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[Page 1]

Ridván message from the Universal House of Justice

immense challenges, dazzling prospects

To the Bahá’ís of the world

Dearly loved Friends,

Having ended a year of momentous achievements, we stand at the threshold of the last decade of this radiant twentieth century facing an immediate future of immense challenges and dazzling prospects. The swiftness of events during the past year is indicative of the acceleration, as the hundredth anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh's Ascension approaches, of the spiritual forces released with the advent of His revolutionizing mission. It is an acceleration which, in its suddenness and wide transformational impact on social thought and on political entities, has aroused feelings of delight as to its immediate effects and of bewilderment as to its real meaning and destined outcome, prompting the astonished editors of an outstanding newspaper, finding themselves bereft of explanations, to attribute it to the workings of an "Invisible Hand."

For the followers of Bahá’u’lláh throughout the world there can be no doubt as to the Divine Source and clear intention of these extraordinary happenings. Let us rejoice, therefore, in the wondrous signs of the beneficence of God's abounding grace. The high level of teaching and enrollments reported last Ridván has been sustained, and new fields of teaching have been opened from Eastern Europe to the China Sea. With the settlement in recent weeks of two Knights of Bahá’u’lláh in Sakhalin Island, the last remaining territory named by Shoghi Effendi in his Ten Year Global Plan entered the Bahá’í fold. The re-creation last Ridván of the local Spiritual Assembly of Ishqábád, the recent election of that of Cluj in Romania, the first new Assembly in the "East Bloc," the re-establishment and formation this Ridván of local Spiritual Assemblies in other parts of the Soviet Union and in other countries of Eastern Europe—all these achievements and immediate prospects affirm our arrival at a significant milestone in the fourth epoch of the Formative Age. The Administrative Order now embraces a community of wider diversity than ever before. It is such prodigious developments that prompted our recent announcement of a subsidiary Two Year Teaching Plan, now formally launched, to which we commend your urgent and active attention.

How staggering, how far-reaching have been the activities which propelled the community in one short year toward this stage in its evolution! As we reflect on the wonders of Bahá’u’lláh's confirmations, our hearts turn with love and appreciation to the Hands of the Cause of God everywhere, who, as the standard-bearers of that community, have ever upheld its bright emblems against the darkness of the times. With an indomitable spirit they persevere in fulfilling, under all circumstances and wherever they may be, their God-given tasks to stimulate, edify and advise its widely scattered, rapidly multiplying members. In the face of the new situation in the Bahá’í world, we take joy in mentioning some instances in the past year of association of Hands of the Cause with the developments in Europe and Asia. Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, in an extended journey to the Far East, represented the Universal House of Justice at the formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of Macau; spent time with the Knight of Bahá’u’lláh in Mongolia where subsequently the first native declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh; and devoted much attention to the friends in different parts of the People's Republic of China, where her film "The Green Light Expedition" has been shown on television. Mr. Collis Featherstone focused much energy on reinvigorating the long-suffering friends in war-ravaged Vietnam. At this very moment, Mr. 'Ali-Akbar Furútan is visiting the USSR, which he was forced to leave during the persecution of the Faith there; now he has returned in triumphant fulfillment of a wish expressed to him by our beloved Guardian some 60 years ago.

Nor have the Counselor members of the International Teaching Center been slow in responding to opportunities to foster the climate of progress now evident in all quarters of the globe. Through the unified vision of growth to which they have called the Continental Boards of Counselors and their able, hard-working and self-sacrificing auxiliaries, a new vitality can be felt in the expansion and consolidation of the Faith throughout the world. The Continental Counselors deserve the deep gratitude of the entire Bahá’í community as they approach the close of their current five-year term, distinguished for their outstanding services.

Just as the community has extended its ramifications internally, it has also expanded its relations, influence and appeal externally in a variety of ways, some astonishing in their breadth and potential. A few examples will suffice: Through the newly established Office of the Environment, the Bahá’í International Community, on its own initiative and in collaboration with other environmental organizations, re-instituted the annual World Forestry Charter Gathering founded in 1945 by the renowned Richard St. Barbe Baker; since then the Office of the Environment has been invited to participate in important events sponsored by international organizations concerned with environmental questions. The Bahá’í International Community has been involved in the work of the Task Force for Literacy under the aegis of UNESCO and was invited to participate in the World Conference on Education for All held in Thailand, where its representative was asked to assume a variety of highly visible and important tasks which gave prominence to the Bahá’í community. Steps were taken, with the encouragement of a Fijian senior government official, to open in Suva a branch of the Bahá’í International Community's United Nations office for the Pacific region. The University of Maryland in the United States announced its decision to establish "The Bahá’í Chair for World Peace" in its Center for International Development and Conflict Management, which will give rise to a great increase in academic efforts to examine the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. At almost the same time the National Spiritual Assembly of India announced that an agreement had been reached to establish a Chair for Bahá’í Studies at the University of Indore.

The continuing efforts to secure the emancipation of the Bahá’ís of Iran evolved to a new stage. For the first time, a United Nations representative was able

Bahá’í Center in San Francisco is site of International Chinese Symposium

By LAURA H. ARTHUR

"Reaching the Chinese: The Time Is Now" was the topic of spirited consultation March 29-April 1 during the Bahá’í International Chinese Symposium at the Bahá’í Center in San Francisco, California.

Nearly 400 people including some 50 of Chinese heritage representing 18 countries and 28 states gathered in the spacious auditorium at the Center to take a close look at the Chinese and their culture, discuss teaching Chinese both inside and outside of mainland China, and inspire a sense of urgency to act now while the doors are open.

Among the special guests at the Symposium was retired member of the Universal House of Justice David Hofman who shared stories of his recent travels through Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Mr. Hofman pointed out that the Chinese people have a rich and varied history and culture and share a philosophy that is remarkably similar in many respects to the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

Efforts to reach the Chinese are having a noteworthy effect, particularly as seen in the large-scale growth in communities outside the People's Republic of China.

Those addressing the topic included Sabrina Kan Townsend, who recently came to the U.S. from Hong Kong; Donald Tennant from Macau; Charles Pau, a member of the International Teaching Committee who reported on teaching activities in Malaysia, Singapore and Australia; Kit Yin Kiang from Taiwan; and representatives of the National Chinese Teaching Committee of Canada who reported about recent successes in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Zhu Ming Ling (left photo) and a member of the Pacific Zheng Ensemble perform during a gala "Tribute to Chinese Culture' held as part of the International Chinese Symposium in San Francisco. [Page 2]

Focus is on teaching as Vision-to-Victory conferences are completed In Cleveland, Ohio, and Portland, Oregon

Cleveland, Ohio, and Portland, Oregon, were the host cities for Vision-to-Victory conferences the weekend of March 30-April 1.

Plenary sessions at each of these events were highlighted by three panel discussions, each on a particular aspect of the growth of the Faith: the individual and teaching, the community and teaching, and teaching the masses.

About 700 people were at the conference in Cleveland where panel discussions were led by Counselor Robert Harris; Alberta Deas, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly; Auxiliary Board members Javidukht Khadem and June Thomas; two members of the National Teaching Committee, Tod Ewing and Jennifer Mileham; and local community members Heidi Burns, Bernice Montgomery and Meredith Ring.

A separate program for children and pre-youth was run alongside the conference.

On Friday evening, Counselor Harris spoke on "The Power of Unity" at a public meeting attended by more than 1,100 people.

Attendance at the conference in Portland approached 1,100 adults, youth and children. Panelists there were Counselor Jacqueline Delahunt; Robert Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly; Auxiliary Board member Marshall Murphy; two members of the National Teaching Committee, Reynaldo Cruz and Billie Mayo; and local community members Henry Cross, Mary Gubatayao, Katayoon Moavenzadeh, Maziar Ostovar, Navvab Pike and Nosratollah Rassekh.

Immediately after the close of the conference, a door-to-door teaching campaign was launched in a predominantly black neighborhood in Portland. Thirty-five Bahá’ís took part, reflecting a higher level of participation than in other recent local projects.

Hundreds of copies of "The Promise of World Peace" were given out along with other Bahá’í literature on request.

In addition, as a result of the conference, several people have volunteered to arise for a specific period of time to teach and be of service to the Cause on a full-time basis.

When teaching black Americans Auxiliary Board member Marshall Murphy responds to a question from the audience during a panel discussion held as part of the Vision-to-Victory conference March 30-April 1 in Portland, Oregon.

Friends mustn't confuse race unity, Message

The pattern of enrollment from the black American community during the Six Year Plan demonstrates that, while some individuals and communities are making efforts to reach this population, no significant growth has taken place except in two areas of the South.

The lack of success in fostering and sustaining teaching efforts among black Americans may be due in part to confusing teaching black Americans with efforts to eliminate racial prejudice. This is not to say that "the most vital and challenging issue" should not be addressed by local communities or discussed when teaching black Americans; yet it is not the sole avenue of attracting black seekers.

It is important for Bahá’ís to strike a balance between discussing the elimination of racial prejudice and sharing other aspects of the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

The process of building a distinctive Bahá’í community free of racial prejudice is complementary to the process of teaching black Americans; it is neither the same nor a competing process.

Activities aimed at eliminating racial prejudice and creating racial unity should neither be a substitute for, nor a distraction from, the teaching work.

Scheduling workshops or deepenings that focus on how to eradicate racial prejudice from local communities can be valuable in dealing with "the most vital and challenging issue." Yet designing activities to discuss the elimination of racial prejudice should not divert individuals or communities from developing and implementing systematic teaching plans to reach black Americans.

Indeed, it was written on behalf of the Guardian that "the real means of eliminating race prejudice is to spread and establish the Faith...." In developing a plan for furthering the teaching work with the black population, consultation with black Bahá’ís can be helpful in identifying the interests and concerns of the local black American community.

In addition, various organizations and individuals could help Bahá’ís with the process of analyzing the issues facing their black American neighbors. Examples of available resources include African American Studies Departments at universities, the NAACP, the Urban League, ministers, educators, and local or national publications that serve the black American community.

In a readers' poll published in the April 1990 issue of Ebony (a leading magazine for the black community), respondents to a question about the biggest problem in black America identified drugs as the most devastating problem (40.1 percent), followed by disintegration of the family (17.5 percent).

Therefore, basing teaching efforts on the issue of racial unity may not be effective in sustaining the interest of all seekers.

In addition, it may be frustrating for the Bahá’í teachers if those they are trying to reach are absorbed in these other problems or concerns that could be addressed through Bahá’í teachings other than those concerning the unity of mankind.

The National Teaching Committee would like to hear about successful teaching activities targeting black Americans. If you have information you would like to share, or would like to discuss teaching black Americans, please contact Annette McKissick, coordinator for Black American Teaching, at the National Teaching Committee office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039, ext. 288).

Justice Society co-sponsors Evanston talk by author, editor Norman Cousins

At the invitation of Physicians for Social Responsibility (1985 recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize), the Bahá’í Justice Society and World Federalist Association co-sponsored a public talk by Norman Cousins last February 13 in Evanston, Illinois.

More than 500 people heard Mr. Cousins, a prolific author, former editor of the Saturday Review, co-founder of the World Federalists, and current faculty member at the UCLA Medical School, share his experiences and insights into the challenge of establishing a lasting world peace.

Mr. Cousins said he is more hopeful than he has ever been that world peace and unity are achievable.

The talk marked the first collaboration between the Bahá’í Justice Society and Physicians for Social Responsibility, both of whom have expressed a willingness to cooperate in presenting future programs.

Oklahoma welcomes American Indian Bahá’ís on 'Trail of Glory II'

In the 1830s, the infamous "Trail of Tears" drove indigenous peoples from their homelands westward to Oklahoma.

In February 1989, a group of Bahá’ís led by Kevin Locke traveled through Oklahoma on a journey entitled "Trail of Glory" that was designed to reach American Indians with the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

Inspired by that journey, a task force organized by the Spiritual Assembly of Oklahoma City has been systematically presenting copies of "The Promise of World Peace" to tribal leaders throughout the state.

The task force also coordinated the "Trail of Glory II," a second journey through Oklahoma on March 19-23. Among those taking part were Counselor Jacqueline Delahunt and Mr. Locke, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, both of whom are of Lakota descent.

"Trail of Glory II" began with a visit to a drug rehabilitation program in Ada, and to the headquarters of the Chickasaw Nation whose leaders joined the group in breaking the Fast that evening.

The following day, in Shawnee, the team visited the chief of the Sac and Fox tribe. Mr. Locke played a Sac and Fox flute from Iowa, while Ms. Delahunt discussed the spiritual education of children. Also, a formal presentation of the peace statement was made to the Seminole Nation.

The evening was capped by a unity pow wow at the Kickapoo Nation complex attended by almost 400 people including representatives from 19 tribes.

On March 21, a copy of "The Promise of World Peace" was presented to the governor of the Absentee Shawnee. Also, Counselor Delahunt and Mr. Locke spoke with the local Bahá’ís about teaching American Indians and celebrated Naw-Rúz with some 150 local Bahá’ís.

In Tulsa, Ms. Delahunt and Mr. Locke were interviewed on radio, and that evening a program entitled "The Spiritual Destiny of the American Indian" was held at the Creek Nation headquarters in Okmulgee with more than 55 people attending.

"Trail of Glory II" ended March 23 at the Cherokee Nation headquarters in Tahlequah. Two informational sessions at North Eastern State University were well-received by the students.

The task force plans to continue its efforts at least through the end of the Six Year Plan.

Peace statement given at Oregon conference

In February, Bahá’ís in Eugene, Oregon, presented 180 copies of "The Promise of World Peace" to participants in a conference entitled "Peace and the Planet—The Challenge of the '90s."

The conference, sponsored by the World Peace University, drew people from the diplomatic, educational, scientific, religious and entertainment communities. [Page 3]

Ridván 1990

officially to meet on Iranian soil with a representative of the proscribed Bahá’í community. The result was recorded in a report to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, at whose recent session in Geneva a resolution on Iran mer ning the Bahá’ís was again adopted. in a corollary action of far-reaching importance, the United States House of Representatives unanimously adopted a resolution calling for the emancipation of the Iranian Bahá’í community and outlining steps to be taken by the United States government toward this end; a similar resolution is before the Senate.

In the Holy Land, preparations for the execution of the building projects on Mount Carmel received a definite boost. It is a cause of deep satisfaction that, on the eve of Naw-Rúz, the District Town Planning Commission, after delicate and complex negotiations, decided to approve the plan submitted by the Bahá’ World Center. This paves the way for the ultimate issuance of building permits.

Beloved friends: Merely two years separate us from the conclusion of the Six Year Plan and the beginning at Ridván 1992 of the Holy Year, that special time when we shall pause to appreciate the tumultuous record of events which will have brought us to the Centenary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh and to reflect with due solemnity upon the redemptive purpose of the life of the most precious Being ever to have drawn breath on this planet.

In anticipation of this high water-mark in Bahá’í history, plans have been set in motion for two major world events: one, the gathering in the Holy Land of a wide representation of believers from around the globe to participate in a befitting commemoration of that poignant consummation in the vicinity of the Most Holy Shrine. A component of this commemoration, symbolic of the transcendent and victorious influence of Bahá’u’lláh’s liberated Spirit, will be the depositing beneath the floor at the entrance door of His Shrine of a receptacle containing the illuminated Roll of Honor of the Knights of Bahá’u’lláh, a listing initiated by Shoghi Effendi during his Ten Year Plan of those intrepid souls who arose to conquer in the Name of their Lord virgin territories mentioned in that Plan. This will have brought to a fitting conclusion, after nearly four decades, an intention expressed by the beloved Guardian himself. The living Knights of Bahá’u’lláh will be invited to witness this occurrence.

The other event will be the Bahá’ World Congress to celebrate the centennial of the inauguration of the Covenant bequeathed to posterity by Bahá’u’lláh as the sure means of safeguarding the unity and integrity of His world-embracing Order. It is to be convened in November 1992 in New York, the place designated as the City of the Covenant by Him Who is its appointed Center and Who anticipated that “New York will become a blessed spot from which the call to steadfastness in the Covenant and Testament of God will go forth to every part of the world.”

Related events at the local and national levels will combine with these two primary occasions to give vent to the innermost sentiments of the Bahá’ís and to impress on the public the profound fact of the appearance in the world of the Lord of the Covenant and the aims and achievements of His sublime mission. Indeed, plans are in progress to mount an intensive campaign to emblazon His Name across the globe.

Our dear and valued co-workers: It is at such a time of profound anticipation for us that world society finds itself in a critical phase of its transition to the character envisioned for it by the Lord of the Age. The winds of God rage on, upsetting old systems, adding impetus to the deep yearning for a new order in human affairs, and opening the way for the hoisting of the banner of Bahá’u’lláh in lands from which it has hitherto been barred. The rapidity of the changes being wrought stirs up the expectations which inspire our dreams in the closing decade of the twentieth century. The situation is equally a bright portent and a weighty challenge.

It is portentous of the profound change in the structure of present-day society which attainment to the Lesser Peace implies. Hopeful as are the signs, we cannot forget that the dark passage of the Age of Transition has not been fully traversed; it is as yet long, slippery and tortuous. For godlessness is rife, materialism rampant. Nationalism and racism still work their treachery in men’s hearts, and humanity remains blind to the spiritual foundations of the solutions to its economic woes. For the Bahá’í community the situation is a particular challenge, because time is running out and we have serious commitments to keep. The most immediate of these are: one, to teach the Cause of God and build its divinely ordained institutions throughout the world with wisdom, courage and urgency; and two, to complete on Mount Carmel the construction of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb and the remaining buildings on the Arc of the World Administrative Center of the Faith.

The one calls for resolute, sustained and confident action on the part of the individual believer. The other requires a liberal outpouring of funds. Both are intimately related.

Over the last two years, almost one million souls entered the Cause. The increasing instances of entry by troops in different places contributed to that growth, drawing attention to Shoghi Effendi’s vision which shapes our perception of glorious future possibilities in the teaching field. For he has asserted that the process of “entry by troops of divers nations and races into the Bahá’í world... will be the prelude to that long-awaited hour when a mass conversion on the part of these same nations and races, and as a direct result of a chain of events, momentous and possibly catastrophic in nature, and which cannot as yet be even dimly visualized, will suddenly revolutionize the fortunes of the Faith, derange the equilibrium of the world, and reinforce a thousandfold the numerical strength as well as the material power and the spiritual authority of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.” We have every encouragement to believe that large-scale enrollments will expand, involving village after village, town after town, from one country to another. However, it is not for us to wait passively for the ultimate fulfillment of Shoghi Effendi’s vision. We few, placing our whole trust in the providence of God and regarding as a divine privilege the challenges which face us, must proceed to victory with the plans in hand.

The friends everywhere must now orient themselves to the significance of these twin anniversaries. They must be spiritually prepared through prayer and study of the Teachings to obtain a deeper appreciation of the station and purpose of Bahá’u’lláh and of the basic meaning of His mighty Covenant. Such preparation is at the very core of their striving to effect a transformation in their individual and collective lives. Let all the friends—every man, woman and youth—demonstrate through the high quality of their inner life and private character, the unified spirit of their association one with another, the rectitude of their conduct in relation to all, and the excellence of their achievements, that they belong to a truly enlightened and exemplary community; that their Best Beloved, whose Ascension they will commemorate, had not suffered His life on earth in vain. Let these requisites be the standard of their efforts to teach His Cause, the hallmark of their homage to the King of Kings.

An expansion of thought and action in certain aspects of our work would enhance our possibilities for success in meeting our aforementioned commitments. Since change, ever more rapid change, is a constant characteristic of life at this time, and since our growth, size and external relations demand much of us, our community must be ready to adapt. In a sense this means that the community must become more adept at accommodating a wide range of actions without losing concentration on the primary objectives of teaching, namely, expansion and consolidation. A unity in diversity of actions is called for, a condition in which different individuals will concentrate on different activities, appreciating the salutary effect of the aggregate on the growth and development of the Faith, because each person cannot do everything and all persons cannot do the same thing. This understanding is important to the maturity which, by the many demands being made upon it, the community is being forced to attain.

The Order brought by Bahá’u’lláh is intended to guide the progress and resolve the problems of society. Our numbers are as yet too small to effect an adequate demonstration of the potentialities inherent in the administrative system we are building, and the efficacy of this system will not be fully appreciated without a vast expansion of our membership. With the prevailing situation in the world the necessity to effect such a demonstration becomes more compelling. It is all too obvious that even those who rail against the defects of the old order, and would even tear it down, are themselves bereft of any viable alternative to put in its place. Since the Administrative Order is designed to be a pattern for future society, the visibility of such a pattern will be a signal of hope to those who despair.

Thus far, we have achieved a marvelous diversity in the large numbers of ethnic groups represented in the Faith, and everything should be done to fortify it through larger enrollments from among groups already represented and the attraction of members from groups not yet reached. However, there is another category of diversity which must be built up and without which the Cause will not be able adequately to meet the challenges being thrust upon it. Its membership, regardless of ethnic variety, needs now to embrace increasing numbers of people of capacity, including persons of accomplishment and prominence in the various fields of human endeavor. Enrolling significant numbers of such persons is an indispensable aspect of teaching the masses, an aspect which cannot any longer be neglected and which must be consciously and deliberately incorporated into our teaching work, so as to broaden its base and accelerate the process of entry by troops. So important and timely is the need for action on this matter that we are impelled to call upon Continental Counselors and National Spiritual Assemblies to devote serious attention to it in their consultations and plans.

The affairs of mankind have reached a stage at which increasing calls will be made upon our community to assist, through advice and practical measures, in solving critical social problems. It is a service that we will gladly render, but this means that our local and National Spiritual Assemblies must adhere more scrupulously to principle. With increasing public attention being focused on the Cause of God, it becomes imperative for Bahá’í institutions to improve their performance, through a closer identification with the fundamental verities of the Faith, through greater conformity to the spirit and form of Bahá’í administration, and through a keener reliance on the beneficial effects of proper consultation, so that the communities they guide will reflect a pattern of life that will offer hope to the disillusioned members of society.

That there are indications that the Lesser Peace cannot be too far distant, that the local and national institutions of the Administrative Order are growing steadily in experience and influence, that the plans for the construction of the remaining administrative edifices on the Arc are in an advanced stage—that these hopeful conditions make more discernible the shaping of the dynamic synchronization envisaged by Shoghi Effendi, no honest observer can deny.

As a community clearly in the vanguard of the constructive forces at work on the planet, and as one which has access to proven knowledge, let us be about our Father’s business. He will, from His glorious retreats on high, release liberal effusions of His grace upon our humble efforts, astonishing us with the incalculable victories of His conquering power. It is for the unceasing blessings of such a Father that we shall continue to supplicate on behalf of each and every one of you at the Sacred Threshold.

The Universal House of Justice Rigyán 1990 [Page 4]

Annual report of the National Spiritual Assembly

Forty-nine years ago, Shoghi Effendi described the intensifying forces of destruction and transformation "sweeping the face of the earth" as "a tempest unprecedented in its violence, unpredictable in its course, catastrophic in its immediate effects, unimaginably glorious in its ultimate consequences."

Humanity, he wrote is "agonized and helpless" as it watches "this great and mighty wind of God invading the remotest and fairest regions of the earth, rocking its foundations, deranging its equilibrium, sundering its nations, disrupting the homes of its peoples, wasting its cities, driving into exile its kings, pulling down its bulwarks, uprooting its institutions, dimming its light, and harrowing up the souls of its inhabitants."

Today's headlines testify to the universal upheaval foretold by the Guardian. The driving power of God's Major Plan "is gaining in range and momentum." These "rapid and unforeseen developments," the Universal House of Justice tells us, "necessitate corresponding parallel acceleration in life-giving enterprises being pursued by inheritors Bahá’u’lláh’s resplendent Revelation." This acceleration is the focus of the two remaining years of the Six Year Plan.

Entry by Troops

During 146 B.E. the American Bahá’í community was more enterprising than in years past in virtually every arena of activity, but it experienced almost no change in the numbers of new believers. This familiar and frustrating pattern bears some examination.

American Bahá’ís are increasingly reaching out to the public in their proclamation and teaching activities. The scale, quality and variety of such efforts are continually increasing. In government relations and in work with local, national and international hu- principles of the Faith and to learn, in a new way, to speak forthrightly about Bahá’u’lláh—the Lord of the Age, the Divine Physician Whose prayers and teachings can bring healing and spiritual solutions.

Furthermore, the challenge is to distinguish ourselves by the degree of our own spiritual transformation. This we can do by fulfilling the conditions of becoming an apostle of Bahá’u’lláh set by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Tablets of the Divine Plan: firmness in the Covenant; fellowship and love amongst the believers; and, arising to teach, reflecting the example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, free from every attachment, our intentions pure, our hearts independent, our spirits attracted, our thoughts at peace, our resolution firm, our magnanimity exalted, and our souls shining torches of the love of God.

Finally, we must regard the great privilege of teaching the Cause as a matter of supreme urgency and vital necessity. Time is slipping away. The condition of humanity is steadily declining. However, the Universal House of Justice assures us in The Promise of World Peace that "far from signalizing the end of civilization, the convulsive changes towards which humanity is being ever more rapidly impelled will serve to release the 'potentialities inherent in the station of man' and reveal 'the full measure of his destiny on earth, the innate excellence of his reality.'" Through the power of the Faith, we can remedy every illness. Action is required. A reordering of our lives and priorities is essential.

Spiritual Assembly Development

Fostering the maturation of Spiritual institutes, the widespread interest and participation in Bahá’í youth academies, and the continuing development of the more than 400 local Bahá’í schools. We are especially pleased with the progress of educational activities among the growing numbers of Southeast Asian Bahá’ís and the efforts to translate the sacred writings into American Indian languages. Finally, the development of a core curriculum for the education of Bahá’í children represents the fulfillment of a long-cherished goal; it will be a significant aid to the growing legions of Bahá’í school teachers.

Fund

In its letter of August 31, 1987, announcing the plan to complete the remaining buildings of the Arc on Mount Carmel, the Universal House of Justice explained that "the Faith advances, not at a uniform rate of growth, but in vast surges precipitated by the alternation of crisis and victory." The Supreme Body explained further that completion of the Arc would represent the culmination of a vast historical process, release powerfully transforming spiritual energies, and coincide with fundamental changes in the order of human affairs in accordance with the Major Plan of God.

To complete the task, hundreds of millions of dollars will be needed over the next decade. To date our response has been a modest increase in the national budget. Although the friends have been generous and supportive, we are troubled by the relatively small steps we have taken thus far to meet the challenge, especially in light of the magnitude of the task and its spiritual significance to the well-being of humanity. The question we pose to the community is this: Should not our Fund goal reflect the unprecedented character of the Arc project and of the God-ordained mission of the American Assemblies, the Universal House of Justice advises, "apart from being significant to the objectives of the Six Year Plan, is an absolute necessity if the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh is to demonstrate its capacity to fulfill the Bahá’í community? Instead of raising the goal by 5 or 7 percent, should we not consider a national budget of $25 million, a season of administrative austerity, and a significantly increased contribution in support of the Arc?

Summary

Two years remain in the Six Year Plan. Our hearts tell us that whatever happens during this period will have fundamental effects on the condition of humanity. From the world at large we have learned to expect astonishing and unforeseen developments. This pattern, we believe, will continue, if not intensify. We have also learned that major changes on the world scene create opportunities and present new challenges to the builders of Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order. The dramatic events in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union, for example, have opened windows of opportunity for establishing National Spiritual Assemblies in countries where we were formerly prohibited from traveling and teaching. Who can predict what will happen next?

Our challenge over the next two years is to focus all of our energies and resources on the growth and development of the Faith: the achievement of entry by troops, the dispersal of pioneers, the maturation of Spiritual Assemblies, the education of believers and the increase of our financial capacity to meet the needs of the Faith. Objectives for the coming year include:

• Launching programs of study of the life and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh to enable us to speak forthrightly about the station and personage of the Divine Physician and His remedies for the rapid and unforeseen developments unfolding daily.
• Dispersing traveling teachers and pioneers to meet the goals of the Two Year Plan for Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union and the remaining goals of the Six Year Plan.
• Reinforcing teaching projects and increasing the number of teaching institutes actively engaged in the teaching work.
• Mobilizing the youth in support of the teaching work.
• Focusing the efforts of all national committees and agencies on leading and supporting the teaching work.
• Establishing regional committees for American Indian teaching.
• Expanding the Local Spiritual Assembly Development Program.
• Refining and implementing the core curriculum for the Bahá’í education of children.
• Achieving a new relationship to and a higher level of support for the Fund.
• Refining all communication systems.
• Continuing the preparation of the Bahá’í community for the Holy Year and its commemoration of the Centenary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh and the celebration of the Centenary of the inauguration of His Covenant.
• Continuing the preparations for the World Congress in New York City.

The leadership of the few remaining humanitarian and social organizations hope of all peoples for a just, cohesive Bahá’í community? successes exceed our highest expectations. The 404-0 passage, by roll call vote, of the Congressional Resolution to emancipate the Bahá’í Faith in Iran and the participation of Bahá’ís on the Steering Committee of the Sino-American Women's Conference and as chairman and co-chairman of the Martin Luther King Federal Holiday Commission all indicate the growing public acceptance of the importance of the Faith and an openness to Bahá’í ideas. The rapid spread of teaching institutes, now estimated at 600, and the increasing number of teaching projects resulting in new believers are also gratifying.

Notwithstanding a number of signs of progress, deficiencies in our over-all approach to teaching are blocking the gates of entry by troops.

We excel at proclaiming the social principles of our Faith, but much of the activity we refer to as teaching does not go beyond the level of proclamation which acquaints the public with the Bahá’í teachings in a general way. Moreover, many of the principles we proclaim reflect views already widely held and thus fail to impress on those with whom we interact the spiritual mission of our Faith. Our challenge is to go beyond proclaiming the social and progressive society." The Local Spiritual Assembly Development Program, launched last summer, has, through a series of 12 training conferences, started the maturation process among 400 local Spiritual Assemblies. Indispensable to the successful development and implementation of the program has been the spirit of loving collaboration and involvement of the Continental Counselors and the Auxiliary Board members. The process is to continue with additional conferences and with the ongoing support and training of Spiritual Assemblies by members of the Auxiliary Boards and their assistants, using a series of instructional modules.

We have been deeply gratified by the sincere commitment and genuine enthusiasm displayed by the friends for the difficult challenge of fostering the maturation of their local institutions.

Education

Educational activities were among the highlights of the year. We note with pleasure the large numbers of Bahá’í communities, study groups and individual believers who undertook the study of Bahá’u’lláh’s Kitáb-i-fqdn, the increased attendance at the permanent and temporary Bahá’í schools and Hands of the Cause of God, especially Board of Counselors and its Auxiliary our beloved William Sears, the indispensable support of the Continental Boards and their assistants, and the ripening spirit of faith and enterprise among the rank and file of the believers bolster our confidence that the American Bahá’í community will fulfill its God-ordained mission. We conclude, as we began, with the words of Shoghi Effendi:

"There is no time to lose. There is no room for vacillation. Multitudes hunger for the Bread of Life. The stage is set. The firm and irrevocable Promise is given. God's own Plan has been set in motion. It is gathering momentum with every passing day. The powers of heaven and earth mysteriously assist in its execution. Such an opportunity is irreplaceable. Let the doubter arise and himself verify the truth of such assertions. To try, to persevere, is to insure ultimate and complete victory."

