The American Bahá’í/Volume 17/Issue 7/Text

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[Page 1]

Fund goal underscores National Assembly's confidence

The adoption of a $9 million annual fund goal for B.E. 143 underscores the National Spiritual Assembly's confidence in a robust opening for the Six Year Plan. Included in that goal is the $1.5 million annual pledge to the Universal House of Justice.

Worldwide, opportunities are rapidly increasing as presentations of "The Promise of World Peace" bring Bahá’í principles to the forefront of society.

At this historic juncture in Bahá’í history, the National Spiritual Assembly, Counselors Wilma Brady, Robert Harris and Fred Schechter, and the delegates to the National Convention have resolved to complete the pledge to the House of Justice by December 31.

Typically, contributions during the initial months of a Bahá’í year are low, rising as the year progresses. With only two Bahá’í months recorded as of this writing, contributions total slightly over $600,000—about $350,000 below the goal-to-date.

Expectations are that contributions will rise after the organization of the new local Spiritual Assemblies and election of the new local treasurers.

Regular contributions from thousands of dedicated Bahá’ís continue to be the lifeblood of the Faith. The marvelous spirit of unity that prevailed throughout last year resulted in a record-breaking year.

The continued devotion, sincerity and self-sacrifice of the believers is the surest means to ensure that the Message of Bahá’u’lláh will soon embrace the entire world.

Mayor Tom Bradley of Los Angeles (left) learns to 'shim-sham-shimmy' from Fayard Nicholas, a member of the Bahá’í community of Woodland Hills who is serving as honorary Arthritis Month chairman for the Arthritis Foundation of Southern California. Mr. Nicholas, who twice underwent hip replacement surgery for osteoarthritis in 1985, danced for many years on stage and in movies as one-half of the famed Nicholas Brothers tap-dancing team. His brother Harold, the other member of the team, is presently starring in a touring production of the play, 'The Tap Dance Kid.'

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

Louhelen conference accents preparedness

More than 40 Bahá’ís from across the U.S. gathered May 29-June 1 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School for a conference whose theme was "Preparing for Opposition."

The conference was sponsored by the Board of Counselors in the Americas and the National Spiritual Assembly, and was conducted in part by Counselor Wilma Brady and Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman of the National Assembly and director of its Office of External Affairs.

Among others attending were eight Auxiliary Board members and a member of the Bahá’í International Community's Office of Public Information in New York City.

The main purpose of the conference was to develop through consultation recommendations to the senior institutions of the Faith concerning measures that can be adopted by the American Bahá’í community to prepare itself for opposition.

To facilitate the process, a number of workshops were held whose goal was to generate a list of seminal issues, questions and recommendations for the Board of Counselors and National Spiritual Assembly to consider.

Workshop topics were "Internal Opposition," "Religious Opposition," "The Media," "Leaders of Thought and Government Agencies," and "Nationalism, Racism and Communism."

"We know from the Guardian's writings that as the Faith emerges from obscurity opposition is inevitable," said Katherine Bigelow, deputy director of the Office of External Affairs.

"As the Guardian said, 'The friends... should not feel bewildered, for they have the assurance of Bahá’u’lláh that whatever the nature and character of the forces of opposition facing His Cause, its eventual triumph is indubitably certain.'"

Those at the conference agreed that the Bahá’ís now have an opportunity to undertake positive actions.

IN THE NEWS...

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly of Samoa sends thanks for U.S. contribution to its Temple Fund.

THE NATIONAL Youth Committee calls for 1,000 young people to take part in summer teaching projects.

APPOINTMENT of LEAP coordinators for 1986-87 is announced.

THE NEW ERA Foundation for International Development is established.

Three more Bahá’ís are martyred in Iran

WITH HEAVY HEARTS ANNOUNCE MARTYRDOM THREE VALIANT SOULS IRANIAN BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY. MR. SIRRU'LLAH VAHDAT-NIZAMI WAS EXECUTED BY HANGING 4 MAY 1986 IN TEHERAN. HE HAD BEEN IMPRISONED SINCE 13 FEBRUARY 1984. MR. FIDRUS SHABRUKH, 38, WAS EXECUTED BY HANGING 9 MAY 1986 IN ZAHIDAN. HE HAD BEEN IMPRISONED FOR A SECOND TIME SINCE 26 SEPTEMBER 1983. BOTH THESE FRIENDS HAD BEEN SEVERELY TORTURED MUCH OF THEIR TIME IN PRISON.

THE THIRD VICTIM, FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD PAYMAN SUBHANI TOGETHER WITH HIS FATHER, RUHU'L-AMIN SUBHANI, WAS TAKEN BY A GROUP OF FANATICS, ENCOURAGED BY OFFICIAL RELIGIOUS ELEMENTS, TO THE MOUNTAINS, WHERE THEY WERE BEATEN AND STONED. BOTH WERE PRESUMED DEAD AND THROWN OVER A CLIFF. ACCIDENTALLY A VEHICLE STRAYED INTO THE AREA AND FOUND THEM. THE FATHER, BARELY ALIVE, WAS TAKEN TO A HOSPITAL IN TEHERAN WHERE HE IS STILL IN SERIOUS CONDITION. THE SON, PAYMAN, WAS DEAD.

THESE CRIMES AFTER RELATIVELY QUIET PERIOD IN IRAN HAVE CAUSED CONCERN SAFETY, WELL-BEING IRANIAN BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY. URGE SEEK PRESS PUBLICITY, INFORM OFFICIALS GOVERNMENTS, SEEK THEIR ADVICE.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE MAY 12, 1986

"Greatly pleased announce appointment Dr. Wilma M. Brady as Administrator-General Bahá’í International Community's offices New York. She has been invited to begin her tenure service at World Center in September before assuming her duties New York one month later. Profoundly grateful Blessed Beauty new stage development Bahá’í International Community's offices."—Universal House of Justice, May 26, 1986 [Page 2]

Rights group offers fellowships to train for overseas staff

The International Human Rights Internship Program, sponsored by the Institute of International Education and the Ford Foundation, is offering fellowships for training positions with international organizations in 1987 and 1988.

The application deadline is August 31, 1986.

The program arranges fellowship placements for qualified individuals of all nationalities with organizations in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America to provide practical training in international human rights implementation.

The grants cover international travel, basic living expenses ($5,000 to $15,000/year) and health insurance for the individual only.

Fifteen to 20 grants will be awarded each December. Candidates must have a demonstrable commitment to the promotion of international human rights. Graduate experience is desirable.

Interested Bahá’ís are encouraged to write to the director, International Human Rights Internship Program, Institute of International Education, 1400 K Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20005 (phone 202-898-0600).

[Cartoon]

BAHÁ’Í’S DON’T DRINK? NO DRUGS? CHASTITY? FASTING? WORLD PEACE?

HEY MAN, WHERE ARE YOU BAHÁ’Í’S COMING FROM... “THE LOST HORIZON?” HEE HEE HYUK HYUK

NO, BUT HOW ABOUT... “BACK TO THE FUTURE?”

— by Darian Smith, Apex, North Carolina

Opposition

Brad Pokorny, a reporter for the Boston Globe, addresses a workshop session during the Louhelen conference on ‘Preparing for Opposition’ to the Faith.

from page 1

measures designed to lessen the severity of the opposition the Faith is bound to face in the West.

“Active teaching about the true nature of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation,” said Ms. Bigelow, “is the most important of those measures.

“Also, we need to continue to establish solid ties with humanitarian organizations, government agencies, and leaders of thought at all levels of society.”

The importance of firmness in the Covenant, which guarantees the solidarity of the Bahá’í community, was in the forefront of the discussions.

A formal report of the conference proceedings will be submitted to the Counselors and National Spiritual Assembly, and will be made available to the community as a whole in the near future.

For information, contact the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).

Metro Assemblies face large tasks

This month’s article, “The local Spiritual Assembly in the Metropolitan Community,” was written by Robert G. Wilson, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Seattle, Washington.

Local Spiritual Assemblies in metropolitan communities share certain common problems:

1. A community reaches a certain point and ceases to grow, or finds growth difficult. The teaching committee may be ineffective; there may be an inability to delegate and manage.

Occasionally, an Assembly does not want more enrollments. Each is seen as a potential problem, and the Assembly cannot be burdened with any more problems.

2. Feasts can become deadly to the spiritual growth of the community. They frequently are of poor quality or last too long.

The intellectual and racial diversity and expectations in a large community can make Feast a platform for specialized views that result in harangues. The result is low Feast participation.

3. Children become anxious at Feast and parents become frustrated. Few communities handle their children well, creating an enriched, memorable, nourishing environment for them.

4. Often, the spiritual needs of the individual are not met in a large metropolitan setting.

5. There is often no outlet for youth.

6. Top-heavy administration is common. There is too much direction from the top down, and little encouragement and support of individual initiative and creativity.

7. Attempts to deal with individual problems often are unsuccessful. An Assembly can come across as arrogant, demanding and authoritative instead of as a “loving shepherd.”

8. Sometimes, there is a lack of leadership. An Assembly can lose confidence in its ability to make good decisions.

9. In many instances, there is no effective plan for reaching minorities or involving them in the decision-making process.

The metropolitan environment is materialistic. Pleasure and pain killers are available everywhere. This presents a problem to teaching and has its effect on the Bahá’í community.

‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ can move into a large city to become “lost.” It’s easy to see some Bahá’ís not living, or even trying to live up to the promise of the Bahá’í teachings. Frustration and cynicism result.

Suburban Assemblies often function better, leading to tension between them and their metropolitan counterparts.

A suburban community cannot understand why the big-city community does not use its media outlets more effectively, cannot mobilize its membership or send out homefront pioneers. The metropolitan community often finds itself the object of criticism from the more “active” suburban communities.

The local Assembly

Most large-city Assemblies meet regularly and should be commended for their dedication. When they meet, however, they often spend too much time on details, especially financial matters.

Many Assemblies spend entire evenings discussing personal status cases. Much time also is spent reviewing committee reports, and in many cases Assemblies make decisions that should in most instances be made by the committee itself.

Thus there remains little time for guiding the community in its efforts to grow; little time to consider solutions to the problem of developing a truly distinctive Bahá’í community life for everyone and for offering vision and hope.

Assembly members frequently function with a sense of duty rather than with sincerity and spirit.

A metropolitan Assembly may also “think small.” Its members seldom think about their neighbors, the district or the country as a whole. They develop a sort of tunnel vision.

Inactive believers

In 1982, a study of all large Bahá’í communities in the U.S. revealed that no Assembly had a plan or program for reaching out to those who were “inactive” or had become “lost.”

Frequently, when a community decides to check its inactive members, it either sends them another letter or tries to reach them by phone. No personal, face-to-face contact is attempted.

Teaching

Many problems arise with teaching in a metropolitan community. Control often comes before, not after, a teaching effort. To be effective, the teaching committee or Assembly must learn to control the results, not the teaching.

The problem is not that people won’t arise to teach; there are many self-starters. But they need a plan, something to do, something that will effect a positive change in the Bahá’í community.

In a community that does not delegate or effectively manage what it delegates, Assembly members may think unconsciously, “If I vote for this, I’ll have to do it myself...”

Therefore, members may vote against taking an action, or table discussion indefinitely to avoid taking action because they are busy with family, jobs and the Assembly meeting itself.

People are often “meetinged-out.” There are too many meetings. Frequently, meetings are held in place of taking action.

A meeting is a tool, a prelude to action. A simple rule of thumb is to ask, “How many hours of talking about teaching translate into actual teaching?”

A community is only as strong as those who arise to act; a plan is only as good as those who are able and willing to carry it out.

Moving toward the vision

The local Spiritual Assembly in the larger city can take specific steps to help implant the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh deeper in every human heart.

1. Use the Creative Word. Divine revelation is God’s greatest gift to man. New believers, as well as seekers, must be brought as quickly as possible to the Word of God.

The Assembly can help this process by making certain that all new believers have access to the sacred Writings.

Gifts of the Creative Word can be given to Bahá’ís who graduate from one school grade to another, to high school or college graduates, and to those who deserve some special recognition for their services or accomplishments. These gifts can be presented at the Nineteen Day Feast.

2. Inactive believers. Meet them face-to-face. Some reasons for becoming inactive are depression, doubt, prejudice, physical ailments, material attachments, alienation, loneliness.

Talk about joy. Ask the inactive believer his or her opinion about the growth of the Faith and what changes he or she would like to see in the community.

Don’t be judgmental or condescending. Be sincere and loving.

3. Personalize the Nineteen Day Feast. Recognize birthdays and announce them at Feast (especially children’s). Keep track of honors and achievements of students and announce them too.

Also, visit those who are hospitalized. Visit and keep in touch with pregnant women and newborn children.

4. Transfers in and new enrollments. Visit transfers into the community within five days of their arrival. Supply them and new enrollees with a bag or kit containing some or all of the following:

• subscription blank to the DTC bulletin;
• information about summer and winter schools;
• names of the NTR and LEAP coordinators;
• names and addresses of Auxiliary Board members;
• name of the Assembly secretary and names of secretaries of major committees;
• name of the Assembly treasurer, Fund envelopes, and information about how to contribute;
• information on local issues in the community;
• information about classes for children and youth;
• information about minorities and minority teaching;
• information about surrounding communities;
• information about travel, where to shop, good stores, schools, one-day trips, local

See VIEWPOINT page 27

Vote lists for 1952-67 are sought by Archives

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking state and district voting lists used in State and District Conventions for the period 1952-1967. The Archives has received lists for Wisconsin and Southern California but still needs lists for all other states and districts.

Anyone having lists that can be donated is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. [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:

Many letters have appeared in The American Bahá’í debating the merits of various health care systems and quoting the Bahá’í writings for support.

A great danger to the precious unity within the Bahá’í community and the ever-increasing prestige of the Faith is the wholesale adoption by crusading, zealous Bahá’ís of pseudo-scientific fads on the one hand or, on the other, unstudied, doctrinaire support of the status quo among established schools of thought regarding medicine or other sciences.

Consider, for example, the painful examples of division within the Christian community over the theory of evolution, the geologic history of the earth, the history of scholasticism, etc.

The Bahá’í community is committed to the process and principles of the unfettered investigation of truth, and does not identify itself with competing factions, whether they be political, scholarly or otherwise.

Besides confirming that medical practice is not yet a “mature” science and that there is “no such thing as ... a Bahá’í type of healing,” the Bahá’í writings instruct those who are ill to “consult ... doctors who have studied a scientific system of medicine,” leaving the choice to the individual.

Since the writings refrain from endorsing any health care system, it is inappropriate to construe quotations out of context to seemingly endorse one system or condemn another.

An example of such a tactic is a letter in the April 1985 issue quoting Bahá’u’lláh’s statement, “Treat disease through diet by preference, refraining from the use of drugs,” in which the rest of the quotation is omitted until paragraphs later where it is taken out of context to somehow condemn vaccination even though it says, “Abstain from drugs when the health is good, but administer them when necessary.”

It is therefore a distinct misrepresentation to quote the Bahá’í writings as condemning the use of drugs when in fact they are recommended if needed.

Certainly many diseases can best be handled by proper diet, but should these diseases accentuate in a crisis drugs are, at present, often the only dependable life-saving option.

Again, contrary to the implications of the April letter, the Bahá’í writings do not condemn vaccinations, even indirectly. The Guardian has clearly addressed the issue, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is recorded in Ramona Brown’s book as having recommended vaccination.

Several other factual misstatements in the April letter, some of which are linked indirectly to the Bahá’í writings, need to be clarified:

1. According to the best evidence, coronary heart disease is not caused by homogenized milk and milk products although chronic high blood fat levels from any source are an important index of hazard for arteriosclerosis.

2. There is indeed convincing evidence that a childhood disease, i.e., smallpox, has been eliminated by mass inoculation.

3. The Salk vaccine has not eradicated polio but has substantially reduced the number of cases, almost to zero in many areas.

4. The vast majority of victims of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) have never been vaccinated, nearly ruling out vaccination as a cause.

5. There are only the sheerest of speculations to link mass inoculations with cancer, leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease, or lupus.

In that chiropractic, homeopathy, naturopathy or other health systems have neither been condemned nor endorsed by name in the writings, let us declare a cease-fire and try not to use The American Bahá’í as a platform or arbitrator.

Instead, let us get on with the task of precisely defining and diagnosing disease states and then systematically evaluating proposed treatments and preventive techniques to establish which of them are the most effective and determine the merits of alternatives.

Let us be the peacemakers, the well-wishers of mankind, and the greatest humanitarians the world has ever seen, free from any encumbering prejudices or allegiances with which old world order systems threaten our unity.

David F. Young

Grants Pass, Oregon

To the Editor:

Having been a Bahá’í since the late ’60s, I had hoped by this time to see some positive changes of the heart by practicing Bahá’ís toward their fellow-believers, but, unfortunately, I have not.

We are more tolerant, understanding and compassionate to those outside the Faith than to our own Bahá’í friends. Why?

Perhaps it’s because we’ve become so obsessed with teaching others and emanating all this “social goodness” so that we can attract outsiders that we forget how necessary it is to maintain that “social goodness” toward our own Bahá’í friends.

In all my years as a Bahá’í, I have not had an in-depth closeness with any one Bahá’í, due to many unpleasant experiences when I’ve attempted to do so. This has led me to become cautious and extremely leery.

It seems that National is more concerned with emphasizing (1) teaching, (2) the Bahá’í Fund, and (3) world peace—all of which are important, of course, but which seem to negate any emphasis toward changing the inner spirit of each individual so that he can really practice his Faith to everyone including fellow Bahá’ís.

I think National needs to emphasize a little-known book by Genevieve Coy entitled Counsels of Perfection (George Ronald, 46 High St., Kidlington, Oxford OX5 2DN, England, $2.50 paperback), which I believe is available from our own Publishing Trust.

Counsels of Perfection is subtitled “A Bahá’í Guide to Mature Living.” I highly recommend that it be read by every Bahá’í for its practical everyday application of Bahá’í principles that will help them to really practice their Faith.

Ruby M. Kalies

Highland Park, Michigan

To the Editor:

While the letter from Robert Gulick Jr. (March) offers excellent advice on shepherding Bahá’í funds, i.e., to seek the lowest bid when engaging in larger projects, an active consultative body will be aware that the lowest bid is not always the best buy.

Weighing all factors influencing an unique situation, including the projected life-span of the proposal, can bring to light good reason to accept the highest bid.

When funds are raised at great sacrifice by individuals, a consultative body is often inclined to overemphasize limiting a project’s cost rather than pay the usual higher price for quality and value received.

It would, for example, be less than wise to construct a Bahá’í satellite transponder of “bargain” electronic parts, since the cost of placing that item in orbit might well be a major part of the total outlay. In such a case, it could be wise to look every “gift horse” very carefully in the mouth.

In any area wherein a group is responsible for the management of contributed funds, contributors place their trust in that group to manage planned activities in a manner well calculated, first, to do the job well, and second, to do it within the budget.

If the latter is seen for any reason to be too limited for the quality conclusion of the project, the group would be wise to report this finding back to the parent body or the constituency for reconsideration, rather than to plunge ahead in “bargain basement” desperation.

Preconceived restraints, while no doubt of best intent, can serve only to hinder the operation of free consultation within the group.

Local Assemblies in particular must have the wisdom to consult professional advisers, the costs for which are not only legitimate but well advised.

While “penny-pinching” may be the order of the day, there is wisdom in recognizing that bending over to pick up one fallen penny may well cost five.

The lesson to be learned is to trust the Assembly; and as a member of that body, to perform your duties to the best of your ability. The outcome of its financial management will then be the very best that can be had under the present circumstances.

Waldo T. Boyd

Geyserville, California

To the Editor:

In response to Kathryn Earle’s letter (April), I would like to say, never be discouraged by the low numbers (in money contributed to the National Fund). Our goals are not set too high.

We have more than 100,000 Bahá’ís in this country, and a small percentage of them contribute regularly. As to “what is my little contribution going to do when we are so far behind”—it’s going to inspire others to give. It’s contagious!

A local Bahá’í couple decided to say the Fund prayer every morning after hearing Bill Sears’ message. A week later she sold three houses. Their prayers were answered with loving bounty.

So let’s get every Bahá’í to say the Fund prayer regularly and see what happens!

Ronald K. Mosseller

Tryon, North Carolina

To the Editor:

I have noticed that many communities use soft-cover editions of Bahá’í books for their lending libraries. These soon become tattered, torn and dirty, but are still loaned out.

To me, this is an insult to Bahá’u’lláh and to the person borrowing the book.

There is a simple way to keep soft-covered books clean and prolong their useful life, and that is to use clear “Contact” on them when new. This is a washable clear plastic self-stick product available at hardware and variety stores with directions on the backing sheet for covering books and other articles.

Try it—you’ll like it!

Lesley Harriss

Gunnison, Colorado

To the Editor:

We, as Bahá’ís, must not only apply every effort toward the fulfillment of the Bahá’í Cause, but in this day, when it is apparent that “we make it together or we lose together on this planet,” we must learn to pull together and help one another to survive and succeed regardless of race, class, nationality, sex or religion.

Cooperation and consultation are hallmarks of Bahá’í everywhere. This works well in our unified approach to establishing a world society as envisioned by Bahá’u’lláh.

Sometimes, however, these skills aren’t used to their best advantage in our everyday dealings with the rest of society.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, “Man must consult on all matters, whether major or minor, so that he may become cognizant of what is good ... The light of truth shineth from the faces of those who engage in consultation. ... The members who are consulting, however, should behave in the utmost love, harmony and sincerity towards each other. ... Even in their ordinary affairs the individual members of society should consult.”

A certain amount of competition is healthy in any society, but the attitude of succeeding at any price doesn’t foster a spirit of healthy yet cooperative competition.

Instead of the “looking out for No. 1” strategy which seems to pervade so much of American business and life today, let’s substitute the life view of “I’ll do everything to help you succeed and it’s my hope that you’ll want to help me succeed too.”

In place of being jealous or angry at each other’s success, we can cheer each other on from the sidelines.

If we go out of our way to help each other succeed, then your success doesn’t diminish mine or mine diminish yours. We can both succeed in life by my supporting your efforts and your supporting mine. When you win, I win. Neither of us is a loser.

And when you’re happy, you make the world a little better place in which to live, and that makes me happy.

Jack Hofer

Comfort, Texas

To the Editor:

I would like to respond to the letter from Kathryn Earle (April) in which she writes about the Fund.

We don’t have to do it all by ourselves. The idea is not for a few individuals to meet the goals; the idea is universal participation. That means everybody giving.

If all those raindrops thought they’d have to fill that space all by themselves there’d be no oceans. There are about 100,000 Bahá’ís in the U.S. I’m sure the friends at

See LETTERS page 5

New from George Ronald, Publisher

DIVINE THERAPY

Pearls of Wisdom from the Bahá’í Writings

compiled by Annamarie Honnold

This book is dedicated ‘to all who seek inner peace and joy’. It is an extensive compilation of brief quotations from the Bahá’í writings to do with many aspects of spiritual and mental health and well-being. ‘All true healing comes from God.’ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

228 pages Hardcover $14.95 Softcover $6.95

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 [Page 4]

CHAMPION-BUILDERS

ETHEL MURRAY

Ethel Murray, in her many years as a Bahá’í, enthusiastically supported the teaching plans of the beloved Guardian, established on the foundation of the Tablets of the Divine Plan, and in the later years of her life found strength and purpose in teaching the Faith on the Cherokee Reservation in North Carolina where she lived under trying circumstances as a lone pioneer from June 1954 to November 1970.

Born in 1884, Ethel Murray was the younger and weaker of twins, and was of such delicate health that her childhood activities were restricted.

After she became a Bahá’í in the 1920s, however, her health improved so much that she seldom needed to see a doctor.

On becoming a Bahá’í in Springfield, Massachusetts, Mrs. Murray, a photographer by profession, ardently devoted her talents to serving the Cause.

The call for pioneers during the Ten Year Crusade (1954-63) inspired her to settle in Cherokee, North Carolina, whose Reservation was of special importance to the Crusade, for the Cherokee language was the one chosen by the Guardian for the first American Indian translations of the Bahá’í writings.

Since residence on the Reservation was restricted to Native Americans or those to whom the Indians would rent, Mrs. Murray felt that her prayers had been answered when she managed to establish herself in Cherokee, in a dilapidated shack that had not been used in quite some time.

She felt that the move, to a building without heat or plumbing, helped draw her closer to the Cherokee people, many of whom lived in similar circumstances.

Although a slightly better home became available to her later, it was without running water until near the end of her stay.

Throughout these years Mrs. Murray gathered her drinking water in a rain barrel and walked four miles to the nearest general store.

She felt that Bahá’u’lláh had truly showered His blessings on her when a new bridge was built, shortening the distance to the store by a mile and a half!

Visiting Ethel Murray was like attending a deepening class. To

See MURRAY page 26

‘World Peace Breakfast’ held in N. Virginia

On May 10, 33 copies of “The Promise of World Peace” as well as packets containing background information on the Faith were given out at a World Peace Breakfast for representatives of peace organizations, religious groups and others in Northern Virginia who have been active in peace efforts.

The breakfast, held in the banquet room of a major hotel, was hosted by the Bahá’í communities of Annandale, Lincolnia and Springfield with support from a dozen other Assemblies and followed three months of weekly planning meetings.

After an opening address by master of ceremonies Charles Ioas, a panel of four distinguished speakers—Dr. Elsie Austin, Mrs. Guity Ejtemai, John Huddleston and Augusto Lopez-Claros—commented on four aspects of the peace statement.

Also on the program were performances by Bahá’í musicians Van Gilmer and Michele Garber.

The success of the event was measured when Peter Bloch, a member of the World Wide Peace Foundation, requested a follow-up meeting so that the organizations present could discuss with Bahá’ís ways in which to work together to promote peace.

Of the 28 groups invited to the breakfast, 13 sent 21 representatives.

Among the organizations represented were Amnesty International, Beyond War, the World Federalists, and the National Council of Negro Women.

The Bahá’ís in Northeastern Virginia are planning a Peace Seminar this fall to which all of the organizations at the breakfast will be invited.

John Huddleston (standing), a Bahá’í who is budget and planning director for the International Monetary Fund, addresses a Peace Breakfast held May 10 in Alexandria, Virginia, at which 33 copies of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ were given to representatives of peace groups and others active in the cause of peace. Also pictured (left to right) are master of ceremonies Charles Ioas and Bahá’í speakers Dr. Elsie Austin, former U.S. Regional Women’s Affairs Attaché for Africa; Augusto Lopez-Claros of the International Monetary Fund’s European Office; and Guity Ejtemai of the Voice of America’s Iranian Bureau.

Mayor of Naples gets peace statement

Presentation of the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement to Mayor Edwin Putzell of Naples, Florida, resulted in a 10-column-inch article in the May 2 edition of the Naples Daily News.

The presentation was made by Bahá’ís John K. Brown, Carietta Kelly and Dorothy Peterson of Collier County.

SUMMER SESSIONS Bosch Bahá’í School

July 26-31 (Young adults and youth; limited to ages 15 and older). “Heaven on Earth: The Vision at Work” (Counselor Fred Schechter); “Peacemaking,” “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).

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 (Charlotte Richardson).

August 9-14 (General session). “To Grow With Our Faith” (Amin Banani); “Applying Spiritual Principles to Problem-Solving” (William E. Davis); “Expectations of the Six Year Plan” (Sheila Banani); Kodaly music workshops (Charlotte Richardson).

August 16-21 (General session). “Consultation: Bahá’í Problem-Solving” (Linda Kavelin Popov); “Meeting the Challenge” (Dan Popov and Linda K. Popov); “Foundations of World Peace” (William Garlington).

August 23-28 (General session). “The Hereafter and Now” (Vella M. Sherrill); “Practical Applications of Spiritual Principles” (James Mock); “The Bahá’í Presence in the Holy Land” (Scott and Renee Wessel Jaenicke). Special guests: The Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem and Auxiliary Board member Javidukht Khadem (August 26-27); Counselor Robert Harris.

If you’re on your way to the Peace Conference, there will be an open house at the Bosch School on August 27-28 in the afternoon. Please make reservations for dinner in advance.

For more information, contact the Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or phone 408-423-3387.

Four Bahá’ís from Mississippi discussed ‘The Promise of World Peace’ April 10 and 13 on ‘Faces,’ a program telecast weekly on Mississippi educational TV. Pictured (left to right) are program hostess Ruth Campbell and Bahá’ís John Smith, principal of Vicksburg Elementary School and secretary of the District Teaching Committee; Alma Smith, a psychometrist with the Vicksburg Public Schools and an assistant to the Auxiliary Board; Virginia Johnson, a retired teacher from Madison who is editor of the Mississippi Bahá’í News; and Dr. R.E. McArthur, a chiropractor and treasurer of the Spiritual Assembly of Meridian. From all reports, the programs were well received and have aroused an interest in the Faith among new people.

Bahá’ís in New York City sponsor day-long Peace Conference/Concert

On May 10, the Bahá’í community of New York City sponsored a day-long Peace Conference and an evening Peace Concert at the Greenwich Village School in Manhattan.

