo Bahá’í. Con hacer nuestros votos estamos participando directamente en construir las instituciones que formarán el Reino de Dios en la Tierra.

Si un Bahá’í no puede estar presente en la elección, debe votar por balota de ausente.

DE LOS ESCRITOS SAGRADOS

¡Oh Tú Dios misericordioso! ¡Oh Tú Que eres fuerte y poderoso! ¡Oh Tú bondadosísimo padre! Estos siervos se han reunido, volviéndose ‎haci hacia‎ Ti, implorando ante Tu umbral, deseando los dones infinitos procedentes de Tu gran seguridad. Ellos no tienen otro propósito sino Tu agrado. Ellos no tienen otro intención sino servir al mundo de la humanidad. ¡Oh Dios! Haz radiante a ‎este esta‎ Asamblea. Haz misericordiosos los corazones. Confiéreles los dones del Espíritu Santo. Dótales con un poder del cielo. Bendícelos con entendimientos ‎celestial celestiales‎. Aumenta su sinceridad para que con toda humildad y contrición puedan volverse hacia Tu reino y ocuparse en servir al mundo de la humanidad. Que cada uno llegue a ser una lámpara radiante. Que cada uno se vuelva una estrella brillante. Que cada uno adquiera hermoso color y exhale fragrancia en el Reino de Dios. ¡Oh Bondadoso Padre! Confiérnos Tus bendiciones. No consideres nuestras faltas. Cobíjanos bajo Tu protección. No recuerdes nuestros pecados. Cúranos ‎co con‎ Tu misericordia. Somos débiles; Tú eres poderoso. Somos Pobres; Tú eres rico. Estamos enfermos; Tú eres el Que Cura. Estamos necesitados; Tú eres muy generoso. ¡Oh Dios! Concédenos Tu providencia. ¡Tú eres el poderoso! ¡Tú eres el Donador! ¡Tú eres el Benéfico! —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Shoghi Effendi: Guardian de la Fe de Dios

‘Abdu’l-Bahá fue como un padre amoroso para los bahá’ís. Cuando murió, los bahá’ís del mundo entero se entristecieron de verdad.

Su ministerio duró cerca de 30 años durante los cuales, los bahá’ís progresaron bajo su guía infalible, y habían profundizado su entendimiento de las enseñanzas de Bahá’u’lláh.

Cuando ‘Abdu’l-Bahá abandonó este mundo, los bahá’ís se sintieron como huérfanos que habían perdido a su sabio y amoroso padre.

Pero ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, como Bahá’u’lláh antes, había proveído para la unidad de los seguidores de Bahá’u’lláh. Él también había hecho un firme Convenio con los bahá’ís de todo el mundo.

Dejó como constancia una maravillosa Tabla, “la Voluntad y Testamento,” en la cual había señalado a su nieto, Shoghi Effendi, como el Guardián de la Fe de Dios.

Con la muerte de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, los bahá’ís perdieron un padre amoroso, pero encontraron en Shoghi Effendi “un verdadero hermano.”

Shoghi Effendi nació en la bendita casa de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Su madre era hija de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá y su padre era un pariente cercano de El Báb.

Durante los 36 años de su Guardianía, Shoghi Effendi no tuvo otro pensamiento que el progreso de la Causa. Trabajó día y noche, no escatimó esfuerzo alguno.

Su vida privada era muy simple; rara vez tuvo más de una comida en 24 horas, o durmió más de unas pocas horas en la noche.

El resto de su tiempo y energía fue dedicado a su siempre creciente trabajo por la Causa de Bahá’u’lláh. Aquellos que vieron la cantidad de trabajo que realizaba cada día, se dieron cuenta que sólo a través del poder de Dios un simple hombre podía hacer tanto día tras día, año tras año.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá llamó a Shoghi Effendi el “Signo de Dios” en la tierra y dijo que aquel que le ‎obediese obedeciese‎, obedecería al mismo Dios.

Fue a través de la gran sabiduría y guía espiritual de Shoghi Effendi que el mensaje de Bahá’u’lláh fue llevado a todos los países del mundo.

Preguntas: 1. Qué significa la palabra “guardián”? Por qué fue un buen título para Shoghi Effendi? 2. Qué significado tendrá el título “Signo de Dios” en la Tierra dado a Shoghi Effendi por ‘Abdu’l-Bahá? 3. Pensamos en Shoghi Effendi como nuestro “verdadero hermano.” Cuáles son ‎los características las características‎ de un verdadero hermano?

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arship, relying on consultation and collaboration to generate further conceptual tools for applying the Bahá’í teachings to the affairs of humankind.

The Bahá’í is also left with an increased motivation to study the current philosophies of the day as a means of understanding more fully the impact of world-views and assumptions about reality on the work of organizing human life and contributing to the progress of civilization.

The dialogue disclosed the need for Bahá’ís to develop a consistent framework of thinking that is unique to itself and in harmony with scientific values, and showed the importance of Bahá’ís’ developing ways of expressing the teachings in ways that can be understood by those who are more familiar with current and ever-evolving world views and philosophies.

The Association for Bahá’í Studies executive committee expressed satisfaction at the close of the conference, and felt confirmed in the major role of the Association in elaborating the forum and the means for the necessary intellectual and spiritual labor of studying and giving expression to the Bahá’í teachings and developing challenging, creative and fresh insights that respond directly to the needs and issues of the day.

‘Unfoldment of Peace’ theme of 13th annual Conference of Nur

“The Unfoldment of World Peace” is the theme of the 13th annual Conference of Nur (Light) to be held May 30-June 1 at Elizabethtown (Pennsylvania) College.

The establishment of peace will be discussed from the standpoints of (1) changes in society, (2) changes in human ties and bonds, and (3) changes in international institutions.

The speakers will include Counselor Robert Harris; Auxiliary Board member Javidukht Khadem; and Peter Oldziey, an assistant to the Auxiliary Board.

Workshop sessions will follow the introduction of each topic.

Youth, pre-youth and children will have special programs including, for the youth, a session with Mr. Harris.

And there will be a special session for women (only) with Mrs. Khadem to discuss topics of concern to them.

Entertainment Saturday evening will include international folk dancing and musicians Van Gilmer of Washington, D.C., and Scott Anderson and Lee Feldman of York, Pennsylvania.

Pre-registration by May 11 is a must for everyone including commuters.

For information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Harrisburg (Attention: Registrar), P.O. Box 3108, Harrisburg, PA 17105, or phone 717-232-9163.

Americans sought for Taiwan project

Taiwan asks Americans who are interested in mass teaching and consolidation of Chinese to spend a minimum of two months in an ongoing project of the Six Year Plan to begin April 21 in Taiwan. In-country costs are about $250 a month. Languages spoken are Mandarin, Taiwanese, Cantonese, Hakka, and English. Some funds may be available. For more information, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

[Page 27]

Glendale Bahá’ís draw 100 to concert by young musicians

On Sunday, February 9, about 100 people attended a "Young Musicians' Concert" presented by the Bahá’ís of Glendale, California.

About 80 of those attending were not Bahá’ís.

On the program were four pianists, playing compositions by Bach, Chopin and Ginastera; a 13-year-old violinist, who performed a movement from the Saint-Saens violin concerto; a 15-year-old cellist, who played a sonata by Corelli; and two flutists, both 12, performing works by Bach and Telemann.

Soloists were supported by the "Sterling Strings," a group of 15 youngsters playing violin, viola, cello and bass.

This was the second such concert sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Glendale, two of whose members, Marilyn and George Graham, are professional musicians.

Portland schools superintendent given ‘Promise of Peace’

On February 11, Bahá’ís in Portland, Oregon, presented a copy of "The Promise of World Peace" to Dr. Matthew Prophet, the superintendent of Portland public schools.

The Bahá’í delegation was comprised of one youth, Miss Ebony Bell; Howard Herrick, Mrs. Karen Balter and Miss Maura Fox.

Looking through the peace document, Dr. Prophet paused on seeing a picture of the Bahá’í House of Worship.

"I know this Temple," he said, explaining to the Bahá’ís that he had attended Northwestern University in nearby Evanston, Illinois.

HOTEL RESERVATION FORM

Bahá’í International Peace Conference August 28-31, 1986 San Francisco, California

Mail to: Bahá’í International Peace Conference Housing Bureau PO Box 5612, San Francisco, California 94101

Name Confirmation Address City, State, Zip Arrival Date and Time Departure Date

Please reserve rooms: Single Twin Double Suite

Hotel: 1st Choice: 2nd Choice: 3rd Choice:

Note: You will receive acknowledgment of your reservation(s) directly from the Housing Bureau. To assure your reservation, a $100 deposit check must be received by the hotel 15 days prior to arrival. Details will be explained on hotel confirmation. Send deposit to hotel where assigned. DO NOT SEND deposit to convention housing bureau. For cancellations up to fifteen (15) days prior to your arrival, contact the Housing Bureau in writing. Less than fifteen (15) days prior to arrival, contact the hotel directly. All cancellations must be received by assigned hotel at least 72 hours prior to arrival for refund. All other changes must be made directly with the hotel.

Reservations will not be held past 6:00 p.m. unless arrangements are made with the hotel from which you receive confirmation.

Conference rates in effect for 1 week prior to and 1 week following the conference.

Room reservations cannot be guaranteed unless this form is received by July 31, 1986.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

Bahá’í International Peace Conference August 28-31, 1986 San Francisco, California

Mail to: Conference Registration Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

Registration Rates / Early Registration**** (Number x Rate) $50 / $40 Adults (21+) $40 / $30 Student/youth** $30 / $20 Children & Pre-youth* $135 / $125 Family of 4 or more***

1. Name: Age: Guest: Bahá’í ID#:

2. Name: Age: Guest: Bahá’í ID #:

3. Name: Age: Guest: Bahá’í ID #:

4. Name: Age: Guest: Bahá’í ID #:

Shuttle Bus Rates: Adults: $10/weekend Children: $6/weekend

Shuttle bus routed between conference facilities, Thur. pm through Sun. noon. (Public transport—MUNI, 75¢ per ride)

Make checks payable to: Bahá’í Peace Conference Charge to: VISA / MASTERCARD Card # Expiration Date Signature

Confirmation Address City, State, Zip

Please send info on work/study scholarships

• Ages 3-14 (under 3 free).
  • With current student ID
    • Parents and 2 or more children over 3
      • MUST BE POSTMARKED BY JULY 31, 1986

TOTAL ENCLOSED:

Peace event set in New York City

Plans are under way for a day-long Peace Conference and concert to be held May 10 at the Greenwich Village School in New York City.

Among the guest speakers will be Counsellor Robert Harris and Professor Suheil Badi Bushrui, Khalil Gibran Chair at the University of Maryland and professor at Oxford University in England.

Other activities will include seminars, video and multi-media shows.

The event will conclude with a Peace Concert featuring trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, the Mike Longo Trio, and Do'a World Music Ensemble.

The $10 registration fee includes concert ticket. Tickets for the concert only are $8 with proceeds to benefit UNICEF's homeless children program.

For information, contact Dr. Hussein Ahdieh, Bahá’í Office of Public Information, New York, NY 10016 (phone 212-838-1866), or the New York City Bahá’í Center, 212-674-8998.

The National Bahá’í Fund

The promise of peace The Challenge of ACTION

WLGI... reinforcing hope in the unity of the human race. —SHOGHI EFFENDI

"The National Fund must be firmly established, generously supported and universally and continually upheld, for it is the prerequisite of future progress and achievement."

The National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 28]

Ridván election forms

Please tell us where you want your Assembly mail to go and what the Assembly’s current address is.

Remember that all Assembly mail will be sent in care of the secretary unless you request that Fund receipts be sent directly to the treasurer.

Election forms which have been sent to existing Assemblies will have the Assembly’s address label already attached over the upper right-hand box where the locality name, Bahá’í locality code and district are requested.

If this is not the case with your Assembly, please be sure to provide your locality name, Bahá’í locality code and district in this box.