External Affairs

Through its office in Washington, D.C., the National Spiritual Assembly continued this year to develop relations with government and non-government officials and to expand the education of the Bahá’í community in the arena of external affairs.

Last year the National Spiritual Assembly had modified its strategy in the [Page 5]

Annual report of the National Assembly

defense of the beleaguered Iranian Bahá’í community. Efforts now focus on the long-range goal of the emancipation of that community. In March 1990, 10 Bahá’ís remained in Iranian prisons and no Bahá’í had been executed since the fall of 1987. However, the community is still deprived of basic rights guaranteed by international law. In February 1990 the House of Representatives passed a fourth resolution concerning Iranian persecution of the Bahá’ís, House Concurrent Resolution 87. More than 140 representatives were co-sponsors and 17 congressmen either read or submitted statements about the Bahá’ís in Iran at the time of the 404-0 vote on the resolution. A similar resolution with 56 co-sponsors is pending in the Senate. On March 1, the National Spiritual Assembly held a press briefing at which Sen. Heinz and Reps. Porter and Gilman presented statements on the resolution. During the briefing, the National Assembly's secretary for External Affairs reported that the UN Human Rights Commission was debating, at that moment, the findings of the first on-site report by the United Nations Rapporteur on Iran which confirmed every complaint the Bahá’ís had made with the United Nations. The following week, the UN Commission passed a resolution condemning human rights violations in Iran. The resolution also referred to the persecution of the Bahá’ís.

Efforts to pass the congressional and UN resolutions were supported by the regular visits and by the provision of timely and accurate information on the Bahá’í situation in Iran to officials at the State Department, in Congress, and in the communications media. The National Assembly continued to benefit from the advice and tireless endeavors of its public relations professional.

A change occurred during the year indicating a new level of collaboration between the National Spiritual Assembly and other national organizations. Bahá’ís were asked to serve in positions that contributed to the planning and execution of national events and also were asked to provide and include Bahá’í perspectives on the issues around which the conferences or occasions had been constituted.

An achievement described by the Universal House of Justice as one of "immense importance to the accelerating progress of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh" was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the National Spiritual Assembly and the University of Maryland establishing "The Bahá’í Chair for World Peace" at that university's Center for International Development and Conflict Management. On January 26, the National Assembly and the Center hosted a luncheon for more than 100 guests at which Dr. William Gibson, chairman of the National Board of Directors of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, was the keynote speaker. The purpose of the Chair is "to conduct and publish research, design courses and conduct seminars in the field of Bahá’í studies and world peace within an interdisciplinary context; to initiate public forums for discussing the issues proposed in the statement of the Universal House of Justice entitled The Promise of World Peace; and to establish academic linkages with and provide technical assistance to Bahá’í institutions in the fields of peace education and international development."

The National Spiritual Assembly participated in or was represented at several conferences and major events during the year. A member of the National Spiritual Assembly was on the Steering Committee of the first Sino-American Conference on Women's Issues to be held in June 1990 in Beijing, China. She, and a member of the staff of the Office of External Affairs, traveled to China in October with the Steering Committee to meet with the Chinese conference planners and participants. Several Bahá’ís have been selected by the conference organizers to present papers on topics in the fields of health, education, family and child care, and employment.

In November the National Assembly took part in the United Nations Association National Conference on the United States and the United Nations held in Washington, D.C. A Bahá’í was on the conference planning committee; the National Assembly had a booth designed and manned by a nearby local Spiritual Assembly; a Bahá’í moderated a panel on youth participation; and the National Assembly's Representative to the UN, in her capacity as chairman of the UNA-USA Committee, delivered the invocation during the conference banquet. She read the "Prayer for America" and mentioned the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and His prophecies about the destiny of America. More than 1,200 prominent representatives of the UN and of non-governmental organizations attended the banquet.

Several events during the year provided opportunities for the Bahá’ís to assist and to participate in activities at the Martin Luther King Center in Atlanta. The National Spiritual Assembly's representative to the King Center was co-chairman of the King Federal Holiday Commission's Religious Involvement Committee. In that role she was the master of ceremonies at the first annual International Ecumenical Breakfast in Washington, D.C., held on the anniversary of the Rev. King's birth. At the breakfast the National Assembly's secretary read a prayer and spoke of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's speech before the NAACP in 1912. In other activities to commemorate the holiday, more than 2,000 Bahá’ís marched in the King Day parade in Atlanta. Representatives of the Bahá’í International Community and the National Assembly attended a reception at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in honor of Mrs. Coretta Scott King. Bahá’ís were also instrumental in helping the King Center to invite and host many American Indians for the festivities during King Week in Atlanta. Earlier in the year Bahá’ís had volunteered at the King Center during the July Youth Workshop on Nonviolence and in August at the Youth Assembly. On October 3, the National Assembly's representative was a speaker at a dinner commemorating the birth of Mahatma Gandhi sponsored by the King Center.

The National Spiritual Assembly continued to collaborate with an ad-hoc group of non-governmental organizations to assist in Senate ratification of U.S. human rights treaties. The group, which includes the American Bar Association, Amnesty International, B'nai B'rith International, and the American Jewish Congress, met with Senators and their staffs on January 30 to prepare for hearings that were held on the UN Convention Against Torture. In the spring of 1990, national efforts were launched to ratify two other international human rights treaties. B'nai B'rith Women was coordinating the activities for the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. Interaction, an association of private volunteer organizations, coordinated the efforts to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The National Assembly's staff from the Office of External Affairs was actively engaged in the planning and implementation of strategies for ratification of the three Conventions. Bahá’ís around the U.S. responded to requests from the National Assembly to write or call their senators urging action on the Conventions.

The Bahá’ís had representation at several conferences including the Global Tomorrow Coalition Globescope Pacific Assembly on the Environment, a conference for national religious leaders on AIDS, a UN conference on the environment and development, the American Association of University Women's biennial meeting, the World Future Society conference, the Alliance for Our Common Future meetings, the North American Interfaith Network meetings, and the Institute for the Study of Genocide conference. The talk about the persecution of the Iranian Bahá’ís from that Institute's conference will be published in November 1990 by Yale University Press in a volume entitled "Genocide Watch." The Harvard University Law School's Human Rights Speaker Series asked the deputy director of the Office asked the deputy director of the Office of External Affairs to present a lecture of External Affairs to present a lecture in February called, "Can World Opinion Affect Human Rights Violations? The Case of the Iranian Bahá’ís."

The National Spiritual Assembly's Representative to the United Nations increased her involvement with the work of non-governmental organizations affiliated with the UN. The Representative is currently chairman of the Executive Committee of the Conference of Representatives of the United Nations Association of the United States (UNA-USA). The committee met with a U.S. Ambassador, deputy representative on the Security Council, to discuss U.S. policies at the UN. The committee asked that non-governmental organizations be included in consultation on issues related to their activities and expertise, and also requested a more prominent role for women in policy-making positions. The Representative was a member of the By-Laws and Resolutions Committee of the UNA-USA which has been asked to conduct the first comprehensive review of the by-laws in 25 years. She was also an ex-officio member of that organization's Board of Directors.

She represented the Bahá’ís as an ex-officio member of the Executive Committee of Non-Governmental Organizations associated with the UN Department of Public Information whose duties include planning the annual NGO-DPI conference on special issues.

As a member of the North American Environmental Sabbath Committee, the Representative ensured that a Bahá’í symbol was displayed on the masthead of the Sabbath Committee's newsletter and that Bahá’í quotations were included in the 10,000 kits distributed throughout the world for the event.

Almost 900 public information representatives and more than 100 communications media and their Bahá’í committees provided their local communities with updated materials from the Office of Public Information and news releases from the National Spiritual Assembly.

To improve communication with the Bahá’í Public Information Network (BPIN) and to educate the Bahá’ís about contact with the media, the Office of Public Information started a newswire on the Bahá’í electronic bulletin board, began publication of a newsletter for the BPIN, and held meetings with Bahá’ís in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver and San Jose.

Publicity on the Bahá’í Faith in newspapers and on radio and television increased slightly over last year as efforts expanded to define the Faith for the public. Approximately 3,700 newspaper articles and letters to the editor mentioned the Faith. The majority of articles described Bahá’í principles and teachings and activities of local communities. An editorial in The New York Times and a column in The Christian Science Monitor deplored the persecution of the Iranian Bahá’ís. More than 20 national magazines contained references to the Faith. The office collaborated with Cable News Network (CNN) on program development. In addition, the office maintained relations with the Religious Public Relations Council, collaborated with the Bahá’í International Community's Office of Public Information at the International Religious Communications Congress, and coordinated visits to the House of Worship in Wilmette by the wife of the President of Guyana and the Consul-General of India.

University of Maryland Bahá’í Club observes Black History Month

On February 25, the Bahá’í Club at the University of Maryland commemorated Black History Month with a two-hour program attended by about 70 people.

The celebration, which was covered by the university's student newspaper, the Diamondback, included the recitation of works by the late Robert Hayden, a Bahá’í who was a well-known poet, a performance by the Metropolitan Washington Bahá’í Chorale, and a talk on race unity by Tony Joy.

The 21-member Bahá’í Club planned and carried out the program, inviting the public with flyers posted on campus as well as hand-delivered invitations. [Page 6]

Annual report of the Office of the Treasurer

Contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund for the fiscal year ending April 30 were projected at $7.6 million, 10 percent less than last year's $8.4 million total. The monthly average number of individual contributors was 6,996, down 9 percent, while 796 local Assemblies and 215 groups contributed, changed by +5 percent and -1 percent, respectively, from last year.

$3750 $3250 $2750 $2250 $1750- $1250 $750 1བ 20 40 39 3Q 4Q 1Q 20 89 90 39 4Q Growth in Earmarked Contributions for 1989 and 1990 National Arc Fund Int'l Continental

Part of the drop in individual direct contributions to the National Fund may have been due to an increase in earmarked contributions. Over-all, contributions for the year to the International, Arc and Continental Funds were up 16 percent, an increase of $435,000 from the previous year's total of $2.7 million. Total funds contributed by the community, including amounts directed to both National and International Funds, were approximately $10.3 million, down 6 percent from the $11.1 million donated during fiscal 1989.

A significant victory this year was registered when the number of subscribers to the Automatic Contribution System (ACS) surpassed all set goals. The community's support for this program boosted total ACS contributions to about $2.3 million on an annualized basis, or nearly 30 percent of this year's total. This important achievement provides a strong foundation for future growth.

Estate bequests of more than $240,000 were received this year. We are encouraged by the growth toward the year's end in the number of inquiries about giving programs based on insurance products and insurance policies that have been received at the Office. Like the Automatic Contribution System, this development augurs well for the Fund's long-term financial stability.

It is noteworthy that over the last five years, the number of those who give directly to the National Fund, whether individually or institutionally, has remained quite stable. One of the implications of that fact is that the community as a whole owes a debt of gratitude to that core of staunch friends who fund the Faith's progress in the U.S. and worldwide, since all but 20 of the world's national bodies depend in some measure on this community's support. To this valiant band must be added also those who support the Funds of the Faith through their local Assemblies, whose numbers we can as yet only estimate. Those believers whose firmness in the Covenant is demonstrated by their deeds are to be warmly commended and cherished.

The Treasurer has coordinated a variety of efforts and initiatives this year, some of which are:

• Cash concentration system: Centralizing management of all cash resources, including those of the outlying offices and agencies, reduced borrowing needs and increased working capital and interest income. Indeed, as a result of the procedures initiated, nearly $1 million was made available to meet the Fund's objectives on a timely basis, despite the growing deficit.
• ACS in-house processing: Saved more than $25,000 yearly on processing fees together with $4,000 in banking charges; more important, processing delays and errors were reduced significantly.
• Special visits: Initiated a program of visits to the Bahá’í National Center by persons from various parts of the country to consult on the Faith's future financial needs.
• Receipt mailer: Redesigned a receipt mailer in response to observations by the friends and the introduction of new processing procedures.
• Collaboration with the World Center and Huqúqu’lláh Trust: Provided ongoing support for banking, legal and investment needs for the International Fund and the Huqúqu’lláh; recommended measures to improve funds management and control, and assumed a more active role in managing banking relationships for the World Center in the U.S.

Treasurer's Advisory Committees: We acknowledge with appreciation the work of the Treasurer's Advisory Committees. The several recommendations received from the Advisory Committee have been effectively implemented. The Fund Development/Estate Planning Committee did an admirable job in organizing 20 Fund Development Conferences around the country, in producing drafts of new planned giving instruction aids, and in creating a pilot giving program called the "Family Fund Boxes."

The great variety of efforts that were supported by contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund during the year are detailed in the "Annual Report of the Agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly."

Agenda for the coming year

The Arc—our first priority. As announced by the Universal House of Justice in its message of January 23, 1990, the Arc projects urgently need $24 million in order to complete the initial $50 million reserve called for at the inception of this great work. Moreover, the National Spiritual Assembly has made the commitment, on behalf of the American Bahá’í community, to provide $15-$20 million to the Bahá’í International Fund annually for the next 10 years. The station of this community requires that we dare greatly; such goals befit our generation of spiritual descendants of the Dawn-breakers and must be our first priority.

Already the friends across the country are acting to meet the growing needs of the Faith. Fund-raising activities have increased in scope, number and variety. Local Assemblies and Groups have begun earnest consultations on ways and means of reordering their own budgets so as to maximize their contributions to the International Fund. Most important, individual believers from all strata of our Bahá’í population are rededicating themselves to sacrificial support of the Funds of the Faith.

For its part, the National Spiritual Assembly is pursuing ongoing consultations with the Universal House of Justice, the Continental Board of Counselors and its Auxiliary Boards, and individual believers from across the country to ensure that the national administration conforms to a high standard of prudence and economy in the management of the Faith's finances. One issue that will be faced in the coming year will be an assessment of the role of the national offices. By identifying the functions that can and should be done at the local level rather than at the national level, costs can be contained and the national community's support for the World Center increased.

National properties. The responsibility facing this richly blessed community extends also to the historic properties we hold as sacred trusts for future generations of Bahá’u’lláh's followers. The second and most complex phase of the House of Worship restoration will begin this year. This program, lasting three years, will cost about $1.2 million a year, and will see the complete replacement of the decorative concrete ring that surrounds the base of the dome. These repairs were postponed owing to the many demands on the National Bahá’í Fund over the years, but the relentless attack of wind and weather on this precious structure has severely damaged it to the point that, if not repaired, its beauty and usefulness will be threatened.

The Sarah Farmer Inn, which is the heart of the Green Acre School and is closely associated with the beloved Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, must be restored at a cost of about $1.1 million. Work has already begun, made possible by donations of approximately $300,000 and a loan of $400,000 from the Louis G. Gregory/WLGI trust monies. The first phase will include repairs necessary to meet essential safety requirements, permitting limited use of the facility for classes and other gatherings. As funding becomes available, the remaining phases will be executed: these will restore the inn to its condition at the time of the Master's visit in 1912, and position it to offer distinctive service to the public at the more profitable rates usually charged by the society at large.

Other properties tasks include the reconstruction of the Wilhelm Cabin in New Jersey, a site mentioned by Shoghi Effendi as a sacred trust of our National Spiritual Assembly. The building has been condemned by local authorities. If the requisite $250,000 is not spent to restore the building to compliance with the city building code, we shall be ordered to demolish it and local zoning ordinances will not permit rebuilding.

Finally, the National Center building requires roof repairs and repaving of the parking area, necessary but largely invisible repairs, the total expense for which is presently estimated at $725,000.

There are no easy solutions. Creating endowments that will cover the cost of routine maintenance is a long-term goal.

Finding new patterns of giving

A Bahá’í community in the Midwest recently wrote to the Office of the Treasurer, reporting that "(our community) has only 13 adult members. Nevertheless, from April 30, 1988, to March 4, 1990, we contributed $11,777 to the Bahá’í International Fund and $5,794 to the National Bahá’í Fund, a total of $17,571."

Another community writes that they are reminding the local friends of the many virtues of giving in honor of, or in memory of others: "One size fits all. .. No one can use five toasters, but this gift can be given time and again!"

Finally, another idea comes from the Southeast: in preparing receipts for tax purposes for the local friends, the treasurer also made a graph showing the frequency of giving by the community (no names or amounts, of course) and stressed the need for sustained support for the local Fund.

The community was surprised to learn that out of 51 contributors, only three had given every Bahá’í month and that, on average, each giver contributed just six of the 19 months in the year.

The community rallied. Total contributions rose from an average of $580/month to $1,264, and participation from 24 to 48 Bahá’ís per month.

What other new patterns are waiting to be discovered as we work to answer the call of the Covenant? [Page 7]

Annual report of the Office of the Treasurer

resolution to such matters. As a first step, the National Assembly has stipulated that all bequests will be used for property repairs and for the creation of a set-aside fund. A minimum of $45,000 each month is to be allocated to the set-aside fund until it reaches $6 million. However, in the short term, the immediate needs can only be met through the devotion of the friends.

National Bahá’í Fund Combined Revenues

Gen Contributions	$7,558,000
Contrib for Property	$42,000
Earned Revenues	$2,569,000
Estate Bequests	$247,000

The national budget. Over the last five years, the average total cost per year of meeting the Faith’s needs has been $12.5 million. This figure includes operating expenses, debt retirement, properties and capital improvement costs, and the community’s pledge to the Bahá’í International Fund. In the fiscal year just ended, the total cost of these items was $15.1 million, or 11 percent lower than the goal for the coming year. After the effect of inflation (estimated at 6-7 percent for 1990), it becomes clear that a projected $17 million domestic budget would represent little real change from last year’s level. It should be noted that a $17 million budget contemplates no change in the community’s pledge to the Bahá’í International Fund.

During the last several years, the budgets publicized in the various national media may have appeared to be a good deal smaller than the $17 million indicated above. This is mainly for two reasons. First, the discussion has most often focused on either properties costs or operating expenses, but has seldom combined the two. Second, the community’s attention has been drawn most consistently to the contribution goal, since this is the part of the overall budget that is under the friends’ direct control. But the actual cost of doing the business of the Faith in this country has been consistently higher.

Contributions have averaged $7.9 million during the same five-year period, compared to expenses of $12.5 million a year. How has the gap between these two numbers been covered? One way has been through the estate bequests and the revenues of the Publishing Trust, the Bahá’í Home, and schools and institutes. Included in these revenues are tuition, fees and book sales. This figure has not been mentioned very much in the past, but at an estimated level of $2.5 million next year, it is an important aspect of the community’s financial support that should be monitored regularly.

A second source of funding for the contribution/cost gap is credit. This credit, in turn, comes in several forms. The first is, in a sense, an informal loan from the Universal House of Justice. When the National Assembly finds itself without the cash to fulfill the pledge to the International Fund and is obliged to postpone payment, it can be said that it is being financed by the Supreme Institution. Fortunately, the “loan” is eventually paid each year. Delays in these payments, however, can affect the efforts of the House of Justice, disturb the even flow of projects around the world, and hold back the progress of the Cause.

The Bahá’ís themselves also provide important levels of credit to the National Fund. By April 1990, loans from the friends are forecast at $1,809,000. These low-cost funds are very stable; in fact, one out of every four such loans is eventually forgiven by the lender.

Commercial banks are the other main source of credit. The National Bahá’í Fund experiences temporary cash shortages during the year, and at such times borrows under short-term credit facilities. The National Assembly also has considered the counsel of its outside advisers concerning the need for long-term credit that would support the many crucial projects now under way.

Ten Year Strategic Plan for Properties Repairs

(Millions) Annual Volume of Repairs Fiscal Year: 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98. Legend: ACTUAL, PROJECTED. 10 YEAR PLAN. 10 Year Strategic Plan Started in FY 1989.

In March, the National Spiritual Assembly initiated a borrowing program totaling $6.75 million to cover partially the expense of the following objectives:

• Payment of the balance due to the Universal House of Justice under the community’s $2 million pledge.
• Property repairs, which are estimated at $5 million over the next three years. This work includes restoration of the Temple, the Wilhelm cabin restoration, numerous buildings at Green Acre, as well as other properties.
• Acquisition and installation of the new computer: at a total cost of about $300,000, the solution to this perennial problem will facilitate far-reaching changes in the national administrative structure.
• Reorganization of National Assembly operations: while still in its earliest stages, the reorganization process will be earnestly pursued with a view toward laying a foundation that will accommodate rapid growth without a corresponding increase in the size of the national administration.

It is clear that bank loans are the highest cost financing alternative. The efforts of all the offices and agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly this year will be bent upon fostering growth in contributions, loans from Bahá’ís and other methods of replacing these loans at the earliest possible moment. The urgent need to implement these programs, and the likely delay while the community comes to grips with its multi-faceted challenge, make such a borrowing program indispensable and unavoidable at present.

The shape of things to come

The programs outlined in this report represent an extraordinary departure from the methods and customs of the past. The Universal House of Justice tells us that the Faith progresses through a constant interplay of crisis and victory. In a very real sense, the call to build the Arc has created an opportunity for a major victory. In answering this call, we will experience a deeper level of unity than ever before. Can we not achieve a new relationship to a higher level of support for the Fund, enabling us to attain a goal more reflective of the demands being made upon our spiritual and material resources in pursuit of “opportunities for marked expansion of the Cause”?

A steady outpouring of material means will enable ‎to the‎ American Bahá’í community to discharge its trust in a manner befitting its unique role in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.

At this early stage, we can see that some of the steps we must take to meet the financial needs of the Cause are: 1. Teach. A “steady flow of new recruits” is the best way to expand the spiritual and material resources of the community. 2. Consult. Consultation and collaboration between and among the National Spiritual Assembly, the Counsellors and their agencies, the local Spiritual Assemblies and the body of believers will nurture the growth of the creative energies that lie within the community, producing solutions to problems that today might appear as insoluble. 3. Spiritual growth. A broadly based increase in the number of active supporters of all the Funds of the Faith is essential.

The following words of the beloved Guardian speak forcefully to us at this portentous hour in our community’s history: “It is therefore imperative for the individual American believer, and particularly for the affluent, the independent, the comfort-loving and those obsessed by material pursuits, to step forward and dedicate their resources, their time, their very lives to a Cause of such ‎transcendance transcendence‎ that no human eye can even dimly perceive its glory. Let them resolve, instantly and unhesitatingly, to place, each according to his circumstances, his share on the altar of Bahá’í sacrifice, lest, on a sudden, unforeseen calamities rob them of a considerable portion of the earthly things they have amassed.” (Citadel of Faith, p. 131)

National Bahá’í Fund Expenses

Administration	$4,196,000
Property Expenses	$1,795,000
Teaching	$3,677,000
Debt Retirement	$1,427,000
Capitalized Expens.	$1,090,000
International	$2,100,000
Cost of Books Sold	$841,000

Russian-born Bahá’í visits friends in Flagstaff, Arizona

On March 1-3, Maya Plaksina, a Russian-born Bahá’í from Chicago, shared the Faith with people in the Flagstaff, Arizona, area, recalling her early life in Russia, her acceptance of the Faith after coming to the U.S. in 1978, and her visit last year to her homeland to share “The Promise of World Peace.”

Her story was heard on radio and television, an article about her appeared in the local newspaper, and she spoke to classes at Flagstaff Junior High School, presented a fireside for 50-60 people at “Macy’s European Coffee House.”

In Sedona, en route to Phoenix, Mrs. Plaksina recorded a 20-minute radio interview that was broadcast on Sunday, March 4.

HUQÚQU’LLÁH

“It is indeed a most excellent favor, a boundless grace vouchsafed unto whosoever is privileged in this day to render service to the Cause of God, for its goodly results and the fruits thereof will last as long as the kingdom of earth and heaven will endure.”—Bahá’u’lláh

Payments for Huqúqu’lláh should be made to “Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust” and sent to one of the Trustees: Dr. Elsie Austin, P.O. Box 927, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (Tel: 301-589-8481); Dr. Amin Banani, Santa Monica, CA 90402 (Tel: 213-394-5449); Dr. Daryush Haghighi, Rocky River, OH 44116 (Tel: 216-333-1506).

Inquiries about Huqúqu’lláh should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust, Rocky River, OH 44116.

Arise!

[Page 8]

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.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

THE INTERNATIONAL Bahá’í Audio-Visual Centre is seeking a manager for its Video Services Office, to be relocated in Wilmette. This office collects, catalogs and selectively distributes video materials from around the world in various languages, providing support to producers, Bahá’í agencies and communities worldwide. Please send resumé and/or further inquiries to Dr. Kurt Hein, secretary of the Executive Committee, IBAVC, __________________________, Ontario L3T 6L8, Canada, or phone 416-764-2960.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

FAIRFIELD, Iowa, needs at least four adult Bahá’ís to maintain its nine-year-old Assembly status. This community of 10,000 offers a combination of solid Midwestern values and global awareness with employment in basic industries, computer software, video production and many small businesses, plus excellent public library, public and private schools. Variety of wholesome activities for children such as Scouts, 4H, drama-speech competition, karate from a world-class instructor. Undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing education programs in town (Maharishi University) and nearby (community college in Ottumwa, University of Iowa in Iowa City). For more information, write to Jo Beth Wilson, secretary, Spiritual Assembly of Fairfield, P.O. Box 255, Fairfield, IA 52556, or phone 515-472-8328.

HOMEFRONT pioneers: The Chinle Valley (Arizona) School for Exceptional Children needs a pre-school teacher certified in early childhood development with emphasis on the handicapped. Also needed is a special education teacher for trainables. Must be willing to acquire an Arizona teaching certificate. The school is on the Navajo Reservation; lovely country, wonderful people. Living arrangements consist of trailers next to the school. For information or to send a resumé, contact Ginny L. Evans, Chinle, AZ 86503.

YES, we need you! Yes, we want you! Yes, we will love and help you! The Spiritual Assembly of Taylor, Texas, is growing from seeds planted during the Vahdat Project in December 1986, and nurtured by weekly visits from Bahá’ís in Round Rock (25 minutes away). Many residents of Taylor commute to Austin, the state capital, one of the loveliest cities in America with the main campus of the University of Texas and several other colleges, a booming arts center with many jobs in industry and an exciting Bahá’í community. Taylor has several industries, a hospital, good schools and several dozen Bahá’ís. You’ll find housing at reasonable prices, beautiful weather (more than 300 days of sunshine each year), a community in which people from all strata of society have expressed an interest in the Faith. Any age, any background—Taylor needs your pioneering service! For information, please contact the Fosters, Round Rock, TX 78664 (512-255-2109), Moshtaels (512-255-3630) or Benedicts (512-255-7895).

BOZEMAN, Montana—far from the ‎maddening madding‎ crowd. A cultural center in a rural state, home of Montana State University, a land-grant university with engineering, liberal arts and education programs and more. For businessmen and women, an over-educated, under-employed work force from which to choose good quality employees; for families, a good school system, safe neighborhoods, many parks; for fun-lovers, good skiing, hiking, wilderness, easy travel to Yellowstone National Park. Above all, good opportunities in service to Bahá’u’lláh. Help rebuild a lost Assembly. Contact Mr. Llewellyn or Ms. Gail Drong, Bozeman, MT 59715 (phone 406-587-1739).

Employment ‎oppurtunitites opportunities‎

The Department of Human Resources at the Bahá’í National Center is presently accepting applications for the following positions. For more information, applications and position descriptions, please phone Lea Mallow or Geneva Sutton at 708-869-9039, or send your qualifications to the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Administrative Services: media services assistant (Studio); secretary (float in three departments); filing clerk (part-time, records room) Bahá’í Publishing Trust: associate editor; shipping and receiving clerks (2); marketing manager Bosch School: morning cook, full-time (September-June); maintenance assistant Native American Bahá’í Institute: caretaker/host National Teaching Committee Office: youth activities coordinator; secretary to the NTC secretary Office of External Affairs (Washington, D.C.): national liaison to Non-Governmental Organizations Office of Pioneering: administrative assistant

Office of the Secretary: administrative aide/District Convention coordinator Office of the Treasurer: staff accountant; administrative assistant Persian/American Affairs Office: translator (must be fluent in Persian and English) U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office: refugee program assistant

Name ______________________________

Address ____________________________

City/state/zip ________________________

Phone ( ) ______________ ( ) ______________
                ho                           work

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

OPPORTUNITY for a pioneer family in St. Lucia: pioneers to this goal island must leave for a year, but are offering a three-bedroom furnished home at minimal rental while they are away. This is a chance to help this couple while helping to meet goals assigned to the American Bahá’í community by the Universal House of Justice. For information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

Employment opportunities overseas: AFRICA—Ciskei: social and economic development practitioners. Kenya: assistant director of technical and grants assistance program. THE AMERICAS—Guyana: health professionals. Turks and Caicos: general practitioner with ER experience. ASIA—Thailand: Montessori preschool teacher. AUSTRALASIA—Marshall Islands: secondary school English and science teachers. MULTI-REGIONAL—disaster training specialist, product manager for animal health agency. In UGANDA, the following intern positions are available: community organizer, development journalist, assistant project manager, youth group coordinator, low-income housing administrator. Summer work camps offer intercultural experience. Volunteers for Peace (VFP) will coordinate work camps in 33 countries this year including Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Nicaragua, Poland, the USSR and Yugoslavia. Grants, fellowships, scholarships and the like are enabling a growing number of professionals to work overseas. The current list of grants from the Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES), for example, includes professional awards in such areas as agriculture, anthropology and archaeology, architecture and urban planning, business administration, communications and journalism, economics, law, music, psychology, public administration, sociology and social work, and theatre and dance. Professionals may also apply for hundreds of research grants all over the world. For information about any of these positions or grants, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

URGENT need for pioneers in the Bahamas. San Salvador, formerly Watling Island, is the only island in the Bahamas mentioned by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Tablets of the Divine Plan. In 1992, the world will focus on this island when it celebrates the 500th anniversary of the landing there of Christopher Columbus. San Salvador is a rural community (pop. about 500) situated one hour’s flight from Nassau. There is an urgent need for a dedicated pioneer or couple for the small Bahá’í community there. Musical ability and willingness to develop a small social-economic development project would be an asset. For information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

YOUTH

YOUTH of the United States: here’s a task for you—the BAHÁ’Í YOUTH SERVICE CORPS! Have you ever thought of serving at a Bahá’í orphanage in the Amazon jungle? Or at a Bahá’í radio station at an elevation of 14,000 feet in Bolivia? Or of being part of large-scale growth in Guyana? Have you wondered how to initiate steps that would lead you in these directions? If so, contact the National Teaching Committee office at the Bahá’í National Center and learn how YOU can become a Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteer.

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Teresa Falcon, Justine Fazlollah (died Tucson, AZ, 1961), Adolph J. Feher, Betty S. Feldman, Louis Peltz, Nellie Fender, Mary L. Fenn (died San Diego, 1950), Nellie Fenton (died Akron, OH, 1968), Jacklen Ferguson, Murel Ferguson, Edward L. Fernald and Ida A. Pinch (died Seattle, WA, 1943). Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives has available several free information sheets on local archives and records. Any local Spiritual Assembly wanting a copy should write to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

WANTED

DO YOU really want to teach every day, to talk with seekers, to answer telephone inquiries, to keep a Bahá’í library open? If so, think about being the resident manager of the Bahá’í Center in Washington, D.C., which serves the entire metropolitan area. The main qualifications are a mature understanding of the Faith, a warm and hospitable nature, and time to devote to the informational needs of the population and to running the Center with the help of a maintenance committee. The resident manager has an apartment in the Center, which is in an attractive inter-racial neighborhood on a major bus line. If you are an individual or retired couple and are willing to undertake this service, please write to the Washington Bahá’í Center, 5713 16th St. N.W., Washington, DC 20011, or phone 202-291-5532 or 201-338-8462.