About 600 people including some 200 non-Bahá’ís attended.

Among those taking part in the conference were Counselor Robert Harris; Dr. William Maxwell, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly; Dr. Victor de Araujo, the Bahá’í International Community’s chief representative to the United Nations in New York; Bahá’í Public Information Officer Mary Hardy; and two non-Bahá’ís, Major Gen. Indar Jit Rikhye, director of the International Peace Academy, and Betty Reardon, program director of the peace education program at Teachers College, Columbia University.

During the lunch and dinner breaks, in different rooms, the BBC-TV documentary “The Quiet Revolution” and a multimedia presentation about the Faith were shown.

The evening concert, given before a capacity audience in the school auditorium, featured famed jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie who was backed by the Mike Long trio.

Other performers were Suzanne and Kingsley Swan, who presented jazz, rock and calypso music, and the country and western duo of Mary Davis and Wilford Johnson.

After the conference, the Spiritual Assembly of New York City decided to sponsor a peace conference each year through 1992.

Elizabethtown ready to host N.E. Regional Youth Conference

If you feel the urge to meet new Bahá’ís, have a great time, and recharge your spiritual batteries, don’t forget the Northeastern Regional Youth Conference to be held August 1-3 at Elizabethtown (Pennsylvania) College.

The theme of the conference, which is sponsored by the District Youth Committee of Pennsylvania, is “YOUTH: PEACEing It Together.”

The conference cost of $60 includes five meals, a dormitory room for two nights, and full use of campus facilities such as bowling lanes, swimming pool, tennis courts, etc.

For more information, write to Chip or Mike Brehman, ____________________ Elizabethtown, PA 17022, or phone 717-367-6965. [Page 5]

Letters

(from page 3)

the National Treasurer’s Office would rather receive 100,000 envelopes with $1 each than one envelope with a check for $100,000.

So much more would be accomplished by the 100,000 contributions of $1 each because of the power released by universal participation.

Please don’t refrain from giving to the Fund because you think your drop or your teaspoon or your half-cup or your gallon alone won’t meet the goal.

If I give my drop and you give yours, and everyone else gives their drops, we’ll have a stream, and the stream will flow into a river, and the river into an ocean, and our goals will be met!

And once you get into the habit of giving you’ll never run out of money to give. You’ll be amazed at where it comes from. Bahá’u’lláh won’t let a good source run dry!

This is not the time for budget-cutting—this is the time for expansion. If we all do our part, however insufficient we feel it is, little by little, day by day the goals will be won, entry by troops will happen, and the Lesser Peace will be established. Please God, we may achieve it!

Terry Weiss Fort Lauderdale, Florida

To the Editor:

Before the recent election, our local Spiritual Assembly sent to members of the community a list of eligible adult voters. I was surprised to see on it the names of several Bahá’ís whom I had never met.

I know that in today’s world we are quite busy, and that making time for the Faith can be difficult. I don’t manage to attend every Feast, Holy Day observance or fireside. But I do feel that it is not only my responsibility but my obligation to know the Bahá’ís in my community, for if I do not, how can I know who to vote for, who will best serve my community if I cannot.

If our “government” is to fulfill its divine purpose as a working example of a true World Order, we must do our best to contribute in any way we can. Just by knowing our fellow Bahá’ís, if only by phone, we’ll have a better idea of who should represent us.

To me, having found and recognized Bahá’u’lláh is not only an honor but a responsibility. Perhaps during the coming year we all could make a greater effort to meet and know one another, even if it’s only having a better knowledge for voting purposes.

Romana R. Bell Santa Barbara, California

To the Editor:

As the treasurer of a Bahá’í community, I have been asked at every Feast to talk about the “life-blood of the Faith.” I believe that humans have many important physical needs, and so does the Bahá’í Faith.

The National Fund is necessary for the National Center to circulate resources throughout our national community, as the heart circulates blood through one’s body.

And as the lungs bring new oxygen to the body, the local Fund is necessary to enable the community to meet, bring in new Bahá’ís, and interact with the outside community.

The Continental Bahá’í Fund provides the resources needed for propagation and protection of the Faith, as sleep allows our body and mind time to refresh and renew themselves, while the Bahá’í International Fund holds our world community together, providing leadership and the Writings as the holy food for our international community.

Without the International Fund there would be no Divinely Guided Institution, no international point of unity, no Holy Shrines; without the Continental Fund there would be no protection for the Faith from its enemies, no learned ones to help us refresh and restore our souls; without the National Fund there would be no Bahá’í books, no House of Worship, no Bahá’í schools, no American Bahá’í; without the local Fund there would be no Nineteen Day Feasts, no Bahá’í Holy Day observances, no children’s classes.

The heart uses oxygen brought in by the lungs, and the lungs use blood pumped by the heart. Nor can the body do without food or rest. All of its organs are interdependent.

Often I am asked which one of the Funds someone should give to regularly: local, national, continental or international, to which I reply, “Which one activity would you prefer most to continue—eat, sleep, breathe, or continue your heartbeat?”

K.R. Tookey Sioux City, Iowa

Peace materials for kids available

International Year of Peace curricular material for Bahá’í children’s classes can be obtained by writing to the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. (Cost: $2. Make check payable to “Bahá’í Services Fund.”)

AUTOMATIC CONTRIBUTIONS

The Automatic Contribution system is a convenient way for individuals, groups, and Assemblies to contribute to the National Bahá’í Fund.

Benefits to YOU

You are assured that your obligation to contribute to the National Fund is always met. What’s more, you eliminate the cost of postage and the inconvenience of handling.

Benefits to The National Bahá’í Fund

The cost of processing, receipting, and mailing is reduced and a regular base of support is assured.

IT’S EASY…

1. Fill out the Form. 2. Send it to the National Bahá’í Fund with your check attached.*

Receipts

Your contribution will be deducted from your bank account on or around the 20th of each (Gregorian) month. A record of this transaction will be listed on your monthly bank statement. In February, you will receive a year-end contribution receipt for tax purposes.

Participation

Individuals giving by Automatic Contribution are considered regular annual contributors and are counted as participants for each Bahá’í month. Automatic Contributions will be reflected on the monthly National Fund chart.

• It takes 30-45 days for your automatic contribution to be processed the first time

---

The National Bahá’í Fund

---

___________________________________, residing at ________________________________ (PRINT FULL NAME) (STREET ADDRESS)

____________________________________________________________________________ (CITY, STATE & ZIP)

hereby authorize the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States to charge my checking account each (Gregorian) month the fixed amount of $ ___________________

(If your account is with a credit union or money market fund, please provide the address and telephone number of the office servicing your account.)

Attach this form to a check in the amount of your authorization.

Signed: ______________________________ Number of participants: __________

Bahá’í ID # __________________________

Date: ________________________________ Mail to: NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í FUND

Home phone: _________________________ Wilmette, IL

Work phone: _________________________ 60091

National Assembly of Samoa thanks U.S. for contributing to Temple Fund

To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

It is with much gratitude that we write to you to express our most heartfelt feelings in connection with your contribution of $40,000 as your annual budget allocation towards our Temple Fund.

The contribution you made last year enabled us to continue the work of beautifying the Temple and its grounds and commence regular services at the Temple which culminated in a most successful service for the 40th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations last year graced by the presence of His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II and his gracious sister, the entire diplomatic corps, cabinet, members of parliament and many prominent officials and others.

This past Riḍván, during Convention, the friends were again delighted when His Highness attended the service at the Temple marking the closing of the Seven Year Plan and the opening of the Six Year Plan. After the service he posed for a photograph with all the friends and also for one with the National Assembly and Counselor Suhayl ‘Alá’í after which he joined the friends at morning tea at the information center, gladdening their hearts and sharing many jokes with them.

We wish you to know that after consultation with the Universal House of Justice we have used a part of your present contribution to purchase a piece of land with a three-bedroom house which was very close to the Temple itself. This property now becomes a dependency of the Temple, and we are planning to start our Montessori pre-school project there within the coming months. There are no Montessori schools in Samoa, and we are hoping with this small beginning that we will eventually have a network of schools throughout Samoa and eventually a Bahá’í university.

So, dear friends, with your loving assistance we have acquired another property for the Faith and will have sufficient funds as well so that we will not have to call on the International Fund for support for the Mother Temple of the Pacific and its activities. Thank you, thank you.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Lilian ‘Alá’í, Treasurer National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Samoa April 14, 1986 [Page 6]

Study abroad can open door to pioneering

This is the first in a series of articles about preparing for pioneering and the kinds of assistance available through the International Goals Committee. This first article addresses the special possibilities for study abroad. The next article will discuss career planning for international service.

Here we are in July, already nearly halfway through the summer, and many of you are no doubt enjoying the summer fun and relaxation.

We’re also halfway to November, the time when we expect to receive the Six Year Plan as formulated by our National Spiritual Assembly. We anticipate that the Universal House of Justice will then make a call for pioneers, assigning international goals for our community.

At the International Goals Committee office, we realize that the thought of packing your bags, selling most of your possessions, and going to another land with a different culture, climate, language, etc., can be somewhat frightening.

However, if you have ever moved, especially from one area of the country to another, you have accomplished all of these things, even the language change, and survived. Your personal resources and talents and your reliance on the protection and support of Bahá’u’lláh are likely to have assured your success through these changes.

Naturally, moving to another country involves some inherent differences, not the least of which is being far from family and friends. But our worldwide Bahá’í community offers a new family and many wonderful friends, waiting to welcome you and help you in your new home.

The majority of our successful pioneers have found their “home” at their pioneering posts and agree that it is difficult to readjust to the American culture and lifestyle when they visit the States.

Now that you have given thought to the international needs of the Faith, the International Goals Committee is ready to help make those goals a reality for you.

If you are a high school senior, consider the possibility of studying overseas. If being away from home for a year or more seems a bit much, try taking part in a project during the summer or going travel teaching during a school vacation.

If you’re ambitious and would like to serve for a year in some teaching capacity, there are Youth Year of Service projects sponsored by the Universal House of Justice which offer the opportunity to help in the development of tutorial schools in Latin America or participate in mobile teaching projects in Africa.

For those of you who are in college, study abroad can expand not only your personal experience but can actually open the door to your having a deeper understanding and broader perspective of your field of concentration.

The possibilities of securing international employment are far greater if one has had some overseas experience. Many colleges and universities have external degree programs that allow you to work toward your degree with little or no residency requirements.

There are also many colleges throughout the world that have cooperative programs with U.S. schools so that one is able to earn a degree overseas that is recognized here.

Finally, there are many fellowships, grants and foundations offering financial help specifically for international study and research.

Call the International Goals Committee and find out what role you can play in fulfilling the first major objective of the Six Year Plan, bringing the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the generality of mankind. We look forward to hearing from you.

International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (312-869-9039).

Cautious approach is sometimes best

There are some countries in which Bahá’ís must observe special caution with respect to what Bahá’í materials, including prayer books, jewelry and I.D. cards, can be brought into the country.

These restrictions are determined by the laws of the country or by specific instructions from the Universal House of Justice. They are a protection not only to Bahá’ís who may be residing in those countries, but also to the Bahá’ís who may be traveling there.

It’s always helpful to contact the International Goals Committee in advance of any trip to be sure to receive any necessary advice. If you are planning a trip, write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

PIONEER GOALS Riḍván 1986

Until a new assignment is given to the United States by the Universal House of Justice, all goals assigned for the last phase of the Seven Year Plan must be kept filled. The countries are:

ASIA	AMERICAS
(E) India	(S) Argentina
(K) Korea	Bahamas
(E) Nepal	(E) San Salvador Is.
(E) Philippines	(E) Barbados
(Th) Thailand	Chile
	(S) Easter Island
AUSTRALASIA	(S) Colombia
Caroline Islands	(E) Dominica
(E) Kosrae	(F) French Guiana
(E) Palau	Ecuador
(E) Truk	(S) Galapagos Is.
(E) Fiji	(S) El Salvador
Mariana Islands	(E) Grenada
(E) Rota	(S) Guatemala
(E) Tinian	(S) Honduras
(E) Marshall Islands	Jamaica
(E) Samoa	(E) Cayman Islands
(E) Tuvalu	(E) Leeward Islands
	(E) Anguilla
AFRICA	(E) Montserrat
(F) Benin	(S) Mexico
(E) Lesotho	(S) Yucatán
(E) Liberia	(S) Puerto Rico
(F) Mauritania	(E) St. Lucia
(E) Nigeria	(E) St. Vincent
(E) Tanzania	Turks and Caicos Is.
(E) Uganda	(E) Grand Turk
	(E) Providenciales (Provo)
LANGUAGE KEY	(E) North Caicos
E—English	(E) Middle Caicos
F—French	(S) Uruguay
Gr—Greek
K—Korean !! EUROPE
S—Spanish	(S) Canary Islands
Th—Thai	(Gr, T, E) Cyprus
T—Turkish	(E) Ireland

At the Cultura de Mayo, a Bahá’í summer school in ‎Muno Muna‎ Merida, Yucatán, pioneers Jean Williams (left photo) and her husband, John (above with a young friend) are helping to build housing for 60 to 80 students. Programs to reach the Mayan people are being developed at the school.

Spirit of devotion enables pioneer to endure loneliness

There is a spirit that moves the heart, that gives us a courage we know we do not have and a strength we could not have imagined.

It is a spirit of love, of devotion, and, finally, of faith. This is the power given to us at times of true sacrifice.

In December 1985, Jill Johnston left her home to travel to a pioneer post in the Marshall Islands. She had prepared to go pioneering by September 1986, but the job came through a year earlier!

To assume her responsibilities in December, Jill had to leave her husband and 13 1/2-year-old son in the States until they could join her eight months later. Her words describe the experience best:

“It has been one month today since we landed on Majuro Atoll. Jim, 12, wasn’t sure he’d like it. After all, ‘we’ll leave all the good things in life behind.’

“But within two days he was surrounded by a dozen kids or more. ‘Sometimes,’ he says, ‘I think I have too many friends.’ Kids always come to see ‘Jeem.’ He fits like an old shoe.

“Watching him and his friends playing for hours in the surf, it’s hard to believe this is the same boy who hated salt water.

“Because my husband, Gary, See PIONEERS page 26

ITEMS AVAILABLE from the International Goals Committee

The following materials are available ONLY through the International Goals Committee:

BOOKS

A Manual for Pioneers by Rúḥíyyih Rabbání, $4.50. A must for pioneers and traveling teachers, this practical guide to pioneering by the Hand of the Cause of God Rúḥíyyih Khánum covers topics of concern such as health, diet, ‎public speakine public speaking‎ local customs, simple furniture building, travel hints, ‎Ba... í Bahá’í‎ ad-ministration, etc. The book shares many personal experiences gleaned from several trips around the world.

Quickeners of Mankind: Pioneering in a World Community, $1.50. This compilation contains quotes from Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, the Universal House of Justice, and Hands of the Cause of God regarding pioneering. The quotes are arranged topically and provide an inspirational guide to deepening on “the most meritorious of deeds.”

Where There Is No Doctor: A Village Health Care Handbook by David Werner, $7. Guidance for home diagnoses and remedies for many health problems encountered in other countries.

Preservation of Personal Health in Warm Climates by the Ross Institute of Tropical Hygiene, England, $2.50. This health care manual concentrates on those ailments and health concerns common to tropical climates. It provides specific information about inoculations, skin diseases, travel and camping preparations, and more.

CASSETTES

Pioneer by Joany Lincoln, $6. Joany Lincoln, a pioneer herself, has recorded in English and French many popular songs about service to Bahá’u’lláh including the “Persian Pioneer Song” and “Strong Brilliant Sunshine.”

PERIODICALS

Pioneer Post newsletter, $4/year, published quarterly. The Pioneer Post is compiled by the International Goals Committee from letters and reports from U.S. pioneers in more than 100 countries. Previously provided only to pioneers, the publication, full of heart-warming stories, practical advice and moving accounts of pioneers’ spiritual growth in serving Bahá’u’lláh, is now available to the entire Bahá’í community on a subscription basis.

NOTE: All prices include postage. Make checks or money orders payable to “Bahá’í Services Fund” earmarked “IGC: Books.” Send your order and payment to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 7]

1,000 youth asked to take part in teaching campaigns

YOUTH

In its January 1984 letter to Bahá’í youth, the Universal House of Justice stated: “Undoubtedly, it is within your power to contribute significantly to shaping the societies of the coming century.”

The Supreme Body then called for a “mighty mobilization” of Bahá’í youth.

Last year, 500 youth arose to take part in summer teaching projects across the country. This year, the National Youth Committee is asking for a “mighty mobilization” of at least 1,000 youth to arise and participate in the 95 domestic teaching projects as well as many international projects.

This is a challenging task. It will take the initiative of each individual youth to investigate which project is best for him/her, and to recruit other youth.

Essentially, if each youth who took part last summer were to bring one friend to a project this summer, the goal would be won. Review the list of projects on page 10, consult with your parents, prepare spiritually, and GO!

If there is no project near you, consider setting one up with the help of an Assembly or District Teaching Committee.

Perhaps you would like to go to a teaching project this summer, but money or transportation is an obstacle. Don’t let such a small problem stop you from fulfilling your destiny.

First, seek help from your local Spiritual Assembly. And if you need even more help, phone the National Teaching Committee at 312-869-9039. The National Spiritual Assembly has set aside scholarship money to help youth get to a project, and half the money is earmarked for minority youth.

So there’s nothing to stop you this summer as you “sally forth, ‘unrestrained as the wind,’ into the field of Bahá’í action.”

430 youth rise to Mr. Sears’ challenge, donate $4,482 to National Bahá’í Fund

Congratulations! Four hundred-thirty valiant youth arose to Mr. Sears’ challenge during the month of Bahá and contributed $4,482 to the National Bahá’í Fund.

This is a dramatic increase from our last report of only 56 contributors. Giving to the Fund is a spiritual privilege that we enjoy, and the bounties of this continual sacrifice are sure to have far-reaching effects.

After arising victoriously to that challenge, we now have an even greater challenge to fulfill. That challenge is to contribute consistently to the Fund.

On an average, 86 youth give regularly to the Fund. The National Youth Committee challenges the youth to increase that number dramatically.

There are 95 domestic teaching projects this summer and a large number of overseas projects, all of which depend on participation by youth. Giving to the Fund will not only help strengthen the projects themselves, but will also strengthen our inner lives and our connection to Bahá’u’lláh.

In the words of Shoghi Effendi, “We must be like the fountain or spring that is continually emptying itself of all that it has and is continually being refilled from an invisible source. To be continually giving out for the good of our fellows undeterred by the fear of poverty and reliant on the unfailing bounty of the Source of all wealth and all good—this is the secret of right living.”

We’d like to see you at the Peace Conference August 28-31 in San Francisco. See the Peace Conference pull-out section about the youth program.

On behalf of the Bahá’í youth of the United States, and in appreciation for the victories of the Seven Year Plan and in anticipation of the victories to come during the Six Year Plan, a dozen red roses were placed on the grave of the beloved Guardian on the Ninth Day of Ridván. The National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom reported that on that same day, 184 roses were placed there in memory of the recent martyrs in Iran. In a moving ceremony with 200 people in attendance, prayers were recited and passages from the Writings read.

11 Regional Youth Committees are named to help strengthen Bahá’í Youth Movement

The Bahá’í National Youth Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of Regional Youth Committees for the coming year.

The purpose of the Regional Youth Committees is to strengthen the Bahá’í Youth Movement and to help the flow of communication. They are there to serve you! Please feel free to contact your RYC for help on the local level.

RYC No. 1 (Northeastern): Sara Porth, Lexington, MA 02173 (617-862-0805).

RYC No. 2 (Atlantic Coastal): Robert Chalmers, Laurel, MD 20707 (301-498-4892).

RYC No. 4 (Southeastern): Parisa Izadi, Alpharetta, GA 30200 (404-951-9010).

RYC No. 5 (Central): John Safapour, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 (616-385-5900).

RYC No. 6 (North Central): Massoud Mahabadi, Golden Valley, MN 55422 (612-545-7304).

RYC No. 7 (Plains): Shamin Himes, New Liberty, IA 52765 (319-893-2450).

RYC No. 8 (South Central): Sima Nekoui, Plano, TX 75074 (214-596-1557).

RYC No. 9 (Northwest Pacific): Jim Harrison, Tualatin, OR 97062 (503-692-3717).

RYC No. 10 (Rocky Mountain): Andishe Samandari, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 (303-593-8587).

RYC No. 11 (Southwestern): Suzanne Tatham, ‎St., Phoenix St., Phoenix‎, AZ 85016 (602-956-5285).

RYC No. 12 (Southwest Pacific): Jennifer Eaton, Santa Paula, CA 93060 (805-525-1223).

REGIONAL YOUTH COMMITTEE DIVISIONS

Five Youth Teacher Training Seminars held in May, June

A series of five Youth Teacher Training Seminars was held during late May and early June. The program focused on the development of teaching skills in preparation for the “mighty mobilization” of 1,000 youth projecteers this summer, as well as for a life of service to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

The seminars, held at the Louhelen, Bosch and Green Acre Bahá’í Schools, the Louis Gregory Institute, and Quaker Acres near Wichita, Kansas, began with consultation on the spiritual nature of teaching; the role of the Bahá’í teacher; the seeker and God; and the reasons for teaching.

Besides discussing their joys, concerns and fears of spreading the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, the youth took part in a variety of “games” designed to promote learning and discussion.

Role-playing, games of listening skills, and cross-cultural exercises stimulated many discussions including feelings about mass teaching, the importance of building trust and friendship with seekers, and concerns and thoughts on race unity.

Laura Williams, a participant in the seminar at Louhelen, said, “One of the main points we kept coming back to was that an effective teacher must be able to act as a catalyst in connecting hearts to Bahá’u’lláh, and this depends on one’s own relationship to Bahá’u’lláh. Therefore, we must work to strengthen our inner lives.”

Bahá’ís co-sponsor symposium, essay contest on peace

The Bahá’í community of Framingham, Massachusetts, recently co-sponsored a Bahá’í Peace Essay Contest with the local newspaper, the Middlesex News.

Winners in the adult, youth and children’s categories were chosen by a board of judges comprised of a cross-section of the Framingham community.

Prizes of $100 for first place and $25 for each of two runner-up places were awarded at a subsequent event, the Symposium for World Peace, which was hosted by the local Bahá’ís.

The symposium also included a panel of speakers from the newspaper, various peace groups, and the Bahá’í community.

The first place winner in the essay contest’s children’s category, Louis Smith, is a Bahá’í, a fact unknown to the judges at decision time.

In addition to a photograph of the winners, the Middlesex News printed two articles publicizing the contest as well as the winning essays.

The cooperation of the Bahá’í community and the newspaper resulted in a project that both promoted the serious discussion of world peace and proclaimed the Faith in a manner beneficial to the entire community.

Dulce Foster, a Bahá’í youth from Grand Island, Nebraska, recently won a local ‘Letters for Peace’ writing contest sponsored by Rotary International. Her letter, addressed to Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone of Japan, is based on themes presented in ‘The Promise of World Peace,’ and asks him to consider them in the hope that ‘the most destructive war ever seen by the human race could be prevented.’ Dulce, who recently graduated from high school as co-valedictorian with a 4.0 grade average, won $100, which she plans to apply toward her tuition at Macalester College in Minneapolis. Her letter, which was entered in Rotary’s district contest and judged third best, will be sent with other winning entries to the world leaders addressed in the letters. [Page 8]

Growing network of friends offers grassroots support for Green Acre

EDUCATION

The Green Acre Bahá’í School Council is delighted to inform the American Bahá’í community of a growing network of grassroots support for the school.

On the same weekend in March, and unknown to each other, friends of Green Acre met in New Hampshire and Connecticut to explore ways in which to offer help.

Calling themselves the Friends of Green Acre (FOG), the network is starting to generate interest throughout the Northeast. Already, they have produced T-shirts and tote bags with the slogan, “An Ever Green Acre,” and a button with a red heart and Green Acre’s pine tree logo, which was in great demand at the recent National Convention.

The National Teaching Committee has defined the role of the Friends of Green Acre as: 1. promoting the school’s programs and activities; 2. helping to get more volunteers; 3. helping the school’s fund-raising programs.

“The Friends of Green Acre will play a vital role in the development of the school,” says Green Acre administrator Dick Grover. “They act as a personal link between individuals and communities and Green Acre itself.”

Those who would like more information are invited to contact the Green Acre Bahá’í School, P.O. Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903.

The Bedrock of All Other Institutions National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

Family Unity Night (Fun)

FIRST WEEK OF AUGUST: KAMAL (PERFECTION), AUGUST 1. Thought for the week: “… for each name, each attribute, each perfection which we affirm of God, there exists a sign in man …” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) Prayer: Bahá’í Prayers (1982), pp. 37-38. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials: 1. The Hidden Words, No. 70, p. 21. 2. Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 312-13; pp. 116-17; pp. 328-30. 3. Vignettes, Part III, No. 22, pp. 126-27. Activity: Take some aspect of life (a chore, job, spiritual attribute, etc.) to a greater state of perfection. If appropriate, design a chart for the week to assess daily progress. Plan a reward for the end of the week for nearing perfection. Refreshments: Fresh fruits and melons, sliced and attractively placed on a tray (attain a greater state of perfection with the arrangement of the fruit on the tray)!

SECOND WEEK OF AUGUST: AUGUST 8, KRISHNA’S BIRTHDAY; AUGUST 4 (DETACHMENT). Thought for the week: “… Remembrance of Me cleanseth all things from defilement, could ye but perceive it.” (Bahá’u’lláh) Prayers: Bahá’í Prayers (1982), pp. 57-58. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials: 1. The Hidden Words, No. 19, p. 27. 2. Gleanings, p. 319, CXLIX; p. 242 (1st paragraph). 3. The Divine Art of Living, pp. 71-72, No. 9. 4. Vignettes, No. 18, p. 47 (Krishna—love). Activity: Caterpillars and butterflies. Use one egg carton—cut it in half lengthwise. The caterpillar will be one of these halves (six egg sections long). Cut the other side in half—this will be the butterfly, three sections long. Make a head and face on one end of the caterpillar (antennae can be made with bread wrappers or pipe cleaners) and decorate as desired. Also make a head and face for the butterfly. Cut wings out of construction paper for the butterfly, about 8 inches long by 4 inches wide. Use a stapler or glue to attach the wings. The butterfly will fly a little bit. Discuss how the caterpillar must detach himself from the world and make a cocoon; then the butterfly must detach himself from the cocoon in order to fly. Refreshments: Fresh lemonade. Use a favorite recipe or try: 1 cup lemon juice (about 4 lemons), 1 cup sugar (or try 1/2-3/4 cup honey), and about 5 cups of water. Juice the lemons, add sugar or honey, and one cup of water, stir until sugar dissolves. Add the rest of the water to taste. Talk about how the lemon rind feels, the sweet and sour tastes, and the color and odor of the lemon.

THIRD WEEK OF AUGUST: ASMÁ (NAMES), AUGUST 15. Thought for the week: “… This person is unquestionably a Bahá’í; for his manners, his behavior, his conduct, his morals, his nature and his disposition are of the attributes of the Bahá’ís.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) Prayers: Bahá’í Prayers (1970), p. 78, No. 61. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials: 1. Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 102-3. 2. Gleanings, pp. 16-17. 3. Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 400-01. 4. The Mystery of God, p. 22. Activity: Using paper, yarn and crayons, make a “Book of Names” for each family member. Whenever one member sees another do something that exemplifies a quality or virtue, he writes it in that person’s book. Share these in a special family meeting at week’s end. Refreshments: Strawberry shortcake.

FOURTH WEEK OF AUGUST: AUGUST 22, PRAYER. Thought for the week: “Ye live, all of you, within the heart of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and with every breath do I turn my face toward the Threshold of Oneness and call down blessings upon you, each and all.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) Prayer: “Bless-ed Is the Spot,” Bahá’í Prayers (1970), p. 1. Lesson: Study the verse “Intone, O My Servant …” on page 3 of Bahá’í Prayers. Discuss each line, and the meaning of words that may need clarification. Activity: Prepare beforehand special “fragrant” paper (by spraying with cologne). Roll the paper into scrolls and tie with a ribbon. Place in a decorated box or tin. When it’s time for FUN, bring them out and present one to each family member. Each person then copies a favorite prayer (or makes a favorite picture) on his paper and presents it to another family member as a gift. Refreshments: Peanut butter cookies (or other favorite) and milk.

FIFTH WEEK OF AUGUST: AUGUST 29, SERVICE. Thought for the week: “… arise ye with such qualities and attributes that ye may continually bestow life to the body of the world …” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) Prayer: “Tablet of Visitation,” Bahá’í Prayers (1970), pp. 137-38. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials: 1. “Tablet of Visitation” (above). 2. The Hidden Words, p. 11, No. 30. 3. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 93. 4. Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 362-63, “Arise with Great Power.” Activity: Children especially prepare the room ahead of time where the family meets for FUN by dusting, sweeping, etc. Set a table with cloth, napkins and flowers (centerpiece). Make it a treat for the eyes! Refreshments: Mom and dad may want to prepare a Jell-O dish or the following recipe the day before: mix together six grated carrots, one cup of raisins and three tablespoons of mayonnaise. Let sit overnight in the refrigerator.