Your Bahá’í locality code can be found on your membership printout or your mailing label on the Assembly’s copy of The American Bahá’í.

Please fill in all information requested for officers of your Assembly including name, Bahá’í identification number, current address and telephone numbers.

If you are not able to elect officers right away, please appoint a temporary correspondent and list that person’s name, address, Bahá’í identification number and telephone number in the box for corresponding secretary. When you elect officers at a later date, report them on the Local Spiritual Assembly Officer and Address Change form.

In this box, please list all nine names and Bahá’í identification numbers of Assembly members, and the number of votes each member received. You need not fill in this section if you are forming by joint declaration.

The secretary of the Assembly, or the person assigned to help in its formation, should complete this box certifying that he or she has verified the membership of each Assembly member.

Please be sure to print your name, as well as sign it, and to provide us with your telephone numbers.

Remember to send the yellow copy to the National Center and keep the blue copy for your files.

You can look for identification numbers on your community membership printout, the person’s Bahá’í membership card, or a person’s address label from The American Bahá’í.

LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY FORMATION REPORT FORM

SIDE A

Please type or print

ASSEMBLY MAIL

Send all mail for Secretary to: [ ] Assembly address given below (Post Office Box, Bahá’í Center, etc.) [ ] Secretary’s home address

Send mail for Treasurer to: [ ] Assembly address given below (Post Office Box, Bahá’í Center, etc.) [ ] Treasurer’s home address

Assembly’s Address (if different than Secretary’s home address) Street, Rural Route or Post Office Box Number __________________________________________ City, State, Zip Code __________________________________________

Locality Name __________________________________________ Bahá’í Locality Code __________________________________________ District __________________________________________ The Community’s Bahá’í Locality Code can be found on any computer printed Assembly mailing label

COMPLETE THIS SECTION IF YOU ARE REPORTING AN ASSEMBLY ELECTION

For each Assembly member, provide the following information:

Name	ID	Votes Received

CHAIRMAN Name __________________________________________ ID No. * ________________ Address __________________________________________ City/State __________________________________________ Zip ________________ Home Phone (___) ________ Work Phone (___) ________

VICE-CHAIRMAN Name __________________________________________ ID No. * ________________ Address __________________________________________ City/State __________________________________________ Zip ________________ Home Phone (___) ________ Work Phone (___) ________

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY Name __________________________________________ ID No. * ________________ Address __________________________________________ City/State __________________________________________ Zip ________________ Home Phone (___) ________ Work Phone (___) ________

TREASURER Name __________________________________________ ID No. * ________________ Address __________________________________________ City/State __________________________________________ Zip ________________ Home Phone (___) ________ Work Phone (___) ________

OTHER OFFICER (IF ANY) Office Held ____________________ Name __________________________________________ ID No. * ________________ Address __________________________________________ City/State __________________________________________ Zip ________________ Home Phone (___) ________ Work Phone (___) ________

* Individual ID Numbers are on the membership list, the membership card, and The American Bahá’í address label.

COMPLETE BOTH SIDES OF THIS FORM

I certify, on behalf of the Local Spiritual Assembly, that all nine members of the Assembly are Bahá’ís in good standing and that they are registered by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States as members of the American Bahá’í community.

Signature __________________________________________________ Print Name _________________________________________________ Home Phone (___) ________ Work Phone (___) ________

SEND YELLOW COPY IMMEDIATELY TO: BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER, WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091

KEEP BLUE COPY FOR YOUR RECORDS [Page 29]

Ridván election forms

Here are samples of both sides of the Ridván election form for this year. We have highlighted each section with a short explanation to help you with questions you may have about the form. In addition, please note the following:

1. Remember to complete both sides of the form and to include all requested information.

2. If you are not able to find an identification number or some other piece of information, please attach an explanation to the form, such as, “new believer, doesn’t have ID card yet.”

3. If your Assembly does not receive election materials in time for Ridván, you may request extra forms and instructions from your District Teaching Committee or the National Spiritual Assembly, or you may cut these forms out of The American Bahá’í and use them.

4. Please review the forms before sending them in to be sure you’ve included as much information as possible and an explanation for anything you have had to omit. Remember that we are receiving and recording information from more than 1,700 Assemblies, and sometimes inadvertent mistakes and incomplete or incorrect information on an election form will cause delays in getting your Assembly’s information properly recorded.

If you are forming by election, please complete the top section of side B.

COMPLETE THIS SECTION IF YOU ARE REPORTING AN ASSEMBLY ELECTION

An election meeting was held on ____________, 19___, at ____ a.m. / p.m.

The following should be reported to the community after the ballots are counted:

TELLERS REPORT
Number Voting in Person	________
Number Voting by Absentee Ballot	+ ________
Total Number of Ballots Cast	= ________
Number of Invalid Ballots, If Any	- ________
Total Number of Valid Ballots Cast	= ________
Number of Believers Not Voting	+ ________
Total Number of Adult Believers in Locality	= ________

TELLERS: (There must be more than one)	Phone No
Name (Please print)
Name (Please print)
Name (Please print)

HAS THE COMMUNITY ACCEPTED THE TELLERS’ REPORT? ________

Signature of Chief Teller ________________

If you are forming by joint declaration, please complete the bottom section of side B.

COMPLETE THIS SECTION IF YOU ARE REPORTING A JOINT DECLARATION

An election meeting was held on ____________, 19___, at ____ a.m. / p.m.

JOINT DECLARATION
ID Number*	Name	Signature

• The Community’s Bahá’í Locality Code can be found on any computer printed Assembly mailing label. Individual ID Numbers are on the membership list, the membership card, and The American Bahá’í address label.

You can look for identification numbers on your community membership printout, a person’s Bahá’í membership card, or a person’s address label from The American Bahá’í.

PLEASE REPORT ELECTION OF OFFICERS ON REVERSE SIDE OF THIS FORM [Page 30]

Bahá’í children twice present talks at Chicago church

Children from Bahá’í communities near the House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, presented public speaking programs December 29 and January 26 during interfaith services at the church of All Souls First Universalist Society of Chicago.

The children are taught by Mrs. Gayle Woolson, a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh who lives in Evanston, Illinois.

At the first program, three Bahá’í children presented talks: Maia Ashby, age 9 (“Humanity Is One Family”), Saba Firoozi, 10 (“The Great Gift of God”), and Richard Pebbles, also 10 (“The Earth—One Home”).

Afterward, the minister, Dr. Roberta Rosen, said to the audience, “We have a lot to learn from the Bahá’í children.”

The children who spoke at the second program were 11-year-old Jian Khodadad (“A Golden Age—Golden Character”); Syda Alvarez, 10 (“Unity and Peace in the World”); Camille Henderson, 10 (“Bahá’í Royalty”), and Maia Ashby (“Good Character”).

Included in this second program was a panel discussion by four Bahá’í and three non-Bahá’í youth on one of the major problems among teen-agers today—immorality and unwanted pregnancy.

The Bahá’í youth were Beth Sollars, Paul Walaszek, Laura Williams and Nan Wogel.

“The far-reaching implications of the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,” says Mrs. Woolson, “regarding Bahá’í children learning ‘to deliver speeches of high quality’ (Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 134) contain a mighty solution for the diverse problems of humanity.

“Imagine the transformation that will take place as Bahá’í children all over the world develop as these words of the Master indicate. But this can be done only with the help and involvement of adults or youth. ...

“Through this activity,” she adds, “the energies of the children are channeled toward lofty ideals and goals, and they are enabled to participate more fully in building the new World Order of Bahá’u’lláh and in fulfilling the call of the Universal House of Justice expressed in ‘The Promise of World Peace’ relative to children also promoting the Bahá’í concept of universal peace.”

Pictured (left to right) are Bahá’í youth who took part in a recent panel discussion at All Souls Universalist Church in Chicago: Laura Williams, Nan Wogel, Beth Sollars and Paul Walaszek.

Maia Ashby, a 9-year-old Bahá’í from Glenview, Illinois, delivers a talk at All Souls First Universalist Church in Chicago. Seated behind her are (left to right) Saba Firoozi, Richard Pebbles and Mrs. Gayle Woolson of Evanston who tutors and prepares the children.

Ads

from page 25

schedule in Spanish, write to Centro de Capacitación Amoz Gibson, Arecibo, Puerto Rico 00612, or phone 809-878-4189. Se habla español.

MISCELLANEOUS

THE International Goals Committee is interested in talking with American Bahá’ís of Albanian background. If you are originally from Albania or know of someone who is, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039 and ask for Mary Louise Suhm.

CHINA, China, China! Experienced Bahá’í tour leader will take students and adults on an exciting 23-day tour of China from June 18-July 11. Chinese are a significant minority in the U.S. not yet touched by Bahá’u’lláh’s Message, though reaching them is a goal of the Seven Year Plan. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave instructions about teaching the Chinese people: “...first be imbued with their spirit and study their national customs.” The study tour is designed for that purpose. For more information, phone the travel agency (toll free) at 1-800-323-8268. In Illinois, phone (collect) 312-272-9010. Ask for Mary Beth. For Bahá’í-related questions, leave a message for the tour leader, Jene Bellows, to return your call.

BELOIT College Bahá’í alumni, please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Beloit about the presentation of the peace statement to the college president in late April. Phone Deb King Bua, 608-362-1070.

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly of Portugal has recently written to the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly to ask for addresses of Portuguese Bahá’ís so that they might share messages with them and send them copies of their Bahá’í News. If you are a Bahá’í of Portuguese background, and would like to receive information from Portugal, send your name and address to the National Teaching Committee’s Minority Development Coordinator, by the end of this month, so that we can forward these names and addresses to the National Spiritual Assembly of Portugal.

PEN-PALS for children and youth! Make a new Bahá’í friend from across the nation. Share ideas, interests, hobbies, family life. How does your family celebrate Ayyám-i-Há? What do you do on Feast days? How many are in your family? Do you have pets? What are you studying in school? How is the weather where you live? Get to know someone you’ve never met! Sound like fun? Please send the following information: your name, address, age, sex, and one of your hobbies, how old you would like your pen-pal to be, and whether you prefer a boy or girl, or if it doesn’t matter, to: Carol Black, Lafayette, IN 47904. She’ll be happy to act as coordinator!

HELLO, friends! Oshkosh, Wisconsin, calling! April 21 marks the 19th anniversary of the formation of the Spiritual Assembly of Oshkosh. Will all of you who have ever been a part of this community please let us hear from you immediately? Plans are under way for a grand reunion the weekend of June 16, and we need the address of every one of you to keep you informed and perhaps to enlist your help. Write to the Spiritual Assembly of Oshkosh, c/o Mrs. Virginia Fries, secretary, Oshkosh, WI 54901.

UNIVERSITY of California-Berkeley alumni please call home! Where are you? We need you. The UC-Berkeley Bahá’í Club is trying to track down its alumni. If you attended UC-Berkeley or know of someone who did, please call home ... or write to UC-Berkeley alumni coordinator, Roya Shahrokh, Berkeley, CA 94705 (please include your address and date of graduation).

Ober

from page 4

devoted believers, drawn together by the Master’s consummate wisdom, were united in Bahá’í marriage on July 17, 1912, in the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

At ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s request, Howard Colby Ives, a Unitarian minister who was deeply attracted to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá but was not, as yet, a confirmed Bahá’í, performed the legal ceremony.

Grace, a native of Thorold, Ontario, Canada, whose father, the Rev. Thomas Tempest Robarts, was a canon in the Anglican Church, was one of three founders of the coeducational “Camp Lanier” on the Piscataqua River in Eliot, Maine.

Before her marriage she had a distinguished career as a teacher of household arts at a Canadian college, and for many young people was the means of finding ways in which to express themselves successfully in the art of living.

The Ober Farm at Green Acre was a spiritual haven, a home for the soul as well as for the body. The secret of that remarkable atmosphere lay in the fact that Grace Ober considered her home not as hers, but as the home of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. As she so often said, she felt as though she were merely a servant in the house.

