The American Bahá’í/Volume 22/Issue 5/Text

The American Bahá’í
Volume 22, Issue 5

The American Baha’!

“The real treasury of man is his knowledge.'--Bahd'u'llah

In spite of the unsettled political situation in the Middle East and the resulting int erruptionto the construction industry, work onthe terraces of the Shrine of the Bab—as foretold by ‘Abdu'l-Bakd, envisioned and planned by Shoghi Effendi, and carried out

U.S. Senator John Heinz, long-time friend of Faith, killed in plane accident

U.S. Senator John Heinz of Pennsylva nia, who was in the forefront of efforts to alleviate the suffering of Baha’is in Iran, was killed April 4 when the light plane in which he was a passenger collided with a helicopter that was trying to locate the source of a reported landing gear problem on the plane.

Seven people died in the fiery crash over Philadelphia including two children in a school playground struck by pieces of the wreckage.

“The American Baha'i community,” Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, the National Spiritual Assembly secretary for External Affairs, said in a statement released immediately after the accident, “mourns the tragic death of Sen. John Heinz of Pennsylvania, who personally initiated and led important congressional efforts in support of a persecuted religious community, the Baha'is of Iran.

“In 1982, Sen. Heinz introduced and led to passage a congressional resolution expressing concer that the government of Iran had ‘launched a conscious effort to destroy the Bahai community."

See SEN. HEINZ page 21

systematically by the Universal House of

Justice—has continued unabated at the World Center in Haifa, Israel. Part of the projectinvolvedstrengthening the retaining wall directly in front of the Shrine and

covering the wall with facing stone to matc

the design for the rest of the terraces. Some historic features of the terraces, suchas the water cistern and pool built during the Ministry of ‘Abdu'l-Bahd, have been

terrace design. As of February 15 percent of the work on the main been completed, with work terraces to follow

retained and incorporated into the new

90

Confidence, optimism, joy animate 82nd Baha'i National Convention

The 82nd Baha'i National Convention was held April 25-28 amid an ever-grow: ing feeling of confidence, optimism, anticipation and joy at the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, Ilinois.

The attitude of unshakeable confidence was occasioned by the heart-stirring words of the Universal House of Justice, which stated in its annual Ridvan message that “...from whatever direction we gaze, the power of Bahd'u'llah’s Revelation is visibly at work in the world,” an observation borne out by the remarkable advances made during the past year by the Cause of God in almost every sphere of activity and in all parts of the world, especially those in which teaching the Cause was until quite recently proscribed by government decree

Optimism, high at the outset, continued to grow throughout the weekend, bolstered by news of work on the construction of the Are on Mount Carmel, the manifold achievements of the U.S. Baha'i commu: nity during the first five years of the Six Year Plan including an unprecedented rise in the level of contributions to the Funds

See CONVENTION page 3

Message to Convention from House of Justice

Delegates to the 82nd Baha'i National Convention of the United States of America

Your message emanates joy, enthusiasm, a spirit of rededication to your sacred tasks, and the fragrance of prospective triumph of the Six Year Plan in the United States. Our hearts are stirred with thankfulness and delight.

The determination of your National Spiritual Assembly and your ready accep: tance to pursue a campaign to promote racial unity in your country are of critical importance to the advancement of the Cause in America and to the ultimate success of your country in fulfilling the world-transforming mission foreshadowed for it in the prophetic words of the beloved Master: “May this American Democracy be the first nation to establish the foundation of international agreement. May it be the first nation to proclaim the unity of mankind. May it be the first to unfurl the standard of the Most Great Peace.”

We cannot but heartily applaud the bold initiative you have described and to express the hope that the entire community of the Greatest Name in the United States will arise with single-minded purpose to carry it forward with courage, consistency and confidence. That this campaign may abundantly multiply the possibilities of a resounding victory in the Six Year Plan for the American Baha'i community will be a cherished object of our supplications on your behalf at the Holy Threshold.

We extend to all the dear friends assembled at your National Convention our loving greetings and best wishes

Universal House of Justice April 28, 1991

Swiss Offer Tribute to Mark Tobey

Celebration

marks

birthdate of

| noted artist fj | | |

National Assembly, BIC meet

Spreading the Word in Portsmouth

Bookstore stocks volumes on Faith

Reception held at

offices in

New York City

21 23

�[Page 2]Page 2 / The American Baha’i / May 1991

With this month's issue of The American Baha'i, the National Teaching Committee begins a series of short articles written to encourage and facilitate traveling teaching and homefront pioneering. Local Spiri mal Assemblies, Baha'i Groups, or District Teaching Committees that wish to request traveling teachers or homefront pioneers may call or write to the National

Homefront pioneering, traveling teaching

Teaching Committee. Please give a brief description of upcoming opportunities for those who are traveling teaching so that they may take part in teaching efforts, or of opportunities for those who are wishing to resettle as homefront pioneers that may help them to relocate in the area. Also, friends who wish to offer their services as traveling teachers or homefront pioneers may send the National Teaching Commit

tee information about when they would be available, what kinds of teaching and ad.

ministrative experience they have had, with what kinds of activities they would be able to help, and any special needs they may

have. Because the National Teaching Com

mittee may need to contact Assemblies or individuals for further information, and because preparing and printing The Ameri

can Baha'i takes time, we ask that informa:

tion be submitted at least three months before teaching activities are to take place or before individuals are free to travel or relocate.

HOMEFRONT PIONEERING: An Hispanic bilingual homefront pioneer is needed in Mesa, Arizona, which has a Baha'i community of 98 adults and 10 children. The Hispanic population is very receptive to the Faith and there have been several declarations among Hispanics in the past two years. Opportunities for employment in Mesa exist in the health, clerical, food service, and technical fields. It's a buyer's market for homes and rent is reasonable, falling between $275-$450 for aone-bedroom apartment, $300-$650 fora two-bedroom apartment, $700-$800 for a

three-bedroom house. Elementary and high schools in Mesa are considered excellent

Mesa has a community college, and Ani

zona State University is located nearby

Prospective pioneers are advised, however that public transportation is not extensive anda car will be needed to get around town For further information, contact the Spiri

tual Assembly of the Baha'is of Mesa, c/o Ann Gandomi, secretary, P.O. Box 5487, Mesa, AZ 85211 (phone 602-820-0372

TRAVELING TEACHING: The Baha'is of Woodburn, Oregon, extend an invitation to those traveling during the sum mer to take part in an ongoing Teaching Project focused on Hispanics and other international populations. For more infor mation, phone David House, 503-678-1085

National Assembly to take part in UN Conference on Environment, Development

The Universal House of Justice has encouraged National Spiritual Assemblies to act as a unifying force among non-governmental organizations and to promote an awareness of Baha’t principles as they apply to environment and development. In response to this call, the National Spiritual Assembly has become an active participant in the U.S. Citizens Network on the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED).

The UNCED will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 1992. It is being called the “First Earth Summit,” and will be the largest and most important confer ence of its kind in the history of the United Nations. The UN has asked govemments of the world, as well as non-governmental organizations, to cooperate on an unprecedented level to make the conference a tumning-point in the relationship of human

Los Angeles conference to turn spotlight on arts as way of teaching Cause

As a response to the Universal House of Justice's directive that the arts be used to the fullest extent possible in teaching the Cause of God, the “First Encounter of Bahai Artists” will be held June 14-16 in the Auditorium of the Baha‘i Center in Los Angeles

The three-day event is co-sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles and El Ruiserior magazine

Among those taking part will be Donald Rogers, a Counselor member of the Inter national Teaching Center in Haifa, Israel.

Especially welcome are writers, musi cians, singers, actors, painters, sculptors, dancers, cinematographers, TV profession als, technicians, and anyone else in the arts, professional or amateur, published or un published. The conference will be con ducted in English

The conference opens at 7:30 p.m. June 14 and closes at noon Sunday, June 16.

A Saturday evening arts presentation at the Baha'i Center will be followed by a concert

For information, phone 213-933-8291 or 818-354-4833

life to the planet. The response has been tremendous and has stimulated more grassroots involvement than any other UN conference.

The U.S. Citizens Network on UNCED is composed of more than 100 diverse organizations. Its purpose is to serve as a clearinghouse and to facilitate citizen group participation in the UNCED process. A staff member of the National Assembly's Office of External Affairs serves as secretary of the Network's Executive Committee as well as co-chair of the Network's Working Group on Ethics, Development and the Environment

The goal of the Working Group is to formulate ideas for an “Earth Charter,” one of the major aims of UNCED. The “Earth Charter” will be a statement of spiritual principles, an ethical framework upon which all decisions on environment and development will be made

Many groups are working together to clarify these principles. A recent example of collaboration between organizations was the International Coordinating Committee on Religion and the Earth (ICCRE) meeting, which took place April 20-22 in Rye, New York. Two representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly attended the gathering which included 50 representatives of various faiths.

The purpose of the meeting was to create a draft of suggestions for the Earth Charter ‘The Baha’is played a key role by offering spiritual principles and by serving as mem bers of the drafting committee.

During the same time period, the Baha‘i Intemational Community was involved in an UNCED meeting in Geneva and presented a Baha'i statement there suggesting elements for inclusion in the proposed Earth Charter. The Baha‘i statement became a primary influence in the draft prepared by the ICCRE group

A representative of the National Spiritual Assembly has been invited to join 35 others at a prestigious gathering sponsored by the North American Coalition on Religion and Ecology (NACRE) on April 23 25. Gathering at the Chautauqua Institution in New York state, the attendees will address the ethical aspects of the Earth

tmoathly by the National of thé Bahi'ts of the Road, Witness I OOP. Peasants Sond aren changes to Bahd’l National Center, Witmette, IL 60091, Btécutive editor:

letters bed other items should be written

N'Y, Wilmetze, ‘United States.

Charter and discuss socio-economic indicators relevant toa sustainable global soci ety

NACRE has formed a network of local chapters which are becoming active in promoting awareness of UNCED and of ecological concerns in general. A booklet, “Getting Involved in UNCED,” published by NACRE, describes how local communities can participate in the UNCED process. It can be obtained by sending $7.50to NACRE, 5 Thomas Circle, Washington,

DC 20005 (phone 202-462-0591).

‘The UNCED process should involve citi zens on the local level. Local Spiritual Assemblies are encouraged to seek out other organizations interested in the envi ronment and collaborate with them on im portant local environmental issues

The environment is an area of concern to all people and is an excellent arena for cooperation between Baha'is and other concemed groups

Registration is open for 1992 Baha'i World Congress

Registration is now open for the 1992 Baha'i World Congress. Local Spiritual Assemblies, Registered Groups and District Teaching Committees should have received registration packets for distribution to the friends. Isolated believers, please contact your District Teaching Committee or the World Congress Logistics Office

Your patience in waiting for registration forms and information is appreciated Please read the materials carefully. The Congress registration staff are happy to answer your questions. Please call the special phone number at the Congress registration office: 708-869-2294. The phones

Citadel Traveling Troupe, an Oregonbased teaching team, spent six busy days in Pendleton in March, giving 11 musical performances and taking part in several civic and school discussion groups. The group distributes copies of the peace statement and invites members of its audience to attend ongoing local firesides. Half the group's performances were on the nearby Umatilla Reservation, after which a number of American Indian youth began to join them each evening for music, fellowship and deepening. There have been

are staffed between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (CDT).

In addition to the cost-savings benefits the Congress air and hotel travel packages are arranged to be as worry-free as possible so that the friends arrive at the Congress ready for a unique spiritual experience

‘The friends are reminded not to call the hotels in New York. The blocks of rooms for the Congress have already been re served for you through Congress registration

Each person who registers for the Con gress must fill out an individual Registra tion Form. Forms and the requisite payments will be accepted only by mail.

two declarations so far as a result of the visit, with others reading, questioning, and asking to accompany the team to its next destination. Citadel performed for senior citizens in Pendleton and on the Reservation, for religious groups, for schools, and at an American Legion pow-wow on the Reservation, after which the chief and other elders of the tribe joined the team for its final song to express their feeling of oneness with the group and its message of peace and love

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

during the year just past, and the promise of even greater victories as we approach the end of the Plan and the onset next Ridvan of the Holy Year 1992

Anticipation was centered on the second Baha'i World Congress, to be held in No: vember 1992 in the City of the Covenant, and on the reaction of Americans in every walk of life to the National Spiritual Assembly's powerful statement on race unity, which delegates and guests heard for the first time at the Friday moming session. (The full text of the statement will appear next month in The American Baha'i)

Joy was everywhere apparent as del. egates considered and consulted upon these and other vital aspects of the Cause of God, heard again the matchless words of the Supreme Body of the Faith in its reply to the Convention's cable to Haifa (text on Page 1), warmly welcomed the members of the newly elected National Spiritual Assembly for 1991-92, received fresh inspiration and insights from Counselors Wilma Ellis and David Smith, heard news of the establishment of the Baha'i Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland, and expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the Universal House of Justice for its decision to make the sacred Law of Huququ'llah universally applicable as of Ridvan 1992.

Joy was likewise the overwhelming reaction to several special Convention events: a presentation of the marvelous new film, “The Jewel in the Lotus,” chronicling the history of construction of the Baha'i House of Worship near New Delhi, India; a view: ing of the latest edition of the “Baha’i Newsreel,” which includes segments on the first and second Baha'i World Con gresses and on the plans and achievements of Baha'i youth in many parts of the world; a presentation by Counselor Ellisand Juana Conrad, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, on the upcoming second World Congress; a moving depiction, in words and music, of the life of Baha’u'llah, “In the Presence of the Blessed Beauty,” by the combined House of Worship and Tennessee Baha'i choirs directed by Tom Price; and a presentation on the Law of Huququ'llah by its Trustees in North America, Drs. Elsie Austin, Amin Banani and Daryush Haghighi On Saturday moming, delegates as

S [efi Delegate Wesley Baker from Washington state offers a song. Right: ‘Edward Granville Browne’ (Bahd'l Choir director

sembled at the House of Worship to elect the National Spiritual Assembly for the coming year. Its members are: Dr. Robert C. Henderson, Kevin Locke, William Davis, Judge Dorothy W. Nelson, Judge James F. Nelson, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, Juana Conrad, Dr. Alberta Deas and Jack McCants.

All but Dr. Kazemzadeh were present at the Convention. He was in Moscow, representing the National Assembly at the election of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Soviet Union.

A conference call with Dr. Kazemzadeh was held Saturday evening, during which the National Assembly elected its officers for the coming year: Judge James Nelson, chairman; Dr. Robert Henderson, secretary-general; Dr. Kazemzadch, secretary for External Affairs; Judge Dorothy Nelson, vice-chairman; William Davis, treasurer; Juana Conrad, assistant secretary

The Convention was opened Thursday evening, at which time delegates and guests heard the Ridvan message from the House of Justice and opening remarks by Coun selors Ellis and Smith, who had conducted a deepening session for delegates earlier that day.

The growing maturity of the American Baha'i community was reflected in the high level of consultation, which this year was carried out in a manner that required and received self-restraint and cooperation from individual delegates.

Rules governing the number of times delegates would be allowed to speak and the time consumed by their remarks were discarded, and delegates were asked to “police” themselves. To everyone's de light, the new system worked extremely well,and the bonds of love and unity among delegates were reinforced and strength ened

On Friday morning, following the an nual report of the National Spiritual As. sembly (see pages 11-14) and consultation on that report, the National Assembly made the first public presentation of its statement on race unity, which was developed over the past year in collaboration with the Na tional Race Unity Committee.

After delineating the history and conse quences of racism in America, the National Assembly offers the teachings of the Faith and the experience of our community for examination, “convinced that these can makea contribution toward the eradication of racism endemic in American society

Tom Price) recalls his meeting in ‘Akkd with Bahd'u'llah.

Above: Counselor Wilma Ellis shares a warm moment with one of the delegates. Below: Delegates to the 82nd National

“We doso,” the National Assembly con tinues, “with firm faith in the assistance of our Creator, Who, out of His infinite love, brought forth all humanity from the same stock and intended that all belong to the same household.

“We believe, moreover, that the day of the unification of the entire human race has come and that ‘the potentialities inherent in the station of man, the innate excellence of his reality, must all be manifested in this promised Day of God."”

After the statement has been published and distributed to the friends, the hope is that it may be placed in the hands of every one living in the United States.

Many of the delegates shared lunch Fri day with staff at the Baha'i National Cen. ter. Focused consultation began that after noon, with sessions devoted to each of the three main aspects of the Six Year Plan singled out by the National Assembly for special consideration during the final year of the Plan: expansion; fostering the matu ration of institutions of the Faith; and the education of children, youth and adults.

Besides consultation, the Friday evening session included an audio-visual presenta tion on the House of Worship Restoration Project by project director Robert Arm bruster,

While delegates elected the National Spiritual Assembly on Saturday morning, non-delegates toured the offices at the Baha'i National Center

Saturday afternoon was devoted to con sultation, and Saturday evening to special

Convention lunch with s the Baha'i National Center

events including the Baha'i Newsreel presentation on the World Congres New York City, and the concert Presence of the Blessed Beauty.”

In speaking of the World Congres selor Ellis, who is director-general c Baha’ Intemational Community the friends that there will be spe: grams for youth but that the Ho Justice has decided that for safety, no children under the age of attend the Congress

Highlights of the Congres: a concert at famed Camegie H. hibit devoted to *Abdu'l-Bah: America in 1912, an art s concert by trumpeter Di celebrates his 75th bi

et

At Sunday moming ion, Dr. Austin spo! significance of Huq its relationship to the Haghighi on its h friends that the House of Ju to apply the Law unive

ally comes sor

National Convention petitioned preme Body to extend the bounty of ququ'llah to those in this country

The petition was drafted following impassioned speech on the Law of H ququ{llah by the Hand of the Cause of Zikrullah Khadem

After the cable from the House ¢ was read, the Convention's closin were made by Counselors Ellis and Smit!