GREEN ACRE Adult Program, 1986

July 28-August 1: Bahá’í Spiritual and Biblical Answers to Fundamentalists (Jack McCants).

August 2-3: Racism: A Major Barrier to Peace (Betty Roberts, Carol Rutstein).

August 4-8: The True Meaning of the Equality of Men and Women (Juana Conrad); Emerging from Obscurity: Working for Peace and Social & Economic Development (Nat Rutstein).

August 9-10: The Guardian’s Vision of Pioneering: The Ten Year Crusade and Knights of Bahá’u’lláh (Iran Muhájir).

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: “May My Life Be a Sacrifice”—The Covenant Alive (William Roberts); The Law: Its Evolution and Relation to Society and the Individual (Eric Mondschein, Richard Kommers).

August 23-24: Human Relationships and the Paralysis of Will (Robin Chandler, Jamshid Ashourian).

August 25-29: The Station of Women in the Islamic, Bábí and Bahá’í Dispensations (Afaf Stevens); Developing Character (June Remignanti).

August 30-September 1: Green Acre Peace Conference.

Topic of life cycles approached again in July/August issue of Brilliant Star

The topic of life cycles, one of our most popular from years past, is approached again in the July/August issue of Brilliant Star magazine.

From imagining future life in “Emily’s Baby” by the talented Susan Engle to the topic of death and children, which is covered in the Parents’ Page, life is covered from all angles.

And not only our material life but also the life of religions, which is beautifully depicted in a photo essay, comparing the life of a major religion’s potency to that of a tree.

“The Adventures of Dewey” is reprinted from a past issue of Child’s Way and is a science tale by James Nelson.

Coupled with the theme of life cycles is that of the equality of men and women, chosen in support of the International Year of Peace.

The lives of five famous women are examined in “Women: You Are the Key to Peace.” You can read about Harriet Tubman, Táhirih and Eleanor Roosevelt, among others, in this moving synopsis of their lives.

Other entries include a poem by Roger White, a cartoon for early readers, and a photo essay on donating blood.

All in all, it’s a wonderful issue, chock full of good things. Perfect for the family to peruse together or for teachers to build lessons around its themes.

If you don’t already subscribe and don’t want to miss this exciting issue, send $12 for a one-year subscription to Brilliant Star, Suburban Office Park, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343.

And if you’d like to share this with someone else, send along a gift subscription too! If you don’t know who to send it to, let us do it for you. We’re more than happy to match up needy Bahá’í families who would love to receive Brilliant Star with loving families who care to contribute gift subscriptions.

John Nash, Louhelen Council chairman, profiled in Michigan arts magazine

John Nash of Flint, Michigan, chairman of the Louhelen Bahá’í School Council, was profiled in the Spring 1986 issue of briX, a collection of art and ideas published in Flint.

Mr. Nash, who is chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Flint, has been an arts teacher and fine arts administrator for nearly 30 years, is a member of dozens of arts panels and presently serves as chairman of the advisory panel to the Michigan Council for the Arts.

His full-time position is director of community arts programs for the Flint Board of Education.

Brilliant Star

[ ] one year $12.00 (six issues) [ ] two years $23.00 [ ] foreign, surface, one year $15.00 [ ] foreign, surface, two years $28.00 [ ] foreign, air (A.O.), one year $25.00 [ ] foreign, air (A.O.), two years $47.50

Name ______________________________ Street _____________________________ City _______________________________ State & Zip ________________________ Age of recipient ____________________

Enclosed is my gift of $ __________ to the Brilliant Star Endowment Fund, established in honor of the Bahá’í children of Iran, for the purpose of developing materials for children. I understand that my gift will become part of a perpetual fund whose earnings will support this purpose.

Send to: Brilliant Star Suburban Office Park 5010 Austin Rd. Hixson, Tn. 37343 [Page 9]

‘Connection’ matches gift subscriptions to those truly in need

At the Bahá’í National Convention in May, an exciting new program was introduced. It’s called the Brilliant Star Connection, and what it does is match gift subscriptions to Brilliant Star magazine with a Bahá’í child or children’s class in the U.S. or abroad, who without the gift might not receive the magazine.

It’s easy to take part, and in doing so, not only will you make a new friend, but you’ll also be providing high quality Bahá’í materials for children and families with each issue.

With your gift and the help and cooperation of Bahá’í institutions in identifying children, we can put Brilliant Star in the hands of eager readers everywhere.

The idea sprang up recently at an editorial meeting when the Brilliant Star subscriber workers conveyed to the editorial board that many pioneers were unable to renew their subscriptions because of the devaluation of the dollar. In some cases, a one-year foreign subscription would cost a full week’s salary! And these people so wanted the magazine.

In further searching, we found that there were also Bahá’í children here in the U.S. who wanted the magazine but were unable to afford it. So the Connection was born!

If you, your Group or Spiritual Assembly would like to join the Brilliant Star Connection, send your name, address and check to Brilliant Star Subscriber Service, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343. Cost: 1 year U.S., $12; 2 years U.S., $23; 1 year foreign, $15; 2 years foreign, $28.

Renewal notices for gift subscriptions will be sent to the subscriber, and you’ll receive an acknowledgment that will indicate to whom your gift is being sent.

The children of the world who begin receiving this colorful magazine, packed with interesting things to read and do, will be thanking you every time they receive an issue.

If you have any questions about the Connection, please feel free to contact us at the address above. And from the bottom of our hearts—thank you!

LEAP coordinators to serve as resource persons

Appointments of LEAP (Local Education Adviser Program) coordinators for 1986-87 have been made. These individuals will serve as child education resource persons within each district.

“Additional appointments for new districts increased from 95 to 168 will be completed by the end of July,” says Janice Lever, national program coordinator. “Their names will be published in a future issue of The American Bahá’í.”

LEAP district coordinators and their telephone numbers are:

• Alabama/Florida: Marsha Fowler, Florala, AL 36442 (205-858-6476).
• Alabama North: Al Kendall, Huntsville, AL 35803 (205-723-2560).
• Arizona North: Georgia Howardell, Chandler, AZ 85224 (602-899-4046).
• Arizona South: Marcia Golombik, Tucson, AZ 85741 (602-744-0258).
• Arkansas: Chris Baudishbaugh, 501-666-7867.
• California Central No. 1: Missy Martin, Salinas, CA 93907 (408-663-6863).
• California Central No. 2: Wilma Juliussen, Merced, CA 95340 (209-723-6507).
• California Northern No. 1: Sara J. Platz, Sacramento, CA 95824 (916-422-6478); Tom E. Thrailkill, Red Bluff, CA 94947 (916-529-1411).
• California Northern No. 2: Darlene Newcomb, Novato, CA 94947 (415-883-1541).
• California Southern No. 1: Paula Amaya, South Gate, CA 90280 (213-585-2648).
• California Southern No. 2: Chris Clyde, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714-557-5795).
• California Southern No. 3: Karen Johnston, 805-937-5640.
• California Southern No. 4: Alonzo Coleman, Escondido, CA 92025 (619-480-7450); Sandie Coleman (same address and phone number).
• Colorado Northeast: Kathy Staller, P.O. Box 400, Kittredge, CO 80457 (303-674-1478).
• Colorado Southeast: Lynn Barnes, P.O. Box 402, Manitou Springs, CO 80829 (303-685-5578).
• Colorado West: Deborah Doherty, 303-874-4970.
• Connecticut: Deborah Zabel, Meriden, CT 06450 (203-238-7095).
• DelMarVa: Joanne Hessler, Denton, MD 21629 (301-479-2177).
• Florida Central: Sherry Czerniejewski, Longwood, FL 32750 (305-830-6865).
• Florida Southeast: Joanne Sabet, Tamarac, FL 33319 (305-722-2704); Sue Cantville, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 (305-793-1184).
• Florida Southwest: Kathy Hurley, Gulfport, FL 33707 (813-343-2468).
• Georgia Northeast: Nancy Schear, Augusta, GA 30907 (404-860-1066).
• Georgia Northwest: Ann Haynes, Marietta, GA 30064 (404-427-5454, work; 404-427-1753, home).
• Georgia Southern: Ella Young, Albany, GA 31707 (912-439-8069).
• Idaho/Washington: Marilyn Lindsley, Selah, WA 98942 (509-697-3489).
• Idaho Southern: Gerry Becker, Idaho Falls, ID 83401 (208-523-8246).
• Illinois Northern No. 1: Liz Helt, Woodstock, IL 60098 (815-338-5687).
• Illinois Northern No. 2: Sandra Clark, Oak Park, IL 60304 (312-996-6728); Pat Dzaman, Holland, IL 60473 (312-596-2160); Saba Nolley, Chicago, IL 60637 (312-493-9113); Patricia Armbruster, 312-835-1818.
• Illinois Southern: Brad Wright-Hulett, Decatur, IL 62522 (217-429-7968).
• Indiana: Marlene Ebert, RR 1, Box 44, Peru, IN 49670; John Rhoades, Greenfield, IN 46140 (317-462-4559).
• Iowa: Nancy Braun, Sioux City, IA 51103 (712-258-6819).
• Kentucky: Sally Wiley, Frankfort, KY 40601 (502-875-5962).
• Louisiana Northern: Marsha Johnson, Swartz, LA 71281 (318-345-0482).
• Louisiana Southern: Martha Dieffenbach, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (504-769-1888); Donna Leaver, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 (504-387-2977).
• Maine: Ann Schoonmaker, 183 Main St., P.O. Box 283, Eliot, ME 03903 (207-439-3306).
• Maryland/D.C.: Samantha Corey, New Carrollton, MD 20784 (301-552-2680, home; 301-840-0301, work).
• Massachusetts: Ferayal Majzobi, Watertown, MA 02172 (617-923-0508); Judy Orloff, Foxboro, MA 02035 (617-543-9886); Idelia Smith, 11 January Hills, Amherst, MA 01002 (413-549-6989).
• Michigan: David Douglas, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 (616-925-3840).
• Minnesota Northern: Nanette Missaghi, 218-751-8282.
• Minnesota Southern: Steve Milston, Stillwater, MN 55082 (612-439-5952).
• Mississippi: Lorean Hubbard, Raymond, MS 39154 (601-857-5693).
• Missouri: Kristen Brinnge, Marquand, MO 63655 (314-783-5021).
• Montana: Denise Massman, 406-442-1332.
• Navajo/Hopi: Peg Franz, P.O. Box 29, Smith-Lake, Thoreau, NM 87323 (505-786-5513); Janet Herbst, P.O. Box 701, Ganado, AZ 86505 (602-755-3550).
• Nebraska: Ernie and Sandy Dumas, North Platte, NE 69101 (308-534-3367).
• Nevada Northern: Marcy Barnett, Reno, NV 89503 (702-747-4881).
• Nevada Southern: Carolyn Hensley, Las Vegas, NV 89106 (702-385-7650).
• New Hampshire: Joan Haskell, ‎Merrimac Merrimack‎, NH 03054 (603-424-7681).
• New Jersey: David Rosser, N. Plainfield, NJ 07060 (201-754-9308); Patricia Rosser (same address and phone number).
• New Mexico Northern: Susan Clair, P.O. Box 36911, Albuquerque, NM 87176 (505-291-0440).
• New Mexico/Texas: Nancy Aldrich, P.O. Box 1383, Ruidoso, NM 88345 (505-257-2713).
• New York Eastern: Patricia Huebner, North Babylon, NY 11703 (516-669-9312).
• New York Western: Dennis Smith, Depew, NY 14043 (716-668-6649).
• North Carolina Central: Pamela Brode, 919-596-8723.
• North Dakota: Karen Henrikson, Mandan, ND 58554 (701-663-2997).
• Ohio Southern: Karen Beck, 614-857-1623.
• Oklahoma Western: Cynthia Van Kley, 405-771-5274.
• Oregon Eastern: Karleen Trueax, Irrigon, OR 97844 (503-922-5188).
• Oregon Western: Phyllis Kwiat-kowski, Ashland, OR 97520 (503-482-2492); Janet Potter, 503-266-9630.
• Pennsylvania Eastern: Joan Brehman, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 (717-367-6965).
• Pennsylvania Western: Barbara Mark, Huntingdon, PA 16652 (814-643-3317).
• South Carolina Central: Delane Hein, 803-347-4708.
• South Carolina Northern: Donna Landau, Greer, SC 29651 (803-877-0563).
• South Carolina Western: Rob McKie, P.O. Box 255, Easley, SC 29640 (803-878-6664; 803-859-3705).
• South Dakota: Patricia Haugen, P.O. Box 171, Rapid City, SD 57702 (605-342-3562); C. J. Stewart, Vermillion, SD 57069 (605-624-2859; 605-624-5641).
• Tennessee Eastern: Linda Hendrickson, Chattanooga, TN 37421 (615-855-1370).
• Texas Central No. 1: Sheryl Fogarsi, San Antonio, TX 78250 (512-681-9151).
• Texas Central No. 2: Naghmeh Fly, Midland, TX 79703 (915-697-5991).
• Texas Eastern No. 1: Deborah (Deb) Franzen, Hurst, TX 76053 (817-589-2712 before 11 a.m.).
• Texas Eastern No. 2: Garreta Goff, Houston, TX 77043 (713-973-1375; 713-493-4910).
• Texas Northern: Barbara Parker, Plainview, TX 79072 (806-293-8080; 806-293-8315).
• Texas Southern: Steve Ramirez, Brownsville, TX 78520 (512-541-7567).
• Utah: Roger Baerwalg, 801-265-2543.
• Vermont: Martha Schmidt, Newfane, VT 05345 (802-365-7603).
• Virginia Northern: Judith Post, P.O. Box 963, Front Royal, VA 22630 (703-837-1022).
• Virginia Southeast: Melissa Mercadante, Richmond, VA 23234 (804-743-9509).
• Virginia Southwest: Roger Davis, P.O. Box 158, Millboro, VA 24460 (703-997-5722).
• Washington Southwest: Marina DeMerritt, ‎Cathlemet Cathlamet‎, WA 98612 (206-795-8610).
• West Virginia: Diane Grych, Princeton, WV 24740 (304-425-3444).
• Wisconsin/Michigan: Valerie Konopacky, Stevens Point, WI 54481 (715-341-6933); Nancy Schwartz, Ewen, MI 49925 (906-988-2431).
• Wyoming: Lorraine Spiering, Riverton, WY 82501 (307-856-5033).

Captions

Pictured are Bahá’ís and their guests who attended a Parent Effectiveness Training workshop May 3 sponsored by the Nine Oaks Bahá’í School in Arroyo Grande, California. The workshop was conducted by a Bahá’í, Molly King, who skillfully combined concepts of child education from the Bahá’í writings with methods and philosophy of Parent Effectiveness Training (PET).

On May 3, the Nine Oaks Bahá’í School in Arroyo Grande, California, hosted an evening panel discussion on peace following its regular school session. Panelists included representatives of ‘Beyond War,’ ‘Physicians for Social Responsibility,’ ‘Mothers for Peace’ and ‘Planetary Citizens.’ Moderator Molly King (second from left), a Bahá’í, tied the discussion together with excerpts from ‘The Promise of World Peace.’ More than 60 people, most of whom were not Bahá’ís, attended the event.

L.A. Bahá’ís shine in Whole Life Expo

Bahá’ís in the greater Los Angeles area participated February 7-9 in the Whole Life Expo in Pasadena, California, billed as “America’s Leading Showcase for Health, Success and Positive Living.”

The Bahá’ís were asked to host a booth by one of the event’s organizers, a Sikh, who waived the $750 fee in return for 150 hours of volunteer work which the Bahá’ís were happy to perform.

During the two and one-half day event, there was one declaration, about 2,000 pamphlets were given out, and many firesides were given, resulting in a large number of calls to the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center inquiring about further meetings.

Those at the Expo bought nearly $400 worth of T-shirts, buttons and bumper stickers emblazoned with the words “One Planet, One People... Please” and “Wage Peace.”

A Bahá’í entertainer, Red Grammer, took part in the closing ceremonies.

And finally, due to the extra volunteer hours put in at the Expo, the Bahá’ís earned a half-page ad in the “Whole Life Times” magazine to follow up what was begun there. [Page 10]

TEACHING PROJECTS ’86

Akisa Santa Ana, CA ongoing Contact: Adelina Browne (714) 554-6846 service

Amoz Gibson ongoing Contact: Edwin Roberts (605) 332-0127

Amoz Gibson Project Nebraska — ongoing Contact: Kay Webster (402) 837-5736 consolidation & spanish teaching

Angus Cowan Spokane June 8 - Sept 21 Contact: Laura Lee Notley (509) 943-2416 teaching & consolidation

Annual Winter Teaching Project New Mexico, so. Texas & Mexico late December–January 1987 Contact: Richard Gurinsky (505) 437-0173 teaching & consolidation

Atlanta LSA of Atlanta Late summer/fall Contact: John Simpson (404) 266-1729 Hispanic & Oriental neighborhoods

Carolina Victory Train North Carolina ongoing Contact: Sam Williams (919) 679-2623 teaching & consolidation

Cornucopia Days Kent, WA July 13-14 Contact: Arthur Ryan / Judy Riehm (206) 886-1301 teaching

The Danbury Project Danbury, CT summer Contact: Morgan Walker (203) 762-2721 or Beth Ann Henshaw (203) 746-4314 service

Danville, Illinois LSA of Urbana ongoing Contact: Rachel Weller (217) 344-6182 teaching

Fort Hall Teaching Project Fort Hall Reservation summer Contact: Dale & Anne Sollars (208) 785-4495 teaching

The Gathering Montague Center area ongoing Contact: Jeanne Kendrick (617) 367-2363 teaching

Great Texas Service Project Texas summer 1986 Contact: Shervin Hawley (713) 464-7124 unity & service

The Greatest Undertaking Florence, SC June 17 - July 20 Contact: Bret Breneman (803) 667-1540

Heart of Texas central Texas ongoing Contact: Lynn Richards (512) 492-3147

Hopi Reservation Youth Project Hopi Indian Reservation, AZ Contact Elizabeth Dahe

Phoenix, AZ 85031

Illinois Teaching Project southern Illinois June, July & August Contact: Mary Lou McLaughlin (618) 465-3404 teaching & music

L.A. Workshop west coast summer 1986 Contact: Lois Willows (213) 933-8281 teaching & consolidation through drama

Lapwai Service Project Nez-Perce Indian Reservation summer Contact: Ferris & Linda Paisano (208) 843-7745 service

Lights of Unity western Colorado summer 1986 Contact: Elin Griffith (303) 874-4970 proclamation

The Lowell Project Lowell, MA May 26-Sept 1 Contact: Lorraine Matthews (617) 459-1604 teaching & consolidation

Mona Teaching Project Fresno, CA ongoing Contact: Gayle Scott (209) 264-7393 teaching & consolidation

Montana Youth Service Project No. Cheyenne Indian Reservation summer 1986 Contact: Cynthia Lee Hagen (406) 477-8357 service project for youth

New Mexico Teaching Project Anthony, TX & Juarez, Mexico June 30-July 20 Contact: Rob & Sylvia Giebitz (915) 886-2524 youth deepening & spanish teaching

Olinga Teaching Project Falls Church, VA ongoing Contact: Jamshid Amini (703) 820-0610 teaching & consolidation

Operation Daybreak Greater Boston & So. MA summer 1986 Contact: Larry McCollough (617) 444-7722 teaching & consolidation

Operation Daybreak Milford, MA June 15-July 26 teaching & consolidation

Pasco Project & Yakima Project southeast Washington July 10-20 Contact: Steve & Jeni Godfrey (509) 943-2416 teaching & consolidation

Project Dawn Breakers Bemidji, MN area Contact: Bob Johnson (218) 751-0317 teaching

Project Luz New York in Newfane/Wilson ongoing Contact: Jeanne Delaney (716) 825-5457 teaching & consolidation

Project NIJII (Friendship) Reservations in WI & MI June 27-July 13 Contact: Charlotte Horkings (715) 588-3560 teaching

Project Raul Pavon Phoenix ongoing Contact: Martinez (602) 936-8114 teaching & consolidation

Raul Pavon Project Salinas Valley ongoing Contact: Ann Miller (408) 688-0221 service & teaching

S. Sacramento Sustained Teaching Campaign southern Sacramento, CA ongoing Contact: Donald Erby (916) 381-5419 teaching

San Francisco Drama Workshop California summer 1986 Contact: Rosanne Groger (415) 647-0700 teaching & consolidation

Spirit of the Rose Eagle Butte June 15 - Sept 1 Phil Castillo (605) 964-8592

Tabarsi Western Edgefield, SC July - August Contact: Gail Curwin (803) 229-7438 teaching & consolidation

Trail of Light CA no. & so. border Aug 19-28

Umatilla Reservation Service Project Umatilla Reservation, OR summer 1986 Contact: Adele McConnel (503) 278-0523 service

Victory Harvest Kansas ongoing Contact: Phyllis Medrano (316) 662-8243 teaching & consolidation

Victory Harvest Kansas City, MO ongoing Contact: Bahá’í Center

Kansas City, MO 64127 teaching

West Chester Project West Chester, PA July 1-31 Contact: Kathie & Peter Schawaker (215) 696-3018 teaching

Wind River Service Project Wind River Reservation, WY June Contact: Bob & Pam Censiea (717) 367-2119 service & youth activities

Send coupons to the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, Illinois, 60091; or call at (312) 869-9039

Community Projects Yes! Our community would like to hold a teaching or service project this summer. Name of Community _________________ Contact Person _________________ Address of Contact Person _________________ City, State, Zip _________________ Phone _________________ Project type: (circle) service / teaching / other

Teaching Project Guidelines Please send us a copy of Teaching Project Guidelines to help us plan, carry out, and evaluate our project. Name _________________ Address _________________ City, State, Zip _________________ Please include with your order a check for $2.00 per copy payable to "Bahá’í Services Fund".

Project Participants Yes! I would like to arise to teach this summer. Please send me more information. Name _________________ Address _________________ City, State, Zip _________________ Phone _________________ Dates available: _________________ Financial assistance needed: (circle) yes / no Projects I am interested in: _________________

[Page 11]Scholarship fund to honor Bahá’í who was city administrator

The city of Des Plaines, Illinois, plans to establish a scholarship fund at Roosevelt University in memory of Mary Taylor, a Bahá’í who served for four years as the city’s administrative officer before her death in March after a long battle with cancer.

“Mary was greatly admired by a lot of municipal administrators from throughout the suburbs,” said Hank Rubin, director of the public administration program at Roosevelt, the school from which Mrs. Taylor earned a master’s degree, adding that her “many friends and admirers” were the people who came up with the idea for a scholarship fund in her name.

“I believe that a scholarship fund for Mary is especially appropriate because she was such an outstanding and thoroughly dedicated public servant,” said Des Plaines Mayor John E. Seitz.

“Seldom will you find an employee who is as knowledgeable in so many aspects of municipal administration. She was invaluable, and her shoes will not be easy to fill.”

Before starting her career in city administration, Mrs. Taylor worked for four years in the National Education Committee office at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette.

In 1980, while working as assistant to the city manager of Glencoe, Illinois, she was named “Woman of the Year—Achievement” by the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Evanston.

Mrs. Taylor’s legacy was praised editorially March 26 in the Niles Journal and in a letter to the editor of that paper by one of her former teachers at Roosevelt University, Illinois state Sen. Bob Kustas.

“... I must admit,” he wrote, “that I harbored the hope that she would someday be the first Des Plaines City Manager. It is our misfortune that it was not meant to be.”

At the time of her death, Mrs. Taylor was 44 years old.

Any Bahá’í can give to the Fund—adult or child National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

Bahá’í’s persistence enhances cultural diversity

The National Teaching Committee recently learned of an exemplary action by a Mrs. Babi Sue Delaney, a member of the Bahá’í community of Buffalo, New York.

By befriending a Cambodian refugee, her selfless persistence unveiled hidden opportunities and enriched the community’s spirit.

Her story fulfills what the beloved Guardian repeatedly said to the American believers, namely that it is the individual who has the power to act, and on whom, “in the last resort, depends the fate of the entire community.”

Following are excerpts from a letter written by Mrs. Delaney:

Dear Friends:

Our community received a letter from the National Teaching Office informing us of a Cambodian refugee living in our area.

Given only the address and phone number of the Refugee Resettlement Program, which is run by Catholic Charities, I went there and introduced myself, told them who I was looking for and showed them the papers from the National Teaching Committee.

They were very helpful, showed me Khan Khnun’s file and let me copy her name and address. When I arrived at her house, she was not there and her friends were taking care of the children.

They told me that Khan Khnun was at the hospital with her youngest child who was having respiratory problems. Although I was uneasy about visiting her when she had a sick child in the hospital, her friends encouraged me to go.

Finding the room she was in, I knocked on the door and stuck my head in. When I introduced myself as a Bahá’í, her face lit up and she smiled.

Her interpreter, who was in the room, asked in Khmer if she knew anything about the Faith. Still smiling, she said, “Yes, I am a Bahá’í.”

I knew then that she felt it in her heart. No matter how much she did or did not know about the Faith, she knew she was a Bahá’í. We were friends instantly. In fact, it was more than friendship; it was almost like a bonding.

In the months to follow we became very close. I came to visit her once a week or a little less. I helped her with things like shopping, banking and doctor’s appointments, and she came with me to Feasts and Bahá’í-sponsored parties.

She also brought her friends to Bahá’í activities. Her son, Bun Thy, went to Bahá’í Sunday school with my son, Chris.

A local church was helping Khan Khnun with several things, one of which was English. I was visiting one day when the minister came to her home. We had a nice talk; I told him I was a Bahá’í and that Khan Khnun was too. He said he had visited some of the Bahá’í Holy Places in Israel.

I found out later that he tried to make Khan stay away from me. She refused. She told him that I was her friend and she was a Bahá’í and she would not stay away from me.

His church refused to help Khan and her family with anything else after that, but it didn’t bother her. She went to Literacy Volunteers to continue learning English.

One day when I was visiting Khan Khnun she asked if I knew a man named Sam Chea. Since I did not know him, she explained to me how she had found out he was a Bahá’í.

Sam Chea noticed that Khan did not go to church and asked why. She told him she was a Bahá’í and so spent her time going to Bahá’í functions. At this point Sam Chea got really excited. He said he too was a Bahá’í, and had been going from church to church trying to find other Bahá’ís.

He ran and got his papers from the National Spiritual Assembly of Thailand and the Philippines, welcoming him to the Faith and introducing him to the U.S. Bahá’í community.

He was very happy to have finally found the Bahá’ís. He now comes to almost all of the community’s activities and always brings one of his five children with him.

Our community received a second letter from the National Teaching Committee informing us of another Cambodian refugee in the area and asking us to try and locate her.

That is sometimes easier said than done. I made a few attempts to contact Orkay, but was unsuccessful.

It occurred to me one night that Sam Chea’s daughter, Sam Sokha, was about the same age as Orkay. I asked Sokha if she knew Orkay, and she did. Sokha set up a meeting and sent her with me as interpreter.

It was slow going, but I finally got Orkay to understand why I had come to visit. At first she did not know what the Bahá’í Faith was, but when I showed her a picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá she understood.

I asked if she would like to come to Bahá’í activities. She said yes but did not look too sure about it. I told her that if she did not want to come it was all right, but she should tell me so I would know not to come to her house any more.

She said she wanted to come. I do not have much more to say about Orkay, yet. I will know in a few months.

Well, that’s about it, except I would like to add that I took a course in tutoring English as a second language from Literacy Volunteers. I’ve been working with Sam Chea’s wife, and will be working with Sam in a few days.

Warmest Bahá’í greetings,

Babi Sue Delaney

Bahá’ís in Ocala, Florida, took part in April in the annual March of Dimes ‘Walk-a-Thon’ in Marion County to help raise money for handicapped children. The Bahá’ís manned an all-day ‘water stop,’ handing out hundreds of glasses of water to walkers. Pictured (left to right) are Debbie Miller, Charles Miller and Grant Cummings. A fourth Bahá’í, Kathi George, took the photo.

Archives says thanks for your help in identifying photos

The National Bahá’í Archives would like to thank everyone who has sent in names of people in our unidentified photographs.

Between July 1983 and December 1985 the Archives printed 28 photos of unidentified people and received a total of 169 responses, or an average of six per photograph.

Only two of the photos elicited no responses.

The results were: (1) everyone in the picture identified, seven photographs; (2) almost everyone identified, 14; (3) only a few people identified, four; and (4) no one identified, three.

This 75 per cent success rate is helping the Archives reduce its number of nameless photographs and will greatly benefit future researchers.

Some guidelines for helping Asian refugees become active part of U.S. Bahá’í community

The U.S. has recently experienced the largest wave of immigration in its history. Many of the newcomers are refugees from Southeast Asia.

We have the good fortune of being able to share this land as a refuge, as well as to facilitate the contribution of each of the diverse cultures not only into the U.S. but into the American Bahá’í community as well.

“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.” —Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice

The following suggestions were prepared and are being printed in order to help members of the Bahá’í community help refugee Bahá’ís integrate into the social life of the Bahá’í community.