CALLING all Bahá’í collectors: I am attempting to compile a complete listing of inserts that have appeared in Bahá’í News and the National Bahá’í Review, as well as the U.S. Supplement. Research has thus far been inconclusive. I would like to hear from others to compare their lists with mine. Please contact Christopher Polzer, 1018 Westchester Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28205.

YOU CAN HELP our pioneer brothers and sisters in their teaching work and in social and economic development. Books, magazines, teaching materials and other equipment are sorely needed all over the world. Please send me a description of the kinds of books or materials you are willing to ship overseas (not the items themselves) and I will match you with a pioneer, school or institute requesting the same. Especially needed now are Bahá’í prayer books, posters, pictures of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pamphlets, easy-to-read books. Write now! Vonnie Lincoln, Lyons, OR 97358.

ATTENTION, former Peterborough (New Hampshire) Bahá’ís: the Spiritual Assembly of Peterborough is planning a meeting June 2 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of its formation. We invite all who have lived in Peterborough to come and/or send a short reminiscence of your time with us. For more information, phone 603-924-6011 or 603-924-6254.

Young Bahá’í’s speech on Dr. King highlights San Jose’s Good Neighbor Awards breakfast

A brief talk by 12-year-old Bahá’í Neda Jam was reported in the San Jose (California) Mercury-News in January as the highlight of the Martin Luther King Jr. Good Neighbor Awards Breakfast in San Jose.

Under the headline "Humanity Is a Family," the News’ article began: "Her head barely visible above the lectern, 12-year-old Neda Jam captivated those celebrating the life of murdered civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. this morning in a way that few politicians ever could."

As a member of the Bahá’í Children’s Speech Club, Neda memorized a talk specifically tailored for the occasion. It consisted mainly of quotations from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Her delivery was flawless, and so impressive that a reporter attending the event interviewed her after the breakfast.

The article credits her talk with having quotations from her Bahá’í religion.

More than 40 Bahá’ís—about 10 percent of the audience—attended the breakfast. Several Bahá’ís served on the planning committee, and opening and closing prayers were read by teenage Bahá’ís.

National Spiritual Assembly seeks resumés

The National Spiritual Assembly would appreciate receiving resumés from Bahá’í professionals working in the fields of child development, children’s education, child advocacy, juvenile rights, and children’s health as a resource for the National Assembly to call upon when professional representation on behalf of the Bahá’í community is required at conferences, for the submission of papers, articles and the like. Please address correspondence to: National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, Office of External Affairs, Washington, DC 20009. [Page 9]

Santa Maria Bahá’ís target nearby Guadalupe, raise Assembly there

In 1987, the Spiritual Assembly of Santa Maria, California, adopted its neighboring community of Guadalupe as an extension goal area in order to help regain its Assembly status which was lost in 1986.

In February, a teaching institute involving members of the Santa Maria community began to direct its efforts toward the residents of Guadalupe. By March, the Bahá’í community of Guadalupe, which had only five adult members a few short months ago, had grown to nine adults, and at Riḍván was able to form an Assembly.

Due to the efforts of the teaching institute, nine residents of Guadalupe and one resident of Santa Maria have declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh. Many of the enrollments were the result of door-to-door teaching undertaken every Sunday in Guadalupe. One was the result of an ongoing youth deepening institute, which was formed by Bahá’í youth to help deepen young new believers.

To help consolidate the new Bahá’ís, bi-monthly meetings for deepening and social interaction are being held in the homes of two married couples who have recently become Bahá’ís.

It is hoped that these meetings will further the teaching process as the new believers invite their friends to hear the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

Washington-area colleges form teaching Institute to help Inspire racial harmony

As a result of a series of recent meetings at the Bahá’í Center in Washington, D.C., on "the most vital and challenging issue," a teaching institute was formed comprised of at least one member from each of six Bahá’í College Clubs in the D.C. area.

Its purpose is to inspire, create and support campus activities that are conducive to the elimination of prejudice and the fostering of racial harmony.

In February, the institute supported three public meetings that had already been planned by Bahá’í clubs at the University of Maryland, American University in Washington, and George Mason University in northern Virginia.

Among those taking part in the meetings were Evander Gilmer, a member of the National Race Unity Committee; the Metro D.C. Bahá’í Chorale; Prof. Leon Jones, a Bahá’í who teaches at Howard University; and performers Donna Denizé and Tony Joy.

Please indicate when Spanish literature needed

If, when filling out declaration cards for Hispanic believers, there is a need for Spanish literature, please indicate on the card "Spanish literature."

The Management Information Systems office at the National Center will send Spanish new believers packets when the declaration card is so marked. Otherwise, the new believer(s) will be sent packets in English.

Northern Virginia Bahá’í School

The Northern Virginia Bahá’í School, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Reston with the cooperation of 19 Bahá’í communities in Northern Virginia, this month completed its second successful year of operation. More than 100 students ages 3-25 are registered for the classes, with deepenings provided for the adults. A number of non-Bahá’ís attend, and there was one declaration this year.

‘Synergy’ means unity at Galveston, Texas, high school

On March 9, an education administration building in Galveston, Texas, was transformed into an arena for fostering greater racial understanding and amity through the efforts of a youth group, "Synergy."

Synergy—named for synergism, "the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of individual elements or contributions"—came about as a result of one Bahá’í youth, Maryum Tirandaz, consulting with three other (non-Bahá’í) high school students.

Members of the group wanted to change the racial and cultural relations in their high school. They felt that if student leaders would openly address those issues and try to go forward in unity, perhaps the student body would follow.

They conducted a survey and identified 46 recognized student leaders, whom they invited to an all-night "lock-in." At the lock-in, all participants would focus on the forces that create divisions between people, especially those that affect their school.

Synergy decided that they wanted a Bahá’í as mediator, and asked Rocky Moncho, a member of the National Youth Committee, to come.

During the lock-in, he spoke about the unity of mankind and helped foster a discussion of prejudice and stereotyping that might prevent understanding and tolerance.

Non-competitive games were played, and "boundary breaking" discussions of intimate personal feelings were held.

At the end of the session, each of those who attended lit a candle and expressed what had been personally gained through the evening.

Most expressed a feeling that the lock-in was a "revolutionary event” in which racial barriers were broken.

On the following evening, Mr. Moncho gave a fireside at which some of the youth were present. A day later, Priscilla Gilman, one of the organizers of Synergy, declared her faith in Bahá’u’lláh, thereby doubling the number of Bahá’í youth in Galveston.

The group plans to have more meetings at the school and would like to expand to include other schools.

The efforts to improve dialogue on the "most vital and challenging issue" certainly demonstrate the validity of their concept and name.

Human Rights Award

On December 11, the Bahá’ís of Greater Gainesville, Florida, presented their 12th annual Human Rights Award to Dr. Winston P. Nagan (right), professor of law at the University of Florida and recently elected chairman of the Board of Amnesty International U.S.A. Dr. Nagan has published many human rights articles on political and economic rights in the Third World, international law, and the case of the Sharpeville Six in South Africa. Presenting the award is Ike Welsh, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Gainesville. Keynote speaker at the observance was Dr. Soheil Bushrui, chairman of Khalil Gibran studies and visiting professor of English at the University of Maryland in College Park.

100 attend Bahá’í forum on role of religion in peace

On February 10, 100 people including 60 who were not Bahá’ís attended a forum on "The Role of Religion in Establishing World Peace" sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Mint Hill, North Carolina.

The event was held at St. Luke's Catholic Church with Father Joseph Mulligan moderating.

Panelists represented the Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist and Bahá’í faiths.

Members of Charlotte's Jewish community later discussed the event and decided it was the kind of activity they wanted to be included in for the future, while the Hindu community asked for a Bahá’í speaker to come to them.

The forum was a part of the "Mint Hill Peace Project," which began in 1986 with the presentation of "The Promise of World Peace" to the mayor and city council.

The first peace panel, in 1989, drew about 50 people including several non-Bahá’ís. [Page 10]

INCREASE YOUR DEEPENING AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE FAITH

Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá SC $3.00

"‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Will and Testament, Shoghi Effendi writes, is "the immortal Document"" from which the Administrative Order of Bahá’u’lláh "derives its authority"; it is "The Document establishing that Order, the Charter of a future world civilization, which may be regarded in some of its features as supplementary to no less weighty a Book than the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. . . ." The Will and Testament delineates the major features of the administrative institutions of the Bahá’í Faith and ensures the protection of the integrity and unity of the Faith.

Back in print, this important document is invaluable for deepening and studying of the Faith by groups or by individuals. Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

FORTHCOMING Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era by J. E. Esslemont PS $4.00

Available again, this reprint of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era is a comprehensive introduction to the Bahá’í Faith, covering its history and teachings. Included are statistics and developments of the Faith and many quotations from the Bahá’í writings. Primary book used for acquainting seekers and new believers with the Bahá’í Faith. Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS

The Bahá’í Newsreel Vol. I, No. 2 -- Spring 1990 VT $15.95 / VHS only

The second in a series of quarterly videos, this edition of The Bahá’í Newsreel highlights teaching and development activities in the United States and around the globe, including:

• Update on the Construction of the Arc
• Bahá’í International Chinese Symposium
• Developments of the Faith in Eastern Europe
• The First Chair of Bahá’í Studies at the University of Maryland
• Congressional Resolution on Emancipation of ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ in Iran
• Teaching and Development in Guyana and Haiti
• May Maxwell Conference, Buenos Aires
• Botswana Music Conference Shows Prominent Emergence of Diversity in Teaching through the Arts

The Bahá’í Newsreel, Vol. I, No. 1 is still available. These videos are excellent for firesides, community events, or personal viewing. Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

A CHAMPION BUILDER BOOK

Zikrullah Khadem: The Itinerant Hand of the Cause of God, With Love by Javidukht Khadem HC $24.95 / SC $14.95

AN INSPIRING BIOGRAPHY of the Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem, this book is a story of love—one man’s love of God, of the Central Figures of the Bahá’í Faith, and of his unfaltering devotion to Shoghi Effendi.

Written by his wife, Javidukht Khadem, this book is a tender portrait of her husband, depicting over sixty years of service to the Bahá’í Faith. Also contained in the biography are five essays written by the Khadem children that capture the spirit of love and guidance given by Mr. Khadem, each one illustrating the emphasis he placed on obedience to the institutions, on Bahá’í family life and unity, and on fasting, prayer, pilgrimage, and teaching.

An appendix includes letters of remembrance from other Hands of the Cause of God, from Counselors, from Bahá’í institutions, and from many friends who were touched by his warmth and inspired by his zeal. Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

ENVIRONMENTAL

The Office of the Environment from the Bahá’í International Community PA 10/$2.00 / 50/$8.50

This pamphlet, prepared for the public, discusses the Bahá’í International Community’s Office of the Environment’s focus on trees as a foundation for conservation activities; lists Bahá’í environmental goals and involvement in conservation projects; and states the distinctive worldview of Bahá’ís toward the environment. Bahá’í Distribution Service

Conservation of the Earth’s Resources A Compilation of Extracts from the Bahá’í Writings on the Relationship between Humankind and the Environment from the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice at the Bahá’í World Center SC $1.95

The Universal House of Justice, in a letter introducing the booklet, states that "this compilation of extracts from the Bahá’í writings has been published to encourage a dynamic response to the invitation" of humanizing and spiritualizing the ‎environment environmental‎ problem.

The new compilation explores fundamental principles such as Nature as a Reflection of the Divine; and the Relationship between Man and Nature; Protection of the Environment; and the Prospect for the Future.

Excellent for presenting to environmental and ecological awareness groups or individuals to share the Bahá’í concept in this area. Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom

From Haitian Roots VT $25.00 - Beta or VHS

A new documentary on social and economic development in Haiti shows how belief in Bahá’u’lláh and the application of Bahá’í principles are transforming daily life in this rural island setting. The fast-moving, 20-minute video portrays the successes of rural schools, health care clinics, and economic development projects with use of consultation and other Bahá’í principles.

This video will be of particular interest to seekers who want to know how the Bahá’í Faith can solve social problems.

Co-produced by the National Spiritual Assemblies of Haiti and the United States. Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

The Eternal Quest for God An Introduction to the Divine Philosophy of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá by Julio Savi SC $15.95

Using passages from the Bahá’í writings, this book will assist the reader to understand, appreciate, and put into action the practical and concrete suggestions that the Bahá’í Faith offers to individuals and societies for achieving a world of justice and peace. George Ronald, Publisher

The Bahá’í Faith by Mary Perkins and Philip Hainsworth SC $4.95

Updated and revised, this compact and generously illustrated introductory book gives a detailed history of the Faith, a description of fundamental principles, and a section on Bahá’í life. Ideal for seekers who desire more than a pamphlet. Ward Lock Educational, UK

Letters from Bonaire by Marion West SC $9.95

Told through her letters home, this book is a warm-hearted, often humorous, spiritual and practical story of a down-to-earth, yet adventurous woman who took up the challenge to live as a lone Bahá’í on the tiny Caribbean island of Bonaire. George Ronald, Publisher

Prickles and Plums by Hazel Mori SC $7.95

These poems drawn from the deepest regions of the author’s mind, soul, and heart form a sensitive and compelling response to the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh. Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the Philippines

BACK IN STOCK

Divine Therapy, SC $9.95 Gleanings, PS $6.50 Teaching the Bahá’í Faith, SC $8.50 Effective Teaching Workbook, SC $2.50 Effective Teaching Instructor’s Guide, SC $2.75 Effective Teaching, CS $3.50 Lights of Guidance, HC $29.95

LIMITED STOCK · CLOSE OUT

This is your last chance to purchase these two tapes by Red Grammer from the Bahá’í Distribution Service. Under new commercial distribution, they can be found in your favorite music outlet.

Teaching Peace CS $9.95

Can You Sound Just Like Me? CS $9.95

CONGRATULATIONS, RED!

Bahá’í Distribution Service / 1-800-999-9019

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Order through your Local Bahá’í Distribution Representative, or send your order with payment to: 1-800-999-9019 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091

Order now through the Bahá’í Distribution Service

[Page 11]

11,000 are enrolled in past three months: In Guyana, 'entry by troops' gathers momentum

Ellen Widmer, a U.S. pioneer to Guyana who serves as an Auxiliary Board member in that country, spoke recently to staff at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette about teaching victories in Guyana's Muhájir Project.

"When I arrived in Guyana, in 1969," she said, "there were 110 Bahá’ís in the entire country. At the end of 1989, there were 22,000. And as a result of the Muhájir Project, 11,000 new believers have been enrolled in the past three months."

This means that, with a total population of 750,000, more than four percent of Guyana's citizens are now Bahá’ís.

About a year and a half ago, said Mrs. Widmer, the Universal House of Justice asked the Counselors in the Americas to suggest a country that was ready for a campaign to initiate entry by troops.

Specifically, it was looking for a country whose government had a good relationship with the Bahá’í community and whose people would benefit greatly from the increased participation of the Bahá’ís in the affairs of the community at large.

Guyana was chosen, and the Muhájir Project came into being, coordinated by the Board of Counselors.

Following a week of orientation, Counselors Eloy Anello and Peter McLaren chose 26 full-time teachers to serve on the project, looking specifically for those to whom unity and obedience were paramount. They also concentrated on creating a balance among projecteers as to sex, age and cultural background, as well as balancing the number of native and non-native teachers.

"One of the most important factors in our success, I believe," said Mrs. Widmer, "was that we took the time to clarify our vision of 'entry by troops.' We talked about our fears and perceived obstacles and what steps we could take to overcome them."

An initial goal, she said, was "to identify receptive villages, but we soon found that every village was receptive.

"The people were so ready to hear the Message that they were offended if teachers did not stop at their house. Some even said they had dreamt of the visit, and said they had been waiting eagerly for the friends to arrive."

The next step in the campaign was to revisit the homes of those who had accepted the Cause and teach their families.

Next, the groups approached leaders and people of influence in each village to enlist their support and help in reaching the people. As a result, the leader of one Buddhist temple became a Bahá’í.

Within four weeks, Mrs. Widmer said, 26 Guyanese had arisen to join the project while all over the country, new Bahá’ís were arising to serve.

The Bahá’í community, which was growing so rapidly that in one locality the only place large enough to hold the Feast was a local ballpark, soon found itself looked to by the community at large for help with many of the social problems it was facing.

"The people are quite concerned about the moral decline of the youth," said Mrs. Widmer. "So the Bahá’ís have begun teaching classes in morals for children. The classes are so large, numbering about 200 each, that we are restricted in the activities we can offer. But the children learn songs and prayers and The Hidden Words."

Classes also were started for mothers, but before long the men in the villages wanted to learn about health care and educating children, so now the classes are called couples' classes.

As a result of these and other activities, the Bahá’ís in Guyana have been catapulted from obscurity and are having a nationwide impact. In fact, the president of Guyana has asked for a meeting with the National Spiritual Assembly to consult on the future of Guyana.

Already, the government has decided to introduce a new curriculum in public schools to teach moral values, and is considering using the Mother's Books published by the National Spiritual Assembly of Kenya as a guide in developing that curriculum.

Other nationwide projects receiving help from the Bahá’í community, said Mrs. Widmer, include a medical project, a literacy program, and the prime minister's anti-drug campaign.

Last year the prime minister addressed a Bahá’í youth conference in Guyana, saying that the most effective thing the young Bahá’ís could do to help other youth would be to teach the Faith as much as possible.

The Bahá’í community in Guyana is achieving its great success despite a lack of material advantages that many countries might take for granted. The greatest need, said Mrs. Widmer, is for written materials (in English), especially children's books and the Bahá’í Writings.

"The House of Justice," she said, "designed this project as a pilot to be replicated around the world.

"It has been successful," she concluded, "because of the power of Bahá’u’lláh."

Bahá’í Faith Forum added to Cleveland's Free-Net

The Bahá’í Faith Forum was recently added as an informational component of the Cleveland (Ohio) Free-Net, the world's largest public-access computer system.

The Forum, manned by Bahá’í volunteers from the Cleveland area, provides callers an opportunity to ask questions and obtain information about the Faith through the Free-Net, which permits computer users with modems to connect with other computers over a phone line.

For information about the Forum, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Cleveland, c/o Angela Maldonado, secretary, Cleveland, OH 44109.

Manatee County Fair

For the 21st year in a row, the Bahá’ís of Manatee County (Bradenton area), Florida, had an exhibit during January at the Manatee County Fair. This year's theme was 'The Beauty and Bounty of Manatee County.' The Bahá’ís won first prize in the category of Religious and Service Organizations for this exhibit which included quotations from the Writings and video tapes of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, the Shrines of Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb, and Houses of Worship around the world. More than 100,000 people attended the Fair.

SUMMER PROJECTS

BAHAMAS (June to August). Summer project with the focus on the establishment of clubs on the environment for youth and pre-youth.

BELIZE (July and August). Ongoing goal-oriented campaign involving both teaching and consolidation.

BOTSWANA (June to August). "Star 90." The thrust of this year's effort will be for youth coming to Botswana to join indigenous youth in all aspects of Bahá’í work.

CANADA (June to August). Yukon Bahá’í Institute summer programs.

HONG KONG (June to August). Continuous flow of traveling teachers to take part in a variety of activities to support the process of entry by troops.

KOREA (June to August). Continuous flow of traveling teachers to help achieve specific teaching and consolidation goals.

EASTERN EUROPE Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Yugoslavia, Soviet Union.

Overseas events, projects, conferences

Alaska: Northern Star Project. Need traveling teaching to help teach in the Aleutian Island chain villages, June-August.

Barbados: Caribbean Bahá’í Youth Conference, August 10-12. Retired couple or person to help with archives, ongoing.

Canada: Yukon Bahá’í Institute, ongoing. Five International Youth Conferences, "An Environment of Peace With Nature and With Each Other," various dates.

China: Sino-American Women's Conference, June 25-28.

Dominica: Summer School, August. "Sparks of Peace" Youth Project, summer.

El Salvador: Ongoing project in metropolitan areas, emphasizing teaching and consolidation; youth are especially welcome.

Fiji Islands: Need radio communications volunteer to help produce radio programs to help deepen local believers, ongoing.

Guatemala: Project Quiche. Urgent need for Spanish-speaking teachers to help reach the Maya Quiche Indians, ongoing.

Jamaica: International Chinese Teaching Symposium, June 14-17.

Malawi: Bahá’í International Summer School, December 21-27.

Norway: Norwegian Summer School, July 22-29.

Puerto Rico: Brilliant Star Project, mass teaching, ongoing.

Switzerland: Teaching projects in St. Gallen, Locarno and Lausanne, ongoing. Bike Tour for Peace, August.

Trinidad: Dr. Ugo Giachery Teaching Project, ongoing.

Zimbabwe: Traveling teachers needed to teach in rural secondary schools, ongoing.

For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039. [Page 12]

Committee for the Bahá’í House of Worship

Goal: To proclaim the Bahá’í Faith, to work in conjunction with Bahá’í communities in serving the needs of the House of Worship, and to involve greater numbers of people in activities held in the Temple.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Welcomed more than 112,180 visitors from more than 40 countries to the House of Worship. (Noted increasing numbers of visitors from Russia, Pakistan, China and Latin American countries.)

Trained 363 people to guide at the House of Worship.

Hosted discussions for communities in the area of the House of Worship about collaborating on advancing the teaching work.

Initiated a series of three-part firesides, focused on the Central Figures of the Faith and which discussed candidly the spiritual significance of the Station of Bahá’u’lláh, aimed at individuals who are already familiar with the basic principles of the Faith.

Initiated monthly Spanish-speaking firesides.

Began a bi-monthly program, "The Light Exchange," which provides an open forum for discussing a featured topic of interest such as the equality of women and men, race unity, and the reality of the soul.

Established a Children's Program Committee to ensure that young people are included in all Holy Day and special event day programs and to prepare children for optimum participation in such activities.

Formed an Ushers' Committee comprised of volunteers who are responsible to greet and assist individuals attending large events at the House of Worship.

Created an illustrated prayer card for children that is distributed by guides.

Collected and responded to 800 interest cards from visitors to the Temple. Added interest cards in French to English and Spanish versions which existed already.

Added two additional teachers to help with the monthly series of study classes for those interested in learning about the Faith. There is a marked increase in the Intensity of seekers' questions with the most-often asked question being, "Who is Bahá’u’lláh?"

Began offering a weekly 8:00 a. devotional service primarily for and coordinated by Bahá’í National Center staff. Continued to offer daily devotional programs at noon in addition to the weekly Sunday afternoon program.

Adjusted the time of the Sunday devotions to 2:15 p.m. (from the former 3:00 p.m. time) which has resulted in greater attendance at the programs.

Adjusted the seasonal hours of the Temple to take advantage of peak visitor times. Extended hours (10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.) will occur from May 1 through September 30. The Temple is open until 10:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays all year.

Hosted two weekend-long Special Visit programs comprised of American and Canadian believers who toured the House of Worship and Bahá’í National Center.

Coordinated 21 weddings of which eight joined two Bahá’í partners, three joined couples in which only one was a Bahá’, and 10 joined non-Bahá’í couples.

Assisted the teaching and proclamation efforts of local Spiritual Assemblies by providing the facilities of the House of Worship and refreshments for such events.

Responded to requests by non-Bahá’í peace groups for copies of appropriate Bahá’í materials for their events.

Presented a month-long Black History Month exhibit in February featuring works by African-American artists, prints of African-American contributors to history, and photographs and biographies of early and present African-American Bahá’í contributors to race unity.

Presented the David Kellum Awards program at which Father Michael Pfleger and Father George Clements were honored for their contributions as role models for youth and for their work in preventing drug abuse.

National Teaching Committee

Goal: To work with the four major large-scale teaching projects to bring about unprecedented growth in those areas and to identify and work with other areas that show potential for large-scale growth.

Status: In progress.

Activities: Continued to support the teaching efforts in the four major teaching project areas:

Atlanta—Major activities in Atlanta have centered on the annual youth conference and a wide involvement with the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday celebrations. Approximately 800 youth and adults attended the youth conference hosted by the Spiritual Assembly of Roswell. Youth participated in direct teaching activities in Marietta and Griffin. Bahá’ís from all over the country took part in King Week activities, and 2,000 Bahá’ís from more than 30 states marched in Atlanta. The Atlanta-area Bahá’ís arranged for 19 American Indian representatives from more than eight tribes to take part in the march. Enrollments in the Atlanta area this year total 179.

Chicago—Noticed that an increase in teaching institutes in the Chicago area has had a healthy effect on the teaching work resulting in 47 enrollments.

Massachusetts—Close involvement of the Auxiliary Board has helped to re-direct the efforts of Project Massachusetts. The Boston-Cambridge area has been designated a target for a focused teaching project. Massachusetts had 33 enrollments this year.

San Jose—Southeast Asian teaching has been the most successful aspect of San Jose's Metro 1000 Project. The increase in such teaching has had a corollary benefit in the increase in Chinese teaching in the Bay area. The Sacramento and Stockton communities have been drawn into this increased teaching and are counted in the victories associated with the project. A Southeast Asian Conference held in January provided an important opportunity for the South- January provided an important opportunity for the South- cast Asian Bahá’ís to gather and consult about the importance of the Faith in their lives and the contributions they can make to the Faith. There were 52 enrollments this year in the San Jose area.

Identified the following areas as potential centers for large-scale growth:

(a) Lake Okeechobee, Florida: Mass teaching efforts have resulted in 126 new believers in the past year. The District Teaching Committee has begun coordinating its efforts with the Auxiliary Board member for propagation to help the core group of 8-10 Bahá’ís in the West Palm Beach area who are carrying out the bulk of the teaching work.

(b) Phoenix, Arizona: Door-to-door teaching efforts carried out on a consistent and untiring basis in small towns surrounding Phoenix have resulted in 575 enrollments since the beginning of the Six Year Plan. Present efforts are focused on the cities of Mesa and Avondale to reach the Hispanic population. Total enrollments in the area this year were 130.

(c) South Carolina: The South Carolina Coordinating Committee, with the support of the National Teaching Committee, launched a major teaching effort in January that was to begin in two or three towns and progress to others as each town assumes responsibility for its own teaching work.

(d) El Paso/Southern New Mexico: A teaching project that emerged from a teaching institute has targeted the Hispanic population in western Texas and southern New Mexico. Most of the teaching has been door-to-door, although some efforts have been made to use firesides. Since the believers involved in the institutes launched themselves into the teaching work, the district's enrollments for the year reached 54.

Reported enrollments for the nation as a whole (as of March 13) were 1,894.

Assisted the Native American Bahá’í Institute to move toward functioning as a center for the deepening of Indian believers and the training of Bahá’í teachers.

Assumed responsibility for the second series of Vision to Victory conferences and compiled a conference workbook to assist the friends attending the conferences to focus on the nature of teaching, on the Fund, and on the significance of the Arc on Mount Carmel. The National Teaching Committee will continue to work with the communities that hosted the conferences and with the Auxiliary Boards to initiate large-scale teaching projects at each of the sites.

Encouraged the establishment of teaching institutes and published a booklet to help the friends gain a clearer understanding of the process. Indications are that an increase in teaching activity has taken place as a direct result of such institutes.

National Committee on Women

Goal: To promote the principle of the equality of men and women.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Sponsored three events in western New York state including two talks at the Seneca Falls Historical Society to an audience comprised mainly of non-Bahá’ís which focused on how the religious teachings and practices of the ancient Iroquois Indians of western New York contributed to the genesis of the women's rights movement in the 19th century. Another event was an honors banquet for selected women who have served the Iroquois community in western New York in which several local dignitaries participated. The final event was an evening of talks on the principle of equality, held at the University of Rochester and given by members of the Bahá’í International Community, the National Spiritual Assembly, and the Auxiliary Board.

Researched and disseminated materials concerning the contribution of the ancient religious teachings of the Iroquois Indians to the beginnings of both the 19th century women's movement and the impact on the formation of the U.S. government.

Sent a representative to the Young Achiever Award ceremony of the National Council of Women at the United Nations in New York City.

Collaborated with the National Assembly's Office of External Affairs in sponsoring an information booth and an advertisement for conference materials at the 35th biennial Convention of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) in Washington, D.C.

Met in Denver, Colorado, with representatives of local Spiritual Assemblies to consult about equality, took part in a public meeting on equality attended by more than 100 people; and were interviewed on public radio in Boulder, Colorado, on the topic of equality and the American Indian community.

Met with representatives of the Bahá’í International Community, the National Spiritual Assembly, and the National Assembly's UN representative to consult about ways to improve communication, planning, exploitation of opportunities, and collaboration in women's activities at the UN and with such national and international women's groups as the National Council of Women.

Sponsored a consultative session, attended by Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís of both the Navajo and Hopi tribes, on substance abuse and its multi-generational effects. The conference was held on the Navajo Reservation in Tube City, Arizona.

Co-planned and co-sponsored, with the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office, a banquet in Oakland, California, honoring selected women of Asian descent.

Developed deepening materials on the equality principle for use by Bahá’í communities.

Drafted a pamphlet on the equality principle suitable for the general public.

Green Acre Bahá’í School

Goal: To publish a commemorative booklet highlighting the school's history.

Status: In progress.

Activities: Compiled, with the help of volunteers, extensive research on the history of the school for the book which is scheduled to be published in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Sarah Farmer Inn.

WLGI Radio

Goal: To bring the Faith and its principles to the attention of listeners to Radio Bahá’í WLGI.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Increased on-air broadcast time to 15 hours a day from 12. New programs include: the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute Sunday Worship Service; Carolina Radio series; Bahá’í Perspectives; Bahd’ Day Book readings; and Peace Statement selections. Expanded daily hours should further increase the range of such programming.

Encouraged local Spiritual Assemblies in the area to have direct involvement in the station's programming.

Sponsored a booth at the 12th annual South Carolina Cross-Culture Conference in Myrtle Beach. Distributed Bahá’í pamphlets including 150 each of "The Promise of World Peace" and copies of the Bahá’ Day Book.

Office of Pioneering

Goal: To increase the number of pioneers and to train them, and to increase the number of traveling teachers and "year of service" projects in collaboration with other National Spiritual Assemblies in fulfillment of pioneer collaboration assignments.

Status: Ongoing. In addition to the need to fill pioneer posts remaining vacant from the original Six Year Plan call for pioneers, the Universal House of Justice, in a letter to all National Spiritual Assemblies dated September 7, 1989, noted the need for flexibility in meeting the expansion and [Page 13]consolidation goals of national communities and called for a range of short-term pioneer projects for the remainder of the Six Year Plan. The American Bahá’í community has been charged with completing 708 months of full-time service to the Cause between now and the end of the Plan.

Activities: Placed 455 pioneers abroad, completing 50 of our 77 long-term goals for the Six Year Plan.