�[Page 4]Page 4 / The American Baha'i / May 1991

The Landegg Academy May 1991-January 1992

June 21-20, Baha"i Religion—History & Teachings July 8-August 3, Certificate Program

TRAVELING TEACHERS Goal Filled

Area / Country

Ukraine —__ 100 97 Karakhstan_______ 6 2 USSR (Other Republics). 150135 a. aS Crechorloy: — a oe

DDR/East Germany —

World Order Studies, Year I

July 8-August 3, Certificate Program World Order Studies, Year II

July 8-August 3, Certificate Program World Order Studies, Year IIT

August 8-11, The Revelation of Baha‘u'llah, French—open to the public

August 5-8, The Challenges of Multiculturalism—English, German

August 12-18, Annual Course in the Arabic Language

August 12-18, Asking Questions (open course)

August 19-25, Preparation of Reading Materials for Children

August 19-25, Annual Course in the Spanish Language

August 26-September 1, Annual Course in the Persian Language

September 2-7, Persian Arts and Literature

September 13-15, Switzerland in the International Dialogue on a Global Society

October 17-20, (after lunch) Assemblies Facing Problems

October 31-November 3, The Role of Architecture in a Changing World

October 31-November 3, The Role of Agriculture in a Changing World

October 31-November 3, The Role of Music in a Changing World

December 27, 1991-January 2, 1992, Forum "93, Annual Event for Young Professionals

Goals Pioneers Open AFRICA Assigned Sent Goals 1 1 o 2 2 2 (E) The Gambia (Preferably Persians) 2 3 0 (E) Kenya (Preferably Outside Nairobi) 1 6 0 (E) Nigeria 3 5 0 (B) Sierra Leone ... 2 2 0 (B) South Afric 2 7 0 (BE) St. Helena 2 1 1 (E) Namibia .. 2 2 ! (BE) Transkei 2 4 0 (B) Uganda (One to teach the Paith in the un iversity; one doctor) 2 4 0 (eae = sea ah vill Total for Africa 23 49 5 Goals Pioneers Open AMERICAS Assigned _ Sent Goals

SLL LLL LY

(E) Bahamas (North Abaco, Eleuthera,Andros,

2 0 Cat Island, Long Island) 3 4 0 oer 1 2 (E) Barbados (Employment opportunitiesfor a &) Nepal —_—s 3 iy ce ! 4 0 (M) Taiwan (Chinese Background) it, 18 be (E) Belize (For radio, consolidation, develop. Total for * 30 ~ (S)_ ment project: lis for the National Secretariat) 1 3 0 (P) Brazil (Preferably for Amazon project, pos- Goals Pioneers Open sibly of Persian background) 2 v7 0 SCS SEa SES a Goals (S) Chile (Juan Fernandez Islands, preferably a Geant opedkice’seepi) ‘ ‘ ‘ 3) Maakar aeess(to Bam with administra- : : ; ®) D 2 2 1 eat : = — = (F) French Guiana (Preferably Persian) 3 0 3 Total for Americas 1 3 0 (By Ar ls 2 4 0 Goals Pioneers = Open (F) Guadeloupe (Opportunities for English EUROPE Sent Goals teachers) 2 1 2 (P) Portugal (Couples for goal areas outside (E) Guyana (Preferably East Indians and ee Y ¥ ‘ - greater Lisbon, pefentiy Perego (S) Honduras (Bay Islands, Yoro, Colon; prefer- Spanish-speaking) .. - ~ 2 ably self-supporting) 2 14 1 Total for Europe 2 Total goals assigned Pioneers to goal countries 208 Pioneers filling

Total goals filled.

PIONEERING GOA

Pioneer Training Institute

The 47 participants in the Pioneer Training Instinute held April 4-7 at the Baha'i Notional Center in Wilmette listed among their destinations Japan, Uruguay, the

AMERICAS - Continued (B) Jamaica (Preferably self-supporting for

‘roral reap to work in village devehspment) 4 9 ‘ |

(F) Martinique (French-speaking yooth t6 en roll in university or with musical talent) Nicaragua (Preferably Persian)

St. Lucia (Skills in community consolida tion)

St. Vincent & Grenadines ... Suriname (Preferably Persian)

Trinidad & Tobago (Preferably Persian)

(8) (B)

(E) (D) (B) (8) (S) seceeceneceneneee (E) Virgin Islands, British

ASIA aes Sent

(E) India

(E) Malaysia (To help ee rap relations

364

Total Pioneers sent.

USSR, Romania, Yugoslavia, Germany, China, Costa Rica, Taiwan, Kenya, India and Poland.

goals for other countries 8

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

Baha'is conduct first ‘business school’ in Soviet Union

The first Baha*i-conducted Business School ever held in the Soviet Union was conducted February 22-March 10 by 14 Bahi"i men and women from the U.S., Canada, Venezuela, and Haifa, Israel.

‘The group visited Kiev and Odessa, holding public seminars about corporate and small business. Each seminar drew more than 60 people, most of whom were business managers or executives.

Workshops focused on private enterprise and entrepreneurship from a Baha'i perspective. Topics included "My Philosophy of Business,” “Free-lance Computer Soft ware Writing,” and “How to Get the Facts You Need to Get the Job Done.”

Conducting the sessions were Jennifer Burgess and Russell Friesen from Haifa; Carol Evans, Bryn King, Tom Gossen, William A. Lemmonand Larry Smith from Canada; Evaz Fanaian from Venezuela; and Nouri Riazati, Riaz Khadem, Sobeila Powell, Virginia Rogers, Parks Scott and Lynda Godwin from the U.S. Ms. Godwin was the project coordinator.

During the forums, many participants became interested in the Faith including one who lost all interest in the workshops and wanted only to hear about the Baha'is and their beliefs. The most enlightening information he received at the forum, he said, was about the Faith.

“When I become a Baha'i, in a couple of weeks,” he said after a long conversation with some of the friends, “I will put all my effort into gaining Baha'i virtues.”

Each workshop emphasized the application of Baha'i principles in the workplace. One business manager was so affected by this that, on returning to his office, he called a meeting of his employees and gave a lecture on the detrimental effects of gossip and backbiting in the workplace.

The Baha'i speakers were later invited to visit universities and government institutes,

San Jose Baha'ls present third in series of dinners for ‘Cultural Enlightenment’

On March 9, the Baha’{ community of San Jose, California, presented the third in its “Cultural Enlightenment” series, an evening of Chinese music, food and culture.

More than 30 Chinese guests joined area Baha ‘is for the potluck dinner and program that included a violin-piano duet and Hawaiian-Chinese dance.

The event had the flavor of the Chinese New Year, as each person received a traditional “lay-see™ envelope with a coin indicating prosperity in the coming year.

The meeting room was decorated with Chinese ornaments, and on the tables were baskets of mandarins, a traditional symbol of good luck

Previous events in the Cultural Enlightenment series highlighted the Persian and American Indian cultures; next up are presentations on Southeast Asian and Hispanic cultures.

where they were able to discuss business guests had tomove upstairs to private rooms ethics and exchange ideas. to continue their discussions.

Firesides were held in Kiev and Odessa. When the speaker that evening showed Atthe hotel in Odessa, more than 70 people _ slides of Baha'i Houses of Worship around attended a fireside which ran so late that the world, one guest was astonished to

recognize the Temple in Uganda from a dream he had had a few nights before. He tearfully expressed his gratitude to the Baha'is for having brought him the Mes sage of Baha'u'llah

lubs formed, two others in pla stages

Baha'is in Texas form ‘Junior Peacemaker Club’ to help youngsters teach Faith while preaching non-violence

and marched in the annual Christmas pa rade.

Club members also performed twice for the “Up with People” cast and presented a dramatic play about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Last July, the group traveled to Austin to perform for national leaders of the Dreikur Relationship Center.

Addressing the club during the year were speakers from El Salvador and Germany

Two Baha'is in Texas, looking for ways to encourage Baha'i children to teach the Faith while involving their friends, came up with the idea for a “Junior Peacemaker Club.”

The first club, formed nearly two years ago in Harlingen by Baha'i parents Leslie Wilder and Teri Paradiso, now has more than 30 members ranging in age from five to 17 years who meet each week to leam and practice peace-making skills through songs, games, skits, and mini-lessons.

Similar clubs have since been formed in Edinburg and McAllen, Texas, with others ready to get under way Louis, Mis souni, and Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

The clubs have three major goals:

To provide an opportunity for young

people to become friends with children of various ethnic, economic and religious backgrounds.

To teach peacemaking skills such as

how to resolve conflicts nonviolently,communication skills, and creative problemsolving.

To achieve their goals through service

projects.

The club in Harlingen has put together a presentation on world peace and has found performing an effective way in which to promote its ideals. The presentation includes the “Junior Peacemaker Pledge,” songs, memorized quotations, and a dance routine.

The club has appeared on local news programs, performed at church socials, a convention for educators, and at “Riofest,”

part in a number of activities commemorating the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Included were a breakfast program and potluck lunch in

for the past year was, at last count, 91 ‘adults and 84 children. The year's schedule includes 30 regular classes, four special Sundays in which the whole school gathers to celebrate Holy Days, and an Awards Day at the end of the year. There are classes for adults, young adults and junior

Pictured are many of the children who attend the Bahd't Family School of San Jose, California, which serves several com munities south of the San Francisco Bay area. The school year runs from midSeptember to mid-May with classes from 10 a.m. to noon each Sunday. Enroliment

InJanuary, Bahd'is in central Florida took

anda young American who was | Ambassador to the Soviet Union

The club in Harlingen is incorpora and has been given tax-exempt status. founders have written a handbook to able other communities to form J Peacemaker Clubs. For informatio to Teri Paradiso, lingen, TX 78550

DeLand, an interfaith religious service anc commemorative banquet in Sanfor conceryYworship service ata

lando. Pictured are Bahé'ls who attended the interfaith service in Sanford

youth, with the children divided into five additional classes. A nursery room > available. The children have thei Fund boxes, and decide themselves whi of the Funds they wish to send the money Al semester break this year, the chile voted to send $168 to the Arc Puma.

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

New Publications for Adults &

Viet Understanding egies

The Divine Art of Living Selections from the Baha’t Writings compiled by Mabel Hyde Paine

revised by Anne Marie Scheffer SC $9.95

A collection of gems from the Baha’ writings, The Divine Art of Living provides spiritual guidance on a number of topics to help make your life less harried and to assist you in making life a “divine art.This is a book that will not fail to support and inspire you when you need encouragement and a positive perspective on life. Providing practical spiritual guidance, The Diving Art of Living helps Baha'is to understand the basic purpose of human life-knowing and worshiping God-while helping them to work on“carrying forward an ever-advancing ! civilization.” This book should inspire readers to delve into other volumes of the Baha’{ writings to understand the dynamics and reap the rewards of the diving art” of living. 5-1/4 x 8-1/4 inches, 156 pages, foreward, references, index Baha'i Publishing Trust of the United States

THE DININEARTOF LIVING

——— eee Enlighten Curriculum Vol. 2 Kindergarten, and Wl. 3 First Grade

by Lea Iverson

SC $19.95 This curriculum was developed between 1988-1990 for the Glad Tidings Baha'i School located in Minneapolis, Minnesota-one of the longest-running Baha'i children’s schools in

the United States. It represents their efforts to develop an casy-to-use comprehensive curriculum for Baha'i children’s class teachers. The Kindergarten volume focuses on “What is Prayer,” “Baha’u'Ilih’s Early Life,” “Friendliness and Friendship,” “*Abdu'l-Baha: The

Perfect Exemplar,”"World Peace,” etc. The First Grade volume deals with subjects such as “Teaching our family and friends,” “Jealousy and Anger,” “Evolution,” “The Bab and Baha'u'llah’s Revelation,” “Review all Virtues,” and “Contentment.” Each lesson has a variety of activities including “Challenge” activities for the students who may have more deepening in the Faith, reading/memory verses, take home sheets for parents to trace their childs progress, ete, 8-1/2 x 1] inches, 94 pages

Baha'i Publishing Trust of the United States

The Purpose of Physical Reality

by John Hatcher

SC $10.50

Why has God ordained that spiritual beings-human souls-should begin their lives in the physical world? Dr. Hatcher suggests a challenging resolution to the seeming dilemma of this age-old question. Through an examination of the Baha'i writings, as well as of various traditional approaches, he demonstrates in a dramatic way that physical experience offers unique and practical assistance to spiritual development both here and hereafter. Dr. Hatcher describes the world as a classroom designed by God to instigate and nurture mental and spiritual growth. The Purpose of Physical Reality examines the components of this classroom to show how everyday experience can induce spiritual insight. Thus we come to appreciate the overall justice of God’s plan, as well as the subtle interplay between human free will and divine assistance in unleashing human potential

5-1/2 x 8-1/2 inches, 154 pages, bibliography

Bahé'i Publishing Trust of the United States

Green Acre on the Piscataqua A Centennial Celebration

by The Green Acre Council

HC $50.00 / SC $19.95

Who was Sarah J. Farmer and what was her vision of Green Acte? What attracted such people as Dubois, Swami Vivekananda, William Lloyd Garrison, and Booker T. Washington to Green Acre in its carly days? How was Green Acre given its name by the poet John Greenleaf Whittier? What happened during ‘Abdu'l-Baha's week-long stay at Green Acre and why did He refer to it as the “Akka of the Western World?” These and other questions are answered in this moving account of Green Acte's one-hundred year history, which chronicles its de velopment as it evolved from a resort hotel in 1890 toa Baha'i school attracting visitors from all over the world.

8x 9-1/2 inches, 131 pages, foreword, introduction, map, 103 photographs

The Green Acre Bahd'i School Council

Green Acre

w Baha'i Distribution Service ®

- Your True Brother

Growing into Peace A Manual for PeaceBuilders in the 1990's and Beyond

by Mary Perkins SC $10.95 Will peace on carth ever be possible? Is there hope for a planet devoid of strife and bloodshed?Everyone, regardless of nationality, language, or gender, will at some time in their life ask such questions as these. Too often such questions have remained unanswered so we isolate them in our thoughts and concentrate on daily living. But the questions do not go away, and our lives increase in Stress and the collective life of humanity worsen Growing into Peace serves as a guide to: 1) outline the current situation, and 2) = discuss the necessary attitudes that must be established and the practical steps that must be taken to resolve this desperate state of global anar chy. It is an excellent introductory book of Baha’i teachings for those concerned with issues of peace and justice 5-1/4 x 8-1/4 inches, 133 pages, introduction, 46 photographs George Ronald, Publisher

Compilation of Compilations compiled from the Bahd't Writings

HC Two-Volume Set $39.95

This is a collection of compilations prepared over the last several years by the Research Department of the Baha'i World Center. The contents include Baha'i writings on: Music; Family Life; Peace; Women; Excellence in all Things; Baha'i Education; Divorce; Trustworthiness; The Nineteen Day Feast, Huququ’llih; The Power of Divine Assistance, Crisis and Victory; A Chaste and Holy Life; Teaching Prominent People; The Universal House of Justice; Consultation; The Gift of Teaching; The Covenant; Conservation of the Earth's Resources; and The Importance of Prayer, Meditation, and the Devotional Attitude. This set is designed for the permanent home library, a community reference library, an Assembly reference library, for Baha’i school use, as a gift to the local University or Public library, ete

Baha'i Publications Australia

Use our handy Order Form on the following page to place your order.

1-800-999-9019

Messages to Junior Youth

by Shoght Effendi

SC $6.50 Adolescence is a time for asking qu tions and

“ Baha‘is it is 2 crucial time | for investigat | ing the truth for one: This coll thon of eight of the Gua ian’s letters to adolescents expresses his deep love and re spect for this age group. Undoubtubly Shogh Effendi understood the kind of pressures that a young Baha'i would be under: the pull toward drinking and backbiting; the chal lenges to chastity and cleanmindedness, the overemphasis on material possessions. Your True Brother answers many of the questions of youth in a very bold and straightforward way. In answering the question, “Who ar 1?” Shoghi Effendi tells youth that they are first Baha ‘is in name and that, with time, they become Bahs'is by nature. To this geners tion of junior youth, who will witness the “Lesser Peace,” Shoghi Effendi’s messages have a special meaning and relevance They are messages full of assurance, encourage ment, and loving adviee. They are, after all letters from a member of our own {amily -our “true brother, Shoghi.~ 6-1/8 x 9-1/4 inches, 24 pages, introduction, map, drawing, 8 photographs George Ronald, Publisher

La Fe Baha'i Y Su

Comunidad Mundial by The Office of Public Information

PA 10 pkg. $3.50/50 pkg. $15.50 This translation of the popular pamphlet The Bahd't Faith and Its World Community presents brief sections of information of an introductory nature, the Baha"{ writings, Babs"! principles, various characteristics of the Baha"{ community, such as the development of spiritual qualities and the eradication prejudices, and Baha’{ laws. It also presents the non-partisan nature of the Faith and de scribes the Baha’i administrative order, as well as the development of social and economic projects. The establishment of the Baha'i Houses of Worship and the Baha"i World Center are outlined, along with the relationship with the United Nations. This pamphlet will be very useful for spring or summer teaching projects. 3-3/4. 8-1/2 inches Baha'i Publishing Trust

of the United States

�[Page 7]

Willie and the Number Three Door

and Other Adventures

by Adrienne Ellis Reeves illustrated by Leona Hosack

SC $9.95

A collection of four stories in the life of a young South Carolina Baha'i boy, Willie Johnson, as he enters the first grade through the third. Using familiar ordinary incidents faced by children, the author » ~

presents a series of adventures in which Willie learns that the )~ «297 tcachings of the Babi't Faich are a touchstone as he confronts his da, <37 fears and attempts to develop the spiritual qualities of courage, honesty, patience, trustfulness, and responsibility

5. - I/4 inches, 120 pages, 24 black-and-white illustrations

S-I/4x Bahé'l Publishing Trust of the United States

Teaching Peace by Red Grammer

CS $9.95

One of the most popular of Baha" children's tapes, Teaching Peace, is once again avail able from the Distribution Service, after more than » year of being unavailable. Teaching Peace net only speaks to children and the hild m all of us but also presents a children’s chorus that is very successful in involving hhildren. The message of the songs, although presented on # child’s level, speaks to the unity of all humanity, the upraising of per sonal esteem, the equality of women and

men, the power of language to inspire or hurt globel coneciousness. and many more Suit able for children ages 3 and up

Santlin’ Atcha id wsie

Teaching Peace Teacher’s Notes

edited by Kathy Grammer

SC $7.95

Kathy and Red Grammer have worked closely with schools and teachers with the original intention that theTeaching Peace tape be used in social skills and social education curricula. They report that recently it has been used on a wide scale by schools imple menting Whole Language Curriculums. The guide for teachers covers four areas dealing with each of the songs on the cassette tape The first is “the basic theme of the song.” Next are “discussion ideas and questions, followed by “possible subject areas for the song's use,” and “Activity ideas.”