In 1920 the Obers went to the Holy Land to visit ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Afterward, they traveled to many countries in Europe, giving public talks and visiting the friends, and while en route home, in England, they met for the first time the young Shoghi Effendi Rabbani who was destined soon to become the Guardian of the Faith.

It was during one of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visits to New York City that He suggested Grace’s marriage to Harlan Ober. These two devoted believers, drawn together by the Master’s consummate wisdom, were united in Bahá’í marriage on July 17, 1912, in the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

At ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s request, Howard Colby Ives, a Unitarian minister who was deeply attracted to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá but was not, as yet, a confirmed Bahá’í, performed the legal ceremony.

Grace, a native of Thorold, Ontario, Canada, whose father, the Rev. Thomas Tempest Robarts, was a canon in the Anglican Church, was one of three founders of the coeducational “Camp Lanier” on the Piscataqua River in Eliot, Maine.

Before her marriage she had a distinguished career as a teacher of household arts at a Canadian college, and for many young people was the means of finding ways in which to express themselves successfully in the art of living.

The Ober Farm at Green Acre was a spiritual haven, a home for the soul as well as for the body. The secret of that remarkable atmosphere lay in the fact that Grace Ober considered her home not as hers, but as the home of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. As she so often said, she felt as though she were merely a servant in the house.

In 1920 the Obers went to the Holy Land to visit ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Afterward, they traveled to many countries in Europe, giving public talks and visiting the friends, and while en route home, in England, they met for the first time the young Shoghi Effendi Rabbani who was destined soon to become the Guardian of the Faith.

If you have further information about the subject of this month’s article, the National Bahá’í Archives would like to hear from you. Write to them c/o the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

Funds

from page 5

tional Fund. In unity we have changed our words into deeds, our challenge into action. The activities the National Fund supports have truly spanned the diversity of our nation.

Forty summer teaching projects brought the Faith to inner-city urban areas, remote rural areas, and Indian Reservations.

Meanwhile, the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, clothed in “The Promise of World Peace,” was carried to the highest levels of government in this country—to the President and seven Supreme Court Justices.

As you read this article, the National Convention is but a few weeks away. Thousands of Bahá’ís will rally there as the victories for this year, and for the entire Seven Year Plan, are celebrated.

Hopes are high that an extraordinary victory for the National Bahá’í Fund will also be announced at the Convention.

Answers to crossword puzzle

ACROSS	DOWN
1. Justice	2. Unity
5. Fly	3. ‎Tmie Time‎
10. Intuition	4. Equality
13. Other	6. ‎Leiv Live‎
14. Anev	7. ‎Yuo You‎
15. Vy	8. Wing
16. Ban	9. Love
18. Tart	11. Test
20. Dignity	12. Nurtures
22. Mire	16. Bird
23. NY	17. Age
24. Sr	19. AB
25. OT	20. Divine
26. ‎Cesae Cease‎	21. Into
29. Ni	22. Man
30. Proclaims	24. Same
32. Need	25. ‎Ordc Order‎
34. Educate	26. Clue
	27. Ear
	28. Si
	31. Cut
	33. Ed

[Page 31]

10 YEARS AGO

Because of renewed teaching efforts in the South, new believers are being enrolled in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and South Carolina.

Two towns and three counties in Alabama are opened to the Faith; Bahá’ís in Mississippi are committing themselves to reactivating their communities; and firesides are warming the Georgia communities of Athens and Atlanta.

Atlanta is also undertaking a teaching project to reach some of the 25,000 Spanish-speaking residents in that city, the first such campaign in Atlanta’s Bahá’í history.

Meanwhile, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, an ambitious teaching campaign continues with teams proclaiming the Faith in local colleges and parks. ...

After spending much of February visiting communities in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Montana, Minnesota and Illinois, the Hand of the Cause of God Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir extends his trip to the U.S. until at least mid-April.

Dr. Muhájir plans to continue to consult with the National Spiritual Assembly and with local Spiritual Assemblies and District Teaching Committees while helping with teaching, consolidation and recruiting pioneers and traveling teachers. ...

The International Goals Committee announces that 204 Bahá’ís are settling into their pioneer posts with another 76 preparing to depart by Riḍván.

The committee says that 271 international traveling teaching trips have been undertaken by U.S. Bahá’ís so far in 1976, doubling the total of a year ago. ...

Robert Hayden is named consultant in poetry to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Mr. Hayden, a Bahá’í, is the first black poet ever named to the prestigious position. ...

About 62 Bahá’ís attend a Spanish-speaking teaching conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico, which stresses the importance of viewing cultural differences as tools for unity rather than as barriers to understanding. ...

A massive earthquake strikes Guatemala on February 4, damaging the national Hazíratu’l-Quds in Guatemala City.

More than 20,000 persons are reported killed and about a million are left homeless in one of the most destructive natural disasters in history. There are no known casualties among the Bahá’ís, and all pioneers also are reported safe. ...

The Bahá’í National Information Office is receiving inquiries as a result of Bahá’í displays placed in major transportation centers across the country.

The callers are using a toll-free number provided at the displays. ...

The Spiritual Assembly of North DeKalb County, Georgia, continues to oversee the teaching work in Gainesville while the Georgia Bahá’í Information Service sponsors proclamation there through the media.

Letters

from page 3

Passover, Chanukah, and other celebrations. Let us share and show love and good will rather than embarrassment or indifference.

After all, we love all the religions; we don’t object to them. So here’s a chance in our everyday lives to prove that we believe in these religions and that we honor and respect their Founders and their Holy Days.

In return, we can invite our relatives, neighbors and friends to share our Holy Days. Instead of being isolated and cut off from others, we will be warm and inclusive, thus demonstrating the Bahá’í spirit of sincere love and unity.

As Bahá’u’lláh said, “Regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the drops of one sea and the leaves of one tree. The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.”

Margaret Ruhe

Haifa, Israel

To the Editor: Several years ago, in an apt turn of phrase, William Sears said, “The Dawn-breakers didn’t have to ask how much to give. They gave it all.”

Since then I’ve often asked myself what it means to “give it all” and how (after one has “given it all”) it is still possible to have something more to give.

If I give my typewriter and my computer and my car and my house and my VCR and my microwave oven (the list goes on), will I not then be useless and helpless? I certainly will. So that can’t be what it means to “give it all.”

‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave it all, having only two abas: one to wear, and one at the cleaners. He yet always had coins for the poor, sweets for the children, and money to rent and buy houses, take ocean voyages and send cables.

To explain “giving it all,” I would not retreat into the mystical and simply say, “God will provide” (although He does).

Nor would I be too comforted by the thought of the ever-flowing spring, or the proverb that He gives it all back (though He does).

Actually, I think it’s quite simple and practical. It is by our choice of a lifestyle that we “give it all” in a commitment that is both spiritual and dollars and centsible.

Where and how I choose to house myself ... what car I choose to drive ... where I travel to or from ... what meals I serve ... what recreation I enjoy ... what clothes I choose to wear ...

These are the choices that do two things: (1) make all the features of one’s lifestyle serve the Cause; and (2) determine how much solid cash goes into the contribution box at the Nineteen Day Feast.

For a healthy, active, vocal, busy, effective Bahá’í community, let’s re-examine our lifestyles so that—like the Dawn-breakers—we too do not have to ask how much to give; we can “give it all.”

Thelma Ramborger

Pajarito, New Mexico

Khalil Amaei, who served for nine years as treasurer of the Spiritual Assembly of Tehran Villa, Iran, and who came to the U.S. less than a year ago after 11 years as a homefront pioneer in Eastbourne, England, died February 2 in Hamlet, North Carolina. At the time of his death, Mr. Amaei, a merchant and trader in stamps, was a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Hamlet.

Bahá’í, inventor Buss Storrs, 82, dies

Kindred Lane (Buss) Storrs, a longtime Bahá’í in Utah, died January 8 at age 82.

Mr. Storrs, a world-renowned inventor and president of Storrs International Chemical Refining Company, became a Bahá’í in 1917 and was the first Bahá’í in Utah.

To the Editor: For years, as our older children were growing up, we did not have the financial means to attend a Bahá’í summer school.

Last year my husband and I attended the Wisconsin Bahá’í summer school with our two youngest children, ages 11 and 12.

As members of the Wisconsin Bahá’í School Committee, we had the opportunity to meet each individual during registration. It was an enjoyable experience to meet all those people whose names had become familiar through the registration forms.

Though we enjoyed the classes, prayer times, entertainment, work and relaxation, we feel that our children probably benefited most by being with other Bahá’í children and families.

Letters, calls and reciprocating visits are still a part of our lives with the new out-of-town and out-of-state friends they met. We regret that our older children did not have this opportunity.

Please, parents, try to allow time and funds for your families to attend a Bahá’í summer school so Bahá’í children can learn, meet and grow to know others with whom they can share a common bond in this age when peer pressure is so prevalent.

We would like to invite you to join us this year (July 21-25) at the Wisconsin Bahá’í Summer School at Camp Byron, Brownsville. Accommodations include indoor housing and outdoor camp sites.

For more information or a registration form, write to me at ... Waukesha, WI 53188...

Beverly Frazer, Registrar

Wisconsin Bahá’í School Committee

Waukesha, Wisconsin

To the Editor: An eminent Bahá’í scholar, Marzieh Gail, wrote a “Bahá’í glossary” in which pronunciations and definitions of Persian and Arabic words appearing in the Bahá’í writings are given.

Since this publication is no longer in print, I think it would be useful if The American Bahá’í were to print excerpts from the glossary showing us how to pronounce “Bahá’u’lláh,” “Alláh’u’Abhá,” “Naw-Rúz,” “Ridván,” “Mashriqu’l-Adhkár,” “Qurratu’l-Ayn,” the names of Bahá’í months, and other Persian or Arabic words.

Marian Dessent

Durham, North Carolina

To the Editor: Just a brief note to say that I never really appreciated The American Bahá’í until I went pioneering to Mexico.

We now subscribe to it, and when it arrives I read it from cover to cover without missing anything!

When I lived in the States, there were months when I never read The American Bahá’í at all. But now, living in a Mexican village near the city of Puebla, we have no telephone, and the constant flow of information one takes for granted in the States is quite limited.

The American Bahá’í keeps me in touch and inspired. I feel lucky to be an American Bahá’í (even though we live in Mexico).

Also, we have about four Iranian Bahá’í friends in the area, and they always come over to read the Persian section that comes in each issue of The American Bahá’í.

Karen P. Campos

Cholula, Puebla, Mexico

To the Editor: Regarding the letter from the Bahá’í community of Oakton, Virginia (February), describing the incident of the Christmas tree at the home of a children’s class teacher:

Although I can’t disagree with the point of the letter, which focused on the Guardian’s advice that “it is surely preferable and even highly advisable that the friends should in their relation to each other discontinue observing such holidays as Christmas and New Year,” the manner in which the point was made left me cold.

To relay, blow by blow, a Bahá’í’s faux pas or lack of understanding in a medium of this kind is, in my opinion, not the most loving way of “informing the Persian friends of the Guardian’s advice” ...

Perhaps a better way of delineating the problem would have been to present a general scenario outlining the situation and recommending ways it might be solved. That may not have been as specific, but certainly more kind.

Carolyn Johnson

Fort Wayne, Indiana

To the Editor: Thank you for printing the letter (December) from Carol Walborn of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

What an interesting, well-put and touching exposition of a situation I too have noticed in some of our Bahá’í communities.

The last time I saw anything that brilliant or compassionate was the editorial some years ago in The American Bahá’í in which the National Spiritual Assembly expressed its displeasure over the “Americanization” of the Bahá’í community by its members.

The sacred Writings make it abundantly clear that the Master is our primary reference—a reference for the mind, for one’s spiritual space.

Carol Walborn, you certainly hit the nail on the head with your call for an example of personal justice and fairness.