Helping Indo-Chinese refugee Bahá’ís integrate into the American Bahá’í family

1. Indo-Chinese refugees are often extremely shy and do not know how to contact the Bahá’ís—either because of being a newcomer or because of language difficulties. Do not expect them to contact you. American Bahá’ís must put a lot of effort into contacting the refugee Bahá’ís themselves.

2. It is best to go to the refugees’ homes to contact them. Do not contact them by telephone if possible because many cannot speak English well; speaking on the telephone can be a difficult experience for them.

3. In the case of a woman, it is important that a Bahá’í woman visit—not a man, especially alone. It is preferable for a Bahá’í man to visit a single male refugee.

4. Friendships take time. Do not give up easily. People from different cultures can’t get to know one another in only one or two visits. It takes patience and loving contact over a period of time.

5. Don’t talk only about Bahá’í subjects. Get to know them as people first. Ask about their children. Share your culture with them and find out about theirs. They’ll feel happier if you show you care for them as people. Invite them to eat American food at your home, to play sports, or ask them to show you how to prepare their food, show them pictures of your family—they’ll feel closer if you share something special with them and ask to see pictures of their family. The word to remember is “sharing”—sharing culture, ideas, etc.

6. On your first visit, bring a gift to welcome them to America and to the Bahá’í community such as fruit, candy or perhaps a simple pictorial Bahá’í gift—a teaching book or bookmark. Take a photograph of you all together at your first visit and give them a copy of the photo on your next visit.

7. Don’t pressure them to come to Bahá’í events. Get to know them first and find out about their situation. Some may have several jobs and find it hard to attend events; some may have difficulty with transportation or have small children. If you are aware of their situation you can best know how to help so they can take part in Bahá’í activities. They’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness and concern for their situation.

8. Indo-Chinese women need special attention, as they are often left at home and not included in activities outside the home. Bahá’í

See ASIANS page 28 [Page 12]

BAHÁ’Í CROSSWORD

Puzzle copyright © 1986 by Juliette Whittaker

ACROSS

1. To pay careful attention. 5. “... the condition of society has a _____ effect on the individuals who must live within it.” (Shoghi Effendi, 1938) 8. What Bahá’u’lláh did with the “choice wine.” 10. We must recognize that there are spiritual laws as well as _____ laws. 12. Practice _____ so at variance with the standards of present day society. 14. Alternating current (initials) 15. Violent form of delirium caused by excessive use of alcohol or narcotics (initials) 16. Possessive form of the pronoun “I.” 17. Month (abbrev.). 19. National Education Committee (initials). 21. Air (scrambled). 22. Happy is the man that hath apprehended the _____ of God ...” (Bahá’u’lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p. 25). 26. Beverage (scrambled). 27. 12th letter of the Greek alphabet. 28. Extent or scope of a thing, such as land, etc. 29. Ancient city on the Euphrates River. 30. “Think not that We have revealed to you a mere _____ of laws.” (Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings, p. 332). 31. Laws governing our spiritual and material lives are _____ to the individual and the society in which he lives. 33. Before (poetic). 34. To reveal or unfold gradually: “Mankind, in general, can _____ properly and harmoniously when the laws of the Manifestation of God are obeyed.” (Shoghi Effendi, September 5, 1938).

DOWN

1. Obedience to the laws of God is of vital importance to each _____ being. 2. To make into law; decree. 3. Eastern Standard Time (initials). 4. A notable feat or accomplishment. 5. Lid (scrambled). 6. To depend upon. 7. “... the one who compromises with the law for his own apparent happiness is seen to have been following a _____” (monstrous illusion). (Shoghi Effendi, September 5, 1938). 9. “The concept of chastity in the Bahá’í life condemns the prostitution of _____ and of literature. ...” (Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 25). 11. “Living the Bahá’í life involves the exercise of moderation in all that pertains to dress, language, _____ments, etc. ...” 13. A body of persons comprising a community for their mutual benefit and protection. 18. A bloody conflict between nations or groups. 19. Normal; unadulterated. 20. “Street” term for narcotics. 22. If we seek to establish _____ in the world, we must cast aside the obstacle of prejudices. 24. “... that the companions of God ... may be the princes of the _____, the free, and the wise.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í World Faith, p. 336). 25. “Here, one must learn to control and direct one’s animal impulses, not to be a _____ to them.” (Shoghi Effendi, September 5, 1938). 27. One way to avoid back-biting: remain _____! 28. Cooling drink, such as lemon_____. 32. To look (exclamation).

Answers to this month’s puzzle are on page 26

Growth, refinement mark steady progress at San Jose’s weekly Bahá’í Family School

EDUCATION

The Bahá’í Family School (formerly the One World Bahá’í School) was established more than 15 years ago in San Jose, California. Since that time the school has undergone many changes in response to the ever-growing needs of the Bahá’í community it serves.

Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of San Jose, the school is an intercommunity activity involving about 15 communities within a 40-mile radius.

Classes are held at a local elementary school, which is leased annually for nine months thanks to registration fees and the financial support of the sponsoring Assembly.

During that period, the school meets every Sunday with the exception of the weekend of District Convention and one two-week break in winter.

The school committee has experimented with several calendar formats over the years and is presently using a two-semester system with classes divided into the following combinations: pre-school, kindergarten, first and second grades, third and fourth, fifth and sixth, seventh and eighth, high school, and adult.

There is also a nursery manned by parents for children under the age of three years.

The school, which convenes at 10 a.m. each Sunday, begins with songs and a prayer, followed by a treasurer’s report by one of the children who have their own Fund and have raised more than $400 this year.

The children have decided to send half of the money to the Bosch School building fund, one-fourth to the Universal House of Justice, and to give the other one-fourth to building a Bahá’í Center in San Jose.

Classes, held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., cover a wide variety of Bahá’í-oriented topics with teaching methods suited to the various age groups. Present weekly attendance is about 60-80 people.

Bahá’í Holy Days are celebrated at the school; this year there was a successful and enjoyable Ayyám-i-Há party featuring music, a clown and parachute games. The older grades challenged each other at “Bahá’í Challenge,” which was no easy task.

Above all, the school is blessed with the presence of many dedicated, caring teachers who give so much to the children, the new generation of Bahá’ís. The committee looks forward to many more years of growth, learning and fun.

For inquiries, write to the Bahá’í Family School Committee, c/o the Spiritual Assembly of San Jose, P.O. Box 6381, San Jose, CA 95150.

Pictured are some of the children who attended an Ayyám-i-Há party this year at the Bahá’í Family School in San Jose, California.

Task Force offers comfort during land dispute

As the Navajo-Hopi land dispute in Arizona has gained increased attention from the press and other media during the past several months, many Bahá’ís have been asked to become involved in various ways.

The National Spiritual Assembly, after studying a thorough report on the situation, sent a task force to the Navajo and Hopi Reservations to visit with the Bahá’ís who are directly affected by the dispute and related Relocation Act.

The task force went as members of the Bahá’í family, visiting brothers and sisters who are in an extremely distressful situation, to offer the comfort of a personal visit. They asked what, if anything, those who are actually involved would ask of their Bahá’í family.

The task force visited as many of the Navajo Bahá’ís who are directly affected as possible, and spent time on the Hopi Reservation as well, although there are no Bahá’ís there at this time.

The oft-repeated request from the Navajo Bahá’ís was for prayers. One family said that people coming to the Reservation to join the Navajo camps adds to the problems.

The task force let each family know that they can call on the National Spiritual Assembly should they need any more particular assistance. Again, the request of the people themselves has been for strong prayers for a just and peaceful solution.

The National Spiritual Assembly asks the American Bahá’í community, together and as individuals, to remember these Bahá’í family members, all those who have been involved and all those who are affected by this challenging test, with special prayers during this painful time.

Bahá’ís man booth at ‘Family Exposition’

The Bahá’í Group of La Plata County, Colorado, helped by many Bahá’ís from Durango, developed and manned a display booth that was seen by hundreds of people April 26 during a “Family Exposition” at the La Plata County fairgrounds.

More than 70 exhibitors including health and human services organizations, churches, clubs and businesses participated.

The Bahá’í booth, located centrally above the other exhibits, made available pamphlets on parenting and peace and the Bahá’í-edited magazine, “Spiritual Mothering Journal.”

A banner featured a quote from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá concerning the importance of educating children.

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

from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Peace MORE THAN AN END TO WAR

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

Hardcover $16.00 softcover $8.95

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—

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 13]

INTERMEDIA

News from Office of Public Information

SIGNIFICANT MENTIONS

The Chicago Sun-Times recently published a large photograph of the Bahá’í House of Worship as part of a listing of popular points of interest for tourists in the Chicago area.

A summary of the peace statement was printed in the Spring ’86 issue of Meditation Magazine. It was accompanied by photographs of the “One Planet, One People ... Please” and “Wage Peace” bumper stickers, as well as by a listing of regional contacts for the Faith.

BUSY BAHÁ’ÍS

Nicholas Athan, a Bahá’í presently living in San Diego, California, has continued reaching out to the Spanish-speaking community since his return last August from pioneering in Mexico. Mr. Athan, with the approval of his local Media Committee, has taken the initiative to translate public service announcements (PSAs) and submit them to Spanish-language radio stations. These PSAs, announcing activities of the Spiritual Assembly of San Diego, have been broadcast on Radio 86 out of Tijuana, Mexico, KOWN in Escondido, California, and Radio Express of Hollywood.

The Bahá’ís of Springfield, Oregon, had a photograph showing several members of their Assembly planting a red maple tree published on the religion page of The Springfield News. It was the 40th tree planted as part of a local centennial tree-planting program.

The Greater Phoenix, Arizona, Bahá’í Office of Public Information, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in June, presented local radio station KUPD with a plaque of appreciation for broadcasting the Jeff Reynolds radio show for eight years. The station was pleased with the recognition—an excellent example of public relations work at its best. The intercommunity media committee also received a letter of recognition from the National Spiritual Assembly for its steadfast efforts in promoting the Faith through the media.

PROCLAMATION AND PUBLICITY

Four television stations and numerous newspapers throughout Utah covered a 400-mile “Walk for World Peace” sponsored by that state’s Bahá’ís. KSL-TV broadcast the beginning of the event in St. George, which prompted a couple to drive 350 miles to join the walk.

The walk, intended to arouse interest in the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement on the part of the media, politicians and the general public, culminated in its presentation to the lieutenant governor, the president of the state Senate, and a state senator. Copies of the statement were presented along the route to mayors, members of city councils, and county commissioners.

One newspaper quoted a Bahá’í youth who took part in the walk as saying, “The threat of a nuclear holocaust is a threat to us all, but mostly to my generation, since we will be the ones to inherit what is left of the world if there is a nuclear war. It gives me a secure feeling to know that there is a solution within reach if we all work together to achieve it.”

Sound Bahá’í public relations work an important part of Six Year Plan

What does public relations have to do with the Six Year Plan? First of all, section two of the Plan, aimed at “greater involvement of the Faith in the life of human society,” sets as one objective training “suitable Bahá’ís to undertake public relations activities.”

Clearly, the scope of public relations work goes well beyond dealing solely with the media, or even with public information work; yet they remain at its very core.

Within the context of the Bahá’í Faith, everything one does to enact the Faith’s principles so that others remember it for the promise it holds for the world constitutes a public relations activity. This is true whether one takes something as an individual or as part of a community act.

Town meetings to consult on the Six Year Plan have been held across the country, and communities everywhere have had a chance to plan local activities, the most effective of which will integrate various public information functions in order to best proclaim the Faith.

First and foremost, keep in mind that the various media outlets, and broadcasting stations in particular, are concerned about their public images. They hope to be seen in the community as leaders in service, even though they are primarily in business to make a profit.

Don’t forget—strengthening ties in the community is good business. That means you have something to offer them. Business people know that building goodwill with you means that you’ll be building goodwill for them in the community.

You can let station personnel know that you’ll talk up their involvement in the community and that you’ll let others know they are a community-oriented station. Of course, remember also to give them feedback after they have publicized an event for you. If a lot of people turn out as a result of their publicity, let them know!

Above all, thank them in writing. No matter what the response, be sure and send a written letter of thanks for their efforts. Broadcasting stations, for example, keep a public inspection file and are always pleased to receive strong letters that can be placed in the file showing support, gratitude and praise for their community service efforts.

You can put a professional’s polish on your interactions with the press by cooperating with all media personnel.

Be prepared to be a team player; to submit specific facts requested and provide ideas; to accept revisions and suggestions; and to help make their job as easy as possible. Be cognizant of their deadlines, and give as much lead-time as possible when submitting materials.

Deliver important news releases personally whenever feasible, but if you must mail them, be selective. Not all releases are appropriate for all papers or stations.

Having done your homework on local media resources thoroughly, you’ll know what the differences are between formats and public service policies among your community’s newspapers and broadcast outlets.

It’s easy to feel intimidated by the prospect of dealing with the media, especially when you are more accustomed to being a consumer of news rather than a maker of it!

Incorporating these few points into your approach will help you to demonstrate toward the press the ‎good goodwill goodwill‎ characteristic of Bahá’ís as they quietly go about building a new, more enlightened social order. And that, of course, is the best public relations of all!

SOME PR DO’S AND DON’TS

PUBLIC RELATIONS DO’S:

• Know your media, their personnel and deadlines—and respect them.
• Establish a reputation for honesty. If you don’t know the answer, tell your media contact you’ll get back to him or her later.
• Be sincere in your compliments; editors like to know that their extra effort was noticed and appreciated.
• Provide prompt answers to requests for information.

PUBLIC RELATIONS DON’TS

• Request or expect news space simply because you are an advertiser.
• Expect to get news articles in the paper frequently. Never pressure for space or time.
• Complain if an article doesn’t appear. It may run later.

The National Bahá’í Office of Public Information has a “how-to” packet that offers some suggestions for you to consider as you develop your own—and your community’s—approach to public relations as it relates to the media in your area. For a copy of the complete packet, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Bahá’í Office of Public Information, Wilmette, IL 60091.

LOYALTY TO GOVERNMENT

The Bahá’í Viewpoint

WHEN a great social crisis sweeps through a civilization, moral values become impaired. In the crisis of our own time, members of the Bahá’í Faith go on record as firmly upholding the principle of loyalty to government.

More than a century ago Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, set forth the cardinal principle: “In every country or government where any of this community reside, they must behave toward that government with faithfulness, trustfulness, and truthfulness.”

Loyalty to government, in the Bahá’í view, is an essential spiritual and social principle. “We must obey and be the well-wishers of the government of the land ...” “The essence of the Bahá’í spirit is that in order to establish a better social order and economic condition, there must be allegiance to the laws and principles of government.”

This allegiance is part of the strong emphasis on integrity of character found in the Bahá’í teachings. “Let integrity and uprightness distinguish all thine acts.” “Beautify your tongues, O people, with truthfulness, and adorn your souls with the ornament of honesty. Beware, O people, that ye deal not treacherously with any one. Be ye the trustees of God amongst His creatures, and the emblems of His generosity amidst His people.”

Without integrity of character in its citizens and without loyalty to government, a nation will find itself torn asunder and unable to function as an organic society. Not only do the Bahá’í teachings obligate members to be loyal to their government—they also specifically forbid them from taking any part in subversive political or social movements.

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES, WILMETTE, ILLINOIS

This statement on ‘Loyalty to Government’ is one of a number of sheets included in an attractive presentation folder as part of the Public Officials’ Kit. Are you interested in proclaiming the Faith to city council members? Firefighters? Other civic leaders? The kit also holds various fact sheets about the Faith, a reprint of the Encyclopedia Britannica article, and a photograph of the House of Worship. It is available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service for $5. To place your order, write to the Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Include your full name and address, and VISA or MasterCard expiration date and card number where appropriate on all mail orders. Credit card orders ($10 minimum) are accepted by phone: 1-800-323-1880 (outside Illinois) or 312-251-1854 (within Illinois).

Peace statement given to governor of Oregon

On March 24, Bahá’ís in Oregon presented a copy of “The Promise of World Peace” to Gov. Vic Atiyeh.

Making the presentation were Larry Castle and Marjorie Thompson of Salem and Iris Bell and Arash Kasaaiian of Portland.

1986’s United Nations International Day of Peace will be celebrated Tuesday, September 16. Now is the time to prepare to make this day a special occasion for proclaiming the Faith. It’s an excellent opportunity to make presentations of the peace statement or to sponsor an appropriate observance or special program. By combining efforts with the UN, Bahá’ís will be able to bring the important issue of peace to ever greater numbers of people and governments around the world.

You may need to replenish your stock of peace-related materials. To order International Year of Peace items, see the display ad on page xx. Materials to help you proclaim the day are listed below. Some are available through the Office of Public Information and some through the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

• “There’s Still Time” 30-second radio PSA ......................$5
• “Wage Peace” 30-second radio PSA ............................$5
• “Wage Peace” bus cards (11-1/2 x 27 in.) $2.50 ea.; 10/$19.50
• Peace presentation kits (general purpose) $2; media use/$3.50

NOTE: If you have questions about the materials themselves, please consult the Office of Public Information. The Bahá’í Distribution Service is responsible for shipping only.

TO ORDER: Include full name and address, and VISA or MasterCard expiration date and card number where appropriate on all mail orders. Credit card orders ($10 minimum) are accepted by phone: 1-800-323-1880 (outside Illinois), or 312-251-1854 (within Illinois). NOTE: No postage is necessary if mailed within the continental U.S. Write to the Bahá’í Distribution Service at 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 14]

Kalimát seeks to fill historical void with new Peace Bible compilation

A compilation of writings from the world’s major religions and leading thinkers, titled The Peace Bible ($8.95 HC) is being published by Kalimát Press.

Editor Steven Scholl says the book contains 136 pages of short quotations on the topics of peace, justice and war.

The book, he says, is divided into chapters according to the themes of the quotes: The Promise of Peace; The Evil of War; Peace: The Inner Struggle; Waging Peace; Peace Out of Justice; Womanly Times; Swords into Plowshares; and One People—One World.

“My background is in religious history,” says Mr. Scholl, “and I’ve been involved with various interfaith groups.

“We are seeing religious groups come to the forefront of the peace movement, and I felt there should be a book available that showed the perspectives on peace of the world’s religions.

“When I looked to see if such a book was available, I found only collections of essays or books that viewed the subject of peace from only one religious perspective.

“It was also my perspective,” he adds, “that Bahá’ís are becoming more actively involved in the peace movement and needed a way in which to present Bahá’í views on peace.

“The Peace Bible has a consistent Bahá’í content throughout and provides a means to introduce Bahá’í ideas on peace to the general ecumenical peace movement.”

The introduction to The Peace Bible was written by Hans Kung, considered by many to be the leading Catholic theologian and one of that faith’s more controversial theologians.

Mr. Kung has been actively involved in the peace movement and is attempting to stimulate a dialogue among all faiths, says Mr. Scholl.

Books on Golden Rule, Divine Therapy, novel for children from George Ronald

Three new titles from George Ronald are scheduled to arrive this month at the Bahá’í Distribution Service warehouse.

The Golden Rule ($13.95 HC, $5.95 SC) by H.T.D. Rost “looks at the Golden Rule as it is variously expressed in each of the major religious systems of the world today.

“To the author, who approaches his subject from the Bahá’í viewpoint of the fundamental oneness of religions, The Golden Rule is a prime tool for the increase of the understanding and dialogue among the different faiths.”

The Golden Rule devotes a chapter to each of the 10 well-known religious traditions in which “the Golden Rule” is found, as well as a chapter to statements similar to the Golden Rule in less widespread religions.

H.T.D. Rost did the research that led to The Golden Rule while pioneering in Kenya and teaching a class in comparative religion at Kenyatta University. Dr. Rost now works for the Bahá’í Development Institute in Panchgani, India.

Divine Therapy ($14.95 HC, $6.95 SC) is a compilation of writings from various Bahá’í books and is divided into three main headings: “Coping with Stress,” “Orientation to the Divine,” and “Developing Helpful Attitudes.”

Annamarie Honnold, who edited Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, compiled Divine Therapy.

“I began to gather helpful passages from my reading,” she says, “and in time it seemed this soul-healing collection should be made more generally available.

“This compilation is not at all inclusive. Rather, it must serve as a teaser for deeper digging. But I believe that each page carries inspiration.”

Mrs. Honnold, a Bahá’í for more than 50 years, is a former United Nations representative for the Bahá’í International Community.

The third new title from George Ronald is Mama Buzurg Is Coming ($3.95, SC), a book for younger children.

Author Joseph Shepard’s story is of two young Bahá’í girls in West Africa who prepare a surprise for their “grandmother,” Mama Buzurg, who is returning to West Africa after being imprisoned in Iran. The book includes more than a dozen illustrations by Susan Reed.

Fire Tablet, Tablet of Holy Mariner ready in new deluxe edition

A deluxe edition of The Fire Tablet and The Tablet of the Holy Mariner in Arabic, Persian and English is now available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

Published by Bahá’í Verlag in Germany, the new edition contains calligraphic renderings of the two prayers in Arabic and Persian with standard printing in English, on gold pages, with several illustrations and lovely graphics. It sells for $16.95 in hardcover.

Also newly available from Bahá’í Verlag is a series of essays in Persian by the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan, Chand Bahth-i-Amri, which sells for $4 in softcover. The essays are on various aspects of the Bahá’í teachings.

TOP 25 TITLES Bahá’í Distribution Service

1. The Promise of World Peace, presentation edition
2. The Promise of World Peace, study edition
3. Bahá’í Challenge
4. The Promise of World Peace, deluxe edition
5. Unrestrained As the Wind
6. “Mona” music video
7. All Flags Flying, HC and SC
8. Peace Pamphlets (100 assorted)
9. The Bahá’í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion
10. The Bahá’í Faith in America: 1892-1900
11. Unto Him Shall We Return
12. Bahá’í Prayers, HC
13. Bahá’í DayBook
14. We Are One
15. Bahá’í History Calendar
16. The Divine Art of Living
17. Bahá’í Datebook, 143 B.E.
18. Bahá’í Wall Calendar, 143 B.E.
19. Bahá’í Prayers, SC
20. Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, SC
21. Waging Peace
22. The Bahá’í World, Vols 1-12 (set)
23. Bahá’í Readings
24. Bahá’í Readings, leather
25. Consultation: Lamp of Guidance, SC

TOP 25 ACCOUNTS Bahá’í Distribution Service

1. Green Acre Bahá’í School Library
2. Louhelen Bahá’í School
3. Los Angeles Bahá’í Center
4. San Francisco Bahá’í Center
5. New York City Bahá’í Library
6. Clackamas County N.W. Bahá’í Library, Oregon
7. Washington, D.C., Bahá’í Library
8. Riverside, California, Bahá’í Library
9. Dallas, Texas, Bahá’í Library
10. Arizona North DTC
11. Seattle, Washington, Bahá’í Library
12. Austin, Texas, Bahá’í Library
13. Bosch Bahá’í School
14. Texas East No. 2 DTC
15. San Diego, California, Bahá’í Library
16. San Jose, California, Bahá’í Library
17. South Bay, California, J.D.
18. Wilhelm Bahá’í School
19. Houston, Texas, Bahá’í Library
20. Connecticut DTC
21. Kansas City, Missouri, Bahá’í Library
22. Washington East Bahá’í Schools Committee
23. Florida Summer School
24. Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bahá’í Library
25. Edmund, Oklahoma, Bahá’í Library

Above: Terrill Hayes, acting general manager of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, speaks to local Distribution Representatives at a meeting held May 31-June 1 at the Bahá’í Center in Seattle, Washington. Representatives attended from Washington and Oregon. Below: Some of the reps conduct a group discussion.

ORDER FORM

Quan.		Amt.	Quan.		Amt.
	Bahá’í DayBook, SC	$3.75		Peace: More Than an End to War, HC	$16.00
	Bahá’í Faith: Emerging Global Religion, HC	14.95		Peace: More Than an End to War, SC	8.95
	Divine Art of Living, SC	7.95		The Peace Bible, HC	8.95
	Divine Therapy, HC	14.95		Per/Eng: Fire Tablet; Holy Mariner, HC	16.95
	Divine Therapy, SC	6.95		Per: Chand Bahth-i-Amri, SC	4.00
	The Golden Rule, HC	13.95		Power of Divine Assistance, SC	2.00
	The Golden Rule, SC	5.95		Unrestrained As the Wind, SC	7.95
	The Individual and Teaching, SC	1.50		Words of God, SC	1.00
	Mama Buzurg Is Coming, SC	3.95
		Total

Enclose a check for the full amount, or

VISA/MC/AMEX (CIRCLE ONE)

Exp. Date ________ Card No. _________________________________

No postage within continental U.S. (add 15% outside U.S.)

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: 7/86 Prices good through August 31, 1986 [Page 15]

The Six Year Plan

Carrying the healing Message requires our inspiration and resources to give to others

Recently people from across the U.S. joined hands together for 15 minutes in support of efforts to alleviate world hunger.

We Bahá’ís have the constant challenge of extending our hands to help alleviate spiritual hunger—a hunger that grows deeper as more people experience dissatisfaction with their lives.

We are not asked to give 15 minutes of our time to address this need; rather, we have six years in which to carry “the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the generality of mankind.”

Using our Bahá’í literature effectively can help us in two ways to arise to fulfill this goal: (1) to inspire us to want to teach, and (2) to provide resources we can give to others that will help them understand the healing Message of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.

To inspire ourselves . . .

What will inspire us to get revved up about teaching? We have several suggestions. (Please see the coupon on page 14 for information on prices and binding.)

Unrestrained as the Wind: A Life Dedicated to Bahá’u’lláh has an entire chapter on teaching, dealing with such topics as teaching by word and example; the special responsibilities of youth; attracting divine assistance; teaching one’s peers, minorities, and school and college students; and traveling teaching and pioneering. This book helps the reader to view teaching within the entire scope of a life of service to the Faith.

The Power of Divine Assistance focuses on the promises in the writings that divine protection, assistance, guidance and confirmation will come to the Bahá’í teacher, and it describes the mysterious power of the Cause. The compilation includes the Fire Tablet, the long Healing Prayer, and the Prayer for America.

The Individual and Teaching: Raising the Divine Call contains stimulating guidelines on teaching and reminds us that teaching is “the most essential, the most urgent of all our obligations.” This compilation emphasizes the fact that everyone can use his or her own talents and capacities in a unique way in teaching the Faith.

To give to others . . .

Now that you’re inspired to rush out and teach, what can you give to those who express an interest in the Faith? The following books are among the best resources to offer.

The Bahá’í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion, by William Hatcher and Douglas Martin, is an excellent and up-to-date overview of the Bahá’í Faith, providing historical background, basic teachings, information on administration and laws, and a chapter on the Bahá’í community.

Peace: More Than an End to War was compiled with non-Bahá’ís in mind. It is the most comprehensive compilation to date of the Bahá’í writings on peace and contains the peace statement by the Universal House of Justice, followed by passages from the writings that support and amplify points in the statement. The book is ideal for presentations to dignitaries, organizations and libraries as well as to individuals.

The Divine Art of Living is a perfect gift for those who are interested in general spiritual teachings and development. The two new chapters—one on marriage and family life, the other on the day in which we live—make it a good book for the spiritually hungry.

Other Bahá’í books appropriate for seekers include Bahá’í Prayers, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, and Bahá’í DayBook: Passages for Deepening and Meditation.

With inspiration and resolve in our hearts and resources on hand to offer the masses, let us reach out to reduce the spiritual hunger of the world and in so doing, fulfill one of the great goals of the Six Year Plan.

Bahá’í Publishing Trust compares favorably in survey of small book publishers

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 on page 14.

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

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust came off very well when compared to other publishers in a recent survey of small publishers.

Most notably, the average list price of books compared favorably: the Trust’s books sell for an average of $14 for hardcover and $6.50 for softcover while other publishers of religious-oriented materials sell their books for an average of $14.18 in hardcover and $6.77 for softcover; general publishers sell books at an average price of $28.67 for hardcover and $13.61 for softcover—twice the average price of Publishing Trust books.

The price per page to produce a book by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust (with the exception of books with special graphics, such as I Am a Bahá’í and The Promise of World Peace) is lower than that of other religious publishers—$8.81 compared to $9.03.

The Trust produces more titles per full-time employee and has higher sales per employee than others surveyed. The Trust has fewer titles in print, but prints at a slightly higher quantity than other publishers. It reprints fewer titles per year but reprints in higher quantities than others surveyed.

With a smaller number of employees, the Bahá’í Publishing Trust is producing more books at a lower cost than the average small publisher—a fact that should make us all proud. [Page 16]

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 referred to have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exercise their own judgment in responding to them.