B-If2 «11 inches, 40 pages,

introduction, 4 note pages

Smilin’ Atcha Muste

Jewel in the Lotus

VT $25.00

The Baha'i Lotus Temple of Bahipur India is an architectural marvel of the twentieth century and the spiritual magnet of the

Indian subcontinent. Since its dedication millions of souls from the world over have flocked to it. This remarkable video traces

its history from the Indian Baha’i community asking *Abdu'lBaha for permission to construct a House of Worship, to the dedication, in 1986, of this spiritual gift to humanity. The video

highlights the special symbolism of the lotus to all the cultures

United State

Like an Eagle in the Sky VT $10.95

A thirteen-minute video adaptation of a slide presentation, it features scenes of Native American Baha"is at various Council Fires and portrays a strong sense of the mission of the Native American peoples as outlined by Abdu’l-Baha. The video is designed to empower and uplift Native peoples so they might arise to realize the bright future that swasts them in the redemption of humanity In addition, the video is a tool that should be viewed by those non-Native peoples who nave chosen to belp, teach, and lear from Native peoples

United States Media Services

FAX YOUR ORDER 1-708-251-3652

and religions of southern Asia, and the unique unity that enabled hundreds of workers of a variety of cultures, religions, and languages to complete the project. Construction demands re quired a unity of action, sometimes with split-second timing, to complete a project that many called impossible within India Media Services

Artists for the Arc by various artists

CS $9.95

A compilation of musical selections from artists around the country —a celebration of modem musical styles. Selections feature santour and acoustic guitar, pop and raggae, unaccompanied voice, and more. The open ing selection is the long-awaited song “One Family” by Red Grammer. This piece was part of the sound track of the popular “Promise of World Peace” slide presentation that was viewed at several of the Vision-to-Vic tory conferences throughout 1989. “*Abdu'l Baha,” an inspirating tribute performed by Mark and Leslie Spiro concludes the cassetie. Other artists perform a variety of works in various languages. Included are Seaforth & Jenkins, Manoochehr Sadeghi, Matthew Levine, L.A. Jazz Chorus, James Pindlay, Don Reed, K.C. Porter, and Sandra Sim mons. A variety of uplifting musical per formances. 34:38 minutes

World Beat Records

The American Baha'i / May 1991 / Page 7

Baha'i Prayers, HC/SC The Publishing Trust regrets that, duc to an unacceptable level of quality , reprints of both edetior of Bahd " Prayers have been delayed. The production of these editions from the printer ts menor in quality and appearance. Rather than release an inferior product to the Babi | community.» have decided to reject the books and require # level of quality that preserves the dignity of the sacred writings and presents a product that justifies the price. We deeply regret any

that results from being out-of-stock on these editions and ask for your understan patience. Please be assured that we will do everything in our power to resolve this as possible, and will advise the community when details are available

Lights of Guidance

compiled by Helen Hornby

HC $22.95 WAS $29.95

‘The Distribution Service has decided to extend through May the sale price of known reference book that has served as a mainstay for Bahs "i communit since its first introduction in 1983. It presents quotes from the Central Figures, Shogty and the Universal House of Justice on a wide variety of topics including: the A Order, The Fast, Education of Children, Begging, the Hazirata"l-Quds, Ce Covenant, The Family, The Baha" Pund, Consultation, The Feast, Firesides, ete 6-1/4 x 9-1/4 inches, 540 pages, preface, addenda, supplement to addenda, inde Baha'i Publishing Trust of India

jes around #

Pathways to Living in Harmony with the Earth Family Activity Book

Pathways to Peace Family Activity Book

The Seven Candles of Unity The Story of ‘Abdu'l-Baha in Edin by Anjam Khursheed

7 eachi Prom tnent People Com oie

HC $49.95 / SC $29.95

A tion of Extracts from the Baha'i Writings = SC $1.50 The Virtues Guide A Handbook for Parents Teaching Virtues a WB $29.95

To the Peoples of the World by The Universal House of Justice

PA 100 pkg. $25.00 © 500 pkg. $100.00 © 1,000 pkg. $175.00

‘The Baha'i Distribution Service has purchased » small quantity of the two titles below at » reduced. pre publication price of $55.00 from the publisher. This is « limited, one-time offer. When these have been sokd the price will rise to the normal list price of $65.00.

Bibliography of English Language Works on the Babi and Baha'i Faiths 1844-1985 compiled by William P. Collins

HC $55.00 PER: Baha'u'llah: Shams-i-Hagiqat by H. M. Balyuzi; translated by Minu Sabet

HC $55.00

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[Ordered by: (Please print o type) Date

[Name [Address City ni State_ Circle one: AMEX Master Card las on Date

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ORDER FORM Tora

Cea Et eon — �[Page 8]Page 8 / The American Baha'i / May 1991

Classified notices in The American Baha'i are published free of charge asa service (0 the Bahé'é community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial messages can be accepted for publication. The opportunities referred to have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exercise their own judgment and care in responding to them.

THE BOSCH Baha '( School is accepting ap. plications for summer 1991 employment. Positions available include children's teachers (3), assistant cook, recreation director, lifeguard, music director, kitchen assistants (2) and main: tenance assistants (2). All positions require a willingness to serve and interact with children, youth and adults. Those chosen will serve from July through August (9-10 weeks) and receive a small stipend plus room and board. To apply, send a brief resume of your experience or request an application form for employment from the Bosch Baha"t School, $00 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 9$060 (phone 408-423-3387)

THE GREEN ACRE Baha" School is ac

cepting applications for summer employment Positions available include children’s teachers,

kitchen and housekeeping help, maintenance, office help, and program assistant. Applicants should be available from mid-June through the cod of August. Room and board are provided with a small stipend Please send a brief resume to the Green Acre Baha'i School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903, or phone 207-439-7200 Monday-Friday, 9 am. to S pm (ET) for more information, CHILDREN’S program teaching staff sought at the Loahelen Baha"i School: child education coordinators, master teachers, teachers" assistants for weekend conferences through the summer months. For details or to apply, contact the Louhelen Baha"i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, M1 48423, or telephone 313-653-5033. THE LOUHELEN Bah" School is accepting applications for summer positions. These include childrens education director, adult programdirector, registrar, recreation director, dishwasher/food service assistant (two positions), housekeeper, assistant librarian/book sales, and groundskeeper. Room and board and a stipend

are provided. Applicants should be able to serve from the middle or end of June through August

22. Please send a brief résumé listing applicable experience and desired to: Loubelen Bahs"i School, 3208 $. State Rosd, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

‘State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

“REFLECTIONS” catalog listing “Mankind Is One™ sweatshirts, T-shirts, tapes, books and other Bahd"i-related materials is available at no cost from the Louhelen Baha"i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313653-5033).

On ny

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the of Ireland is seeking someone in public relations to assist the Irish Baha'i community in its public relations work and to train one or more individuals to continue the work. The Baha'i community of Puerto Rico is seeking pioncers deepened in Baha’i administration to settle in Ponce. Would prefer self-supporting believers. For additional information on the above, please contact the Of fice of Pioneering, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette [L 60091 or 708-869-9039.

AUSTRALASIA: Johnston Atoll: Chief Med- ical Officer, Physicians, Production Ditector, Television Production Technician. Samoa: Caretaker for the Mother Temple of the Pacific. Yap: Lawyer to assist in office of Attorney General. EUROPE: Poland: Library/Book Fellow. Romania: Library/Book Fellow. Soviet Union: Library[Book Fellow (3 months). Yugoslavia: Library/Book Fellow. AFRICA: Swaziland: Caretaker couple for the National Baha'i Center. AMERICAS: Bahamas: Couple ormale Caretaker forthe National Center. Belize: Custodians for the Amelia Collins Institute. Honduras: Elementary School Teachers (2). Dominican Re public: BSL{Teacher Trainer ASIA: Thailand: Montessori Trained Teacher AUSTRALASIA: Marshall Islands Firefighters. Palau: Secondary School Math, Science and /English Teachers. Samoa: Caretaker for the Mother Temple of the Pacific. Yap: Lawyer to assist in office of At tomey General. EUROPE: Poland: Agribusiness Specialists MULTI-REGIONAL: Systems Analysts, Organizational Development/Training Specialist,,

Wate USD Pretael Ore eae by

Ford Foundation for Soviet and Eastem European programs. For additional information on any Of the above, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or telephone 708-869-9039,

HOMEFRONT pioncers needed for the rural North Carolina communities of Roxboro

(pop. 12,000) and Person County (pop. 18,000) seaside seein ert aetieasy access to major universities and it

‘opportunities. Inexpensive land and housing available; one isolated Baha'i presently lives in the area. For information, please contact Terri Hamrick, Roxboro, NC 27573, or phone 919-597-4687 (home) or 919599-8366 (work).

WANTED: homefront pioneers for the Navajo and Hopi Indian Reservations. Gain pioneering experiences and bounties while still living in the U.S. Positions are available Reservation-wide for teachers, nurses, physicians’ assistants, doctors, lab technicians, pharmacists and others. For details, write to Navajo/Hopi DTC, Box 1337, Chinle, AZ 86503, or phone 602-674-5904.

DIVERSITY: Northern New Mexico has it all. Diversity in culture: Hispanic, American Indian, black, white and Asian. Diversity in climate: from 10,000-foot mountains to warm flatlands. Diversity of populated areas: from small towns to modern urban centers. Diversity of employment: from opportunities in healthcare to education to laundromats. Northern New Mexico needs Baha'is in all these areas to support existing local Assemblies and Groups and to help form new Assemblies and save those in jeopardy. For more information, contact Sharon Ewing, Santa Fe, NM 87505.

MOVING? Put your shoulder to the wheel in one of many localities in Northern California which need Behd'is to retain, regain or attain Assembly status. Area has small to large colleges, ethnic diversity, mountain solitude or

western “foothill” towns, agriculture, or closeto-capital city excitement. For information,

please write to the District T ‘Commitiee of Northern California No. 1, c/o Grace Shabrokh, secretary, Far

Oaks, CA 95628, or phone 916-966-7490.

WANTED: prospective, former and visiting international pioneers to join us July 5-10 for = family Pioneering Institute with a focus on “A Lifetime of Service to Baha‘u"llah.~ The Institute will be held at the Louhelen Baha'i School in Davison, Michigan (near Detroit Metro Airport). Bring your stories, music, poetry. Also, if you have a ion or you would like to share, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039) or phone Mary Jo ‘Clarken, 906-228-5654.

BAHA’ youth is looking for a ride from Dallas, Texas, to Guadalajara, Mexico, for the International Youth Conference. Please write to Ferishteh Vaughn,

Marietta, GA 30062.

THE BAHA'I Club at Dartmouth College is looking for Baha'is who are Dartmouth alumni. We would like to keep them updated on the activities of the Baha'i Club. Please write to the Baha'i Club of Dartmouth, Tucker Foundation, 102 College Hall, Hanover, NH 03755.

ANY AND ALL Baha'is who have lived or taught in eastern North Carolina are invited to retum for a homecoming in July. For more information, please contact the District Teach ing Committee of Easter North Carolina: Mike Hillis (919-291-1187) of Mary Spires (919446-5889),

ESSAYS needed about American youth who have professed their faith in Baha'u'llah to be compiled ina chronicle entitled 99 Lights Across America. Essays should explain how the individual came to recognize Bahé'u'Tlih end how thistransformed his/ter life. The book will be an inspiration for teaching the Paith and wifhatiest to the fact that everyone is potentially = Baha" regardless of race, religion, social or economic background. Publication of the identity of the author of each essay is optional. Please send essays as soon as possible to Jennifer Redson,

Ellicott City, MD 21043 (phone 301-750-0570) or Andieshe Samandari, Folsom, CA

95630.

AN EXCITING feature of the Baha'i World Congress in New York City in November 1992 will be a specially-created World Choir, consisting of singers from all parts of the world. Baha'is who plan to attend the World Congress are invited to audition for the choir. Singers from any part of the world can try out by mail provided they are able to record their voices on cassette tape. Information about how to do this is available from the World Congress Program Committee. In addition to the main choir, singers are needed for special choirs from various parts of the world Africa, South America, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, Iran, India, Europe and the Far East. The World Congress is not able to pay for transportation or housing of singers. Baha'is who fee! they may be capable of taking part in this project are warmly encouraged to send for an application form and audition Write to: Bahé*i World Congress Choir Audition, P.O. Box 789, Wilmette, IL 60091 U.S.A.

THE UNIVERSAL House of Justice has given the U.S. National S| I Assembly the task of publishing Baha’! sacred and other Baha'i literature in the Ukrainian and Kazakh languages. Individuals with skills in these languages are needed to serve as transla tors. If you are interested in with this important work, or if you know of someone who might be, contact Melanie Smith, Ukrainian and) ih Desk, Baha'i Publishing Trost,

East Lansing, MI 48823 (phone 517-337-2858).

DISTRIBUTORS: individuals, groups or Assemblies are sought to serve as distributors of the “Mankind Is One” sweatshirts and T-shirts. Distributors will receive: | discounts. ‘Write to “Reflections,” Baha'i School,

and $2,100. Anyone who is interested im pur chasing one or more of these carpets may Sis to the Spiritual Assembly of Edmond. P.O. Box

1178, Edmond, OK 73083, or phone 405-348 9992 or 405-341-0233.

FOR BALE for the Are: tAlloomed poner ( by 25 feet) with white dowe A pesce on crmn berry-colored nd the memaage ~ Spaced the Promise of Peace . Ome Heart at « Tome Behé'i Faith This silent suction is * fund raiser for the Arc, the poster goes to the highest bidder. Your check is your bid and payment i full. All bid-checks received become part of the fund-raiser. Send bid-checks to the Spiritus! Amembly of Broken Arrow, P.O. Bor 1119 Broken Arrow, OK 74013. For more informe tion, phone Sharon Klemike, 912-455-0105

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

Two Baha'is have been honored by the governor of Alaska for their contributions to the state. Dr. Mary Ann Navitsky, a Tlingit Indian, is one of seven Alaskans chosen to receive the governor's “Eight Stars of Gold Citizenship Awards” for preventive dental work she carried out with children over a six-month period in the village of Angoon, and for helping to organize classes to revive a traditional form of Tlingit weaving. Ray Hudson, who has pioneered for many years in the Alelutian Islands, was one of six Alaskans to receive the 1990 Governor's Award forthe Arts for his promotion of the fine art of Aleut basket weaving and his work in preserving Aleut oral traditions.

The Spiritual Assembly of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil celebrated its SOth anniver sary last year with a number of special events. The Assembly, established in 1940, isthe oldest on the continent—the “Mother Assembly” of South America.

More than 80 Baha'is gathered February 8-14 in Felix, Romania, for that country's first Baha'i Winter School.

As of February 8, 22 local Spiritual Assemblies had been established in the Soviet Union, the mostrscentin Yaltaand L'vov.

On Februaty 2, Baha ‘is teprésenting the National Spirit Assembly of Hawaii presented a copy of “The Promise of World Peace™ to His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, head of the Coptic Christian Chureh, during his visit to Hawaii en route to a World Council of Churches meeting in Australia.

The Baha'is of Basel, Switzertand, gathered last November 29 to observe the 100th anniversary of the birth of Mark Tobey, a Bahai who was a world-renowned painter.

A special conference held under the auspices of the Association for Baha" i Studies (English-speaking Europe) took place January 12 in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Its goal was to consider the relevance of the Faith and its teachings to some of the problems facing humanity today.

The Wildfire Theatre Group of young Baha"is toured south Queensland, Australia, in December and January, performing a show entitled “The Do-It-Yourself Peace Show.” An estimated 2,100 people attended the programs, with another 2,500 watching promotional performances.

During 1990 thousands of men, women and children were enrolled in the Cause of God in Honduras, mainly through the efforts of a small group of Baha'is that included four Garifuna Indians. Under the inspired guidance of the late Counselor Hedayatu'llah Ahmadiyeh, the first team grew during a six-month period into five teaching teams composed of old and new Garifuna believers working in various arcas of the coast developing weekly adult study groups and children's classes

The New Era Development Institute (NEDI) in Panchgani, India, sponsored a training course last December for poultry farmers. The goal was to provide short term training to educated but unemployed village youth. Thirty young people from 13

villages took the course, and all qualified for certificates that will enable them to apply for government help should they decide to start poultry operations of their

In Chad, the Préfet of Moyen Chari, (center), escorted by Baha'i pioneers Changiz and Tahereh Vatankhah, isseen attending a celebration of the formal opening of the Bahd'i-operated Hakim Dispensary last November. The dispensary has since expanded its services.

By Uni loi f J

own

A teaching team spent one month re cently in Iba, Zambales, the Philippines, and enrolled more than 1,000 people in the

National Spiritual Assembly encouraged to accelerate

Faith. About 800 of these new Batis are youth, and the National Youth Commitee of the Philippines went to Iba to help consolidate the new believers

teaching efforts among East Asian population in U.S.

The Universal House of Justice, in a message dated March 28, 1990, to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, wrote:

“We have noted with much happiness that your recent reports have included de tails about the impetus evident in the teaching work among the East Asian populations in the United States, particularly the Chinese, Cambodian, Hmong and Vietnamese peoples. We heartily encourage your community to greater efforts in these important activities, recognizing that many victories can be won at this time.”