Possibly, if we improve our sense of fairness, courtesy and honesty, we’ll contribute to the hastening of the day when our local and National Assemblies will ripen with the Name and the ability to be Houses of Justice.

Donn Sayer

Evanston, Illinois

IN MEMORIAM

Joe Alonzo Salinas, CA Date Unknown	Marion Gresly Battle Creek, MI May 8, 1985	Elmerene Neff Fairfield, CA Date Unknown
Khalil Amaei Hamlet, NC February 2, 1986	Eugene Swift Hawk Eagle Nest, SD May 9, 1985	Grace Pease Havana, FL December 28, 1983
Thomas Ashby Kansas City, MO January 18, 1986	Earl Herider Flint, MI February 9, 1986	Myrtle Phelan Lenora, KS Date Unknown
Ella Behl New Castle County, DE February 17, 1986	Mabel Johnson New Castle County, DE February 14, 1986	Willie Poole Gaffney, SC September 1985
Walter Blackwell New Orleans, LA January 9, 1986	Lila Lepley Satellite Beach, FL January 28, 1986	Rahim Samadani Pittsburgh, PA February 4, 1986
Hattie Bolden Georgetown, TX Date Unknown	W. H. Logan Graham, TX December 24, 1986	Eugene Shot With Two Arrows Parmelee, SD 1983
Henry Brown Pine Ridge, SD 1985	Evelyn Magoun Delhi, LA November 7, 1985	Memphis Watson Berino, NM January 30, 1986
Randy Broughton Walterboro, SC November 17, 1985	Grace G. McLeod Red Bank, NJ January 11, 1986	Joseph White Bullhead, SD Date Unknown
George Buder Corpus Christi, TX February 14, 1986	Evelyn Millar Elk Grove, CA February 2, 1986	Jessie Witwer Oskaloosa, KS Date Unknown
Betty DeLoach Casper, WY December 10, 1985

[Page 32]

Spelman

from page 7

school has opened a whole new world to me, and has forced me to exercise spiritual muscles I hadn’t used before.

I thank Bahá’u’lláh for transporting my soul and placing it in another garden where I can dig my spiritual roots deeper and grow closer to the divine essence of our Faith.

Why did I choose to attend Spelman College? Having been immersed in academic talk about the plight of black Americans, I knew that once upon a time the unity between blacks and whites was a most challenging issue... or is it still a most challenging issue because ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s vision calls for a closer solidarity than just the simple toleration we have of each other today?

In the past, race unity workers emphasized and struggled for self-dignity and political and economic equality for the black race. Today, however, we must emphasize the need to lovingly sacrifice for each other and to work together to solve our social and economic problems.

By joining hands and becoming true lovers of a harmonious life (remember, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said it means “an end to all foreignness”) we can reach a new level of love and unity between the races.

The Hand of the Cause of God Louis Gregory is the sweetest example we have of a person humbly sacrificing his prestigious job, money, ego and oftentimes his dignity to promote unity between whites and blacks.

As one of a few highly educated black men in the country at the turn of the century, he could have been another W.E.B. DuBois or a Marcus Garvey, but he decided instead to direct his energy toward fulfilling ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s vision of racial unity even though it provided no earthly prestige.

What does that tell us about the profound wisdom and value of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s vision and words? We must always pray to stay intimate with the Writings, since they are the corrective medicine for today.

Thus I chose to go to Spelman College knowing that if I lived, shared, participated, struggled and laughed with my Spelman sisters, my communication skills would be better, my understanding greater, and, by the grace of God, I would be that much closer to seeing and living ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s vision. This to me is one of the most powerful ways to unite the world—one heart at a time.

What am I learning at Spelman? That there are many opportunities to be a brilliant star for the Faith. We have to be wise and look for the situations where we can shine the most.

For example, black colleges are the metropolis of progressive black thought, and the places where famous black leaders speak and plan the agenda for social and economic progress for the black American community.

Once you are in this metropolis, you are bombarded with opportunities to become involved in this or that organization and help your fellow man.

This would be a fantastic opportunity for Bahá’í youth to show their support and sincerity for blacks and whites to come lovingly together. If one of us is hurting, we all are suffering.

The Universal House of Justice has already called the Bahá’ís to become more deeply involved in the needs of the world.

If we roll up our sleeves and courageously and sacrificially plunge into a situation, the doors will be opened and give us the chance to serve our fellow man.

When taking this plunge, however, we must not let the world drown us. There will always be some development project or problem to solve in the world.

As Bahá’ís, our task is to help solve these problems as best we can, but always with an attitude of love and with a pure and sincere heart.

My experience at Spelman has shown me the harsh realities of the black/white issue, and the gloriously joyful spark of energy that occurs when my Spelman sisters and I work in harmony.

It makes me say, “Look, Debby, look what you’ve been missing!”

So be alert and wise and look for an opportunity to be a brilliant star, and take that plunge knowing that the spiritual Force is with you!

Thank you for listening. I love you all dearly.

Debby Jackson Atlanta, Georgia

House of Worship plans prayers for 12th Day of Riḍván

The Bahá’í House of Worship Activities Committee is planning a special program for the 12th Day of Riḍván.

To give the Six Year Plan an extra boost, there will be a 24-hour prayer session for its success at the Mother Temple of the West.

The session will begin at 6:30 a.m. Thursday, May 1, and end at 6:30 a.m. on Friday, May 2. This will be followed immediately by a dawn devotional service for the 12th Day of Riḍván.

At 7 p.m. Thursday (midway through the 24-hour prayer session), there will be simultaneous devotional services for the Holy Day at the House of Worship and at McCormick Place in Chicago, site of the 77th Bahá’í National Convention.

The Activities Committee warmly invites all those attending the Convention to participate in the prayer session and attend the devotions. Don’t miss this opportunity to join us in prayers for the success of the Six Year Plan.

Bloomfield Bahá’ís host peace event

About 40 people including some non-Bahá’ís attended a peace event January 19 sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Bloomfield, New Jersey.

Topics discussed included the promise of world peace and the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The featured speaker, a non-Bahá’í, was given a copy of “The Promise of World Peace.”

A newspaper reporter who was present later interviewed the Assembly secretary, resulting in an article in the local paper.

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your copy of THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í, send your new address and your mailing label to the OFFICE OF MEMBERSHIP & RECORDS, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as you know where you are going to move and what your new address will be.

This form may be used for one person or your entire family. Please be sure to list FULL NAMES AND I.D. NUMBERS for all individuals, ages 15 years or older, who will be affected by this change.

A	ID#	Title	Full name—Please DO NOT use nicknames
1.
2.
3.
4.

B—NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS:	C—NEW MAIL ADDRESS:
House/Space #, Street or Description	P.O. Box or other Mailing Address
City State Zip	City State Zip

D—NEW COMMUNITY:
Name of new Bahá’í community / Moving date

E—HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER:	F—WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Area Code Number	Area Code Number Name
/	/
	Area Code Number Name
	/

G We receive extra copies because:

[ ] we do not have the same last name.

[ ] we do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) whose name(s) and I.D. number(s) are listed above.

[ ] the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match exactly. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.

[ ] Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy as well, and have listed my name, I.D. number and address above so that I may be put on the mailing list to receive my own copy.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER Wilmette, Illinois 60091

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID WILMETTE, IL. PERMIT NO. 479

Joseph Paolino Jr. (center), the mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, is pictured with members of the Spiritual Assembly of Providence after he presented them with a World Religion Day proclamation and was in turn given a copy of the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement, ‘The Promise of World Peace.’ The special December issue of The American Bahá’í arrived as the friends were leaving to meet with the mayor, and it was taken along to show him pictures of President Reagan receiving a copy of the peace statement. The Bahá’ís are (left to right) Bijan Shadravan, Suzanne Swan, Kingsley Swan and Beth Newport. [Page 33]

BAHÁ’Í SCHOOLS 1986 SUMMER SCHEDULE

Bosch • Green Acre • Louhelen • Louis Gregory • Native American

40 Regional Schools

Pull Out and Save

Bahá’ís are encouraged to bring their friends and relatives who are not Bahá’ís with them to Bahá’í Schools. School sessions are an excellent way to acquaint friends with the spirit and teachings of the Faith.

LOUHELEN

APRIL 25-27, JUNIOR AND SENIOR YOUTH CONFERENCE. A balanced and diversified program of devotional, recreational, social and service activities will be offered, and classes will be held. Communities are encouraged to organize transportation for youth and youth are encouraged to bring their non-Bahá’í friends. Adults bringing a carload of youth may work at the School over the weekend at no cost or study on their own in the library for half the normal rate.

MAY 16-18, CHILDREN’S/PARENTING CONFERENCE. The Conference is geared to children 7-10 and their parents. Children’s classes center on “The Promise of World Peace” and seek to acquaint the children with the Bahá’í teachings on peace. Musical activities will be led by Susan Engle and Michael Moutrie (“Loving Hands” & “Come & Sing”), recreation by Mary Krzeczkowski, stories by Walt Manderfield, and arts and crafts by Mary Ann Manderfield. Among the teachers are Judy Russell of Ft. Wayne and Judy Glanville of Ypsilanti. The Parenting Conference includes a workshop on effective parenting by Brenda Snyder, of Olean, New York, who works as a family counselor in a home-based parenting program conducted by St. Bonaventure University’s Community Counseling Department; a workshop by Melanie Smith of East Lansing on using the Creative Word to connect the child’s heart to Bahá’u’lláh that includes how to establish devotional habits and teach children to memorize the Writings; and a panel discussion on how to instill in children a sense of Bahá’í identity with parents raised in Bahá’í families. Classes are provided for children under six; no program is offered for children 11 and older.

JUNE 6-8, CONFERENCE FOR NEW ASSEMBLIES AND NEW ASSEMBLY MEMBERS, conducted by Auxiliary Board member Dorothy Borhani, Eugene Andrews of Peekskill, New York, Chairman of the National Teaching Committee, and Annalee Strasburg of the Office of the Secretary. The Conference will focus on the spiritual and practical aspects of maintaining unity in the Assembly and in the community, and on consultation. A question and answer session will be held. The Conference is open to anyone who wants to learn more about the Local Spiritual Assembly. An educational program for children will not be provided but child care is offered for those unable to make other arrangements, provided they register by May 23.

JUNE 13-15, PEACE 2000: MAKING THE DREAM A REALITY, sponsored by the Midwest Regional Committee for the Association for Bahá’í Studies. The Friday evening program will be held at the Civic Center in Lansing (one hour’s drive from Louhelen) and will feature a keynote talk by Dr. William Maxwell from Texas, member of the National Spiritual Assembly, entertainment, and a candlelight march and prayer service for peace on the steps of the State Capitol Building. Saturday and Sunday the Conference is at Louhelen and features keynote talks by Dr. Jane Faily from Ottawa, member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada and the Canadian Bahá’í International Development Service, Dr. Maxwell and a non-Bahá’í involved in United Nations activities; workshops conducted by a variety of peace organizations; artistic performances and a panel discussion. An added registration fee will be charged by the Association to help cover conference expenses. A PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN 0-12 WILL BE PROVIDED.

JUNE 27-29, WOMEN’S CONFERENCE. The purpose of the Conference is to examine the roles of women in society, to provide a forum for exchanging views and sharing perspectives, and to help women overcome barriers that prevent them from contributing their talents to society and the Bahá’í community. A combination of keynote talks, workshops, fellowship and artistic presentations will be featured. Dr. Jane Faily, member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, will speak on the status of women in the world and the issues women and the Bahá’í community need to address. Workshops will be held on “The Greatest Holy Leaf: Heroine and Leader” by Diane Taherzadeh, on “Women and Peace” by Shiva Tavana, the National Spiritual Assembly’s representative to the United Nations, on “The Family” by Dr. Faily, on “Single Parenting” by Gwen Taylor Ghods, on “Health” by Kip Kozlowski and Lisa Irish, on “Women Raising their Voices in Consultative Meetings” by Marjorie Mc Cabe, on “Single Women” by Paula Drewek, and on “Career Planning.” A general session will also be held on issues pertinent to women of color and their role in the Bahá’í community. Both Dr. Faily and Ms. Tavana attended the U.N.’s International Women’s Conference in Nairobi as part of the Bahá’í delegation. Participants are encouraged to make other arrangements for their children so that they can give full attention to the Conference; local communities are asked to assist single mothers so they can attend without their children. For those unable to make other arrangements, child care will be provided for children 11 and under, provided they register by June 13. Youth are encouraged to attend.

