The American Bahá’í/Volume 22/Issue 10/Text

←Previous

The American Bahá’í
Volume 22, Issue 10

Next→

Return to PDF view

[Page 1]

The American Baha’!

Volume 21, No. 10

‘The real treasury of man is his knowledge. ’—Bahd'u'llah

October 1991

Price reductions due for World Congress hotel, airline package

As promised in the World Congress registration materials distributed in April, negotiations have begun with hotels and airlines to reduce the prices originally quoted and published in the price list that accompanied the registration packet.

The ability to do this has been a direct result of the response from so many of the friends in registering promptly.

The National Spiritual Assembly is pleased toannounce that substantial reductions have been made and a new, adjusted price list will soon be published.

For the friends who have already sent in their deposits, this adjustment will bemade onthe final invoice, and for those whohave sent infull payment, a refund will be made.

The Universal House of Justice has made the World Congress Logistics Office the official agent for travel and hotel arrangements for the World Congress. The National Assembly encourages the friends to avail themselves of this opportunity todemonstrate unity of action while carrying out the wishes of the Universal House of Justice.

Experienced Baha'i professionals, working with hundreds of volunteers, have undertaken to anticipate and satisfy the needs of the friends from every corner of the globe.

The nature of the World Congress itself will be quite different from what is commonly expected by those who attend large Baha'i gatherings. The solemnity and spiritual significance of the occasion will contrast sharply with the atmosphere of high sociability and celebration so often associated with Baha'i events.

Therefore, a different level of preparation is needed for those who will be privileged to attend the World Congress. Although friendship and conviviality are always a hallmark of Baha'i convocations, the “...exquisite celebratory joy” promised by this Congress anticipates the addition of an uncommon measure of reflection and spiritual investment on the part of the attendees.

Careful preparations are being made for us in the City of the Covenant, both by the Baha'is and by those who will be our hosts. The city will know about us and will expect us to prove our beliefs.

We have the potential to make of our

presence in New York a pivotal change in See CONGRESS page 15

Faith Takes Role in UN

Meeting on Education

Growth in Baha'i Funds

Progress reflects spiritual growth

3

Conference sets forth four-point plan of action

10

Teaching work reviewed, new plans made

Expansion strategy moves forward at National Conference on Growth

By KEN BOWERS

Baha’ is fromacross the country metover the Labor Day weekend in Lincolnwood, Illinois, for a productive, down-to-business-style consultation on teaching.

The Conference on Growth, sponsored by the National Teaching Committee, marked an important step forward in a nationwide dialogue designed to accelerate and sustain the process of expansion called for by the Universal House of Justice in its goals for the Six Year Plan and beyond.

The 180 believers who attended mirrored the remarkable diversity of the American Baha'i community. A special feature of the event was the large representation of youth, who made an invaluable contribution to the discussions. Also present were National Spiritual Assembly member Jack McCants, several Auxiliary Board members, and the members of the National Teaching Committee and the Chinese Teaching Committee.

The purpose of the gathering was to as~ sess frankly the present state of the teaching work, and then to develop a plan that would build upon and enhance what has already been achieved.

Mr. McCants set the tone for the consultation in his keynote address on the first evening of the conference:

“The growth in the Fund shows that we havemany mature believers in the country. We have what it takes to bring new people into the Faith. We know it.

“Even if only one percent of the people were ready to hear and accept the Message of Baha’u'llah, then we should have two and a half million believers in America rightnow. That gives us an idea of what we still need to do.

“The key is consultation, which is the purpose of this conference: to see how we are going to go about it.”

Mr. McCants pointed out that the “series of events” spoken of by the House of Justice, which will be “possibly catastrophic in nature,” and which will take place in the near future, will offer the Baha'is asuccession of wonderful opportunities for teaching. The challenge for us is to already be actively engaged in promoting the Cause of God.

Ideas at Standing Rock

Youth teach

in month-long effort to reach Indian people

2

Participants in the National Teaching Committee's Conference onGrowthconsult on some of the issues raised during the

“If we read all the Baha'i books and fail to teach, itdoesn’t amount to anything. It's like reading articles about exercise and then sitting around the house. Baha’u’llah in all His writings tells us to arise!”

In closing, Mr. McCants reminded the friends of the true motivation behind the teaching work:

“Tt is not merely a matter of numbers. It is a matter of the pain and suffering in this world. We need enough people in the Faith to provide a model for the rest of mankind to see and emulate.”

The nextmorning Reynaldo Cruz, secretary of the National Teaching Committee, presented and defined the specific issues for consultation. As a further stimulus for discussion, he then invited Paul Lample to share his insights on teaching.

Mr. Lample is working with the National Teaching Committee on a number of projects, and is closely involved with the teaching in Okeechobee, Florida, one of the country’s most promising centers of activity.

Mr. Lample stressed the importance of consultation as an agent for unity of thought

Elbow Lab f New Hope f

weekend of intensive consultation in Wilmette and Lincolnwood, Illinois.

and action in a community, but also noted that “it is the individual who must ultimately decide for himself to make the effort to teach.”

Baha'u'llah, he said, delegated leadership to all the believers, with the guidance of the “learned,” such as the Auxiliary Board, and under the authority of the “rulers,” the local and national assemblies. But true power, he said, “rests with the individual—until the individual arises, nothing ever happens.

“All Baha’is,” he continued, “desire spiritual progress for themselves. But that will never come about if we put our own development first. It can only happen when we put service to Baha'u'llah at the center of our hearts.”

Mr. Lample also observed that, although mature and systematic planning is importantin teaching, the friends should beready to adapt to changing circumstances. We should approach our teaching “not like architects working from immutable blueprints,” he said, “but like football coaches whose strategy develops as the game pro See GROWTH page 9

Studies Conference

16th annual event held at University

of Victoria

15] �[Page 2]Page 2 / The American Baha'i / October 1991

TEACHING

Traveling teacher stimulates teaching work among Chinese

Inaspace of five months, from February through June of this year, Farzam Kamalabadi, traveling on behalf of the National Chinese Teaching Committee, visited 33 university communitiesin 17 states, encouraging the work of reaching students and scholars from China whoare presently in the United States.

The teaching tour was inspired by acommunication from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly about the large number of scholars from the People’s Republic of China at institutions of higher learning in the U.S. Itis estimated that the number now exceeds 50,000.

The communication suggested that “a special effort be mounted now to take the Message of Baha'u'llah to these scholars and to present it to them in a manner that will suit their particular temperament and meet their particular interests,” and called for “qualified volunteers...who can devote full time to visiting the various university campuses on a systematic basis to ensure that constant attention is given to this vital challenge.” (March 28, 1990)

The tour featured Mr. Kamalabadi as a lecturer speaking in Chinese on the topic “The Future of China in a New World Order.”

Many of the lectures were sponsored not by the Baha’is but by university associations of Chinese scholars and students who expressed an interest in continued study of the ideas presented.

At Standing Rock Indian Reservation

Baha'i youth in month-long teaching piace

Ten Baha’i youth from the United States and Canada gathered in South Dakota this summer for a unique month-long teaching project at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.

The aim of the program was to promote the Faith through service to the Lakota Indians who live on the Reservation. The occasion also provided unusual opportunities for the youth to learn about Lakota values and culture.

The idea for the project came from one of the youth who took part in it. Sixteen-yearold Kimi Locke is a resident of Standing Rock, the daughter of Baha’is Kevin and Dorothy Locke. She is relatively isolated from other Baha’is her age, and for a long time had felt the need for more association with them. Her classmates at school knew she was a Baha’i, but many did not understand the principles by which she tried to live. There were some who criticized her for not being more involved in activities that were incompatible with her beliefs.

“I thought it would be good to invite other Baha’i youth to the Reservation fora teaching project,” says Miss Locke. “That way my friends and neighbors could learn more about my religion, and I would have the chance to becomestrengthened through fellowship with other young Baha'is.”

The adult Baha'is in her community responded enthusiastically to the idea. A planning committee was formed and the necessary arrangements were made over the course of several months. During the entire process the thoughts and suggestions of Miss Locke and other youth were taken into consideration.

The planners decided early on that the best way to teach the Baha’i Faith on the Reservation would be by setting an example of service to the community. Many religious groups had come through over the years, the majority of which had ended up taking advantage of the locals, either deliberately or through well-intentioned but misguided behavior.

Pictured are the young Bahd'ts who took part in a month-long teaching project this summer at the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota with Kevin Locke (second

For that reason they chose toinvite youth to Standing Rock who were deepened in their understanding of Baha’i laws and teachings. These young people would take part in the life of the Reservation through a number of service projects, showing by their actions that they were people of pure motives and high ideals. They would, in

Pioneers in health care field needed in Gillette, Wyoming

The National Teaching Committee is publishing a series of articles to encourage and facilitate homefront pioneering and traveling teaching to various Baha'i communities. Assemblies, Baha'i Groups, or District Teaching Committees that are interested in receiving traveling teachers or homefront pioneers may send to the National Teaching Committee for its consideration such information as provided below:

°

HOMEFRONT PIONEERS: Psychiatrists, general practitioners, internists, nurse practitioners, and others in the health field are desperately needed at Campbell County Memorial Hospital in Gillette, Wyoming. The National Teaching Committee is encouraging Baha'is in the health field to consider Gillette as a homefront pioneering post.

Gillette (pop. 25,000) is located in the northeastern part of Wyoming, two hours

away from Rapid City, South Dakota, and Casper, Wyoming. It is one hour from the Bighorn Mountains and one hour from the Black Hills, which provide splendid scenery with no heavy traffic or pollution to mar the view. One can expect severe weather for a short period of time during the winter, and heat waves in the summer, but with little humidity.

Wyoming has the lowest property tax in the country, no state income tax, and only a four percent sales tax. Housing is both available and relatively affordable. The average cost of a 3-4 bedroom house is $50,000-$70,000. Houses rent from $400$500 per month, and 1-2 bedroom apartments are available from $200-$400 per month.

Inaddition to an excellent K-12 public school system, Gillette has a two-year college anda superb pre-school/day-care center. Recreation and entertainment facilities include a Performing Arts Center, a

. the ined se

Arte

‘ofthe United States World rights

__ The American Bohd'i blished monthly hy the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Rond, Wilmette, 1.60091. sete ap ee

Ken Bowers. Artdirector: Scot Corrie. The American Bahd'iw

fires ot buaron free torsion end the various leetatons uf Beha Pulte Arter edd . he written clearly and concisely; color or black-and-white glossy and

ft cooreght © ie ees oe inf

eit cdeuten

photographs should be included to The Editor, The American

Recreation and Aquatic Center, and two golf courses. Opportunities to hike, fish, and engage in other outside activities are readily available in the area.

While a car is usually necessary for getting around in Gillette, the city hasa taxi service and a special bus service for the elderly and handicapped. Gillette also has a commercial airport and inter-city bus service.

The Baha'i community of Gillette is small, with only four adult believers. They would greatly appreciate the company of homefront pioneers and look forward to their help in building a strong Baha'i community with a local Spiritual Assembly. Formore information, please contact Nancy Moore, 307-746-4932.

.

TRAVELING TEACHERS: The Baha’is of Woodburn, Oregon (near Portland), who have beenexperiencingasteady stream of new believers that may lead to entry by troops, would like help in deepening and helping more than 100 new believers to become steadfast teachers for the Cause. Traveling teachers whospeak Spanish or who could assist with English as a Second Language classes are especially needed, but others are welcomed too. For more information, please call David House, 503-678-1085.

Srom left) and Dorothy Locke (rear, third Srom right). The project was suggested by the Lockes' daughter, Kimi (far left).

turn, avail themselves of the occasion to learn from the people about Lakota traditions and beliefs.

The best opportunities for teaching came at the powwows that were held on the Reservation during the project. The youth served at several of these Lakota gatherings by picking up trash and helping with setup. For one such occasion they helped butcherand cooka buffalo. At another time they prepared food for 700 powwow participants.

The young Baha'is were invited by the organizers of the Sun Dance to take part in that important religious event.

The Sun Danceisa four-day ceremony at which prayers are offered by the Lakota people for peace and understanding among all nations. A great deal of emphasis is placed on reverence, spirituality and respect for tradition. It was therefore a significant honor for the Baha'is to have been included.

The youth rose to the occasion, helping to build sweat lodges and a bowery of branches and trees. They also gathered sage, a crucial element in the ceremony, at the request of the leaders of the event.

The Sun Dance offered to the non-Indian youth a rare, first-hand glimpse of Lakota culture. They valued the chance to learn about a way of life so different from their own. So profound was the experience that many of them considered it the highlight of the project.

Adults were impressed by the spirit of service shown by the Baha’ is on so many occasions. They appreciated the openminded way in which the young people accepted and adapted to Lakota ways, and noted the exemplary relationship that ex See STANDING ROCK page 3

�[Page 3]The American Baha'i / October 1991 / Page 3

THE FUNDS Town Meetings provide chance for consultation

on wide variety of issues

To date, 53 Town Meetings have been held in 20 states at the request of the National Spiritual Assembly and in cooperation with local Spiritual Assemblies.

Attendance has ranged between 20 and 250 believers, who have actively consulted with National Assembly representatives on a wide range of issues related to the progress of the Faith.

Recently, questions raised by the attendees have centered on the World Congress, the Lawof Huquiq’u'llah, the teaching work, and policies and practices for raising funds at the local level.

These useful meetings have provided the National Spiritual Assembly with important information for use in its own consultation, and reports of these consultations are studied by many of the Assembly’s agencies.

Inupcoming months, meetings are being scheduled for Arizona, New Mexico, California, Colorado and Massachusetts. Be sure to attend the meeting nearest you!