EMPLOYMENT

FUND Education Coordinators (two) are sought by the National Office of the Treasurer. Two vacancies to be filled by August. Coordinators help administer a nationwide program designed to strengthen the institution of the Bahá’í Fund by overseeing the National Treasurer's Representative program and by responding to inquiries about 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. For more information or an application, contact Karen Crenshaw, Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE AGENCY for International Development (AID) is recruiting several attorneys. Applicants are required to have a law degree from an accredited law school, U.S. citizenship, and at least three years professional legal experience. A major aspect of the responsibilities is the formation of international loan agreements, so a likely candidate would probably come directly from a law firm dealing with financial and corporate matters. Previous international experience and ability to speak a foreign language are in the applicant's favor but not actually required. Those hired will be assigned overseas after an initial assignment for one to two years in Washington, D.C. For more information, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

FUND Development Officer (Office of the Treasurer). Responsible for developing a comprehensive program designed to strengthen the institution of the Fund by devising communication and marketing strategies aimed a specific segments of the Bahá’í community and through the implementation of a Direct Planned Giving program. Also suggests ideas for

GENERAL MANAGER

Bahá’í Publishing Trust

This individual will be responsible for the general operations of the Publishing Trust in Wilmette. Duties include budgeting, staffing and planning. Experience in a managerial position in a small- to medium-size company is necessary with a background in marketing, finance and human resources preferred. Please send resumés no later than July 1 to the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

and helps with development of Fund education materials, helps coordinate activities for conferences, conventions and other meetings. A college degree in marketing or a related field is required, as well as substantial experience in development at a university or with a charitable organization. For more information or an application, contact Karen Crenshaw, Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

EXCELLENT employment opportunities in elementary and secondary education are available on the lovely resort island of Hilton Head, South Carolina. Minorities are especially sought by the school department, and applications for superintendent of schools are also being accepted. The faculty adviser of an active Bahá’í Club at Hilton Head High School is leaving this year for an overseas pioneering post. Contact Franklyn Coleman, Personnel Office, Beaufort County Schools, P.O. Box 309, Beaufort, SC 29901, or phone 803-524-2660. For more information about this area of South Carolina, phone Firuz Labib, 803-785-2049, or Johnnie Mitchell, 803-681-9481.

THE Spiritual Assembly of Urbana, Illinois, invites applicants for the position of Center resident. Single person or couple; space considerations preclude children or pets. Write to Urbana, IL 61801.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

PUEBLO, Hispanic and Anglo cultures in a 30-mile-long mountain valley cluster of small communities. Help a family of homefront pioneers in its consolidation and expansion efforts in the only Pueblo Assembly among 19 Indian Pueblos, and in nearby villages. Maturity, enthusiasm, a desire to make new friends, and enjoyment of rural life are needed in this lovely recreation area. Jobs are available now: teaching positions in high school social studies and math; junior high special education; and in elementary grades. Also, lease at reasonable rates hot springs bath house with room for therapeutic massage or other "alternative healer"; includes a large room that could house a business. Forty minutes to the Los Alamos National Labs; one and a quarter hours to Albuquerque or Santa Fe. Contact Dorrie and Chuck Emmel, P.O. Box 637, Jemez Springs, NM 87025, or phone 505-829-3879.

RETIRED? Moving? Come to the Verde Valley in Arizona, a quiet retirement place 100 miles north of Phoenix, 50 miles south of Flagstaff with the best climate in the state. Of course, we want you to choose the rural Verde Valley, so you should plan on living in one of the following places: Camp Verde, Cornville, Bridgeport or Verde Village (all unincorporated towns). Our combined population is about 10,000. We have good shopping centers, hospital, doctors and many restaurants. You should have your own transportation. Come visit us and take a good look around. Write to Ann Stadelman, P.O. Box 803, Cornville, AZ 86325, or phone 602-634-4030.

FARMVILLE, Virginia, an adventure in diversity! Nestled among tobacco farms is this town of 6,000, boasting two colleges—Longwood and Hampden-Sydney, and only an hour's drive from the amenities of Virginia's capital city, Richmond, and from the 50,000-acre bass-filled Buggs Island Lake. Mass-enrolled Bahá’ís need energetic and patient homefront pioneers who will also work to broaden the Faith's exposure in town. Write to Joe Killeen/Gail Radley, Clarksville, VA 23927, or phone 804-374-4238.

WE NEED homefront pioneers in South Carolina Eastern District No. 1. As the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears pointed out, "S.C." means both "South Carolina" and "Supreme Concourse." Come to this nerve center, this seed-bed, this place of the heart and fulfill your destiny as a "spiritual descendant of the Dawn-breakers." Most of the district is within range of WLGI Radio, which helps immeasurably with consolidation. But most of all, we need you!. Write to the District Teaching Committee, South Carolina Eastern No. 1, Florence, SC 29501, or phone 803-667-1540.

HOMEFRONT pioneer to the beautiful coast of the Pacific Ocean in western Oregon. Excellent weather. Job available for a reliable retired couple at the Edgecliff Motel in Lincoln City. Some management experience preferred. Please write (including letters of reference) to Roy Sharif, P.O. Box 778, Lincoln City, OR 97367.

CHIROPRACTOR needed to start a new practice in beautiful western Colorado. The Bahá’i Group of Delta is growing, and Delta needs a good chiropractor, preferably trained in applied kinesiology. Phone Carl Fravel, 303-874-8054 (weekdays) or 303-874-7171 (home).

FORT Valley, a city of 10,000 in central Georgia, has a non-functioning Assembly and needs homefront pioneers to help deepen the believers and create a strong Bahá’í community. The largest employers are Fort Valley State College and companies manufacturing school buses, textile products, farm chemicals and office supplies. For more information, please write to the Bahá’í community of Peach County, Fort Valley, GA 31030, or phone 912-825-3542.

HOMEFRONT pioneers are badly needed in South Carolina's northern district. For information, contact Mrs. Helen Thomas, Rock Hill, SC 29730, or phone 803-328-8395.

PIONEERING (ABROAD)

COLEGIO International of El Salvador needs a junior high school science and math teacher for the 1986-87 school year. A kindergarten and fourth grade teacher may also be needed in August. If interested, write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

TWO PEOPLE are needed to take over an English school in La Romana, Dominican Republic. The school (enrollment 500) teaches English as a second language and has an established reputation. Knowledge of Spanish is necessary. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

A FEDERAL Project Coordinator is needed in Pohnpei, Eastern Caroline Islands. Duties are to give vocational guidance and advise eligible clients of post-secondary educational opportunities and financial aid. A master's degree is preferred, but someone with a B.A. and working toward a master's would be considered for the position. The Caroline Islands are a U.S. Trust Territory in the South Pacific. For more information about this position or other job opportunities, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

TWO accounting positions are open in Pohnpei, Eastern Caroline Islands. Both require a degree in accounting from an accredited college. Some knowledge of computers is preferable as well as a good command of English. Supervisory experience would also be helpful. Duties include preparing budgets, maintaining financial information for reports and comparative analyses, and supervising a small staff. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

PRIMARY school teachers are needed in Tanzania—an unusual opportunity for service to the Faith in this beautiful but difficult post. Six to 10 teachers will be welcome in a school where a Bahá’í pioneer works. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE Bahá’í-run University Nur in Bolivia is seeking an additional faculty member in computer science. The position will require setting up a computer lab, developing the computer for administrative and instructional purposes, and maintaining the system. A master's degree in computer science and knowledge of Spanish are required. Someone with experience on DEC mainframes and IBM microcomputers is preferred. For more information, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

QUALIFIED teachers are needed in the Cayman Islands: instructors in business studies, girls' p.e., music (instrumental and choral), remedial reading, professional cookery, building trades, auto mechanics and carpentry and woodworking. Salaries range from $16,000-$26,000 depending on experience. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

BAHÁ’Í SCHOOLS

THE LOUHELEN Bahá’í School is taking applications for intern positions in maintenance, food service and "Reflections" sales. Intern positions entail living at Louhelen and receiving room, board and a weekly stipend for other living expenses. Positions are full-time. Length of service depends on the needs of the school and the Louhelen Residential College. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age. This is a marvelous opportunity to help in developing the Residential College and other services at Louhelen. Please send a letter and resumé to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

PUT your heart and "sole" into it and join us on Quest '86. Deepen on the Creative Word while backpacking in the Black Hills of South Dakota from August 4-9. You may also wish to stay on for the weekend for the South Dakota Bahá’í Summer School, which begins August 9, or stop and be of service at the Amoz Gibson Project. Space is limited to 20 youth ages 15-21. Contact the South Dakota Bahá’í Schools Committee c/o Dan Binder, Spearfish, SD 57783, or phone 605-642-4636.

VOLUNTEER workers are needed at the Louhelen Bahá’í School for landscaping and grounds projects, carpentry projects, and major office projects planned for the late spring and summer. Louhelen is seeking a few volunteers to stay at the school during conference sessions and help with these projects. Room and meals provided. For more information or to express your interest, please write to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

ARCHIVES

WANTED: Original Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the following individuals with approximate dates of the Tablets: Peter Maus, Philipsburg, MT (1903), Louise Melander, Chicago (1911), Frank Merton, Chicago (c.1897-1902), Jischen M. Miller, Eugene, OR (1909), Ida E. Miller, San Francisco (1909), James Murphy, Chicago (1911), Lottie B. McKeeven, San Francisco (1911), Ben Mitchell, Fairhope, AL. Anyone having information about the possible location of any of these Tablets is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is trying to locate original letters from the Guardian to the following individuals: Jennie Bonds, Helen Campbell, Walter Guy, Bertha Harmon, Dorothy B. Logelin, Emily Olsen and Katherine Page. Anyone having information regarding the whereabouts of these letters is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WANTED

"OLINGA," the Greater Washington, D.C., Teaching Project, needs your help! Olinga will work throughout the summer with local communities in the D.C. area to initiate ongoing activities for teaching (firesides and/or door-to-door), consolidation and service. Since last winter more than 5,000 people have been contacted, more than 3,000 pamphlets have been distributed, and many copies of the peace statement presented. We have a consolidation and deepening plan for Bahá’í teachers. Come teach us what you know, and learn some things to carry back to your community. Our goal is a wave of systematic, effective teaching in local communities that will spread across the country. Join us! We can provide accommodations. Contact Jamshid Amini, 703-820-0610, or Thomas Ndousse, 703-560-8731. [Page 17]NEEDED: Trumpet player who would be available to perform in concert with the “New World Jazz Ensemble.” Members of the group are Marvin (Doc) Holliday, Donna Kime, Roland Ashby, Derek Polk, Rudi Fox and (on occasion) Warren Kime. The group will be sponsored by Bahá’í communities and college clubs. Send PR and demo to Donna Kime, Evanston, IL 60201, or phone 312-864-3552 and leave message.

ATTENTION Assemblies, Groups, District Teaching Committees. Have you helped a grieving Bahá’í cope with his or her loss of a loved one? If so, I would like to hear from you. I am researching an article about how Bahá’ís can support those who are grieving and adjusting due to the loss. If you are willing to take part in this study, please write for a questionnaire to Natalie Reyes, San Jose, CA 95133 (phone 408-923-1068). Your cooperation will be a great help.

COMPUTER programmers: have algorithm for program which is of great help in consultative decision-making, especially for social and economic development. Hope to offer to Assemblies far and wide. Need help writing into Atari/Apple/IBM Basic, Pascal, etc. For details about the system, please write to Steve Angell, P.O. Box 3687, UPB, Las Cruces, NM 88003.

GARDEN teachers are wanted to help teach the Faith on Friday evenings from 10-12 p.m. at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. Visitors to the area are also welcome. Please contact Susan Woodall, 312-255-2207.

HELP! Children—we want your poems, pictures and stories about peace. If you’ve drawn a world flag or written a tale about peace, we’d love to share it with all the children who read Brilliant Star magazine. Send to 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343.

MANITOU Springs, Colorado, has just formed its first Spiritual Assembly and would like to compile a history of the Faith in this picturesque town. Anyone who has visited or passed through, prayed, taught or pioneered here—or anything else—please let us know. Write to Linda Nana, Manitou Springs, CO 80829, or phone 303-685-4145.

HELP is needed from psychologists, counselors, HRD or communications specialists, Auxiliary Board members or anyone with experience working with groups, especially Local Assemblies. Am writing a master’s thesis on the enhanced productivity of consultative decision-making and need ideas for an objective performance measure and a way to survey Assemblies to test that measure. Please write to Steve Angell, P.O. Box 3687, UPB, Las Cruces, NM 88003.

THREE roommates needed for the Bahá’í International Peace Conference August 28-31 in San Francisco. Please write to Veronica Dickey, Canton, OH 44718, or phone 216-493-3739.

WRITERS are needed to contribute essays for two books in the Circle of Unity series from Kalimát Press: Circle of Harmony: The Challenge of Diversity and Circle of Spirit: The Arts and Community. Both books require individuals with experience and knowledge in the field who are willing to research the Writings and relevant materials to produce well-rounded, fresh essays. Circle of Harmony will concentrate on the issue of race unity including black-white, Hispanic and Native American, while Circle of Spirit will offer those with a creative bent an opportunity to explore the arts, music and literature in light of the Bahá’í teachings. Please send completed manuscripts of 7-10 pages (double-spaced) to Michael Fitzgerald, Winchester, VA 22601.

BAHÁ’Í writer seeks free secretarial help. I need a person who has a standard cassette transcriber and word processor to help produce materials to be submitted to the Faith. Cassettes will be mailed to you. Please contact Brent Poirier, Cruces, NM 88001, or phone 505-525-2424 (business) or 505-522-7189 (home).

WARMEST greetings from Puerto Rico. We recently finished editing Once to Every Man and Nation (George Ronald, 1985), a collection of 37 personal stories about becoming a Bahá’í. Now, with trepidation in our hearts and red pencils in our hands, we are asking for accounts from all over the Bahá’í world to be selected for a second volume of memorable “how-I-became-a-Bahá’í” stories. If you know someone who has an interesting account to share, please encourage him or her to write it down and send it to Steven and Randie Gottlieb, P.O. Box 208, Arecibo, Puerto Rico 00613. Please enclose a signed, dated note giving permission to edit and publish along with a permanent address. Stories should preferably be typewritten, double-spaced on one side of the page. They may be in any language but must be accompanied by an English translation. Tape-recorded versions should be transcribed. Stories may be of any length. When in doubt, don’t leave it out. The editors will acknowledge all stories received.

ITEMS AVAILABLE

WHAT to do on rainy days in summer? Share back issues of Brilliant Star magazine with your children and Bahá’í classes—$2 each or order 3-6 for only $1.50 each. Better yet, order 7-12 and they’re only $1.25 each. Send to Brilliant Star, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343. Please specify total number, issues or years.

HAVE YOU experienced the death of a loved one? If so, I would like to hear from you. I am researching an article on effective means for Bahá’ís to deal with the resulting grief and adjustment. To receive a questionnaire, please write to Natalie Reyes, San Jose, CA 95133, or phone 408-923-1068. Your help is appreciated.

WANTED: Information about, and visualizations of, the story of the Bábís for a screenplay of a feature motion picture and for scholarly works on Bábí history. Written or spoken (recorded) material of stories, anecdotes and historical events, in English or Persian. Original photography of Persia, all regions; major cities, countryside, people and their clothing, typical activities of all kinds; historic sites; and artistic conceptions of figures (but not the Manifestations) in Bábí history. Please write to James J. Keene, Isla Verde, Puerto Rico 00913, or phone 809-726-3957.

THE “Reflections” department at the Louhelen Bahá’í School is seeking persons, Groups and/or Assemblies to serve as distributors of the “Mankind Is One” sweat-shirts and T-shirts. Distributors will receive compensation. Write to “Reflections,” 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

A COURSE on “The Forces of Light and Darkness” by Counselor Hooper Dunbar is available on audio cassette. 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. The impact of these forces on the individual and society 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, $26. Write to Reflections, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033. VISA or MasterCard accepted.

“NEW World Jazz Ensemble” is available for your proclamation or college club concerts to get the Six Year Plan off to a flying start. Members of the group are Donna Kime, vocals; Marvin (Doc) Holliday, saxophone; Roland Ashby, piano; Derek Polk, bass; Rudi Fox or Wayne Welch, drums; Warren Kime, trumpet (when available). Other outstanding Chicago area musicians available for concerts. Write to Donna Kime, Evanston, IL 60201, or phone 312-864-3552.

BRILLIANT STAR indexes are available for $2 each. The newest one, for B.E. 142 (1985-86), is now ready. Please specify year. Send requests to Brilliant Star, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343.

A COURSE on “Bahá’í Development: The Practical Processes 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 as a means of building the Bahá’í world commonwealth. Four tapes, $26. Write to Reflections, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033. VISA or MasterCard accepted.

INFORMATION is being sought on the Knights of Bahá’u’lláh to Portuguese Guinea (now Equatorial Guinea), Jose Xavier Rodrigues and Hilda Summers Rodrigues. Anyone who knows their present whereabouts or has information about their pioneering experiences is asked to please write to the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Equatorial Guinea, Apartado de Correos No. 643, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea (via Spain).

“REFLECTIONS” catalog listing “Mankind Is One” sweat-shirts 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).

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. Included are 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, shipping and handling, is $19 (for U.S. orders only). Phone orders with VISA or MasterCard accepted. Write to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

Can you identify anyone in this picture?

The National Archives would like to identify those in this photograph of early Bahá’ís. The picture could have been taken in the U.S. or in Europe. Anyone having any information is asked to write to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

The Golden Rule

by H. T. D. Rost

In ‘The Promise of World Peace’, the Universal House of Justice refers to the ‘peace-inducing aspect’ of this great universal ethic. In this book it is studied as the basis for a common understanding and a common morality among the followers of all the world’s religions.

208 pages Hardcover $13.95 Softcover $5.95

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

Glenford Mitchell visits N.Y.C. Bahá’ís

Glenford E. Mitchell, a member of the Universal House of Justice and former secretary of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, visited with Bahá’ís in New York City at the Feast of Jalál (April 8) while in the U.S. “on a mission from the House of Justice to meet with Bahá’í offices at the United Nations.”

Speaking, he said, not officially but “from his heart,” Mr. Mitchell discussed the resounding successes of the Seven Year Plan, touched on the upcoming Six Year Plan, mentioned the persecutions in Iran, and delineated two aspects of the peace statement: its impact on the Bahá’í community, and the response to it from heads of state throughout the world.

In closing, he reminded his audience of the special place the City of the Covenant holds within the Bahá’í world as it prepares to host the second World Congress in 1992. [Page 18]

Social, economic plans should begin at ‘home’

SOC/ECONOMIC

Among the major goals of the Six Year Plan is the “pursuit of projects of social and economic development in well-established Bahá’í communities.”

At this year’s Bahá’í National Convention, more than 180 people gathered in three workshop sessions to discuss the progress made in social and economic development since the Universal House of Justice’s message of October 1983, and the implications of this mandate for the American Bahá’í community during the Six Year Plan.

News of efforts under the Seven Year Plan from around the country—Oregon, South Carolina, Michigan, Florida—was of projects started and victories won. Detailed reports of these and other projects will appear in future issues of The American Bahá’í.

After a discussion of the nature of Bahá’í development, many possible project ideas in line with the goals of the Six Year Plan were considered: local institutes on marriage and family life; race awareness education for children; community education on standards of health and hygiene, to name only a few.

One of the key conclusions reached in the workshops was that the needs and requirements of each community varied, and that local social and economic development projects had to be initiated, planned, organized and executed within a local community.

One of the goals of the Six Year Plan is to “encourage local Spiritual Assemblies and the rank and file of the believers to consider ways in which they can advance the social and economic development of their communities.”

As the communities gather to consult on the goals of the Six Year Plan, the writings and workshop consultation on the nature of social and economic development may serve as a starting point for consultation on the needs of the local community.

As Bahá’ís we believe that the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh have the power to transform both the spiritual and material life of man, that the improvement of one influences and supports the other.

Shoghi Effendi wrote, through a secretary, that man’s “inner life moulds the environment and is itself also deeply affected by it. The one acts upon the other and every abiding change in the life of man is the result of these mutual reactions.”

The Universal House of Justice clarifies the point further: “... the working of the material world is merely a reflection of spiritual conditions, and until the spiritual conditions can be changed there can be no lasting change for the better in material affairs.”

Just as in the life of an individual spiritual growth precedes material development, so too in society as a whole, spiritual awakening must precede material advancement, for material civilization without the moderating influence of spiritual principles will surely perish.

It is evident that the civilization envisaged by Bahá’u’lláh, and toward which we direct our efforts, can come about only through the application of His healing Message.

Where should the Bahá’ís direct their efforts in social and economic development? Clearly this work needs to be directed primarily to the Bahá’í community, well-established, spiritually prepared, a unified society that alone can establish Bahá’u’lláh’s divine civilization and lead to the “healing of the nations.”

The Universal House of Justice writes: “The steps to be taken must necessarily begin in the Bahá’í community itself, with the friends endeavoring, through their application of spiritual principles, their rectitude of conduct and the practice of the art of consultation, to uplift themselves and thus become self-sufficient and self-reliant.”

The social and economic advancement of the Bahá’í community represents a natural stage in its growth, and will impact its ever-increasing efforts in teaching and consolidation.

The Universal House of Justice, writing at Riḍván 1984 about social and economic development, says, “This energy within the community, carefully and wisely directed, will undoubtedly bring about a new era of consolidation and expansion, which in turn will attract further widespread attention, so that both aspects of change in the Bahá’í world community will be interactive and mutually propelling,” and further, in October 1983, “the friends will undoubtedly extend the benefits of their efforts to society as a whole, until all mankind achieves the progress intended by the Lord of the Age.”

The goal is clear: in choosing to undertake social and economic development projects, believers at the local level should focus on what will advance the Cause of God, and use spiritual tools and divinely ordained institutions to undertake “modest projects which promote the welfare of members of the Bahá’í community, as well as the betterment of their fellow men.”

The National Social and Economic Development Committee would like to hear of any projects that are being planned and/or carried out. Please write to the committee secretary, Alice Bathke, Newhall, CA 91321.—Gisu Mohadjer

San Marcos Bahá’ís ‘hold hands’ to help feed hungry residents

On Sunday, May 25, as people across the country held “Hands Across America” to help feed the hungry, the Bahá’ís of San Marcos, Texas, sponsored “Hands Around the Square,” designed to accomplish in that city what the larger event set out to do all over the U.S.

The residents of San Marcos were invited to form a ring around the Hays County Courthouse, and to bring with them canned goods to be donated to the San Marcos Food Bank, which distributes surplus and donated food to the poor and needy.

Guitarrista Sr. Carlos Medina se presentó en programas musicales

Sr. Carlos Medina, guitarrista Salvadoreño

SPANISH

Sr. Carlos Medina procedente de San Salvador, El Salvador, guitarrista e amigo de la comunidad Bahá’í de Cumberland County, Carolina del Norte se presentó en dos programas musicales en abril.

Las tertulias musicales formaron la parte social del segundo taller del Método Laubach para Preparar Tutores de Inglés, un proyecto de desarrollo socio-económico de la Asamblea Espiritual de Cumberland County.

Sr. Medina estaba en visita a los Estados Unidos para ‎acompanar acompañar‎ sus dos hijos y familias. El músico conoció a la comunidad por medio de dos maestras bahá’ís que dan clases de inglés en la base militar de Ft. Bragg. Sus clases son para ellos que no hablan inglés como su lengua nativa (ESOL).

El taller de abril reunió individuos de Korea, El Salvador, ‎Panama Panamá‎, Turquía, Hawaii, México y los Estados Unidos. Hasta la fecha el proyecto ha certificado 19 tutores.

Sr. Medina conoce el Centro Bahá’í de San Salvador y se ofreció al regresar a su patria llevar una carta de saludos de parte de los bahá’ís de Cumberland County a los amigos de El Salvador.

New Era Development Foundation is set up

Pictured at a meeting in May of the board of directors of the New Era Foundation for International Development are board members (left to right) Shahab Fatheazam, Mildred Mottahedeh, Alfred Neumann, Farhang Javid and William Smith. Not pictured are Richard Betts, William Davis and Roy Mottahedeh.

In response to a call by the Universal House of Justice for focused activity in social and economic development, an independently incorporated non-profit organization, the New Era Foundation for International Development, has been established.

The Foundation’s major purpose, says board chairman Farhang Javid, “is to promote the well-being of mankind through support of social and economic development projects.”

At its meeting in May in New York City, the board of directors adopted the motto “World Citizens for International Development” as the organization’s theme for fund-raising and public relations activities.

The board also announced that contributions are being accepted, and that the Foundation is able to receive funds from both Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í sources.

Plans call for the Foundation to interact and contract with a variety of groups whose purposes are consistent with the moral, ethical and humanitarian aims of the organization.

Contributions should be sent to Shahab Fatheazam, treasurer, New Era Foundation for International Development, New York, NY 10028.

Specific guidelines for those applying for Foundation grants are being completed and will include the following criteria:

Projects will be funded which help people to help themselves, which can attract funds from other sources, and which show a high degree of likelihood of continuing and even expanding after the expiration of the initial period of partial support by the Foundation.

Projects that are approved will be funded as soon as funds are contributed.

Members of the Foundation’s board of directors are Farhang Javid, chairman; Dr. Alfred K. Neumann, secretary; Shahab Fatheazam, treasurer; Richard Betts, William E. Davis, Mildred Mottahedeh, Roy Mottahedeh, and Dr. William H. Smith.

Two articles on Faith in Myrtle Beach paper

Two lengthy and generally accurate articles about the Faith appeared on consecutive Sundays, March 24 and 31, in the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Sun News.

The first, headed “Religion of peace finds home in Conway,” was devoted primarily to the history of the Faith, while the second, “Community: Bahá’í’s secret to success,” examined Bahá’í beliefs, the South Carolina community, and radio station WLGI at the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway. [Page 19]... و بر عرفان و ایقان خویش بیفزایند ... (از منتخباتی از پیامهای بیت العدل اعظم بفارسی) تلاوت آثار الهیه را به "غذای روح" تشبیه کرده‌اند، اگر به علتی از خوردن غذا محروم شویم جسم مابیمار و ضعیف میشود، روح ما نیز اگر از غذای روحانی یعنی مطالعه آثار الهیه باز ماند مسلماً رنجور و ناتوان خواهد شد، جمال اقدس ابهی در این مورد فرموده اند: "همچنان که غذا از برای اجساد لازم است همین قسم از برای ارواح واجب. غذای روح مائدهٔ منیرهٔ لطیفهٔ طریبه است که از سماء عنایت الهی نازل شده. اگر غذای روح به آدم نرسد البته ضعیف شود" (مائدهٔ آسمانی)

منظور از تلاوت آثار مبارکه یا کتب و نشریات امری فقط "خواندن" و گذشتن نیست، بلکه خواندن "وسیله" است و "هدف" اینست که دربارهٔ معانی و مفاهیم عالیه مندرجه در این آثار مبارکه به تفکر و تعمق پردازیم و سعی کنیم مفاد آنها را در زندگی روزانه خود بمرحله عمل برسانیم. ادامه دارد

Shirin Dalvand: 1956-1983

This is the second in a series of profiles of recent martyrs in Iran, drawn from the files and archives of the Persian/American Affairs Committee.

Shahin Dalvand was born to a Bahá’í family in Shiraz in December 1956, the second of five children. She was soon given the nickname Shirin (which means “sweet”), and that is the name by which everyone called her.

Shirin was kind to everyone, self-effacing and shy. She loved nature and always liked to keep flowers in her room or visit the seashore whenever possible.

She was also quite intelligent and proved to be a diligent and successful student from early childhood. She was eventually accepted to attend the University of Shiraz, where she studied sociology for four years, earning a bachelor of science degree. She was recognized as an outstanding student, and her senior thesis won much praise and attention from the professors.

During her final year of school, Shirin’s parents were living in England. She was residing in Shiraz with her grandparents, and chose to remain there despite the danger to the Bahá’ís and despite her family’s request that she move somewhere where she would be safer.

Miss Dalvand was actively involved in the Bahá’í community in Shiraz in many ways. She was at various times a member of the Teaching Committee, the Unity Feast Committee, the Youth Committee, and the Bahá’í Education Committee. She would go often to visit the families of the Bahá’í prisoners and martyrs.

Late at night on November 29, 1982, she was arrested along with another Bahá’í friend and taken to prison. During her trial she was asked if she were willing to die for her beliefs, to which she replied affirmatively and expressed the hope that God would help her to be steadfast in such circumstances.

On June 18, 1983, Shirin Dalvand was hanged for her beliefs along with nine other Bahá’í women, several of whom were teen-agers. All were reported to have been in tremendously high spirits as they were driven to the gallows, chanting prayers and singing. Shirin Dalvand was 26 years old.

SHAHIN DALVAND / مختصرى از شرح احوال شهید مجید دوشیزه شیرین دالوند

(این دومین شرح حال از سلسلهٔ شرح احوال شهدای اخیر مهدامرالله است که در این صفحات بلسان انگلیسی درج میشود.)

شهین عزیز در سال ۱۹۵۶ میلادی در شهر شیراز در یک خانوادهٔ بهائی بدنیا آمد. وی دومین فرزند از پنج فرزند خانواده بود. از بدایت عمرش باو لقب "شیرین" را دادند و همگان او را باین نام میخواندند شیرین دختری بود محجوب و فروتن و نسبت باطرافیان بی نهایت مهربان. در مدرسه دانش آموزی هوشیار و موفق بود و دورهٔ دانشگاه را در رشتهٔ جامعه شناسی گذارانیده باخذ لیسانس با امتیاز موفق گردید.