JULY 2-7, NATIONAL TEACHER TRAINING CONFERENCE, sponsored by the National Teaching Committee and Louhelen. This Conference is for those involved in teaching and administering local Bahá’í children’s classes. Those planning the Conference are Janice Lever of the NTC’s Education Office, Keith Boehme, a Montessori teacher in Cincinnati, and ‎Geoffry Geoffrey‎ Marks, Louhelen’s Director of Academic Affairs. The purpose of the Conference is to upgrade the quality of instruction offered children in local Bahá’í children’s classes through offering workshops on such topics as curriculum and lesson planning, teacher training, building and maintaining community support and involvement, and music education. Workshops will be conducted by Bahá’ís with expertise in each area. Local Bahá’í Schools are encouraged to send representatives to the session.

JULY 11-13, GROWING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH: AN ORIENTATION TO THE SIX YEAR PLAN. This is an opportunity for Bahá’ís and their friends and relatives close to the Faith to study the Six Year Plan, to consult on goals to recommend to the National Spiritual Assembly, and to review the relationship of this Plan to the continuing unfoldment of the Divine Plan. Conducting the Conference will be Fred Schechter of La Mesa, California, member of the Continental Board of Counselors, William Davis of Menlo Park, California, member of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Juana Conrad of Glendale, California, member of the National Teaching Committee. The Counselors and the National Assembly will be reviewing the community’s recommendations during late July and August before submitting a proposed national plan to The Universal House of Justice. This is an ideal opportunity for those who would like to contribute their views and ideas to gather in a relaxed atmosphere to share their thoughts with their fellow believers and friends. Youth are encouraged to participate in the Conference. A PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN 0-14 WILL BE PROVIDED.

JULY 20-25, YOUTH WEEK: “BAHÁ’Í YOUTH AND THE SPIRITUAL REVOLUTION.” Classes for junior and senior youth and a variety of recreational, social and devotional activities are offered. Teachers for the senior youth session are Dr. William Maxwell, member of the National Spiritual Assembly, whose course is on God Passes By, Duane Omid-Varan, a member of the National Youth Committee from Texas, on “The Discourse of the Spiritual Revolution,” and Khotan Shahbazi of Virginia, on “The Role of Youth in the International Year of Peace.” Teaching the junior youth session are David Whitfield of Tennessee, on “The Most Challenging Issue,” Shahin Sobhani of Virginia, on “Peer Pressure,” and Addison Bibb of Massachusetts on “The Unity of the World’s Religions.” All the teachers, except Dr. Maxwell, are youth. Their courses will be consultative in nature and will engage the participants emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. The session is dedicated to the memory of Miss Andrea Singer, a vibrant and devoted Bahá’í youth who passed away in March after an eight year battle with Hodgkin’s disease.

Camille Henderson, Bahiyyih Phillips and Nazi Grant at the May 1985 Children’s Conference.

۲۷ جولای - اول آگست دوره فشرده تحصیلی ۱ مربی برا هنما ئی جناب دکتر ریاضی قدیمی هر روز شامل پنج کلاس بوده و هر غروب برنامه شعر و موسیقی اجرا خواهد شد. مبلغ با سرویس کامل غذا و اطاق ۱۱۲ دلار است. این اطاقها ۳ و ۴ تخته هستند. برای اطاق دونفره ۲۵ دلار برای هر نفر اضافه می گردد. ده درصد تخفیف برای خانواده های ۴ نفره و بیشتر منظور خواهد گردید. جهت اطلاعات بیشتر با مدرسه بهائی لوهلن ۳۱۳/۶۵۳-۵۵۳۴ با لجنه ملی امور ایرانی / موسی غنی تماس بگیرید. [Page 34]JULY 27-AUGUST 1, THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH: A SIMPLE METHOD FOR TEACHING CHRISTIANS, taught by Dann May of Lewisville, Texas. The ‎Kitab-i-Iqan Kitáb-i-Íqán‎ is used as the key to understanding the Bible with emphasis placed on the New Testament. Important concepts from the ‎Iqan Íqán‎ to be covered include: human standards, the reasons for the universal persecution of the Manifestations of God, the twofold language of scripture, definitions of common religious symbols, the twofold station and sovereignty of the Prophets of God, and the proofs of Bahá’u’lláh. The Bahá’í position on Christianity is discussed together with a review of Christian elements within the Bahá’í writings. A Bahá’í response is offered to common Christian questions and criticisms. The responses employ a reasonable argument coupled with a reverent approach using quotations primarily from the New Testament. The following Christian topics are discussed: peace and world unity, forgiveness of sins, salvation, grace, faith and deeds, the persecution and atonement of Christ and Bahá’u’lláh, the Trinity, the resurrection, miracles, the rapture, the antichrist, false prophets, the Comforter, and the Spirit of Truth. A brief history of the early Christian church is presented including stories of some of the martyrs and great teachers. Mr. May is an exploratory geologist with Sohio Petroleum Company, Dallas, and serves as an assistant to Auxiliary Board member Eunice Braun. He has taught at many Bahá’í schools in the western states and has lectured on the Bahá’í Faith and Christianity at various colleges, universities, churches and seminaries. A PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN 0-14 IS OFFERED. Limit: 25 students.

JULY 27-AUGUST 1, ADULT LITERACY TRAINING COURSE, taught by Dr. William Diehl, Louhelen’s Director of Administrative Affairs. This is an intensive training course in the methods of teaching literacy designed to assist individuals and communities in undertaking this type of social development project. Participants learn the major approaches to developing reading and writing skills with adults, and learn how to develop appropriate materials for use in literacy classes with both Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í groups. Some advanced reading is required. The course is especially recommended for those interested in pioneering in developing countries or in areas where the literacy rate needs to be uplifted. Dr. Diehl has had extensive training and experience in adult literacy. He has published two books and several articles about it; his research won him the top award from the International Reading Association in 1980. A PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN 0-14 WILL BE OFFERED. Limit: 20 students.

The General Sessions offered August 3-8 and 10-15 include devotional, educational, recreational, and social activities for people of all ages (including a trip to a nearby beach) intended to uplift the spirit and foster unity within the family and with one’s fellow believers. The youth and children’s classes are taught by experienced teachers.

AUGUST 3-8, GENERAL SESSION. Adult teachers are Auxiliary Board member Edward Diliberto of California whose course on “The Historical Dialectic: The Operating Principles of Social Change,” is an analysis of global spiritual and political movements viewed in light of the emerging Bahá’í model for development; Jack McCants of Oklahoma on “Scriptural and Spiritual Answers to ‎Fundamentalist’s Fundamentalists’‎ Questions,” a course that examines the growth of the fundamentalist movement in the United States and the doctrines on which it is based, and offers a spiritual and biblical response; and Dr. Carol Spellan of Atlanta, a psychiatrist in private practice, whose course, “Mental Health — A Bahá’í Perspective,” examines the Bahá’í Writings on the well-being of the individual and the family. Among the children’s teachers are Sandy and Alonzo Coleman of California (7-10) and Diane Bohannon of East Lansing (11-14).

AUGUST 10-15, GENERAL SESSION. Adult teachers are Florence Mayberry, Idaho, a former Counsellor and member of the International Teaching Centre, whose course on “Soul, Mind and Spirit” explores the Bahá’í teachings on the reality of the soul and its various expressions and deals with such questions as heaven, hell, satan, and life after death; Tony Akemann of San Diego, a computer specialist and frequent teacher at Bosch, on “Global Signposts of the Emerging World Order,” an examination of the changing trends of our society heralding the emergence of a new world civilization; and Paul Lample, National Teaching Committee staff member and Marcia Lample, former member of the National Youth Committee, on “The Individual and the Unfoldment of the Plan of God,” a course that looks at the spiritual foundations of teaching and at the process of spiritual transformation which occurs in the hearts of both seeker and teacher. Among the children’s teachers is Kathy Racki of Wisconsin (2-3).

AUGUST 10-15, PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM. Offers spiritual insight and practical suggestions on how to rid oneself of undesirable habits and acquire virtues. The course is offered in a six day format, rather than the usual 10 week format. Facilitators are Paula Drewek and David Strom. Limit: 15 students.

AUGUST 3-8 and 10-15, TRAINING PROGRAM FOR TEACHERS OF CHILDREN. Those who would like to receive training in how to organize and conduct Bahá’í classes for children and youth 11-14 work as aides to experienced teachers. The experience includes helping plan and conduct lessons, observing teacher-child interactions, debriefing daily, and planning and carrying out one’s own lessons. The experience can be tailored to meet individual needs. Classes are usually grouped 2-3, 4-6, 7-10, 11-14 depending on the session registrations.

AUGUST 29-SEPTEMBER 1, HOMECOMING: A satellite conference of the National Peace Conference in San Francisco. The keynote talks given in San Francisco will be taped and sent via express mail to Louhelen. Workshops and artistic presentations paralleling those offered in San Francisco will also be featured. If you would like to attend the National Peace Conference but can’t or don’t want to travel to San Francisco, come to Louhelen, where you can experience much of the Conference in an intimate, relaxed setting. Time for fellowship and some of the other traditional Homecoming activities will be allocated. A PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN 0-14 WILL BE PROVIDED. There will be an added conference fee ($5-$10) to cover the costs of the Conference program, workshop materials, video taping, etc.

OCTOBER 5-11, ELDERHOSTEL. A six-day program that features courses of general interest, and social and recreational activities for seniors. Elderhostel is an educational organization whose sessions are similar to the Bahá’í school format and are offered at many educational institutions throughout North America and Europe. This is a program for non-Bahá’ís. Bahá’ís are invited to attend and bring their friends. The rate for the session is $205. Registration is through Elderhostel headquarters in Boston. You may register by writing the Boston office (80 Boylston St., 02116).

RATES (with preregistration*)

	1 Adult	1 Youth 12-20, w/ out Parent	1 Parent / 1 Child Under 21	1 Parent / 2 or More Children	2 Parents / 1 or More Children
1-DAY**	$ 7	$ 5	$ 11	$ 15	$ 18
2-DAY TOTAL	$ 52	$ 46	$ 80	$105	$125
5-DAY TOTAL	$130	$115	$200	$260	$310

NOTES:

• Rates apply to those whose preregistration fee ($10/person) is RECEIVED at Louhelen at least 2 full weeks before the start of a session. Those registering after that date: Add $10/weekend or $15/5-day session to rates posted above.
• Seniors, married couples, 2-member families and the handicapped will be assigned a two-bed room at no added cost. Other attendees will be assigned “dorm” (2 bunks per room), unless a double is requested (at additional $5/night) and space permits.

Single rooms are available on a very limited basis. ADD $14/day for a single room.

• • 1-DAY fee applies to “day students” and includes lunch and all facility use costs; breakfast and/or dinner are additional.

LINEN: Sheets, towels and pillow cases are $4.00 extra per set. KEY DEPOSITS: $2 (refundable) ASSEMBLY DISCOUNT: A 10% discount is offered to Assemblies providing a full Scholarship. Fee will be paid directly to Louhelen, by the LSA. TO REGISTER: See information at the end of this section.

NEW DISCOUNT FOR FAMILIES, COUPLES and SENIORS: To make it less expensive for families to attend, Louhelen is instituting a special rate for families of three—additional children in the Family attend at no extra cost. (See rate table.) Also, married couples, two-member families, seniors and the handicapped will be assigned rooms with two beds at no added cost.