According to reports received by the U.S. Baha’i Refugee Office (USBRO) from Baha tutions overseas, there are between 7,000 and 8,000 Southeast Asian Baha'is itv the United States. So far, the Refugee Office has only been able to account for a few hundred of them. After arriving in the States, most of them do not feel comfortable enough with English and with their new surroundings to contact the Baha'is. Some are unsure about their Baha'f standing and are unaware that the National Spiritual Assembly has made it a policy for local Baha"icommunities to welcome them whether or not they possess Baha'i credentials.

Some local Baha’i communities, determined to include the newcomers in the work of the Cause, have taken the initiative to find them through neighborhood teaching and by fostering relations with Southeast Asian community organizations. Such efforts, when undertaken with love and perseverance, have always proven successful

If you would like to help your Baha'i community achieve the “many victories” envisioned by the Universal House of Justice, but do not know if there are Southeast Asians in your community or where to find them, the first step is to investigate.

1. Check your local telephone directory forthe names of Vietnamese, Hmong, Laotian and/or Cambodian community organi zations in your area

2. Contact the organization(s) and ask if they know any Baha'is. If so, get the names and telephone numbers (and addresses if

possible). Since the Bahai National Cen. ter may not be aware of the Southeast Asian Baha‘is you find, you should for ward this information to the USBRO (the address and phone number are given be low), so these friends can begin receiving The American Baha‘.

3. If there are many Southeast Asian Bahd’fs in your area, organize a neighbor hood deepening project to lovingly and systematically bring them into the Baha'i community. If there are only a few, it will suffice to have one or two deepened Baha'is

visit them regularly to promote the new

Amin Khamsi (right), a member of 1

National Spiritual Assembly of Switzerland, discusses memories of Baha'l artist Mark Tobey withart gallery owner Ernest Beyeler

comers’ involvement The U.S. Baha'i Refugee Office lishes quarterly the Southeast Asian He

ers Bulletin, which is intended the growth of a network of those who are promoting the integration of Southeas Asian Baha'i newcomers mn the States.

> facilitate

If you are interested in joining the “help ers” network, please let the USBRO by writing to: USBRO, Baha’i b Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or by 708-869-9039, ext. 216

son calhng

during an observance last Novembe Basel of the 100ch anniversary Tobey's birth (see article om th

page

San Diego Bahé'ls take lead in ecumenical program series

On January 23, Baha'is in San Diego, California, presented the first in a series of ecumenical meetings planned by the Na tional Conference of Christians and Jews to promote understanding among the vari oys religious groups in the San Diego area

‘Attending were 30 Baha ‘fs and 20 guests

The program included a brief introduc to the Faith by Tom Shanks, and programs on India by Jihmye Collins anc on Haifa by Steve Varner

More than S00 flyers were sen¢ ous religious groups in the area to the event

tw vari promote

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

Association for Baha'i Studies Membership drive seeks to add 3,000 members

‘The House of Justice commends the efforts you are making...to expand the scope of your activities and to increase the membership of your Association.”

A path to individual spiritual enrichment and a way to carry the Message of Baha’w'llah to the generality of humankind— this is the two-fold the Universal House of Justice

for Baha"i Studies (ABS) in its Six Year Pian message of 1986 to the Baha'is of the world.

Benefits of membership in ABS have been increased in a drive to stimulate followers of Baha'u'llah from every stratum of society to join the Association and help reach people of prominence and accomplishment both in institutions of higher learning and other walks of life.

“The House of Justice commends the efforts you are making, with the support of the Counselors and the National Spiritual Assemblies of North America, to expand

the scope of your activities and to increase the membership of your Association,” the Supreme Body wrote in a letter to ABS dated December 25, 1990.

“It feels you have an important role to play in fostering Baha'i scholarship and in demonstrating the value of this scholarly approach in reinforcing the endeavors of the Baha"{ community to reach the diverse strata of North American

As a part of its membership drive, the Association's Bulletin is Be ened,

and

and practical tips on research. Members will, of course, continue to

Service/employment opportunities

at the Baha’i National Center

“The administration of the Cause in the United States is entering a completely new phase, of high promise, challenging problems and golden opportunities. You are the cradle of the Administration, and in this development you can become a pattern for the entire Baha'i world. (Excerpt from a letter by the Universal House of Justice addressed to “the Believers in the (Cradle of the Baha’i Administrative Order,” December 29, 1970.)

The National Spiritual Assembly is calling for talented, qualified people to arise to serve the National Assembly at this time. There is a particular need for the following:

Baha'i Volunteers

© Volunteers are critically needed to support the World Congress in the following areas: film script writing, video editing, video directing, video camera operation, photojournalism, public relations, audio, and photo pro Administrative Assistants

Essential to the efficient functioning and quality of service provided by

the Baha'i National Center

Must be well-versed in Baha'i principles and administration

Must be skilled in word processing; type 50-60 wpm.

Must have strong self-management and organizational skills

Director, Management Information Systems

Oversees all information services for the National Spiritual Assembly

including the design and maintenance of a coordinated plan for all data management and data it

accessing

Requires 5-8 years experience in the MIS field
Experience ina DEC environment preferred; knowledge and experience

in Ingress data base a plus

Must have managerial experience in staff supervision, budget control,

policy formation and implementation General Manager, NSA Properties Inc.

Assumes overall responsibility for the acquisition, development and

maintenance of all Baha'i properties in the U.S. owned by NSA Properties Inc.

Must have general management experience including strong financial

mamapement and people management experienct or background

See ne manta with emphasis on general business management

Must be familiar with all phases of design and construction

ee ee ea nencritica] the

Prefer special skills in renovation of historic properties

Other opportunities include:

~ Baha'i Publishing Trust: Associate Editor, Editorial Assistant, Marketing Assistant

~ House of Worship: Office Manager

~ Office of the Treasurer: Assistant Controller

- Periodicals: Writer[Reporter

- World Congress Logistics Office: Registration Processing Specialists.

Oe re ee ee ee please send your résumé to the Baha'i National Center,

Human Resources, Wilmette, IL 60091, copies Diam Hote 108. 9099.

receive The Journal of Bahd ‘Studies, the Association's flagship incarefully edited, readable format. Forthcoming articles will focus on how the Faith relates to such areas as agriculture, sacred mythology, human rights, the development of and the evolution of reality.

The influence of the Journal is spreading: several of its articles have been reprinted in pamphlet form and are being used in proclamation to non-Baha’i agencies.

‘The 16th annual Meeting of the Association, to be held next August at the University of Victoria on lovely Vancouver Island in British Columbia, will be a special one, oriented toward ing the friends for the Holy Year of 1992. Its theme will be “Baha'u'llah: His Life and Writings.”

Distinguished speakers including Hands of the Cause of God have been invited, and the four-day conference also will include

performances.

But to fulfill its mission by the end of the Six Year Plan, the Association needs at least 3,000 new members. ABS and the National Spiritual Assembly are calling on Baha'is to act now to help this rapidly

in yarn

the Writings and apply them to your life as well as you would like? At one time, Bahé'ts had to rely only on personal study of the Writings

While it's still fresh in your mind, consider picking up the phome and joining right mow. | ASSOCIATION FOR BAHA'i STUDIES MEMBERSHIP LINE

1-800-387-8998

VISA / MasterCard accepted — Phone answered 24 hours a day during promotion --- OR USE THIS COUPON — —

of the Faith.

‘The Auenciation has launched a promotional campaign in which it expects to enroll a broad base of Baha is from ever: walk of life in North America in the nex: few months. Since student participation forms an important part of the Association's activities (and students are its future), the

“All Bahd"is can be Baha'i scholars.” says Hossain Danesh of the Association's Executive Committee. “Baha” ischolarship is a matter of degrees of immersion in the Holy Word, not of academic degrees.

“While the Association continues to ex the Faith inter

all Baha’! éS to join in the bounty of member ship in the Association.”

Membership in the Association is $40 per year ($50 for couples, $20 for students or senior citizens). The Association is spr soring a toll-free, 24-hour-a-day telephone line for the duration of the membership campaign. To join, simply phone 1-200 387-8998. VISA and MasterCard are ac

cepted.

Now you can enrich your -——— New Publications daily study through | *The House of Justice for members foie ing new in- | has asked us to express The Association for formation services avail- ... its high commen- Bahé'{Studies Bulletin conable toall members ofthe | dation for the work of the | tains previously untransAssociation for Bahs'{ | Association for Bahé'i | ated scripture, as available. Studies, | Studies. Its activities abstracts of the past three | Consider the wisdom | hssve already been months’ publi Baha | unveiled each day in pre- ai it gra pasa scholarship, and much viously untranslated | Cense and cm only | rire. scripture as well as origi- ee aera | Its companion, The nal insights published operas Journal for Bahd"i Studies other Baha'ts. Universal House of Justice) offer informed discussion By abreast of | of oe these: in the and Faith, we can "grow in astonishment” detail of Bobht social mnddieeead de from day to day, grow inclarityasto velopment successes around the world. | why we are Bahd'ts, and keep moti- ip, which includes confer- | Sal depen pal om ence and discounts, is sonal ind spirit a superb value for just $40 per / $0 Leonean fon Carpies ERPs students. |

�[Page 11]The American Baha'i / May 1991 / Page 11

Annual Report of the National Spiritual Assembly

of the Baha’is of the United States

The Queen of Carmel is safe. The “abode of the the home of His Holiness Elijah, the mountain where Isaiah took refuge, through which the spirit of God, Jesus Christ. . passed and where the footsteps of the Lord of Hosts (Baha"u"Ilah) trod .. .,” where the sacred remains of His Holiness The Bab and those of "Abdu'l-Baha and the Holy Family are interred, and where the Supreme Institution resides, is secure. The guiding light of the Universal House of Justice never flickered during the Gulf War. Despite the danger, the work of building the new world was carried on.

The American Baha'is, too, despite the anxiety and fear that swept the world, and despite their concem for their coworkers at the World Center, did not waver. Indeed, the quality and variety of their activities have led us to conclude that we are at the threshold of . A summary of the highlights of the year 147 B.E. illustrates the reasons for our confidence.

While hatred and war accelerated the destruction of the ‘old order, the American Baha'is took pease the increasing openness among friends and deatntopatsetisa ie Promseaf World Peaceand Baha‘u'llah’s healing message for humanity. At the same time, the Baha'is moved to assure the continuation of the building of the new world order through generous contributions to the Funds. For the first time one thousand local spiritual assemblies were asked to consider goals suggested by the National Spiritual Assembly for their contri‘butions to the National Fund. Their replies epilesiscncied ou hearts deeply. Spiritual assembly expresed fale of pet egenteTnoolirauchopeecass> partners in a new way of sustaining the work of the Cause. Boch dered ad arnats bee Goa ab for ons confidence in the readiness of our community to grow.

Some of the other reasons for our confidence were:

The passage last May of the U.S. Senate resolution

calling forthe of the Bahai Faith in Iran and the urging, by members of Congress, fora fifth resolution in support of the Iranian Baha'i community.

The success of five delegations to China, led by

members of the National Assembly, to help the All China ‘Women’s Federation developa five-year-plan for women, to take part in the First Sino-American Women’s Conference, and to arrange exchanges of legal professionals and Socal eel an tine esti tration of our Publishing Trust in the Beijing Book Fair.

The hosting of a delegation of five women lawyers

from the China Law Society of the Peoples Republic of China.

The purchase of property for a Haziratu1-Quds in

Stanley, Falkland Islands.

The of the needed to establish

the Bahai Chair for Worid Peace Studies at the University of Maryland and the designation of that chair by the for additional from the State of Maryland.

The widespread involvement and increasing leadership of Bahd‘is in the life of society, particularly in the

promotion of race unity, sexual equality, and the protecbon of the environment. Of special note are our growing

with the Martin Luther King, Jr., Center for Non-Violent Social Change and the Martin Luther King Federal Holiday Commisnon, the recent requests received a comin poe Fs and organizations resolve intergroup conflict foster unity, and the growing range of activities to promote race unity within and without the Baha’! commuauty

The presentation to and discussion of the peace statement with former Premdemt Jummy Carter by 2 delegaton

of Natomal Assembly members and Georgss Babs ‘is.

‘a member of the Nabonal Spertual hes presentation of 2 major address to susmmmen. scholars and journalists m an imternsbons!

“Education Against Hate” conference held in Haifa, Israel that was jointly sponsored by the Eli Wiesel Foundation for Humanity and the University of Haifa.

The perseverance of the friends in dozens of organized

teaching projects the country. * The increased ccohniests of teaching.

RODE erent eFesrusASO oral Baki'Tochoots, 38 regional summer and winter schools, 3 permanent schools and 2 institutes serving more than 35,000 Baha'is.

The expansion of the Spiritual Assembly development process among 700 local spiritual assemblies, in

collaboration with the Board of Counselors and their Auxiliary Boards, and the completion of 13 instructional modules.

The growing participation of Baha'i youth in the

Youth Year of Service Program and in Youth and Junior Youth Academies at Bosch Baha'i School, Louhelen Baha'i School, the Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute, and the Native American Baha'i Institute and among Indian youth in South Dakota.

The increasing number of well-organized, locally

sponsored youth conferences and Baha’i youth performing groups and children’s activities and the discernible effects these activities are having on Baha'i children and

youth.

The of 576 pioneers to 213 goal countries

eee ee ee es tray to Eastern European countries in partial fulfillment of the special Two Year Plan.

The publication of approximately 3,500 articles on

the Baha'i Faith in local newspapers, the appearance of significant articles and editorials in most of the nation's major newspapers, and the growing number of television and radio programs on the Faith.

The popularity of Radio Baha'i WLGI and the high

quality of its Baha"{ programming.

The impressive array of activities and services in

teaching, spiritual education, leadership development, worship, the education of children and youth, and community service provided by the Louis G. Gregory and Native American Baha'i Institutes.

The increasing numbers of requests for support and

assistance from the Baha'i community from national organizations, city governments, schools and colleges, private industry, and even nations.

The administrative foundation of our community is also

growing stronger, as evidenced by:

The complete reorganization of our national Treasury,

the results of which our bankers to state their

ment of the Faith's financial affairs.

The installation of a new DEC computer system

powerful enough to serve the needs of the Faith for some years to come.

The expansion of the World Congress Logistics

Reseacneneegeapenntiaginntg waksate © The growing popularity of the electronic bulletin

The increase in training sessions for Baha'i National

Center staff to assist them in meeting the growing challenges of Baha"! service.

redesign of the format and the redirection of the editorial agenda of The American Bahd't and the plan to publish issues once every nineteen days.

The increase in the number of Baha'i Newsreels from

three to four per year, enhancing oar ability to convey the Sage 7m, ser tye orama of Baha'i activities, and the expansion of our video

production capacity, enabling us to produce The Jewel on Sate ae reine eaten World

TT ihsiracicte of con Olticeachicieraad Affairs and the Treasury and those of our agencies provide more details about the impressive scope and high level of Baha'i work However, this cursory review of the year's highlijehts demonstrates the vigor, strength, and competence of the American Baha"i community. As one of the Continental Counselors remarked at a meeting with the National Assembly, “At the outset of the Six Year Plan, we were asked to build a spiritual home for the nation in a forest crowded with the trees of our unresolved issues. Now we have cleared the forest, and we are ready to build ~ confidence is unshakable, we are ready to grow

Plans for the Coming Year Race Unity. It is increasingly apparent that the Ameri

spread of racism and to restore the all-tutvanished hope for the unity of the races. During the year 148 B.E. the National Spintual Assen

Among the special efforts to be made in the next year are:

A study of models of racial, ethnic, and religious unity

to be carried out jointly by the City of Chicago and the National Spiritual Assembly

The ing of a race unity conference

We do not believe, however, that the publication of 2 Tace unity statement, a multi-faceted for racial unity, and several special efforts alone will unify the races. Ultimately, models are needed. People need tose models of unity in diversity, of conflict resolution, of intermarTiage. For such models we must tum to you, the Baha "is of the United States. You must be the ones to define the language of unity, to demonstrate the secret harmony that lies beyond the limits of race, class, sex, and religion Therefore, you must perfect the unity of our communities to ensure that they become beacons of light. This ungent responsibility, we believe, rests squarely on your shoul. ders.

The Final Year of the Six Year Plan. Only one year remains of the Six Year Plan and before the beginning of the Holy Year: ing the centenary of the ascension of Baha'u'llah and the establishment of His Cov enant. Most of the goals of the Plan are already in hand, and we are confident that all of them will be won The Peer ee TR, ER

numbers of our brothers and sisters, is bat

pr away from achievement.

With the loving and wise advice of the Continental ‘Counselors a intensify the teaching work have already been made and will be conveyed t you shortly Meanwhile Assembbes, groups, and individual

should review the Six Year Plan teaching goals

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

and determine the actions needed locally to achieve a breakthrough in the teaching work.

Victory in the Six Year Plan depends on you. There are no barriers in your way. Every resource in the heavens and onearth is at your disposal. You are the agents of universal salvation. No force on earth can stop you. By accepting your true self, youcan rescue the struggling masses “bereft of discernment to see God with their own eyes, or hear His Melody with their own ears.”

As you go forward to perform that service, which only you, the followers of Baha’u'Ilah, can render, bear in mind these confidence-inspiring words of *Abdu"l-Baha:

Erelong ye will with your own eyes witness how brilliantly every one of you, even as a shining star, will radiate in the firmament of your country the light of divine guidance, and will bestow upon its people the glory of an everlasting life.

External Affairs

During the past year the National Spiritual Assembly received two letters from the Universal House of Justice that illustrate the significance of the National Assembly’s external affairs work and its relation to the destiny of America.

In September 1990 the Universal House of Justice sent the following message to the National Spiritual Assembly:

we reaffirm the sentiments we have previously expressed about the inestimable value of your external affairs activities not only because of their indispensability tothe progress of your national Baha'i community but also because of their high importance to the interests of the Faith in other parts of the world. You have achieved remarkable feats through the operations of this Office.