Fund growth reflects our spiritual progress

“The continent of America,” wrote ‘Abdu’ l-Baha, “is, in the eyes of the one true God, the land wherein the splendors of His light shall be revealed, where the mysteries of His Faith shall be unveiled, where the righteous will abide, and the free assemble.” (The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 6)

“The American people are indeed worthy of being the first to build the Tabernacle of the Great Peace, and proclaim the oneness of mankind. ...For America hath developed powers and capacities greater and more wonderful than other nations. ..The American nation is equipped and empowered to accomplish that which will adorn the pages of history, to become the envy of the world, and be blest in both the East and the West for the triumph of its people. ...It will lead all nations spiritually.” (The Advent of Divine Justice, pp. 85-86)

“The range of your future achievements still remains undisclosed. I fervently hope that in the near future the whole earth may bestirred and shaken by the results of your achievements. The hope, therefore, which Abdu’l-Baha cherishes for you is that the same success which has attended your efforts in America may crown your endeayors in other parts of the world, that through you the fame of the Cause of God may be diffused throughout the East and the West, and the advent of the Kingdom of the Lord of Hosts be proclaimed in all the five continents of the globe.” “The moment,” He most significantly adds, “this Divine Message is carried forward by the Ameri

isted between the youth and their adult supervisors.

Many younger people who observed them were fascinated as well. The Baha’ is were a group who did not have to turn to alcohol or drugs to have fun. Moreover, they led moral lives that won them the respect of their elders. Those who thought similarly learned that they had nothing to be ashamed of. Four youth asked to join them, associating closely with the Baha’is until the end of the project.

The youth learned much about teaching the Faith through their experiences. Just as. importantly, they gained a better appreciation of the Baha’i way of life by working together toward a common purpose.

“They got a real-life lesson in cooperation and consultation,” said one of the parents who observed the project. “The young men and women ranged in age from 15 to 17, and were of various cultural backgrounds. Most of them had never met each other before.

“They camped out together for an entire month. It was their responsibility to set up and break camp, and to prepare the meals. On top of that they were out teaching the Faith every day.”

Differences in age, culture and perspective inevitably surfaced. The desire toserve the Faith, however, helped to overcome such problems.

“They faced the challenge head on,” the parent said. “By doing so, a greater sense of community was built up. They learned that situations which cause tension need not be disunifying. If worked through with maturity the result can be greater unity than ever. That is something we should all tealize.

“One of the other adult supervisors remarked that the kids had in effect lived in a third-world country for a month. When seen from that perspective the project was a wonderful preview of the rewards and challenges involved in pioneering and overseas travel-teaching.”

It will also provide a pattern for further teaching on the Reservation. The District Teaching Committee plans to incorporate some of the methods learned by the youth as part of its guidelines for future projects.

More suchevents are already in the planning stages for next year.

Kimi Locke offered her own viewpoint:

“The whole experience helped me a lot. I feel much closer to my Baha’i friends now, and not nearly as isolated. Before, I didn’t have much confidence about being straight. Now I feel more determined than ever to live the Baha’i life.”

Use of photographs of ‘Abdu’l-Baha in media is discouraged Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice have strongly urged the Baha'is to treat photographs of

Abdu’l-Baha with the utmost respect

and dignity. The House of Justice has stated that photographs of the Master “should not be used indiscriminately.” The National Spiritual Assembly discourages the use of portraits or photographs of *Abdu’l-Baha incontacts with the media, especially with newspapers. The seven Houses of Worship are appropriate photographs for publicity. The Guardian and the Universal House of Justice have stated that the Greatest Name and Baha'i ringstone symbol (a form of the Greatest Name) should not be used in publicity photos or in contacts with the news media.

COMING IN NOVEMBER: The corrected version of the 1991 Honor Roll

Quarterly Contributions - 7/89 to 7/91

International

National

can believers from the shores of America, and is propagated throughout the continents of Europe, of Asia, of Africa, and of Australasia, and as far as the islands of the Pacific, this community will find itself securely established upon the throne of an everlasting dominion. Then will all the peoples of the world witness that this community isspiritually illumined and divinely guided. Then will the whole earth resound with the praises of its majesty and greatness.” (The Advent of Divine Justice, pp. 73-74)

Such words as these have been used by the Central Figures of our Faith to describe the powers and responsibilities of the American nation and of this Baha’i community.

Speaking of our immediate challenges, the Universal House of Justice wrote just one year ago, saying: “We are confident that the members of the much-loved American Baha’i community, the champion

builders of the embryonic World Order of ©

Baha’u’llah, will arise with inflexible determination and exemplary self-sacrifice tomeet the challenge placed before them.”

Itisagainst the background of such statements that we should view the current record of our giving to the Funds of the Faith. It is these spiritual truths that make the numbers important.

And what is the picture that emerges? It is one of the giant who has begun to exert his great strength, in this case the spiritual giant that is our community. Some of the highlights shared with the District Conventions are:

Last year, contributions to the major Funds and estate bequests totaled $15,595,000, an unsurpassed record that reflected a 37 percent increase over the prior year’s total.

This total included an unprecedented

$8.7 million in contributions to the Baha’i International Fund and the Arc Fund.

Contributions and bequests at the end

of the first quarter of this year totaled $3,168,000, down 5 percent from last year but still 44 percent ahead of the first quarter of *89 (see accompanying graph).

New National Baha’i Fund goals have

been suggested to an additional 275 local Spiritual Assemblies who did not have the opportunity to take part last year in this important program.

1a 2a

key role in this victory.

Attention must now turn to providing the $20 million yearly income the Universal House of Justice requested in its 1987 Arc message.

The National Spiritual Assembly's commitment is to help the community provide $10-12 million each year to the Universal House of Justice until the Arc is completed; based on austere national budgets of $12-14 million each year, this commitment indicates the need for annual goals of at least $25 million for the remainder of the decade.

In 1988, the largest program of Temple restoration in the community’s history began. To date, these targets have successfully been met:

completion of the replacement of the

monumental entrance stairs at a total cost of $342,000;

satellite laser mapping of all interior

and exterior surfaces and testing of computerized maps for conversion into molds for ornamental concrete work, as a means of ensuring that future repairs will duplicate the building's original appearance; and

Restoration of the Sarah Farmer Inn is approximately 65 percent complete, and has cost nearly $1.1 million to date; together with major repairs to other structures at Green Acre, this progress makes possible limited year-round operation of the school.

In these and many other areas, the pace of activity and achievement is increasing. The National Spiritual Assembly is confident that the “Apostles of Baha'u'llah,” as our loving Master called us, will exert every effort to carry forward the Cause of God.

Voting rights removed Atitsmeeting in July, the National Spiritual Assembly voted toremove the administrative rights of | of Los Angeles, California, for his knowing violation of the Baha’ i standards of morality. ~ ~~“ is also prohibited from attending any Baha'i conferences.

�[Page 4]Page 4 / The American Baha’i-/ October 1991

PIONEE RING Goals Months AFRICA (months) Completed Se SS Ciskei 2 Guinea-Bissau 12 0 Liberia 12 oO Nigeria 12 0 Tanzania 36 8 Uganda 24 0 Zambia aes 2 oan Totals 144 44 AMERICAS ee open Bahamas 12 Me Barbados 12 0 Brazil 24 0 British V.. 12 0 Colombia 24 0 Dominica 12 0 Ecuador ire 12 Guyana 24 34 Honduras 24 14 Jamaica 24 3 Leeward Islands 12 9 Martinique 12 0 Mexico 36 42 Nicaragua 24 2 Panama 36 15 Paraguay 24 0 Puerto Rico 12 3 Uruguay 24 0 Venezuela 12 12 Totals 3960 TSS

oc Marshall Islands 12 0 W. Caroline Islands 12 4 Totals 4

Pioneer Institutes provide perspective on service to enhance one's happiness

For the friends who have committed to serving Baha'u'llah as pioneers, we cordially invite you to contact the Office of Pioneering regarding your interest in attending one of the upcoming Pioneer Institutes. The Pioneer Institute will provide you with the skills and a perspective on service that will enhance your ability to be happy and effective at your post. Your success as a pioneer will be in direct pro School, Eliot, Maine

January 17-19, 1992—Bosch Baha’i School, Santa Cruz, California

Spring 1992—Baha’i National Center, Evanston, Illinois

Formore information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 or telephone 708869-9039.

Front-page newspaper article profiles Baha'i community in Syracuse

The Baha'is of Syracuse, New York, were profiled ina front-page article August 5 in the Syracuse Herald Journal.

The article, headlined “Openness Hallmark of Bahd‘is,” described the great ethnic diversity of the believers and the Faith's willingness to embrace the whole of humanity, touched on the history of the Faith and the Mission of Baha'u'llah, and outlined its basic teachings.

ONGOING TRAVELING TEACHING

Barbados; Bophuthatswana; Brazil; Burundi; Canada, Native and Chinese Teaching; Chad; Ciskei; Cook Islands; Costa Rica; Eastern Caroline Islands; East Leeward Islands, H. Amadiyyeh youth teaching; Fiji; Gabon; Haiti; Hong Kong; Italy; Jamaica; Japan; Kenya; Malaysia; Martinique; Mauritius; Mexico; New Zealand; Pakistan; Republic of Benin; Singapore; South Africa; Taiwan; Tonga; Uganda; United Kingdom; Venezuela; West Leeward Islands, H. Amadiyyeh youth teaching project needs long-term traveling teachers, short-term pioneers, youth year of service volunteers; Yucatan. For more information, contact: Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-8699039).

portion to yourspiritual and practical prepatation. The Institutes also provide workshops for returned pioneers, responding to the re-entry concerns of these friends, their families and their communities.

October 25-27—Green Acre Baha’i

SHORT-TERM PIONEERS ee

Abs Wey Nea tats)

Czechoslovakia .. DDR/East Germany ..

TWO-YEAR PLAN U.S. GOALS

LONG-TERM PIONEERS

Ukraine .... Kazakhstan Other Republics

Area / Country Goal Filled Hungary’ 100 157 6 5 150 222 5 3 30). 2 10 4 35 12 Yugoslavia 15 8 Mongolia 10 9 China... 40 9 4 2 35 77 0 529

Goals Open Goals

AFRICA ned

(F) Burundi 0 (E) Ciskei .. 2 0 (E) The Gambia (Preferably Persians) 2 oO (E) Kenya (Preferably Outside Nairobi) 1 0 (E) 3 0 (3) 2 oO (e) 42, 0 («) we 1 (e) a2 0 (E) Transke 2 Oo (E) Uganda (One to teach the Faith in the

university; one doctor) 2 0 (E) Venda.. iz ale

Total for Africa 23 2

Goals 0

AMERICAS Assigned Goals

(E) Bahamas (North Abaco, Eleuthera, Andros, Cat Island, Long Island).....

(E) Barbados (Employment opportunities :

CURRENT U.S. PIONEERING GOALS

Goals Open AMERICAS - Continued Assigned Gosle (E) Jamaica (Preferably self-supporting for

rural areas to work in village development) 4 0 (F) Martinique (French-speaking youth to en roll in university or with musical talent) ..... (S) Nicaragua (Preferably Persian) ..... (E) St. Lucia (Skills in community consol idation)... (E) St. Vincent & Grenadines . (D) Suriname (Preferably Persian) .. (E) Trinidad & Tobago (Preferably Persian) (S) Uruguay (S) Venezuel (E) Virgin Islands, Britis!

Total for Americas

no

Joooonceo oo

4 o ne 2 re 2 2,

a5

Goals Open

= =|

(E) India (E) Malaysia (To help develop public relations experts) ..

for a dentist) .... . 0 (E) Nepal...... (E) Belize (For radio, consolidation, devel- (M) Taiwan (Chinese Background) (S) opment projects; skills for the National Total for Asia Secretariat) 0 (P) Brazil (Preferably for Amazon project, Goals Open possibly of Persian background)... 0 AUSTRALASIA Assigned Goals (S) Chile (Juan Fernandez Islands, prefer- y a 7 ably a Spanish-speaking couple) ft 2 (©) Dominica 1 istration) .. a ais (F) French Gui 3 Total for Americas A 0 (E) Grenada " 0 (F) Guadeloupe (Opportunities for English EUROPE Asien eae teachers) ‘ 2 (E) Guyana (Preferably East Indians and (P) Portugal (Couples for goal areas outside Blacks .. i 0 greater Lisbon, preferably Portugese or (S) Honduras (Bay Islands, Yoro, Spanish-speaking) 23 oo preferably self-supporting) ... 2 1 Total for Europe 2 0 Total goal: signed .77 Pioneers to goal countries 229 Pioneers filling goals for other countries .. 12 Total goals filled .. .64 Pioneers to non-goals 403 Total Pioneers sent 644

[anguage Key: English (0) Duteh (F) French (M) Mandarin (P) Portuguese (S) Spanish

�[Page 5]The American Baha'i / October 1991 / Page 5

Literacy program aids children, adults

Baha'is in Griffin ‘reach out’ through Elbow Learning Lab

By KEN BOWERS

The Elbow Learning Lab of Griffin, Georgia, was founded in July 1990 asa response to the goal of the Six Year Plan for greater constructive involvement on the part of Baha’ is in the life of their communities.

Offering free literacy instruction toadults. and children, the Lab has been cited for its innovations and was hailed at Georgia‘s Adult Literacy Symposium last April as a model for the state by the Assistant Commissioner for Adult Education and Literacy.

The program offersa successful example to Baha’is in other areas whoare interested in undertaking long-term service projects.

Baha’is Clarence and Merle DuBois moved to Griffin with their daughter Louise in October 1989 as homefront pioneers. Their experiences innearby Lawrenceville had led them to conclude that their efforts tospread the message of Baha’u’llahmight be more successful if they were to live in the same area as the people whom they planned to teach; that is, in the poorer part of town.

“The less affluent people of Griffin had shown great receptivity to the teachings,” says Mr. DuBois. “But there were no expetienced Baha’is living in their neighborhoods who could provide ongoing spiritual

support and help organize activities.”