والدین شیرین در طی سالهای اخیر تحصیلات دانشگاهی او در ‎انگستان انگلستان‎ بسر میبردند و او در شیراز با پدر و مادر بزرگ خویش می زیست. علی رغم خطرات موجود برای یاران الهی و تشویق والدینش به حرکت به نقطه ای امن تر شیرین مصمم شده بود که موقع خویش را حفظ نماید و فعالیتها و خدمات متنوعهٔ متعدده‌ای را که آگاهانه عهده دار شده بود ادامه دهد و علاوه بر خدمت در لجنات مختلف مرتباً بدیدار خانواده های مسجونین و شهدا میرفت.

شیرین در شب ۲۹ نوامبر ۱۹۸۲ بهمراهی یکنفر دیگر از یاران اسیر و زندانی گردید. در طی محاکمه از او سئوال شده بود که آیا حاضر است بخاطر عقیده اش جان خویش را ببازد شیرین پاسخ مثبت داده اظهار امیدواری نمود که خداوند قادر متعال او را در چنان شرایطی تأیید فرماید.

در تاریخ ۱۸ جون ۱۹۸۳ یعنی کمتر از هفت ماه پس از گرفتاری، شیرین و ده نفر دیگر از‌اماءالرحمن و کنیزان عزیز جمال ابهی بدار آویخته گشتند. طبق گزارش نفوسی که شاهد این ماجرا بودند همه‌این عزیزان حضرت عبدالبهاء با روحی مستبشر و صدری منشرح بمیدان فدا شتافتند و تا آخرین دقایق بتلاوت مناجات و آیات مشغول بودند.

دعا می کنیم که ارواح مجردهٔ آن نفوس مخلصه کماکان عالم بهائی را بتحرکات بدیعه‌ بی مثیل سوق دهند. شهین دالوند(شیرین) هنگام شهادت ۲۶ سال داشت.

NEW PUBLICATIONS / نشریات جدید

اخیراً جلد دوم "منتخباتی از مکاتیب حضرت عبدالبهاء" بتوسط مؤسسهٔ انتشارات مرکز جهانی بهائی طبع و نشر گردیده است. اصل متن ۲۷۰ صفحه است و شامل ۲۷۸ قسمت از الواح مبارکهٔ مرکز میثاق میباشد که اکثراً تا بحال چاپ نشده و برای اولین بار در این مجموعه بطبع رسیده است. بعلاوه فهرست اعلام واهم مواضیع که بآخر کتاب افزوده شده شامل ۲۰۵ فقره موضوع و اسامی اشخاص و اماکن و آثار میباشد. در ضمن الواح مبارکه‌ای در این مجلّد گرد آمده ۲۸ مناجات دیده میشود که از آن جمله دو مناجات مخصوص ازدواج و دو مناجات بصورت شعر است.

قیمت فروش به نسبت چاپ و جلد مرغوب کتاب ارزان و فقط شش دلار تعیین شده است. یاران الهی میتوانند توسط کتابدار جامعه امری خود و یا مستقیماً از آدرس زیر این کتاب را ابتیاع فرمایند.

EVALUATION OF THE PERSIAN SECTION OF THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í / ارزیابی بخش فارسی امریکن بهائی

دفتر لجنهٔ ملی امور احبای ایرانی امریکایی سالیانی است که بیاری دفتر نشریات محفل روحانی ملّی موفق شده صفحات فارسی را در اختیار یاران مهد امرالله مقیم امریکا قرار دهد و تا حدی که صفحات محدود اجازه میداده در نشر اخبار و اعلانات اوّلاً و درج مقالات و اشعار ثانیاً کوشا بوده است.

با گذشت زمان و تغییر احوال و شرایط یاران یعنی تمکّن و استقرار یاران قدیمی تر و ورود یاران جدید و نیز با در نظر گرفتن تغییرات و تحولاتی که آئین نازنین همواره در جریان آنها بوده و خواهد بود، این دفتر علاقمند است که صفحات فارسی را بنحوی هرچه کاملتر بیاران الهی ارائه دهد.

علیهذا از دوستان و یاران عزیزی که خوانندگان دائمی بخش فارسی هستند تقاضا داریم هر گونه نظریاتی در خصوص محتوا و متن و ساختمان اصلی بخش فارسی دارند و یا آنکه طرحهای دیگری را مفید میبینند، بدفتر لجنهٔ امور احبای ایرانی امریکایی اعلام فرمایند تا در تغییرات آتی مورد استفاده قرار گیرد.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR / نامه‌های رسیده

ازجمله آثار رسیده بدفتر لجنه قطعه‌ایست تحت عنوان "عشق" که سرکار خانم شهیندخت احسان منصوری ارسال داشته‌اند. از جمله چنین سروده‌اند:

ای که ذوب است این قلوب از هجر تو مشتعل باشد بنارحب تو چونکه موسیقی بدل انداختی تار و پودم را تو بر هم ساختی این شهین خاک ره عشاق توست عاشق بوسیدن درگاه تو است

بدینوسیله از سرکار خانم منصوری سپاسگزاری مینمائیم. [Page 20]فعالیت‌های جهانی بهائی را منعکس می‌کند. فرصتی برای خدمت پانزده گروه مرکب از افراد داوطلب تمام جزئیات اجرائی کنفرانس را از تدارک حمل و نقل اتوبوس گرفته تا برنامه ریزی کنفرانس بچه‌ها زیر نظر خواهند داشت. از جمله اهداف کنفرانس آنست که یاران الهی را یاری نماید که به پیشرفت صلح خدمت کنند. یکی از راههای خوب برای شروع باین کار داوطلب شدن برای انجام خدمات متنوعه کنفرانس میباشد. داوطلبان افتخار خدمت به هزاران نفر از مردم که از اطراف جهان آمده اند را خواهند داشت. احبای عزیز میتوانند فقط دو سه ساعت از وقت خود را در دوره کنفرانس به خدمتی ضروری اختصاص دهند. علاقه‌مندان شرکت در این خدمات میتوانند فرمهای مخصوص را که در قسمت انگلیسی امریکن بهائی چاپ شده مرور نمایند و در صورت علاقه بانجام خدمتی با دفتر مخصوص کنفرانس صلح تماس بگیرند.

ثبت نام برای شرکت در کنفرانس

مهلت ثبت نام با تخفیف در تاریخ ۲۱ جولای ۱۹۸۶ منقضی می‌شود. برای اینکه از تخفیف استفاده نمائید فرم ثبت نامی را که در امریکن بهائی درج شده فوراً بدفتر محفل ملی ارسال دارید. برای پرداخت حق ثبت نام میتوانید از چک یا کارت اعتباری استفاده فرمائید.

FIELD OF SERVICE

۱ — اهداف بین المللی

برای کسب اطلاع از اهداف بین المللی مهاجرت لطفاً به قسمت انگلیسی امریکن بهائی مراجعه فرمائید و یا مستقیماً با دفتر مربوطه بآدرس زیر تماس بگیرید.

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

طبق اطلاع واصل از لجنه مذکور در ممالک زیر به شاغلین مختلفه‌ای نیاز است. یاران الهی که واجد شرایط برای انجام چنین مشاغلی هستند میتوانند از لجنه مهاجرت بین المللی اطلاعات بیشتری در مورد نحوه گرفتن ویزا یا تماس با جوامع امری این ممالک و امثال آن کسب نمایند.

El Salvador معلم علوم و ریاضی دبیرستان

Dominican Republic مدیر مدرسه زبان انگلیسی

Eastern Caroline Islands مدیر برنامه‌های تربیتی معلم مدرسه ابتدائی استاد علوم کامپیوتری در دانشگاه ثور که مؤسسه‌ای امری است

Tanzania معلم خانه داری، موسیقی، آشپزی، معاملات ساختمانی (Building Trades)، مکانیک اتومبیل، حرفه نجاری و چوبکاری

Bolivia

Cayman Islands

۲ — اهداف داخله

در شهرها و مناطق مختلفه ایالات متحده مشاغل و حرفه‌های متعددی مهیا هستند که چنانچه یاران الهی تجاربی در آن حرفه‌ها دارند میتوانند با اشخاص که نامشان ذیلاً ذکر شده تماس بگیرند و اطلاعات بیشتری کسب نمایند. باین ترتیب به امر مهم مهاجرت قائم گشته کمکی به تقویت اهداف داخله کشور مینمایند و همچنین کسب و کار و صنعت و اقتراف را رونق میدهند.

برنامه تبلیغی تابستانه اولینگا Washington D.C. جمشید امینی (۷۰۳) ۸۲۰۰۶۱۰ تامس ندوس Thomas Ndousse Tel: (703) 560 8731

Pueblo, New Mexico معلم علوم اجتماعی و ریاضی دبیرستان معلم تعلیم و تربیت دبیرستان و دبستان: خانم و آقای اِمل Dorrie and Chuck Emmel Tel: 505-829-3879

نواحی اطراف رادیوی WLGI کانون تبلیغ دسته جمعی South Carolina, Eastern District No.1 Tel (803) 667-1540

ایالت ویرجینیا — نواحی تبلیغ دسته جمعی Farmville, Virginia 804-374-4 238

۳ — خدمت در دارالأنشاء محفل روحانی ملی: در دفتر محفل مقدس ملی گاه بگاه نیاز به کارمند برای مشاغل وجود دارد. یاران الهی میتوانند با تماس مستقیم بدفتر کارگزینی اطلاعات لازم را در مورد شغل مورد نظر کسب نمایند.

MARTYRS’ PHOTOGRAPHS

عکس شهدای اخیر مهد امرالله از یاران الهی تقاضا میشود چنانچه عکس یا عکسهائی از شهدای اخیر مهد امرالله در اختیار دارند نسخه ای بدفتر لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی/امریکائی بعاریه ارسال دارند. بدیهی است که پس از تهیه کپیه، نسخه‌های ارسالی حضور این یاران برگردانده خواهد شد.

REFUGEE UPDATE

امور پناهندگان دفتر بین المللی امور پناهندگان بهائی در کانادا اخیراً دستوری از بیت العدل اعظم دریافت داشته است که مبنی بر توصیه به یاران پناهنده ایرانی است که مخارج سفرشان ‎بامربکا بامریکا‎ توسط صندوق مخصوص دفتر پناهندگان سازمان ملل متحد پرداخت گردیده است. این یاران می توانند مخارج این سفر را بتدریج بدفتر مذکور بازپرداخت نمایند.

از یاران عزیز پناهنده‌ای که از طریق اطریش و از تاریخ ۲۶ آپریل ۱۹۸۶ ببعد وارد آمریکا شده‌اند تقاضا می‌شود برای حفظ مصونیت از تشعشعات اتمی که محتملاً در بعضی نقاط اروپا ساری شده برای معاینه با یکی از اطباء در محل خویش مشورت نمایند.

SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT

مقاله جناب صادقیان از آلمان

روح خود را چگونه تغذیه کنیم؟

شما از کدام دسته‌اید؟ آیا از آن گروه هستید که از "مطالعه" بیزارید، و به محض اینکه کتابی را بدست می گیرید یک صفحه را به آخر نرسانده خواب به ‎چشماتان چشمانتان‎ می‌آید؟ یا از آن دسته‌اید که به مقتضای اشتغالات فراوان فرصت مطالعه حتی یک صفحه را ندارید؟ و بالاخره از جمله کسانی هستید که از کودکی و نوجوانی به "مطالعه منظم و مستمر" عادت کرده‌اید و در شبانه روز ساعت یا ساعاتی را منظماً به مطالعه اختصاص داده‌اید؟ ما جزو هر کدام از این گروه‌ها باشیم، بعنوان یک فرد بهائی، در درجه اول باید باین نکته مهم متذکر باشیم که از "آموختن" و "دانستن" گریزی نداریم و این راه هم جز با "مطالعه" پیموده نخواهد شد. اگر توجه کنیم که عمر ما چقدر کوتاه و اقیانوس "آموختن" چقدر پهناور است هیچگاه و در هیچ شرایطی، (حتی تا دم مرگ) خود را از "یاد گرفتن" بی نیاز نمی بینیم و این احتیاج را فقط با مطالعه مستمر، منظم، صحیح و دقیق میتوانیم رفع کنیم.

در میان انواع مختلفه وسائل آموزشی، با وجود رواج وسائل سمعی و بصری از قبیل رادیو، تلویزیون، نوار و فیلم؛ از نظر تأثیر و دوام، هنوز هم "وسائل مکتوب" رتبه اول را در دست دارند. اوقات فراغت ما که باید صرف مطالعه شود در شبانه روز محدود است و متأسفانه در سالهای اخیر برنامه‌های تلویزیون همین "ساعات محدود" را نیز بی رحمانه می بلعد...

در اینجا بدون اینکه مجال ورود در بحث برنامه‌های تلویزیون و "بدآموزی" های آن باشد باید اذعان کنیم که "تلویزیون" چون کابوسی بر عموم افراد خانواده‌ها در گروه‌های سنی مختلف، مسلط شده و کوچکترین فرصتی برای آنها باقی نگذاشته است. وظیفه پدر و مادر بهائی است که ساعات تماشای برنامه‌های بی فایده و غالباً مضر تلویزیون را در خانه محدود کنند و در عوض خود و فرزندان در محیط ساکت و آرام به مطالعه آثار و کتب و نشریات امری و غیرامری بپردازند.

همه باید باین عمل پسندیده عادت کنیم و آنرا مانند "هوا" برای تنفس و "غذا" برای زنده ماندن بدانیم و باین بیانات معهداعلی توجه تام مبذول داریم: "بلی اگر اشتعال نار محبة الله خواهیم باید به تلاوت آیات و مناجات و مطالعه آثار پردازیم و به برکت کلمة الله که چون باران معرفت از سحاب رحمت الهیه فیضان فرموده نهال قلب و روح را تر و تازه کنیم و از نفحات وحی زنده شویم. اینست که قبلاً مکرراً از آن عزیزان رجا گردید که هر یک چه انفراداً و چه جمعاً از سرچشمه جان بخش معارف روحانیه هر روز بنوشند." [Page 21]حضرت عبدا‌لبهاء جلّ ثنائه در لوح حضرت علی قبل اکبر میفرمایند قوله الأحلی

TABLET OF ABDU’L-BAHÁ ABOUT MARTYRDOM OF THE BÁB

هو‌الأبهى

یا حضرت علی قبل اکبر یوم شهادت حضرت اعلی روحی لدمه المطهر فدا امروز روزیست که آفتاب حقیقت در پس سحاب عنایت رفت امروز روزیست که آنمه تابان افول نمود امروز روزیست که آن تن نازنین پاک در خاک و خون غلطید امروز روزیست که آن سینهٔ بی کینه چون آئینه از هزار رصاص مشبّک شد امروز روزیست که آن سراج الهی از زجاج جسمانی انفكاک نمود امروز روزیست که نالهٔ ملاء اعلی بلند است امروز روزیست که اهل ملکوت با چشمی گریان و قلبی سوزان در فریاد و فغانند ع ع

ترجمهٔ پیام واصله از بیت‌العدل اعظم مورّخ ۲۶ می ۱۹۸۶

انتصاب خانم دکتر ویلما بریدی را به سمت مدیر کل دفاتر جامعه بین‌المللی بهائی در نیویورک با نهایت خوشوقتی اعلام میداریم. از ایشان دعوت شده است یکماه قبل از بعهده گرفتن مسؤولیت جدید در نیویورک، دوران خدمت خود را در ماه سپتامبر در مرکز جهانی بهائی آغاز نمایند. جمال ابهی را برای این مرحلهٔ جدید در توسعه دوایر جامعه جهانی بهائی شاکریم.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

کنفرانس بین المللی صلح سان فرانسیسکو

محفل مقدّس ملّی از یکصد سازمان مختلف که با موضوع صلح سرو کار دارند دعوت فرموده‌اند که در کنفرانس بین المللی صلح سان فرانسیسکو (۲۱-۲۸ آگست) شرکت نمایند. ضمناً از بسیاری از این سازمانها دعوت شده که جلسات شور و گفتگوئی (Workshops) را در مورد جنبه‌های مختلف حصول صلح در جهان ترتیب دهند.

یاران الهی میتوانند نمایندگان محلّی و ناحیه‌ای سازمانهای صلح را به کنفرانس دعوت نمایند علی‌الخصوص شخصیت‌ها و مسؤولینی که بیانیۀ صلح معهد اعلی را با نظر موافق پذیرفته‌اند.

در عین اینکه صلح موضوع اصلی کنفرانس است، سایر مسائل مربوط بآن از قبیل تعلیم و تربیت، برنامه‌های عمران اجتماعی و اقتصادی، تساوی حقوق رجال و نساء، رفع تعصبات، و غیره در جلسات شور Workshops مورد بررسی قرار خواهد گرفت. بنابراین هر یک از جوامع محلی بهائی که با سازمانهائی که با این مسائل سروکار دارند میتوانند از آنان رسماً دعوت نمایند که در کنفرانس بین المللی صلح بهائی شرکت کنند. نمونه ای از دعوتنامه کنفرانس صلح در دارالأنشئه محفل روحانی ملّی موجود است و طالبین میتوانند توسط آدرس زیر بطلبند:

Peace Conference Office Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, Illinois 60091

با تدارکاتی که دفتر کنفرانس صلح طی ماههای گذشته دیده انتظار میرود که این کنفرانس واقعهٔ فراموش نشدنی سال جهانی صلح باشد. برنامۀ متنوّع کنفرانس شامل جلسات شور، سخنرانی های مهمّ بالاخص برنامه‌های هنری مختلف میباشد و هر یک از این جنبه‌ها سهمی مؤثّر در ایجاد تفاهم و درک حقائق و روابط ضروریه برای استقرار صلح جهانی خواهد داشت. شبها برنامه‌های هنری اختصاص داده شده است که هدف آن نمایش و تجلیل از تنوّع موجود در جامعه بهائی آمریکا بطور اخص و جامعه بشری بطور اعمّ خواهد بود.

امید است که شرکت کنندگان در کنفرانس از اقوام و نژادها و ملیّت‌های مختلف باشند بهمین سبب محافل مقدّسهٔ محلّیه تشویق شده اند که حتی‌المقدور ترتیبی بدهند تا اقلیّت‌های موجود در جامعه در این کنفرانس عظیم شرکت کنند.

شرکت افرادی از خارج از جامعه بهائی فرصتی خواهد بود برای مبادله آراء و افکار در خصوص موضوعاتی که به تحقق صلح كمك میکند. سخنرانی‌های آنان همراه با ‎نعاق نطق‎ ناطقین بهائی تعادل لازم را ایجاد خواهد کرد تا شرکت کنندگان در کنفرانس آگاهی همه جانبه‌ای از مسائل مربوط به صلح حاصل نمایند.

جلسات شور Workshops به زبانهای اسپانیولی، فارسی، و سایر زبانهای غیرانگلیسی نیز برگزار خواهد شد. انتظار میرود عده ای چینی در کنفرانس شرکت نمایند و لااقل یکی از این جلسات بزبان چینی اداره میشود. احیای سرخ پوست که در برنامۀ اسفار تبلیغی طریق نور Trail of Light در ایالت کالیفرنیا شرکت میکنند در این کنفرانس حاضر خواهند شد و نمایندگان قبائل و نواحی مختلفه سرخ پوستان را بهمراه خواهند آورد. آقای کوین لاک Kevin Locke هنرمند سنّتی و متخصّص فرهنگ سرخ پوستی یکی از جلسات شور درباره نقطه نظرهای سرخ پوستان نسبت به صلح را اداره خواهد نمود. از سایر رهبران سرخ پوستان نیز دعوت شده که جلسات متنوّعه دیگری را در مسائل مربوط به صلح اداره نمایند.

امیدواریم یاران الهی این فرصت را که در حکم بشر رسیدن رضوان الهی است و هر بخشی از آن مؤیّد و مایه تقویت تنوّع موجود در جامعه بشری است از دست نخواهند داد.

برنامۀ کنفرانس - هدف اصلی در تنظیم برنامۀ کنفرانس این بوده است که حد اکثر فرصت برای تبادل افکار و آراء بین شرکت کنندگان با لذّت بردن از موسیقی و سایر هنرها. جلسات شور Workshops، موسیقی و رقص و سایر جلوه‌های هنر که خود وسایلی روحانی برای حصول صلح است خواهد بود.

ناطقیان دکتر اروین لزلو Dr. Ervin Laszlo مدیر سابق مؤسسه آموزش و پژوهش سازمان ملل متحد (UNITAR) و از صاحب نظران معروف در علم نظامات بشری و نظم جهانی یکی از ناطقین اصلی کنفرانس خواهند بود.

رابرت بلا Robert ‎Bella Bellah‎ جامعه شناس معروف و صاحب آثار در مورد مسیر تکامل ادیان در مورد رشد اقتصادی و هم بستگی جهانی و تأثیر ترقیات علمی و فنّی بر آنها صحبت خواهند کرد.

خانم راین ایسلر Riane Eisler مدیر مؤسسه پیش بینی آتیه و فارغ‌التحصیل از دانشکدهٔ حقوق دانشگاه کالیفرنیا، که طی پانزده سال گذشته، مشغول تحقیق در زمینهٔ آتیه بشر در ارتباط با موضوع صلح و زنان بوده است یکی دیگر از ناطقین اند. نطق ایشان در موضوع نقش زنان در استقرار صلح جهانی خواهد بود.

خانم آنی داج وانکی Ms. Annie Dodge Wauneke اوّلین و تنها سرخ پوستی که به اخذ مدال آزادی مفتخر شده در موضوع تعلیم و تربیت عمومی و چگونگی تلفیق مفهوم تربیت، یادگیری و کسب مهارت در زندگی فردی سخنرانی میکنند.

تامس بنیاکا Thomas Banyaca رهبر روحانی سرخ پوستان هوپی Hopi درباره تطهیر اعظم و صلح جهانی صحبت خواهند نمود. ایشان خطیبی با شهرت بین المللی در موضوع نبوّات سرخ پوستان هوپی Hopi میباشند.

جناب دکتر دیوید برنستین David Bernstein استاد دانشگاه استانفورد در رشتهٔ مطالعات بین‌المللی در جلسهٔ بحث مربوط به احیا روحانی شرکت خواهند نمود.

جلسات شور Workshops تقریبا دویست جلسه شور در مواضیع مختلفه مورد علاقهٔ طرفداران استقرار صلح جهانی ترتیب داده شده است. هدف از این جلسات این است که به شرکت کنندگان روشهائی را بیاموزد که بتوانند در جوامع محلی خویش بکار برند و به ترویج این حقیقت که تحقق صلح محتوم و ضروری است بپردازند. اداره کنندگان این جلسات دوستان بهائی و غیربهائی هر دو میباشند.

برنامه‌های مختلف برای جوانان و اطفال از جمله سایر جنبه‌های کنفرانس خواهد بود. فضای مخصوص برای استراحت و بازی اطفال خردسال تدارک دیده شده است.

برنامه‌های تفریحی و هنری شبها در سالن اصلی کنفرانس برنامه‌های هنری توسط هشت گروه هنری موسیقی و رقص اجرا خواهد شد. بعلاوه مراسم افتتاح و ختم کنفرانس مشتمل بر موسیقی و رقص های رنگارنگ فرهنگها و ملل مختلفه و بچه ها خواهد بود.

سایر فعالیتهای کنفرانس از جمله شامل فروش کتاب و آثار هنری و اشیاء یادگار کنفرانس خواهد بود. بعلاوه نمایشگاه‌های مختلف در اطراف تالار محل کنفرانس نصب خواهد شد که جنبه‌های مختلف [Page 22]

Navajo, Hopi Bahá’ís hold Unity Conference

NATIVE AMERICANS

Bahá’ís of the Navajo and Hopi Reservations came together April 5-6 for a Unified Action Conference at the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Arizona.

The primary purpose of the conference was to forge bonds of unity among the friends.

Other purposes were to consult on the goals of the Six Year Plan and discuss how all of the Bahá’í institutions can help the friends win those goals.

Among those attending were Auxiliary Board member Rick Wadleigh; Jaci Delahunt, representing the National Teaching Committee and American Indian Teaching Committee; and Jerry Bathke, a member of the National Teaching Committee.

Flagstaff ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ Audrey Balkenbush, Paul George and Jackie Prebula helped with children’s classes.

Among the highlights of the conference:

• In a Navajo-language session, the Bahá’ís decided to hold a special ceremony to bless the prayer hogan for prayers. The ceremony was held three weeks later, on April 27. Corn grinding stones were made especially for the event to be displayed in the prayer hogan along with other traditional Navajo items.
• Navajo and Hopi Bahá’ís sent a message of greetings and prayers to the Bahá’í Native Council to be held in July in Frobisher Bay, Northwest Territories, Canada. The message was video taped by Doug Harris of Lapwai, Idaho.
• Ben and Lorraine Kahn and the children they’ve been working with at the Pine Springs Boarding School, including their children, Leander and Selena Kahn, performed traditional Navajo songs and dances Saturday evening.

These children have been winning traditional song and dance contests all over the Reservation. The singers have been successful in competition with the old men and are even making up their own songs.

• Architect John Nicol presented a “Beauty Walk,” sharing with the friends a proposal for the development of the Native American Bahá’í Institute site.

Many of those present felt that this was one of the most successful events of the Seven Year Plan, setting a positive tone for entry into the new Six Year Plan and the “town meeting” which was to be held June 14 in Tsaile, Arizona.

Young Bahá’ís Selena and Leander Kahn perform a traditional Navajo dance during the Unified Action Conference held April 5-6 at the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Arizona.

Neah Bay to host Native Council on peace in July

The Spiritual Assembly of the Makah Reservation in Neah Bay, Washington, is sponsoring a Native Council to be held July 25-27.

The theme is “Gateway to Peace,” and topics will center around the peace statement from the Universal House of Justice.

On Saturday, the Assembly is planning a multi-cultural presentation. Study and other activities for the children also are planned.

Presentations and consultation during the Saturday and Sunday morning sessions will be given by various special coordinators, and everyone will enjoy a salmon bake Saturday evening.

There are motels and camping facilities in and around Neah Bay. Because this is a fishing resort, it is the peak season, and the Assembly suggests that if you plan to stay at a motel or camp nearby, you make your reservations early.

For more information, contact Rita Markishtum, P.O. Box 645, Neah Bay, WA 98357, or phone 206-645-2659.

South Dakota pledges to raise 19 Assemblies for Iran’s rose

At this year’s Bahá’í National Convention, a gift of 189 long-stemmed red roses was received from the Bahá’ís who are imprisoned in Iran in gratitude for the efforts made by the American Bahá’í community on their behalf.

The Convention chairman, Judge James Nelson, indicated that one rose would be given to each delegate in return for a pledge.

One of the delegates, Phil Castillo of South Dakota, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Eagle Butte on the Cheyenne Indian Reservation, made the following pledge:

“The offer for one rose from the Spiritual Assembly of Eagle Butte, co-offered by the American Indian Teaching Committee, is that in exchange for one of the precious roses sent by our brothers in Iran, we will raise up, or help to raise up, 19 local Spiritual Assemblies during the Six Year Plan.”

“The Spiritual Assembly of Eagle Butte was first formed September 26, 1985, with the help of the sacrifices made by the martyrs in Iran and the spiritual energy it released.

“The sacrifices they have made for the love of Bahá’u’lláh have touched the hearts of Indian peoples on the Reservations in South Dakota, helping many to hear the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

“It seems only fitting that these people, who formed their Assembly only seven months ago, should have an opportunity to help, even in a small way, return a gift to the martyrs.

“On behalf of the ‎Bahá’í Bahá’ís‎ of Eagle Butte and the American Indian Teaching Committee, I hope the National Spiritual Assembly will accept this offer of 19 Spiritual Assemblies for one precious rose.”

The Spiritual Assembly of Eagle Butte, which is an all-Native American Assembly, has appointed a committee to work out the plans for the teaching effort over the next six years or until 19 new local Assemblies are raised.

Those who wish to help with this effort by traveling to South Dakota and teaching with the members of that community may contact Sandi LeBeau at 605-964-7340.

Varied menu pleases everyone’s appetite at Cedarburg’s ‘Peace du Jour’ conference

On April 27, the Bahá’ís of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, sponsored “Peace du Jour,” a forum for world peace.

Flyers announcing the event were in menu format. The menu featured:

Speaker entrees: Frank Zeidler, former mayor of Milwaukee and member of the United Nations Association; Phyllis and John Kidd, co-founders of “Beyond War”; and Steven Suhm, a Bahá’í who is a professional psychologist.

Workshop side dishes: “Consultation” (Robert Parmenter), “The Evolutionary Nature of Peace” (Sue Khavari), and “Co-operative Games” (Jacqueline Haessly).

Entertainment desserts: Kevin Locke, Native American dancer and musician; the music group “Heartbeat”; and mandocellist Paul Ruppa.

Children’s menu: Poster and essay contest/display, and cooperative nursery area.

About 250 people attended the day-long event at which 12 booths offered information and insights on peace.