Completed 13 months of 708 months' service in short-term pioneer goals.

Monitored 472 trips undertaken by 226 traveling teachers to 70 countries including trips to Eastern Europe, the Soviet Union, and the People's Republic of China.

Monitored the progress of the National Spiritual Assembly's consolidation goal in the Turks and Caicos Islands and noted with pleasure that increased teaching activities have resulted in a number of declarations, particularly on the island of Providenciales, which brings the goal nearer to completion.

Monitored and supported the activities in the Falkland Islands, an assigned consolidation goal, and observed increasing maturity and strength in that community.

Collaborated with the National Teaching Committee on homefront pioneering: identified goal areas and locations with concentrations of minorities singled out for special attention in the Six Year Plan.

Mass Media Use

External Affairs' Office of Public Information

Goal: To develop the Bahá’í Public Information Network as a local source of news and background material about the Faith, major developments affecting the Bahá’í world, and the activities of the Bahá’í community.

Status: Ongoing. 862 Public Information representatives were appointed this year and 113 Public Information Committees were established.

Activities: Held public information conferences in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver and San Jose, and met with the local Spiritual Assemblies of Atlanta and Richardson, Texas, and with the San Jose Metro 1000 Task Force to discuss public information work.

Helped the local Spiritual Assembly of Huntsville, Alabama, in developing a statement about the "Promise of Alabama."

Established contacts with Public Information representatives in cities hosting the 1989-90 Vision to Victory conferences to help them take advantage of media opportunities for the conferences.

Published a biannual "Public Information Bulletin" for Public Information representatives to provide practical information and request specific actions.

Began recruitment of Public Information representatives as part-time reporters for The American Bahá’í.

Updated the following public information materials: "National Spiritual Assembly Fact Sheet," "The Bahá’í Faith and Its World Community," and "Bahá’í Statistics," and published a new fact sheet titled "Bahá’í Funeral Practices."

Established "NEWSWIRE" on the public information section of the Bahá’í National Center's electronic bulletin board which includes news releases from the National Spiritual Assembly, news of major developments that affect the Bahá’í world, and facts that can be used by Public Information representatives.

Issued news releases through the Bahá’í Public Information Network about the Congressional resolution on the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran and one news release about the establishment of the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland.

Goal: To assist the National Spiritual Assembly to expand contacts with national and regional communications media and similar efforts.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Provided information to universities, libraries, organizations and publishers including the following: University of the District of Columbia; University of Delaware; University of New Orleans; New York State Senate Department of Minority Communication; Wisconsin Conference of Churches; Great Lakes Naval Training Center; Ecumedia News Service; Atlas History of Christianity; "The Europa World Year Book 1990"; the "Directory of Experts, Authorities and Spokespersons"; "Christian Woman" magazine; Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies; Gale Publishers; Governors State University; Columbia University School of Social Work; Brigham Young University; Religious News Service; Ecumenism Research Agency: World Book Encyclopedia; Compton's Electric Encyclopedia; Year Book of American and Canadian Churches; the Boy Scouts of America; and to the writer of "Dear Abby."

Coordinated visits to the Bahá’í House of Worship by the Consul-General of India and the wife of the President of Guyana.

Maintained membership in the Religious Public Relations Council, attended regional meetings in Chicago, and attended the Council's National Convention in Washington, D.C.

Attended an organizational meeting of the North American Interfaith Network.

Worked with the Bahá’í International Community's Office of Public Information to coordinate Bahá’í participation in the International Religious Communications Congress in Nashville, Tennessee.

Provided video tape and background information about the Faith to the Cable News Network (CNN) series "Future Watch" for a program about the future of religion.

Contacted the Illinois Department of Transportation to investigate the possibility of placing a sign on Interstate highway 94 in Wilmette to note the historical importance of the Bahá’í House of Worship.

Goal: To inform the National Spiritual Assembly and its committees and agencies and the Public Information Network about media coverage of the Faith.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Noted significant reference to the Faith on National Public Radio, and that C-SPAN aired coverage of the House of Representatives' consideration and vote on a resolution regarding the Bahá’ís in Iran. Stories based on the National Spiritual Assembly's news releases appeared on the AP, UPI and Reuters news wires. Mention of the Faith was also made in the following newspapers and magazines: The New York Times, Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Christian Science Monitor, Houston Chronicle, Los Angeles Times, National Catholic Reporter, The Washington Post, Washington Times, USA Today, Iran Times, Lakota Times, Denver Post, The Dallas Morning News, Houston Post, St. Petersburg (Florida) Times, "Concrete International," "World Peace News," "Inspired," "The Christian Century," "Liberty," "Time," "The National Review," "The Rotarian," "Scouting Magazine," "TV Guide," "Lighting Design and Application," "Glass" magazine, "Glamour," "Ladies' Home Journal," and "Signs of the Times."

Collected references to the Faith in books published in 1988 and 1989 include: The Encyclopedia of American Religions; Religious Creeds; Another Gospel; Alternative Religions and the New Age Movement; Out of the Shadow of Night; The Closed Circle; Down to the Wire; UPI's Fight for Survival; Islam in Practice; Religious Beliefs in a Persian Village; The Future of Religion; Paved with Good Intentions; The State, Religion and Ethnic Politics; Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan; and My Friends' Beliefs: A Young Reader's Guide to World Religions.

Dramatic/Musical Presentations

Louhelen Bahá’í School

Goal: To create forums for artistic expression and the development of appreciation for diverse cultural expression.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Hosted the fourth Robert Hayden Poet-in-Residence program, at which two public readings and a writers' workshop were given.

Co-sponsored the Robert Hayden Conference and sponsored several events in association with it including: the publication of an anthology of work by the four Robert Hayden Fellows in residence at the school; a performance, "Angle of Ascent," based on Mr. Hayden's works; and statewide poetry events for high school students at which two Robert Hayden Fellows, who are Bahá’ís, led workshops. The Louhelen Bahá’í School and the Association for Bahá’í Studies were identified as co-sponsors on all publicity materials that were sent to all major universities throughout Michigan.

Other activities at Louhelen included a week-long family session at which seven artists and musicians conducted classes for all ages, and international music, readings and dance in three major cultural events held in conjunction with Holy Day observances.

Public Relations

External Affairs' U.S./UN Representative

Goal: To represent the National Spiritual Assembly to U.S. non-governmental organizations at the United Nations; to inform Bahá’ís in the U.S. about UN-related issues and the work of the Bahá’í International Community; and to encourage American Bahá’ís to take part in UN activities at various levels.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: The U.S. Bahá’í UN representative attended the following meetings, briefings and events: 23 UN Department of Public Information briefings; meetings of the Non-Governmental Organization/Department of Public Information Executive Committee; five U.S. UN Mission briefings; Non-Governmental Organization Committee meetings; UNA By-Laws Resolution Committee meeting; International Literacy Day and 1 Percent for Peace programs at UN headquarters; a meeting of Intercultural Center for Youth; The National Council of Women's 100th anniversary celebration and dinner; a meeting on women with Bahá’í committees and the president of the National Council of Women; and the Young Women Achievers Awards presentation sponsored by the National Council of Women for the United States.

Maintained memberships in the following: Advisory/Planning Board of the North American Environmental Sabbath Committee; ex-officio member of the Executive Committee of Non-Governmental Organizations associated with the UN Department of Public Information; and chairman of the Executive Committee of the Conference of UN Representatives of the UNA/USA.

Attended the following conferences and seminars: Women and World Population; Forum on the Environment; Model UN Seminar on Rights of the Child; Second Annual Glester Hinds World Service Luncheon (sponsored by the Harlem YMCA in connection with the Africa Focus project); the Bahá’í International Community and Club of Rome Symposium on Africa; Development and Environment; annual Department of Public Information/Non-Governmental Organization Conference at UN headquarters (served as rapporteur); Conference on Religion and the Environment; Symposium IV for Advocates of African Food Security; First National Conference on the United States and the United Nations; and a reception given by Turner Broadcasting Systems Inc. in celebration of its sponsorship of "Waging Peace," a CNN special report broadcast.

Other activities: Helped plan and served as chairman of the UNA-USA Non-Governmental Organization's orientation and tea; held a luncheon for Non-Governmental Organization colleagues at the offices of the Bahá’í International Community; attended a retirement party for the UN Department of Public Information (NGO) Section Chief: helped prepare the UNA's Eleanor Schnurr Award program; attended a reception honoring Coretta Scott King: attended the UNA-USA Awards luncheon in Washington, D.C.; hosted a meeting with representatives of UNICEF to discuss collaborative activities; responded to more than 200 requests for UN materials from Bahá’í communities and individuals; gave two presentations in celebration of United Nations Day; presented informal talks on "Bahá’ís and the UN" and distributed UN literature to Bahá’í communities; sent a U.S./UN Office display to Bahá’ís in Washington, D.C., for use in the Bahá’í booth at the first National Conference on the United States and the United Nations; prepared 14 articles for The American Bahá’í and two articles for Bahá’í News.

Involvement of the Faith in the Life of Human Society

Louhelen Bahá’í School

Goal: To build relations with local non-Bahá’í organizations and the community at large.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Collaborated with the Midwest Regional Committee of the Association for Bahá’í Studies and the English department at the University of Michigan on a major conference in February honoring the late poet Robert Hayden. Funding for the conference was provided by the Michigan Council for the Humanities, the Michigan Council for the Arts, Wayne State University, and the University of Michigan. A room in the Afro-American Center at the University of Michigan was dedicated in Mr. Hayden's honor.

Hosted the conferences of 11 local community groups and provided facilities for a local chapter of Adult Children of Alcoholics.

Hosted the University of Michigan-Flint's weekly Cultural Anthropology class in the fall and began arrangements to offer additional classes each semester that students in the Louhelen Residential Program and others may attend.

Rented classrooms to the Davison Montessori Academy which schools 130 local children.

Hosted training sessions and multi-cultural awareness seminars for bank employees at Genesee Bank, a major bank in the county, at the school. One of the students in the residential program gave a talk to each group about the Faith and about the Louhelen Bahá’í School.

Arranged for two Elderhostel programs to begin in the summer of 1990 in conjunction with the University of Michigan.

Participated in literacy initiatives as follows: the school's director served as chairman of the Committee on Occupational Literacy for the Michigan State Department of Education and gave presentations on literacy to teachers in Michigan and to Bahá’ís in South Carolina. [Page 14]

Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute

Goal: To increase the Institute's participation and involvement in community affairs.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Provided emergency and long-term relief to victims of Hurricane Hugo as attested by the following:

Furnished shelter at the Institute during and immediately following the hurricane; served more than 2,000 people over the initial five-week period after the storm by supplying food, water and clothing valued at $35,000-$40,000 that was donated by more than 300 Bahá’í communities around the country; provided home delivery of food, clothing, furniture and small appliances to the aged and infirm; supplied kerosene space heaters; helped people find the means to reconstruct or find new housing; helped directly 60 households in repairing their roofs, ceilings, walls, floors and windows. The success of the relief efforts has made the Institute eligible for a cash grant of up to $70,000 for which the Institute has applied to the state, to help remaining relief applicants.

The executive director of the Institute accepted an invitation to serve on an Inter-Faith Board, which has access to a $5 million Hurricane Hugo relief fund, to aid the physical and material needs of hurricane victims in South Carolina.

WLGI Radio

Goal: To increase WLGI's participation and involvement in community affairs.

Status: Ongoing

Activities: Maintained existing community outreach programs such as: the Community Calendar, public service announcements, and announcements of educational, cultural, health-related and religious activities.

Began in November 1989 to air live broadcasts of the University of South Carolina-Conway campus basketball games.

Experimented with formats and broadcast an obituary program.

Aired live remote broadcasts from Atlanta, Georgia, covering Martin Luther King Day activities and aired live remote broadcasts and recordings for local communities in connection with the day. For 15 days leading up to the holiday, a program called "Countdown to the Holiday: A Musical Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr." was aired.

Broadcast a full month of special programs on African-American history and current issues for Black History Month in February: "Story of a People: A History of Black Americans," "Black Women: A Portrait of Dignity," and "Black History Minute." Aired a live broadcast of the Black History Month parade in Georgetown, South Carolina.

The general manager of WLGI was asked to serve on the South Carolina state and local Cross-Cultural Planning Committees that were charged with planning the annual South Carolina Cross-Cultural Conference.

National Bahá’í Archives Committee

Goal: To promote scholarship of the Faith, to acquire and safeguard the Sacred Writings and letters from the Guardian, and to acquire materials of historical significance to the Faith

State: Ongoing

Activides Sent a general appeal letter to all local Spiritual Amemblies and Groups asking help in locating letters writse by the Guardian and accounted for 1,527 of the missing 7,200 letters

Conducted a search for pictures of living Hands of the Cause of God, members of the Universal House of Justice, and members of the Continental Board of Counselors to improve the Archives' collection of photographs.

Acquired five manuscript collections: the David Bond Papers, the Austin H. and Donna Quist Papers, the Hilda Strauss Papers, the Annie L. Parmerton Papers, and the Allah-Kull and Emilie Kalantar Papers. Acquired the Matteson Family Papers and the Roberts E. Fuller Papers, and arranged and opened the Howard Colby and Mabel Ives Papers for research. Processed and opened for research the Hannes-Knobloch Family Papers, the Roy Wilhelm Papers, and the Anna Mikuriya Papers.

Placed information about 13 manuscript collections of personal papers in the RLIN computer system, maintained by some of the largest university research libraries in the country, and arranged for publication of the information in the Library of Congress' National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections.

Researched the early history of the Faith among the Chinese, some of whom became Bahá’ís in the United States. Helped scholars working on a history of the African-American Bahá’ís for the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

Provided materials from the National Archives for a month-long exhibit on poet Robert Hayden that was co-sponsored with the University of Michigan Special Collections Department and displayed at the university.

Louhelen Bahá’í School

Goal: To promote scholarly study of the Faith among Bahá’ís, especially youth.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Began the third year of the Louhelen Bahá’í School Residential Program for college students with emphasis on serious study of the Faith and the application of the Teachings to personal, community and civic life.

Continued the development of regular programs and procedures to promote a serious study of the Faith and the application of the Teachings to personal, community and civic life.

Bahá’í Publishing Trust Committee

Goal: To develop, in consultation with other advisory agencies, a concept of the publications that are needed by the community through the end of the Six Year Plan.

Status: In progress.

Activities: Researched the letters of the Universal House of Justice about publishing and proposed to the National Spiritual Assembly guidelines for developing a publishing program.

Recommended a publishing agenda to the National Spiritual Assembly of Bahá’í writings to be published in 1990-91.

Met with the administrator of the Bahá’í House of Worship to consult about literature needed for introducing the Faith to the many visitors to the Temple.

Began work on an updated mission statement for the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Goal: To publish and distribute the writings of the Faith, introductory and historical works, pamphlets and other teaching literature, literature for children, and video and cassette tapes.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Completed reprints of Kitab-i-loán, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, Some Answered Questions, The Promise of World Peace, and Effective Teaching Instructor's Guide (and cassette).

Began work on reprints of The Hidden Words, the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Advent of Divine Justice, Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, On Becoming a Bahá’í (in Spanish), The Secret of Divine Civilization, and The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys.

Published the Universal House of Justice's letter of December 29, 1988, to the American Bahá’í community as Individual Rights and Freedoms in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh; Developing Distinctive Bahá’í Communities; a four-part study guide on the Kitdb-i-fqdn; a cassette tape of a talk by David Hofman entitled "Present Opportunities and Urgent Challenges"; The Bahá’í Faith/World Religions Statistics; a Bahá’í Datebook, pocket calendar, and wall calendar for B.E. 147; children's educational materials compiled and catalogued by the Bahá’í National Education Committee in The American Bahá’í

Co-published the compilations The Nineteen-Day Feast, Bahá’í Elections, and Conservation of the Earth's Resourcer with Bahá’í Publications Canada and the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom.

Distributed "The Seat of God's Throne" and "Bahá’í Newsreel," and a video tape of David Hofman's Vision-to-Victory conference talk.

Purchased 86 new titles for distribution.

Goal: To increase the distribution and use of Bahá’í literature.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Encouraged the development of lending libraries through letters to all local Spiritual Assemblies, urging them to appoint local distribution representatives and to open accounts with the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

Sent bi-monthly newsletters to all domestic accounts and quarterly brochures to individual accounts listing items available from the Trust and advertised items in The American Bahá’í.

Periodicals Office

Goal: To produce The American Bahá’í, Bahá’í News and U.S. Bahá’í Report.

Activities: Produced 12 issues each of The American Bahá’í and Bahá’í News and three issues (Spring 1989, Summer/Fall 1989 and Winter 1989-90) of U.S. Bahá’í Report Included in The American Bahá’í were three issues of the Bahá’í National Review including the compliations "The Nineteen-Day Feast" and "Conservation of the Earth's Resources." Produced two special issues: Mid-Year Reports (December 1989) and Teaching the Cause of God (February 1990).

Increased the National Reference Library's holdings by adding 133 new books.

Began using new vendors to print and mail The American Bahá’í and Bahá’í News resulting in a savings to the National Fund.

Subscriber Services

Goal: To fulfill subscriptions, to distribute and promote The American Bahá’í (foreign subscribers), Bahá’í News, U.S. Bahá’í Report, Brilliant Star and World Order magazines, and to provide services such as issuing renewals

Status: Ongoing. Herald of the South has been added to the list of publications distributed by Subscriber Services and work is under way to cultivate a wider readership of this magazine.

Activities: Distributed Bahá’í periodicals to 9,910 subscribers of which 2,458 are foreign subscribers.

Distributed three issues of U.S. Bahá’í Report to more than 2,000 non-Bahá’í readers.

Developed the Brilliant Star Connection program which has stimulated many gift subscriptions to overseas Bahá’í schools and children's classes, most recently to Brazil, Trinidad and Togo. A recent contribution from an individual has made it possible to purchase 17 two-year foreign gift subscriptions.

Office of the Treasurer

Goal: To implement strategies for the efficient use of funds and to educate the Bahá’í community about the Fund

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Implemented an improved cash management structure that permits reduced credit expense and greater investment income, improves control of the funds used by the Bahá’í National Center and outlying agencies, and reduces contribution processing time while providing for future growth without major staffing or structural changes

Redesigned the fund receipt/allocation packet.

Initiated long-term planning procedures by creating a task force to draft a three- to four-year comprehensive financial plan.

Participated in Vision-to-Victory conferences, 20 Fund Development Conferences, the Green Lake Bahá’í Conference and the Iowa Baha'i School.

Developed a module about the Fund for the Local Spiritual Assembly Development Program.

Wrote a chapter about the Fund for the new book of guidelines for local Spiritual Assemblies.

Continued to produce articles about the Fund for The American Bahá’í

Transferred the purchasing department from Administrative Services to the Office of the Treasurer.

Secretariat-Search and Review

Goal: To perform research and literature review functions for the National Spiritual Assembly.

Status: This is a new function within the Office of the Secretary.

Activities: Initiated planning for the organization of the Research Office at the Bahá’í National Center based on suggestions received in a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice and a memorandum from the Research Department of the Bahá’í World Center, both of which helped to define the functions of such an office.

Completed a study guide for the letter of December 29, 1988 (Individual Rights and Freedoms) from the Universal House of Justice for publication by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

Corresponded with individual Bahá’ís to encourage their involvement in Bahá’í studies and their development as Bahá’í scholars, and corresponded with non-Bahá’í academics about their interest in Bahá’í studies.

Took part in the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion, thereby establishing contacts for the Faith among academics.

Defined and implemented a rating system for manuscripts and completed the review process on a total of 110 manuscripts since the inception of the office.

Administrative Services

Goal: To provide support services to the agencies of the [Page 15]National Spiritual Assembly including human resources management, management information systems (data processing, membership and records management, mail services, and communications) and media services.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Human Resources—Restructured the Human Resources Department and cross-trained staff to broaden the scope of responsibility for each member; purchased and installed a new human resources software aid in record-keeping: began the development of a formal policy and procedures handbook for employees at the Bahá’í National Center; altered some aspects of the employee benefits package; reviewed the National Center's compensation policies to remain current with state and federal laws; and filled 35 full-time staff openings.

Management Information Systems—Arranged for the purchase of a new central computer system for the Bahá’í National Center through Resources Inc. The new system features hardware by Digital Equipment Corporation and software by Resources, focusing on accounting and a centralized membership data base. Installation is expected to be completed in late May with total conversion from the existing Sperry computer to take place by midsummer. Established an electronic bulletin board system whose user base includes 510 individuals and just under 200 institutions establishing contact with Bahá’ís from 44 of the 48 contiguous states. More than 4,300 calls from Bahá’ís around the U.S. were received this year by the bulletin board. Processed more than 14,500 address changes, 1,750 enrollments (including 73 Southeast Asian refugees and 46 children) and 950 child registrations. Transferred nearly 1,050 Bahá’ís into the U.S. including 340 Persian believers. Mail services mailed out more than 224,455 pieces. Completed the first phase of a data entry program in the development of an in-house Automatic Contribution System. Developed a new data base for the Assembly Formation report and recorded information on 1,500 Assemblies. Developed enhanced personal computer support systems which contributed to improved productivity from computer resources.

Media Services—Provided technical support and advice to agencies and individuals and to conferences held throughout the country during the year; filled hundreds of custom requests for copies of slides, audio tapes and video and film materials throughout the U.S. and abroad; assisted the Bahá’í communities of Puerto Rico and El Salvador and the Radio Division of the International Bahá’í Audio-Visual Center in the acquisition of professional production equipment for television and radio. Expanded the Media Services staff from two to four by adding a cameraman/editor and a technician. The expanded staff is responsible for ongoing projects and, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, will assume responsibility for housing the Video Services Office of the International Bahá’í Audio-Visual Center and will explore ways to extend the international focus of video production work to serve more effectively the needs of the Faith worldwide.

Released worldwide the English-language video "The Seat of God's Throne." In January, the video received an award from the International Film and Video Festival of New York where it reached the finals of the competition among 31,000 entrants from more than 30 countries. The script for the video has been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, Persian, French, German and Chinese with release in those languages forthcoming. Produced "Vision-to-Victory," a video tape of an address by David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice, to the Vision-to-Victory conference in Pasadena, California. Produced "From Haitian Roots," a documentary on Bahá’í approaches to rural development and education projects in Haiti. Parts of the video have been included in a review of worldwide education projects at the Global Conference on Literacy held this spring in Bangkok, Thailand. Produced the "Bahá’í Newarcel," the first video in what is intended to be a quarterly review of significant Bahá’í activities in this country and around the world. Produced "Like an Eagle in the Sky," a short video program about the spiritual destiny of the native peoples of the Americas. Produced, in collaboration with the Bahá’í World Center and the National Spiritual Assembly of India, "Jewel in the Lotus," a video that traces the history of the Mother Temple of the Indian sub-continent from original conception and design through construction. This video is in the final stages of editing.

National Bahá’í Archives Committee

Goal: To assist the National Spiritual Assembly and its committees and agencies by assuming responsibility for records management and assisting research functions at the National Center.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Answered 164 research requests including 85 from the National Assembly and its agencies and 16 from the Bahá’í World Center. Furnished 24 historical photographs for Bahá’í publishers. Worked with the Offices of Public Information and Human Resources to establish a collection of video tapes of current events programs for the library at the Bahá’í National Center. Provided documents and photographs about African-American Bahá’ís for a Black History Month exhibit at the House of Worship, and provided a display on the National Spiritual Assembly's first fund campaign (1925-30) for a tour of special visitors hosted by the Office of the Treasurer. Started microfilming minutes and annual reports of some of the oldest local Spiritual Assemblies in the U.S. to safeguard those important historical documents. Received for permanent deposit minutes from the Bahá’í community of New York City from 1914-18 and Assembly records and minutes from 1923-38. Verified source citations for "Developing Distinctive Bahá’í Communities."

National Properties Committee

Goal: To oversee the protection and development and the acquisition and disposition of all Bahá’í-owned properties in the U.S., to manage the staff of NSA Properties Inc., and to provide guidance to local Assemblies concerning property acquisition or development.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Continued restoration work on the Bahá’í House of Worship by vacuuming part of the interior panels of ornamental concrete, by removing calcium sulfate deposits from the first-story pylons, and by washing away deposits of lichen and dirt from outside dome panels. The cleaning will continue throughout the coming year. Produced, after two years of testing and experimentation, concrete that duplicates the composition, color and texture of the original concrete used on the Temple. Removed the monumental steps at the main door to the House of Worship and replaced them after installing a heating system under them designed to melt snow and ice without using de-icing chemicals. Continued engineering for repairs to the main gutter below the Temple dome and engaged sculptors to make molds for the ornamental concrete panels that must be replaced. Added a Project Manager with considerable experience in construction management to the staff of NSA Properties Inc. to help complete the backlog of deferred repairs on other properties. Began construction of the first phase of restoration of the Sarah Farmer Inn at the Green Acre Bahá’í School.

Secretariat

Goal: To accelerate the process of the maturation of local Spiritual Assemblies through the adoption of specific programs to consolidate and strengthen them.

Status: In progress.

Activities: Planned the Local Spiritual Assembly Development Conferences held in areas where Vision-to-Victory conferences were held to start the process of Assembly development. Held an orientation meeting for Auxiliary Board members to explore the process of Assembly development as envisioned by the Continental Board of Counselors and the National Spiritual Assembly and to solicit their help in educating the community. Supervised the preparation of modules for the Local Spiritual Assembly Development Conferences. Initiated the development of other modules to aid in Assembly development. (Completed modules include: Spiritual Nature of the Assembly; Consultation; Application of Spiritual Principles; Teaching and the Spiritual Assembly; Cultivating and Integrating the Arts in Our Bahá’í Community Life; Bahá’í Social and Economic Development; Celebrating Diversity; That the East and West May Embrace (the Integration of Persian-American Bahá’ís into the American Bahá’í Community); and The Nineteen Day Feast.) Distributed modules to Auxiliary Board members and their assistants to give to local Spiritual Assemblies and communities.

Secretariat-Special Events

Goal: To coordinate logistics for national and district conventions; to facilitate the travel of the National Spiritual Assembly and its agencies; to provide information and resources for conference and meeting planning to local communities; and to provide support to the National Spiritual Assembly for the Local Spiritual Assembly Development Conferences.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: National Convention—Coordinated convention logistics and processed the recommendations made by delegates to the National Spiritual Assembly during the 1989 Convention. District Conventions—Identified host Assemblies and helped them in their preparations for district conventions; processed delegate election results. Assisted in initial logistics and planning for the 1990 Association for Bahá’í Studies Conference, "Models for Racial Unity." Local Spiritual Assembly Development Conferences—Provided staff support in producing and mailing letters of invitation to participating local Spiritual Assemblies. Meeting Planning Services—Maintained conference planning resource files and provided agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly with logistical and reference materials and information for conferences, hotels and travel arrangements.

National Committee on Women

Goal: To hold conferences for promoting the principle of the equality of the sexes.

Status: The committee has noted an increase of conferences on this topic that have been sponsored by local communities and that the issue has become a major focus of community life at this time.

Activities: Sponsored the second annual conference on the equality of the sexes with special emphasis on Hispanic and Native American women in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at which relevant cultural entertainment and ceremonies were included. Workshops offered to the 150 attendees featured such topics as teaching spiritual values and equality in the Hispanic community.

Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute

Goal: To initiate and support efforts to teach the Faith, to foster local Spiritual Assembly development and individual personal transformation, to train Bahá’ís to become effective teachers, to provide Bahá’í education and social and economic development activities, and to bring all activities in accordance with the principles and patterns of Bahá’í life.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Held the South Carolina Summer and Winter Schools, three-day sessions each of deepening classes for children, youth and adults. Hosted a planning meeting of the South Carolina Coordinating Committee to coordinate statewide teaching and deepening strategies. Held a Youth Academy, an intensive deepening, study and training program for 14 youth from around the country including some from American Indian communities in South Dakota. Held a Black Men's Gathering sponsored by Counselor William Roberts for more than 50 black men to study the Writings for the purpose of personal and community transformation and for teaching the Faith. Sponsored a work weekend in September that incorporated elements of prayer, music, fellowship and recreation in finishing many chores that the Institute needed done. Sponsored the fourth annual Peace Fest which welcomed hundreds of South Carolina residents in a celebration of music, prayer and cultural performances, and presented the Peace Award to Dr. William Gibson, chairman of the National Board of Directors of the NAACP. Established Sunday unity worship services that evolved out of the Hurricane Hugo relief effort and that drew an average of 75 Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í adults, youth and children. Held a two-day staff retreat to discuss the development of the Institute and of WLGI Radio Bahá’í. Held a week-long Bahá’í Youth Service Training program, coordinated with the National Teaching Committee, at which youth learned from veteran adult and youth pioneers and joined experienced South Carolina traveling teachers to teach in rural areas. Held a reorganization meeting for the Louis G. Oregory Institute Choir and defined its primary goals as being to support the Institute and WLGI and to support the teaching activities in the six counties surrounding the Institute. Arranged work schedules of Institute staff to allow approximately one-quarter of the staff to spend each Friday in the field involved in direct teaching activities. The rest of the [Page 16]

Bosch Bahá’í School

No. 129 Goal: To contribute to the education of the Bahá’ís and the improvement of Bahá’í family life and to provide programs on an increasingly broad range of topics.

Status: Ongoing.

staff assumes the duties of staff who are in the field. Seek- ers are invited to weekly Friday night firesides at the Insti- tute. In conjunction with this effort, four teaching insti- tutes have been established, incorporating non-staff mem- bers and newly enrolled Bahá’ís.

Held a two-day Literacy Symposium, attended by 40 peo- ple, featuring study of the Writings and workshops.

Held a week-long Teacher-in-Residence program whose main goals were to begin to collect an oral history of the Faith in South Carolina and to generate material for an on- going radio series about the early days of the Faith in the state.

Held a New Believers’ Institute weekend, planned and co- ordinated in collaboration with the South Carolina Coor- dinating Committee.

Invited the full South Carolina Bahá’í community to a Naw-Rúz celebration at the Institute that included live mu- sic, dancing, fireworks, games and food.

Native American Bahá’í Institute

Goal: To further the development of the Native American Bahá’s Institute; to develop systematically local Spiritual Assemblies on the Navajo and Hopi Reservations and to host local Spiritual Assembly training programs under the guidance of the Auxiliary Boards; to help the Spiritual As sembly of Oak-Pine Springs establish and maintain com- munication and spiritual ties among Native Americans through use of the Eternal Peace Flame; and to assist with and take part in programs sponsored by other tribes who sponsor sessions to help resolve social problems and issues.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Began using a traditional Navajo Sweat Hogan, donated by a newly declared Navajo medicine man, as a teaching tool and healing institute.

Worked with the Council for the Native American Bahá’í Institute to draft a document giving the Navajo Reservation a "third world" status so the influx of pioneers to the Res- ervation will be better coordinated through the Office of Pioneering

Appointed an Education Task Force to work with the Na- tional Bahá’í Education Committee in preparing materials and programs for use at the Institute.

Conducted bi-weekly children's classes and weekly deepen- ings for staff and visitors to the NABI.

Continued translating the Sacred Writings into the Navajo language and gathered Navajo teachings and sacred chants that correspond to Bahá’í teachings.