The DuBois thought that the best way to demonstrate the Baha’i spirit of friendship would be tosettle down among these people and become part of their world. So instead of moving into another middle-class home like the one they had just sold, they put most of their belongings in storage and rented a one-bedroom duplex in the heart of their target area.

It was not long before the DuBois began tosee the need on the part of many of their new neighbors for an easily available and economically feasible program of literacy instruction. Most of the adults were uneducated, and consequently, either unemployed or underemployed. Many children were also poorly trained in basic reading skills, which hampered their performance in all school subjects.

Realizing that an important goal of the Six Year Plan was the establishment of tutorial projects, and recalling the support expressed by the Universal House of Justice for the United Nations Declaration of 1990 as International Literacy Year, the DuBois began to explore ways in which they might be able to fill that need in their community.

Mr. DuBois, himself a literacy instructor at Griffin Technical Institute, sought the help of aneighbor who was a teacher in the

Pictured are young people from the Soviet Union and other countries who gathered

this summer at the Cherkassy Bai Conference in Ukraine.

Young Baha'is gather in Kiev, Ukraine, to launch ‘Youth Can Move the World’ teaching campaign

By JIAN KHODADAD

On June 30, Baha’is from all over the world gathered in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, to launch the “Youth Can Move the World” teaching project.

There were 49 international participants including the two musical groups: “Bridges,” from Tennessee, and “Daystar 91,” from the Baha'i World Center in Haifa.

The participants were divided into three groups, each going into different cities with the goal of taking the message of Baha'u'llah to the people of that area. The youth project took place in eightcities, two of which had never before been visited by Baha'is.

After gathering in Kiev for orientation and meeting with the Kiev Baha'i community, each team departed on its respective teaching route. They were on the road for 10 days, traveling by bus and avoiding the usual tourist routes to be as close to the Soviet people as possible.

The groupsreunitedin Cherkassy,asmall

city in Ukraine and the site chosen for the first Baha’i youth conference to be held in the Soviet Union.

More than 70 Soviet Baha'is joined the traveling teachers for that historic conference. Special guests included Shamsi Sedaghat, chairman, and Marina Pavlova, secretary of the newly elected Spiritual Assembly of the USSR.

Shahram Dana, one of the young traveling teachers, spoke about his experiences on the project:

“On this trip I fell in love with God. They were the most productive and enjoyable three weeks of my life. I saw before my very eyes the potency of the Faith and the power of Baha'u'llah’s words. ...I prayed that when I returned home I would be strong enough to carry this flame into my community.”

(Vian Khodadad, a high school senior from Winnetka, Illinois, was one of the youth who took part in the project.)

Pictured are students (front row left to right) Sabrina Thompson, Andrian Smith and Keisha Coleman, and instructors (back row left to right) Retha Brown, Enoch

Griffin-Spalding County school system. Together they came up with a plan for a summer reading program for children and presented the idea to others in the neighborhood. Several parents indicated that they would like their children to attend.

Needing no further encouragement, the DuBoisrenteda duplex afew houses down from their old one. They set up housekeeping on one side and used the other for the new literacy school which opened in July 1990.

“The summer session,” says Mr. DuBois, “began with two students and ended with 29.”

The DuBois and their colleagues decided to continue into the school year; after six months they moved out of their side of the duplex to add an adult literacy component to the program.

Many of the adults who took part were also the parents of Learning Lab students. This offered the opportunity for family involvement in the program.

“This is where the principles of the Faith really came in,” says Mr. DuBois. “We Baha’ is know that family unity has a crucial influence on development.

“The adults and children in this program learned to support each other and to share knowledge in a loving way. They also learned how to spend quality time together. The result was a strengthening of family ties and, we believe, much more enthusiastic learning on everyone’s part.”

By December the Elbow Learning Lab was well enough established to require that aboard of directors be instituted to oversee its further development. On the board were four members of the local Spiritual Assembly of Griffin. An important goal was to ensure that teachers, whether youth or adults, came from a diversity of backgrounds, as a lesson to the entire community on the beneficial results of cooperation between classes, races and religions.

Interest in the program has grownsteadily since last year. This summer 127 children ranging in age from kindergarten through high school took part in the program. Besides reading, the students now study math, science and social studies.

The project has affected the community in a number of ways. Three other groups have set up independent literacy sites modeled after the Elbow Learning Lab. One of

Varner, Joyce Willis and Kim Leon Turner at the Elbow Learning Lab in Griffin, Georgia.

these, ata local Baptist church, hasa Baha'i teacher and is directed by another Baha’i.

The school system also followed the lead by instituting homework/tutorial programs in every school in the county. Several businesses have been encouraged to support anumber of education-related programs in Griffin. The Baha’i community has benefited greatly as well. Some of the Lab’s students, both youth and adult, are Baha’ is.

“The idea that each individual should investigate the truth for himself lies at the heart of our beliefs as Baha'is,” says Mr. DuBois. “How can the believer who is unable to read the Writings learn and progress spiritually?

“The friends who are attending these classes are quickly maturing in their understanding of the Faith. Many are giving to the Fund regularly, teaching their friends, and helping with Feasts and other activities. New levels of inquiry and comprehensionare evident at ourregulardeepenings.”

People associated even indirectly with the Elbow Learning Lab are learning the value of consultation and cooperation. The city and county governments have begun to work together to advance the cause of education ina county known nationally for its poor racial relations and political bickering. Racial amity has been fostered as white and black citizens work toward a goal that would have been considered unrealistic only a short time ago.

The program recently received $3,000 from U.S. Congressman Newt Gingrich’s Earning by Learning summer reading program and the Certified Literacy Commission at Griffin Technical Institute. The DuBois and their colleagues have been invited by Georgia’s Assistant Commissioner for Adult Education and Literacy to consult with people in other Georgia towns who are interested in starting similar programs. And the DuBois plan to visit Baha'is in several localities to help plan projects patterned after the Elbow Learning Lab.

Mr. DuBois summed up his feelings about the marvelous progress being made in Griffin:

“It just goes to show what can be accomplished when we put our trust in Baha’ u'llah. And to Him goes all the credit for what is happening here.”

�[Page 6]Page 6 / The American Baha'i / October 1991

To aid the friends in emblazoning “the Name of Baha’u'lláh across the globe” and in making “it a known eminence in the consciousness of peoples everywhere,” the Universal House of Justice asked the Office of Public Information at the Baha’t World Centre to prepare a statement on Baha'u'llah. It is a brief introduction to the life and work of Baha'u'llah, conveying His vision of humanity as one people and of the earth as a common homeland.

Bahwullah

prepared by the Office of Public Information at the request of the Universal House of Justice

SC $5.95

“The widest possible proclamation of the Name of Baha'u'llah,” the Universal House of Justice has written, will be “an important feature of the activities of the Holy Year” and “A corollary” of the Baha’i World Congress the purpose of which is “to celebrate the centenary of the inauguration of the Covenant of Baha’u’llh and to proclaim its aims and unifying power.”

The statement “is intended primarily for wide distribution to the public,” the Universal House of Justice has explained. It also has great value “as a source of study and inspiration for the Baha'is.”

The special edition prepared in the United States is elegant and

BAHA'I DISTRIBUTION SERVICE employees (From Left) — Jeffery Johnson, Derrick Mosley, and Clarence Burts receive the statement on Baha'u'llah from the printer.

Youth Can Move the World by Melanie Smith and Paul Lample

SC $3.00

dignified and is eminently suitable for presentations to national, regional, and local dignitaries and prominent figures. The deep-red cover stock has Bah’ u’lláh’s name stamped in rich gold foil; additional richness comes from a subtle red pattern on the cover. The end sheet is embossed with Baha’u’Ilih’s name. The text is set in large, easy-to-read type which will also make the special edition very usable for study classes. 7” x 10”, 58 pp.

Bahá’t Publishing Trust of the United States

Youth Can Move the World is the latest in a series of popular deepening books—including The Word of God, The Covenant, and The Significance of Bahdu'lláh’s Revelation—that explore major themes of the Creative Word. It addresses the role and responsiblities of Baha’{ youth in service to the Cause as they shape the societies of the coming century.

Chapter 1 examines the battle of the fore es of light and darkness now sweeping the earth. Chapter 2 deals with the need for spiritual warriors to arise to champion the Cause of Baha'u'llah.

Chapters 3-6 discuss the actions required of the spiritual warrior: strengthening the spirit, acquiring a praiseworthy character, leading a life of service, and teaching.

Chapters 7 and 8 focus on the field of action—the ways in which youth can change the world through consecration and by addressing the problems facing humanity.

Youth Can Move the World has already received an enthusiastic response from youth in the United States and as far as. Russia. While written from the perspective of youth, the themes it addresses have universal appeal to would-be spiritual warriors of any age.

Baha’i Newsreel, Vol. 2, No. 2

VT $15.95

This most recent edition of the Baha’i Newsreel highlights eight teaching and development activities around the globe including: Formation of New National Assemblies in Romania, Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, and the West Leeward Islands * Laos: Meetings with President Vongvichit ¢ Spread of the Faith among the Garifuna in Honduras ¢ Iran: The Struggle for the Emancipation of the Baha’{ Community ¢ Race Unity: America’s Most Challenging Issue Hand of the Cause of God William Sears: Closing the Six Year Plan ¢ Mount Carmel Projects: Phase Two Begins * In Memoriam: John A. Roberts, the Hand of the Cause of God.

Approximately 28 minutes

Media Services

Remembrance of God

A Collection of Baha’i Prayers and Holy Writings

SC $2.75

This highly affordable, attractive compilation of Baha’{ Prayers and Holy Writings is offered by the Baha’{ Publishing Trust of India. Comparable in size to the Malaysian publication, this fourth revised edition contains prayers for assistance, children, detachment, families, handmaidens, justice, andmuch more. The softcover edition is turquoise in color.

SC 3-3/4" x 5", 210 pp., Table of Contents, Chart of Bahd't Anniversaries and Holy Days

Bahd’i Publishing Trust of India

George Ronald annouces price increase

George Ronald, the publisher of Arches of the Years, has informed us that the prices they advertised to us were incorrect. The correct prices, as printed on the book, are $32.95 for the hardcover edition and $20.95 for the softcover edition.

World Order of Bahda’u’llah, The: Selected

Letters

by Shoghi Effendi

PS $5.95

Seven letters from Shoghi Effendi on the theme of World Order written between 1929 and 1936 clarifying the meaning and purpose of the Baha’ Faith and its central Figures, elucidating its relationship to past dispensations and to present world conditions, and guiding the Baha’i community of the West to a better understanding of its duties, privileges, and destiny. Includes “The Dispensation of Baha’u’llah,” “America and the Most Great Peace,” and “The Unfoldment of World Civilization.” The letters develop a thesis carried forward in The Advent of Divine Justice and The Promised Day Is Come.

Persian: The World Order of Bahd’u’llah: Selected Letters

by Shoghi Effendi

translated by Hushmand Fatheazam

HC $24.95 / SC $14.95

From 1929 through 1936 Shoghi Effendi wrote a series of long letters to the Baha’is of the United States and Canada unfolding a clear vision of the relationship between the Baha’{ community and the entire process of social evolution under the Dispensation of Baha’u’Ilah. ‘The letters elaborate on Baha’u’ Il4h’s establishment of the Baha’i Administrative Order as the nucleus and pattern of world civilization. A major letter in the compilation is “The Dispensation of Baha’u’llah,” which the National Spiritual Assembly has chosen as the “book of the year” for focused study. “The Dispensation of Baha’u’ llth” delineates the station of Baha’u’Ilah, the importance of His Covenant and its Center, and His establishment of an administrative order designed to usher in the long awaited “kingdom of God on Earth.”

5-1/2” x 8-1/2”, 212 pp.,

introduction, preface

Persian Institute for Bahd’t Studies

Persian: A Concise and Brief History of Religion

by Dr. Riydd GHadimi

SC $7.00

Dr. GHadimi presents a very basic outline of the beliefs of various religions, sects, and philosophies. These include the revelations of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Islam. Sikhism and Jainism, reform sects of Hinduism, along with Confucianism and Taoism, Chinese moral philosophies are also outlined.

6” x9", 35 pp.

University of Toronto

Persian: The Bahda’i Faith: The Emerging Global

Religion

by William S. Hatcher

and G. Douglas Martin

SC $13.95

Written as an undergraduate textbook and originally published by Harper & Row, Publishers, this book was named by the Encyclopedia Britannica as a 1986 book of the year in religion. According to the Montreal Gazette it “Provide(s) non-Baha’{ readers with an excellent introduction to the history, beliefs, and sociopolitical structure of a religion that originated in Persia in the mid-1800s and has since blossomed into an international organization with over 3 million adherents from almost every country on earth.”

5-1/4” x 8-1/2”, 334 pp.

Persian Institute for Bahd’i Studies

Order now through the Baha'i Distribution Service © 1-800-999-9019 �[Page 7]The American Baha'i / October 1991 / Page 7

Enlighten Curriculum Pre-Kindergarten, Vol. 1 Second Grade, Vol. 4

by Lea Iverson

SC $19.95 per volume Pre-Kindergarten: This education level blends personal behavior lessons with historical information focused on important people in the Baha'i Faith and essential concepts of belief. These topics are presented at a very basic level. Examples of personal behavior lessons are Baha’i laws—such as sleep, kindness to animals, not entering a home without permission—or Virtues—such as courtesy and politeness, obedience to God, parents and teachers.

Second Grade: This level uses the same style lessons but at a higher complexity of understanding. Examples of personal behavior are the Baha’{ laws of obedience to government, work as worship, and understanding the five physical, and spiritual powers. Virtues such as loyalty, tranquility, patience, and thoughtfulness are emphasized.