Besides the Bahá’ís, those taking part in the forum included Beyond War, the Fellowship of Reconciliation, the Hunger Project, Milwaukee Peace Education Resource Center, Mobilization for Survival, the Sanctuary Coordinating Committee, UNICEF, the United Nations Association, the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, World Federalists, and World Sing-Out for Peace.

Kevin Locke, a Lakota Sioux Bahá’í from South Dakota, performs on the flute during ‘Peace du Jour,’ a forum on world peace held April 27 and sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Cedarburg, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jan Finley)

The Mass Media Committee of the Bahá’ís of Southern Wisconsin served as a resource center helping the event to receive extensive publicity.

Bahá’ís win awards as best actor, actress

Bahá’ís won the top awards as best actor and actress this year at Harper Joy Theatre in Walla Walla, Washington.

Paul Lucas, a graduating senior at Whitman College, won the Guthrie McClintic Award as best actor for his role as Lachlen in “The Hasty Heart.”

Connie Fogarty, a senior drama major at Whitman, was a double winner with McConn Awards as best actress for her performance as Mama in “’Night Mother” and best supporting actress for her role as Irma in “Bulldog Drummond.”

PREJUDICE IS A HANDICAP

These new bumper stickers with the theme ‘Prejudice Is a Handicap’ are now available for $1 each from the National Youth Committee office. Send your check to the National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 23]Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091 800-323-1880 312-251-1854 (in Illinois)

Explanations of abbreviations and symbols

• - On Order

Net (no discount) CA - Calendar CS - Cassette FD - Folder HC - Hardcover LP - Record LI - Lightweight Edition PA - Pamphlet PER - Persian PP - Photograph or Lithograph PR - Pocket-sized Edition PS - Poster SC - Softcover SPN - Spanish VT - Videotape

Price List

To the Peoples of the World SC 6.50 Traveler’s Narrative HC 10.00 Traveler’s Narrative SC 5.00 Unfolding Destiny HC 28.50 Wellspring of Guidance HC 9.00 Wellspring of Guidance SC 5.00 World Order of Bahá’u’lláh HC 10.00 World Order of Bahá’u’lláh SC 5.95 Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh LI 5.00 Tablets of the Divine Plan SC 4.00

Bahá’ World: Volume 13 (XIII) HC 27.00 Bahá’ World: Volume 14 (XIV) HC 20.00 Bahá’ World: Volume 15 (XV) HC 22.50 Bahá’ World: Volume 16 (XVI) HC 24.00 Bahá’ World: Volume 17 (XVII) HC 10.00 Bahá’u’lláh: King of Glory HC 16.00 Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era HC 11.00 Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era SC 2.95 Bahá’u’lláh: The Word Made Flesh SC 5.95 Beyond Disarmament SC 1.50 Christ and Bahá’u’lláh SC 3.95

Compilations

America’s Spiritual Destiny SC 2.50 Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá SC 2.00* Bahá’ DayBook SC 3.75 Bahá’ Marriage and Family Life SC 2.75 Bahá’ Meetings/the 19 Day Feast SC 2.00 Bahá’ Prayers HC 7.50 Bahá’ Prayers--British Edition HC 5.00 Bahá’í Prayers HC 14.95 Bahá’í Readings SC 5.50 Bahá’ Readings--Leather HC 15.00 Bahá’ Writings on Music SC 2.50 Bahiyyih Khánum: Greatest Holy Leaf HC 10.50 Bahiyyih 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 6.95 Divine Art of Living SC 7.95 Excellence in All Things SC 2.00 Family Life Compilation SC 2.50 Huqúqu’lláh Compilation--British Edition SC 2.95* Importance of Deepening SC 2.25 Individual and Teaching SC 1.50 Inspiring the Heart HC 9.00 Inspiring the Heart SC 4.50 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 Compilation SC 2.95* 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’ Administration SC 4.00 Quickeners of Mankind SC 1.00 Selected Prayers--Pkg of 10 SC 3.50 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 Women--Compilation SC 2.00 Words of God SC 1.00

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 Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh 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 Gleanings--British Edition HC 12.95 Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh HC 6.00 Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh SC 3.50 Hidden Words--British Edition SC 3.00 Kitab-i-Iqán HC 14.25 Kitáb-i-Iqán PS 3.75 Kitab-i-Iqán--British Edition HC 12.95 Kitab-i-Iqán--British Edition SC 7.95 Light of Divine Guidance HC 21.00 Light of Divine Quidance, Volume 2 HC 16.00 Memorials of the Faithful 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--Deluxe Edition HC 30.000 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 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

General Titles

All Flags Flying HC 20.00* All Flags Flying SC 10.00 Another Song, Another Season SC 2.00 Báb: Herald of the Day of Days HC 14.95 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’ Focus on Human Rights SC 3.50 Bahá’ Proofs HC 16.00 Bahá’ Studies Notebook: Conference on Health SC 6.50 Bahá’ Studies Notebook: Development SC 6.50 Bahá’ Studies Notebook: Marriage SC 6.50 Bahá’ Studies 6: Violence-Free Society SC 5.00 Bahá’í Studies 12/13: Persecution 1844-1984 SC 5.00 Bahá’ World Volumes 1-12 (set) HC 275.00 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 SC 7.95 Christianity of Jesus HC 7.00* Crown of Beauty SC 11.95 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 Diary of Juliet Thompson SC 9.95 Divine Therapy RC 14.95* Divine Therapy SC 6.95* Door of Hope SC 13.50 E. G. Browne and the Bahá’ Faith HC 11.00 Earth Is But One Country HC 14.95 Earth Is But One Country SC 5.00 Emminent Bahá’ís in the Time of Bahá’u’lláh HC 28.50 Emminent Bahá’ís in the Time of Bahá’u’lláh SC 15.95 For the Good of Mankind HC 10.95 For the Good of Mankind SC 5.95 Four on an Island SC 5.95 From the Auroral Darkness SC 9.95 From Copper to Gold SC 10.95 From Discontent SC 6.95 From Strength to Strength SC 2.00 George Townshend SC 12.95 God Loves Laughter SC 6.95 Golden Rule HC 13.95* Golden Rule SC 5.95* He Loved and Served SC 7.95 Heart of the Gospel SC 3.95 Imperishable Dominion SC 11.95 In Galilee HC 7.95 In Search of Nirvana SC 5.95 Iran’s Secret Pogrom SC 3.50 Leo Tolstoy and the Bahá’í Faith HC 9.95 Leo Tolstoy and the Bahá’ Faith SC 4.75 Letters and Essays: Mirza Abu’l-Fadi HC 11.95 Lidia: Daughter of Esperanto HC 26.50 Lidia: Daughter of Esperanto SC 11.95 Light Shineth in Darkness HC 10.95 March of the Institutions SC 5.95 Mark Tobey: Art and Belief SC 10.95 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 Meditations on the Eve of Nov. 4th HC 3.00 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 8.95 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 14.95 Passing of Shoghi Effendi SC 2.25 Peace Bible HC 8.95* Phoenix and the Ashes SC 6.95 Portals to Freedom SC 8.95 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’ Approach RC 9.95 Prayer: A Bahá’í Approach SC 4.95 Priceless Pearl SC 6.00 Promise of All Ages HC 10.95 Promise of All Ages SC 3.50 Renewal of Civilization SC 2.95 Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 1 HC 18.95 Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 1 SC 11.95 Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 2 SC 14.50 Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 3 HC 19.95 Seven Martyrs of Hurmuzak HC 8.50 Seven Martyrs of Hurmuzak SC 3.95 Shell and the Pearl SC 2.50 Shi’ih Islám: An Introduction HC 25.00 Shi’th Islám: An Introduction SC 15.00 Shoghi Effendi: Recollections HC 16.95 Some Early Bahá’ís of the West HC 14.95 Song Celestial HC 8.00 Sri Lanka World Peace Day Stamp FD 2.50 Sri Lanka World Peace 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 8.95 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 6.95 Ten Days in the Light of ‘Akká SC 6.00 Thief in the Night SC 3.95 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 8.95 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

Anthology for the Bahá’í Child SC 3.00 B. J. and the Language of the Woodland SC 3.75 Bahá’ 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’--Sunflower Set 2 SC 5.95 Let Thy Breeze Refresh Them HC 5.50 Magnified Be Thy Name HC 5.50 Mama Buzurg Is Coming SC 3.95 Mulla Husayn SC 3.50 My Baby Book HC 5.00 My Name Is Nabí HC 6.00 Nine Holy Days SC 3.50 O God, Guide Me SC 3.75 O God, My God HC 6.00 Pokka Stories SC 2.00 Prayers for Children SC 1.00 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 Stories for Children SC 3.00 Story of Stories SC 8.00* Sunflower Books--Set 1 SC 3.50 Sunshine Tree HC 9.75 [Page 24]

Bahá’í Distribution Service Price List

July 1986

New from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

July 1986

Peace: MORE THAN AN END TO WAR The Bahá’í approach to the organic process leading to an enduring peace

Tahirih SC 3.50 Wonderlamp HC 12.95 Zahra’s Search SC 3.25

Foreign Language

PER/ARA: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh HC 21.50 PER/ENG: Fire Tablet/Holy Mariner CS 7.00 PER: Advent of Divine Justice HC 16.95 PER: Asr Va Khalq SC 4.25 / HC 14.00 PER: Badayi’u’l Athar 1 HC 11.00 PER: Bahá’í Faith Not Political SC 4.00 PER: Chand Bahth-i-Amri SC 4.00 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’lím-i-Bahá’í HC 6.00 PER: Kitáb-i-Iqán HC 10.50 PER: Memoirs of Nine Years in ‘Akká HC 15.95 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, Vol. 2 HC 6.00 PER: Selected Writings of the Báb HC 16.00 PER: Synopsis/Codification of Kitáb-i-Aqdas HC 12.00 PER: Tablet of Ahmad HC 2.50 PER: Tablets/Bahá’u’lláh After Kitáb-i-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: Día 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: Kitáb-i-Iqán SC 5.50 SPN: Oraciones Bahá’ís SC 3.75 SPN: Oraciones y Meditaciones SC 6.00 SPN: Palabras de Dios SC .300 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 Confía PA .50 SPN: Recopilacion de Escritos SC 3.50 SPN: Renovación de Civilización SC 3.00 SPN: Sinopsis y Codification Kitáb-i-Aqdas SC 3.50 SPN: Tablas de Bahá’u’lláh SC 6.00

Videotapes and Recordings

Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh CS 7.00 Are You Happy?...Olinga CS 7.00 Ark of Destiny Videotape—Beta VT 35.000 Ark of Destiny Videotape—VHS VT 35.000 Bahá’í Faith: Unity in Diversity—Beta VT 35.000 Bahá’í Faith: Unity in Diversity—VHS VT 35.000 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* In the Days of the Guardian...Toas CS 7.00 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 Strengthening Administrative Order...Holley CS 7.00 Triumph of the Cause...Balyuzi CS 7.00 Unity in Diversity CS 8.00 Visit with the Master...True CS 7.50 We Are Bahá’í CS 8.50 We Are One CS 7.00 Wildfire CS 7.00

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 Wilmette House of Worship PR 1.00

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 10.00 Peace Pamphlets: More Than End to War, Pkg/50 PA 7.50 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 7.500 Prophecy Fulfilled, Pkg of 10 PA 4.50

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.

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).

Available from Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE WILMETTE IL 60091 1-800-323-1940 [Page 25]

Unique peace tapestry unveiled at House of Worship

On Sunday, May 4, immediately after the close of the 77th Bahá’í National Convention, a special reception was held at the House of Worship in Wilmette to celebrate the unveiling of a unique and stirring peace tapestry that will be on permanent exhibit in the visitors' center adjacent to Foundation Hall.

The project was begun seven months earlier when Vickie Hu Poirier of Las Cruces, New Mexico, while attending a conference in Wilmette for National Treasurer's Representatives, expressed an interest in contributing her artistic talents to the teaching work at the Temple.

In consultation with the House of Worship Activities Committee, it was decided that she would create a four-sectioned tapestry seven feet tall and 26 feet wide. The tapestry would convey visually the major themes found in the Universal House of Justice's peace statement.

Mrs. Poirier first created full-scale drawings of each panel on engineering drafting paper. She scoured second-hand and antique shops for materials and trimmings representing many nations and cultures.

Communications between Wilmette and Las Cruces were frequent as the text selection and various artistic details of each panel were discussed. Then a seven-week marathon began as Mrs. Poirier, with the help of her daughter and two close friends, pieced the panels of fiber art together.

Among the themes depicted in the tapestry are the equality of the sexes, freedom from racial prejudice, the unique role of women as peace-makers, acceptance of the oneness of mankind as a fundamental prerequisite to peace, the gathering of the leaders of the world to seek out appropriate solutions to the world's problems, and the coming of the "Most Great Peace."

The tapestry contains materials and fabric techniques from many cultures. More than 20 textile arts are incorporated into the panoramic design.

A Japanese woman representative of the Orient is robed in authentic kimono fabric. An African woman's dress is formed of batiked fabric from Africa.

An Indian representing the tribal people of the world wears a Navajo bracelet, Zuni turquoise beads, a costume derived from several tribal designs of the Plains Indians, and a ceremonial blanket woven by Indians from Guatemala. He carries a peace pipe decorated with a golden eagle feather.

The final panel of the tapestry conveys the Bahá’í belief in the inevitability of world peace as the next stage in the evolution of the planet. Many symbols are woven into this panel especially for the Bahá’ís: peacocks, a bench and fountain reminiscent of the Garden of Ridván, etc.

A golden city lies atop a hill. If one looks closely, he will find the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, the Shrine of the Báb, and the Bahá’í Archives building. Near the bottom of the panel are two rose trees, each with nine roses, shaped in the Persian paisley style in memory of the Persian martyrs.

Before being shipped to Wilmette, the tapestry was exhibited for three days at New Mexico State University's Corbett Center art gallery where several hundred people came to see it, two of whom immediately declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

Several thousand others have already viewed the magnificent work since it was unveiled at the House of Worship where sales of the peace statement to the public have risen dramatically.

During the next decade, the tapestry will help several million visitors to the House of Worship to gain an understanding of the Bahá’í perspective of world peace.

HUMANITY CONTINUE TS WAYWARDNESS LONG TO OUTWORN CONCEPTS UNWORKABLE ASSUMPTIONS? THE FAST SCAVENTAL A NO SERIOUS ATTE TO ACHIEVE WOR

The photographs above show some of the unique and intricate design work in the peace tapestry now on permanent display at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette. The tapestry was made (with help) by Vickie Hu Poirier of Las Cruces, New Mexico.

More than 100 at House of Worship for Bruce Whitmore farewell dinner

Bruce Whitmore, administrator of the Bahá’í House of Worship, with a certificate of appreciation from the Village of Wheeling, Illinois, which was presented by village President Sheila Schultz.

On May 10, more than 100 people attended a farewell dinner at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette for Bruce Whitmore, administrator of the House of Worship, who is leaving later this summer after more than 13 years at the National Center.

The dinner included tributes from the House of Worship Activities Committee and close friends of Mr. Whitmore and his wife, Patricia, who has frequently worked behind the scenes at the Temple.

To everyone's amusement, members of the House of Worship staff sang songs they had composed especially for the occasion. Among the guests was the Hon. Sheila Schultz, president of the Village of Wheeling, the community where Mr. Whitmore and his family live.

She presented him with a plaque of recognition and appreciation from the Village Board of Trustees for his help as chairman since 1984 of a committee grappling with problems created by a substandard and overcrowded housing project that had sparked racial tensions in the community.

Mrs. Schultz said Mr. Whitmore's humanitarian approach to the situation and his ability to get people to consult together had changed the way in which many of the community's agencies interacted and greatly helped the minority population residing within the housing project.

Mr. Whitmore came to the National Center in 1973 from Temple City, California, to establish the Office of National Education and was the first secretary of the National Education Committee. Later, he was asked to help with the work at the House of Worship.

There have been many changes during his tenure at the House of Worship. The scope and frequency of public programs has been increased; audio-visual capabilities have been expanded; the volunteer program has been redesigned and enlarged; attendance by individuals and tour groups has been increased significantly; the Activities Office has been computerized; and much more.

What Mr. Whitmore will be most remembered for, however, is his authorship of The Dawning Place, the definitive history of the construction of the House of Worship, which he began writing in 1975 and which was published in 1984.

After leaving this summer, Mr. Whitmore and his family will move to Georgia where he will devote time to a business that he and two other Bahá’ís are starting.

from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Well-loved for generations The Divine Art of Living (revised and expanded) returns to meet contemporary needs

warm, reassuring, and inspirational passages from the Bahá’í writings guidance on prayer & meditation, health & healing, tests & difficulties, relationships, death & immortality, peace & unity two new chapters—one on marriage, one on the day in which we live

5 1/4 x 8 1/4 in. 421 excerpts SC $7.95*

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 26]

SPIRITUAL MOTHERING JOURNAL

Dedicated to Our Ultimate Goal: an Ever Advancing Civilization

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Murray (from page 4)

observe her actions was to witness the movements of one who was totally centered in the propagation of the Faith.

She prayed always for waiting souls to come to her door, and always had food and shelter for anyone who did. She answered the letters that reached her in ever-growing numbers as her service in the teaching field became known, always expressing her great happiness for the privilege of serving in Cherokee.

"My home was open to all," she later wrote, "and I soon became known as 'the Bahá’í lady.' I made it a point to follow Bahá’u’lláh’s teaching in The Hidden Words, No. 30 from the Arabic, 'Deny not My servant should he ask anything from thee, for his face is My face; be then abashed before Me.'"

For some time Mrs. Murray published a column of religious news and ideas in the local newspaper until opposition from the local clergy brought it to an end. But by then some of the newspaper personnel were her staunch friends and she had proclaimed widely the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

Eventually she was able to establish a Bahá’í Center with a display in front so that passersby would at least see the name "Bahá’í Faith." She wrote, "A few come into the Center for literature... almost every day I have callers and am able to say a few words for the Faith."

She never spoke of the many hardships she endured. "I was satisfied," she recalled, "for I had as much and more than most of the Indians; I did not come to make them envious, and they knew I was not paid as a missionary."

Mrs. Murray died August 5, 1972, in nearby Asheville, where she had moved following a serious accident. While returning from the store late one evening on an unlit road, she slipped and fell into a ditch that ran alongside the road. Her injuries were so severe that she was forced to leave Cherokee.

Ethel Murray's steadfastness and dedication will one day yield fruit, for as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has promised, "One pearl is better than a thousand wildernesses of sand, especially this pearl of great price, which is endowed with divine blessing. Ere long thousands of other pearls will be born from it."

International Goals Committee

If you are traveling outside the United States for any reason, please contact the International Goals Committee office. A temporary Bahá’í identification card will be issued to you, if necessary.

Nuestro gran privilegio

Fondo Nacional Bahá’í Wilmette, IL 60091

[United Indians of Milwaukee]

On March 15, during the United Indians of Milwaukee's seventh annual Pow Wow, 'The Promise of World Peace' was presented to the United Indians by representatives of the Native American Task Force of southern Wisconsin. Pictured holding a copy of the peace statement is George Deverse, a member of the Native American Task Force. To his left are Bahá’ís Charlotte and Nick Hockings (Chippewa) of Lac du Flambeau and Dick Watkins, chairman of the United Indians of Milwaukee. The Hockings led dancing during the ceremony. The Native American Task Force is under the direction of the Spiritual Assembly of New Berlin.

Pioneers (from page 6)

and our 13 1/2-year-old son, Lonnie, were unable to come at once, after prayer and consultation, Gary said, 'Go now while the opportunity is here.' So we did.

"I've never been so lonely, so filled with heartache as during the flight from Seattle to San Jose, the first stop. I cried most of the way.

"But at the same time, I felt assured that Bahá’u’lláh wouldn't allow so much pain for naught. I knew there would be rewards. And that's what this letter is really about.

"In my nine years as a Bahá’í, never have I been so conscious of the presence of Bahá’u’lláh as I have been during this short time.

"Each day brings confirmations, one of which is the general lack of loneliness. Yes, I miss Gary and Lonnie and I cry over their letters. But on a day-to-day basis, I'm not lonely.

"In one of the teaching prayers it says, 'O Lord! Grant me communion with Thee in my loneliness, and be my companion in these foreign lands.' And it's true! That terrible, ever-present ache doesn't exist now.

"I feel close to Gary and Lonnie even though we're 5,000 miles apart and likely will be for six or seven months. And it's not because I'm a strong person. It's Bahá’u’lláh transforming a former moth into a falcon.

"Jim's attitudinal changes were not conditioned by me; I don't have that power. It's the power of the Blessed Beauty.

"So friends, if you want to see some heavy-duty confirmations, if you're tired of being a moth, consider making some sacrifices, perhaps big ones, and check out pioneering.

"The International Goals Committee has lots of practical information in addition to their spiritual booster.

"Bahá’u’lláh led us here quickly—from September to December. I didn't think we could pioneer. Bahá’u’lláh showed us we could. 'O Lord, increase my astonishment in Thee!'"

Answers to crossword puzzle

ACROSS 1. Heed 5. Direct 8. Unseal 10. Material 12. Is 14. AC 16. My 17. Mo 19. NEC 21. Ari 22. Purpose 26. Tae 27. Mu 28. Area 29. Ur 30. Code 31. Vital 33. Ere 34. Develop

DOWN 1. Human 2. Enact 3. EST 4. Deed 5. Dli 6. Rely 7. Chimera 9. Art 11. Amuse 13. Society 18. War 19. Natural 20. Dope 22. Peace 24. Pure 25. Slave 27. Mute 28. Ade 32. Lo [Page 27]

10 YEARS AGO

Bahá’í poet Robert Hayden presents a poetry reading May 23 at the National College of Education in Evanston, Illinois. The well-attended event is sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Evanston.

Mr. Hayden offers readings from his new work, still unpublished, of observations of Americans by a scout from outer space. Others of his readings are from his newly published book, Angle of Ascent....

Former members of the Gospel Peace Mission in Covington, Georgia, 40 miles west of Atlanta, gather for their second unity Feast at the church building, which is now called the Newton County Bahá’í Center.

All the members of the church, following the example of their pastor and assistant pastor, became Bahá’ís on March 10, 1974. The church is the first in Georgia to have its entire membership declare. It is a point of attraction in the area, and a number of ministers are attending firesides at the Center.

The 29 members of what is now an all-Bahá’í choir sang at the St. Louis Conference and have made a recording to send to the Bahá’í National Center....

In April, the second in a series of six child education institutes sponsored by the National Education Committee is held in Los Angeles, California.

Forty-eight Bahá’ís from California, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico and Nevada take part in the institute whose purpose is to train teachers who would be available to local Spiritual Assemblies to help upgrade the quality of the Bahá’í education of children, one of the goals of the Five Year Plan....

Bahá’ís in Atlanta present the first in a series of outdoor unity Feasts at Piedmont Park in the heart of the city.

A 40-foot-long banner suspended between two large trees proclaims, "Bahá’í Unity Feast-All Are Welcome." A booth features a large photograph of the House of Worship in Wilmette, photos of Bahá’ís around the world, and a brief summary of the teachings of the Faith with excerpts from the Writings....

"The New World," a series of 13 half-hour color television programs produced by the National Spiritual Assembly of Hawaii, is now available. The series features the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears and the Hawaii Bahá’í Chorus....

Responding to a suggestion by the Hand of the Cause of God Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir, about 100 Bahá’í youth gather at Palomar College in San Marcos, California, for a conference whose theme is "Commitment, Constancy and Concentration on Teaching the Faith."

A public concert given at the conference features England Dan and John Ford Coley and Seals & Crofts who later give a fireside for the audience of about 400....

Bahá’ís in southern Minnesota form 15 "action teams" for teaching as urged in the "Design for Victory."...

5. Homefront pioneering. One of the greatest teaching services a large community can do for its district, and for the country, is to supply homefront pioneers. Identifying potential pioneers and helping them resettle can be a task of the local Teaching Committee.

6. Minority teaching. Members of Bahá’í communities who are from minority backgrounds need special attention and encouragement to speak out so that true diversity can be experienced.

Many people are intimidated by an organized meeting such as a Feast, or by speaking in front of a group. An Assembly can use special methods of sharing with community members from minority backgrounds, such as special meetings with them, receptions, and specially designated firesides.

The Assembly as shepherd

1. The Assembly must assess the needs of the community and form its own plans.

2. Teaching is teaching; don't complicate things. Encourage everyone to teach in the way in which he or she is most comfortable. Set a community goal that self-starters can work for and rally behind.

3. The Assembly can cause terrible confusion and great suffering to the friends if it is not properly trained and guided. Encourage everyone in the community to help the Assembly grow, by praying for its members and offering advice and encouragement.

All problems can be solved when the Assembly is strengthened spiritually; all plans are won when the Assembly responds spiritually.

4. Identify resources in the community. Every Bahá’í is a resource. Ask people to carry out tasks that are important to them. Share tasks widely. Ask community members to speak at conferences, meet the mayor, etc.

5. Move in one direction. Set several simple and straightforward goals for the community and stick to them. Have a victory to report at Ridván.

6. Train others (not necessarily Assembly members) to meet with those who have personal problems. Train them to ascertain the facts and recommend actions to be taken by the Assembly.

7. Make decisions that eliminate problems rather than cause problems. Sometimes, the fewer decisions made, the better.

The Spiritual Assembly is the only institution that can guide us through these dark times. Its greatest function is to protect the Covenant of God.

Formed by the Pen of Bahá’u’lláh, the local Spiritual Assembly upholds His laws, encourages carrying His message to every human heart, and unites people of every class and nation in one family.

President of Williams College receives peace statement from Bahá’í faculty

On May 12, two faculty members of the Williams College Bahá’í Club presented a copy of "The Promise of World Peace" to Francis Oakley, president of the Williamstown, Massachusetts, school.

The ceremony climaxed a semester-long series of activities on campus that included bi-weekly firesides, alternate Sunday gatherings in private homes for potluck suppers and talks on the Bahá’í perspective of world peace, and a panel discussion on "The Promise of World Peace" whose participants included a student, three professors and a Bahá’í spokesman, Alvin Whaley of Northampton.

The moderator was Don House, a professor of computer sciences at Williams who is a Bahá’í.

The event received wide publicity and drew an audience of 30. In conjunction with the event, the Bahá’í Club distributed copies of the peace statement to about 30 other professors at the school who have a record of interest in world affairs and peace.

Pioneer to Liberia Henrietta Goss dies

Henrietta Goss, a retired school teacher from Birmingham, Alabama, died May 20 at her pioneer post in Monrovia, Liberia.

Mrs. Goss went to Liberia in 1982 with her sister, Betty Gates. On arriving, both sisters settled in goal areas and were instrumental in establishing a local Hazíratu’l-Quds in addition to steadfastly serving the community.

A large number of Bahá’ís from Northwest Georgia joined relatives and friends January 19 at the funeral of Mrs. Annie K. Blackwell in Covington. Mrs. Blackwell, who was born in 1912, became an evangelist at the age of 15. In 1973 she declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh, bringing with her into the Faith the membership of the Gospel Peace Mission Church.

Mrs. Blackwell was known for her open mind and heart, and her church was a place of joy and spiritual upliftment for many. Bahá’í prayers were recited at the funeral, and Bahá’í speakers praised her for her constant search after truth and reliance on God for guidance. Pictured here (clockwise from lower right) are Mrs. Blackwell; her mother, Mrs. Addie Webb (who died last year); her granddaughter, Mrs. Pamela Williams; and her daughter, Mrs. Ruth Brown.

IN MEMORIAM

Edward Bacote Florence, SC October 28, 1985

Pearlene Bethea Rowland, NC October 1985

Johnny Boll Minter City, MS 1985

J.C. Brown Bennettsville, SC Date Unknown

Queen S. Davis W. Columbia, SC October 31, 1984

Willie Delmar Conyers, GA 1984

Elizabeth Drayton Bennettsville, SC Date Unknown

Frances Drayton Bennettsville, SC Date Unknown

Mattie Duff Olmsted, IL June 1, 1985

Samuel Dunham Midlothian, TX Date Unknown

George Ealy Los Angeles, CA December 12, 1985

Robert Easterling Bennettsville, SC Date Unknown

E.S. Ellerby Bennettsville, SC Date Unknown

Grozla Ewing Greenwood, MS February 1985

Marie Funkhouser Walkerton, IN April 27, 1986

Susie Gatson Greenwood, MS 1985

Mary M. Gibbs Washington, NC 1985

Almeta Guice Lufkin, TX May 13, 1986

Elijah Hancock Bennettsville, SC Date Unknown

Carol Harms Santa Barbara, CA April 11, 1986

Mabel Harris Farmville, NC 1984

Ellen Hawkins Monticello, FL Date Unknown

Louis C. Hawkins Greenville, TX Date Unknown

Rembert Hodge Mullins, SC Date Unknown

Itach Holland Midlothian, TX Date Unknown

Myrom Hollow Horn Wounded Knee, SD March 30, 1986

Charles Houser Perry, GA 1984

Vivian Hubler Los Osos, CA December 21, 1985

Archie Johnson Maxton, NC 1984

Clifton King Minter City, MS 1985

Emma Lee Lang Farmville, NC 1982

George Layd Hallsboro, NC April 1986

Alex Legette Jr. Mullins, SC 1984

Emilie Maass Orange, CA April 10, 1986

John L. Main Rochester, WA November 15, 1985

Lorena Maybourne Tekonsha, MI February 26, 1986

Vera Mae McGlaun Lucedale, MS 1985

Walter McFadden Lydia, SC Date Unknown

Alice McInturch Minter City, MS 1985

Betty McKinnon Bennettsville, SC Date Unknown.