‘As a mark of our profound appreciation for the importance of your external affairs work, we have decided to contribute $100,000 towards your expenses for this year.

After the passage in May 1990 by the U.S. Senate of its resotution conceming the Baha'is in Iran, the Universal House of Justice sent the following message to the National Spiritual Assembly:

We are delighted by news from Washington. The action of the Senate in adopting a resolution in support of efforts to emancipate the Iranian Bahai community owes its significance not only to the stated objective but also to the evidence which it gives of the spiritual blessings with which Baha'u'llah has specially endowed the Great Republic of the West. May its people and the Community of the Greatest Name within receive a fresh impetus towards fulfilling the promises of their glorious destiny.

Joining a similar resolution passed by the House of Representatives in February 1990, the Senate resolution, sponsored by 59 senators, was passed unanimously. Seven senators made speeches about the long-suffering Baha'is, declaring the U.S. government's commitment to human rights and the defense of the Baha'is in Iran.

In spring 1991, the National Spiritual Assembly prepared to submit a fifth resolution to the Congress calling for an end to the persecution and for the emancipation of the Iranian Baha"i community.

The National Spiritual Assembly's secretary for external affairs, Firuz Kazemzadeh, continued to visit regularly the State Department, White House offices, and members of Congress and its staff to present the most recent status of the Iranian Baha"i community. The State Department “Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 19907 outlined extensively the situation of the Baha’is in Iran. The report mentioned also the Baha'is in Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan and Morocco.

While he was in Washington, D.C., the secretary for external affairs also met with officials responsible for the U.S. delegations at the United Nations General Assembly and Human Rights Commission. This year the U.N. again adopted resolutions on Iran that mentioned the Baha'is and continued the mandate of the Special Representative on Iran whose 1990-and 1991 reports confirmed the grievances of the Baha‘is. His visits and meetings were sxragsd by the extolotdicery efforts of the public reletions professional who was in her tenth year of service to the National Spiritual Assembly.

In June 1990 the National Spiritual Assembly’s assistant secretary, Juana Conrad, served on the committee and headed a group of thirty-five Baha'is, including

a member of the Office of External Affairs staff, at the Sino-American Conference on Women’s Issues in Beijing, China. Several Baha'is presented papers on sioegicn, health, family and child care, and employment. Others

served as topic leaders and workshop coordinators. Many of the Baha'is travelled in delegations throughout China before and after the conference, meeting with local women’s federations to discuss the issues highlighted by the conference. The assistant secretary of the National Assembly visited China twice after the June Conference to plan future exchanges between the women of China and the U.S.

Several members of the National Spiritual Assembly were involved in various external affairs activities during the year. In June 1990 the secretary for external affairs attended a meeting in Brazil of members and representatives of several Latin American National Spiritual Assemblies to discuss external affairs work throughout the continent and coordination of activities between national communities in the hemi Alberta Deas and Jack McCants, along with Auxiliary Board member, Soo Fouts, presented The Promise of World Peace to former President Carter at the Carter Center on January 29. The National Assembly hosted a reception in Washington, D.C., on September 25 for Kevin Locke on the occasion of his receiving the Folk Heritage Fellowship Award from the National Endowment for the Arts. In February 1991 the staff of the national office in Washington, D.C. met for two days with the chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia to discuss the establishment of an external affairs office in that country.

Through its office in Washington, D.C., the National Assembly expanded its contact and collaboration with government officials and non-government organizations in areas such as human rights, race relations, the environment, and education. It also continued further to educate the Baha'i community in external affairs principles and policies.

For the past seven years the Baha'is have been active members of an ad hoc working group to support ratifica~ tion of United Nations human rights conventions. On March 7, the working groupand over twenty U.S. senators and representatives hosted a: to honor the Senate advice and consent to ratification of the U.N. Convention on Torture given in October 1990. The purpose of the reception was to urge the President to ratify the Torture Convention and to encourage Senate and Administration support for ratification of thes U.N. human-rights conventions concerning the rights of children, the rights of women, and the elimination of race discrimination. In August 1990 the National Spiritual Assembly submitted a statement in support of ratification of the U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women that was published in a hearings record of the House of Representatives subcommittee on Human Rights. Other organizations with which the National Assembly regularly collaborated on human rights issues included the American Bar Association, Amnesty International, B'nai B'rith International, B'nai B'rith Women, the United Church of Christ, the Armenian Assembly, Interaction, and the United Nations Association.

The National Spiritual Assembly's representative to the Martin Luther King, Jr., Center for Non-Violent Social Change and its Federal Holiday Commission continued to serve as co-chair of the Commission's Religious Involvement Committee and to organize Baha"{ participation in King Day activities and the King Center's annual Youth Assembly and Conference on Education. Over eight hundred people heard the National Assembly's representative read “Abdu'l-Baha’s Prayer for America at the International Interfaith Breakfast in W: D.C. ‘The Baha'is were the co-chair of the Holiday Parade and March Committee in Atlanta. On January 21, five hundred Baha" is marched in the Parade, including Seals and Crofts, who were introduced on national television as Baha'is. Other noteworthy activities by the rep ive included attendance at the “Spiritual of the Tribes” in Canada and chairing the M.L-K., Jr., World Prayer Day and Multicultural Program, the ‘American Indian Forum on Unity and Justice, and the Interfaith Exchange Program for King Week. The representative also helped arrange for Counselor Jacqueline Delahunt to receive an award on behalf of her grandfather, Chief Luther Standing Bear, at the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama.

Several events during the year provided opportunities for the Baha'is to assist and to participate in environmental activities. The National Spiritual Assembly became a

member of the Global Tomorrow Coalition, an organiza tion of over 150 members involved in population, re sources, environment, and sustainable The director of the Baha'i International Community (BIC) Office of the Environment and representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly participated in several conferences, including the North American Conference on Religion and Ecology (NACRE) in May 1990, and a meeting in October 1990 that launched the U.S. Citizens Network on the U.N. Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) to be held in Brazil in June 1992. A member of the Office of External Affairs staff has been the secretary of the Network's executive committee and the co-chair of its working group on ethics, development and eee The working group is — suggestions .S. government position paper to at the UNCED in June 1992. In collaboration with the BIC Office of the Environment, the National ee oe ‘Committee on Religion and Earth Spererse ST aa ome 1991. In October 1990 the National Spiritual Assembly invited several local Baha'i communities to establish discussion groups on the Public ing System series, “Race to Save the Planet.” The national office in Washington, D.C., coordinated the effort with educational materials from Global Tomorrow Coalition and from NACRE_

Other that hosted conferences and activities in which the staff of the Washington, D.C., office participated included the Alliance for Our Common Future, and White House and State Department conferences ‘on women, the environment, refugees, and foreign policy Representatives also attended a meeting of the Coalition on Education for All and the Children’s Defense Fund conference. The National Spiritual Assembly appointed a representative to the international interfaith organization, the Temple of Understanding.

World events during the past year provided many oppor tunities for the National Spiritual Assembly to guide the Baha'i community on national and international issues and the application of Baha'i principles. Ranging from collective security to collaboration with like-minded or ganizations at the local level, the issues of concern to the U.S. Baha" community were addressed by statements and editorials from the National Assembly and guidance through the staff of the office in Washington, D.C

Over nine hundred public information representatives and sixty committees coordinated contacts with their local communications media and distributed press releases from the National Spiritual Assembly. ‘The Office of Public Information (OPT) in Wilmette increased its use of the Baha'i electronic bulletin board to disseminate information to the ity. The director of OPI met with Baha'is in Boston; New York; Charlotte, North Carolina; Ft. Lauderdale; and at the Green Acre Baha'i School and the Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute.

References to the Baha'i Faith in newspapers and magazines and on radio and television decreased slightly from last year. Approximately 3,500 newspaper articles and letters to the editor mentioned the Baha"i Faith. caer the annual average number of references in 70 perceibgrstecchiingtiecienDetcirer Pion tinn the number of references that were published during the last five years of the recent Seven Year Plan.

The Office of Public Information began to plan the approach to the national communications media about Holy Year activities and the second Baha"i World Congress. The staff of the OPI also consulted with several media professionals, who are Baha'is, about the public release of the upcoming National Spiritual Assembly statement on race unity. The Office worked with the World Congress Media Task Force to prepare an international plan for contact with the media before, during, and after the World

‘The staff of the OPI also maintained relations with the Religious Public Relations Council. The director of the CEE arenes aeieeeseas te

Baha'i National Center, coordinated a meeting with members of the U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference and visits to the Baha "i House of Worship by the president of the Union of Soviet Architects, the Hmong Buddhist High Priest for Thailand, and staff from the national television program: Good Morning America.

The U.S. United Nations Representative was an active participant in many of the most important arenas for non governmental organizations (NGOs) at the U_N. She was

— —

�[Page 13]The American Baha'i / May 1991 / Page 13

the chair of the United Nations Association (UNA-USA) Conference of U.N. Executive Committee, as well asa member of its by-laws committee and its resolutions committee. She was elected to its Board of Govemors and the convention nominating committee for the 1993 UNA-USA convention: Phe representative was a member of the NGO/U.N. Department of Public Information Executive Committee and a member of the North

The co-hosted a reception for American Indian leader, Thomas Banyacya, and represented the Baha ‘is at the World Days for Prayer Ceremony and Musical Celebration. She collaborated closely with the Baha'i International Community Offices of the United Nations and of the Environment on issues of human rights, the environment, and religion. She attended a conference on “News and the New World Order,” a symposium on Women's Initiatives in African Food Security, and the Albert Schweitzer Symposium. Members of the staff participated in the U.N. Department of Public Information annual NGO conference on “A World Safe for Children: Meeting the Challenges of the 1990s.”

Treasury

The American Bahai community has made significant, even historic changes in its support for the work of the Faith. These changes can be seen in the quality of discussions about the Faith's financial affairs and in the emergence of new patterns of response to the Funds of the Faith—both of which reflect a renewed sense of spiritual commitment.

‘The National Spiritual Assembly*s Office of the Treasurer has worked diligently to support an increase in contributions from the friends, to help the National Spiritual Assembly continue to develop its capacity to manage the funds of the Faith efficiently, and to foster communication and education about the financial affairs of the

Contributions to the four major Funds of the Faith increased 35% over last year’s levels to approximately $15 million, including $10.2 million for the National Baha'i Fund, and $3.6 million for the Arc Projects Fund. Automatic contributions provided some $2.4 million of the total, representing offerings from some 4,200 individuals and 475 institutions.

‘The American Baha'is’ unprecedented response to the Baha'i Punds this fiscal year has contributed greatly to the community's health. The National Spiritual Assembly has been able to remain current on its $2 million pledge to the Universal House of Justice and to give an added $1.5 million to the Arc Fund. Earmarked contributions have added $4.2 million to the amount remitted to the Baha'i World Center, compared with $3.2 million a year ago.

At home increased contributions have enabled the National Spiritual Assembly to reduce short-term borrowing needs, thus reducing interest costs. The deficit in the National Baha'i Fund, which peaked at over $4 million in August, is now an estimated $3.2 million. The many programs and activities made possible by the friends’ contributions are detailed in the accompanying Annual Report of the Agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd'ts of the United States.

To enable the National Spiritual Assembly to control costs and manage its financial resources, the Office of the Treasurer and the Management Information Systems Department continue to collaborate in producing more complete and timely information on expenditures by national committees and agencies. Each month, the National Spiritual Assembly can now monitor and correct actual

and projected expenses byagency and by project. Together with a cashconcentration system, which centralized of the cash position of every office and agency of the National Spiritual Assembly, these advances have produced important savings in both operating and interest ex [D Accepted

Other financial management activities of note included renovating the entire accounting system so as to take best advantage of the new computer, creating and using a new receipt system and new receipt forms, improving the processing of automatic tuting a centralized purchasing procedure for the offices and committees of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Three programs begun during the year—the Local Assembly Goals Program, the Town Meetings Program, and the Weekend Visits Program —have had a strong effect on the community's understanding of the affairs of the Faith and its financial requirements.

The Local Assembly Goals Program launched in Octoberelicited an immediate and positive response from local spiritual assemblies and sparked in-depth consultation within many communities and with the Office of the Treasurer.

Developing annual giving programs, planned giving

programs, and a major gift program.

Working jointly with the National Teaching Committee to develop materials for new believers, youth activities

and programs, and other programs.

Continuing to automate accounting, budget, and contribution processing systems.

Implementing a lockbox contribution processing system that will allow believers to send contributions directly

to the bank instead of the Baha"{ National Center, thereby shortening processing time and increasing Fund liquidity With almost no limit to its capacity to accommodate increases in the number of contributions, the lockbox system will require little or no additional staff while at the same time permitting more personalized attention to each giver.

Many of the National Spiritual Assembly's fund development and education efforts depend on continuing to educate the staff of the Treasurer's Office. In order to gain access to current information and practices within the field of fundraising, the Treasurer's Office regularly meets with professional fundraisers and has joined the National Society of Fund Raising Executives (NSFRE), the leading professional association in its field. Asa result, we have leamed that the expense of raising funds for the Faith is far less than that incurred by other national organizations. While it is not uncommon for a university to spend 15 to 20 cents for every dollar raised, the National Spiritual Assembly spends only 1.8 cents on its fund-development activities.

The imperative for the coming year is growth: growth in the number of avowed adherents to Baha’u'llah’s Message; growth in the resources offered through loving sacrifice in service to the human family. We are confident that the community will continue to build on the renewed sense of spiritual commitment it has shown this year, keeping in mind the call to action voiced by the Universal House of Justice at Naw-Riiz 1986: “In a sense, the imminent launching of the Six Year Plan . . . is a salute to your immortal triumphs as ‘spiritual descendants of the Dawnbreakers’ and a fresh reminder that you possess the vast, largely unrealized potential of a community blessed by Baha'u'llah with a unique destiny in the unfoldment of His mighty World Order. ... As the beloved Guardian repeatedly stated in his letters to the American believers, itis the individual who has the power to act, and on whom, “in the last resort, depends the fate of the entire community.” Onward, then, with your inescapable but glorious tasks!”

Local Assembly Goals Responses

The Town Meetings Program, begun on May 1S as a complement to the Local Spiritual Assembly Deve! opment Program, has also fostered increasingly open and frank discussion with the community and has provided the National Spiritual Assembly with vital information about many aspects of the community's life and its present condition. Planned by members of the Treasurer's Office in collaboration with local spiritual assemblies and mem bers of the Auxiliary Boards, approximately 150 meetings have drawn some 6,500 Baha ‘is from more than 600 local communities.

The Weekend Visits Program begun last year has con tinued to evolve into an important means by which the National Spiritual Assembly consults with the community and shares its thoughts and concerns. Three gatherings were held at the Baha’{ National Center, where groups of fifteen to twenty Baha'is met with members of the Ne tional Spiritual Assembly and its staff to discuss the work of the Faith at the national level. Attendees have returned to their communities with a new understanding of the issues facing the National Assembly and the commumnsty at large and now can explain them to the friends in their loca communities.

Plans for the coming year are designed to consolidate last year’s extraordinary achievements. The plans in clude:

Adopting a $25 million annual contribution goal

Adopting a national budget that will reflect continuing

austerity.

Extending the Local Assembly Goals Program to al

spiritual assemblies and maintaining existing goal levels unless changed by local assemblies themselves.

Continuing the Town Meeting and Weekend Visi

programs.

Continuing to automate accounting, budget, and com

tribution processing systems.

Implementing a lockbox contribution processing sys

tem that will allow believers to send contributions directly to the bank instead of the Baha"i National Center, thereby shortening processing time and increasing Fund liquidity With almost no limit to its capacity to accommodate increases in the number of contributions, the lockbox system will require little or no additional staff while at the same time permitting more personalized attention to cach giver.

Many of the National Spiritual Assembly's fund devel opment and education efforts depend on continuing te educate the staff of the Treasurer's Office. In order to gain access to current information and practices within the field of fundraising, the Treasurer's Office regularly meets with professional fundraisers and has joined the Nationa! Soc ety of Fund Raising Executives (NSFRE), the leading professional association in its field. As a result, we have learned that the expense of raising funds for the Faith ts far less than that incurred by other national organizations. While it is not uncommon for a university to spend 1S to

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

20 cents for every dollar raised, the National Spiritual Assembly spends only 1.8 cents on its fund-development

‘The imperative for the coming year is growth: growth in the number of avowed adherents to Baha‘u'llih’s Message; growth in the resources offered loving sacrifice in service to the human family. We are confident that the community will continue to build on the renewed

sense ob srictost commitment it has shown this year, keeping in mind the call to action voiced by the Universal House of Justice at Naw-Riiz 1986: “In a sense, the

stated in his letters to the American believers, itis the individual who has the power to act, and on whom, “in the last resort, depends the fate of the entire commuSe a ae

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States Years ended April 30, 1991 (estimated) and 1990

CONTRIBUTIONS

Baha'i National Fund

Baha'i International Fund

Are Projects Fund Continental Baha'i Pund Total

ee

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

1991 Estimated TORFAEN $10,175,000 715,660 3,650,000 310,000

514,910,000

COMBINED OPERATING RESULTS 1B DOP UE N RL Te UDA AL PATER DAIS SP OE

Total revenue

$14,022,866

Total operating expenses, including contributions

to the Baha'i International and Arc Projects Funds Excess revenue (expenses)

CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL FUNDS > EE RT EY A ET NT TTT Le

Baha'i Toternationél Punds

Are Projects Fund Total

FINANCIAL CONDITION

National Baha'i Fund: Assets

Liabilities

Fund balance (accumulated deficit)

$2,100,000

$1,739,725 4,941,219 (3,201,494)

All operations and agencies combined:

Assets Liabilities Fund balance

NOTE:

$16,462,078

SE

1990

$2,100,000

Bison | STATON

i OT TT LETTE,

$1,527,550 4,680,477

3G,152927)

$16,547,039 5,816,

$7,763,185 601,090 2,194,778 440,718 10,999,771

$11,076,883

ee ee

00.00% 74.29%

13.89%

The 1991 results, as noted above, are estimated. In principle, however, we have made the following

achievements:

-A substantial increase in contributions and total revenues. -A substantial increase in contributions to the International Baha‘i Funds, including the Arc Projects Pund.