This curriculum was developed between 1988-1990 for the Glad Tidings Baha’{ School located in Minneapolis, Minnesota—one of the longest-running Baha’i children’s schools in the country. 8-1/2” x 11”, approx. 94 pp. per volume Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd’is of Golden Valley, Minnesota

Arches of the Years

by Marzieh Gail

HC $32.95/ SC $20.95

Continuing the vivid story of Ali-Kuli Khan’s diplomatic career, Marzich Gail takes her readers on the family’s travels. The story provides new insights into “Abdu’l-Baha’s visit to America and gives an unusual perspective on the Versailles Conference of 1919. Vignettes of President Wilson, Phoebe Hearst and other characters from the early days of this century are interspersed among fascinating pictures of Persia at the turn of the cen tury.

6” x 9-1/4”, approximately 360 pp.,

16 illustrations

George Ronald, Publishers

(See side bar on bottom left corner of page 6)

Down The Do-Re-Me

by Red & Kathy Grammer

CS $10.95 / Teacher’s Notes $10.95

Once again the Grammer’s have produced a cassette and support material that is not only entertaining but, more important, educational. Through his music, Red stimulates his young listeners to understand the magnificence of nature, the benefits of being a caretaker of living things, the beauty of dawn, the spiritual well-being of offering work as service, and many other themes significant to spiritual education. The cassette is suitable for children ages 2-7. The Teacher’s Notes book aids teachers and parents in conveying the

values expressed by the songs.

Teacher’s Notes: 8-1/2” x 11”, 44 pp., introduction

Approximately 28 minutes Children’s Group Inc.

The golden Rule

The Golden Rule

by Jeffrey Streiff AP (Art Print) $15.00 Calligraphy Designs

Teddy’s Prayer by Terry Shultz

AP (Art Print) $15.00 Little Star Illustrations

SPECIAL SALE ITEM

Education A Baha’ Perspective

SC $8.95 10/pkg. “Ignorance, the Universal House of Justice writes in The Promise of World Peace, is indisputably the principal reason for the decline and fall of peoples and the perpetuation of prejudice. No nation can achieve success unless education is accorded all its citizens. Education: A Baha’i Perspective, the third title in this very popular perspective series, challenges its readers to broaden their view of the essentials of education. It identifies nine elements of programs of literacy and basic education beyond the skills of reading, writing, and simple arithmetic that basic education can and should promote.

Originally priced at $12.95 for a 10 piece packet, we have reduced the price to $8.95 until November 1, 1991. It is an excellent introduction to the Faith for all those involved or

interested in education. 5-3/4” x 8-1/4", 14 pp.

Bahd’i Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom

New Title

Can You Imagine, CS

by Rob Altork

CS $10.95

A collection of original Baha’{ music in a Lennonesque style, gently spirited, ethereal, and mellow with a beat. The profound lyrics ate food for the hungry hearted and are designed to attract new seekers. They reveal the challenge and sweetness encountered on the spirit path from the affects of AbdulBaha’s visit to America to the power of the Greatest Name. Baha’is will find their own Faith proclaimed, confirmed, and refreshed. Digitally mastered, chromium dioxide tape. Approximately 38 minutes

State of the Heart Productions

Back in Stock

Christ and Bahd@’u’llah by George Townshend

SC $7.50

George Townsend resigned his position in the Anglican Church to research what he called the “grand redemptive scheme” by which the whole human race is to achieve maturity in a world order embracing the planet. He concluded that the return of Christ has already occurred and the, “confusion and stress, the oppression and darkness of our day—are the fulfillment of all the signs and portents which Christ gave to his followers.” He maintains that Christ has come again toan unheeding world in the person of Baha’w’ Ih, Founder of the Baha’{ Faith.

4-3/8" x 7", 116 pp., Table of Contents and Prologue

George Ronald, Publishers

NOW AVAILABLE

East European L

ALBANIAN

Hidden Words $4.50 Baha’{ Prayers 4.50 BULGARIAN Introduction, SC 1.00 FRENCH

Baha'i Prayers, HC 7.95

age Titles

GEORGIAN

Baha’ Prayers SC $4.25

What is the Baha’i Faith 4.25 GERMAN

Baha’i Faith Introduction 5.50 One Religion 3.00

Baha'u'llah and the New Era 10.95 Hidden Words 8.50

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Baha'i Archives is secking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Barbara Ives-Reich, Laura Jackson (died Dayton, OH, 1957), Wayne Jackson, William Jackson, Ida Elaine James, Lillian James (died Chicago, 1939), Maude Emi Jenkins, Albert Jenther, and Anthony Jochim. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Baha’i Archives, Bahá‘i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or to phone 708-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Baha'i Archives is seeking photographs and personal recollections of sessionsat the Green Acre, Louhelen, Geyserville and Bosch Baha'i Schools and the Louis Gregory and Native American Baha'i Institutes. Anyone having such photographs or recollections they

could share is asked to send them to the National Baha'i Archives, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Please identify the photographs and those in them if possible.

FOR A BOOK in progress for Oneworld Press on Martha Root, Keith Ransom-Kehler, May Maxwell, Marion Jack, Lua Getsinger, Hyde and Clara Dunn, Susan Moody, Dorothy Baker and Ella Bailey, I would like anyone with personal reminiscences of any of them tocontact me. Write to Janet Ruhe-Schoen,

Chile, South America.

WANTED: Baha’is who are interested in formirig a Baha'i computer professional association to foster an exchange of ideas and information, share experiences, provide support, and form links between those needing the information technologies and the Faith. For more information, please contact Neil Krandall,

Cincinnati, OH 45224, via the Bahd‘i National Center Bulletin Board System, or phone 513-681-1677.

ARECENT VISIT to the National Center in Panama revealed the need for office equipment as part of the completion of their new administrative buildings. If you are interested in making a donation to the Panama effort, please contact the Milehams, P.O. Box 18204, Asheville, NC 28814.

VIDEO HELP needed. We need tofind video tapes on 1/2-inch tape suitable to play on public access TV. If anyone has anything we could use, please send the information to the Spiritual Assembly of Santa Fe City, P.O. Box 9686, Santa Fe, NM 87504, or phone 505-982-3788.

‘WORLD ORDER magazine isactively seeking book reviews. Such reviews should be 7502,000 words long (3-8 typewritten pages), doublespaced, and clearly written. Reviews may be written on recently published Baha'i books, nonBahai works that relate to a Bahd’i teaching in ‘some way, or any work that could be of potential interest to World Order's readers. Undergraduate and graduate students are especially encouraged to submit manuscripts. A list of books that particularly need to be reviewed is available on request, as are guidelines on preparing essays for World Order. Write to World Order magazine, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

MEDIA SERVICES at the Baha’i National Center seeks professional-quality slides and photographs of Bahd‘i events for possible use. Especially needed are formal and informal shots of Spiritual Assemblies, teaching events, children’s activities, and diverse groups of people meeting, working, and enjoying recreational activities together. Please send slides or photos with a letter specifying whether they shouldbe returned to: Baha’i Media Services, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

MISCELLANEOUS

ISOLATED youth with a computer modem hook-up might be interested in starting an international hook-up with Baha’i youth in other countries. Please contact Monib Moayyed, :

Nelson, New Zealand (0064-035480746).

EL RUISENOR (The Nightingale), a quarterly bi-lingual (Spanish-English) magazine sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly, is available to Baha’is on a subscription basis. The magazine's editorial content is varied and includes items of interest to the Baha’i community around the world: current developments and goals of the Cause, articles aimed at deepening our understanding of the Bahai teachings, reports of victories in the Hispanic community worldwide, ideas from the friends, a cultural page, letters to the editor, a calendar of national and international events, and other items of special interest to Baha’is everywhere. The subscription price is $10 a year (U.S. and Canada) and $12 year overseas. Donations from Baha'i institutions and individual Baha’isare welcomed. To subscribe, write to El Ruisefior, P.O. Box 512, San Fernando, CA 91340 (phone 818-3616931).

�[Page 9]The American Baha'i / October 1991 / Page 9

Participants gather for a workshopsession during the National Teaching Committee's annual Conference on Growth held over

gresses.”

He ended his talk by calling to mind the many blessings conferred upon the American community by *Abdu’l-Baha, Who had carefully nurtured it during the entire course of His ministry. It was forus that He had revealed the Tablets of the Divine Plan, and it was He Who said that America “is equipped to accomplish that which will adorn the pages of history,” and that it “will lead all nations spiritually.”

The Baha’ is spent the next day anda half in workshop consultation. The format centered on three general themes: the individual and teaching, the community and teaching, and achieving large-scale growth.

The Baha’i writings provided the basis fordiscussion; relevant passages werecompiled by topic and provided to participants by the National Teaching Committee.

The proceedings were characterized bya candid and sincere sharing of ideas. Appraisals and suggestions were collected in the workshops and shared with everyone on the last evening of the conference.

Reports were submitted for review to a specially created assessment committee, and the National Teaching Committee later accepted the proposals.

Atthe final session, the assessment committee presented a summary and evaluation of the workshop reports.

the Labor Day weekend in Wilmette and Liincolnwood, Illinois.

Several positive observations were made about the individual and teaching. It was clear, for example, that there is anew level of activity across the country. More and more people are becoming involved with teaching institutes and are struggling to grasp their implications. Among them are alarge number of youth, whoare playing a leading role in every significant teaching effort in the country.

There seemed, however, to be some confusion over the nature and purpose of teaching institutes. Insome cases they amounted to little more than deepenings; in others teaching was initiated but had not been sustained.

Part of the reason for this, the assessment committee pointed out, was that in some cases teaching was not coupled with a corresponding process of spiritual enrichment including the full involvement of fresh recruits in the institutes. Other shortcomings lay in confusing teaching with proclamation, or failing to recognize growth in terms of continuous effort rather than as a series of disconnected events.

One’s approach to teaching, it was emphasized, must be based more than ever on explaining to others the Station and Mission of Baha’u'llah. The spiritual connection with God’s Messenger is what is vital for the souls, and is what will provide the basis for their obedience to the principles of His Faith.

The issue of Baha’{ communities was taken up next. The essential challenge for communities, it was said, is to envision

Members of the Chinese Teaching Committee address the National Teaching

Committee's Conference on Growth in Lincolnwood, Illinois.

BS

Paul Lample, who been involved in recent teaching efforts in Lake Okeechobee, Florida, addresses the conference.

growth as an ongoing process, requiring constant action and the guidance of mature reflection.

Ahandful of local Assemblies are beginning to form such a vision; many have begun developing and implementing teaching plans for their communities. The focus of these plans is usually a “target” population with whom the friends are sharing the Message.

But most communities still envision themselves as static entities instead of as growing bodies. Many of them createstructures that sustain that view, with harmful

consequences.

Local Spiritual Assemblies, it was pointed out in consultation, can become obstacles to teaching if they donot support individual teaching intitiatives. On the other hand, members of a community must st port plans that are developed by their local Assembly.

That they sometimes do not was attributed to two possible reasons: first, that individuals tend to place their own desires and rights above their responsibilities to the community; and second, that they are hampered by feelings of powerlessness to effect change.

Large-scale growth, it was said, should be the goal of all the Baha’is. Five places in the country were identified where the vision was in place and the action initiated for sustained progress. Common to all of them was the involvement of recently declared believers in the process of individual spiritual development and service to the Cause.

It was also noted that every successful teaching initiative has benefited from the involvement of an Auxiliary Board member who helped guide the friends along effective lines of action.

What every community in the nation needs, the summary concluded, isa similar vision of growth, combined with an understanding of how to translate it into reality.

The National Teaching Committee offered several suggestions for action that would guide the country in its next phase of development:

A national focus on children and youth

should be created. The youth who are already arising should be encouraged to continue in their work, and more should be stimulated, through a widespread youth network, to follow their example. Training must be emphasized so that the youth can become effective teachers. %

¢ Local Assemblies must be helped to developa vision of themselves as channels for the spiritual conquest, through mature

Jack McCants, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, shares his unique insights on teaching the Cause.

plans, of the areas they serve.

Those areas need to be focused on

which have the combination of a receptive population, collaboration with an Auxiliary Board member, a cooperative institution or agency, and a concentration of Baha’i youth. Institutes should be started or existing ones developed.

¢ Finally, there is a clear need for a national vision that integrates the many elements of the Baha’i community as parts of a single civilizing process. Issues being tackled by the Baha’ is such as race unity, education, peace, and so on, are not so many disconnected pursuits; all are related, in the end, to the teaching work.

The National Teaching Committee’s assessment and suggestions will be forwarded to the National Spiritual Assembly for its consideration.

The final moments of the conference were devoted to consultation as a single group, including a brief session with the Chinese Teaching Committee and further questions to and suggestions for the National Teaching Committee.

Several areas of concern were addressed. One was the need for raising up as many full-time teachers as possible.

The more successful communities, it was noted, enjoy the continual support of 50 percent or more of the believers in their areas, and it is in that field of service that the potential of the youth is greatest.

Mr. Cruz elaborated on the concept of targeting specific populations in teaching. The effectiveness of target groups, he said, lies in the way the energies of the Baha’is are channeled toward people who are most teceptive to the Faith. By doing so it becomes easier to address their particualar spiritual needs.

We need not feel, said Mr. Cruz, that other deserving souls are being excluded in this way. Wherever successful teaching is taking place the friends are targeting special groups; the experiences of all show that people of many backgrounds are inevitably attracted to the Faith through the spiritual power that is released.

As the conference drew to a close, the National Teaching Committee congratulated the friends for theiraccomplishments thus far, voiced its appreciation for their productive efforts during the conference, and expressed the hope that the annual event might grow in scope and significance in the years to come.

The friends responded by pledging toredouble their efforts to teach and to continue the consultative process in theirhome communities.