Supported and assisted efforts by nearby Assemblies in hosting Bahá’í activities, observances and district-wide con- ferences, and hosted Spiritual Assembly training sessions and the Navajo-Hopi District Teaching Committee's two- and three-day teaching institutes.

Assisted the Spiritual Assembly of Oak-Pine Springs in its teaching efforts to reach local people and other American Indian tribes.

Arranged with the Spiritual Assembly of San Francisco for the transfer of the Eternal Peace Flame to Oak-Pine Springs. In conjunction with the transfer of the Flame, pre- sented "The Promise of World Peace" to a traditional Hopi leader on Second Mesa, a key person in the opera- tions of the Hopi tribe, and to spiritual leaders (medicine men) of the White Mountain and San Carlos Apache tribes.

Co-hosted, with the Spiritual Assembly of Houck, Ari- zona, a weekend conference on alcoholism and supported efforts to rehabilitate alcoholics through weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Made several property improvements to the Institute in- cluding installing a new skylight in the prayer hogan, pur- chasing a new, efficient wood heating stove, and painting buildings and fences.

Office of Pioneering

Goal: To hold Pioneer Training Institutes regularly and to educate the community about the practical and spiritual as pects of service to the Faith internationally.

Activities: Achieved an increase in attendance in programs with more than 1,900 Bahá’ís taking part in classes and conferences. Minority attendance has increased over the past year.

Offered program days for non-Bahá’ís in which more than 375 people participated.

Arranged programs for Bahá’ís that included nine five-day summer sessions and two winter sessions; a marriage en- richment conference; a session on teaching institutes; week- long programs for young adults, youth and pre-youth; and classes on the Creative Word, marriage, family life, parent- ing, historical perspectives, teaching, and presenting the peace statement.

Activities: Made efforts to attract student enrollment re- flecting the racial diversity of the states each school serves; however, the combined total of minority attendance for all schools was only 15 percent. School committees continue to work on arranging transportation and scholarships to help minority students from metropolitan areas attend the schools which often are held in rural areas away from larger cities.

Noted that the majority of participants are either isolated believers or from smaller communities of nine or 10 believ ers and expressed concern that Bahá’ís from larger com- munities may be depriving themselves of the spiritual and social benefits of attending the schools.

In addition, each of the schools pursued the following ac- tivities in their operations:

Acquired sites in which to hold classes, recruited teachers and arranged for meals and accommodations for students.

Publicized school sessions through mailings, Bahá’í bullet- ins and some local newspapers.

Strived to maintain a Bahá’í environment at the schools where close association and fellowship, both spiritual and social, could exist.

Developed and held three Bosch Bahá’í Youth Academy sessions. These 12-day intensive study classes are designed to prepare young Bahá’ís to better serve the Cause through in-depth study and understanding of the Writings. Fifty- four youth attended the three sessions.

Hosted five six-day Elderhostel sessions and rented Bosch Freedoms in the Bahá’í Faith. facilities to five other organizations.

Focused classes on the Covenant and on the Universal House of Justice's letter of December 29, 1988, to the American Bahá’í community on Individual Rights and

Green Acre Bahá’í School

Goal: To contribute to the education of the Bahá’ís and the improvement of Bahá’í family life and to provide programs on an increasingly broad range of topics.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Hosted two new summer programs: a conference for youth ages 13-17 and a children's camp for ages 8-12.

Hosted family enrichment conferences that focused on preparation for marriage, family unity, and maintaining a spiritual marriage; a Black Teaching Conference; an His- panic Teaching Conference; a Teacher Training Institute; the third annual Arts Conference; a Local Spiritual Assem- bly Development Conference; and a forum on social change sponsored by the Association for Bahá’í Studies.

Continued fund-raising efforts for the Sarah Farmer Inn restoration project. More than $300,000 in earmarked con- tributions has been received, and an additional $200,000 is needed during the current year to complete the construction work. Another $200,000 will be required to complete site work and to acquire furnishings and equipment.

Closed the school in January 1990 to begin major repair and improvement work. Summer school will be held this year with a significant reduction in capacity. Work on Fellowship Hall is scheduled to be completed by July. Fel- lowship Hall will be used for meetings until the Sarah Far- mer Inn is completed and ready for occupancy.

Louhelen Bahá’í School

Goal: To contribute to the education of the Bahá’ís and the improvement of family life and to provide programs on an increasingly broad range of topics.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Consulted with local Spiritual Assemblies in the area to formulate teaching plans for the school.

Held sessions about teaching at most summer schools and gave special emphasis to the topic of teaching including a direct teaching project at summer youth conferences. Re- sults include the receipt of more than 65 declarations by adults and youth.

Held Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon teaching events.

Planned and hosted the sixth annual Teacher Training Week that focused on curriculum development, coopera- tive learning, and learning styles.

Hosted an Ayyam-i-Há dinner to which were invited local merchants and university personnel.

Hosted conference sessions on Child and Family Develop ment, Education, Prayer and Meditation, the Kitab-i-fqdn, Role of Women, Teaching, and Pioneering. In addition, Consultation, Developing a Bahá’í Life, Enhancing the hosted three youth conferences that were planned and im- plemented by a Youth Board and included intensive study of the Writings.

Status: The Office of Pioneering reports that attendance at the Pioneer Training Institutes has continued to decline and is concerned that persons leaving for pioneering posts are doing so without taking advantage of the training and guid- ance available to them. Of 435 prospective pioneers, 119 Assemblies and 21 District Teaching Committees invited to attend such programs, only 83 individuals, two Assembly members and three members of District Teaching Commit- tees attended last year.

Activities: Held Pioneer Training Institutes at the Bosch, Loubelen and Green Acre Bahá’í Schools and at the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute. The program at Louhelen fo- cused on a discussion of pioneering as a family endeavor.

Regional Schools

Goal: To function as centers of Bahá’í learning, teaching and development, and to develop programs that contribute to the processes of expanding and consolidating the Amer- ican Bahá’í community.

Status: There are presently 38 regional schools in the U.S., offering summer and/or winter sessions primarily to Ba- há’ís in the states where the schools are located. During the 1989-90 school season, 7,744 adults, youth and children at- tended sessions over 141 school days. Of those attending classes, 228 were not Bahá’ís.

National Race Unity Committee

Goal: To recognize trends and patterns of race relations, to recommend to the National Spiritual Assembly actions to be taken or programs to be adopted to meet the challenge of racial prejudice, and to take part in activities that lead to greater harmony among racially diverse people.

Status: Ongoing

Activities: Prepared a training module for the Local Spir- itual Development Program entitled "Celebrating Divers ty."

Began work on a training institute to help assistants to the Auxiliary Boards work with local Assemblies in dealing with problems of racial discord.

Participated in the Summer School at the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, the Dayspring Bahá’í School in Maryland, the Association for Bahá’í Studies' annual meeting in Cali fornia, and the "Black Teaching Conference" at the Green Acre Bahá’í School.

Planned and implemented, at the request of the National Spiritual Assembly of Bermuda, the Bermuda Winter School whose theme was "The Most Vital and Challenging Issue." This was the first island-wide meeting on race unity held in Bermuda, and it attracted wide media coverage.

Took part in the dedication of the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland.

Conducted an informal survey on individual, Assembly and community race unity initiatives across the U.S. and found that many of the initiatives are in outreach activities and proclamations.

Conducted a race unity institute in Madison, Wisconsin, at the request of the Spiritual Assembly of Madison which helped to confirm the committee's observation that the American Bahá’í community has, in general, matured con- siderably in its willingness and ability to undertake serious deepening and to seek spiritual assistance in dealing with the most challenging issue.

National Bahá’í Education Committee

Goal: To complete the first edition of the catalog of Bahá’í educational materials.

Status: Completed.

Activities: Evaluated and compiled a catalog of educational materials received from Bahá’ís all over the country and prepared a list of available materials which was published in the September 1989 issue of The American Band

Assumed responsibility for the continuing evaluation of Bahá’í educational materials received and for the prepara- tion for their publication and distribution.

Held workshops on the education of children at the Lou- helen and Green Acre Bahá’í Schools.

Goal: To do research for a core curriculum for Baha’i chil- dren ages 6-12 years.

Status: in process.

Activities: Met with representatives of the Bahá’í education committees of Alaska, Australia, Canada and Hawaii at the 14th annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies to discuss core curricula, other common concerns, and the letter of December 1988 from the International Teaching Center to the Continental Board of Counselors.

Submitted a draft of the core curriculum to the National Spiritual Assembly for its review.

Worked on strategies for communicating and implementing [Page 17]the core curriculum in the national Bahá’í community. Provided information for an article in the April 1990 issue of The American Bahá’í.

National Committee on Women

Goal: To foster the practice of the equality of the sexes, both in the life of the Bahá’í community and in society as a whole, and to hold special training programs for women and men.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Began efforts to make children's classes at all committee-sponsored events a matter of high priority. Advertisements placed in The American Bahá’í helped to locate people who will prepare curricula, recruit teachers, and obtain other resources for such classes.

Consulted with the National Bahá’í Education Committee to locate prospective writers of children's curricula on the equality principle for use at Bahá’í schools.

Collaborated with the National Spiritual Assembly Office of External Affairs to work on establishing an association of professional Bahá’í educators.

Bahá’í Committee for Service to the Blind

Goal: To provide literature in mediums for individuals who are unable to use normal print.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Placed notices in a variety of publications for the blind offering free information about the Faith, and responded to requests for such materials.

Maintained a lending library in braille and cassette formats for Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís. Upgraded and re-recorded some items to achieve higher quality.

Provided subscriptions on tape to The American Bahá’í (gratis) and to the Journal of Bahá’í Studies (for a one-time charge of $5).

Donated books in braille to the Louhelen Bahá’í School library.

Bahá’í Committee for Services for the Hearing Impaired and Deaf

Goal: To facilitate understanding and acceptance of individuals with hearing loss in the American Bahá’í community and to provide services for those who are deaf and their Bahá’í communities.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Began steps to purchase for TDDs (teletypewriter device for the deaf) for the committee so that its members can communicate with one another by telephone.

Offered sign-language interpreters to the Vision-to-Victory conferences. (Noted that two local Spiritual Assemblies in the metro Atlanta area regularly have made arrangements for interpreters through the Atlanta Bahá’í Committee for the Hearing Impaired and Deaf for their proclamation events and have publicized the availability of such interpreters in their publicity materials.)

Established a task force to begin planning for a conference for Bahá’ís who are deaf or hearing impaired to take place around the time of the second Bahá’í World Congress.

Persian/American Affairs Office

Goal: To promote the integration of Persian-speaking Bahá’ís into the American community through collaboration with local Spiritual Assemblies, Groups and individuals; to develop projects and activities for areas where Persian-speaking Bahá’ís are concentrated; and to develop integration programs that can be used by other agencies.

Status: Ongoing.

Activities: Produced each month two pages in Persian in The American Bahá’í.

Prepared a module on the integration of Persian-speaking Bahá’ís for the Local Spiritual Assembly Development Program.

Provided references and materials for inclusion in the guidelines for local Spiritual Assemblies.

Began compiling a list of individuals who may be called upon to help in matters related to the integration of Persian-speaking Bahá’ís.

Researched ways to provide assistance and guidance to local Spiritual Assemblies in dealing with mental health problems of newly arrived Iranian Bahá’ís.

Participated in a panel presentation about the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran at the fifth annual Meeting of the Society for Traumatic Stress Studies in San Francisco at the invitation of the president of the Society.

Coordinated the work of the Persian Reviewing Panel appointed by the Universal House of Justice.

Helped in the collection and transfer of subscription fees for Payam-i-Bahá’í, a Persian-language periodical published by the National Spiritual Assembly of France and disseminated throughout the world.

Acted as liaison to facilitate communications between the Persian-speaking friends and the agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Consulted with national agencies and local institutions in matters related to Iran and Iranians.

Held meetings in New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego for representatives of local Assemblies to discuss the issue of integration and ways that the Persian-American Affairs Office can help the Assemblies.

Translated messages from the Universal House of Justice into Persian, including Individual Rights and Freedoms in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.

Submitted to the Bahá’í Publishing Trust Committee a Persian/English Glossary of Bahá’í Terms, a booklet entitled "‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Teaching Style," and two audio tapes of prayers and Tablets in Persian.

U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office

Goal: To facilitate the resettlement of refugees, mostly Iranian and Southeast Asian, into the U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii); to locate areas in the U.S. with significant concentrations of Southeast Asian Bahá’í refugees; and to work with local Spiritual Assemblies to ensure that refugees are contacted and integrated into the U.S. Bahá’í community.

Status: The flow of Iranian Bahá’í refugees from Pakistan, Turkey and other countries to the U.S. from January to December 1989 reached its highest level in five years, totaling 260 (246 from Pakistan and 14 from Turkey). Efforts to facilitate the resettlement of these refugees were complemented by a continued focus on the directive from the Universal House of Justice (given in its letter of February 19, 1989, to the National Spiritual Assembly) to "make every effort to contact (Southeast Asian Bahá’ís in the U.S.) and to integrate them into the Bahá’í community."

Activities: Cooperated with National Spiritual Assemblies and their appointed representatives in such countries as Pakistan, Turkey, Thailand and the Philippines where Bahá’í refugees awaited transfer to the U.S.

Continued to support the efforts made by the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office's representative in Lahore, Pakistan, to give cross-cultural training to U.S.-bound Iranian Bahá’í refugee families.

Worked closely with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to verify the Bahá’í status of those seeking asylum in the U.S. who claim Bahá’í membership.

Assisted the Spiritual Assembly of Wilmette, Illinois, in adopting the Bahá’ís in the Site II refugee camp in Thailand as a "sister community," discussed with it other relief efforts for Southeast Asian refugees on the Thai-Cambodian border, and arranged to have students from the Bahá’í School of the North Shore (Illinois) send hand-painted greeting cards to the Bahá’í children in the Site II camp.

Collaborated with the Office of Social and Economic Development at the Bahá’í World Center to make preliminary arrangements for opening a channel of assistance to Bahá’í refugees on the Thai-Cambodian border.

Collaborated with Brilliant Star magazine to have an article on the children of the Site II camp and their Naw-Rúz celebration printed in that publication.

Obtained Bahá’í deepening materials in the Lao, Khmer, Hmong and Vietnamese languages for use in promoting integration and the spiritual education of Southeast Asian Bahá’í refugees.

Consulted with several local Spiritual Assemblies regarding the need for sponsors for and the integration of Southeast Asian Bahá’í refugees.

Received 46 responses from local Spiritual Assemblies and individual Bahá’ís interested in sponsoring Southeast Asian Bahá’í refugees and provided a list of those parties to Bahá’í refugee coordinators in Thailand and the Philippines.

Provided materials in Southeast Asian languages for teaching and consolidation of Southeast Asian Bahá’í refugees.

Produced a publication entitled American Culture & Traditions: A Handbook for New Americans to help local Spiritual Assemblies better understand Bahá’í refugee resettlement and sponsorship.

Continued efforts to educate the U.S. Bahá’í community about Southeast Asian Bahá’ís in the Thai-Cambodian border camps and their cultures through articles in The American Bahá’í.

Facilitated the transfer and enrollment of Southeast Asian Bahá’í refugees from Thailand and the Philippines and the registration of their children. Provided newly arrived refugees a letter of welcome from the National Spiritual Assembly, a handbook, a check list for Bahá’í membership transfer and a membership questionnaire, and Bahá’í registration cards for children.

Visited a number of Bahá’í communities in the U.S. where Southeast Asian Bahá’í refugees reside to locate them and assess their needs, and to consult with members of the local Spiritual Assemblies in those areas.

Attended the first Cambodian National Convention in Austin, Texas, in September, the Hmong New Year celebration in San Diego, California, in December, and the Southeast Asian Bahá’í Conference in Stockton, California, in January.

Accepted appointment for a third year of service as a member of the Mayor of Chicago's Immigrant and Refugee Advisory Committee.

Hosted the first Soviet Bahá’ís to visit the U.S. in 50 years by providing hospitality and tours of the Bahá’í House of Worship and the Bahá’í National Center.

Presented a program at the Green Lake (Wisconsin) Bahá’í Conference entitled "Transforming Hearts: Teaching Among the Chinese and Southeast Asians."

Co-sponsored, with the National Committee on Women, and attended the United Nations Human Rights Award ceremony in Oakland, California, at which four Southeast Asian women were honored for their accomplishments.

Bahá’í International Chinese Symposium

Goal: To coordinate the Bahá’í International Chinese Symposium in San Francisco.

Status: Completed.

Activities: Coordinated, with the local Spiritual Assembly of San Francisco, the logistics and activities of the various task forces for the Symposium and the program which featured as the keynote speaker David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice, and more than a dozen international speakers and panelists from such countries as Canada, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States.

Coordinated two public events held in conjunction with the Symposium: "A Tribute to Chinese Culture," featuring a performance by the internationally acclaimed entertainer Zhu Ming Ying, and a Southeast Asian Bahá’í Conference, the program for which was conducted in six languages (English, Chinese, Lao, Hmong, Khmer and Vietnamese) and which featured music, testimonials and short presentations.

Invited and helped arrange for key speakers from the Symposium to remain in the U.S. to help with efforts to reach the Chinese people in the San Francisco area and on college campuses in Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Houston and Austin, Texas, with the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

Prepared packets for Symposium attendees that included information about the Faith and a Bahá’í prayer book in Chinese, a copy of A Manual for Chinese Teaching, a National Teaching Committee newsletter on Chinese teaching, statistical information about Chinese people in the U.S., the "China Tablet" by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, information provided by the International Chinese Teaching Committee on reaching the Chinese, and basic facts about Chinese culture.

Reprinted for the Symposium 1,000 copies of the International Chinese Teaching Committee's publication, A Manual for Chinese Teaching.

Printed for the Symposium 1,000 copies of the Chinese translation (approved by the Bahá’í Committee for China) of The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh by Shoghi Effendi in classical and simplified Chinese.

Reprinted for the Symposium 100 sets of the Bahá’í deepening series in Chinese (seven booklets produced by the International Chinese Teaching Committee).

Arranged for display and sale at the Symposium Bahá’í introductory and deepening materials in the Chinese, Vietnamese, Lao, Hmong and Khmer languages.

Coordinated the video taping of Symposium sessions.

N.Y.C. marks African-American Month

The Bahá’ís of New York City observed African-American History Month in February with a series of public meetings and an exhibit of photographs at the Bahá’í Center featuring prominent African-Americans and their contributions to American history.

The first public meeting was held on Sunday, January 30, with Counselor William Roberts speaking on "The Most Challenging Issue." As it would be for all the meetings, the auditorium was filled with Bahá’ís and seekers, two of whom declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

On February 11, Auxiliary Board member James Sturdivant spoke on "The Destiny of African-Americans."

One week later, Charles Lynch discussed the life and work of Robert Hayden, a Bahá’í who was one of America's leading poets, and on February 25, Counselor Robert Harris spoke about the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory, a prominent black attorney and staunch promoter of racial unity during the early years of the Faith in this country. [Page 18]

Green Acre Bahá’í School - Summer 1990

Exciting developments are taking place at Green Acre as extensive repairs and improvements to many buildings continue at a stepped up pace. Due to construction activity Green Acre will open later than usual for summer school. Classes will begin on July 22 and will be held weekly, through August 26. Each session will be 5 days in length with arrival on Sunday and departure on Friday.

Capacity this year will be temporarily reduced as a result of the ongoing repairs. Early registration is strongly encouraged. Program highlights were not available at the time of this printing but may be obtained by calling the Green Acre office at 207/439-7200 Monday thru Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you wish to write: Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St, Eliot, Maine 03903.

Louhelen Bahá’í School - Summer 1990

Special Notes on Summer Sessions:

• Outstanding children's programs (ages 14 and under) offered at all sessions, unless otherwise noted
• Youth program included at all general sessions
• Devotions, singing, recreation, fellowship, service opportunities at all sessions
• Coordinators of programs - Nancy Furst Walter (adults), Nancy Coker & Aminata Turay (children), Sophia Berhane & Najin Mansuri (youth and youth academies)
• Poet-in-Residence and Artists-in-Residence programs to enhance cultural program

• Weekly events (beginning July 6):

Friday evenings: Register 4-8 pm. Opening session at 8 pm. No dinner served on Friday Saturday evenings: Performances, presentations by artists, writers and musicians Sunday PM, evenings: Beach trip Monday evenings: Presentations by participants and/or by Center for Interracial Unity, Treasurer's Office, DTC also sing-a-longs, bonfire, recreation Tuesday evenings: Variety Show

JUNE 1-3 DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS IN AN AGE OF RAPID CHANGE (women's/men's conference)

The traditional Louhelen conference on women's concerns, held the first weekend in June, is being broadened to a conference on issues in developing relationships in a stressful and materialistic society.

Dixie and David Rouleau, will lead sessions on communication, stress management and esteem building and how they relate to marriage, interpersonal relationships and community development. Dixie is an instructor in ESL at Truman College in Chicago and David, developer of many of the local Spiritual Assembly development modules, works in the Office of the Secretary.

Mike Rogell, a Counselor at Michigan State University and on the LRC staff, will conduct a special workshop on how sexism affects men.

Other sessions and workshops will explore the challenges facing women and men as they try to forge new, healthier and more spiritual patterns of interacting, the problems confronting Bahá’í relationships and ways individuals and local Spiritual Assemblies can help prevent or resolve problems. The Writings about the equality of women and men, the institution of marriage, and interpersonal relationships will be the basis in exploring these issues.

Special Saturday evening performance by theatrical group "Miraj" ("Experience of Spirit") with Diane Maggard, Emily Merrell, Hermione Pickens and Carolyn Wistrand. Miraj will perform "Second Coming," a play written and directed by Carolyn Wistrand, that is based on the lives of women in the South and explores women's issues and racial issues.

Complete children's program (0-14 years) with Martha Slea, Heidi Burns, Jane Wilson, Aminata Turay.

JUNE 10-16 ELDERHOSTEL

(with the University of Michigan-Flint). Write to Louhelen for details.

JUNE 17-23 CAMP LOUHELEN

Now in its 4th year, Camp Louhelen combines spiritual, educational, social, emotional and physical development for children in a camp-style program. Arts, crafts and nature study, devotions and classes on Bahá’í history, camping and outdoor activities, group building and interpersonal, intercultural activities, recreation and lots more are included in the program. Non-Bahá’ís welcome!

Children must be of 3rd through 6th grade age, note special rates for the camp $200 per camper ($145 for each additional camper from the same family). Staffing includes one counselor per four children and one instructor per eight children. Enrollment limited! Local Spiritual Assemblies and DTCs: Sponsor a camper and receive a 33% discount. Directors: Carol & Allen McKeil & Gwen Taylor. Contact Louhelen for full camp information and application materials.

JUNE 29-JULY 5 7TH ANNUAL TEACHER TRAINING WEEK

This outstanding hands-on program, sponsored by the Louhelen Council, is for teachers and administrators of local Bahá’í children's classes, parents and others interested in developing their practical skills and knowledge in Bahá’í education. Workshops, discussions, observation and work with "master teachers," material-making sessions, consultation about YOUR Bahá’í educational program needs, and more! Also book & material displays, including displays by UNICEF and Scholastic Books and craft displays by Bahá’í artists. International/ethnic dinners: Teacher Appreciation Banquet. Local Spiritual Assemblies and local Bahá’í schools are encouraged to send representatives. Special emphasis will be on: Developing Bahá’í literacy, laboratory classroom experience, incorporating the arts, material development.

Keynote speakers: Dr. Ray Johnson, Director of the Maxwell International School and formerly Director of the New Era School in India. Leonard Smith, Assistant to the Auxiliary Board, Professional Educator, Management and Development Consultant, and member of the National Bahá’í Education Committee.

NOTE: DUE TO THE INTENSIVE NATURE OF THIS CONFERENCE, THERE IS NO PROGRAM OR PROVISIONS FOR THE UNDER-3 YEAR OLDS. ADDITIONAL $25 FEE FOR THIS CONFERENCE FOR THE COST OF "MAKE AND TAKE" MATERIAL WORKSHOPS YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO REGISTER EARLY.

JULY 6-11 "LIFETIME OF SERVICE" CONFERENCE

Sponsored and arranged by the Office of Pioneering, this week includes pioneer training sessions for returned pioneers and homefront pioneers and sessions on social and economic development, community building, teaching institutes, and multi-cultural awareness suitable for ANY BAHÁ’Í INTERESTED IN DEVELOPING THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS IN SERVICE TO HUMANITY. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS: Strong children's program dealing with multi-cultural issues, deepening, international travel, pioneering at home or abroad. Adult program will focus on immersion in the Writings and a workshop approach to topics. Special SATURDAY AFTERNOON (JULY 7) session "Re-adjusting—concerns of returning pioneers, families and their communities" a workshop with Dr. Curt Russell.

Special SATURDAY AND SUNDAY SESSIONS (JULY 7-8) - "The youth year of service" with Kemba Thomas, recently returned from Botswana; "Building Bahá’í communities" with Dr. Richard Thomas; "Breaking down barriers to intercultural understanding" with Auxiliary Board member Dr. June Thomas.

Session leaders, teachers include: George Cannon, Auxiliary Board member for the Virgin Islands; Dr. Rod and Mary Jo Clarken, recently returned from Tanzania and the Virgin Islands; Greg and Virginia Kintz, recently returned from Tanzania and Liberia and currently in South Carolina (Greg is with WLGI); Dr. Diana Malouf, recently returned from Morocco.

JULY 6-11 ADULT INTENSIVE SESSIONS

"Writing and the Writings" with Robert Hayden Poetry Fellows. This session will run concurrently with the "Lifetime of Service" and will focus on: Using the writing-reading connection to improve deepening, consultation and your spiritual life; intensive writing workshops to help hone your talents and skills.

Kim Meilecke, coordinator for this session, has an MFA in writing from the University of Arizona, where she has taught composition. She is a poet and recipient of the Hayden Fellowship in 1988. Other Hayden Poetry Fellows, including the 1990 Hayden Fellow, have been invited to assist.

JULY 13-18 SENIOR YOUTH WEEK

Classes, recreation, devotions, consultation, and other activities, planned by Louhelen's Youth Board, for Senior Youth (ages 15 and older). Please check with Louhelen to confirm the teachers for the week. Coordinators: Sophia Berhane, from Ethiopia, a counselor at the Louhelen Residential College and Najin Mansuri, former LRC student from Ecuador.

YOUTH WATCH FOR SPECIAL YOUTH flyer about this event. Confirmed speakers include: Shokouh Rezai - The History and Significance of Tahirih" (in Farsi). Ms. Rezai is an Assistant to the Auxiliary Board in Minnesota and was a member of the National AV and National Education Committees in Iran and a professional broadcaster and anchorwoman. She is also a renowned singer and has performed at Bahá’í events throughout the world; she will be performing at this conference as well as giving the class on Tahirih.

Melanie Smith, outstanding teacher and developer of deepening materials (including The Word of God) will lead sessions in English on Prayers and Meditations. Music, food, fellowship and other activities all with a Persian focus (and with the help of some outstanding Persian cooks). Children's program teachers include Farnoosh Etemad, Christine Zonyk, Judy Russell and others.

FLYER WITH DETAILS ABOUT THIS AND OTHER YOUTH ACTIVITIES!

JULY 19-22 FAMILY WEEKEND CONFERENCE PERSIAN FOCUS!

This three-day conference will include sessions in Farsi and concurrent sessions in English. A number of outstanding and renowned teachers have been invited but most, have not confirmed as of this printing. Please contact Louhelen for updated information or watch for special flyer about this event.

JULY 22-31 YOUTH ACADEMY #1

Youth Academies are designed for youth who are seriously motivated and wish to be challenged in their study of the Faith. They involve intensive, disciplined and serious study of the Writings and their application to the major issues confronting youth. The Academies include classroom study, homework, writes and oral presentations, independent and group study and daily work-service to the school. Youth must apply, through their local Spiritual Assembly or another institution or agency of the Faith, to attend. Limited to 10 youth each session. The 9-day session is $290. Information, requirements and application materials are available from Louhelen.

JULY 22-28 ELDERHOSTEL

(with the University of Michigan-Flint). Grandparent-grandchild emphasis. Write to Louhelen for details.

JULY 31-AUGUST 9 YOUTH ACADEMY #2

(see description for Youth Academy #1 July 22-31)

AUGUST 3-8 GENERAL SESSION

(for adults, youth, children) Adult Classes: "Healing Ourselves, Healing Society: Bahá’u’lláh’s Empowering Tools" with Holly Hanson Vick, popular teacher at Louhelen and recently returned from service in the Office of Social and Economic Development at the Bahá’í World Center. This course will use experiential learning, consultation, the Writings, and particular major concerns (addiction, racism, drowning in a sea of materialism) to develop these empowering tools a spiritual context, vision, using the divine elixir of the power of the Word of God, seeking after truth and using consultation.

"Rungs on the Ladder to the Realm on High" with Sheryl McDonnell Rak. ("We have made music a ladder by which souls may ascend to the realms on high". "Bahá’u’lláh") Participants will learn about, listen to, create, enjoy and experience music and share in the Bahá’í Writings on music. "Non-musicians," musicians and all variations thereof are equally welcomed and will benefit from the class. Sessions will cover: prayer and music; family, community and music; healing and music; teaching, deepening and music; and children, education and music. The empowering and elevating effects of music on the spirit makes this course highly complementary with Holly Vick's course. Sheryl Rak is a voice teacher, vocal therapist and healing [Page 19]consultant as well as a researcher and teacher about the Bahá’í Writings on music. She has taught at Louhelen in the past and has a wonderful effect in helping the friends expand their concept of what music is and how to create and use it through deepening and understanding of the Writings about music.

CHILDREN'S CLASSES AND AFTERNOON FAMILY ACTIVITIES will focus on integrating the arts with Bahá’í learning experiences. Teachers include Anita Reynolds, Candy Hopkins, Christine and Robert Pamenter, Sandra Fair, Cindy Hall, Stephanie Dornbrook and Sherryl McDonnell Rak. Afternoon arts activities include: arts and crafts, drama, writing, dance and movement, cooperative games, nature study, environmental awareness and music.

AUGUST 10-15 JUNIOR YOUTH WEEK Classes, recreation, devotions, consultation, and other activities, planned by Louhelen's Youth Board, for Junior Youth (ages 11-15). Adult teachers and senior youth counselors will facilitate this lively, spiritually enriching week! YOUTH - WATCH FOR SPECIAL YOUTH FLYER WITH DETAILS ABOUT THIS AND OTHER YOUTH ACTIVITIES!

AUGUST 17-26 YOUTH ACADEMY #3 (see description for Youth Academy #1, July 22-31)

AUGUST 17-22 GENERAL SESSION SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE ARTS! Adult Classes: "Growing Spiritually" with Betsy Haynes, enthusiastic and inspiring teacher, Administrative Coordinator for the South Carolina Coordinating Committee and a member of the Advisory Council for the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute.

"Prayers and Meditations" with Melanie Smith, outstanding teacher and developer of deepening materials (including "The Word of God") will lead this in-depth study class.