-A significant step towards reducing and controlling costs, resulting in a possible break-even in operating

revenues and expenses.

�[Page 15]The American Bahé’i / May 1991 / Page 15

A los bahd'is del mundo Ninguna lengua terrenal puede sonorizar el agradecimiento que sentimos por los

dones extraordinarios concedidos por la Bendita Belleza 2 Su comunidad mundial y al Centro Mundial de Su Fe durante el ano que acaba de clausurar. Nos inclinamos las cebezas en humildad ante Las notables evidencias de Su gracia sostenedora y Su fee eee Elpeligroabrumador que, como resultado del tumulto en el Oriente Medio, envolvid a Tierra Santa a finales del afioretrocedio sin detener ni obstaculizar seriamente el funcionamiento de la administracién baha'{. La situacién fue un recordatorio agudo del contraste entre el discreto Sistema de Bahd'u'llih marcadamente , de continuo desarrollo, y la naturaleza turbulenta de la Edad de Transicién, “cuyastribulaciones,” declara Shoghi Effendi, “son los precursores de: Era de felicidad dichosa que ha da encamar el objetivo final de Dios para toda la humanidad.” Fue otra de los “presagios ominosos que proclaman simulténeamante las agonias de una civilizacién desintegrativa y los dolores de partode: Orden Mundial— Arca de Aa eae ariamente levantarse sobre sus ruinas.~ Las fuerzas que unieron las reacciones remediadoras de tantas naciones a la crisis Tepentina en esta regién demostraron, mis alla da cualquier duda, la necesidad del principio dela seguridad colectiva prescrita por Baha'u'llah hace més de un siglo como medio de resolver conflicto. Mientras que el arregio intemacional visualizado por El para laaplicacién completa de este principio se encuentra atin lejos de adoptarse por los echepreeaes See teemaniies, 2 bn xo asi un gran paso hacia el delineado para las naciones por el Sefor de la ee cs Cuén Rares son las palabras de Baha'u'llah presagiando la reorientacién futura de las naciones: “Sed unidos, oh concurso de los soberanos de la tierra,” escribid, “pues asi la tempestad de la discordia entre vosotros sera apaci y vuestros pueblos hallarin descanso. Si alguno de vosotros toma armas contra otro, levantaos todos contra él, porque esto noes sino ji manifiesta.” Efectivamente, desde cualquier direccién que contemplamos, vemos que el poder de DiRevelacionde Bahs'u'Tlahesté visiblemente en el mundo. En el llamado para un nuevo orden mundial, que se ha emitido como estribillo de las declaraciones de lideres politicos y influenciales aun cuando mismos eran

de definir su propio significado, pone dcr eee de

al fundamantal de Su Revelacién. El que tal llamado hubiese venido tan insistentemente del jefe de aquella reptiblica que esta destinada, segiin las palabras de *Abdu'l-Bahd4, a ser “la primera nacién en establecer la base de acuerdo internacional” y de “encabezar todas naciones espiritualmente,” es un indicio de la eficacia y de la aceleracién de dos procesos simulténeos, el uno

MENSAJE PARA Ripvan 1991

funcionando fuera y el otro dentro de la Causa, los cuales nos dice Shoghi Effendi estan destinados a culminar “en una sola consumacién gloriosa.”

Dentro de la Causa, son abundantes los signos de logros abrumadores para el Plan de Seis Afios, aunque no necesariamente segiin se proyectaron al comienzo. Son evidentes ejemplos Ilamativos tras los cambios fenomenales ocurriendo en la Union Soviética y sus antiguos paises satélites. Justo un afio desde el restablecimiento de la Asamblea Espiritual Local de Moscu, ha de formarse una Asamblea Espiritual Nacional de la Unién Soviética. Semejantemente, hace poco mas de un afio desde los cambios politicos revolucionarios en Rumania, y actualmente ¢l Gobierno ha reconocido a la comunidad bahd’{ como una asociacién religiosa con el derecho de difundir las ensefianzas de Baha‘n' llth; aqui también ha de formarse una Asamblea Nacional este Ridvan. La ex, rapida de la Fe en Checoslovaquia compelé la decision tomada apenas en semanas recientes de establecer alli también una Asamblea Espiritual Nacional. A la vez, en el area del Caribe, se formara la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional de las Islas de Sotavento Occidental como resultado de Ia divisién del grupo de les Islas de Sotavento en dos unidades administrativas regionales. Con estas cuatro formaciones muy bienvenidas, el ntimero de Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales asciende a 155.

Nos decir que tres Manos de la Causa de representarin a la Casa Universal de Justicia en estos eventos histéricos;“Amétu'l-Bahé Ruhiyyih Khaénum en Rumania, el Sr. “Ali Akbar Puritan en la Unién Soviética, y el Dr. “Ali-Muhammad Varga en Checoslovaquia. La Consejera Ruth Pringle sera la representante en las Islas Sotavento Occidental.

Otra ilustracién de la autoridad aumentativa de la Causa de Baha'u'llah en la mente publica surge del Alemania donde la Corte Constitucional Federal, la autoridad legal mayor del pais, pronuncié una decisién de capital importancia para el reconocimiento de la Fe. Una serie de tribunales inferiores se habia negado a inscribir los estatutos de una Asamblea Espiritual Local basado en el hecho de que la autoridad leyesiee ie Asean Papen ecloral

en aquel documento violaba el principio legal requiriendo la autonomia de todas las asociaciones: Los puntos involucrados son efectivamente complejos y no pueden elaborarse aqui. Basta con decir que la Corte Constitucional Federal apoyé la apelacién dela Asamblea Espiritual Local en una larga decisién estrechamente razonada, en la que, entre otras cosas, afirmé el derecho de la comunidad baha’{ de ganarse capacidad legal en la forma misma ordenada en las escrituras de la Fe baha'i y declaré que su naturaleza como religién reconocida estaba confirmada incuestionablemente por su caricterinherente, por conocimiento publico, y por el testimonio de eruditos de religion comparada. Tan significante fue el veredicto al juicio de la Corte misma, que se tomé el paso excepcional de emitir una declaracién a la prensa explicando su decisién. Este acto sobresaliente tendri implicaciones la comunidad baha’i mucho mas alld de las fronteras de una Alemania unida.

Aiin otra instancia de la apreciacién

publica aumentativa por las perspectivas penetrantes de la Causa atafie ala Republica de Sudifrica, donde la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional, las iniciativas del Gobierno hacia la resolucién del problema de hace décadas de apartheid, decidié proponer sus puntos de vista para la redaccién de una nueva constitucién para el pais. El Presidente de la Comisién de Leyes de Susie 01 08s taneuee-acopere del

Gobierno, quien recibié la Ie ABE Eanaraaleetenl de mance de una delegacién nombrada por dicha Asamblea, comenté que los baha"is eran el tinico grupo hasta la fecha cuyas ideas habian provisto una base espiritual y moral para una constitucién.

era sean los efectos individuales de cualquiera de estos hechos mencionados previamente—y de otros tales como la aparicién de un de la Comunidad Intemacional Baha’i como el unico ponente no-budista invitado a dirigirse a una reunién publica realizada junta con la Conferencia Budista Asiatica para la Paz en Mongolia; la mencién especifica de los baha"is por el Papa Juan Pablo I en una ién durante su visita reciente a Burundi; la anotacién oficial de la Fe baha'i como una de las religiones comunes en Tuvalu; la Exhibicion Internacional sobre la Educacién para la Paz auspiciada por la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional de Brasil con la participacién de 23 embajadas ¢ instituciones educacionales— una cosa es abundantemente clara: el impacto cumulativo por todo el globo afirma la emergencia de Ja Fe de la oscuridad. Tales sefiales de reconocimiento publico aumentativo de la naturaleza verdadera y las potencialidades ricas de la comunidad baha"i son una faceta distintiva del avance de la Fe en la cuarta época de la Edad Formativa.

Al contemplar estas senales y presagios maravillosos, no podemos resistir el impulso de expresar nuestro amor y aprecio profundos a los Consejeros Continentales, y a sus Cuerpos Aurxiliares, quienes estimulan y apoyan esfuerzos que hacen posible el logro de hechos tan estupendos como los que ya se han citado y cuyas ministraciones, mas especialmente, incitan el empuje dinamico del trabajo de la ensefianza, la cual es lo fundamental de todos los éxitos de la comunidad. Estamos deleitados y alentados inmesurablemente por el comienzo vigoroso que han dado los Cuerpos de Consejeros al entrarenel nuevo término de sus indispensables servicios al mundo baha’i que son altamente apreciados. Las iniciativas nuevas hacia las cuales, con el aliento de todo corazén y el apoyo esnek del Centro Internacional de En sefianza, dirigen actualmente sus energias €s de buen una culminacién grata del Plan de Seis Afios. Que sus esfuerzos se refuercen grandemente por el aumento, a partir del Dia del Convenio de este afio, en el ntimero de miembros del Cuerpo Auxiliar a 846: 90 miembros mas 7 existen en la actualidad. La comunidad mundial ciertamente aceptari con bienvenida el poder que traeri esta accién al abarque y a la calidad de los deberes espirituales asignados a los miembros del Cuerpo Auxiliary asus ayudantes, cuyo funcionamiento de base es una garantia de la expansién y de la consolidacién continuas de nuestra Fe gloriosa.

El progreso magnifico del Plan de Seis Afios ilumina nuestros espiritus y exalta nuestras esperanzas. Han pasado todos

menos uno de los afios de aquel Plan y se ha hechoun avance poderosc hacia el logrode sus siete objetivos mayores. Nuestra comunidad ha cambiado dramiticamente de lo que era a comienzos del Plan en el 1986 Se ha expandido y desarrollado grandemente. Es mas diversa, mas dinamica, mas distintiva. Al entrar nosotros en el afio final del Plan de Seis Afios, un horizonte de perspectivas emocionantisimas nos enfrenta a todos:

La preparacin de la traduccién al ingles, anotada y largamente. del Kitdb-i Agdas, ¢1 Libro de las Leyes, el Libro Mas Sagrado, el Libro Madre de la Revelacion de Bahd'u' llth, serd completada: un logro monumental que solo y de porsihara entrar una nueva etapa en la evolucién del mundo baha’i y coronara asi los logros del Plan de Seis Anos.

Comenzara el movimiento de tierras en las Terrazas inferiores del Santuario del Bab y Ia excavacién para el Centro de! Estudio de los Textos y el Anexoal Edificio de los Archivos Internacionales, iniciando asi una nueva fase en estas poderosas empresas sobre el Monte Sagrado de Dios que son de significancia incalculable

El final del Plan mareara el comienzo de! Afio Santo, de 1992 a 1993, una pausa consiente de un aio de duracién, para permitirle a Sus seguidores rendir tributo digno al Centenario de la Ascension de Baha'u'llah y de la inauguracion de Su Convenio unificador del mundo. Segun ya se ha anunciado, se estin planificando observancias mayores para reflejar la naturaleza distintiva y la importancia mundialmente estremecedora de las dos ocasiones.

El uno: la concurrencia de representantes del mundo baha"i, juntos a los Caballeros de Bahd"u'llah, en Bahji en los recintos de la Mansion, desde donde el Espiritu liberace de Baha'u'llah acudio al trono de Su soberania celestial, y en las cercanias de! Santuario Mas Sagrado, en donde se de positara la Lista de Honor de los Caballe ros de Baha‘u"llah como gesto indicativo de la respuesta de Sus amantes a Su llamado de difundir Sus ensefianzas en todo el mundo. Alli en Bahji esta concurrencia se ocupara en un acto solemne de alabanza. las lecturas sagradas para el cual se com partiran préximamente con las comunidades baha ‘is en todos sitios para usarse €n sus propias conmemoraciones, para asi unificar la experiencia devocional de! mundo baha’i entero durante esta observancia centenaria

El otro: El Congreso Mundial programado a realizarse del 23 al 26 de noviembre de 1992 en la Ciudad de Nueva York donde el amado Maestro revels las implicaciones de Su comoe! nom brado Centro del Convenio de Bahay "lah y la cual El designd como la Ciudad de! Convenio. En todo el mundo, las comunidades bahd"is realizaran eventos auxiliares apropiados para magnificar !

ito del Congreso, el cual es de celebrar el centenario de 1a inauguracion de! Convenio de Baha‘u'thih y de proclamar ‘sus metas y su poder unificador. Un coro larioa estas actividades seri la distribucion amplia de una declaracion sobre Baha u'llah, preparada a pedido nuestro por ba Oficina de Informacién Publica, la cual serviri tanto como fuente de estudio ¢ inspiracion para jos baha ‘ts mismos al gua! que una publicacién informativa pars presentacién al publico. De éstas y otras

Vea MENSAJE pagina 23

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

Complete listing of 1991 Summer Schools

REGIONAL BAHA'I SUMMER SCHOOLS

Attending a Bahd'i Summer School can be an invigorating experience. It is here that the friends can deepen in their knowledge of the Faith, learn more about teaching the Cause, and feel a wonderful sense of fellowship in a Bahd’i atmosphere. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

ALABAMA

Dates: June 20-23

Location: Montevallo State University, Montevallo, AL

Facilities: College dormitories, cafeteria meals, college classrooms

Recreation: Swimming, volleyball, basketball

Rates: please call

For more information, contact Keitha Hudson, Birmingham, AL 35222; (205) 595-9905

CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN

Theme: “The Teaching Work: “To Labor, Serenely, Confidently and Unremittingly ... Leading Humanity to the Loftiest Summits of Power and Glory”

Dates: June 28-July 1

Location: Pilgrim Pines, Yucaipa, CA

Facilities: Heated cabins, main lodge for meals, lodges and rooms for classes

Recreation: Hiking, swimming, volleyball

Rates: $110 Adult, $90 Youth (10-15 years), $50 Children (3-9 years), $10 Infants (0-2 years); $30 Day students

Pre-registration: June |

Registrar. Farhad Shahriary,

Chino Hills, CA 91709; (714)

628-6877

COLORADO—EAST

Theme: “The Life of Baha*u'llah™

Dates: August 9-13

Location: YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch, near Granby, CO

Facilities: Lodges, cafeteria meals (vegetarian available)

Recreation: Horseback riding, hiking, swimming pool, volleyball, roller skating

Rates: $110 Adults, $78 Youth and Children (3-15 years)

Registrar: John Bolz, Lafayette, CO 80026; (303) 666-9275

COLORADO—WEST

Theme: ~The Significance of the Station and Mission of Baha‘u'llah”

Dates: June 20-23

ge Camp Ilium, near Telluride, Cc

Facilities: Dormitory and cabins, cafeteria meals, some tent space available

Recreation: Volleyball, fishing, hiking

Rates: $40 Adult (21 and older), $32 Youth (13-20), $15 Junior Youth (5-12), $10 Children (5 and younger); Day students $15 Adult and Youth, $5 Children 12 and younger

Registrar. Carol Hitti, Cortez,CO 81321; (303) 565-7910

FLORIDA

Theme: “All Are Created By God”; topics of study include the Mission of Baha'u'llah, Living the Life, Teaching the Cause

Dates: July 3-7

Location: Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL

Facilities; Dormitories, cafeteria-style meals (special meals available), college classrooms

Recreation: Tennis courts, basketball,

swimming pool Rates: call registrar Pre-registration: June 24 Registrar: Peggy Johnson, Sunrise, FL 33313; (305) 748-0936 GREEN LAKE CONFERENCE—

WISCONSIN

Dates: September 13-15

Location: American Baptist Assembly, Green Lake, WI

Facilities: Dorms, campsites, cabins, private rooms, cafeteria-style meals

Recreation: Swimming pool, biking, hiking, boating, fishing, tennis, golf

Rates: please call

For more information, call Sue Schaut,

. Sun Prairie, WI 53590;

(608) 837-8609

IDAHO

Theme: “Reach Out and Teach”

Dates: June 12-16

Location: Camp Sawtooth, near Ketchum, ID

Recreation: Volleyball, basketball, indoor and outdoor games

Rates: If preregistered, $65 Adult, $45 Child, plus variable rates, call registrar

Pre-registration: June 1

Registrar: Seme Newlin,

American Falls, Idaho 83211, (208)

548-2677

ILLINOIS

Theme: “The Life, Role, and Writings of

Abdu'l-Baha”

Dates: June 26-30

Location: Camp Wokanda, near Peoria, iL

Facilities: Lodging in rustic cabins, your own tent, or nearby motels, meals in camp dining hall, classes in hall, cabins and tents

Recreation: Large swimming pool, hiking, outdoor

Rates: $105 Adults (15 and older), $70 Youth/Children (3-14), $20 Children (2 and younger); contact registrar for day and weekend rates

Pre-registration: June 12 (Save $10 per person if pre-registered)

Registrar: Leon Stevens, Salem, IL 62881; (618) 548-0269

IOWA

Theme: “The Significance of Baha‘u'llah’s Revelation”

Dates: July 4-7

Location: Briar Cliff College, Sioux City, IA

Facilities: dormitory and college classrooms

Rates: Approximate; $85 for Adults; call registrar for more information

Pre-registration: June 15

Registrar; Autumn Wagner,

Boone, IA 50036, (515) 432-5162

KANSAS

Theme: “The Station and Mission of Baha’u'llah™

Dates: June 1-3

Location: Rock Springs 4-H Camp, Junction, KS

Facilities: Cabins, family-style dining in cafeteria; convention buildings with auditorium and meeting rooms

Recreation: Swimming pool, horseback riding, canoeing, hiking

Rates: $15 Adults, $65 Youth (13-18), $55 Children (5-12)

Registrar: Shahrokh Khaze, P. O. Box 862, Topeka, KS 66601; (913) 266-2419

KENTUCKY

Theme: “Baha'u'llah: His Life and Teachings”

Dates: June 21-23

Location: Kentucky Leadership Conference Center, Lake Cumberland, KY

Facilities: Individual rooms, single to quad, families can room together, camping available; group meals