�[Page 10]Page 10 / The American Baha'i / October 1991

Faith represented at National UNA-USA meeting in Denver on education issues

Shirley Lee, Baha'i representative to the United Nations and chairman of the United Nations Association-USA (UNA-USA) Conference of UN Representatives in New York, represented the National Spiritual Assembly at a National Meeting on UN Education held August 16 in Denver, Colorado.

The meeting, sponsored by the UNAUSA with financial support from the Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation, marked the beginning of a serious and important discussion within the UNA-USA about its role and mission to offer education about the UN in public schools in this country.

It was brought about as the result of a 1989 poll by the UN Department of Public Information and the UNA-USA in which only 16 percent of Americans were able to identify any UN agency or name the current UN Secretary-General.

The 35 people attending the meeting in

Denverheard addresses by Edward C. Luck, presidentof the UNA-USA; William Smith, Acting Under Secretary for International and Interagency Affairs of the U.S. Department of Education; and Charlotte Anderson, president-elect of the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS).

Two days of intense consultation resulted in a four-point plan of action and a list of suggestions for its implementation to be considered by the UNA-USA Board of Governors at its meeting in November.

All chapters and divisions of the UNAUSA and the membership of the 130 organizations in its Council of Organizations will be encouraged toact on the initiatives. The National Spiritual Assembly isamember of the Council.

To request a copy of the UNA-USA National Report on UN Education, write to J.P. Muldoon, .

New York, NY 10017.

Among the 35 participants August 16-18 in a UNA-USA National Conference on UN Education were Margaret Bruce (left), former deputy director of the UN Division

of Human Rights, and Shirley Lee, the National Spiritual Assembly's represen— tative to the UN.

Parents encouraged to register their children

Guidelines for registering Baha'is under the age of 15

Young people and their parents should be aware that children can be considered to be Baha’is before reaching the age of 15. The following is an excerpt from a letter written on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly toa local Spiritual Assembly on March 7, 1991:

“The National Spiritual Assembly has asked us to respond to your recent note concerning the registration of Baha’i children and the enrollment of Baha’i youth at age 15.

“It has previously been the policy of the National Assembly that Baha’i youth should actively declare their belief in Baha’u’llah upon attaining the age of 15. About five years ago, however, the Universal House of Justice brought to the National Assembly's attention that there were fewer youth and children in the American Baha’i community than one would expect to find in relation to the age distribution statistics in the general population. The National Assembly was asked to study

"eg Bahd'i children prepare to presenta public speaking and musical program at the Levy Senior Center in Evanston, Illinois. At the

microphone istheir teacher, Gayle Woolson of Evanston.

Baha'i children present speaking, music program at home for senior citizens in Evanston, Illinois

Carrying out ‘Abdu'l-Baha’s wish that children teach the Faith by giving “speeches of high quality” (Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, p. 134), 13 Baha'i children ages 5-14 recently presented brief talks on “The Vision of the Future in This New World Age” for a non-Baha'i audience at the Levy Senior Center in Evanston, Illinois.

The recitations were interspersed with musical selections by the children on the piano, violin, flute and organette.

Afterward, Mildred Milar, retired principal of a school in Evanston, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the program and the Baha'i children. They were well-prepared, and they enunciated admirably. ...

“Not only did they speak out, but they knew what they were talking about. They weren't merely saying words. If more chil dren would do this, we would have a better world.”

“Often, children that young draw back and are shy,” said Evelyn Shedden, another retired school employee. “These children were so poised and had assurance. This has been a happy and productive afternoon. ...”

Their remarks are reflective of a letter dated December 5, 1988, from the International Teaching Center that says in part, “These young people should...be seen as a door to entry by troops and as a fruitful source of teachers both for their own generation and even for the deepening of others their own age and older.”

The children in the Evanston area are taught public speaking by Gayle Woolson of Evanston.

this matter and take whatever steps were necessary tostrengthen the various aspects of Baha’i youthactivity in the United States.

“After extensive consultation and study of the factors involved, the National Assembly concluded that the imbalance could be attributed in part to the lack of official registration of Baha’ichildren in this country. This lack...was reinforcing the widespread but erroneous assumption within the American Baha’i community that Baha’i children were not Baha'is until they reached the age of 15, with the result that many youth were distant or even estranged from the community by the time they turned 15.

“Therefore, the National Assembly decided to encourage Baha'i parents toregister their children and began sending membership cards to registered children on their 15th birthday. The policy of registering children is in keeping with the guidance given in the following letter written on behalf of the Guardian to the National Assembly of the United States dated July 5, 1950:

“*A baby can be considered a Baha’i; 15 is merely the age of maturity for fasting, marriage, etc., and in the case of America, a declaration is invited at that age from the youth in order to protect them, at a future date, from being forced to do active military service.”

“As you can see from this letter, the policy of declaring at age 15 is not rooted in any fundamental principle of the Faith.

“This fact is further stressed in the following letter dated June 17, 1954, written on behalf of the Guardian to the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles:

“‘Although the children of Baha’i parents are considered to be Baha’is, there is no objection at the present time, for purposes of keeping a correct census, and also ascertaining whether the young peopleare, sincerely, believers, and willing todo their share in service to the Faith, toasking them to make a declaration of their intention, at the age of 15 orso. Originally the Guardian understands this was adopted in America to enable young Baha’i men to make certain arrangements in connection with their application for non-combatantstatus, upon their attaining the age of military service. There is really nothing about it in the Teachings or in the Administration. Your

Assembly is free to do as it pleases in this matter.”

“This is not to say, however, that 15 is notasignificantstage in the life of a Baha’i youth, for it is, according to the Kitdb-iAqdas, the age at which spiritual maturity is attained and a Baha'i youth assumes the responsibility for obeying the laws of the Baha'i community, including fasting and prayer.

“Although every soul has the right and responsibility to make its own spiritual decisions—there can be no compulsion in matters of belief —a Baha’i child does not grow up in a spiritual vacuum, without moral training orreligious education, prior to age 15, at which point he is suddenly presented with the Baha’i teachings and asked toindependently investigate the truth. In developing a procedure for child registration, the Universal House of Justice has indicated that the paramount consideration should be as follows:

“‘In whatever procedure it adopts a National Spiritual Assembly must wisely steer a course between seeming to doubt the faith of a child who has been brought up as a devout Baha’i on the one hand, and seeming to compel a child to be a member of the Baha’i community against his will, on the other.”

“Thus, as can be seen from the foregoing, it is not necessary for a youth who has been previously registered in the Faith asa child to sign an enrollment card at the age of 15. Of course, if the youth, at age 15 or any subsequent age, indicates that he has not yet made up his mind or does not believe in Baha'u'llah, his name will be removed from the membership rolls.

“The National Assembly understands, however, that becoming 15 is especially meaningful for Baha’i youth and it hopes that each local Assembly will celebrate this occasion with the youth and take the opportunity to nurture his or her understanding of the significance of being a Baha'i, of reaching the age of spiritual maturity and of obeying the laws of the Faith.”

�[Page 11]The American Baha’i / October 1991 / Page 11

The National Spiritual Assembly of Guyanaattributes the enrollment of 11,900 new believers from Ridvan 1990 to Ridva 1991 to a broader base of participatio

the teaching field. The response to the National Assembly’s direct call last February for planned, effective teaching brought about an increase in the number of those directly involved in teaching activities from an average of 30 during previous months to 121 in February. “In the seven areas where they were assigned,” the National Assembly reports, “the resident teacher teams have enrolled more than 9,000 new believers, have proclaimed the Faith to about 13,000 people, and have promoted 41 children’s classes, nine youth groups, 10 deepening classes, and 30 Nineteen Day Feasts.

In June, a teaching team of nine youth and one adult from Honduras, Canada, Iran and the U.S. enrolled 99 people in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. The National Spiritual Assembly reports that the total number of enrollments in the capital city in the past year has reached 1,000, and the Assembly believes that this is the first capital in Central America to reach that number. ...

Also in June, 15 people from Austria and Italy traveled to three centers in Albania, a trip that resulted in about 150 enrollments. In the capital city, Tirana, the group meta renowned Albanian actress, a school headmaster, musicians at an Academy of Music, a number of civil authorities, and about 10 families, enrolling a total of 48 people in the Faith. ...

There are now 155 believers in the area around the city of Koula-Moutaou, Gabon, with 94 enrolled since last September. A Gabonese member of the National Spiritual Assembly spent four months in. the area as a homefront pioneer, and his

Franco Ceccherini, representing the Baha'i International Community, is greeted by PopeJohn Paul II before a meeting between

presence “provided a substantial impetus to the teaching work.”...

The Baha’is of Romania have hosted their first European Baha’i Youth Conference at Neptune, a town on the coast of the Black Sea. On July 15, participants sent a message to the Universal House of Justice announcing the launch of the Tahirih II Neptune Teaching Project, the first in a series of nationwide summer projects planned in response to the National Spiritual Assembly of Romania’s call for largescale teaching. ...

The Latin American Radio Advisory Committee, based in Chile, reports that about 60 people took part in July in the fourth Radio Baha'i Seminar in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Participants came from Be ia, Chile, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico and Switzerland. Consultation was centered on the use of instituteradio complexes, literacy, and translation of the revealed Word. ...

Baha’is in Carnarvon, on the coast of western Australia, have been given a $2,000 grant to help coordinate a monthlong festival to celebrate the diversity of cultures in that town. The grant was made under the western Australian government's Community Relations Grants program. ...

In May, the Baha'i community of New Ireland, Papua New Guinea, celebrated the release of the first book ever printed in the Nalik language. Toachieve this, Baha’i pioneer Craig Volker had to construct a written form of the language. The book, Saaule Nakmai, is a collection of prayers translated from the sacred writings of several faiths including Christianity, Islam and the Baha'i Faith. ...

In Turkey, Counselor Ilhan Sezgin reports that during one week in June the Faith was introduced to nine towns or villages, and that 33 people were enrolled in the Faith. In many places people were given books about the Faith, and they responded by inviting the Baha’is to return once they had read the literature.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Burkina, in collaboration with other National Assemblies in Africa, took part this year in the 12th Pan-African Film and Television Festival in Ouagadougou. Among the 30 special awards presented was one from the National Spiritual Assembly of Burkina called “The Dove of Peace” for the best short- ormedium-length

the Pope and the International Council of the World Conference on Religion and Peace, held in July in Vatican City.

i WETWEEN A PRERE

Me:

Attention was drawn to a banner carried

by Bahd'is of Mbale, Uganda, during a parade on International Women's Day in

films that raised questions related to peace through topics such as racism, nationalism, equality of the sexes, or literacy. A director from Zimbabwe, Simon Bright, won the $2,000 award and trophy for his film, “Mbira Music,” which shows that blacks and whites can overcome racial divisions through music. ...

Counselor Beatrice O. Asare traveled recently to Navrongo, Ghana, to take part in an institute to deepen 70 relatively new Baha’ is in that area. On the evening before the institute, Mrs. Asare presented a short talk on the Faith, after which 22 people in the audience asked to enroll and were invited to attend the institute. About 150 were on hand for that event, held at the local secondary school. Somestudents also came to listen, and 26 became Baha'is. ...

In July, 41 adults and 24 children took part in a conference entitled “Spirit North II,” the largest gathering of Baha’is ever held in Greenland. Among those taking part were a representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of Denmark, Counselors Jacqueline Delahunt and David R. Smith, three Auxiliary Board members, and Baha’is from Alaska, Canada, Denmark, Greenland, Iceland and the U.!

“Empowering Women to Achieve” was the theme of an eight-day Pacific Women’s Conference held recently in Hilo, Hawaii. The event was sponsored by the National

ou

MED 8 Sit;

March because a woman anda man held it aloft. Bahd'is handed out statements on women and peace during the event.

Spiritual Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands, the local Spiritual Assembly of South Hilo, the Hilo Baha’i College Club, and the University of Hilo. Among the 76 people taking part were Counselors for Australasia Ben Ayala, Beatrice Benson, Betra Majmeto and Gayle Morrison. ...

The Spiritual Assembly of Panchgani, India, and the Panchgani Clubsponsored a recent program for World Environment Day. Also taking part were the New Era Development Institute and the Pune division of the World Wide Fund for Nature. Between 350 and 400 people saw a colorful poster exhibit at the Panchgani bazaar, and about 120 people including 50 students from the Billimoria School attended a program that evening on “Action for Afforestation and the Environment” presented by a Baha’i, Dr. H.T.D. Rost. ...

In July, Franco Ceccherini represented the Baha’i International Community at a meeting between Pope John Paul II and the International Council of the World Conference on Religion (see photo on this page). The Pope received the group in one of the reception rooms in Vatican City. ...

Baha'is in the Netherlands took part in arecent Third World Festival whose theme was “One World, One Future,” distributing pamphlets and books on the Faith, Persian cookies and roses to the more than 70,000 people at the Festival. ...

Baha'i Esperantists take part in annual Congress of Esperanto League for North America (ELNA)

Several Baha'i Esperantists took part July 19-24 in the Congress of the Esperanto League for North America (ELNA) in Raleigh, North Carolina.

A Baha'i couple from North Carolina, Betty and Charles Donoghue, helped with the get-acquainted evening, and Mr. Donoghue provided music for the banquet.

During the opening session, June Fritz, secretary of BELusono (the Baha’i Esperanto League for the U.S.), introduced fellow Baha'i Esperantist Darlene Evans who sang “Blessed Is the Spot” in Esperanto. Later that week Mrs. Evans was invited to sing again, and dedicated her song to Lidia Zamenhof, daughter of the inventor of Esperanto. Miss Zamenhof, who was a Baha'i, was taught the Faith by Martha Root.

Among the professional presentations was a talk by Mrs. Donoghue about the medicinal properties of various plants found in North Carolina.

Mrs. Fritz coordinated an audio-visual presentation on the House of Worship in

India with slides and taped narration by a Belgian Baha'i, Pierre Daoust, and an introduction in Esperanto by Gordon Coates, a Baha'i from Hinsdale, Illinois, and presented a paper, also in Esperanto, about the growth of the Faith in India.