CHILDREN'S CLASSES AND AFTERNOON FAMILY ACTIVITIES will focus on integrating the arts with Bahá’í learning experiences. Teachers include: Bonnie Tandy, Emily Pane, Susan Engle and Mike Moutrie, Gwen Taylor, Thirlene King and Lewis Tandy. Activities include: storytelling, drama, creative writing, music arts, and crafts, and special nature activities.

AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 3 HOMECOMING WEEKEND Traditional social occasion at which Louhelen alumni, old and new, gather for fellowship, recreation, inspiration and -- especially, fun. Annual friends of Louhelen meeting scheduled. "Old-time" alumni especially requested to come!

SPECIAL EVENTS INCLUDE: HUGE OUTDOOR DINNER AND CONCERT - Saturday, September 1, 6 pm with ***DO’AH World Music Ensemble*** an outstanding, nationally acclaimed group plus Confluence a young Canadian group, with the recent release of "Groundwork" produced by Jack Lenz. ($5 for concert; $10 for dinner and concert; family rates available - check with Louhelen)

INSPIRING TALKS by Dr. Dwight Allen and by visiting pioneers, international teachers and distinguished alumni of the school.

THE ANNUAL LOUHELEN VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION AWARDS AND "ROASTS". THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE FRIENDS OF LOUHELEN. THE OPENING OF THE FOURTH YEAR OF THE LOUHELEN RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE. GAMES!! CONTEST!! MUSIC!! FELLOWSHIP!! FUN!!!

Session Rates - Louhelen Bahá’í School Advance Registration ($10/person deposit received two weeks prior to session includes meals, lodging, program)

Weekend	$ 67 adult/youth over 12
3 days	$101 "
5 days	$169 "

Weekend	$ 93 one parent one child
3 days	$144 "
5 days	$246 "

Weekend	$120 one parent two or more children
3 days	$186 "
5 days	$318 "

Weekend	$145 two parents one or more children
3 days	$224 "
5 days	$382 "

CAMP LOUHELEN - $200 for first child; $145 for each addt’l YOUTH ACADEMIES - $290 for nine days.

Sheets, towels and pillow case can be brought with you or rented from the school at $5.00/set. Keys: There is a $2.00 refundable key deposit. Transportation is available, at a small cost, from area airports and stations; make advance arrangements with Louhelen.

Want more information about a program? Want to Register? You can register by letter or by phone, or receive additional information and forms by writing to Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Rd., Davison, MI 48423 (313/653-5033)

BOSCH BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL - SUMMER 1990

The Bosch Bahá’í School will present eight weeks of GENERAL SESSIONS, with classes designed for all ages, one week designed exclusively for JR. YOUTH, ages 12 through 15, and four YOUTH ACADEMIES for the summer 1990.

GENERAL SESSIONS AND JR. YOUTH WEEK

#1 JUNE 30 - JULY 5 THE LIFE OF SHOGHI EFFENDI, MARTHA ROOT, & AGNES ALEXANDER slides and lecture/some sessions for all ages. Duane Troxel, Ed.D. Assistant Dean U. Colorado-Denver Graduate School of Education

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY IN THE NEW WORLD ORDER Consultation, conflict resolution, role expectations lectures, role playing, discussions. Marvin Hughes, M.S.W. Clinical Social Worker, Co-founder, Youth Academy at Louis Gregory Institute, Co-founder of Fathers, Inc., an agency for urban youth.

BAHÁ’Í PRINCIPLES AND "THE STUDY OF THE SOUL" A mid-week panel resource development workshop. Bahá’í teachings on death and life after death. Slide program by Duane Troxel. If you have experience in the hospice movement or similar practice, please notify program director in advance.

Options: PERSONAL GROWTH GROUP - limited enrollment Michael Bond, Ph.D. The Chinese University, Hong Kong

TEACHER TRAINING FOR YOUTH ACADEMY - limited enrollment (to request a place, phone Edward Diliberto 213/439-6289

#2 JULY 7-12 THE FUNDAMENTAL REQUISITES FOR PEACE: TRANSCENDING MAN-MADE IDEOLOGIES OF RACISM, SEXISM AND POLITICS Marvin Hughes, M.S.W. Conway, South Carolina

IN THE FOREFRONT OF PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENTS: ACTING OUT BAHA’U’LLAH’S MANDATE FOR MANKIND Robert T. Phillips, Santa Cruz, directs a non-profit organization specializing in health-promotion and social change and is an officer of the state-wide Peace Day Project. His graduate study was at Stanford University (International Relations) and was an exchange scholar at the University of Beirut.

LIFE & TEACHINGS OF BAHA’U’LLAH -- FOR ADULTS, YOUTH AND CHILDREN a cross-age audio-visual study activity, Duane Troxel, University of Colorado, Denver

#3 JULY 14-19 THE ENVIRONMENT: CONSERVATION OF EARTH'S RESOURCES - Spiritual, technical, economic and legal issues with the compilation by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice as reference. We will consider what we are doing and SHOULD be doing to conserve the earth's resources. What are implications of the Bahá’í teachings for our care of the earth and for Bahá’ís in environmental professions? What is the status of international ‎environmenal environmental‎ law? How do environmental problems relate Americans to the peoples of the Third World? What are the economics of environmental issues? What concrete actions and lifestyle changes can we make in our families and communities to address environmental problems.

Our purpose is to provide a forum for consultation. Our goals are a clearer understanding of (1) the underlying spiritual nature of the environmental crisis, (2) how environmental issues relate to Bahá’í principles, (3) how to translate knowledge into action in teaching, in our individual lives, and in Bahá’í community activities?

Presentations and Discussion Topics include:

ECOLOGY, RELIGION AND OUR PERCEPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT Gary Colliver, formerly Research Assistant in Biology, Stanford University; Park Ranger, Yosemite National Park; now studying Human Ecology at Cal State Stanislaus

ECONOMIC ISSUES: BAHÁ’Í PERSPECTIVES Farhad Sabetan, Ph.D., an Economic and Financial Manager for Pacific Bell

THE ATMOSPHERE Fred E. Littman, Ph.D. from the University of Prague, has been a Senior Research Chemist for Stanford Research Institute and has worked for Rockwell International Environmental Monitoring Center.

FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES Roger Guinee, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

THE SEA, THE COMMON HERITAGE OF HUMANKIND: Bahá’í approaches to international law governing the protection of marine environments, Michael Reveal, Volunteer Staff Attorney, University of Massachusetts Legal Services Offices

EARTH: A UNIQUE AND FRAGILE CREATION, MAN: A UNIQUELY RESPONSIBLE CREATURE John Trauger, Ph.D., Project Scientist, Wide Field and Planetary Camera for Hubble Space Telescope.

Tuesday 4 pm guest speaker: Martin Knowlton, Founder of International Adult Education Program, ELDERHOSTEL, & GATEKEEPERS TO THE FUTURE, a citizens' environmental education and advocacy group.

SAPELO ISLAND - A CASE STUDY Beverlee Patton-Miller, formerly of Paneghani School, India and World College West, Marin County, California

TOWARD AN ECOLOGY OF MOTHER EARTH, SPIRITUALITY AND ECONOMICS Rothwell C. Polk, Jr., Executive Director, Calumet Area Industrial Commission, Chicago, Ill.

THE GROUND FLOW - LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES AND PUBLIC POLICY PLANNING Warren Jones and Paul Mantle, Nevada County, California

#4 JULY 21-26 THE KITAB-I-IQAN, UNLOCKING THE MYSTERIES OF THE BIBLE Brent Poirier, Attorney, Las Cruces, New Mexico, Bring Kitab-i-Iqan and King James or New King James Bible

GLIMPSES OF THE LIFE, THE TEACHINGS, THE TIMES OF BAHA’U’LLAH Marsha Gilpatrick, Auxiliary Board member; Ronald Gilpatrick, Superintendent Belmont School District

THE ARTS IN TEACHING & EXHIBIT OF TAPESTRIES Vickie Hu Poirier, tapestry artist of cultural history and portraiture in fabric, Las Cruces, New Mexico

#5 JULY 28-AUGUST 2 (ages 12-15) JR YOUTH WEEK -- YOUTH TRAINING FOR WAGING PEACE An intensive session of study, service, devotions and recreation for jr. youth, ages 12-15. No sponsor required. Cabin counselors will assist team of outstanding teachers.

#6 AUGUST 4-9 BUILDING AN ATTRACTIVE COMMUNITY Also Sunday 4 pm "memories of John and Louise Bosch" Richard Groger, Auxiliary Board member

TOWARD TRANSFORMATION: PERSONAL AND FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS/ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE Text: Bahá’í Education, A Compilation. Joseph Gallata, Ph.D., Administrator, University of Nevada, Reno/SNJCC Medical Clinic.

Panel of young adults: Various topics among them: Ridvan 1990 Message of the Universal House of Justice, Paul Allen facilitating

#7 AUGUST 11-16 (Sunday AM 9:00 and 11:00) REPORT FROM CHINA AND POINTS EAST AND WEST Juana Conrad, member of the National Spiritual Assembly [Page 20]

Summer schools

TWO INTENSIVE STUDY GROUPS: KITAB-I-IQAN Clarissa Weil, Scottsdale, Arizona; David Young, Grants Pass, Oregon

CREATING TRUE COMMUNITY THROUGH INDIVIDUAL ACTION Jim Mulvaney, Communication Technology Consultant, Electric Power Research Institute

1. 8 AUGUST 18-24 (6 DAYS) see special fee. MODELED AFTER THE BOSCH YOUTH ACADEMY, THIS IS AN INTENSIVE 6-DAY COURSE for adults of all ages, with a program for children and youth. Academic Director: Auxiliary Board member Miguel Osborne, with assistants. Required texts: The Advent of Divine Justice, The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, Citadel of Faith, The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Spiritual Foundations: Prayer, Meditation and the Devotional attitude, a Compilation.

Work projects are part of the program. One option will be forest clearing. Bring suitable clothes and shoes. Young families are encouraged to register for this week. The regular children’s program (2 classes in the morning, one in the afternoon, with family recreation after lunch and after dinner and staff supervised children’s activity one evening) will be supplemented by a parent co-operative arrangement for child care at other times. Day students may attend if they are pre-registered and committed to attend the six days. Advance registration, with deposits for all family members, is required. Evening programs at 8PM open to guests. Special evening programs: Army of light: Reaching the heart of Asia, Beth McKenty, Ashiya University, Ashiya, Japan.

1. 9 AUGUST 25-30 ADOPTING A BAHÁ’Í APPROACH TO INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS: AN ORGANIC PROCESS. Explore the subtle but profound differences between Bahá’í principles and western liberal democratic practice. Read in advance and bring the Message of December 29, 1988 to the Bahá’ís of the United States from the Universal House of Justice. Richard Schickele, Attorney, Washington D.C.

ON BEING TRULY HUMAN: SKILLS FOR INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION Ebrahim ‎Salid Shahid‎ Amanat, M.D. Former Associate Professor of Psychiatry, St. Louis University. In addition to the morning sessions for everyone, in the afternoon Dr. Amanat will work with couples on communication in marriage.

RATES FOR SUMMER, 1990 WEEKS 1-4, 6,7, & 9 Adults (21 and up): Cabin $190; summer cabin $160; youth (11-20): cabin $160, summer cabin $140; children (1-10): cabin $120, summer cabin $100; infants, under 1 year, no charge Week #5 Jr. youth week $235. Week #8, adults, cabin $228, summer cabin $192; youth, cabin $192, summer cabin $168; children, cabin $144, summer cabin $105.

All rates listed are for early registration, i.e. deposits received 3 weeks (21 days) prior to the session starting date. Late registration, received less than 21 days before the session starting date, add $4/person/day.

Bahá’í Youth Academy: Any youth may make application through any institution of the Faith or its agencies. Each session is twelve (12) days and cost is $360. Deposit required: $75/person. For admission contact: Mrs. Angelina Allen, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007

Youth Academy

#1	6/30 to 7/12/90
#2	7/14 to 7/26/90
#3	8/4 to 8/16/90
#4	8/18 to 8/30/90

DEPOSIT REQUIREMENT: Jr. Youth week only, $75 deposit/person. All other weeks, $35/person. Deposits may be made by check or Visa or Mastercard. Registrar, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-9615. To receive a copy of the full brochure, listing discounts, scholarships, and other details about Bosch, write to the above address or call (408)423-3387.

BAHÁ’Í REGIONAL SCHOOLS - 1990 SUMMER SCHEDULE

This summer promises to be an exciting, spiritually invigorating time for those of you who are planning to attend a Bahá’í School. The Guardian encouraged youth in particular to attend these schools and this year promises to be an especially good time for them to do so. We hope that each one of you will make every effort to attend a Bahá’í school this summer. NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE

ALABAMA

Dates: July 12-15, 1990 Location: ‎Monte Vallo Montevallo‎ State Univ. Monte Vallo, AL Facilities: Private dorm rooms and baths. Meals at the school cafeteria. Classes: Children, youth, adult Recreation: Gym is available for basketball, volleyball; swimming, tennis, Rates: Adult $75; 11-14 yr $65; 3-10 yr $35; under 2 free; day students $10. Registrar: Dick Detweiler, Birmingham, AL 35810 (205)851-8463 Teachers: Jack and FaFa Guillebeaux, Kerry McCord; Parviz Izadi. Alabama schools get high marks on spirit! Topics: “Holy Family; The Koran”

ARIZONA

Dates: August 4-5, 1990 Location: Belmont Property, Flagstaff Facilities: Motel, tent camping, very rustic, meals served Recreation: Volleyball, hiking Rates: Call registrar Registrar: Susan Sloan, Casa Grande, AZ 85222 (602)836-9133 Topics: “Bahá’u’lláh and the Kitab-i-Iqan”

COLORADO EAST

Dates: August 5-9, 1990 Location: Long Scraggy Ranch Facilities: Cabins, dorms, tent or trailer space; meals provided Classes: Children, youth, adult Recreation: Large pool (including baby pool) tennis and volleyball courts, hiking Rates: Adult $65; 12-17 yr $60; 6-11 yr $55; 3-5 yr $10; day students: adult $35; 12-17 yr $30; 6-11 yr $25; 3-5 yr $10 Pre-registration: July 22 end date for accepting registrations Registrar: Don Brayton, P.O. Box 1033, Woodland Park, CO 80866 (719)687-3351 Topic: Life of Bahá’u’lláh

COLORADO WESTERN

Dates: ‎June 21-14 June 21-24‎, 1990 Location: Camp Ilium, Cty Rd. 2121, Forest Service Rd. 625 Telluride, CO Facilities: Meals in main lodge cafeteria style kitchen. Dorms, cabins (with separate toilet & shower facilities.) Bring own bedding or sleeping bags, towels & individual toiletries, flashlight Classes: Children, youth and adult Recreation: Volleyball, basketball, soccer, and hiking, fishing Rates: Adult $40; 13-22 yr $32; 5-12 yr $15; 2-4 yr $5; 0-2 free Pre-registration: June 12 - a $10 late fee for family or $5 for individuals Registrar: Carol Hitti, Cortez, CO 81321 (303)565-7910 (Beautiful mountains, rustic setting at 8,100 ft. elevation. Cool nights. Some tent space available. Join us in Colorado for 1990 summer school) Topic: “Life and Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh” bring The King of Glory

FLORIDA SUMMER

Dates: June 29-July 4, 1990 Location: Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL Facilities: Dorm housing, cafeteria meals Classes: Children, youth and adults in air-conditioned classrooms Recreation: Tennis courts, volleyball, basketball; Rates: Adult-19 $175; 13-20 yr $156; 5-12 yr $120; 3-4 yr $75; day students $15 Pre-registration: June 15 (rates go up $10 for late registration) Registrar: Donna Evertz, Deerfield Bch, FL 33441 (305)421-8979 (Teachers: Jack McCants, Soo Foutz, Mary Kay Radpour, Cora Oliver John Hatcher, Dodi Theriault, MC: Cap Cornwell Topic: Shoghi Effendi: The Promised Day is Come

GEORGIA

Summer school planned, please call for information: Jamal Ahangarzadeh, Powder Springs, GA 30073 (404)439-5528

GREEN LAKE CONFERENCE

Dates: September 14-16, 1990 Location: American Baptist Conf. Ctr, Green Lake, WI Facilities: Wide variety-campsites, dorms, cottages, cabins, hotel rooms; meal package provided, please call the conference center for specifics Classes: Nursery, children, youth, adults Recreation: Woodlands, indoor pool, bicycling, boating, fishing, tennis, golf Rates: Call American Baptist Conference Ctr directly (414)294-3323 or 1-800-558-8898 Pre-registration: 0-20 ages pre-register as soon as possible Call for more information: Sharon Holder, Cedarburg, WI 53012 (414)375-2335

IDAHO

Dates: June 14-17, 1990 Location: Camp Sawtooth, 10 miles N of Ketchum in Sawtooth Mountains Facilities: Rustic cabins, dorm style; family dining in main lodge Classes: Nursery, children, youth, & adult Recreation: Basketball, volleyball, hiking Rates: Adult-jr youth $65; children $45 Pre-registration: June 1 (after June 1st adults and youth add $10, children add $5) Registrar: Max Newlin, American Falls, ID 83211 (208)548-2677 There will be workshops and classes on the Promise of World Peace, the recent trip to the Soviet Union, a series on the Holy Family, and on the Vision to Victory conferences; be prepared for a Unity Feast and variety night music, skits, etc.) Topic: “Reach Out and Teach” (Counselor Fred Schechter will be teaching the adult and youth classes.)

ILLINOIS - HEARTLAND

Dates: August 15-19, 1990 Location: Camp Wokanda, near Peoria, IL Facilities: Dorms, cabins, tent sites, nearby motels, meals served in camp dining hall. Classes: Children, youth and adults, NO air-conditioning Recreation: Large pool, outdoor sports, beautiful wooded setting for hiking Rates (approximate): 19 and up $85; 10-18 yr $70; 3-9 yr $50; 2 & under $30; weekend & day rates available Pre-registration: August 1, 1990 Registrar: Leon Stevens, Salem, IL 62881 (618)548-0269 Topic: “The Life and Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh”

IOWA

Dates: July 19-22, 1990 Location: Simpson College in Indianola, Southeast of Des Moines, IA Facilities: Dorms, air-conditioned rooms, camping, cafeteria meals Classes: Children, youth and adult Recreation: Gym, track, pool Rates: Call registrar for information Registrar: Rebecca Thompson, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 (319)364-4277

KANSAS

School to be held in late summer, please call or write for information: Joyce Stohr, Topeka, KS 66604 (913)232-5639

LOUISIANA

School to be held over Thanksgiving, please call or write for information: Michael & Pamela Stockburger, Baton Rouge, LA 70816 (504)272-6046

MARYLAND

Dates: August 3-6, 1990 Location: Frostburg State Univ., Frostburg, Facilities: Food/lodging on site with camping facilities nearby Classes: Children, youth, and adult Recreation: Swimming, volleyball, tennis Rates: Adult/youth $85-95; 3-10 yr $65-85; Day $45-60 Pre-registration: REQUIRED BY July 15 Contact: Ann Booth, Westminster, MD 21157 (301)848-6087 Teachers: Include Jack and FaFa Guillebeaux Topic “Our Emerging World Community - Individual Responsibilities and Benefits”

MINNESOTA

Dates: August 22-26, 1990 Location: Camp Onomia, Onamia, MN Facilities: Central camp, cabins with private rooms for families/individuals; meals provided; bring bedding (linen rental $4), camping with bath facilities, campers can cook some meals. Classes: Children, youth and adult Recreation: Hiking, fishing, canoeing Rates: Call for information Pre-registration: August 10, 1990 Registrar: Mr. Stephen Grams, Willmar, MN 56201 (612)235-6530 Topic: “Life and Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh”

MISSISSIPPI

Dates: June 15-17, 1990 Location: Univ. of MS, Gulf Park Conf. Ctr, Long Beach, MS (3 mi W of Gulfport) Facilities: Meals and lodging provided Classes: Children, youth and adult classes held together Rates (approximate): Adult-youth $79; children under 10 $27 Registrar: Sudi Clayton, Madison, MS 39110 (601)856-2964 Topic: “Transformation and Growth” [Page 21]

Summer schools

MONTANA

Dates: August 5-12, 1990 Location: Laccock Park Camp, 9 miles S of Livingston, MT Facilities: Cabins, camper space available and meals provided Classes: Children, youth and adult Recreation: Fishing, hiking, basketball, softball, swimming, horseback riding Rates: 16 and up $100; 12-15 yr $70; 5- 11 yr $40; 0-4 yr $10 Pre-registration: August 1 Registrar: Jahan Lohrasbi, Butte, MT 59701 (406)494-6627 (full scholarship for Native Americans) Topic: "To assist Me is to teach My Cause

NEBRASKA

Dates: August 10-12, 1990 Location: Halsey 4-H Camp, National Forest near Halsey, N of North Platte Facilities: Dorma/family cabins, tent or RV camping with central dining hall Classes: Children, youth, and adult in beautiful 2-story rustic pine lodge Recreation: Pine forest hiking, canoe or tube down Loup River, swimming Rates (approx.): Adult-youth $60; 8-16 yr $50; 5-7 yr $36; 2-4 yr $18; under 2 free Registrar: Colin Taylor, North Platte, NE 69101 (308)534-4939 Topic "Study of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh

NEW JERSEY

Dates: June 8-10, 1990 Location: Georgian Court College, Lakewood, NJ Classes: Children, youth and adult Facilities/Rates: Call for information Registrar: Navid Ziyeen, Freehold, NJ 07728 (201)780-7708 Topic: Study of Bahá’u’lláh's Tablets

NEW YORK

Dates: June 15-17, 1990 Location: Oakwood School, Spakenkell Rd., Poughkepsie, NY Facilities: Dorm 2 persons to room, some family rooms available Classes: Children, youth and adult Recreation: Gym, tennis courts Rates: Call registrar Pre-registration: June 1, 1990 Registrar: Jean Jaczko, Newburgh, NY 12550 (914)496-7579day (914)564-3813 evenings (Teachers: James Sturdivant, Auxiliary Board Member; Afaf Stevens, Rocky Moncho, dynamic noted youth teacher, Hartford Youth Workshop to perform.) Topic: "Life and Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh & The Covenant"

NORTH CAROLINA

Dates: June 30-July 4, 1990 Location: Univ. of N C. at Asheville Facilities: Dorms-accommodating families; meals included Classes: Children, pre-youth, youth, adult Recreation: Swimming, trails Rates: Call for information Registrar: Diane McKinnley, Carey, NC 27513 (919)469-2783

NORTH DAKOTA

Winter school only. Summer activities held on weekends on the reservations call for information: Marian Kadrie, So. Fargo, ND 58103 (701)235-3725

OKLAHOMA

School will be in October. Call for information: Al Daniels, Oklahoma City, OK 73131 (405)478-3279

OREGON EASTERN

Dates: August 22-26, 1990 Location: Meadow Wood Speech Camp, (near Pendleton) Facilities: Dorms, cabins Classes: Children, youth and adults Rates: Call for information Registrar: Pat Stephenson, Ontario, OR 97914 (503)889-2694

OREGON WESTERN

Dates: August 14-19, 1990 Location: Camp Myrtlewood; SW Oregon Facilities: Cabins, tent space/RV spaces (no hook-ups), meals in dining hall Classes: Adult, youth, children's classes Recreation: Swimming, field sports, hikes Rates (approximate): Adults $58; Youth $50; 2-8 yr $33; Family $185 Registrar: Star Stone, Roseburg, OR 97470 (503)673-3737 Topic: Life and Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh

TENNESSEE

Dates: August 31-September 3, 1990 Location: DuBose Conf Ctr, Monteagle Facilities: Deluxe to camp cabins/meals Classes: Children, youth and adult Recreation: Swimming, volleyball, hiking Rates: Please call for information Pre-registration: August 15 Registrar: Kaihan Strain, Hixson, TN 37343 (615)842-1750

TEXAS-NORTHERN

Dates: August 23-26, 1990 Location: Bridgeport Conf. Ctr Facilities: Closed campus, meals provided; bring bedding/linen, air-conditioned; semi- privates available to families with children Classes: Children, youth and adult Recreation: Swimming, summer sports, Rates (approximate): Adult-16 $90; 10-15 $84; 3-9 yr $75 (day students $16.50 included lunch/dinner; $7 - no meals) Day students are discouraged at summer school due to limited seating/eating facilities. Pre-registration: Due August 1 Contact: John Leonard, Grand Prairie, TX 75051 (214)642-8065

WASHINGTON-SHELTERING BRANCH

Dates: July 1-7, 1990 Location: Camp Wooten State Park, 30 miles from Dayton Facilities: Main lodge, outside amphitheaters, dorm-style cabins, bring sleeping bags, some family cabins available. Meals family style Classes: All classes are on-site; we emphasize our excellent nursery, preschool, children and youth programs. Recreation: Hiking, indoor heated pool, roller skating, tennis, volleyball, canoeing, archery, fly fishing Rates: Adult $90; 15-17 yr $65; 11-14 yr $50; 6-10 yr $40; 1-5 yr $25; 0-1 yr $15; family rates $320 Pre-registration: June 10 Registrar: Carla Freeman, Ellensburg, WA 98926 (509)962-6669

(Our emphasis is on community and family life. This is a working camp where everyone, including children, take part in daily upkeep and general camp assistance. Nestled deep in the heart of the Blue Mountains, Camp Wooten is ideal for spiritual, social and intellectual growth.)

WASHINGTON - WEST

Dates: June 21-26, 1990 Location: Bay Horizon Park, Birch Bay Facilities: Barracks, bring sleeping bags (bunks/mattresses) Dorms are not heated. Classes: Children, youth, and adult Recreation: Gym, hiking Rates Adult-13 $90; 4-12 yr $55; family $235.00 Pre-registration: May 21 Registrar: Harry Taylor, Arlington, WA 98223 (206)435-8245 (This is a working school. We are responsible for cooking, keeping the dorms, and outside areas clean.) Topic: "Making our visions a reality"

WISCONSIN SOUTHERN

Dates: July 16-20, 1990 Location: Byron Center, Brownsville, WI Facilities: Dorms, campsites; meals in dining hall Classes: Children, youth and adult

Bahá’í children in Mercer Island, Washington, recently donated a 'Peace Collection' of children's story books to the Mercer Island Public Library. In cluded were such books as The Butter Battle Book, "Sadako and the Thous and Paper Cranes, "Follow the Drink ing Gourd," and "Upon the Head of the Goat. Accepting for the library was children's librarian Linde Reed f

Recreation: Swimming pool available, large playing field Rates: Adult $137.50; 4-13 yr $66.25 0-4 yr $7; day students $7; family $425 Pre-registration: June 30 Registrar: Jim Hannen, North Prairie, WI 53153 (414)392-3304 (Summer school to be officially named Marian Steffes Bahá’í school is recognition of the first Wisconsin American Indian Bahá’í) Topic: Bahá’u’lláh; bring The King of Glory

Excellence in all things...

Bill Massey, a Bahá’í from Boca Raton, Florida, was named 1989 South County Football Coach of the Year after leading the Spanish River High School Sharks to a 7-2 record. Mr. Massey's charges are 15-4 with two city championships in the past two seasons.

Dr. Joy F. Benson has been named an Outstanding Woman of Dalton and Whitfield County, Georgia, by the Dalton branch of the American As- sociation of University Women (AAUW). Dr. Benson, who received her medical degree at the University of Michigan, is medical director of the six- county Northwest Georgia Health District.

Karen S.J. Phillips, a Bahá’í from Peralta, New Mexico, was chosen "Teacher of the Year" for 1989-90 at Belen (New Mexico) Junior High School. Mrs. Phillips is a science teacher who has had success in motivating her students to take part in and win awards at district and regional science fairs.

Dawn Lynn Haghighi, a Bahá’í who lives in Chicago, has been elected as- sistant treasurer of the Hong Kong Business Association of the Midwest. Ms. Haghighi, who speaks fluent Mandarin and is presently studying Japa- nese, is employed as an associate attorney with Hinshaw, Culbertson, Moel- mann, Hoban & Fuller in Chicago, and serves as an assistant to Auxiliary Board member Javidukht Khadem.

John David, secretary-treasurer of the Bahá’í Association of Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colorado, who returned to school to prepare himself as a pioneer to Asia, has been elected to membership in the national honor society Alpha Chi. Mr. David also belongs to the local and national chapters of the English honor society Sigma Tau Delta, and is the recipient of the 1989-90 Esther Herr Memorial Scholarship, one of the most coveted awards given at Mesa State College.

Magazine praises Bahá’í’s development project

The March issue of "Organic Gar- dening" magazine reports on a one- woman social and economic develop ment project begun last year by June Bombaci, a Bahá’í from Joseph, Ore gon.

According to the article, Ms. Bom- baci "decided it was time to do some thing about northeastern Oregon's badly eroded streams. She loaded her 1969 Ford pickup with native tree seed- lings and cuttings, and began replant- ing the Wallowa Valley."

In the last year, it said, "she has planted more than 4,000 alders, cot- tonwoods, red Osier dogwoods and na- tive willows. A U.S. Forest Service steward, Bombaci has been restoring stream habitats ruined by logging, cat- tle grazing, farming and construc tion." [Page 22]

International Chinese Symposium

In a moving session on Friday morning, 11 Chinese Bahá’ís spoke about how they had become Bahá’ís and what had attracted them to the Faith. They were drawn to the Cause, most said, because of the unity of the Bahá’ís as well as by the social principles and the teachings on world peace.

Their stories reinforced the sentiments expressed in a letter to the Symposium from the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum in which she urged the friends to remember that "this great race (the Chinese) comes from an entirely different historic background outside the Judeo-Christian-Muslim line of world religions, and the appeal to their very logical minds and different historic and cultural background should be from their point of view and not the one we are used to in the Western Hemisphere and Europe."

Speakers, panelists and workshop facilitators at the Symposium represented the Boards of Counselors and Auxiliary Boards of Asia and the Americas; the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly; the Bahá’í International Community; the Bahá’í Committee for China and the International Chinese Teaching Committee, both of whom were appointed by the Universal House of Justice; the National Teaching Committees of Canada and the U.S.; and many present and former pioneers and traveling teachers who lived in or traveled through China or other countries with large Chinese populations. Also attending were members of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Ecuador, Macau, Singapore, Suriname and Thailand.

Plenary sessions included talks on the development of the Cause in China and offered a wealth of ideas about how to teach the Chinese outside of mainland China.

"Understanding the Chinese People and Culture" was the topic of a talk by Charles Pau of Singapore who also spoke on "The Vision of Chinese Teaching Outside Mainland China." Mr. Pau referred to a letter from the Universal House of Justice to the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, read to the Symposium by Judge James Nelson, vice-chairman of the National Assembly, which suggested that one of the best opportunities to reach Chinese in America is in the universities where one can meet those who will return to China to become that country's most influential citizens.

Lori McLaughlin, a former student in mainland China now at Cornell University, reiterated that point in a talk entitled "The Role of Youth in Reaching the Chinese."

She noted from experience that young people in China are struggling to find answers to their country's problems, but that many who look to the U.S. to find those solutions are disappointed.

"Bahá’í youth," she said, "can offer the greatest gift (to the Chinese), the solutions they are seeking. One way to reach the Chinese youth is to study the Chinese language in school and go to China to continue your education. Any field can be researched or studied in China."