REGIONAL BAHÁ’Í SCHOOLS

ARIZONA

• Dates: July 4-6, 1986
• Location: Belmont Bahá’í Property, near Flagstaff
• Theme: “DEVELOPING PEACE”
• Lodging: Spaces for tents, RVs or motel 10 miles away, site is primitive
• Meals: Some meals provided, breakfasts usually the responsibility of participants
• Classes: Tents for children’s classes, covered outdoor area for adult and youth classes
• Recreation: Volleyballs, basketballs available; hiking areas; Do bring your musical instruments!
• Rates:

Ages	No Meals	With Meals
0-3	No charge	No charge
4-9	$ 5.00	$12.00
10 - adult	$10.00	$17.00

10% discount to families of 4 or more persons

• Pre-register: By June 14, 1986, please.
• Registrar: Lottie Chunowitz (602) 993-2343 or message at Phoenix, AZ 85023 (602) 277-0754

GEORGIA

• Dates: August 7-10, 1986
• Location: Albany State College, capacity for 250
• Theme: “PEACE IS THE PROMISE: Preparation for Living in a Peaceful Age”
• Meals: Cafeteria Service
• Classes: 2 conference rooms for youth and adult programs, 8 rooms for children and pre-youth; auditorium
• Recreation: Athletic resources are complete! Olympic size swimming pool, gymnasium, playing fields, etc.
• Rates: Rooms — $8 per night based on double occupancy. Adults — $24 for 8 meals, (costs for youth and children’s meals have not been finalized)
• Pre-register: Pre-registration is encouraged!
• Registrar: Janet New (404) 834-0352 Carrollton, GA 30117
• Note: This gathering will be publicized as a “PEACE CONFERENCE” — Educators, businessmen, community leaders from Albany will be invited to discuss the issues. The media will be welcomed also.

COLORADO WEST

• Dates: August 12-13, 1986
• Location: Camp Illium, 5 miles from Telluride
• Theme: “THE PROMISE OF WORLD PEACE”
• Registrar: Frank Hitti (303) 565-7910 Cortez, CO 81321

GREAT PLAINS (NEBRASKA)

• Dates: July 20-26, 1986
• Location: Nebraska Youth Leadership Development Center in Aurora, excellent classes and accommodations, air-conditioned, capacity for 300
• Theme: “NOW IS THE TIME TO REFRESH AND GLADDEN THE DOWNCAST”
• Classes: Teaching, Peace, interest groups, parent group
• Recreation: Indoor swimming, indoor/outdoor volleyball, jogging, horseshoes, softball
• Rates:

	Motel type	Dorm
Adult	$160	$142
Youth (15-19)	$133	$127
Jr. Youth (9-14)		$100
Child (4-13)		$ 60
Under age 4		no charge
Day student w/o food or room		$ 10

• Pre-register: By June 20th please.
• Registrar: Kathryn Schneider (402) 727-5708 Fremont, NE 68025

[Page 35]

GREEN ACRE BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL

P.O. BOX 17, ELIOT, MAINE 03903 (207) 439-0019

“I want you to be happy in Green Acre, to laugh, smile and rejoice in order that others may be made happy by you.” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

RATES

Bed & Meals	Sunday Supper Sat. Breakfast	Saturday Lunch Sunday Lunch
Ages 15 & over	$140.00	$28.00
11 to 14	105.00	21.00
6 to 10	94.00	18.00
2 to 5	65.00	12.00
under 2	24.00	4.00

Fees are slightly lower in the dormitories and cabins.

Discounts of up to 10% are available:

• 5% family (defined as a child and related adult)
• 5% attendance at the full weekly session (Sunday supper through Saturday breakfast)
• 10% senior citizen
• 10% scholarship given by an individual or Bahá’í institution

Day Students $2 per child per day - maximum of $5 per family per day. All meals extra.

Campground $5 per campsite per night. Intended for families. All meals extra.

Deposit $10 per adult, refundable up to 48 hrs. in advance of a program. Not transferable. Please pre-register at least 7 days in advance of a program, otherwise Green Acre cannot guarantee bed/board.

Linen Rental $4 for sheets, pillowcase, towel. People are encouraged to bring their own.

Sponsor Policy Everyone under 15 not accompanied by a parent or guardian must attend with a sponsor approved in advance by Green Acre; over 21, not on Work/Study or staff, able to be housed with the child.

VISA and MASTERCARD accepted.

Please note that pets are not allowed on the campus. Please do not bring radios or TV.

Dress / conduct code “Such a chaste and holy life, with its implications of modesty, purity, temperance, decency, and clean-mindedness, involves no less than the exercise of moderation in all that pertains to dress, language, amusements, and all artistic and literary avocations.” (The Advent of Divine Justice)

It is the obligation of the Green Acre Council to see that these standards are upheld.

Class Schedules The weekly classes meet Monday through Friday. Please plan to arrive Sunday evening for Devotions and Orientations at 7 p.m. The Weekend Institutes meet Saturday afternoon from 2 - 5 and Sunday morning from 9 - noon.

Work/Study Program This program offers 2 week sessions during which participants work for 1 week and study for the other. Sessions are July 4 - 20; July 20 - August 3; August 3 - 17; August 17 - September 1. Work/Study must be applied for in advance. The fee is $50, which includes room, board and linen. Everyone 15 years and older (adults included) is welcome to apply.

Youth Program Each week is Youth Week at Green Acre. This Summer your program will be based on the International Year of Peace and “The Promise of World Peace.” Bring your best ideas to share with the other youth, the adults and the children at Green Acre. Both the Junior Youth (ages 12-14) and the Senior Youth (ages 15-18) should plan to arrive Sunday in time for Orientation at 7 p.m. Please remember that each person under 15 must have a sponsor. Non-Bahá’í friends are always welcome, though they need to have clear expectations about Bahá’í standards.

Children’s Programs The Children’s Program is just as important as the Adult and the Youth Programs. We have a Nursery, a Kindergarten, a Junior Class and a Senior Class, so that every child up through 11 years of age can participate in a Bahá’í educational program. Parents will need to assist their children under 2 in the Nursery. The children’s teachers request that each child be present for all 5 days of class, Monday through Friday. And because classroom space is limited parents should pre-register their children (boarders and day students) at least 7 days in advance.

GREEN ACRE ADULT PROGRAM 1986

WEEKEND INSTITUTES Saturday & Sunday	WEEKLY PROGRAMS Monday through Friday
July 4-5-6 Green Acre World Unity Festival	July 7-11 Islam: The Foundation of the Bahá’í Dispensation Pioneering Preparation
July 12-13 Creativity Leonard Smith	July 14-18 Consultation: The Power of the Future Bob Harris Working for World Peace in our family, job and community Barbara Harris & Rodney Richards
July 19-20 Green Acre Summer Teaching Conference Counsellor Bob Harris and N.T.C. Secretary Cap Cornwell	July 21-25 Leadership Through Servitude Eloy Anello
July 26-27 The Farmer Family Memorial Lecture Mildred Mottahedeh	July 28 - August 1 Bahá’í Spiritual & Biblical Answers to Fundamentalists Jack McCants The Language of the Spirit Josephine Nichols
August 2-3 Racism: A Major Barrier to Peace Betty Roberts and Carol Rutstein	August 4-8 The True Meaning of the Equality of Men & Women Juana Conrad The Meaning of Emerging From Obscurity Nathan Rutstein
August 9-10 The Guardian’s Vision of Pioneering Iran Muhajir	August 11-15 Sharing the Healing Message Albert James How to Deliver the Glad Tidings Cynthia Muse
August 16-17 Service to Mankind William Smith	August 18-22 The Covenant Billy Roberts The Law: Its Evolution & Relation to Society and the Individual Eric Mondschein & Richard Kommers
August 23-24 Human Relationships & the Paralysis of Will Robin Chandler & Jamshid Ashourian	August 25-29 Developing Character June Remignanti The Station of Women in the Islamic, Babi and Bahá’í Dispensations Afaf Stevens

August 30-31-September 1
Green Acre Peace Conference

Summer Jobs: Contact the School for information and applications [Page 36]

PROMISE OF WORLD PEACE

Discovering the Vision

JOIN US TO EXPLORE the vision of a unique world civilization inspired by the Creative Word. EXPAND our understanding of some of the facets of that vision:

• a prejudice free society * equality of the sexes * social justice

PRACTICE consultation skills and problem-solving in personal and community relationships. STRENGTHEN our commitment to transform the vision into reality.

The Bosch Bahá’í School is located in a remote area of the Santa Cruz Mountains about fourteen miles from the city of Santa Cruz. The sixty-seven acre campus is located at 2200 feet elevation and provides a peaceful setting among redwoods, firs and oaks for living in a distinct Bahá’í atmosphere.

Recreational facilities at the school include a swimming pool, a children’s wading pool, playground, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, table tennis, walking trails, space for other games and opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature study.

A detailed map will be sent upon confirmation. The nearest airport is San Jose, some forty miles away.

WEEK 1 June 21-26 Jr. Youth, ages 12-15 Teachers will present classes on the summer theme. Each attendee will be assigned to a cabin group under the direction of a youth counsellor. No sponsor required. Note special rate for this week only.

WEEK 2 June 28-July 3 General Session* CONSULTATION: From Principle to Practice Michael Bond MUSIC IS FOR EVERYONE -- Workshop, all ages Donna Kime THE FOURTH EPOCH: Expectations of the New Plan

WEEK 3 July 5-10 General Session* CONSULTATION: The Means, The Catalyst, the Mixer and the Cement John Kolstoe VISIONS OF WORLD PEACE: From Isaiah to the Universal House of Justice William Maxwell FOOD FOR THE SOUL: Music in Bahá’í Life Jan Sadler

WEEK 4 July 12-17 General Session* OUR COVENANT WITH BAHÁ’U’LLÁH: A Deeper Look Jalil Mahmoudi CONSULTATION: The Means, the Catalyst, the Mixer and the Cement John Kolstoe THE PROMISE OF WORLD PEACE (in Persian) Hedayat Rahimi

WEEK 5 July 19-24 General Session* ORDERING HUMAN AFFAIRS: The Art of Consultation Edward Diliberto FULFILLING THE PROMISE Teacher to be announced THE HISTORICAL DIALECTIC: Social Change in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Bahá’í Faith Edward Diliberto MUSIC AND FOLK DANCE AROUND THE WORLD Susan Berkman

WEEK 6 July 26-31 Young Adults and Youth (limited to ages 15 and over) HEAVEN ON EARTH: The Vision at Work Counsellor Fred Schechter PEACEMAKING: The Model of Bahá’í Experience THE COVENANT OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH LIFE, THE UNIVERSE, AND EVERYTHING PUBLIC SPEAKING/LEADERSHIP SKILLS FRIENDSHIP AND MARRIAGE Ben and Parisa Norris, Duane Varan, Anthony Akemann, Barbara-Ann Blair

WEEK 7 August 2-7 General Session* SKILLS FOR PROBLEM SOLVING Richard DaBell and Hoda Mahmoudi WORLD PEACE AND AMERICA’S SPIRITUAL DESTINY Alberta Deas KODALY MUSIC WORKSHOPS for all ages Charlotte Richardson

WEEK 8 August 9-14 General Session* TO GROW WITH OUR FAITH Amin Banani APPLYING SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES TO PROBLEM SOLVING: Foundation for World Peace William E. Davis EXPECTATIONS OF THE SIX YEAR PLAN Sheila Banani KODALY MUSIC WORKSHOPS for all ages Charlotte Richardson

WEEK 9 August 16-21 General Session* CONSULTATION: Bahá’í Problem Solving Linda Kavelin Popov MEETING THE CHALLENGE Dan Popov and Linda Kavelin Popov FOUNDATIONS OF WORLD PEACE William Garlington

WEEK 10 August 23-28 General Session* THE HEREAFTER AND NOW: Guidance for Living Day by Day Velma Sherrill PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES: Consultation James Mock THE BAHÁ’Í PRESENCE IN THE HOLY LAND Scott and Renee Wessel Jaenicke Special Guest, Robert Harris, Counsellor

• General Sessions: Classes for all ages over one.