Recreation: Swimming, hiking, lakeside

games Rates: Variable with room type chosen and age; call registrar Registrar: Chris Hamilton, Bowling Green, KY 42101; (502) 782-9060 MARYLAND Theme: “The Station and Mission of Baha‘u"llah™ Dates: August 2-5 Location: Frostburg State University, Frostburg, MD Facilities: Dorm rooms and cafeteria; camping nearby Recreation: Swimming, softball, nature walks Rates: $110 Adult double, $115 Adult single, $90 Children double, $50 Child, $60 Day students Pre-registration: July 1 Registrar: Pam Rodgers, Sterling, VA, 22170; (703) 4441512 MINNESOTA Theme: “The Fourth Epoch” _Dates, August 21-25 Location:

ee cafeteria meals; indoor meeting Recreation: Softball, shuffleboard, swimming pool, boating, hiking Rates: Contact registrar Pre-registration: August 7 Registrar: Mr. Stephen Grams, ‘Willmar, MN 56207; (612) 235-6530 MISSISSIPPI Th “Connecting Hearts with Baha'u'llah” Dates: June 14-16 Location: USM Gulf Park Conf. Center, Long Beach, MS Facilities: Hotel-style lodging, meals provided at site Rates: $79 Adult, $79 Youth, $29 Children (10 and younger); $32 Day student Adult, $9 Day student child Registrar: John Cotton, Vicksburg, MS 39180; (601) 6341583 MONTANA Dates; August 4-10 Location: Luccock Park Camp, near Livingston, MT Facilities: Cabins and meals provided, camper space available Recreation: Horseback riding,swimming at Hot Springs, fishing, hiking, softball Rates: $100 Adult (16 and older), $70 Youth (12-15), $40 Children (5-11), $10 Toddlers and Infants (0-4) Registrar: Jahan Lohrasbi, Butte, MT 59701; (406) 494

6627 [Full scholarship available for American Indians} NEBRASKA Theme: “The Baha'u'llah” Dates: July 18-21

World Order of

Location: State 4-H Camp, Halsey National Forest, Halsey, NE

Registrar: Colin Taylor, North Platte, NE 69101; (308) 5344939 NEVADA—NORTH Theme: “The Life and Teachings of Baha‘u'llah™ Dates: July 4-7 es Sic ere nee Carson City, NV Facilities: Dormitories,campdining hall, classrooms in camp education building

Hiking, basketball

Rates: Registration fee: $12, $4.50 per bed per night, $3.50 breakfast and lunch, $5.50 dinner Pre-registration: June 1S Registrar: Susan Matheny, Carson City, NV 89701; (702) 883-7814 NEW YORK Theme: “Life and Teachings of Baha'u'llah, the King of Kings” Dates: August 16-25

Location: Oakwood School, NY

Facilities: Dormitories, 2 beds per room, meals in dining room

Recreation: Gymrasium, tennis courts, pool, volleyball

Rases: Call registrar

Pre-registration: Aug. 1

Registrar: Jean Jaczko, Newburgh, NY 12550; (914) 564-3813

OREGON—EAST

Theme: “Life and Teachings of Baha‘u'lléh™

Duet 14-18

Rates: $60 Adult, $60 Youth (12 and older), $50 Children (3-11), $225 Family

Ree Pre-registration: August 1 Registrar: Jackie Barthel-Hines, Island City, OR 97850; (503) 963-8559

OREGON—WEST

Theme: “Station and Mission of Baha‘u'llah™

Dates: August 14-18

Location: Camp Myrtlewood, near Roseburg, OR

Facilities: Camp with dormitories, space for tents, RVs, good bathroom facilities, excellent meals

Recreation: Swimming, hiking, outdoor

sports

Rates: $55 Adult, $45 Youth (9-20), $33 Children (2-8), $180 Family

Pre-registration: August S

Registrar: Mrs. Star Stone,

Roseburg, OR 97470; ($03) 673 3737

SOUTH CAROLINA

Theme: “Baha’u' lah, the King of Kings”

Dates: June 13-16

Location: Louis Q. Gregory Baha'i In

�[Page 17]The American Baha'i / May 1991/

stitute, Hemingway, SC Facilities: Dorms and nearby hotels Rates: contact registrar Registrar: Jannie Green, LGI, Hemingway, SC 29554; (803) 558-5093

TENNESSEE Theme: “Baha*u'llah: Catalyst toa New World Order™ Dates: August 30-September 2 Location: Dubois Conference Center, Mt. Eagle, TN For more information, contact Linda Hendrickson, Chattanooga, TN 37421; (615) 855-1370 TEXAS—NORTH Theme: “Life and Teachings of Baha‘u'llah” Dates: August 17-20 Location: Bridgeport Conference Center Facilities: Closed campus, meals provided, bring own bedding and linen, airconditioned Recreation: Swimming, summer sports, hayrides Rates: $99 Adult (15 and older), $87 Youth (10-14), $57 Children (3-9) Pre-registration: August 2 Registrar: John Leonard, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; (214) 641-6566 WASHINGTON—EAST/IDAHO— NORTH Dates: June 30-July 6 Location: Camp Wooten, near Pomeroy, WA Facilities: Cabins for 12, meals provided Recreation: Indoor heated pool, hiking, team sports, tennis, canoeing Rates: $80 Senior Citizens, $105 Adults (18 and older), $75 Youth (15-17), $60 Junior Youth (11-14), $45 Children (6-10), $30 Children (2-5), $17 Infants (0-1); $365 Family Pre-registration: June 15 Registrar: Carla Freeman, Ellensburg, WA 98926; (509) 962-6669 WASHINGTON—WEST Theme: “The Life and Station of Baha'u'llah” Dates: August 11-16 Location: Brighton Creek Conf. Grounds, McKenna, WA Facilities: cabins, cafeteria-style meals in dining hall, classes indoors and in tents Recreation: hiking, nature trails, volleyball, badminton Rates: $150 Adults, $110 Youth (8-12), $92 Children (3-7) Pre-registration: July 15 Registrar: Peg Van Meer, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273; (206) 336-2588 WISCONSIN Theme: “A Study of Epistle to the Son of the Wolf” Dates: July 15-19 ar Byron Center, Brownsville, Facilities: 2-3 beds per room with shared bath, camping available with electricity,

family-style dining room, indoor classes Recreation: Swimming pool, hiking, baseball, volleyball, basketball, Rates: $140 Adults (14 and older), $70 Children (5-13), $425 Family Pre-registration: June 30 Registrar: Jim Hannen, North Prairie, WI 53153, (414) 392-3304

PERMANENT BAHA‘L

SCHOOLS—SUMMER SESSIONS

Full brochures of activities at the permanent schools are available from their of fices.

BOSCH BAHA'I SCHOOL

500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060; (408) 423-3387

June 29-July 4

“China is the Country of the Future”: Classes in Mandarin and English will study topics including “The Divine Polity: Unity East and West,” Chinese Philosophy and the Baha*i Faith, and Communicating Across Cultures; texts studied include Baha'i Administration

July 6-11

“A Sound Economy in a Just Society Addressing the Environmental Dilemma” Focus will be on the environment, forming an “action agenda,” equality of men and women as it relates to the environment and a sound economy, and the “Cultural and Human Environment: Spoletto Island, A Case Study”; texts for study include The Conservation of the Earth's Resources and The Promise of World Peace

July 13-18

“Bringing

study of family life Primary Mission”: A study of the Kitab-iAhdand the Willand Testamént of *Abdu'l‘Bati#} "A Standard of Excellence: Making Work an Expression of Worship” and “But What About the Homemaker?”; plus intensive optional classtime further studying “Our Primary Mission”

[contact Bosch for information on.general and intensive sessions}

July 20-25

“The Healing of Racism”: Texts forstudy will be The Advent of Divine Justice, 1991 Statement on Race Unity from the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S., and The Power of Unity, a compilation; “A Study of Epistle to the Son of the Wolf”: please bring the study guides from The American Baha'i; “Women and Men/Mothers and Fathers”

July 27-August 1

Junior Youth Week: “The Significance of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah”

August 3-8

“The Oneness and Wholeness of the Human Family”: A study of race unity, guided by the 1991 Statement on Race Unity issued by the National Spiritual Assembly, with careful study of The Advent of Divine Justice and The Power of Unity, a compilation; “The Qur'an”; Storytelling of the life and family of Baha'u'llah, plus a storytelling workshop

August 10-15

“The World Order of Baha’u'llah”; “Creating True Community through Personal Action”; texts include The World Order of Baha'u'llah, Baha'i Administration, The Advent of Divine Justice

August 17-22

“The Example of Abdu'l-Baha”; “Personal Transformation”; “A Study of The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys”

August 24-29

“A Fundamentally Different Order,” studying the principles and processes of Baha'i Administration as they relate to the transformation of self and of society; “A

Up Parents”: A workshop “Understanding Our

Study of Epistle to the Son of the Wolf," A Messenger of Joy,” studying the meaning of death; “Shoghi Effendi’s Guidance for Teaching and Transformation,” particularly studying Citadel of Faith LOUHELEN BAHA'I SCHOOL

3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423; (313) 653-5033

June 7-9

Women's Conference, “Women in the Vanguard”: Sessions will explore issues and the Writings about the equality of women and men, the development of individual capacity, and the significant role of women in this age

June 14-16

Youth Workshop Training for youth involved in or interested in dance/music/ drama wi

June 23-28

Camp Louhelen: spiritual, educational, social, emotional, and physical development of children in a camp-style program; children should be between grades 3 and 6; contact Louhelen for specific details

June 28-July 3

Teacher Training Week: “Empower ment: Teaching about Baha'u'llah,” fo cusing on how to empower children and youth by teaching about Baha'u'llah and empowering the teachers of children and youth with insights, skills, materials, and tools to help carry out this task. Please register early

July 5-10

“A Lifetime of Service—Conference on Pioneering,” sponsored and arranged by the Office of Pioneering, sessions will discuss the Covenant, life goals, preparation for pioneering, cultural awareness, and a special session for returned pioneers

July 12-17

Senior Youth Week for ages 15 and

older, please check with Louhelen for further details

July 18-21

Persian Arts and Culture Conference: co-sponsored by the National Persian/ American Affairs Office and a special Louhelen committee; the sessions will primarily be held in Persian, with some similar programs in English; its purpose is to familiarize Baha*is with the cultural background of the Writings and to help the Persian friends retain contact with their culture

July 21-27

Elderhostel, sponsored by Louhelen and the University of Michigan-Flint; emphasis is on grandparents and grandchildren

August 2-7

Family Week 1

Adult Sessions: “Leaming, Teaching and Transformation on the Road to Entry by Troops,” and “The Challenge Facing Us,” based on recent directives from the Universal House of Justice and senior institutions

Children’s Classes and Afternoon Family Sessions will be focused on environmental and cultural awareness

August 9-14

Junior Youth Week for junior youth, ages 11-15. Contact Louhelen for more details.

August 16-21

Family Week 2— Focus on Environment and Education

Adult Sessions: “Turning Over a New Leaf,” studying environmental issues and the Writings; “Balancing Family Life reer and the Faith,” covering Baha*i marriage, being whole people, and integrating our lives

Children’s Classes and Afternoon Fam ily Activities: “Environmental Aware ness—Singing the Earth Beautiful”

August 30-September 2

Homecoming Weekend: social occasion for Louhelen alumni, old and new, to gather ae fellowship, recreation, inspiration, and

GREEN ACREBAHA'i SCHOOL

188 Main St.; Eliot, ME 03903; (207) 439-7200

General notes:

Primary courses of study are highlighted here. Each session also includes

various short topics by special guest speakers, and interesting activities for those of all ages.

All sessions, with the exception of the

Youth Institute, include classes forall ages.

Capacity is limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged.

Fora brochure, phone 207

439-7200, or write to Green Acre Baha'i School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903.

July 14-20

“Youth Institute” with intensive, disciplined study of the Baha'i Writings pat termed to prepare young Baha'is to better serve the Cause. Limited participation: Baha'i youth ages 14-19; special applica tion required. Contact the Green Acre of fice

July 21-26

“Epistle to the Son of the Wo Baha’ ulah’s Last Great Tablet.“ Presenter Duane Troxel. “Seeking Spiritual Enlight enment and Transformation.” reflecting o the way of life of the Holy Family, the Bab and Baha'u'llah

July 28-August 2

“Building the City of God,” reflections on the significance of the completion of the Arc, the centenary of the Ascension of Baha'u'llah, and the inauguration of His Covenant. Presenter: Bob Harris. “A Day in the Life of a Baha'i,” investigating the importance of Baha'i Holy Days. the Feast and rites of passage. Presenters: Rodney and Janet Richards, Barbara Harris.

August 4-9

“Quickeners of Mankind.” Presenter Thelma Khelghati. “The Environment: A Baha'i Perspective.” Presenter: Andrew Fraser. “Forerunners of the New Age,” identifying and relating the accomplish ments of many individuals from various nationalities and religious backgrounds as they relate to the establishment of the new World Order. Presenter: Andrew Fraser

August 11-16

“Living with Bereavement.” Presenter Pamela Frankenfeld. “Marriage and Fam ily in the New World Order.” Presenter Marvin Hughes.

August 18-23

“Justice: My Gift to Thee.” Presenter: Marvin Hughes. "Toward a Divine Civili zation,” analyzing the process of commu nity building and the Institutions of the Faith. Presenter: Cap Comwell

A note to those who may be moving

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

For your convenience, an address change form appears oa the last page | of each issue of The American Baha ‘i Simply fill it out, place it in an envelope, and mail to: Management Information Systems, Baha Natooa! Center, Wilmette, IL 60091

�[Page 18]Page 18 / The American Baha'i / May 1991

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�[Page 21]The American Baha'i / May 1991 / Page 21

ee er

UNITED NATIONS

From February 27-March 8, delegation representing the Baha'i International Community (BIC) took part in the 35th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

Heading the delegation to the confer. ence in Vienna, Austria, was Mary Power, representative to the UN for the BIC in New York. Representatives from BIC Geneva were Gianni Ballerio and Liesbeth Bos; and from BIC Vienna, Bahia Ettehadieh and Neda Forghani

Priorities addressed by the Commission were equality: vulnerable women including migrant women; development: national, regional and international machinery for effective integration of women in the de velopment process; and peace: refugee and displaced women and children

An oral statement was presented by the BIC on behalf of the Advocates for African Food Security: lessening the burden for women. The BIC is a founding member and convenor of the Advocates which continues to provide opportunities for linking with delegates of African governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Ms. Power chaired a luncheon consulta jaha'i deliv: benediction for S.D. State of City address

In January, Mayor Maurene O’Connor

of San Diego asked a Baha'i, Margaret Hough, to deliver the benediction preceding the mayor's annual State of the City address. More than 1,400 people in the audience heard a Baha'i prayer for mankind, and the prayer was also included in an invitation sent to more than 2,000 people.

Left photo: Dr. Victor de Araujo (right), who recently retired after serving 23 years as Bahd't representative to the United Nations, and his successor, Techeste Ah

. A recent project undertaken by the Ad

tion held by the Advocates and attended by delegates and representatives of international NGOs.

vocates is a survey on African food security that is being circulated among individuals and NGOs. Mrs. Alasebu Gebre Selassie (BIC) will analyze the results which will then be compiled in a booklet to be circulated to UN offices, government delegates and interested NGOs.

Indicative of the warm relationships developed over time through the BIC’s work on women's issues were the many invitations to major receptions received by the Baha’i delegates. The ready acceptance of Baha’i principles put forth by Baha'i delegations at international forums on not only women’s issues, but on human rights, education and environment is increasingly apparent

Orlando Intercalary Days celebration, puppet show draws more than 200

More than 200 Baha'is from central Florida gathered in February for an In tercalary Days celebration in Orlando.

Preparations for the event were chron. icled in an article February 23 in a half. page article in the Orlando Sentinel that included interviews with Baha'is and back. ground information on the meaning of Intercalary Days and the history and teachings of the Faith

‘The observance itself consisted of a pot luck supper, prayers, fellowship, and en tertainment including songs by the chil dren and a puppet show, “The Small Puppets for a Great Tomorrow,” written and directed by Lea Nys, a traveling teacher from Brussels, Belgium

Also performing was Wendy Lewis, a Baha'i youth from Winter Springs, who presented a brief ballet excerpt from Tchaikovsky's “Nutcracker” suite.

derom (left), discuss UN issues with members of the National Spirinial Assembly (left to right) Firuz Kazemzadeh, James F. Nelson and Robert C. Henderson during

Baha'i delegation takes part in 35th session of UN Commission on Status of Women

Representatives from the U.S. to the 35th session in Vienna, Austria, of the UN Com on on the Status of Women were (left US.

to right) Juliette McLennan, Am dor to the UN Commission on the of Women; and representatives to for non-governmental organiza

Sen. Heinz from page 1

“Atthat time, the government of the new Islamic Republic of lran had executed more than 100 Baha‘i religious leaders and had unleashed a campaign of harassment against the Baha’i community, Iran's largest reli gious minority group.

“For 10 years, John Heinz played a key role in this work for religious liberty. He was a leading sponsor of each of the four concurrent resolutions and other appeals adopted by the U.S. Congress over the past decade.

“These expressions of congressional con cer have helped to persuade the Iranian government to moderate its treatment of Baha'is.

“We value and honor Sen. Heinz’ work

the National Assembly's visit in February to the Bahd'i International Community offices in New York City. Right photo William Davis (left), treasurer of the

tions: Esther Hymer, International Fed eration of Business and Profe. 2 Women; Kay Fraleigh, Internationc liance of Women; Mary Power, E ternational Com American Assoc (AARP

Sen. Hein catsup for service and w: the past 2

member of Congsess

years

Chili supper raises $1,400 The Bal Cm

of the greater

Ohio, area we the Spiritual 4 chili lunch entitled Company.”