Farzam Kamalabadi, a member of the Bahá’í Committee for China, spoke on "The Bahá’í Faith and China," and later outlined some of the many ways in which Bahá’ís can use the mass media, especially the many Chinese-language newspapers around the world, to reach the Chinese population.

Andy Sham of the U.S. National Teaching Committee spoke on "Teaching Chinese People in the United States."

Sandra Hutchinson of Canada, who has traveled extensively in China, spoke on "Establishing Chinese Teaching Networks," pointing out that one of the best ways to form a network of Chinese friends is "to begin with the Chinese person most available to you. In becoming close to that one person, you will have many Chinese friends before you know it."

A slide program by Roland Yazhari depicted some of his trips to mainland China and the personal friendships he has made with Chinese people.

Panel discussions included those on "Differences and Similarities Between Chinese Inside and Outside of Mainland China" and "Teaching Chinese in Universities."

Panelists for the first of these were Rosalie Tran, Kit Yin Kiang, former residents in China John Skeaff and Deborah Todd, and Victor Greenspoon, a pioneer to Thailand.

Taking part in the second panel were Jene Brusen-Bellows, who has traveled in China and taught in several Asian countries as well as in colleges in the U.S.; Barry Shapiro, a former pioneer to Africa who is active in Chinese teaching at Purdue University; and Lori McLaughlin.

Both panels were followed by an open mike dialogue between panelists and the audience.

On Saturday evening, about 300 Chinese from the San Francisco area were guests at a gala "Tribute to Chinese Culture" at the Bahá’í Center. Following the program, many of these guests attended a reception at which 11 people including nine Chinese embraced the Cause.

The program itself included performances by Zhu Ming Ying, a singer-dancer from mainland China now living in Boston who in 1989 won China's first-ever Gold Record Award; the Pacific Zheng Ensemble from San Francisco; a Bahá’í children's choir from the Bay area led by Ron and

To the Participants in the Bahá’í International Chinese Symposium

Dearly loved friends,

We send our warm greetings on the occasion of your gathering in San Francisco to consult on the opportunities now awaiting you to share the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh with the Chinese people living abroad.

These are momentous times in the fortunes of mankind... times of rapid and far-reaching global change which gives rise to fundamental questions of concern about the social order in which we all live. All over the world, but particularly in China, our contemporaries are searching for answers to these questions. This searching appears to have generated a new kind of receptivity which recognizes in the Teachings basic principles which are at once timely, relevant and compelling. The conjunction of this receptivity with the presence of thousands of Chinese in your midst presents an opportunity for teaching that may never recur in your lifetime.

The time is now.

May Bahá’u’lláh bless and confirm your efforts wherever you may go in service to His Cause.

Universal House of Justice March 27, 1990 [Page 23]

Symposium

Carol Lyles of San Mateo; Elaine Wu, former soloist with the Central Philharmonic Society in Beijing; Lilian Wu, a Bahá’í from San Francisco who is a well-known pianist and former recitalist with the BBC; and the Chinese Folk Dance Association of San Francisco which performed a traditional dance from Mongolia and a fan dance in the Anhui, Shantang and Yunnan styles.

The Chinese Symposium was well-covered by the media with articles in four Chinese-language newspapers and programs on two Chinese-language television stations.

A video tape of the Chinese cultural evening was requested by a local Chinese-language TV station, to be aired as a one-hour special dubbed in Chinese.

On the day the Symposium opened, a press conference and luncheon was held for Chinese-language media at which Mr. Hofman, Rosalie Tran of the Hong Kong Office of Public Information, Mr. Kamalabadi and Mr. Kit explained that the Symposium was being held to promote an understanding of the Chinese culture and to establish friendships among Chinese and Americans.

The Chinese Symposium ended at noon on Sunday, after which about 270 Bahá’ís and Southeast Asian guests from the Bay area were brought by bus to the Center for a Southeast Asian Bahá’í Conference.

Left photo: David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice, addresses the Symposium. Right photo: the Chinese Folk Dance Association of San Francisco performs.

Nine of the Southeast Asians accepted the Faith while en route to the conference, which was a reunion for many of them as well as an opportunity to greet and to hear from Mr. Hofman who gave an especially warm welcome to the many children seated on the floor at the front of the room.

At the close of the conference, which was conducted in English, Hmong, Khmer, Lao and Vietnamese, several of those who had taken part in the weekend’s events remained in San Francisco to continue teaching efforts that had begun several weeks before the Symposium under the guidance of the Metro 1000 Project Committee.

As of the opening of the Symposium the teachers had reported 31 declarations, a number that has since risen to at least 54 including 13 Chinese and 17 Southeast Asians.

Bienamada sierva y mártir May Maxwell conmemorada en Argentina

A todas las Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales

Queridos amigos bahá’ís,

La Casa Universal de Justicia envió el siguiente mensaje a la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional de Argentina para una conferencia realizándose allí del 25 de febrero al 1 de marzo de 1990:

SALUDAMOS DE CORAZÓN A REUNIÓN INTERNACIONAL CONMEMORANDO QUINCUAJÉSIMO ANIVERSARIO FALLECIMIENTO BIENAMADA SIERVA DEL MAESTRO DISCÍPULA DISTINGUIDA MAY MAXWELL. SOLEMNE OCASIÓN EVOCA RECUERDOS INFLUENCIA MAGNÉTICA EJERCIDA SOBRE ELLA POR ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ DURANTE SU VISITA ‘AKKÁ ACOMPAÑADA PRIMER GRUPO DE PEREGRINOS OCCIDENTALES. RÉCORD BRILLANTE DE SUS INVOLVIDABLES LOGROS CORONADOS HONOR INAPRECIABLE MUERTE DE MÁRTIR DESTINADA A PERMANECER SIEMPRE IDENTIFICADA CON DESPERTAR ESPIRITUAL GENTE LATINA TANTO VIEJO COMO NUEVO MUNDO. SU SACRIFICIO GLORIOSO FORJÓ ENLACE VITAL E IMPERECEDERO ENTRE EJECUTORES PRINCIPALES PLAN DIVINO EN SU TIERRA NATAL, SU ALIADO PRINCIPAL EN SU PATRIA ADOPTADA CANADIENSE, Y SUS ASOCIADOS POR DERECHO EN LATINOAMÉRICA, ESCENA DE SUS HAZAÑAS FINALES. ESPERANZA EXPRESADA POR SHOGHI EFFENDI QUE SU NOBLE EJEMPLO INSPIRARA OTROS A LEVANTARSE A SEGUIR SUS PASOS Y ASÍ ALEGRAR SU ALMA REINO ABHÁ ABUNDANTEMENTE REALIZADA POR SERVICIOS DINÁMICOS Y CREADORES DE ÉPOCA CREYENTES HEMISFERIO OCCIDENTAL DURANTE CINCO DÉCADAS DESDE SU FALLECIMIENTO. LOGROS SIN IGUAL CREYENTES LATINOAMERICANOS TANTO EN SUS PAÍSES Y EN CAMPOS EXTRANJEROS CONSTITUYEN CAPÍTULO MEMORABLE HISTORIA DE ESTE PERÍODO ERA FORMATIVA DE LA FE. SU INVOLUCRAMIENTO AUMENTATIVO ACTUAL CON VICTORIAS DE ENSEÑANZA EN ÁFRICA Y EUROPA ORIENTAL AL IGUAL QUE SERVICIOS DIGNOS DE CREYENTES SUR Y CENTROAMERICANOS CENTRO MUNDIAL FE ENALTECEN AÚN MÁS NOTABLE CONTRIBUCIÓN AVANCE CAUSA SEÑOR DE LAS HUESTES. QUE CONFERENCIA REALIZADA PROXIMIDAD A SU LUGAR DE DESCANSO ILUMINADO Y BENDICIDA POR PRESENCIA E INSPIRACIÓN HIJA ALTAMENTE ESTIMADA SRA. MAXWELL MANO CAUSA AMATU’L-BAHÁ RÚHIYYIH KHÁNUM DESENCADENE NUEVAS OLAS ENERGIA ESPIRITUAL CARGAR PARTICIPANTES MAYOR VISIÓN IMPLICACIONES MISIÓN MUNDIAL TRASCENDENTAL BAHÁ’ÍS LATINOAMERICANOS SEGÚN SE IMPLICA EN LLAMADO DE BAHÁ’U’LLÁH A PRESIDENTES REPÚBLICAS AMERICANAS EN SU LIBRO MÁS SAGRADO. SUPLICANDO ARDIENTEMENTE EN SAGRADOS SEPULCROS NUEVAS EFUSIONES GRACIA SOSTENEDORA PERMITIR AMIGOS LOGRAR PREMIOS AÚN MAYORES MESES RESTANTES PLAN DE SEIS AÑOS.

CASA UNIVERSAL DE JUSTICIA 21 de Febrero de 1990

THIS IS THE GENERATION

Baha'i International Youth Conference 1990

"Undoubtedly, it is within your power to contribute significantly to shaping the societies of the coming century: youth can move the world." —UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE MESSAGE TO YOUTH, 3 JANUARY 1984

FIVE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCES ON THE THEME: "An Environment of Peace" ...with nature and with each other

• Carlton University, Ottawa, Ontario, July 27-29, 1990
• Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, July 27-29, 1990
• Centre Municiple, Ville de Québec, Québec, (en français), le 6-8 juillet 1990
• Conference Centre, Whistler, British Columbia, June 29-July 2, 1990
• University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, August 3-5, 1990

(All conferences to be held in Canada)

CONFERENCE COST: Approximately CDN $185.00 or US $150.00

For more Information contact: National Spiritual Assembly Bahá’ís of the United States Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone 708-869-9039

Public Information reminder

Whenever a news release is issued or an ad is placed in your local newspaper announcing a public meeting to be held in a residence, the Office of Public Information recommends that you do not list the address of the residence. In most cities and towns there could be the possibility of legal problems, since you are inviting the public to a residence that may not be zoned as a public meeting place. It is best to list a telephone number to call for information about the event. Then you can personally invite the individual and provide the address. [Page 24]یکدیگر مألوف و محشور گردند و در روابط خود با جميع طبقات به ذیل تقوی و عدالت متمسك شوند و در اقدامات خود گوی سبقت و امتیاز را از همگنان بربایند و اثبات نمایند که منسوب به جامعه ای روشن ضمیر و پیشرو میباشند و محبوب قلوبشان که یکصدمین سالگرد صعود و عروجش را به رفرف اسماء تعظیم و تکریم می نمایند. مصائب و بلیات وارده را بیهوده تحمل نفرموده است. شایسته آنکه جميع یاران در تبلیغ و تبشیر امر حضرت یزدان این صفات و کمالات را میزان و قیاس رفتار و اقدامات خود قرار دهند و معیار عبودیت در آستان آن سلطان حقیقی سلاطین ارض دانند.

همکاران عزیز و گرانقدر در چنین اوقاتی که در انتظار وقوع تحولات عظیمه هستیم جامعه بشری مواجه با مرحله بحرانی تقلیب و انتقال به صفات و خصوصیاتی است که مالك قدر برای بشر مقدر فرموده است تندباد حوادث وزان است و ارکان نظم قدیم در تزلزل و اشتیاق شدید برای نظمی جدید در امور جامعه انسانی روزافزون در نتیجه راه برای به اهتزاز در آوردن علم امرالله در سرزمین هایی که تا بحال از وصول پیام الهی ممنوع و محروم مانده اند مفتوح و هموار می گردد. چنین تغییرات و تحولات سریع بشارت دهنده امکاناتی در دهه نهایی قرن بیستم است که الهام بخش تحقق رویایی دیرینه میگردد. این اوضاع و احوال همچنانکه فرخنده فال است مستلزم مجاهدتی است عظیم.

حصول صلح اصغر لازمه اش تغییرات کلیه در قواعد و ارکان جامعه کنونی بشری است. گر چه شواهد و آثار امیدبخش مینماید ولیکن نباید فراموش کرد که هنوز کاملاً از گذرگاههای تاریک عصر تحول و انتقال نگذشته ایم و راهی طولانی و افزاینده و پر پیچ و خم در پیش داریم. چه که کفر و الحاد متداول و ماده پرستی (ماتریالیسم) شایع و رایج است. ملیت پرستی (ناسیونالیسم) و نژادپرستی هنوز وسوسه در افکار و قلوب مردم می افکند و جامعه انسانی از راه حل های روحانی و معنوی برای حل مشاکل اقتصادی غافل است این اوضاع و احوال جامعه بهائی را به مجاهدت و مبارزتی مخصوص فرا میخواند چه که وقت تنگ است و اقدام عاجل لازم و واجب تعهداتی که بی درنگ باید بدانها پرداخت عبارتند از اولاً تبلیغ امر الهی و ارتفاع بنیان مؤسسات منصوصه در سراسر عالم با رعایت حکمت و جرأت و سرعت ثانياً اكمال ساختمان طبقات مقام مقدس اعلی و ارتفاع ابنیه باقیمانده اداری جهانی امر بهائی در حول قوس کوه کرمل مشروع اول نیازمند اقدامات مجدانه و مستمر افراد با توکل و اطمینان به تأیيدات الهیه است و مشروع ثانی محتاج تبرعات كريمانه یاران این دو مشروع کاملاً با یکدیگر مرتبط و متصلند.

در طی دو سال گذشته تقريباً يك ميليون نفر به امر الهی اقبال نموده اند ازدیاد مواردی در نقاط مختلف جهان که مصداق دخول افواج مؤمنین به شریعه حضرت رب العالمین است و سبب افزایش عدد مقبلین گشته ما را متوجه بشارات امیدبخش حضرت ولی عزیز امر الله میسازد که مبنای پیش بینی امکانات درخشان آینده در میادین تبلیغ و انتشار امر الهی است چه که به صریح بیان می فرمایند: دخول افواج مقبلین از ملل و اجناس مختلفه به امر مبارك ... مقدمه زمان موعودی است که دستجمعی نفوسی از همین ملل و اجناس و وقوع يك سلسله اتفاقات عظیمه و محتملاً حوادث مصیبت بار که حال به زحمت میتوان آن را تشخیص داد ناگهان مقدرات امر را دگرگون نموده عالم را مضطرب ساخته و عدد مؤمنین و قدرت مادی و روحانی امر حضرت بهاءالله را هزار برابر خواهد نمود.

شواهد و آثار حاکی از آن است که اقبال گروه های عظیم برای دخول به شریعه الهیه از قریه به قریه و از شهر به شهر و از کشور به کشور سرایت و توسعه خواهد یافت اما نباید بدین قناعت کنیم که تنها ناظر تحقق یافتن بشارات حضرت ولی امرالله باشیم بلکه با وجود قلت تعداد باید به حق توکل جوییم و مجاهدت و مبارزتی را که در پیش داریم موهبتی الهی شمریم و با اجرای نقشه های موجود به فتح و پیروزی نائل گردیم.

چون دایره افکار خویش را بزرگتر و میدان اقدام و عمل را وسیع تر نمائیم در اجرای تعهدات فوق الذکر امکان بیشتری مییابیم نظر به اینکه تغییر و تحول بسیار عظیم از مشخصات زندگی امروزی محسوب میشود و از آنجا که رشد و توسعه جامعه و روابطش با جامعه خارج تحولات خاصی را ایجاب می نماید جامعه Bahá’í باید آماده انطباق با موازین و احوال جدید باشد. به عبارت دیگر جامعه Bahá’í باید بیش از پیش برای پذیرفتن شرایط جدید و انطباق با اوضاع متحول کنونی آماده و مجهز شود بدون آنکه از توجه و تمرکز قوا در اهداف اصلیه امر تبلیغ یعنی ازدیاد عدد مقبلین و تزیید معلومات و معارف امری آنان غافل بماند. وحدت در کثرت در اقدامات امری ضروری به نظر میرسد. چون افراد مختلف خدمات مختلف و گوناگونی را تعهد نمایند. آن وقت مجموع اقدامات متنوعه افراد جامعه سبب رشد و پیشرفت امرالله شود چه که فی الحقیقه نه فرد از عهده انجام کلیه امور عاجز است و نه همه افراد هم می توانند فقط به یک امر مشغول باشند. اما در عین حال این نکته برای حصول رشد و بلوغی که برای جامعه ضروری است اهمیت بسیار دارد زیرا جامعه مورد تقاضاها و انتظارات گوناگون قرار میگیرد.

نظمی که حضرت Bahá’u’lláh ارائه فرموده اند، حل معضلات و تعیین مسیر پیشرفت و ترقی جامعه است. تعداد احباء هنوز کمتر از آن است که بتوان امکانات موجود در نظم اداری را که به تأسیس آن مشغولیم به نحو شایسته عرضه نمود. جلوه و ظهور فواید و آثار این نظم بدون افزایش قابل ملاحظه تعداد مؤمنین میسر و مقدور نیست. به شرایط کنونی عالم اثبات ضرورت و فواید نظم اداری Bahá’í بیش از پیش ضروری به نظر میرسد این بسی واقع است که کسانی که زیاد به نکوهش و ذکر عیوب نظم قدیم می گشایند و حتی حاضرند که نظم کهن را منسوخ و معدوم سازند خود از ارائه نظم و ترتیبی که بتواند جایگزین نظم قدیم شود عاجز و ناتوانند از آنجا که مقدر است که نظم اداری Bahá’í نمونه و الگویی برای جامعه آینده باشد قابل رویت شدن این نمونه و الگو سبب امیدواری و دلگرمی افراد مأیوس و ناامید خواهد بود.

تا کنون از نظر ورود تعداد کثیری از طوائف و نژادهای متنوعه به کل شریعه الهیه موفقیت های درخشانی نصیب جامعه Bahá’í گردیده است. البته این اقدامات باید تقویت و ادامه یابد و منجر به اقبال تعداد بیشتری از افراد طوائف و قبائل و نژادهایی شود که تا بحال به امر الهی اقبال نموده اند. مرکز کوشش در اقبال افراد سایر از طوائف و اقوامی که هنوز در ظل شریعه الهیه وارد نگشته اند نیز باید وجهه همت قرار گیرد با این همه جنبه دیگری از تنوع نیز باید تحقق یابد زیرا بدون آن امر الهی چنانچه شایسته است قادر به مقابله و مواجهه با اوضاع و احوالی که در پیش است نخواهد بود. جامعه Bahá’í گذشته از این که از تنوع در نژادها و طوائف و قبائل مختلفه برخوردار است نیازمند آن است که به تبلیغ و تسجيل تعداد روزافزونی از نفوس مهمه و فاضل و افراد برجسته و ممتاز در شوون و امور مختلفه جامعه انسانی پردازد تسجیل تعداد قابل ملاحظه ای از این قبیل نفوس یکی از وجوه حتمیه تبلیغ جمهور است و این امری است که نه تنها نباید بیش از این مورد غفلت قرار گیرد بلکه باید به نحوی جدی و قاطع در برنامه اقدامات تبلیغی منظور شود تا پایه و اساس امر تبلیغ توسعه و تحکیم یابد و جریان دخول افواج تسریع گردد. اقدام در این مورد چنان عاجل و حائز اهمیت است که لازم میدانیم از هیئت های مشاورین قاره ای و محافل روحانی ملی دعوت کنیم تا در حین مشاورات و طرح نقشه های تبلیغی بدین امر اساسی توجه خاصی مبذول نمایند.

شواهد و آثار حاکی از آن است که اقبال گروه های عظیم برای دخول به شریعه الهیه از قریه به قریه و از شهر به شهر و از کشور به کشور سرایت و توسعه خواهد یافت اما نباید بدین قناعت کنیم که تنها ناظر تحقق یافتن بشارات حضرت ولی امرالله باشیم بلکه با وجود قلت تعداد باید به حق توکل جوییم و مجاهدت و مبارزتی را که در پیش داریم موهبتی الهی شمریم و با اجرای نقشه های موجود به فتح و پیروزی نائل گردیم.

چون دایره افکار خویش را بزرگتر و میدان اقدام و عمل را وسیع تر نمائیم در اجرای تعهدات فوق الذکر امکان بیشتری مییابیم نظر به اینکه تغییر و تحول بسیار عظیم از مشخصات زندگی امروزی محسوب میشود و از آنجا که رشد و توسعه جامعه و روابطش با جامعه خارج تحولات خاصی را ایجاب می نماید جامعه Bahá’í باید آماده انطباق با موازین و احوال جدید باشد. به عبارت دیگر جامعه Bahá’í باید بیش از پیش برای پذیرفتن شرایط جدید و انطباق با اوضاع متحول کنونی آماده و مجهز شود بدون آنکه از توجه و تمرکز قوا در اهداف اصلیه امر تبلیغ یعنی ازدیاد عدد مقبلین و تزیید معلومات و معارف امری آنان غافل بماند. وحدت در کثرت در اقدامات امری ضروری به نظر میرسد. چون افراد مختلف خدمات مختلف و گوناگونی را تعهد نمایند. آن وقت مجموع اقدامات متنوعه افراد جامعه سبب رشد و پیشرفت امرالله شود چه که فی الحقیقه نه فرد از عهده انجام کلیه امور عاجز است و نه همه افراد هم می توانند فقط به یک امر مشغول باشند. اما در عین حال این نکته برای حصول رشد و بلوغی که برای جامعه ضروری است اهمیت بسیار دارد زیرا جامعه مورد تقاضاها و انتظارات گوناگون قرار میگیرد.

از آنجا که رشد فزاینده امر مشورت عقیده و اعتقاد راسخ تری داشته باشند تا در اثر این نحوه عمل و رفتار جوامعی که تحت رهبری و دلالت آنان قرار دارند چنان به حیات معنوی و اخلاق و اطوار ملکوتی متخلق گردند که مایه امیدواری نفوس آشفته و مأیوس بشر شوند.

این که صلح اصغر در آینده ای نه چندان دور تحقق می یابد و این که مؤسسات محلی و ملی نظم اداری Bahá’í مرتباً بر تجربه و تأثیر و نفوذ خود می افزاینده و این واقعیت که نقشه های مربوط به ساختمان ابنیه اداری باقیمانده در حول قوس کوه کرمل به مراحل پیشرفته تری رسیده است کل این شرایط امیدبخش مبشر قرب ظهور وقایع همزمانی است که حضرت ولی امر الله بدان اشاره فرموده اند و هیچ ناظر صادقی قادر به انکار آنها نتواند بود.

از آنجا که جامعه Bahá’í در طلیعه قوای خلاقه ای که در جهان امروزی در کار است قرار گرفته و به علم و دانائی حقیقی دسترسی دارد باید بیش از پیش در فکر اجرای نوایای اب سماوی باشیم. آن سابغ رحمت از مکمن عز مکرمت خادمانه عبادش را به امطار فضل و عنایت تأیید می فرماید و قوه و اقتدارش را با فتوحات و انتصارات لا تعد ولا تحصى به اثبات می رساند. در اعتاب مقدسه علیا از قبل افراد و آحاد اهل بها و از صمیم قلب و فواد برکات لاریبیة متتابعه نظر مالك اسماء را رجا و تمنا نمائیم.

بيت العدل اعظم

دفتر حفاظت محیط زیست

OFFICE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

اخيراً بيت العدل اعظم دفتری به نام دفتر حفاظت محیط زیست جامعه بین المللی Bahá’í تأسیس فرموده اند. دفتر حفاظت محیط زیست جامعه Bahá’í واسطه بیان منافع و نگرانیهای جامعه بین المللی امر در خصوص محیط زیست در نظام سازمان ملل متحد است و محل آن در نزدیکی ساختمان سازمان ملل واقع است.

هدف اصلی از تأسیس این دفتر ایجاد رابطه ای بین تخصصهای مربوط به محیط زیست در سطح جهانی و برنامه های در حال افزایش محلی در سراسر جهان است. در حال حاضر هدف این دفتر جبران خلاء مهمی است که در فعالیتهای مربوط حفاظت محیط زیست وجود دارد و آن توجه به درختکاری و حفظ درختان جهان بعنوان اساس حفاظت محیط زیست است.

در سالهای اخیر جوامع محلی Bahá’í به اجرای بیش از برنامه حفاظت محیط زیست در ۲۰ کشور مبادرت نموده اند. این برنامه های متضمن درختکاری و ایجاد جنگلهای مصنوعی و ساختن اجاقهای کم مصرف بوده و نیز تحقیقات در مناطق روستایی در خصوص چگونگی کاربرد تکنولوژی مربوط به گاز و نیروی خورشیدی را نیز در بر گرفته است.

هدف اصلی دفتر مذکور ایجاد این اعتقاد است که رشد و توسعه اقتصادی مداوم فقط از راه آمیختن اصول اقتصادی و محیط شناختی با اصول روحانی عملی است و نیز تأکید بر توانائی عالم انسانی به ایفای سهمی مثبت و حیات بخش در حفظ کره زمین.

حقوق الله

HUQUQU’LLAH

احبای ایران چون یاران قدیمند از شدت تعلق خاطر به آنان حقوق قبول می شود. باید از این جهت بسیار مسرور باشند که به چنین موهبتی نائلند.

حضرت ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

امور جامعه بشری به مرحله ای رسیده که برای حل مشکلات شدید اجتماعی هر روز بیشتر از پیش از طریق کسب نظریات مشورتی یا تقبل اقدامات ضروری از جامعه Bahá’í تقاضای مساعدت می شود این خدمتی است که به کمال مسرت می پذیریم ولیکن لازم است که محافل روحانی محلی و ملی اصول و موازین امر الهی را به طور کامل و دقیق مراعات نمایند. با توجه روزافزون عمومی به آئین الهی ضروری است که مؤسسات امری در بهبود اجرای وظایف محوله سعی بلیغ نمایند یعنی اولاً اصول و حقایق اساسیه امر Bahá’í را به نحوی دقیقتر عملی نمایند و ثانياً خود را بیشتر با روح حقیقی و آداب صوری تشکیلات امری تطبیق دهند و ثالثاً به نتایج موثر و بیشتری می یابیم نظر به اینکه تغییر و تحول بسیار عظیم از دوستان عزیز مستدعی است که تقدیمیهای حقوق الله را در وجه Bahá’í Huququ’llah Trust به نشانی یکی از امنای حقوق الله ارسال فرمایند.

Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA. 90402

Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH. 44116

Dr. Elsie Austin P.O. Box 927 Silver Spring, MD. 20910 [Page 25]

پیام بیت العدل اعظم الهی

MESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

ترجمه پیام بیت العدل اعظم خطاب به بهائیان سراسر عالم رضوان ۱۹۹۰

یاران محبوب،

سالی پر از موفقیت‌های خطیر و مهم را به پایان رسانده‌ایم و در آستانهٔ آخرین دهه این قرن مشعشع نورانی، یعنی قرن بیستم قرار گرفته‌ایم. آینده‌ای در پیش داریم که متضمن وظائف و تکالیفی عظیم و اعجاب‌انگیز و امکاناتی درخشان و خیره‌کننده است. هر چه به یکصدمین سال صعود جمال اقدس ابهی نزدیک‌تر می‌شویم، ملاحظه می‌کنیم که سرعت وقوع حوادث در سال گذشته حاکی از تسریع جریان قوای دافعه‌ ای‌ست که از ظهور امر حضرت بهاءالله منبعث گردیده است. امری که عالم بشری را دگرگون می‌سازد. چنین سرعتی که ناگهان پدیدار و تأثیر و نفوذش سبب تغییرات وسیعی در افکار اجتماعی و نهادهای سیاسی شده، آثار و نتائج فوری‌اش مایه حصول شادمانی، و دریافت معانی واقعی مقدرات نهایی آن موجب سرگردانی شده است، به حدی که نویسندگان یکی از جراید بسیار مهم را چنان در تفسیر و تعبیر این وقایع ناتوان ساخته که به نفوذ و تأثیر "ید غیبی" در تحقق این وقایع اذعان نموده‌اند.

پیروان امر جمال قدم در سراسر عالم ادنی تردیدی ندارند که این وقایع خارق‌العاده از مصدر و منشائی الهی صادر و به سوی مقصدی روشن و واضح در حرکت است. شایسته است که با ملاحظهٔ علائم حیرت‌بخش فشل و جمود سلطان وجود مسرور باشیم و شادمانی نمائیم. توسعهٔ نطاق امر تبلیغ و کثرت اقبال نفوس از رضوان گذشته تاکنون مجدداً ادامه داشته و از اروپای شرقی گرفته تا دریای چین میادین جدیدی برای تبلیغ امر الهی مفتوح گردیده است. در هفته‌های اخیر با استقرار دو تن از "فارسان امر حضرت بهاءالله" در جزیرهٔ ساخالین Sakhalin آخرین سرزمین باقیمانده از بلادی که حضرت ولی امرالله در ضمن اهداف نقشه ده ساله، جهاد کبیر اخیر تعیین فرموده بودند، در ظل امر الهی وارد گشت. تشکیل مجدد محفل روحانی محلی "عشق آباد" در رضوان گذشته و اخیراً انتخاب محفل روحانی محلی در شهر "کلوز" Cluj در رومانی، یعنی تشکیل اولین محفل روحانی در "بلوک شرق"، تأسیس مجدد و تشکیل محافل روحانی محلی جدید در سایر مناطق اتحاد جماهیر شوروی و سایر ممالک اروپای شرقی در این رضوان، جمیع این موفقیت‌ها و همچنین امکانات موجود مؤید آن است که به مرحلهٔ مهمی از عهد رابع عصر تکوین وارد شده‌ایم. حال نظم اداری امر بهائی جامعه‌ای به مراتب وسیع‌تر و متنوع‌تر از قبل را در بر گرفته است. این پیشرفت‌های شگفت‌انگیز سبب شد که اخیراً نقشهٔ دوساله تبلیغی مشتملی را اعلان نمائیم که اکنون اجرای آن آغاز می‌گردد. به یاران عزیز توصیه می‌کنیم که به اهداف و مقاصد مندرج در نقشه مزبور توجه مخصوص مبذول دارند.

چه مقدار عظیم و وسیع است دائرهٔ تصرفات و اقداماتی که جامعهٔ اسم اعظم را در مدت کوتاه ‎پله سنده رسانده‎ بدین مرحله از بسط و تقدم سوق داده است. چون به اعجاز تأییدات ‎لاریبیه لا ریب فیه‎ جمال اقدس ابهی می‌نگریم، قلوب آکنده از حب و ولاء و امتنان ما متوجه حضرات ایادی امرالله در هر نقطه و دیار می‌گردد که مجهود علمداران جامعه همواره اعلام تابان امر سبحانی را در ادوار ظلمانی پا برجا نگاهداشته‌اند و با روحیه ای شکست‌ناپذیر در جمیع شرایط و احوال و در هر نقطه و مکان به کمال استقام به اجرای وظائفی که حق جل‌جلاله به آنان تفویض نموده، قیام می‌نمایند و به تشویق و ترغیب و نصحیت و تزکیه و تهذیب اعضای جامعه می‌پردازند. با توجه به اوضاع و احوال جدید در عالم بهائی به کمال مسرت مواردی چند از خدمات حضرات ایادی امرالله را که به وقایع و پیشرفت‌های حاصله در اروپا و آسیا مربوط می‌شود، متذکر می‌گردیم. حضرت امة‌البهاء روحیه خانم طی مسافرتی طولانی به خاور دور در تشکیل محفل روحانی ملی ماکائو به نمایندگی بیت‌العدل اعظم شرکت جستند و منتی مدید به اتفاق "فارس" امر حضرت بهاءالله در مغولستان به نشر نفحات الهیه مألوف بودند و در نتیجه اولین مؤمن بومی از ‎نسواد نژاد‎ آن سرزمین به امر مبارک اقبال نمود. سپس همزمان با نمایش فیلم حضرت امة‌البهاء به نام "سیاحت نور سبز" The Green Light Expedition در تلویزیون چین به بذل توجه خاص به احبای ساکن در مناطق مختلف آن مملکت پرداختند. جناب کالیس فدرستون نیز هم خود را وقف تقویت بنیهٔ روحانی یاران ستمدیده در کشور جنگ‌زده و مصیبت‌دیده ویتنام نمودند. در این ایام جناب علی اکبر فروتن سرگرم بازدید از اتحاد جماهیر شوروی هستند، یعنی سرزمینی که در دوران بروز تضییقات وارده بر جامعه بهائی در آن کشور مجبوراً آن را ترک گفته بودند و حال پس از گذشت شصت سال وعده حضرت ولی امرالله به ایشان با دیدار از آن سرزمین منصوراً متکثراً تحقق یافته است.