TEACHERS AND CLASSES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

HOUSING

Housing ‎accomodations accommodations‎ consist of fourteen redwood cabins and six summer cabins, each housing four to six. All cabins are equipped with bunk beds with some twin beds, blankets and pillows. Each redwood cabin has one or two rooms and a bath. Each summer cabin has a washbasin, but shares a central bathhouse facility, and is not heated. A limited number of semi-private rooms are available for couples. A cabin is equipped for the disabled. Note preference on Registration Form.

Four RV pads with electrical and water hookups are available. Meals may be cooked within the vehicle, or taken in the Lodge dining room for extra charge. No outdoor cooking is allowed.

INFORMATION PHONE . . . . . 408-423-3093 taped message updating session information OFFICE PHONE . . . . . . . . 408-423-3387

ON YOUR WAY TO THE PEACE CONFERENCE? Open House Tuesday afternoon, and Wednesday afternoon, August 27 and 28. Please make reservation for dinner in advance.

BOOKS TO BRING
Consultation: A Compilation
Epistle to the Son of the Wolf
The Promise of World Peace

[Page 37]

RATES

RESIDENT STUDENTS	EARLY REGISTRATION*	LATE REGISTRATION
CABIN
Adults	$135	$145
Sr. Youth 15-20	115	125
Jr. Youth 11-14	105	115
Jr. Youth week**	140	150
Child 1-10	80	90
Infants under 1	no charge	no charge
SUMMER CABIN
Adults	105	115
Sr. Youth 15-20	95	105
Jr. Youth 11-14	85	95
Jr. Youth Week**	140	150
Child 1-10	70	80
Infants under 1	no charge	no charge
R.V SITES
Site for vehicle	30	35
Plus, for each person	20	25
Meals, if available	extra charge

DAY STUDENTS

Per person, per day (facility fee) $4 Meals, if available, extra charge

• To qualify for early registration rates, deposit must be received at least 21 days before the beginning of the session.

• • Jr. Youth Week: Note special rate. Students may be assigned to either cabin type as needed.

BOSCH SCHOLARSHIPS: A limited number of scholarships are available to those who cannot otherwise attend. Contact the Bosch Registrar in advance for details.

WORK STUDY Three or four work/study scholarships are available for each session. Working four to five hours a day assisting with meal service and cleanup gives full scholarship, less deposit. Spiritual Assembly recommendation required. Contact Registrar for details.

RATE REDUCTION: A 10% rate reduction will be given in each of the following ‎catagories categories‎. Only one reduction per person will be granted.

ASSEMBLY SPONSORED ‎SCHOLARSIPS SCHOLARSHIPS‎: Fee must be paid directly to Bosch by the Assembly.

SENIOR CITIZEN: Given on request to anyone 65 or older.

FAMILIES OF FIVE OR MORE: Applies only to families consisting of parents and dependent children.

REGISTRATION

Please pre-register as early as possible to insure a space and to allow time for processing and confirmation of your registration. Preference will be given to full session attendees.

To pre-register BY MAIL send NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT as follows:

RESIDENT STUDENTS
Regular Cabin	per person	$15.00
R.V.	each site	15.00
Residing in R.V.	per person	4.00
DAY STUDENTS	per person	4.00

(See rate section for total fees)

To pre-register BY PHONE make deposits by Visa or Master Card, only.

Deposits for registrations which cannot be confirmed will be returned.

REGISTRATION DEPOSITS AND SPACES CANNOT BE TRANSFERRED FROM ONE PERSON TO ANOTHER.

REGISTRATION DEPOSITS CANNOT BE TRANSFERRED FROM ONE SESSION TO ANOTHER.

Registration begins at 3:30 P.M. on first day of the session, with dinner at 6:00 P.M. Evening Program, 8:00 P.M. Session closes with lunch on last day. Campus should be cleared by 2:00 P.M.

MASTER CARD AND VISA are accepted for payment of fees.

ADDRESS: Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Regional Schools continued

IDAHO

Registrar:	Dale Sollars	(208) 785-4495
	Blackfoot, ID 83221

IOWA

Dates:	June 19–22, 1986
Location:	Scattergood (Quaker) School
Theme:	"VISION OF PEACE"
Lodging:	Dorms with 75 beds available on a first come first served basis; camping available; motels nearby
Meals:	Cafeteria service
Classes:	Classes for every age level!
Recreation:	Gym, hockey/soccer fields
Rates:	Youth and Adults — $43.00
	Jr. Youth — $33.00
	Children — $22.50
	Infants (0–3) — $ 7.00
	Day students (w/o meals) — $ 8.00
Pre-register:	June 1, 1986 please!
Registrar:	Bill Cave (515) 753-5233
	513 North 1st Street
	Marshalltown, IA 50158

LOUISIANA/MISSISSIPPI

Dates:	July 17–20, 1986
Location:	Percy Quinn State Park, McComb, Mississippi
Theme:	"EFFECTIVE TEACHING — CONNECTING HEARTS WITH BAHÁ’U’LLÁH"
Lodging:	8 air-conditioned cabins that sleep 13
Meals:	Cafeteria service
Classes:	Open air ‎pavillion pavilion‎ for meetings; cabins
Recreation:	Swimming, paddle boats hiking, softball field, Goofy Golf, fishing, boating
Rates:	Adults and Youth
	$47.17 + $10.00 facility fee = $57.17 each
	Jr. Youth and Children
	$42.45 + $10.00 facility fee = $52.45 each
	Infants charged $10.00 facility fee only
	Ages 3–14 get a 10% discount and all over age 60 do not pay the facility fee!
	Day student’s rates are $3.50 per meal, $5.50 per night. $5.00 facility fee for one day; $10.00 facility fee for more than one day + $6 tax

MASSANETTA SPRINGS (VIRGINIA)

Dates:	August 29–31, 1986
Location:	Massanetta Springs Conference Center, near Harrisonburg, VA
Lodging:	Varied lodging: hotel 2nd, 3rd, 4th floors (the rates go down the higher the floor because there are no elevators); dormitory, motel 1st, 2nd flrs
Meals:	5 meals served family style in large dining hall
Recreation:	Swimming, tennis, hiking trails
Classes:	2 auditoriums; children’s classes and adult workshops
Rates:	Adults and Youth, ages 12 and over
Plan A * $55.34	Hotel-2nd floor; Motel, semi-private bath, weekend total includes 5 meals, grounds fee, tax and gratuity but not conference fee (or $15.34 per night including tax)
Plan B * $41.30	Hotel-3rd floor; Inn with a bath on the floor, weekend total includes all but conference fee (or $8.32 per night including tax)
Plan C * $34.02	Cottage; dormitory; Hotel 4th floor, camping, weekend total includes all but conference fee (or $4.68 per night including tax)
	Children 4 to 11 years old
* $28.17	(or $7.67 per night including tax)

Linen can be rented at $3.00 and soap can be purchased, or bring your own.

• The above totals do not yet include a conference fee of $7 to $9. When the exact fee is confirmed it must be added to the total.

Meal package:	5 meals plus tax and gratuity	$23.66
	½ price ages 4–11	$11.83
Individual meals:	Adult	Child
Breakfast	$3.14	$1.57
Lunch	$4.28	$2.14
Dinner & Sunday supper	$6.56	$3.28

MONTANA

Dates:	July 20–26, 1986
Location:	Red Lodge Lions Camp, capacity for 100
Theme:	"UNFURLING THE BANNER OF THE MOST GREAT PEACE"
Lodging:	Family cabins
Meals:	Central Dining Hall
Classes:	Separate classrooms for all age groups
Recreation:	Hiking in the wilderness, arts and crafts center, playfield
Rates:	Ages Rates 15 and over $100 8 to 14 $ 60 3 to 7 $ 50 0 to 2 $ 30 Day students $ 25
Pre-register:	By July 1, 1986 please!
Registrar:	Diane Virostko (406) 248–2111
	P.O. Box 50244 or call Bob James
	Billings, MT 59105 (406) 248–5107
Note:	Elevation of 7,000 feet may be tiring for some! Beautiful, majestic alpine location close to Yellowstone National Park.

NINE OAKS (CALIFORNIA)

Dates:	May 3, 1986
Location:	Arroyo Grande, CA, capacity for 50 adults, 35–40 youth and children; open outdoor eating and recreation; nice library
Theme:	"TO LIVE THE LIFE"
Note:	Nine Oaks is usually a one-day-school. Students wishing to stay overnight read on: The school is located in a picturesque, rural setting near two mountains and the ocean. It is in an area of summer vacationing, therefore, motels, hotels, and any of the numerous campgrounds must receive your reservation well in advance of your arrival especially if you are traveling a distance.
Meals:	Each student is responsible for own meals: bring a sack lunch (beverage will be provided) and eat at a local restaurant for dinner!
Classes:	May 3 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
	— Adults in one large classroom:

[Page 38]NABI Expresses Master’s Vision, Native Believers’ Hopes

Native Institute Prepares for New Phase of Growth

In the Tablets of the Divine Plan, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá exhorted the Bahá’ís to “give great importance to teaching the Indians” and promised that “should these Indians and aborigines be educated and obtain guidance, there is no doubt that through the divine teachings, they will become so enlightened as in turn to shed light to all regions.” It was this vision and promise that inspired the Navajo and Hopi Bahá’ís and their pioneer friends to establish a teaching institute on the Navajo Reservation.

Born during the 5-year Plan at the National Convention of 1978, the Native American Bahá’í Institute took form during the 7-year Plan, assured of success by its inclusion by the Universal House of Justice as a goal of the Plan, and serving as the site for many memorable Bahá’í events and the development of its first facilities. Among the Institute’s highlights and accomplishments have been:

• the selection and purchase of 40 acres of beautiful land at the southern edge of the Navajo Reservation;
• the holding of many conferences and “council fires”, including two historic events connected with the Trail of Light teams of native Bahá’ís traveling between North and South America, and the Gordon Tong Council Fire in August 1985;
• the construction of an eight-sided Navajo-style “Hogan”, used primarily for meetings and conferences, and dedicated in 1982 during the visit to the Institute by the National Spiritual Assembly;
• the use of the Institute as a center for children’s and youth programs and Reservation teaching projects;
• the construction of an Administrator’s Residence and a Multi-purpose Workshop;
• the appointment of Institute administrators, starting with Lorraine Kahn in 1983, followed in 1984 by Helen and Jeff Kiely;
• the interment on the Institute property of the remains of well-loved Reservation pioneer Dr. Gordon H. Tong in August 1984, whose family continues to reside on adjacent property and to offer valued volunteer services to the Institute;
• the holding of a Navajo traditional ceremony for the protection of the Bahá’ís of Iran;
• the construction and dedication at Naw-Ruz 1985 of the beautiful simple, shrine-like, round-domed “Prayer Hogan”, reflecting Navajo tradition and elevating it by the creative Bahá’í spirit;
• the holding of deepenings in the Navajo language and the introduction of teaching and consolidation materials from the Ruhi Institute in ‎Columbia Colombia‎; and
• the establishment at Ridvan 1985 of the first Spiritual Assembly of Houck Chapter, in whose community the Institute resides;

Already vibrating with the fresh memories of the many special events that have attended its birth and infancy, this Navajo-Hopi-land teaching institute looks forward to the challenges and opportunities for the Faith on the Reservation in the upcoming Six-Year Plan. High on the Institute’s agenda of responses to these challenges and opportunities will be:

• Supporting and assisting the increasingly dramatic expansion and consolidation of the Faith on the Navajo and Hopi Reservations;
• increased translation of the Creative Word into the Navajo language;
• the preparation of effective materials and strategies for teaching the Faith and developing Bahá’í communities on the Reservation;
• the training of native teachers of the Faith;
• assisting with the development of materials and methods for the effective Bahá’í education of native children, youth, and families;
• the construction of further facilities to more fully accommodate the operations and activities of the Institute, most notably dormitories, classrooms, and an administration/media center;

These enthusiastic plans for the development of Institute programs and facilities will, of course, require the support of increasing levels of financial and human resources. Presently supported by the National Bahá’í Fund, the Native American Bahá’í Institute looks to the day when the dreams and plans for its development will be realized. Obviously, the more resources available, the sooner these plans will be fulfilled.