John Dale, president of the U.S. Baha'i Esperanto League, attended the Congress with his wife, Detelina, who recently arrived in the States from Bulgaria. Mr. Dale was invited tobecomea member of ELNA’s Commission on Legal Affairs.

About 90 people took part in this year’s Congress.

Please continue to share your experiences as homefront pioneers. They serve to encourage your fellow pioneersas well asinspire others to arise, If you can become a homefront pio‘neer, please phone the National "Teach

108-869-9039, :

ing Comet | 7

�[Page 12]Page 12 / The American Baha'i / October 1991

ctw, Gaol 3f LETTERS

5) ARG A ey A ee Slog Bly 3 agile: OSA (pa clan UST. OV lates LOE gue Uns ose! UIE lS a oS eS Goscles ols Ly

92 9 0dz0 Dla! UL slay jail) Ghe Gyles dle” cra Gy obk 655 of Ub 2% OAS) pa HWE S what gif ola! whats Spare Sle Gertre tes 144Y Sle if SLaiul ooLI 1, adh ale lel 4, , el else oe Ps fa lacie dhe of dys cdl) pals ST ly (sliey Ge aS Ly ope dled 4 ISG! whe whe jel bb dle 9? EAS oA) salt ole 5 pues Gobd I ola 4S lod yes deed 55 |p oltre Oe SUI if ot piling 3 2 oF G2 &

Gleolf Jo Gls oy) y2 alphas oa hs 5 Uo as ols LU gle of ale Od eee & G pS 63 9 Gd 4g LS tl5 pe % ee OLIS Gt pth fee I elas “wotlated Spe 4 G ond IZLE jac

go eS sah fy cae lj Gees AS Gee © OLY O53 GY eee yp wed cepliplSal g; Gates b dled 4 sls Sty gpl Ss Oye & 4 WS O95 GS GUIS ul, 9 AN ch gla foo obey & y su vis olul 4 fy oles y ola y olbs y ols ASG sls pls pt pls eye Gy shy 9 Aad Gant sald 4 W055 outyy aad cL pe wt Coe ls pte aah edly Ql JS ul slant Gad ol bee 9 tert td 9 een “oldie Ghley cul Gl sy slo dyder

Ole: CHINESE TEACHING WORK

phd GUT Gole dhe ope LG G5 ob 5 29 pie & Obes ALS Lb ted WL I GoLIULS VV go olftsls FY SI y elo oe OIL pl ced 02S Gets Sy She Olyrtile 4 0255 hyo ILI GU etabs OYY yo y tee vhucatle y oly adits wwe Lat Jule I

cal & plac! Jasin Glabatus 31S 29 9 getsls 25 show b+ spe 4S oy) od ltl GS POS cee 9 Bore ot © Wl 30 ae seal mtu [0957199506 pgksyts Gamiehushihale qleliupas

ot Glas Lb 59 GLILS GLI ope phi oo one HT Ole Cos hale S colesa! Le ays hal tee 03 & “he xrtils Glaabjle by Lali ol SI wl nd bi Cd ONS 4 oy ols O55 lie

2p LAT 5b Gore JIS

Lae Ge S hase Gatgee y canls HS Spe ls sh IG dels 59 GI

BLS Jrole Gals Lb Jie tio Lb pty ole dhl VHA) APLA OE cals

Baha'i National Center Wilmette, IL. 60091

Obymtsls Gab! tS olay LG wt Sue pile Sears Same MWe bays ayo Hy 29 ISS Shoe

5) sald Gey & Ge dls ules 59 oI) 9 Liechtenstein g,liderts 2a) oolzals Slialy coo & 4 dey ol 40 Ervin Laszlo 4353 gay) UL Gow GUT Gee oy dyads o> s4T Loo dred Be eeualol een Ola cpa eke e Simla Oyen yo Ip 25 obJUe S 0, sale OxpneS Opin pity S 35d VpneeS uns Ulsl 9 NSLS Weds cal copedrligyh call gi eplSea cud AS pl slay sles

SL Ose GVM dle olin yo OI) dune 99 Sy ded le pars pps Slee y tS sald 2998 sale UT AEt1s ob Les babyy

Sol Mes sb BAHA'INTERNATIONAL NEWS BAS’ cael cals cobs GUS Juieslasy farm GUNS: 4 NN Ge She Oley L144 SLL ole, fe oe So HI Ge cle theo ys SLI DL. I S lhe cud ory ds Gaul, 50 lel 24n 2S 2329 by OL be Shays Jou Gk dhe 45,3 59 Ads phe 5 Fy GLb, leis obo AL I ore ft Lb, GS) shad o5lo iy 8 Nye 4 als leog S Gla ht S G5 99 cL Seale Shot oeas Ig omer Uon alice Grd WIS FY oi we oe oy Joe LalST Sales ey OU Cho oF 1 4 WlS3,5 Chg 4229S JuSt5 05409555 tLe 90 Gia ey Gh ys S cul oat GS US,3 A OU 02g re 1G Go ot ply Gale dle Oye Dap toys SLI DL IG au rr es 50 ED G21 G5 Oye 5 GUS oS 3.cdle Liss yo lal Sot Syed aliod 3h Lat Gls 5! Gy as Fy arttts US Qyey Latinas 8 D1 J SSA AS tds oS hy ul yy abe 99 6999 Seely Glad LUIS 4 Galyytee oh olcol AUS oad By tls UL, ob Eb GE dle oe pee oh log Boe & a tS of Sab 59 Ip 8 BGS obytia b dleyy dime vals gale dbl, I) Getees 3 hye OS G hy dle 31S Gul cals Be tle ig, 4S couall Ls ant etme agree BS ype 65S EIS rl Clay tS I) Sy SL woudl B10 Gale dhe Oye ob 50 Ore OLS © Gaels Coden G Snake Kepbl 4 WL! 3h alia! AA NOY oye Get & ae S ways GLI satel 5 eed ytS of CALL Tirana U3 30 IN loys 4 dante ch ree y GUT yy pate Udy ie Ve open y od CLI) 5) Glee 4 cho sb GAS Gi te yo HLS Jol Gols ol si sHiad Gumead 55 PA ils Golel ob

lcs dese esate tay, ((iaeniety is Ns,

Sk hens phat CUT eslal ob wile dls ee, Opaal Gas ole LE AILS CILI 53 Gabul Ges!

JD lee CUT gees US Se Shy OUI +23 dale pe the GlasLes 53 oS 8

GL GES 653) NEWS FROM SOVIET UNION

wt GL obs IS ek sey he 92 Guages Ao Aas Leal) GI OURS cual OLY Cae HU INE IG gece Ohm 4S) cual on Ue ceed 03 Sige lets 4 leo ojlpam y5bu ot & 5

4 Grd clas shoe BE oI ow Gok Che Sher GrSprerad GL v2 oF & ape S tury GIS Garyh 99 HalSaly & cud der pd & whee Siow OF poy & |p dbl ope aly 4 ore Cape 9 ox tds OTL OSLe OL ut 32 Wok Ghee Vy Carpd & pi CLES eS © 95 Le © Udm Seem

92S (gaye lashing dhso & sl Gh SHk 29 25 ett GLAS 55 5 at Bly ol ob 9 Ad Obey Gaye 99 SL pile V44+ She weed 4 Ly Grr JE SS I Ge dle + Cuno pee CBS Sy pe oy 03S I5

OF poe S SSkLo2 Crt & Oden ow D Sy Qo Ghee GAS Ys lo Ets JLo eels) low 0S GEES oe & ppp Some pole Lgl SARS penny Same 4 gy -04)o p29 Gyre 39" die F cite ch ae oop oat VD UL Le VV 4 OW Jobe las 4 ah LS pe So Sky) pron reer)

Gig gilegy foloe las AV ee Gu 53 Gers Ny ela pl plac! Sudha S oy, clout Say) sualen sbedl Yo {gileyy Jane dahl S toyed Ske Sy JN 3295 Slo OL aes Ge dle Ul) 32 ‘aa ses

4b owls Sts dle G eek Gh D2 FF) ote os GL Joe of Cope $y OUT 5 Glide S asap oS oS ps Le yds eWihogge SuSts atin! So 4 kw GUL.

lS Sad eet GL GIL S eel Che SS] us eS SI teNaaN aalisr sas aeeUy bg Sod 52S aah oy!o ry2y9 S Che Bey Carrt pre Sie Cotte GUY by) oe od Opam ale & Gas JS Gere Gladly aT 3! ‘at quad gat Ls 4 wile abl,

Ve ule dle Gye GU ok Gla 15 G Saree Dati! y 257 od GiS85 yyy 92 les Jou wth igs! clas GS

cu dil Ge G GYye beady oh ole Glie VENGSS oto Oi Saliva) banana A splay Olea Be be pdlagy Jim pS oles Lie ol ib 22 od otied oS 6 Ged oF cll 4 G94 ale Gy Sod Gh ial S (SLES 3) y whey she 22S EAS hoo S Gy294 Gol lute 9 le

She Obl olls cy SUCCESS OF THE BAHA'I YOUTH

92 S cul lle Ve Oe Gupe On Gi Guzsl Jeo © ost Els Mine tly, ois Ly Glegey Olas Sls ch cite & pale JL 2 4 ole Spe Sho CSL, 5 O29 9 Same G8 92

AlSsls yo hued SLI I ke Gap GUI whe SS 29 obbylo ole G dle ch oe Ue UPL STU Syd as cca testes

�[Page 13]‘Phe American Baha'i / October 1991 / Page 13

ee et Gal tees pt 2 SLS OLS Gla Vo on Cyt lee oo Obl GHLES od! lS! 22 9 Age gle GULL Ee & Grd Glo! 3 8 BIS CS SIE Ges oI

92 anSeS 8 oULe IS cls pL -t ctl 225g ob cate tls ed cal I tls UL ool Satake Gia de Gel Id le Gtle as ol oo" PMS Sard a cet Hb Spd ed oy) S85 B99 3s pole perce pede & Ly dbLL ope 42 shal GOT Le yo S 1p Glded oul Lt pS wipnd Cale Joe ole

el ALS te Oren rilyo G5 tls UL, Intemational Soviet #l SL» oS 4 dh bus 1S 92 9S de SS GS es ot 0319 5,5 Resources Corre 29 rS 9 Leo SLI 5 Gainseville Soy2S escak oh Sd

le obi, tug, Ql as ASSOCIATION FOR BAHA'I STUDIES

Bee Seno 5sld ole Sle eauST VA G0 5 LeelS He 22 Bly LoS, v2 She olde. ny Uy She” Gard Gal Beye 4958 fiSts LLIS 50 jee tal ee

SS Ae GI yo 2 Fe I he 9 dts scree Clue I op Se GALES .150,5 9 IG > Glas 5 Ge Glayutey 4 UUs cleo 5 She pad cle,

Cem le dal srse wobl yo ob 4 Kuk 49 2 eS Ae Gb OL Ghe 4 wo Jk 3 agSlde 239 Dhly parm cll 4 LoS alles Glee S Gla Glan 92° C55 I Gas y 9 GLa syd 0, SL,5 Glare sab tly, us 9 Hort DES Jey Cope SIS 5L coal 5 glye5) OSU, Glachiasd Lays ecuthye 9 US & bye Glue s3 IAS 4 pple ne LIL CABS ut. GES tou & She olJU sy] loasg) WG. AS WSs SaS 8 3) ie (nies aah AS 9p OUT Y Sila pat L wo, Gs, od aly shy olll.

ber shee ely) yo tate aes gare Cu NS wath hE S SLs .5,8 JSts JLo so 44K he Obl, tay, Ces los Gade ole XL! dele ols 25 (Shs & alse lo cSLyo AVE) YN cgald als

Association for Baha'i Studies

Ottawa, CANADA. KIN 7K4

4OP

Glaet cud) cetion Supe Uliaye SI ols 44 Baha'i Huququ'llah Trust <> 59 | dG i> uh Slo! dlg,z> cll 3) SG

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

99) Carl SLES Gay? lisse

PERSIAN ARTS AND CULTURE CONFERENCE

DS dlal Saas 5 ol Gest SLES one ey) Grille yo V44y JLa O15 Vy LG 4 wad sald G5 Qbsl

Gules gd Glial ute ea

oF I olak pS Slated y Shy) Saad 4 gel Gow!

SS cathaly Ib OF OIIS push ues y OL Ee

CNS np Stee 99 3293 He om 9 BUS Sou Ip cae aad op SLES Oxy?

me pe Les UL Ll a

Bape Ulalbst aes tual,= fy,sl a1 olkgaleeatel

obser 4 JUT s slSs5 loo slime I Sr adh “ob, col” ol

ged Ga BS yp S GK olepey Ses! > Ga SLES Spee 9 OSILES oA 09 2 cud cole 5S sale NS rn ur hee tue Ht das UT 32 oe 03 ML pee SU ol ee el dhe Opa SU ol Oh 29 nl Saas 5 gl AS Ll; 9 Od 29 dhe OLS {She ole bey ASSpastoN slic stiacth dass psiolescls oS hh, epee SUI 52 oll (35 5 te Wawa al dhe and 4 GAIT yo Qb feladlecisyblr ee st lipeanb epee esl cil fans ph oldsd & thal tee tip 03 Extasy oo olclasl

GES ad ogltl Oly VL 59 S lee, ttt 2a Gest IS GLI 52 4S cud Sls I wath hh S Giese ok 3 dS sale NS eb Saas 5 gl & by claepsy ly lad Glel oy) bo & opt Lele ayls Guid 32 oT by 2% Clg sk y wubb Job WL AVA) APIA 2 AG aS Ole 52

Ol obos YOUTH CAN MOVE THE WORLD

he Ole 3 clive wole dle Oye Kr Sy LSI 39 Gall Ss) CARL Kiev 4S yo GL> Hl» 3! cls UL, oh yo GU ad pe oS Gy pale Soe 6 ob alse oble” olte & obl> wyls ES 4b “ss jluul

2? amas 09S 99 9 OL 3b pas FA epee den WSS Sh ttle So els UL, ol ples BTRILS 1) Bit oly oS oe gy Wad petal 048 Pot A Holle wh» ols 25 6 by J WIS Ny? Goyer de

Ve spte (tls pie Gul 59 GSsSaS

Od SN Bae Oye GS badly 52 Gey LI ayo |

Soe Cart po LG csily LL) ob! iw aaSige osliied of jf Gla Sila j819 S clenli,, 2S tly I wolen doo cme Gy at Glial US

ss Oe PERN, aes SUsHeua Natl) SD Sy Cherkassy ulS pe 59 yySd4 055 Le

RESO; She esi.