حضرات مشاورین عضو دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی نیز فرصت حاصله را جهت تأمین شرایط لازم برای تقدم و پیشرفتی که حال در جمیع اقطار کره ارض مشهود گشته، مغتنم شمردند و ذکر و توجه هیئت‌های مشاورین قاره‌ای و معاونین و مساعدین توانا و فعال و منقطع ایشان را به شکرگزاری متحد برای ترقی و نمو جامعه جلب نمودند. در اثر چنین وحدت فکری حال نضج و نشاطی جدید در توسعه و تحکیم بنیان امر حضرت یزدان در سراسر جهان به وجود آمده که تحولی مشهود است. هیئت‌های مشاورین قاره‌ای که دورهٔ کنونی پنج‌ساله انتصابشان رو به انتهاست، دوره‌ای را که خدمات باهره، مشخص و ممتاز است، شایستهٔ تقدیر و قهر قاطبهٔ یاران در سراسر جهانند.

همچنانکه جامعه بهائی تأسیسات خود را در داخل جامعه توسعه داده، جذابیت، نفوذ و روابط خارجی‌اش نیز به طرق مختلف افزایش یافته است. برخی از موارد این تحولات از لحاظ وسعت و امکانات بسی شگفت‌انگیز است. در این مقام کافی است به ذکر چند نمونه از این موارد بپردازیم: جامعه بین‌المللی بهائی از طریق دفتر جدیدالتأسیس "محیط زیست" به ابتکار خود و نیز با همکاری با سایر سازمان‌های مربوط به محیط زیست اجتماع سالانه "جامعه بنیادگزاران جنگلداری جهانی" را مجدداً برقرار ساخت. این تأسیس را جناب ریچارد سنت بارب بیکر Richard St. Barbe Baker که شهرت جهانی دارد به سال ۱۹۴۰ بنیان نهاده بود. پس از این اقدام از "دفتر محیط زیست" وابسته به جامعه بین‌المللی بهائی دعوت شده است که در اقدامات و اجتماعاتی که سازمان‌های بین‌المللی در زمینه مسائل مربوط به محیط زیست بر پا می‌سازند، مشارکت جوید. جامعه بین‌المللی بهائی با "هیئت بین‌المللی سوادآموزی" که تحت اشراف سازمان بین‌المللی یونسکو تشکیل شده، همکاری داشته و رسماً دعوت گردیده تا در "کنفرانس جهانی تعلیم و تربیت برای همه" که در تایلند منعقد گشت، شرکت جوید. در این کنفرانس از نماینده جامعه بین‌المللی بهائی دعوت شد که به طور علنی وظائف بسیار مهمی را عهده‌دار شود که بالنتیجه موجب اشتهار جامعه بهائی گردید. در اثر تشویق و تحریک یکی از مقامات عالی‌رتبه دولت فیجی اقداماتی برای تأسیس شعبه "دفتر جامعه بین‌المللی بهائی در سازمان ملل متحد" برای منطقه پاسیفیک در سووا Suva پایتخت فیجی معمول گردیده است. دانشگاه مریلند در ایالات متحده امریکا تصمیم خود را جهت تأسیس "کرسی مطالعات بهائی برای صلح جهانی" در "مرکز عمران بین‌المللی و رفع تعارضات جهانی" وابسته به دانشگاه مزبور اعلام کرده است. این اقدام موجب افزایش قابل ملاحظه مطالعات دانشگاهی درباره امر حضرت بهاءالله خواهد شد. تقریباً در همان اوان محفل روحانی ملی هندوستان نیز اعلام نمود که با تأسیس کرسی مطالعات بهائی در دانشگاه ایندور Indore موافقت شده است.

اقدامات مستمر به مشکور استخلاص بهائیان ایران وارد مرحله جدیدی گردیده است. برای اولین مرتبه نماینده سازمان ملل متحد موفق شد رسماً و در خاک ایران با نماینده جامعه محروم‌الحق بهائی ملاقات کند. نتائج این مذاکرات در گزارشی به کمیسیون حقوق بشر سازمان ملل متحد تسلیم شد. کمیسیون مزبور در اجلاسیه اخیر خود در ژنو قطعنامه‌ای درباره ایران صادر نمود که در آن بار دیگر وضع بهائیان ایران مذکور شده بود. در خلال این احوال اقدام دیگری که حائز اهمیت شایان است، صورت گرفت: مجلس نمایندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا به اتفاق آراء قطعنامه‌ای را جهت مطالبه آزادی و استخلاص جامعه بهائیان ایران به تصویب رساند که به موجب آن به دولت آمریکا توصیه می‌شود سلسله اقداماتی را برای حصول این منظور به موقع اجراء گذارد. طرح مشابهی نیز در مجلس سنای آمریکا مطرح است. در ارض اقدس تمهید مقدمات برای اجرای طرح‌های ساختمانی ابنیه کوه کرمل نشئه ای تازه یافت. موجب نهایت مسرت و خشنودی است که در لیله نوروز "کمیسیون شهرسازی ناحیه‌ای" پس از مذاکرات بسیار دقیق و حساس نقشه‌ای را که مرکز جهانی بهائی ارائه داده بود به تصویب رساند. این اقدام راه را برای صدور نهایی اجازه های ساختمانی هموار می‌سازد.

یاران محبوب، به انتهای نقشهٔ شش ساله و آغاز "سال مقدس" در رضوان ۱۹۹۲ دو سال بیشتر باقی نمانده است. چه ‎شیکوست نیکوست‎ که در حوادث حیرت‌انگیزی که ما را به سوی یکصدمین سال غروب شمس جمال ابهی از صفحه غبراء سوق می‌دهد، تأخیر کنیم و با کمال توقیر و تکریم درباره مقصود از ظهور ابهی ثمره وجود و نقش مشکبار جمال موعود در عرصهٔ شهود به تأمل و تفکر پردازیم.

به منظور استقبال و تکریم چنین موقع بلندپایه‌ای در تاریخ امر بهائی نقشه‌هایی جهت دو اقدام جهانی مهم طرح و به موقع اجراء گذاشته شده است: یکی ترتیب دادن اجتماع بزرگی از یاران به نمایندگی از احبای نقاط مختلف عالم است در احتفالی شایسته چنان مراسم تجلیل و تذکر در جوار بقعه مبارکه مقدسه علیا. در این مراسم تجلیل و تکریم که نشانه‌ای از تأثیرات مثبتهٔ نافذهٔ حاصل از عروج روح مقدس جمال اقدس ابهی به ملکوت اعلی است، از جمله خزانهٔ محتوی لوحه ذهبی التذکار که در آن اسامی فارسان امر حضرت بهاءالله مندرج گشته، در آستانه مدخل روضه مبارکه استقرار خواهد یافت. این لوحه افتخار را حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله در دوران نقشه ده ساله برای ثبت نام نفوس دلاوری اختصاص دادند که به نام مالک قدر به فتح ممالک و دیار غیرمفتوحه مذکور در نقشه مزبور قیام نمودند. بدین ترتیب بعد از گذشت نزدیک به چهل سال نیت مبارک مولای حنون و توانا به نحوی شایسته تحقق می‌یابد. از یاران امر حضرت بهاءالله آنانکه در حال حاضر در قید حیاتند، بدین اجتماع معظم دعوت خواهند شد تا شاهد چنین واقعه تاریخی باشند.

واقعهٔ دیگر تشکیل کنگره جهانی بهائی به منظور تجلیل و تکریم فرد آغاز عهد و پیمان حضرت رحمن است که جمال قدم جل ذکره‌الاکرم برای عالمیان و آیندگان به میراث گذاشته‌اند تا وحدت و جامعیت نظم جهان‌آرایش در کهف صون و حمایش محفوظ ماند. این کنگره تاریخی در نوامبر ۱۹۹۲ در شهر نیویورک منعقد می‌گردد، یعنی در نقطه‌ای از کره ارض که مرکز منصوص عهد و میثاق الهی آن را "مدینه میثاق" نامیده و درباره آن چنین فرموده اند که "نیویورک مبروک گردد و آوازه ثبوت بر عهد و میثاق از آن شهر به آفاق رسد."

سایر اقدامات مربوط به این مراسم تجلیل و تکریم که در سطوح محلی و ملی انجام خواهد گرفت به دو واقعه عمده فوق‌الذکر منضم شده آتش عواطف روحانیه احبا را شعله‌ور خواهد ساخت و افکار عموم را متوجه تأثیر عمیق ظهور رب‌المیثاق نموده و انتشارات امر اعظمش را در قلب آفاق نمایان خواهد نمود. برای این مشکور اقداماتی در شرف اجراست که موجب فعالیت وسیعی برای اشتهار و تلألؤ نام مبارک حضرت بهاءالله در سراسر کره ارض خواهد گردید.

حال یاران ‎راست‌ادان راست‌عهدان‎ در اکناف و اطراف جهان باید برای پی بردن به اهمیت این مراسم توأماً به تجلیل و تجلیل توجه مخصوص مبذول دارند و با توسل به دعا و مناجات و مطالعه و فراگرفتن تعالیم مبارکه خود را روحاً و معناً آماده سازند تا بیش از پیش به مقام منیع و اهداف رفیع جمال اقدس ابهی پی برند و به حقائق عهد و میثاق محکم و متیقن واقف گردند. این است محور اصلی اقدامات آن عزیزان جهت حصول تغییر و تقلیب مبانی زندگانی فردی و اجتماعی آنان. کل باید از زن و مرد و پیر و جوان با تخلق به اخلاق و آداب روحانی و صفات و کمالات انسانی با اتحاد و یگانگی با [Page 26]

Bahá’ís play large role in World Conference on Education

According to a bulletin published by the four co-sponsors of the recent World Conference on Education for All, the world faces an imminent crisis in education.

One in five adults in the world cannot read or write, and their ranks soon will be swelled by the more than 100 million children who presently have no access to schooling.

Two-thirds of adult illiterates are women.

To set an agenda for a global initiative to combat this growing problem, the World Conference on Education for All was held March 5-9 in Jomtien, Thailand, co-sponsored by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Bank.

Among the more than 1,500 people attending were five heads of government, the heads of the four co-sponsoring groups, eminent educators and researchers, the media, and representatives of 130 NGOs.

Daniel Wegener, the representative of the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) chaired several sessions of the conference and was chosen a vice-president of the bureau overseeing the conference.

The International Task Force on Literacy's exhibit at the conference included four Bahá’í statements on education, excerpts from a video tape on the Bahá’í school in Haiti, and the recent "Survey of Bahá’í Education Programs" (an official conference document).

The conference closed with the unanimous adoption of two documents: "World Declaration on Education for All" and "Framework for Action to Meet Basic Learning Needs."

"The degree of commitment from all parties," said Mr. Wegener, "was impressive. The primary purpose of the conference was to mobilize action on the country level to develop and implement plans of action to achieve education for all.

"The door is open," he added, "for Bahá’í communities to lend their support at all levels."

Bahá’ís making plans for ’92 conference on environment In Brazil

In June 1992, the United Nations will convene in Brazil a two-week conference on Environment and Development, which has generated a high level of worldwide interest, concern and excitement.

Lawrence Arturo, director of the Office of the Environment for the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) has already attended several of these conferences including the Danube Meeting, which was held March 19-21 in Vienna, Austria, and Budapest, Hungary.

The BIC was one of 14 international NGOs invited to take part in the three-day event, one of the largest gatherings of environmental NGOs to be held since the UN's Stockholm Conference in 1972.

The Bahá’í contribution in workshop sessions emphasized the need for individual responsibility to accompany accorded rights; the inseparability of environmental concerns from moral values; and the need to promote the concept of world citizenship and the establishment of a universal framework under which enduring solutions can be found and implemented.

First Spiritual Assembly of Orinda

On January 21, World Religion Day, the Bahá’ís of Orinda, California, held a reception to celebrate the formation of the first Spiritual Assembly of Orinda since the city was incorporated in 1986. Members of the Assembly are (left to right) Farhad Toloul, Diana Krotz, Jaleh Toloul, Douglas Krotz, Shokooh Aghsani, Thomas Kilpatrick, Ziba Fanaian, Jaleh Kilpatrick, Masud Fanalan.

Faith well-represented at Commission on Status of Women, parallel conference for Non-Governmental Organizations

UNITED NATIONS — Eleven Bahá’ís from five countries represented the Faith at the 34th session of the "Commission on the Status of Women" February 26-March 9 in Vienna, Austria, and at a parallel conference held by representatives of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

The aim of the commission is to "devise and implement ways of uplifting the status of women in the world."

A statement prepared by the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) was presented orally at the session of the commission.

The statement focused on consultation as practiced in the Bahá’í community to promote the participation of women in decision-making. Comments about the statement alluded to its uniqueness and its relevance to the Catholics and Quakers.

This session brought the Bahá’ís in closer contact with representatives from several United Nations agencies including UNESCO, UNICEF, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), IFAD, and the regional commissions in Africa, Latin America and Asia.

At the two-day parallel conference of NGOs, the themes for consultation were conflict resolution, attitudinal change, and coalition building. It was attended by more than 200 women from international and related organizations.

Of the 20-plus workshops conducted, the one sponsored by the BIC in collaboration with the International Peace Research Association and Deutsch Frauenrat (the major national council of women's organizations in West Germany) was acclaimed as the most successful.

The reason for its success was partly because it was participatory, but mainly because it presented new ways to resolve conflicts and promote attitudinal change and supported the possibility of NGOs working together in a coalition.

Also, the BIC was the only delegation that included men, two of whom helped conduct the workshop.

The second of three plenary sessions held during the NGO conference, on "New Models of NGO Cooperation," was chaired by Mary Power from the BIC office in New York and Alasabu Gebre Selassie from the BIC in Ethiopia.

It was opened with a passage on the equality of men and women from "The Promise of World Peace."

Mrs. Selassie shared information about the BIC-sponsored project, "Advocates for African Food Security: Lessening the Burden of Women," and the Advocates later sponsored a luncheon attended by representatives from the Organization for African Unity, FAO and UNICEF.

Also taking part in the conference were representatives of the BIC offices in New York City and Costa Rica.

On the weekend following the NGO conference, six of the Bahá’í representatives traveled to Budapest, Hungary, where they spoke to an audience of 60 at a public meeting on the work of the BIC and their participation at the commission meetings.

While they were there, a journalist from a Hungarian magazine interviewed Mrs. Power about the Bahá’í view on women.

Bahá’í Justice Society co-sponsors conference on ‘Racial Justice and Law’ at Loyola Law School

Initiated by the Bahá’í Justice Society to support the intensive teaching efforts in Chicago, a conference on "Racial Justice and the Law" was held February 23-24 at Chicago's Loyola University School of Law.

More than 90 people including some 25 judges, attorneys and law professors and about 30 law students attended the two-day event, which was co-sponsored by 14 organizations including Loyola's School of Law.

The keynote speaker was Carol Moseley Braun, Cook County recorder of deeds, former member of the Illinois State Legislature, and the first black woman ever elected to county-wide office in Cook County.

Bahá’í speakers were Roya Ayman, professor of psychology at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), and Richard Thomas, professor of history/urban affairs at Michigan State University.

Dr. Ayman addressed the topic of "Racism in the Workplace" while Dr. Thomas presented the Bahá’í model of racial unity as an imperative for future social progress.

In addition to the Justice Society, co-sponsors included the Asian-American Bar Association, the Black Law Student Association, the Hispanic Organization for Legal Advancement, the International Law Society, the National Lawyers' Guild, the Public Interest Law Society, and the Women's Law Society.

Manhattan Beach program celebrates Dr. King’s birth

On January 15, about 50 children attended a special program commemorating the birthday of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. arranged with the city's school system by the Spiritual Assembly of Manhattan Beach, California.

There were several crafts tables, a book table, felt board, and story-telling area with stories of Dr. King's childhood by Blanche Grant, a Bahá’í from Eureka.

The children sang songs including "We Shall Overcome," and the program ended with a film about Dr. King's life. [Page 27]

LETTERS

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

The American Bahá’í welcomes let- ters to the editor on any topic of gen- eral interest. The purpose of the "let- ters" column is to allow a free and open exchange of ideas and opinions, never to denigrate another's views or to attack anyone on a personal level. Opinions expressed in these columns are not necessarily those of the Na- tional Spiritual Assembly or the edi- tors.

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

Copyright law, Infringement

To the Editor:

The topic of copyright law is one that I feel needs immediate attention, especially with the increasing involve- ment of the arts as a goal of the Six Year Plan.

I have recently been made aware of several copyright infringements of my and others' artwork by Bahá’ís who, knowingly or not, reproduced our work without permission, for profit and/or public purposes.

I urge all Assemblies, individuals and businesses to inform themselves of copyright laws (the information is available from the Library of Con- gress, Copyright Office, Washington, DC 20559).

We all enjoy using attractive artwork to promote conferences and exhibits, or for use on greeting cards and for other decorative purposes. Please be aware that someone created this art; and someone owns the copyright.

Art is not yours to use in a public or profit-making way unless you are cer- tain it is copyright-free or "public do- main" art. Seeing a particular design in The American Bahá’í or a catalog, for instance, does not mean that design is copyright-free. (Since 1985, the Walt Disney Co. has sued more than 1,700 people for copyright infringement of its Mickey Mouse character!)

Whether copyright violators had prior knowledge of their abuse is irrele- vant. Ignorance of the law is no excuse.

When people use artists' designs without permission, it is comparable to stealing from them, as the artists are deprived of potential income through each and every illegal use of their art.

Sometimes artists will gladly give their art for public use, but many of us depend on our art as our means of live- lihood, and must be reimbursed for our service, as is any professional.

Bahá’u’lláh says, "The fifth Taráz concerneth the protection and preser- vation of the stations of God's ser- vants....The people of Bahá should not deny any soul the reward due to him, should treat craftsmen with defer- ence,..." (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 38)

I feel certain that as law-abiding Ba- há’ís, ever conscious of our relation- ship to integrity and honesty, we will strive to observe copyright laws even in our enthusiasm to promote our precious Faith in an attractive way.

Perhaps the National Spiritual As- sembly's Special Materials Review Committee could contribute further guidelines to those who wish to use ex- isting artwork.

Teresa Smith Dominguez Fort Wingate, New Mexico

Louise Taylor, 35, former pioneer to Thailand, dies In Michigan car accident

Louise Taylor, 35, a former pioneer to Thailand, was killed in a car accu- dent February 21 not far from her home in Montague, Michigan, where she was a homefront pioneer.

Ms. Taylor, a talented artist, studied traditional Thai art styles while pio- neering in that country. On her return to the U.S. in 1977, her work became well-known to the American Bahá’í community through her graphics in the "Each One Teach One" campaign of the Five Year Plan.

On learning of Ms. Taylor's death, the Universal House of Justice sent the following message to the National Spiritual Assembly:

"Extend our heartfelt sympathy to family and friends devoted handmaid- en Bahá’u’lláh Louise Taylor. Assure them our ardent supplications Holy Shrines."

On vegetarianism

To the Editor:

As a Bahá’í who is a vegetarian, I was surprised and comforted by Janu- ary's Bahá’í National Review which contained a previously untranslated quotation from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that said we are not required to eat meat, and that a vegetarian diet is recommended to those who wish to adopt it.

I feel this passage clarifies something that has bothered me for years.

I have encountered some Bahá’ís who seemed to be of the opinion that my diet is not in accordance with our Faith. They have generally tried to prove their point by supporting it with quotations from the Writings and from anecdotes of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

This has disturbed me very much be- cause both ideas are close to my heart, and I see no contradiction in them.

Vegetarianism is sometimes thought of as a form of asceticism. Contrary to popular belief, true vegetarians do not secretly yearn for a hamburger. They eat the way they do because they like it that way; there is no self-denial involv- ed.

It is true that the Kitáb-i-Aqdas does not forbid any food, but I don't think this means we must eat things we find objectionable.

On at least one occasion, ‘Abdu’l- Bahá did discourage a Bahá’í from giv- ing up meat. It would not be approp- riate to speculate about His reason for doing this, but the Master often coun- seled individuals according to their capacity and potential. His advice to one person can't be taken as law for everyone in every circumstance.

For example, He once told two Ba- há’ís, one white and the other black, to wed. Does this mean we are not al- lowed to marry someone of our own race?

He also expressed a strong distaste for tobacco, although we are not for- bidden to use it.

The writings of Bahá’u’lláh and His Son contain many symbols and para- bles. There are some that seem to sup- port eating meat, while others do the opposite.

If we take quotations out of context, or take symbols literally, we can pro- ject almost any meaning we want.

I have been told that I might insult someone if I do not accept meat they have offered. Shall I likewise accept al- cohol or something to which I am aller- gic?

It is my personal opinion that we do not need to eat meat, so why should we do so if it makes us unhappy?

There are many vegetarians who are interested in race unity, world peace and other Bahá’í ideals. If you should meet one, try to discuss these things with him or her. There is a good chance you'll have found someone who is at least willing to listen to a presentation of the Faith.

Please don't think of vegetarians as strange or eccentric. One's diet need not be yet another source of division or prejudice.

Wallace Pryor Farmington, Missouri

Louhelen students cited

The Louhelen Residential Program and its students from around the world were the focus of a full-page article February 19 in Mott Community Col- lege's student newspaper, the Post.

In addition to describing the Michi- gan Bahá’í school's unique residential program for young people, the article touches briefly on Bahá’í beliefs and history.

South Africa produces pictorial history of Faith

In that country: 1911-89

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of South Africa has pro- duced a new booklet, "A Pictorial His tory of the Bahá’í Faith in South Africa: 1911 to 1989."*

The booklet includes 128 photo- graphs and text covering the early days of the Faith in South Africa, the estab- lishment of its administrative machin- ery, teaching, consolidation, National Conventions, well-known Bahá’ís, social and cultural events, a number of other topics and a glossary.

Copies are available for $5 each from the National Bahá’í Literature Committee, 14 Elgin Road, Milnerton 7441, South Africa.

Knight of Bahá’u’lláh Frederick Louis Laws dies

Frederick Louis Laws, a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh, died last November 16 after more than 50 years of service to the Faith.

Mr. Laws and his wife, Beth, were named Knights of Bahá’u’lláh by the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, after opening Basutoland to the Faith during the Ten Year Crusade in 1953.

They were in Africa from 1953-56 and again in 1976 after Mr. Laws re- tired from General Electric in Seattle, Washington.

A native of Pineridge, Alabama, Mr. Laws accepted the Faith in 1935, and he and Mrs. Laws were married four years later.

After Mrs. Laws' death in June 1978, Mr. Laws continued serving the Cause in Washington and California until illness made it impossible.

IN MEMORIAM

Melvine Barker Ridgeland, SC 1988

Roy Batiste Los Angeles, CA March 3, 1990

Hannah Bivins Montezuma, GA 1990

Cora Bowers Boone, NC August 29, 1988

Hattie Caldwell Marshallville, GA Date Unknown

Albert Canady Killeen, TX January 26, 1990

Ella Charles Sierra Vista, CA April 30, 1989

Anastacia Chavez Deming, NM 1990

John W. Clutter Tampa, FL January 15, 1990

Ruby Cook Milwaukee, WI December 13, 1988

Ella Mae Cyler Ridgeland, SC Date Unknown

Barbara Davenport Davis, CA September 27, 1989

Anne L. Davis Baton Rouge, LA May 31, 1989

Sophia Derbyshire Costa Mesa, CA February 6, 1990

Louise Dickenson Philadelphia, PA December 3, 1989

Houshang Farrokhzad Concord, CA March 7, 1990

Amy Garter Lantry, SD 1989

Richard Graning Addison, TX Date Unknown

Beatrice Haynes Temple, TX August 1989

Laurie C. Heller Arcata, CA March 10, 1990

Eva Henderson Birmingham, AL Date Unknown

Ruth Hicks Albany, GA Date Unknown

Lester Hollings Birmingham, AL Date Unknown

Novaneta Inthisith Lansing, MI 1986

Johnnie Jackson Marshallville, GA Date Unknown

Shubert Jonas Pompano Beach, FL March 13, 1990

Mary Lee Jones Marshallville, GA January 1989

William Madsen Anaheim, CA January 1990

Ardis McLatchie Van Nuys, CA March 7, 1990

Robert Metz Los Angeles, CA March 5, 1990

Sarah Mitchell Ridgeland, SC 1988

Glen Mommsen Boone, NC September 30, 1989

Leroy A. Nash Rochester, NH November 27, 1987

Abdullah Nosrat Satellite Beach, FL January 11, 1990

Celestina Pedrayes West New York, NJ 1989

Albert Phillips Meridian, MS Date Unknown

Nadeem Rahimpour Colorado Springs, CO February 20, 1990

Alida Rota Fort Lauderdale, FL Date Unknown

Jennifer Smith Memphis, TN March 9, 1990

Pheach Tim Des Moines, IA November 29, 1989

Leticia D. Tobis Grass Valley, CA October 24, 1989

Mousa Toloui Concord, CA February 10, 1990

Dixie Yotter Lake Elsinore, CA February 27, 1990 [Page 28]Pictured is one of the many outstanding Chinese musicians who performed during the Bahá’í-sponsored International Chinese Symposium held March 29-April 1 in San Francisco. (Story, more photos on pages 1, 22, 23)

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104 Tide Full nam -Please DO NOT use nicknames 12 104 I |J. 104 4 Tide Full name Tile Tide Full name C-NEW MAIL ADDRESS: NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: How Space See or Description Gry ID-NEW COMMUNITY: PO Box or other Mailing Addrew State Zie City Name of new Bahá’í com E-HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: Area Code Number G We receive era copies becaus da sot have the same last AIDE. so was estras copies, s plesse cancel the copy for the per- wbour sames) and I.D. Supe Zie F-WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS: BUY Area Code Number Name Area Code Number the ut names and addresses on our address labels do not match exactly. We have led above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national re ends, their LD. sambers, sad the coctions that we will receive only one copy Name Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í I wish to receive my own copy as well, and have listed my name, ID num ber and address above so that I may be put on the mailing list to receive

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

May 25-27: 17th annual Conference of Nur, Elizabethtown (Pennsylvania) College. Theme: "The Unity of the Races." Speakers: Counselor Wilma Ellis, Auxiliary Board member James Sturdivant, author Nat Rutstein. For accommodations, costs and more information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg, P.O. Box 3108, Harrisburg, PA 17105, or phone 717-232-9163.

May 25-28: Spiritual Renewal Retreat for Couples, Bosch Bahá’í School. Sessions on love, marriage and parenting conducted by Dan Popov and Linda Kavelin Popov. Text: "Family Life," compilation of the Universal House of Justice. Registration: Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-323-3387).

June-August: Northern Star Bahá’í Project, Alaska.

June 1-3: Young Adult Conference, "Rendezvous with the Future: An Exploration of the Bahá’í Message in Today's World." Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. For registration information, write to Bosch School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or phone Hooshyar Naraghi, 415-324-1055, or the Bosch School, 408-423-3387.

June 9: Walk for Race Unity, sponsored by the North Shore (Chicago area) Race Unity Task Force. Evanston and Wilmette, Illinois.

June 14-17: South Carolina Bahá’í Summer School, Louis G. Gregory Institute, Hemingway. Theme: "South Carolina Count-Down: The Remaining 677 Days of the Six Year Plan." For information, phone the Institute, 803-558-5093, or Moses and Ursula Richardson, 803-332-2411.

June 14-17: Bahá’í International Chinese Symposium, Kingston, Jamaica.

June 17-23: Camp Louhelen (for children entering grades 3-6 in the fall). Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan. Covering camp skills, nature, arts, cultural studies, and Bahá’í history. For an application and reservation, contact the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033. For information, contact Carol McKiel, Mishawaka, IN 46544 (phone 219-259-4621).

June 22-24: Fifth annual Meeting and Conference of the Bahá’í Justice Society, Wilmette, Illinois. Speakers to include Alan Smith, a member of the Continental Board of Counselors and assistant Attorney General for the U.S. Virgin Islands; and Judge Dorothy W. Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly. For information, phone Ted Amsden, 313-568-6554, or Deborah Jackson, registrar, 708-945-3877.

June 25-28: First Sino-American Conference on Women's Issues, Beijing. People's Republic of China. For information, phone Global Interactions Inc., 602-272-3438.

June 28-July 1: Special Visit program (family version, includes children's program). Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette. For details and information, phone 708-256-4400.

June 28-July 14: Bahá’í Outdoor Leaders' Course (grades 11-13). July 7-14: Wilderness Base Camp (grades 5-8), Leadership Development Camp (grades 9-10). Camp Kamal, Wisconsin. For information or to register, write to James Lewicki, Camp Kamal director, Viroqua, WI 54665, or phone 608-637-2743. Camp Kamal is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Beloit, Wisconsin.

June 29-July 5: Seventh annual Bahá’í Teacher-Training Conference, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone Karen Olin, 805-466-1077, or the Louhelen School, 313-653-5033.

July 14-19: Session on the environment, Bosch Bahá’í School. Bahá’ís who are professionals, students or active volunteers in environmental issues are invited to submit one-page summaries of papers for possible presentation at the session. Send to: Program Director, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. For program information, phone 805-933-1253. To register, send a deposit of $35 to the school address or register by charge card, 408-423-3387.

August: Bicycle Tour for Peace, Switzerland.

August 4-6: American Indian Pioneering Institute; location to be announced.

August 5-19: Children's Academy, Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina.

August 30-September 2: Special Visit program (regular without special children's program). Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette. For details and information, phone 708-256-4400.

September 1-2: Pioneer Training Institute, Louis Gregory Bahá’í Center, Hemingway, South Carolina.

September 6-9: Second annual Story-Telling Festival, Glenwood Springs, Colorado, commemorating ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit in 1912. Main story-tellers: Counselor Robert Harris and Aziz Yazdi. Mr. Yazdi grew up in the household of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The event marks the 90th anniversary of the Faith in Colorado, and all former Colorado Bahá’ís, traveling teachers and pioneers are being called for a "homecoming." For registration information, contact Linda Brown, P.O. Box 592, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602, or phone 303-945-2558 or 303-945-9144.

September 21-23: "Peace Fest '90," Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina.

October/November: Pioneer Training Institute, Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine (exact dates to be announced).