The Native American Bahá’í Institute’s Prayer Hogan, viewed during construction in Spring 1985.

To hasten this process, and with the ultimate intent of relieving the National Fund of some of the cost of running the Institute, a special fund is now being created: the Gordon H. Tong Memorial Endowment, details of which will be announced in forthcoming issues of the American Bahá’í.

At the same time, the Institute is actively seeking donations of audio-visual and recording studio equipment, a near-new van for transporting students, and Bahá’í literature and teaching materials. Also, Bahá’í volunteers will be used in upcoming construction projects, which are presently being designed by the Institute’s resident architectural planner, John Nicol.

Correspondence, contributions, and offers of assistance can be sent to:

Native American Bahá’í Institute, P.O. Box 167, Houck, AZ 86506 (for UPS, add the description: ½ mile east of Burntwater Trading Post). Phone: 602-367-8595, or 602-367-5126, ext. 8595.

Regional Schools continued

EFFECTIVE PARENTING with Mrs. Molly King

• Children’s program for ages 2 to 11, no nursery
• 5 children’s and youth classrooms
• Youth program for ages 12 through 20 is: MAKING MUSIC IN THE WORLD, IN LIFE, IN THE FAITH Do Bring Your Instruments!!
• Then, 7:30 to 9:00, IS WORLD PEACE INEVITABLE? with a secular panel (Beyond War, Mothers for Peace etc.)

Forecast

Adult programs for June and August are not final at this printing. Future youth programs include:

June

Release Creative Self Through the CREATIVE WORD (music, art, science, business, the written word)

August

PIONEERING AND THE YEAR OF SERVICE

October

Family school with Sandy Swensen Scott; all ages interact and are not in separate classrooms.

Recreation

Adult/Youth ping pong, volleyball, badminton, horseshoes and for the children a merry-go-round, swing, slide, sand/water tables

Rates

$7 per person, $10 per couple, $12 per couple with children ages 2+

Pre-register

The Wednesday before the session

Registrar

Corrinne Christensen, Lompoc, CA 93436, (805) 735-1410

NEW JERSEY Write or call for information:

Registrar

Scott P. Duncan (201) 463-3683, Piscataway, NJ ‎0885 {{{2}}}‎

NORTH DAKOTA Write or call for information:

Registrar

Marian Kadrie (701) 235-3635, Fargo, ND 58102

OREGON EAST

Dates

July 12-15, 1986

Location

Wallowa Methodist Camp, Wallowa Lake, OR at the foot of Eagle Cap Wilderness, capacity for 100

Theme

“THE GIFT OF PEACE”

Lodging

A huge rustic ‘A’ frame lodge with large meeting area is surrounded by shared family cabins with bunks. Two large bathhouses with showers are centrally located. Dormitory cabins also used. Camping facilities available!

Meals

Cafeteria service

Classes

Indoor cabin classes and some outdoor classes

Recreation

Organized recreation: games, hikes, crafts and lake outings — and, of course, our annual volleyball tournament!!!!

Note

This is a truly “woodsy” setting. The deer come onto the campsite daily and will eat from your hand. Pure air, rustic, mountain area: a wonderful atmosphere for sharing Bahá’u’lláh’s gifts!

Rates

• Adult (12 yrs +) $47
• Jr. Youth (7-11) $37
• Children (3-6) $25
• Infants (0-2) $9
• Day students $1.85 per day plus meals

Pre-register

Add $3.00 to rates if you do not pre-register. It is essential for our meal count and for the camp staff to prepare for your coming that you pre-register by June 25, 1986!!! Thanks.

Registrar

Sharon Hays, Enterprise, OR 97828

SHELTERING BRANCH (WASHINGTON)

Dates

August 17-23, 1986

Location

Camp Wooten ELC, capacity for 135

Theme

“ENDURING SOLUTIONS FOR WORLD PEACE”

Lodging

Dormitory-style in cabins of 10 each. Bring sleeping bags, bedding. Children lodged with parent to age 8. Some family cabins can be arranged if 8 to a cabin is guaranteed.

Meals

Meals served family style.

Note

ALL SUPPORT SERVICES are performed by those attending the school. In addition to the chance to serve, it is our goal to present a balanced program of devotion, study and recreation.

Classes

Held both indoors and out. Main lodge with a fireplace and P.A. system; outside amphitheatres; some classes in cabins. Children’s program includes learning centers!!

Recreation

Heated swimming pool, hiking, roller skating, tennis, volleyball, baseball, football, fly fishing, archery, folk dancing, canoeing. Supervised and free recreation periods. Lots of music.

Rates

• Adult $75
• Youth (15-20) $50
• Jr. Youth (9-14) $35
• Children (4-8) $25
• Family rate $240

Pre-register

By August 10, 1986 please.

Registrar

Gary McConnell (509) 582-4273, Kennewick, WA 99336

SOUTH DAKOTA Write or call for information:

Registrar

Robert Haugen (605) 342-3562, Rapid City, SD 57702

OREGON WEST Write or call for information:

Registrar

Star Stone (503) 673-3737, Roseburg, OR 97470

UTAH Write or call for information:

Registrar

Lagha Talebreza (801) 487-5280, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

[Page 39]Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute

SUMMER 1986

LOUIS G. GREGORY SCHOLARSHIP FUND

FAMILY FELLOWSHIP SUNDAYS

TEACHER TRAINING FOR YOUTH

MONTHLY COMMUNITY DAY

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

TEACH! TEACH! TEACH!

HOLY DAY CELEBRATIONS

‎SATELITE SATELLITE‎ PEACE CONFERENCE

4th OF JULY BARBEQUE

If the younger Bahá’í generation... take(s) the pains of studying the Cause deeply and thoroughly, read(s) its history, find(s) its underlying principles and become(s) both well informed and energetic, they surely can achieve a great deal... they are the ones to raise the call of the Kingdom and arouse the people from slumber.

Shoghi Effendi

FORT TABARSI

A Teaching Institute is ‘essentially an activity aimed at deepening the knowledge of the friends to prepare them for active participation in the teaching work’ (Universal House of Justice, 1964) The Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute is named in the memory of the only Black American appointed (posthumously) to the station of The Hand of the Cause of God by Shoghi Effendi. Mr. Gregory was born in Charleston, South Carolina. The Institute is a dynamic, action-oriented, teaching center created in the heart of a rural, indigenous Bahá’í community.

THE INSTITUTE IS SPIRIT IN ACTION!

O my God! O my God! Thou seest me in my lowliness and weakness, occupied with the greatest undertaking, determined to raise Thy word among the masses and to spread Thy teachings among Thy peoples...

‘Abdu’l-Bahá

SUMMER SCHOOL

DEVELOPING THE WILL TO ACT * JUNE 26 - 29, 1986 * CLASSES FOR ALL

For information write or call: Roy Jones, Registrar South Carolina 29554 * (803) 558-5093

Joyous Ridván [Page 40]

A NOTE ABOUT RATES

Like other educational institutions, Bahá’í-owned Schools and Institutes are subsidized. While other schools are subsidized by endowments, grants and tax dollars, Bahá’í Schools are subsidized by the National Bahá’í Fund. About 40% of the cost of operating the Schools is paid for by the Fund. This subsidy allows the Schools to charge the friends 40% less than the actual costs. This year Bahá’í Schools and Institutes are striving to absorb major increases in utility and insurance costs without raising rates substantially or requiring increased subsidy from the Fund. (Bosch’s insurance rates are up from $3,000 to $16,000 while Louhelen’s are up $4,000 to $32,000.)

You can support Bahá’í Schools and Institutes by:

• Attending sessions and encouraging others to attend;
• Supporting the Schools’ scholarship and endowment funds;
• Joining the Schools’ booster organizations;
• Encouraging your community to make regular contributions to one of the Schools;
• Volunteering your services and skills.

“The services rendered by Louhelen School are growing more and more important, and he rejoices to see the friends flocking there, Summer and Winter, to study, exchange ideas and grow closer to each other.”

From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi,

dated March 16, 1946

“He was happy to see so many of the friends present on that occasion; for this Bahá’í association kindles enthusiasm and harmony amongst the friends, and produces new plans for teaching in the home communities.”

From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi

dated Oct. 11, 1948, to the 1948 Louhelen Homecoming

EFFECTIVE TEACHING

Order from: Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091 800-323-1880 or 312-251-1854 in Illinois

Name __________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________ City ____________________ State _________ Zip __________ Phone __________________________________________________ Credit card number _________________________ exp. date _____ (circle one) MasterCard / Visa

Communities and group study: Be sure to order a workbook for each student along with your instructor’s guide!

EFFECTIVE TEACHING	Number of items	Cost
Student Workbook @ $2.00 ea.
Instructor’s Guide @ $2.00 ea.
10% handling ($1.50 minimum)
total cost

REGISTRATION FORM

GREEN ACRE BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL P.O. BOX 17 ELIOT, ME 03903 207-439-0019

BOSCH BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL 500 COMSTOCK LANE SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060 408-423-3387

LOUHELEN BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL 3208 S. STATE ROAD DAVISON, MI 48423 313-653-5033

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

SESSION ____________________________________________________________________ STARTING DATE ______________________________________________________________

FAMILY NAME ____________________ HOME PHONE ( ) ________________ WORK PHONE ( ) ________________

Print First Name	Sex	Age	Street Address	City	State	Zip
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE COMPLETE FOR GREEN ACRE: ARRIVE ___/___/___ FOR: [ ] BREAKFAST [ ] LUNCH [ ] DINNER LEAVE ___/___/___ AFTER: [ ] BREAKFAST [ ] LUNCH [ ] DINNER [ ] DAY STUDENT [ ] OVERNIGHT [ ] CAMPGROUND [ ] LINEN [ ] CRIB DEPOSIT REQUIRED: $10/ADULT [ ] DEPOSIT ENCLOSED [ ] CHARGE TO VISA/MC

PLEASE COMPLETE FOR BOSCH: [ ] CABIN [ ] SUMMER CABIN [ ] RV...........[ ] WITH MEALS [ ] DAY STUDENT.....[ ] WITH MEALS [ ] LINENS FOR ____ @ $6/EA. [ ] DISABLED [ ] WORK-STUDY DEPOSIT REQUIRED: $ 15 PER STUDENT IN CABIN ________ OR SUMMER CABIN. $ 15 PER RV SITE ________ $ 4 PER RV RESIDENT ________ $ 4 PER DAY STUDENT ________ [ ] TOTAL DEPOSIT ENCLOSED [ ] CHARGE TO VISA/MC

PLEASE COMPLETE FOR LOUHELEN: SPECIAL REQUESTS: __________________ ROOM: ______________________________ [ ] CRIB [ ] LINEN FOR ____ @ $4/EA. [ ] TRANSPORTATION...(SEE PROG. NOTE) [ ] INFO ON WORK-STUDY SCHOLARSHIPS [ ] LSA DISCOUNT DEPOSIT REQUIRED: $ 10/PERSON [ ] DEPOSIT ENCLOSED [ ] CHARGE TO VISA/MC

CANADIANS: PLEASE MAKE ALL PAYMENTS IN U.S. FUNDS.

PLEASE COMPLETE FOR CHARGES TO: [ ] VISA [ ] MasterCard

CARDHOLDER’S NAME ____________________ EXPIRATION DATE __________ NUMBER ____________________ SIGNATURE ____________________