James L. Moore Post Falls, ID March 26, 1986

Ed Murry Minter City, MS 1985

Elmerene Neff Fairfield, CA May 1985.

Robert Newton Hudson, MI July 1984

Robert Page Rowland, NC November 1985

Eddie Parks Washington, GA Date Unknown

Lillian Parker Farmville, NC April 1986

Raymond Parker Washington, NC 1984

Charles Paul Kelso, WA May 17, 1985

Calvin Pennington San Dimas, CA May 22, 1986

Harvy Polk Minter City, MS 1985

Kay A. Potter Mount Shasta, CA November 28, 1985

Mary Ann Purvis Bennettsville, SC Date Unknown

Bert Quiver Wanblee, SD April 5, 1986

Virginia Rittis Topeka, KS May 5, 1986

Onie Shed Midlothian, TX Date Unknown

Andrea L. Singer Saginaw, MI Date Unknown

Kenneth Streeter Farmville, NC August 1984

Daisy Taylor Minter City, MS 1985

Malekeh Tooski Union City, CA April 30, 1986

Alejandro Vasquez Marfa, TX 1984

Fred Watson Jr. Bennettsville, SC Date Unknown

Calvin White Lufkin, TX Date Unknown

N.A. Willmon Pendleton, SC Date Unknown

Wallace Wilson Sodus, NY Date Unknown [Page 28]

Asians

women can help by having cooking classes, holding children's classes, presenting English classes, or taking the women shopping. Also, ask them to share things they already know how to do such as teaching native dancing or cooking.

9. Help the refugee Bahá’ís adapt to their new country. This is an important service you can render. Hold English classes, take them shopping and show them where you buy specific items they need, take them to a doctor, show them how to use a bank, how to take a bus, how to change a fuse in their home, etc. All these things, which are so commonplace to us, are new adventures for them. Ask them what they need help with or anything they don't understand about American culture.

10. Don't make any promises you can't actually keep, such as to come and visit every week. They will expect you and will be disappointed if you don't come.

11. Speak slowly and clearly. Don't assume that just because you get a lot of head-shaking in agreement that the refugee Bahá’í really understands what you are saying. Most often they won't admit they don't understand you because they don't want to bother you by asking you to say it again or to speak more slowly. Always spell things out clearly to avoid communication problems. If you invite them somewhere, it is a good idea to also write down the information for them to keep so that later on they can check and see if they really understood what you had said.

12. If you find that the refugee family starts asking for things you aren't able to help them with, don't be afraid to explain to them what is realistic for you to do and what is not. Don't simply stop seeing them in frustration; they don't know what you can or can't do unless you tell them. Explain as a friend your situation and continue seeing them, doing whatever you can do. They will gradually come to understand your situation. This should not be a cause of great disruption of your friendship with them.

13. Be sensitive to the fact that some refugees are sponsored by church groups and may be under pressure from these groups. The refugee may be afraid to tell the church group that he/she is a Bahá’í because of a fear of losing the aid he/she is receiving. For this reason, the refugee may not attend Bahá’í activities.

14. Do not assume that the refugee Bahá’í is already deepened. Often, refugees who become Bahá’ís in the refugee camps are not deepened in the Faith. This may be because they leave for the U.S. shortly after declaring as Bahá’ís or perhaps they may not read. However, lack of deepening does not mean that they are not strong in the Faith and in their belief in Bahá’u’lláh, nor does it mean they are unwilling to learn. If English is a problem you can obtain from the National Teaching Committee deepening materials (books or tapes) in the Khmer language. For non-native English speakers, using audio-visual aids such as slides, videos and photographs can help promote understanding.

15. Many refugees, especially older people and women, are illiterate in their own language. For deepening such people, the audio tapes would be useful.

16. Some Indo-Chinese customs to be aware of:

Take shoes off in the house.

Indo-Chinese do not normally use much furniture but instead prefer sitting on the floor, even for meals.

• Men and women do not physically show affection in public.

The handshake is a Western greeting—many Indo-Chinese raise their hands in the prayer position and bow their heads to greet one another formally.

• Making noise when eating is not considered impolite but by many is a sign of approval.

Do not sit on pillows used for the head since it is believed that the head is the holiest part of the body.

Women hold other women's hands when walking, and often men hold each other's hands too.

Indo-Chinese prefer not to go to a foreigner's home alone but would rather go in groups of two or more.

Bahá’í student plans graduation program at Whitman College

This year's 100th Baccalaureate commencement program at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, was planned by a Bahá’í, 21-year-old Paul Lucas, who was a member of the graduating class.

Bahá’í prayers opened and closed the program, which also included a reading, "On the Oneness of Mankind," and remarks by Mr. Lucas with excerpts from the peace statement, "The Promise of World Peace."

Nearly one-half of the flyer on which details of the program were given was devoted to a prayer by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Mr. Lucas, whose parents, Brad and Joye Lucas, have been Bahá’ís since 1954, is the youngest of five children, all of whom are Bahá’ís.

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 1. ID# Title Full name—Please DO NOT use nicknames 2. ID# Title Full name 3. ID# Title Full name 4. ID# Title Full name

B—NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: House/Space #, Street or Description City State Zip

C—NEW MAIL ADDRESS: P.O. Box or other Mailing Address City State Zip

D—NEW COMMUNITY: Name of new Bahá’í community Moving date

E—HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: Area Code Number

F—WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Please indicate in the right-hand space whose work numbers these are. Area Code Number Name Area Code Number Name

G We receive extra copies because: 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. we have the same last name. 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 1 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.

Jonathon H. Cannon (left), the mayor of Garden Grove California, receives a copy of "The Promise of World Peace" from Bahá’ís (left to right) Verna M. Johnson, Marti Parker, Molook Roshan and Robert James. Also receiving copies of the statement and a letter from the Spiritual Assembly of Garden Grove during the March 3 ceremony were the four members of the city council.

Oklahoma presentation is front-page news

A front-page photograph in the March 26 edition of The Oklahoma Daily, the student newspaper at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, depicted the presentation to Frank Horton, president of the university, of the peace statement "The Promise of World Peace."

The presentation was made by OU Bahá’í Club members Andrea Kotowski and Jim Rathman.

Conference for women to be held in Washington

A conference, "Equity by 2000: Meeting the Nairobi Challenge," sponsored by the American Association of University Women Educational Foundation, will be held October 17-18 at the Sheraton Washington Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Key talks and discussions will include: Peace as a Women's Issue; The Impact of Tradition, Religion and Culture on Women's Equality; and Meeting the Nairobi Challenge.

The cost per day including luncheon (before August 1 postmark) is $60; before September 15 postmark, $75; and at the conference, $100. The cost of a room (with two double beds) at the Sheraton Washington is $99 per day plus tax.

Interested Bahá’ís are encouraged to contact the Equity 2000 Conference, AAUW Convention Office, Washington, DC 20037 (phone 202-785-7799).

Drake U. conference to air peace issues facing women, family

"Women As Peacemakers... A Conference for Men, Women and Youth" will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 26 at Drake University's Olmsted Center.

The conference is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Des Moines.

Featured speakers will be Auxiliary Board members Robert Postlethwaite and Ronna Santoscoy and two members of the National Teaching Committee, Juana Conrad and Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi.

Workshops will be held on such issues as "The Role of the Family in a Peaceful World," "The Role of Women in the World," "How to Get Involved with Peace Issues Locally," "Educating Children for a World at Peace," "Consultation: A Means for Achieving Peace," and "Beyond Prejudice: Eliminating the Barriers."

Registration fees are $7.50 for adults, $2.50 for youth and pre-youth, free to those 10 and under. For more information, phone Kim Heidarian, 515-265-5535, or Margene Nelson-Willis, 319-398-4940 (days) or 319-364-8934 (evenings and weekends). [Page 29]BAHÁ’Í PEACE INTERNATIONAL THE PEACE PROMISE CONFERENCE

Peace Conference: something special for everyone

The first Bahá’í International Peace Conference, to be held August 28-31 in San Francisco, promises to be one of the outstanding events of the International Year of Peace.

The splendid program will include speakers and workshops as well as an extensive use of the arts, which are truly an international language.

Programs on each of the three evenings during the conference will include entertainment that celebrates the diversity of the American Bahá’í community and that of the peoples of the world.

The participation of non-Bahá’í speakers, panelists and others will provide the opportunity for an interchange of ideas on topics contributing to the establishment of peace.

Local Spiritual Assemblies are encouraged to consider doing whatever they can to see that people of minority races and cultures are well-represented at this first major conference of Bahá’ís with a non-Bahá’í audience.

Included will be workshops in Spanish, Persian and other non-English languages. A number of Chinese are expected to attend, and at least one workshop on the peace statement will be presented in Chinese.

American Indians from the “Trail of Light” in California will attend, bringing with them Indian people from various Reservations and urban communities.

Kevin Locke, a Lakota Sioux hoop dancer and flutist, will present at least one workshop on Indian perspectives on peace, while other well-known Indian leaders have been invited to lead workshops on several topics related to peace.

Some of the planned highlights of the conference:

Program

The conference has been designed to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas through discussions, enjoyment of music and the arts, and opportunities for casual interaction.

General sessions will include speakers, workshops, music, dance and use of the arts as a spiritual expression to approach the attainment of peace.

A special effort has been made to balance activities with a variety of Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í speakers and participation by everyone in workshops.

Speakers

• Dr. Ervin Laszlo, former director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and a well-known authority in the field of “systems science” and “world order,” is one of the keynote speakers.
• Robert Bellah, author of the best-selling book Habits of the Heart: Individualism and Commitment in American Life, will survey the world’s interdependence and economic growth and the impact upon it of scientific and technological advances.
• Riane Eisler, coordinator of the Institute for Futures Forecasting in Carmel, California, will speak on women’s issues. A graduate of the UCLA School of Law, she has for the past 15 years conducted futures-oriented research with emphasis on peace and feminist perspectives.
• Annie Dodge Wauneke, the first and only Native American to be awarded the Medal of Freedom, will speak about universal education from the perspective of integrating the concepts of education, learning and skills into one’s lifestyle.
• Hopi spiritual leader Thomas Banyaca, an internationally-known speaker on Hopi prophecies, will address “The Great Purification” and world peace.
• Also invited is Dr. David Bernstein, a professor of international studies at Stanford University in Palo Alto, who will sit on a panel discussing spiritual renewal.

Workshops

Panel discussions, special interest topics, and the arts will comprise the substance of nearly 200 workshops addressing themes of spiritual renewal, social and economic development, the elimination of prejudice, the equality of men and women, universal education, and world federalism.

The workshops will emphasize group participation with a goal of instilling “take-home skills” for spreading the concept that peace is inevitable.

Workshops will be conducted by both Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís.

Youth activities

The establishment of world peace is a major concern of today’s youth and forms the basis of the National Youth Committee’s events for the conference.

Youth will take part with the adults in workshops, and will also have a special session of their own on Friday afternoon. Night-owl sessions, held in the Hilton Hotel ballroom, will feature more casual entertainment and will give youth an opportunity to get to know one another.

Children’s Conference

The curriculum for the children’s program includes specific goals to give the youngsters an understanding of peace and the skills necessary to the pursuit of peace.

Special activities such as a field trip to San Francisco’s well-known Exploratorium and to the Academy of Sciences will highlight the concept of science as service to mankind.

Entertainment and speakers oriented to the children will round out the children’s program, which will run concurrently with the conference program.

The co-op nursery, pre-school classes and classes for younger children will be held at the Civic Auditorium where most other conference activities are based. Classes for older children and youth will be at the conference headquarters, the San Francisco Hilton Hotel.

Cooperative nursery

To assure the peace of mind and enjoyment of the conference by our youngest attendees, a play and rest area for infants and toddlers will be available in the Civic Auditorium.

Entertainment

Evenings at the conference will feature main stage entertainment. Performers include Kevin Locke, the Los Angeles Bahá’í Youth Workshop, Wilford Johnson and Mary Davis, Danny Deardorff, and Do’a.

The opening and closing ceremonies will present music and dance from a variety of cultures and from children attending the conference.

Other activities

A bookstore and sales area in the Civic Auditorium will be stocked with new peace titles, proclamation materials, and an array of conference keepsakes.

The sales area will feature items produced by Bahá’ís with a special section for arts and crafts such as batiks, stained glass, and jewelry.

An exhibit area in the auditorium will have special displays on “Bahá’ís in America,” photographs of the construction of the House of Worship in India, a display on “Children in the United Nations,” and many other exhibits.

Mail registration form by July 31 to receive early discount savings

The early registration discount deadline for the Bahá’í International Peace Conference is July 31. To receive your discount savings, mail your registration form TODAY!

Please use the form on this page and send it to the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. You may pay by check, MasterCard or VISA.

Registration includes all conference materials, admission to all general sessions, workshops and night-owl sessions. Children’s registration includes class materials, field trips, and special programs.

Conference credentials, the conference check-in form, and a schedule of activities will be mailed to you in early August.

Those who have registered in advance may check in for the conference and pick up conference materials at conference hotels or at the Civic Auditorium. Look for the conference check-in desk in the lobby of the conference hotel at which you are staying.

Completed in 1915, San Francisco’s City Hall is generally acknowledged to be one of the most impressive examples of classic architecture in America. Its 308-foot dome rises higher than the Capitol’s in Washington, D.C. In the foreground is the Civic Center Plaza with its reflecting pool.

The Peace Conference is being planned and executed by nearly 15 separate task forces ranging in scope from shuttle bus scheduling to a task force planning the special Children’s Conference. All serving on these task forces are volunteers.

One of the goals of the Peace Conference is to help the friends develop ways of acting that promote peace. A good way to start is to volunteer to help during the conference. The Volunteer Coordination Task Force is collecting information about people who are planning to attend and would like to serve. The task force coordinates volunteers with specific talents with groups that need their services.

Those who volunteer will experience the bounty of helping thousands of people from all over the world. You can serve only a few hours or for the entire conference—it’s up to you. Look at the volunteer form for ideas about what skills are needed, then fill out and send in the form. The greatest need is for conference guides who are the greeters and assistants for the conference attendees.

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; conference guide; 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? ______________________

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 [Page 30]

THE PEACE PROMISE CONFERENCE

The National Spiritual Assembly has invited nearly 100 prominent organizations concerned with peace and related issues to attend the Bahá’í International Peace Conference in San Francisco, August 28-31. Many of these organizations have also been invited to present workshops.

On the local level, Bahá’í communities are welcome to invite representatives from area chapters of national peace organizations to attend the conference.

In particular, communities may wish to extend invitations to those dignitaries and officials who favorably received the peace statement.

While peace is the main theme of the conference, such related issues as education, social and economic development, the equality of men and women, etc., will also be addressed in workshops and discussions.

Therefore, if any Bahá’í communities are presently working with organizations whose aims are centered around these related issues, they too are welcome to extend invitations to the appropriate representatives.

A sample invitation letter and conference brochures with information inserts tailored to various guest audiences are available on request from the Peace Conference Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

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).

HOTEL RESERVATION FORM

Name Confirmation Address City, State, Zip Arrival Date and Time Departure Date

Bahá’í International Peace Conference August 28-31, 1986 San Francisco, California

Please reserve rooms Single Double Twin Suite: 1 BR 2 BR

Hotel: 1st Choice: 2nd Choice: 3rd Choice:

Mail to: Bahá’í International Peace Conference Housing Bureau P.O. Box 5612 San Francisco, California 94101

Note: You will receive acknowledgment of your reservation(s) directly from the Housing Bureau. To assure your reservation, a $100 deposit check or charge for each room 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.

Name and address of all occupants of room(s). Please "bracket" those rooming together. Incomplete information will delay assignment of space!

NAME(S) & ADDRESS(ES) ARRIVAL/DEP. DATES

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

Registration Rates $10 Discount for Early Registration****

$50 Adults (21+) / $40 Early $40 Children & Pre-youth* / $30 Early $30 Student/youth** / $20 Early $135 Family of 4 or more*** / $125 Early

Shuttle Bus Rates: $10/weekend Adults $6/weekend Children

1. Name 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 # Age

Shuttle bus routed between conference facilities, Thur. pm through Sun. noon. (Public transport - MUNI, 75¢ per ride)

Charge to: VISA MASTERCARD Card # Expiration Date Signature

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

Mail to: Conference Registration Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

Make checks payable to: Bahá’í Peace Conference

Media Task Force promotes awareness of Faith Peace Conference

The Media Task Force for the Bahá’í International Peace Conference has planned a wide-ranging campaign of generally raising the profile of recognition of the Bahá’í Faith in the San Francisco area and educating the general public about why the Bahá’ís care about peace, as well as why the Peace Conference will be held in that area.

Their goal is not necessarily to promote attendance at the conference by the public, but rather to raise the public's awareness and knowledge of the Faith.

The campaign, which got under way this month, includes a survey to ascertain general knowledge and attitudes about the Bahá’í Faith.

Subsequent phases, conducted at intervals before and after the conference, will measure the effectiveness of pre-conference publicity and advertising along with the effects of the conference itself. Following its completion, results of the survey will be published in The American Bahá’í.

The campaign will also include print advertising and a series of public service announcements to be placed in major market newspapers and broadcast on radio with translations into non-English languages such as Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Russian and German. These ads and PSAs are available to communities at cost.

Press kits that include sample press releases, photos and information about speakers will be presented to appropriate people in the print and broadcast media. These will also be made available to communities at cost.

During the conference itself, several Bahá’í journalists will be reporting on the sessions and activities. Daily press releases will be given to the media. A press room will be available for the media, and interviews with speakers, presenters and performers will be obtained whenever possible.

For further information or assistance in these activities, please contact: Peace Conference Media Task Force, c/o 170 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94103.

Bahá’í earns honors in Maine, is inducted in scholastic society

Vicki Miller, a member of the Bahá’í community of Gorham, Maine, was graduated magna cum laude this year from St. Joseph's College and was inducted into the Delta Epsilon Sigma national scholastic honor society.

Mrs. Miller, who received a B.S. degree in nursing, is moving to Virginia with her husband and three daughters to work at the Medical College of Virginia.

brochures available

Additional copies of the Peace Conference brochure, containing general information about the conference, hotel accommodations, airline reservations, and registration are available on request from the Peace Conference Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

The brochures will be sent by return mail.

There is no charge for the brochures; however, should you wish to help defray expenses, please direct donations to the above address.

Included with each brochure is an updated insert with news of the program and other activities.

Who was the first black American to become a Bahá’í? Find out in The Bahá’í Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900 [Page 31]

To make Peace Conference hotel accommodations ...

BAHÁ’Í PEACE INTERNATIONAL . . . THE PEACE PROMISE CONFERENCE

In making hotel accommodations for the Bahá’í International Peace Conference in San Francisco, the following facts should be kept in mind:

• Special rates have been worked out for your convenience with comfort and value for the dollar in mind.
• All room rates are flat rates which allow from one to four people to share the cost of a room per night. (In other words, a flat rate of $60 per night means that one person pays $60 per night, two people pay $30 each per night, three people pay $20 each, and four people pay $15 each.)
• Special conference hotel rates are in effect for one week prior to and one week after the conference on an “as available” basis.
• All hotels are on the shuttle bus route and/or public transportation (MUNI).
• Hospitality suites are available in each hotel for the latest conference information, firesides, and Bahá’í literature.
• Suites are available at regular rates (with the exception of the family suite rate at the San Franciscan).

The hotels are as follows:

San Francisco Hilton and Towers—Conference headquarters. $60 main building, $70 tower. Parking, $5/night for guests (1/2 regular rates). Features: Newer hotel-tower rooms overlook San Francisco skyline. Pool on 16th floor, main building. Site of older children’s classes and various conference events including night-owl sessions for youth. One block from Union Square, and across the street from the Airporter.

Sheraton-Palace. $60/night. Parking: $16/day in garage across the street. Public parking lot within three blocks. Features: Old world styling, breakfast in famous Garden Court. Spacious rooms. MUNI and BART public transportation to Civic Plaza.

Cathedral Hill. $58/night. Parking: free for guests (garage). Features: Roof garden/pool, spacious rooms with view of city and Civic Plaza.

Hyatt-Union Square. $90/night. Parking: $16/night, valet only. Public lot under Union Square. Features: Quietly scaled elegance, overlooks Union Square.

Holiday Inn-Golden Gateway. $50/night. Parking: free for guests (garage). Features: Tower overlooks the city; on Van Ness Avenue bus line to Civic ‎Hal Hall‎ Plaza. Pool.

San Franciscan. $50/night regular rooms; $75/night family suite (up to 6). Parking: limited guest parking; public lot within one block. Features: Recently renovated hotel, one block from Civic Auditorium.

How to make your reservations: 1. Choose hotel, noting rates and considering your parking needs. 2. Fill out the form on page 3, noting type of room and confirmation address. 3. Send the form to the Bahá’í International Peace Conference Housing Bureau, P.O. Box 5612, San Francisco, CA 94101.

A deposit of one night’s hotel rate is required.

Two splendid books about San Francisco

For further information about sightseeing and dining in San Francisco, two good books are:

San Francisco Access Updated, by Richard Saul Wurman (1984, Access Press, Ltd.). A guide book with information about restaurants, architecture, museums and sights to see.

Fodor’s Travel Guide for San Francisco for San Francisco and nearby attractions. Send for it from: Fodor Travel Guides, 2 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016.

A street map of downtown San Francisco, California, site of the first Bahá’í International Peace Conference, which will be held August 28-31. 1. The Civic Auditorium, site of all plenary sessions, most workshops, and classes for children ages 0-5; 2. The San Francisco Hilton and Towers, Conference headquarters, site of classes for older children, night owl sessions; 3. Sheraton-Palace Hotel; 4. Hyatt-Union Square; 5. Holiday Inn-Golden Gateway; 6. Cathedral Hill Hotel; 7. San Franciscan Hotel; 8. The Airporter-Downtown Terminal from San Francisco International Airport; 9. San Francisco Bahá’í Center (170 Valencia St.).

The Palace of Fine Arts with its great central rotunda and embracing Corinthian colonnade was created by the celebrated architect Bernard Maybeck for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition and was restored as a permanent San Francisco landmark in 1967.

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.

We deeply regret that due to circumstances beyond his or our control, Dizzy Gillespie will be unable to perform as a part of the Saturday evening program at the Peace Conference in San Francisco.

Long Island Bahá’í peace conference launches ‘Vote for Peace’ campaign

Nearly 60 Bahá’ís were joined by representatives of several peace groups April 26 at a peace conference sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of the Town of Brookhaven, New York, and supported by the other Bahá’í communities on Long Island.

The purpose of the day-long intercommunity event was to gather together peace-loving groups in the area to form a Vote for Peace Committee.

The committee, independent of Bahá’í sponsorship, is to plan and carry out a “Vote for Peace” project designed to enable the people of Long Island—men, women and children—to cast ballots in favor of peace.

The conference included talks by Dr. Victor de Araujo, the Bahá’í International Community’s representative at the United Nations, and Mike D’Innocenzo, a professor at Hofstra University; several musical presentations; a slide program; workshops; and establishment of the Vote for Peace Committee.

For information about the project, write to Vote for Peace, c/o Rob Pasca, West Babylon, NY 11704. A 90-minute audio cassette of conference highlights is available for $3. [Page 32]

BAHA’I PEACE INTERNATIONAL . . . THE PEACE PROMISE CONFERENCE

Children, pre-youth planners extend invitation to you to help provide needed services for youngsters at Peace Conference

Children and youth are essential instruments of world peace. The Children and Pre-Youth Program Task Force of the Bahá’í International Peace Conference extends an invitation to you to help refine those instruments by teaching or providing some other service for the children and pre-youth program.

It is the National Spiritual Assembly’s wish that the program for children and pre-youth be excellent, that the children be challenged and acquire skills, and that the program reflect the content and character of the total conference. The intent of the program of the Peace Conference will be to:

• create a vision of peace as inevitable;
• deepen individuals and develop “how-to’s” of the building blocks of peace;
• facilitate spiritual bonding around the work of establishing peace.

The Children and Pre-Youth Task Force has developed a curriculum addressing these concepts for each age-group and has planned activities and professional entertainment to support them. The children’s program will meet the needs of 1,000 to 1,500 children between the ages of infancy through 14 years from all over. The quality and variety of the Children’s Conference will match that of the adult conference, and include visits and presentations by Hands of the Cause of God, members of the House of Justice, Counselors and other distinguished Bahá’ís.

The anticipated numbers and diversity of children attending and the importance of this conference require care in planning, broad support and total commitment by a loving and devoted staff. Teachers will be asked to commit themselves to the entire program. Support roles (such as teachers’ aides) and activities (such as music, arts and play) will be scheduled as needed.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá has said, “The education and training of children is among the most meritorious acts of humankind and draweth down the grace and favor of the All-Merciful, for education is the indispensable foundation of all human excellence and alloweth man to work his way to the heights of abiding glory.” By providing education, the heart and central foundation of “the advancement of the world of being and the uplift of souls,” to our children and youth—the essential instruments of world peace—you’ll help the world achieve the inevitable—world peace.

Please join us in this world-shaking and world-enhancing endeavor by completing the Volunteer Resource Application Form and returning it to the address listed.—Children and Pre-Youth Program Task Force

Teacher Volunteer/Resource Application Form

Name ___________________________________________________________

Can serve at the conference _______________________________________

Can attend pre-conference meetings _________________________________

Please choose, by writing 1st, 2nd, 3rd, the age groups you would like to work with:

0-2 ___ 3-4 ___ 5-6 ___ 7-8 ___ 9-10 ___ 11-12 ___ 13-14 ___

Training and experience related to working with children and/or pre-youth:

___ Professional child care       ___ Employed teacher ___ Camp counselor              ___ Parent ___ Recreational program         ___ Classroom volunteer ___ Other ___________________ ___ Scouting

Home telephone ( ) _________ Work telephone ( ) _________

Address _________________________________________________________

City ____________________ State ________ Zip _______________

Bahá’í community, secretary’s name and phone number (if applicable): ______________________________________________________________

Task Force member contact (if known) ______________________________

Date contacted or date of completion of this form _____________________

Signature of applicant _____________________________________________

Please send completed form to: Cheryl Banister Oakland, CA 94602 (415) 531-2432

Conference planning done at local level through task forces

Consistent with the Six Year Plan approach of involving local communities’ initiative in planning goals and objectives, the National Spiritual Assembly sought to have much of the planning and organization of the San Francisco Peace Conference done at the local level.

The Spiritual Assemblies of San Francisco, the host community, and San Jose were asked to appoint a Coordinating Task Force to manage the local planning activities and to act as a liaison with the Bahá’í National Center.

They and the 15 task forces working with them have been meeting regularly since last autumn to plan and coordinate such activities as the Children’s Conference, the media campaign, service projects, volunteer help, and the training of conference guides.

In many cases, volunteers have been called on to contribute in areas of their professional expertise. Both their sacrifices and their enthusiasm for their work are essential components of the success of the conference.

If your local community receives correspondence from these task forces, know that they are part of a greater network that is necessary to support an event of this scale and nature. Your support of their efforts is greatly appreciated.

Prof. Lincoln added to list of speakers

Another distinguished speaker has been added to the line-up of those set to appear at the first Bahá’í International Peace Conference in San Francisco.

Dr. C. Eric Lincoln, professor of religion and culture at Duke University, will speak on racism and the elimination of prejudice.

Dr. Lincoln will also be at the conference bookstore to sign copies of his newest book, Race, Religion and the Continuing American Dilemma.

San Francisco’s multi-purpose Civic Auditorium houses a main area seating upward of 8,000 plus flexible meeting rooms with capacities ranging from 45 to 850. The Auditorium is linked by escalator with Brooks Hall, a 90,000-square-foot exhibition area situated beneath Civic Center Plaza.

Volunteers sought as blood donors

As a Bahá’í International Peace Conference service project, we need donors to celebrate their good health by donating blood. The Irwin Memorial Blood Bank, whose service area extends throughout eight northern California counties and to more than 40 public and private hospitals, needs at least 400 donors per day to keep up with the demand for blood. They will staff and operate this blood drive at NO cost to the Peace Conference. They do require that we recruit our volunteer donors in advance. The Irwin Memorial Blood Bank will provide media coverage for this service project, and we need YOU to be a VOLUNTEER BLOOD DONOR. Help make this Bahá’í service project a success!

YES! I want to celebrate my good health. I will be a volunteer blood donor:

NAME ___________________________________________________________

ADDRESS ________________________________________________________

CITY ____________________ STATE ________ ZIP ______________

I.D. NUMBER _______________ AGE ______ WEIGHT __________

Fill in the above and mail to: Bahá’í International Peace Conference 101 Via De ‎Tososoros Tesoros‎ Los Gatos, CA 95030 (408) 395-5351