é Z sth esthye BOSS BAHA'I WORLD CONGRESS

he SS slo al jose OL GL, 2 ele dal OSE S oy sale GL! ESS SS reel Glo .wilertle 0,8 Gol ul odes Ole mtlaw 99 ead SI woe Guns & She wl 02S olen! OUT ole 59 clue 5 vt 5

9 Olimgo 4S Sal 59 ole 4 934 GW! Cee 9 ob dpm 3. b GH) OLS Heoud Gob S She WEIS cudaye wletls Scadigh ich!

UY Sect ote cate esi Ole Le BEob» Sams OLS Giles yo oSpt Lape Sosy Sade & Cop 99 Soud 3 i LES ob ay S25) So de & ee olde OS, SSB G pee S SL S cul Slatun JI loys leased orb lous le oS 52

Abts 55 4S Ly My Lee ol 5 S oth Ul aS Gul contr Cob vl Son GH, GIL wk wale Ly She 2&8 92 Sp5 ad S Se 9 Seat Cieptlin oh Wes ols gf 6S with gub. sop Bald os ohne

Late wile & Gash » pate Glo rw tet S Ly Slagle Gls S 8S. olbJo Boles csntl 42lo gdhye 2584S, ga. cud San Ole (Sus

Saaz cole tee 258 obs 59 he UES 91d SglS lodges GS b OF go eel oS LS GLY BLS Syl hays del ley cea! 5 HI Welt code can (ee clagetens os OUT olin aeaalion, LoGe| ai gan. cleat ioe

IE AS GLAS oly Cel SY ee Cue & 9 OL85 ctl saalye 1) She 268 59 O54 cally WIE! Lig ye 348 pall) obedey GLLL, he RES 99 St Lcd She ele Slee, He West, dey chips y HEL pte voy tals GIS SES 8

Phe CASAS 5 LH oe I pbs ols Bot 99 Ge Ge" 30 he ES GSH Gly OF baatan 4 Speed y Sle el olyt gy pE cmul pl L GAty Sut, at ule pee dons 4-4 0° Spe Gee YF sald role ele dal ple 4 pl D9 Ly 29 pls 4 Sprol S cd, wale lal oll ol sth dob 4 Jac

BDL by ed oa Soyer 29 oleh ope 9 S52 NS celtel $e S cele sald pals rll Ses 5 (35S vlSl Loo Glaj-t Wi ah

BEI GS gy Oot oly cons pot ol DS Glbylo Gol clas Gy pel JE 59 ats te he 28S 6ISH 0b5 99 SE el Sha) DoS & sul sie Ok do Gree Gad sald ccuh ott Sa! purse Glogh tapes & 4S “oLtb, I’ Abs SE ae del GILLS ar) deed & SS

�[Page 14]Page 14 / The American Baha'i / October 1991

Puestos para el cuerpo Baha'i de servicio juvenil J

establecidos dentro los Ustados Unidos

El Cuerpo Baha’i de Servicio Juvenil es un programa disefiado para jovenes quienes toman tiempo de la escuela o del trabajo para dedicar servicio de jornada completa a la Fe. Enel pasado, la mayoria de los puestos del Cuerpo Baha'i de Servicio Juvenil se han localizados fuera de los Estados Unidos. El Comité Nacional de Ensefianza esta ahora animando a Asambleas Espirituales Locales delevantar puestos para el Cuerpo Baha’i de Servicio Juvenil en sus comunidades, y esta ayudando para ponermaestros para la Causa de jornada completa dentro de esas comunidades.

Un voluntario del Cuerpo Baha’i de Servicio Juvenil puede ayudar en los esfuerzos de ensefianza de una comunidad Baha'i de muchas maneras. Por ejemplo, puede ayudar a establecer y mantener institutos de ensefianza y participar de jornada completa en proyectos de ensefianza. Un voluntario puede visitar a nuevos creyentes durante el dia, puede ayudar en educarlos y profundizarlos, y puede ayudar a los nuevos creyentes con sus primeros esfuerzos para ensefiar a sus familias, vecinos, y amigos. Si la comunidad tiene jovenes y nifios, un voluntario del CBSJ puede juntar a estos creyentes jévenes y movilizarlos para ensefiar. O un voluntario puede ofrecerse para trabajar de jornada completaencentros Baha’is 0 centros de informacion Baha’i como parte del personal, recibir visitantes, contestar preguntas telefonicas, y darclases de alfabetismo o para nifios.

Paraempezar el proceso de establecer un puesto del CBSJ, una Asamblea Espiritual

Local obtendria y completaria un formulario de propuesta para una posicion que se puede obtener del Escritorio de Jévenes en la oficia del Comité Nacional de Ensefianza. Este formulario nos provee con informacion acerca de las necesidades de la comunidad y los tipos de servicio que un voluntariojoven podria hacer. Entonces, tratamos de corresponder a las necesidades de una comunidad con las habilidades de un joven voluntario. El Comité Nacional de Ensefianza trabaja intimamente con la Asamblea Espiritual Local para establecer y llenar un puesto y proveer guia como sea necesario.

Hay algunos requisitos generales que el Comité Nacional de Ensefianza siente son necesarios para hacer la experiencia del Cuerpo Baha'i de Servicio Juvenil beneficioso para todos. La Asamblea Espiritual Local debe proveer vivienda para los jévenes en el hogar de una familia Baha’i y cobrar al voluntario una cantidad minima por pensién completa. La Asamblea Espiritual Local tiene que proveer un programa bien definido, ser responsable por la supervisién del trabajo, y asegurar que apoyo emocional esta proveido para el joven voluntario.

Por otra parte se espera que los jévenes voluntarios, sirvan por unminimodenueve meses, sean libres de otras obligaciones y tesponsabilidades, y se mantengan a si mismo financialmente. El programa esta abierto para jovenes entre las edades de 18 a23afios. Aquellos que solicitan participar en este programa tienen que asistir a un programa intensivo de cuatro dias antes de ira su puesto.

Bahai Fat

He Planet, One Peo

Baha'i youth and adults from Canada and Washington state helped man a teaching booth and comfort station for mothers with small children July 13-14 at the annual Vashon Island Strawberry Festival near Seattle. The friends also organized an

th

award-winning dance routine for the annual Festival parade, and followed up those activities with a Sunday evening fireside at which the message of the Faith was well-received by a number of seekers.

Ademas del desarrollo del puesto de un Cuerpo Baha’i de Servicio Juvenil, una Asamblea Espiritual Local puede ayudar a los jvenes desu comunidad para satisfacer asu deseo de servir a la Fe a través de este programa. Una Asamblea Espiritual Local puede desempefiar un papel crucial en levantar jévenes para servir a la Causa. Una Asamblea no solo puede proveer guia a los jovenes para su ano de servicio, sino también ayudarle a que los jovenes de su comunidad adquieran experiencias Baha'is en administracion y ensefianza que seran necesarios, en un puesto del CBSJ. Por ejemplo, nombrandolos a comités, envolviéndolos en proyectos Baha'is, y

pidiéndoles para ayudar conclases de nifios, la Asamblea puede preparar a los jévenes para cumplir estos tipos de deberes que tal vez seran Ilamados a hacer durante el afio de servicio. Este entrenamiento también ayudara a prepararlos para afios deservicio a la Causa después de su experiencia de CBSJ.

El Comité Nacional de Ensefianza invita a aquellas Asambleas o individuos interesados en saber mas sobre el Afio de Servicio Juvenil Baha’i llamar a la Oficina Juvenil en la Oficina del Comité Nacional de Ensefianza al mimero (708) 869-9039 ext. 232.

Pre-jovenes pueden servir como mentores para ninos menores

Los nifios precismenmenamente en este momento pueden efectivamente servir ala Causa y ayudar en el trabajo de ensefianza. Sus padres pueden animarlos y habilitarlos hacer estoconsultando como podrian mejor promover la Causa y ayudarlos a preparar una guia para un plan de accién.

La familia de un nifio de trece afios en Illinois nos provee con unejemplodecomo se podria realizar esto. Este nifio habia sido estimulado y ayudado al considerar como podria usar sus talentos para servirla Causa. Uno de sus padres consulté con él para ayudarlo a identificar y evaluar sus habilidades. El otro consulté con él como se podria usar estas habilidades para servir a la comunidad y avanzar la Causa de Baha’u’Ilah.

Juntos, determinaron que una de sus mejores habilidades, y algo que le gustaba hacer, eraleeren vozalta. Tambiénnotaron que en la Fiesta de diecinueve dias, dos nifios menores, que tenian admiracién por el nifio mayor, gozaban de estar en su presencia y muchas veces sesentaban cerca de él.

Decidieron, entonces, que una vez al mes, el nifio de trece afios invitaria a estos dos nifios de nueve afios (también a un nifio de diez afios que no era Baha’i) a su hogar para leerles cuentos sobre Baha'u'llah y de esa manera ayudarles a aprender mas sobre la Fe y su Fundador.

Estas sesiones de los sabados por la tarde empezaron hace alrededor de cinco meses. Por anticipado, el nifio mayor planea una comida y actividades por el dia. Una semana antes de su reunion planeada, él llama para recordar a los nifios menores de la proxima reunion.

‘Oneness of Mankind’ proclamation is held for Seminole Indians

A “Oneness of Mankind” proclamation was held August 3 for Seminole Indians in. the area around Sasakwa, Seminole County, Oklahoma.

Some 35 Baha'is from Arizona, California, Oklahoma and Texas took part in the event which was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Seminole County and supported by the Auxiliary Board for Oklahoma.

The friends prayed, deepened, heard talks by anumber of Baha'is including Sylvester Scott of the National Race Unity Committee, held a fish fry and fireside, and took part in a Creek Indian stomp dance.

El empieza su tarde juntos preparando almuerzo y sirviéndoles a ellos. Entonces, después de repasar con los nifios menores lo que aprendieron durante su previa reunion, él les lee un cuento sobre Baha’u’llah, actualmente del libro Remember My Days (Recuerde Mis Dias). Discuten el cuento, y toman parte en una actividad recreativa afuera como frisbee o basketbol. Antes de que los nifios menores se vayana sus hogares, terminanen la tarde con “Nintendo” o juegos tableros

Los padres de los creyentes menores estan encantados que el nifiomayor Baha’i ha proveidoa sus nifios con un modelo que les esta ayudando a crecer en la Fe. Han notado que sus niiios estan contentos de ir a las Fiestas porque saben que su amigo mayor especial, su mentor, estara alli.

Friends encouraged to join growing network of Bulletin Board users

Notice to local Spiritual Assemblies,registered Groups, District Teaching Committees, and individual Baha’is:

If you or any of your members have access to a personal computer with a 300, 1200 or 2400 baud modem and a communications software package, the National Spiritual Assembly encourages you to join the growing network of users on the Baha’ National Center Bulletin Board System (BNCBBS).

This electronic communications system offers immediate and efficient access to offices and agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly. We wish to communicate with as many members of the community as possible in order to disseminate and gather important news and information.

The BNCBBS can be reached 24 hours a day at 708-869-0389. Software parameter settings should be N/8/1 (no parity, 8 databits, 1 stop bit).

For more information or help, please contact Merrill Miller, Management Information Systems, 708-869-9039, ext. 295.

All Baha'is must secure permission from the Universal House of Justice before traveling to Israel, whether for business, visiting relatives, a three-day stay in Haifa, or any other reason.

The address of the Universal House of Justice is P.O. Box 155, Haifa 31001, Israel.

�[Page 15]The American Baha'i / October 1991 / Page 15

Left photo: Registrants gather outside the auditorium prior to a session of the annual

Studies. Right photo: A view of the

Conference of the Association for Baha'i

University of Victoria in British Columbia, where the Association's 16th annual

Sc = Se

Conference was held in September.

Association for Baha'i Studies holds 16th annual Conference

“Baha'u'llah: His Life and Writings” was the theme of the 16th annual Conference of the Association for Baha'i Studies held August 15-18 at the University of Victoria in Victoria, British Columbia.

More than 600 people attended the event which included plenary sessions, simultaneous study sessions, cultural performances, awards, and professional interest seminars.

Among the highlights were a memorial service for the Hand of the Cause of God John Robarts; the Hasan Balyuzi Memotial Lecture by David Hofman, a retired member of the Universal House of Justice, whose topic was “Baha'u'llah: The King of Glory”; a keynote address by Counselor David Smith; other major addresses by Counselors Wilma Ellis and Fred Schechter, and two members of the U.S.

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS |

Peter Murphy, a Baha'i from Ventnor, New Jersey, has been named a “1991 Distinguished Teacher” by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars. Mr. Murphy, who has taught English and creative writing for 15 years at Atlantic City High School, received a plaque on behalf of President Bush at a Washington luncheon hosted by Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander. Mr. Murphy is the recipient of poetry writing fellowships from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the Folger Shakespeare Library, and the Corporation of Yaddo, and in 1986 was the first recipient of the Robert Hayden Poetry Writing Fellowship at the Louhelen Baha’i School.

Christopher Gray, a young Baha’i from Belleville, Illinois, has won first prize in the elementary school division of the International Computer Problem-Solving, Contest. His solutions were sent to the University of Wisconsin where he was ranked seventh in the world in his division.

Robert Ahdieh, a 20-year-old student at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of International Affairs, has beguna year of special studies in Moscow, Vienna and Washington, D.C. Mr. Ahdieh, who spent a year as a volunteer worker at the Baha'i World Center in Haifa, Israel, before entering Princeton, leftin August for Moscow where he is one of the first American students to study and conduct research at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. In December he travels to Vienna to study with Prince Alfred of Liechtenstein and Ervin Laszlo at the Vienna Academy for the Study of the Future, then returns to Washington to work next April through July at the Helsinki Commission, composed of U.S. Senators and Congressmen and known officially as the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Mr. Ahdieh will return to Princeton in September 1992 to begin his third year at the Woodrow Wilson School.

Noah Brandon, a 21-year-old Baha’i from Center Harbor, New Hampshire, who is a professional snowboarder, was the subject of an article in the September issue of Snowboarder magazine, which noted that “Noah doesn’t fit the mold because he doesn’t live and die by the sport of snowboarding. ...Noah’s true devotion is to God through the Baha’i Faith, an emerging world religion based on progressive revelation.”

Lea and Lily Ray, twin daughters of Dr. and Mrs. Wayne Ray of Wilson County, Tennessee, each won the top awards for highest over-all scholarship, science, math, language arts and social studies at their sixth grade Appreciation Day. Lily Ray placed first in her school in the Geography Bee competition, first in the state semi-finals, and fifth in the state finals, and both girls won plaques in the area-wide math competition.

Waldo Boyd, a Baha’i from Geyserville, California, has been given the Jack London Award for meritorious service by the California Writers Club. Mr. Boyd, a professional writer since 1947, is the author of seven books, the most recent of which is Computer Cryptology: Beyond Decoder Rings, published by PrenticeHall in 1988.

Don Thayer, a Baha’i from Carson City, Nevada, has received the “Blue Chip Enterprise Award” co-sponsored by Connecticut Mutual Life Insurafice Company and Nation's Business magazine. Mr. Thayer is a partner in the Heidi's Restaurant firm, which includes four restaurants and two bakeries.

National Spiritual Assembly, Robert C. Henderson and Firuz Kazemzadeh; a performance of poetry and prose by Roger White, assisted by Anne Atkinson and Mary Ann Gorski; poetry by Michael Fitzgerald accompanied by saxophonist Marvin (Doc) Hol-laday; East Indian dances by Mitra Samie; and a presentation including dance and video by the Maxwell International Baha’i School.

The Conference was opened and closed with a Native American ceremony presented by Randy and Diana Chipps of the Southern Nootka Nation. Pierre-Yves Mocquais, academic director of the Association, served as convenor, organizer and chairman of the Conference.

In addition to the plenary convocations, study sessions were held on various books and tablets of Baha‘u'll4h, along with ABS professional interest seminars for the arts, business and economics, consultation and conflict resolution, education, health and intercultural issues, marriage and the family, the study of religion, science and technology, women’s studies, and a special workshop on the future of Baha’{ scholarship. Consultation in the seminars was focused on developing statements for possible publication in each area of interest.

Awards were presented by the Association for essays by Christopher Buck (“The Authority of the Reformer”); Ludwig Tuman (“The Spiritual Role of Art”); and

Michael Sours (“The Maid of Heaven, the Image of Sophia, and the Logos”).

Conference participants also took part in a dinner and Annual Meeting of the Association, and a special tour of the Maxwell Baha'i School which is located about 45 minutes from the University of Victoria.

The Conference helped prepare participants for the Holy Year 1992 and provided meaningful sessions and interchanges in the lovely setting of British Columbia. The Association plans on holding its next Conference in the late spring of 1993, with a tentative site of Montreal.

Those who would like information about the Association may write to the Association for Baha’i Studies, Ottawa, Canada K1N 7K4, or phone 613233-1903 (fax 613-233-3644).

Congress fromm

the atmosphere of one of the world’s most notable cities.

But one need not wait to becomea part of this transforming experience. Many volunteers are needed now, and many more will be needed as the time for the Congress approaches.

You can help carry forward this vital work by filling out and sending in the volunteer form enclosed in the registration packet.

IN MEMOR

Horace Brown Dr. Khalil Pard Spartanburg, SC Rolling Hills, CA August 8, 1991 Date Unknown Joseph Brown Eberhard Friedland Titusville, FL Suriname October 20, 1988 June 1991

Alicia Cardell Nicholas Franciosi Red Bluff, CA Foxborough, MA 1991 August 13, 1991 Albert Cobe Amelia Jacobsen Lac du Flambeau, WI _ Stevens Point, WI Date Unknown 1991

Jimmy Clark Evelyn Jenkins Orangeburg, SC McCandless, PA August 3, 1991 May 2, 1991 William Daughtry John Lynch Titusville, FL Xenia, OH

Date Unknown October 4, 1989 William Edmonson Lee A. McGee Kansas City, MO Springfield, MO July 27, 1991 August 10, 1991 Loron D. Frazier Blanche McLain Titusville, FL Chicago, IL

April 19, 1991 May 25, 1990

Farrkhon Khajeh Mattie Wiggins Rolling Hills, CA Keysville, GA Date Unknown Date Unknown Kim Ly Ngim Willie Wiggins Stockton, CA Burke County, GA August 25, 1990 1989

Janie Overstreet Harry Williams Burke County, GA Keysville, GA September 1990 Date Unknown Eugene Reddix Rita Walters Burke County, GA Ledyard, CT April 20, 1991 August 9, 1991 Margaret Rubino Dianne Wisner Detroit, MI Farmington, NM July 3, 1991 Date Unknown Evelyn Van de Mark Yee Cha Worcester, MA Porterville, CA August 16, 1991 1991

James Wiggins Nellie Zabel Burke County, GA Newark, OH 1990 March 17, 1982

�[Page 16]Page 16 / The American Baha'i / October 1991

This Baha'i float won first prize in the 58th annual Daffodil Festival parade in Wapato, Washington, and was then displayed in the Puyallup Spring Fair. Later, the float won the Queen's Trophy as most original entry in the annual parade in Olympia, the state capital. At the Seattle Seafair parade, the

r—-————_—--- Pag PR 4 F%

float was singled out as one of the top four

entries, winning the Seafair Parade Marshal's Award (first place in the noncommer! division). The float was scheduled to appear in yet another parade

in October.

[Lo] wevonoihavethessmetstrame, We [] the lat names and addres on cur

address labels donot match. Wehave ‘cancel the copy for the peeson(s) and LD. listed above the fllnamesof all family mem. bers as they should appear on the national records, their LD. numbers, andthe correetions 50 that we will receive only one copy.

do not want extra copies, 80 please mamber(s) listed above.

= I To avoid y delays in receiving your Thisfommaybewsedfoccocperonceycurcatie | MOVING? copy of The American Bohd', send your new family, Please be sureto list FULL NAMES AND | | tauuusvour | sieved rarmineiie MIRAGE IB.ROMRERS Lainie isyor | [| NEW ADDRESS. | Netcnat Center, Wine, IL @ODI,assoo0as | Il {you know what your new address wall be | | A. NAME): | | Lee Ce a [77 Tie Fala | aie Tae alas | . De Twle Pull name | | 8. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS: | | | | ~Bretadareer FO. Box or Other mailing dros | | | [Apartment # Qf applicable) ‘Apartment # (If applicable) Sal | | ‘iy ity | | | “sate Zipcode State ‘Zp code I L ; | D. NEW COMMUNITY: E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: \ | “eeme ofmew Baha Conmanity Waving date ‘Arcacole Phone number Tame | TF. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S): | | | a ae ee! | G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY: | | | | | | |

ge ae Sapo e33ue ZO°SS Og =a

BAHA'I NATIONAL CENTER

Wilmette, IL 60091

[Ey Onttionschotdrecetvesonly onecopy

(of The American Bahd't 1 wish to receivemy owncopy. Ihave listed my name, LD. murnber and address abowe.

OCTOBER

25-27: Baha'i Leadership Association, Louis G. Gregory Baha’ Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

25-27: Alabama Regional Baha’i School, “The Dawn-breakers,” at Youngs-by-the-Sea Hotel, Gulf Shores, AL (phone 1-800-245-0032). Please make your own reservations at the abovenumber: $30 fora one-bedroom suite (sleeps four), $40 fora two-bedroom suite (sleeps six). Registration: $10 per person if pre-registered, $35 on-site. Pre-registration deadline: October 15. Registrar: Keitha Hudson, Birmingham, AL 35222 (phone 205-595-9905). f

25-27: Race Unity Conference (no program for youth or children), Louhelen Baha'i School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

NOVEMBER

1-3: Oklahoma Regional Baha’i School, “The Significance of Baha’u'llah’s Revelation,” at Dwight Mission in Vian, OK. Registrar: Liz Wakeham, Bethany, OK 73008 (phone 405-789-2525).

8-10: New Believers' Conference, “Baha'i History,” Louhelen Baha'i School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

16-17: Indiana Baha'i School, South Bend. Theme: “Claiming Our Destiny.” For information, contact Carol McKiel, Mishawaka, IN 46544 (phone 219-259-4621).

26-30: Second International Chinese Teaching Symposium, Macau. Sponsored by the International Chinese Teaching Committee. For information, phone the National Chinese Teaching Committee, 708-869-9039.

28-December 1: Desert Rose Baha'i School, Tucson, Arizona. Participants to include the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears and Dr. Jalil Mahmoudi. For information, write to the Desert Rose Planning Group, _ _ Tucson, AZ 85737.

28-December 1: Florida Baha’i Winter School, Leesburg. Theme: “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory.” Registrar: i Largo, FL 34640. Phone 813-5842080.

29-December 1: Kansas Baha'i School, Junction City. Theme: “The Mission of Baha'u'llah.” Registrar: Shahrokh Khaze, Topeka, KS 66609 (phone913266-2419).

29-December 1: Louisiana Baha'i School, Fountainbleau State Park. Theme: “Baha'u'llah, the Comforter.” Registrar: Nathaniel West, _ Avondale, LA 70094 (phone 504-436-4958).

29-December 1: Parenting Conference, Louhelen Baha'i School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

DECEMBER

21-27: “Preparing Baha’i Youth for European Service,” the Bosch Baha’i School Youth Institute Winter Program (limited enrollment). A five-day, disciplined, intensive training course for European projecteers under the direction of Auxiliary Board member Edward Diliberto. Cd8t: $180; deposit, $75. Prerequisites for admission: (1) a decision to pioneer, carry out a year of service, or take part in a summer project in Eastern or Western Europe in 1992; (2) a satisfactory personal/phone interview with the Admissions Officer; (3) a recommendation by an institution of the Faith, or one of their agencies. Please apply to the Admissions Officer, Mrs. Angelina Allen, Cardiffby the Sea, CA 92007 (phone 619-944-6441).

27-29: South Carolina Baha’i Winter School, Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute, Hemingway. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

27-29: Illinois Winter School, Champaign. Theme: “The Vision of Race Unity.” Registrar: Leon Stevens,. Salem, IL 62881 (phone 618-548-3274).

27-30: Seventh annual Grand Canyon Baha’i Conference, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Phoenix, Arizona. Speakers to include Wilma Ellis, Soheil Bushrui, Firuz Kazemzadeh, Robert Harris. For information, phone Terry Agahi, 602-863-1919, or Shervin Nicknam, 602-998-3075.

27-January 1: Family Session, “The Family of Baha'u'lláh,” Louhelen Baha'i School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

27-January 2: “Forum'91,” Landegg Academy, Switzerland. Theme: “Alternative Fu— tures: The Baha'i Model in Perspective.” For a brochure, write to Landegg Academy, CH9405, Wienacht, Switzerland, or phone René Steiner, 41-71-91 91 31 (fax 41-71-91 43 01).

JANUARY

10-12: Education Conference, “A Curriculum with a World-Embracing Vision,” Louhelen Baha'i School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

17-19: Second Eastern Baha’i Music and Arts Conference, Old Colony Inn, Alexandria, Virginia. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Alexandria. Workshops, seminars, ex— hibits, jam sessions, variety shows, and a Race Unity banquet/proclamation event. Presenters to include Marvin (Doc) Holladay, Dave and Helene Van Manen, Mark Ochu, Anne Atkinson and Randy Armstrong. Musicians and artists sought to perform for children and adults. For information, write to Bonnie Cote, coordinator, Music and Art Task Force,

Springfield, VA 22150 (phone 703-569-2371), or Lucinda Huttlinger, Arlington, VA 22202 (phone 202-687-6433).

17-19: Women's/Men's Conference, “Women's Journeys/Men's Journeys and Journeying ‘Together in the Path of Baha'u'llah,” Louhelen Baha'i School. For information, phone 313653-5033.

HUQUQU’LLAH

Payments for Huqiqu lah should be made Rocky River, OH to “The Baha'i Hugiqu’llah Trust” and sent 44116) to one of the Trustees: Video tapes of talks by the Hand of the

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. 216333-1500).

Inquiriesregarding Huqiqu’léh should be

~ referred to one of the Trustees or tothe Office — _ of the Secretariat, Bali's Hugiqu’tlah Trust,

Cause of God and Trustee of Huqiqu’llah Dr. Ali-Muhammad Varga, and by Ali Nakhjavan{, amemberof the Universal House of Justice, are available from the Office of the Secretariat for $6 cach (postage included).

Copies of the compilation “Huqiquilah, Extracts from the Writings of Baha‘ullah,

Abda’l-Baha, Shoghi Effendi and the Uni‘versal House of Justice” can be obtained —

from the Baha'i Distribution Service at 85