The Assembly served al and their guests, enjoyed the: I and raised $1,400 for the National

National Spiritual Assemiyy state of the Nai Chittleborough. « Spiritual Assembly 0}

discusses th

BIC welcomes National Spiritual Assembly to its offices in New York City

On February 15, the Baha {International Community (BIC) officially welcomed the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States to its offices

The National Assembly started its week end of meetings in New York City with an evening of fellowship with the staff at the

BIC.

The UN representatives were given an opportunity to share with the members of the National Assembly and with Counselor William Roberts and David Chittleborough, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia, news of their various

projects and undertakings.

“For the Baha’i International Commu: nity in New York,” said Counselor Wilma Ellis, director-general of the BIC, “this is an historic occasion. We had the great honor of welcoming Counselor William Roberts, the members of the US. National

Spiritual Assembly the National Spiritua’ lia

“This visit wil global ties that develop wi

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Assembly of Aust

furthe:

�[Page 22]

Page 22 / The American Baha'i / May 1991

BAHA'I DISTRIBUTION SERVICE OPINION SURVEY

‘The National Spiritual Assembly is seeking your opinions and comments on how the Baha'i Publishing Trust and Baha'i Distribution Service can better serve the Baha'i Community. The Assembly is currently undertaking a study of these operations. The theme of this study is “striving for excellence” in service. The goal is to build stronger organizations that better reflect this attitude of excellence in their service to the community.

The following survey is intended to give you an opportunity to do your part in helping the Assembly in this endeavor. Please complete the survey by checking the appropriate box for each question. Any questions and all completed surveys should be directed to:

Baha'i National Center Office of the Secretary Wilmette, IL 60091

Phone 708-869-9039 ext. 201

1. Do you feel you are well-informed regarding the release of new Baha'i materials? (J Never [J Sometimes CJ Always

2. In general, what is your opinion of the prices of Baha'i books? [JLow (Just Right (1) Too High

3. How would you rate the service provided by the Baha'i Distribution Service? (J Poor [Good O) Very Good CO) Excellent

4. Does your Baha'i community have an active, functioning Baha'i Distribution Service Representative? (JNo 1] Yes

$. Do you usually find books in languages other than English to be in stock? []Never [Sometimes C] Always

If not, what languages are needed?

6. Please rate the importance of the following categories of books. Lowest Highest A. Sacted Texts (Central Figures of the Paith) -O1 G2 O3 Os Os+ B Children’s books -O1 O2 O3 Os Os+ C Teaching and deepening materials (Mass Distribution) -O1 O02 03 O4 Os D. Biographies of Baha'is 010203 Os OsE. Scholarly works on the Faith O1 O2 O3 O24 Os F Compilations from the Writings. O1 O2 O3 O4 Os+ G. General histories of the Faith O:1 O2 O3 O4 Os H_ Books on aspects of teaching -O1 O2 O3 O4 Os+ 1. General introductions to the Faith. -O1 O2 Os Os Os

7. Are Baha'i materials available for sale at Baha'i events you attend? (Never C] Sometimes Always

8. How does the price of Baha't books compare to similar books from general publishers? (JLower (]Same C1 Higher

9. How would you rate the level of service and response you receive from the BDS

when placing an order by: when dealing with a problem by:

A. Phone -0:10203040s+ -Oi O2 O3 Os Os+

B Mail O1 O2 O3 Os Os- -O1 G2 O3 Os Os+

A. Ordering from the BDS directly El

B. Ordering through my BDS Representative QO

C. Purchasing at Baha'i events oO

D. Ido not ever order Baha'i books

11. Do you purchase books published by other Baha'i Publishers through BDS or directly from the publishers? Dithe publisher Opps O)both

12. What portion of your BDS orders are usually fulfilled? (Give answer in a percentage, for example 80%)

13. Would you financially support the establishment of an endowment for the Sacred Text that would be used to ensure their availability? (Yes CNo C Possibly Ora long-term loan for such a purpose? Cl Yes [No Possibly

14. I last ordered Baha'i materials months ago. The order totaled $ 15. Please comment on the Baha'i books from the following publishers. Appearance Usefulness Quality of Content Overall Value 45

12 Baha'i Publishing Trust - USA IC George Ronald i Kalimat Press One World Naturegraph Boha'i Publishing Trust - INDIA Baha'i Publishing Trust - UK Association for Baha'i Studies

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Baha'is conduct clinic for two weeks at hospital in Palacios, Honduras

From December 28 to January 12, Dr Wayne Davenport, a surgeon from Alaska and friend of the Bahi‘is, and Dr. Bill Gitchell, a Baha"i from Hutchinson, Kansas, traveled with their wives to Hospital Bayan in Palacios, Honduras, where they held a two-week surgical clinic.

Project Bayan is a combination hospital and Baha'i teaching project serving an isolated area in northern Honduras of widely scattered villages connected by rivers, bayous and lagunas and containing about 10,000 or more people who have no other access to medical services.

The hospital, which opened in 1986, was built largely by Dr. Barry Smith and his wife, Marilyn, Baha"is from Indiana, Dr Housheng Sabripour and his wife, Na"ime, Persian Baha‘is who are now citizens of Honduras; Vern Iverson of Minneapolis, and countless other volunteers and donors.

This was Dr. Davenport's and Dr. Git chell’s second trip to perform medical ser vices at the hospital. In their two visits, they performed 55 procedures.

Their wives, Marcia Gitchell and Terry Davenport, both of whom are Baha is, also worked in the operating room where, be cause of the hospital's remoteness and the difficulty of maintaining electricity and obtaining supplies, conditions are compe rable to those seen in the U.S. 75-100 years ago.

‘The Davenports and Gitchelis plan to retum twice a year as long 2s possible to offer continued services

Besides the medical services offered by Drs. Smith and Sabripour, they have a continual flow of young Bahd"is on a year of service who use Project Bayan as the center for teaching operations.

‘These young people travel by canoe and often walk many miles to villages to teach the Faith. As a result of their efforts, thou. sands of new Baha'is have been enrolled in the area in the past several years

Since Hospital Bayan is not yet self. supporting, Dr. Smith works several months each year outside of Palacios as public health physician for all of Central America under a U.S. government-sponsored program.

Ben Short, a young Baha ‘i from Bettendory. Jowa, is pictured shortly after earning his “Unity of Mankind” badge as a Cub Scout The cake he is holding was baked by his mother to celebrate the occasion; itsdesign is a copy of the pin Ben received and mow wears on his Scout uniform.

�[Page 23]The American Baha'i / May 1991 / Page 23

maneras, la comunidad del Mas Grande Nombre se esforzara por proyectar el Nombre de Baha'u'llah por todo el globo, a hacer de El una eminencia conocida en la conciencia de los pueblos en todas partes.

Una confluencia tan excepcional de logros inminentes—la publicacion del Kitdb-i-Agdas,el progreso de los proyectos de construccién en el Monte Carmelo, la conclusion del Plan de Seis Afios, el co mienzo del Afio Santo—anima la expec tativa del mundo baha’i, prepara el escenario para esfuerzos mas poderosos de los que yase han intentado, y nos dirige a todos hacia la apertura de una nueva fase en la historia. Parece digno pues que la ley sagrada que le permita a cada uno expresar su sentido personal de devocion a Dios en un acto de consciencia profundamente privado que promueve el bien comin, que conecta directamente al creyente individual con la Institucion Central de la Fe, y que, por sobre todo, le asegura al obediente y al sincero la gracia inefable y las bendiciones

“O Friends! “Abandon not the everlasting

abundantes de la Providencia, debe, enesta coyuntura propicia, abrazarse por todos aquellos que profiesen su creencia en la Manifestacién Suprema de Dios. Con humildad ante nuestro soberano Senor, anunciamos en este momento que a partir de Ridvan de 1992, el comienzodel Afio Santo, la Ley del Huququ'llah, el Derecho de Dios, se hara vigente universalmente. A todos se les llama amorosamente a observarla

Nuestros muy queridos hermanos y hermanas: Atestiguen como el Bienamado ha respondidoa nuestras suplicas. Vean como El ha enriquecido nuestras vidas con hermanos nuevos e instituciones nuevas en tierras hasta ahora cerradas a Su Palabra curativa. Consideren con cuanta potencia se estin afrimando Sus prescripciones divinas como pautas para el comportamiento de naciones grandes y pequenas. Seguramente tales bendiciones abundantes les han imbuido de valentia indomita y de confianza para enfrentar un futuro desa. fiante pero brillante. En verdad, ustedes se han emprendido en este ao propicio cemidos para el triunfo definitivo del Plan de Seis Afios.

Que continuen, por medio de sus actos abnegados en Su servicio, siendo ben decidos de la mina inagotable de Su amor

beauty fora beauty that must die, and set not your affections on this mortal world of dust."--Bahd‘u'llah

y tierno cuidado. Casa Universal de Justicia Ridvan de 1991

‘Excellence in all things...’

Jim Haslip, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Tuolumne County, Califor nia, is one of nine school superintendents nationwide to receive this year's Kennedy Center School Administrator award. Dr. Haslip, superintendent of the Twain Harte School District, was recognized for his commitment to exellence in arts education. Last December, he was named the state's top school administrator by the California Alliance for Arts Education and recognized as an “outstanding school administrator” by the state Department of Education

Robert Ahdieh, a 19-year-old Baha'i who is a freshman at Princeton University, has been recognized by President George Bush for his “commitment to community

service.” A letter to Robert commended him for his activities that, the President said, are “a shining example for us all.” Mr. Ahdieh was recommended as a candidate for the President's “Daily Points of Light” by Congressman Bill Green of New York, who referred to him as an extraordinary young man. While at Radnor (Pennsylvania) High School, Robert and his sister organized the school’s Peace Club. He was also active in various volunteer services for senior citizens and the environment. After graduation, he undertook a Youth Year of Service at the Baha'i World Center in Haifa, Israel.

Ramine Yazhari, a 16-year-old Baha'i from Belle Mead, New Jersey, has won first prize of a $1,000 college scholarship in an essay-writing contest, “Take a Leap into Books,” sponsored by Bell Atlantic-Harper’s Magazine Foundation. Ramine, who picked up an entry form only three days before the contest deadline, leaped into Shakespeare's play, “Hamlet,” as a confidante of the brooding prince of Denmark, rewriting the tragedy asa tongue-in-cheek satire in which he and Hamlet win a basketball shoot-out with Claudius (the murderer of Hamlet's father) and Polonius, the father of Ophelia (the woman who would be Hamlet's wife). Shamed by the loss, Claudius renounces his throne, Polonius allows Ophelia to marry Hamlet, the ghost of Hamlet's murdered father finally finds rest, and Hamlet repays Ramine by writing his high school term paper (on “Hamlet,” of course), showing such insights that the paper eams an A-plus-plus-plus.

Claudia A. Whitworth, a Baha"i who is editor of the Roanoke (Virginia) Tribune, has been named by Gov. L. Douglas Wilder to serve a four-year term as. a member of the Board of Visitors at Norfolk State University. She was chosen, according to a letter from Lee W. Smith, rector at NSU, for her “broad background and rich experiences,..intense interest in education,...contributions to the life of the community,...and knowledge of the growth, development and struggles of NSU.” Mrs. Whitworth has served on the President's Roundtable at NSU since its inception in January 1989

Valerie Cunningham, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was honored in January by the Martin Luther King Coalition for her work as a community activist, which includes lobbying for a Martin Luther King Jr. holiday in New Hampshire. Ms. Cunningham is an administrative secretary at the University of New Hampshire's Counseling and Testing Center.

Andrew Lavadour, a Baha'i who is an eighth-grade student on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon, has won his school's level of competition and an Opportunity to compete at the state level in the National Geographic Society's

“National Geography Bee.” Besides qualifying for the second yearina row forstate competition in the contest, Andrew is an honor student and member of the school team that recently earned third place in a Regional Math Tournament.

Two years ago, Bahd'is in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, approached the owners ofalocal bookstore toask that they consider accepting Bahé'i books on consignment The owners, Barbara and Jerrey Smith (pictured), who had once lived and worked in Chicago and were familiar with the

House of Worship in nearby Wilmette,

readily agreed, and Baha'i books are now carried on the shelves under 4 philosophy.” In February

display for Black History Mo:

Gayle Morrison p

of the Cause of Gos Be One by Baha i N

Divorce in Baha'i community To the Editor

It is occasionally rumored that the di vorce rate in the American Baha'i commu nity isashighas, or higher than, the divorce rate in American society as a whole. These comments usually reflect the experience in a local Baha"i community, where suddenly several couples seek a divorce in a rela tively short period of time, thereby creating the impression that Baha'is frequently getdivorced. The fact that in other commu: nities, or in the same comunity at other times, relatively few Baha'i marriages fail, often is forgotten.

Noeffort to collect Baha'i divorce statis tics systematically has ever been made,

and therefore no one can say that American Baha'i divorce rate is higher or lower than the American p tion as a whole. But even if such sta were assembled, they wo meaningless because the Ar community is almost impossib pare demographically with American society

Asa result, it would seem that there is value in debating whether the Baha") vorce rate is higher or lower than the rat other groups until detailed data can

gathered and professionally analy

Baha'is have a legitimate concer al divorce in the American Baha'i ex This concem would probably be fo

nity cused best on strengthening the existing marriages, and on deeper so that they enter into marriages more wisely, thereby minimizing the of divorce in our community Rober: Fy

ing the

Our Sacred Obligation

National Baha'i Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

IN MEMORIAM

Mel Altman jemad

Tamarac, FL

Allini Ayotte Woodstock, NH

Atahollah Et Bromall,

Gladys Goss

Santa Maria, CA

Harry Bizzell Goldsboro, NC

lisabeth Buffington Kennett Square, PA

Ashely Carral Goldsboro, NC

H. Vincent Hayden Concord, NH

Mehrdad Hatam San Diego, C.

Pink Hendrick Swannanoa, NC

Alice Johnson Vero Beach, FL

Anne Kelson Burton, SC

Monzelle Lemme Takoma Park, MD

Esiella Longoria

Larry Chapman Charleston, WV

Julia Coleman Evanston, IL.

Richard Denig South Beach, OR

Joseph Dickerson

St. Louis, MO Harlingen, TX Alberta Dubin Ica Lower Merion Station, PA Kelso, WA Mary Edens Avdrey Munroe Charleston, WV Manteca, CA

Mahmoud Neshati Pleasant Hill, CA

Mary Swan o,MA

Elizabeth Buffalo, NY

Charleste

Vera Powell Stockton, CA

Russell Read nC Weaver San Diego, CA St. Louis, MO Virginia Reich Curtis Wilsc San Diego, CA New York, NY Monireh Rezvani Viola Winston Silver Spring, MD Grady, AR

Elvina Mae Rhoden Springfield, OR

Brenda Worobd Elk River, MN

Jamileh Yeganeh- Aran: San Diego, CA

Irene Richmond Manchester, NH

Mary Rivera Pocopson, PA

Florence Altoona, PA

—

Arthur Zucker Marana islands

Fred Robinson Potosi, MO

�[Page 24]Page 24 / The American Baha'i / May 1991

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Six hundred thirty-five people took part program asa contributor to the event, and January 21 in a commemoration of the these Baha'is served cookies, coffee and birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,among punch, collecting more than 1,000 cookies whom were the Bahd'isof Thurston County, from local bakeries and supermarkets and Washington, and the Tacoma Urban baking some themselves.

MAY

23-26: Navajo Unity Gathering, Native American Bahs"{ Institute, Burtwater, Arizona

24-26: 18th annual Conference of Nur, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg. For information, phone 717-232-9163

30-June 7: Pacific Women's Conference, University of Hawaii, Hilo. Co-sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Hawaiian islands and the University of Hawait. open to Bahé'{ and non-Bahs'" participants. For information, contact the University of Hwan» Hilo, CCECS Conference Center, Hilo, HI 96720, or phone 808-933-3555 (Fax 808-93 3684).

JUNE

5: United Nations World Environment Day. For information, write to Baha'is UN Office, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017 (phone 1282),

7-9: Women’s Conference with Counselor Jacqueline Delahunt, Louhelen Baha ‘| Schoc For information, phone 313-653-5033.

9: Race Unity Day

14-16: “Project "91" youth dance/music/drama workshop, Louhelen Baha'i School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

14-16: “First Encounter of Baha*i Artists,” Baha'i Center, Los Angeles, California sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles and El Ruisenor magazine information, write to P.O. Box 512, San Fernando, CA 91340, or phone 818-361-69.

16-27: Youth Academy, Native American Baha'i Institute, Hoock, Arizona. L Spiritual Assemblies are encouraged to inspire and sponsor youth to attend All y

only 20 spaces available, please apply as soon as possible to: Cari North, registrar, Native American Baha'i Institute, P.O. Box 187, Houck, AZ 86506, or phone 602-367 8595,

22-23: Conference for Bahs"i media professionals, Bahs"{ International Community office, New York City, Sponsored by the World Congress Media Task Force

23-28: Fifth annual Camp Louhelen for children grades 3-6, Louhelen Babs | School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

28-July 3: Eighth annual Teacher Training Conference, Loubelen Bahai School. With Dan and Linda Popov, the Grammers, Louhelen’s Teacher Training Committee, others. Fox information, phone 313-653-5033

29-July 4: Bosch Bahé'i School summer session: “China Is the Country of the Petere,~ “The Divine Polity: Uniting East and West,” “Chinese Philosophy and the Babs’ Life.~

29-July L1: 1991 Summer Youth Academy, Bosch Babs’ School. Other sessions to be held July 13-25, August 3-15, and August 17-29. To inspire Bahé’i youth through » disciplined academic approach to deepen in the fundamentals of the Paith. Local Spiritual

Oey orety anl te ceaaibeed eae Deen es, ‘advanced program. As attendance is Henited to 20

students per Academy, early application is advised. Please write to the Academy rogistrer Mrs. Angelina Allen, Cardiff, CA 92007, or phone 619-64.644 |

30: Artists for the Are, 7:30 p.m. Los Angeles Baha'l Center muxtitortam. Roe information, phone Mina Sabet, 714-974-5426

JULY

3-7: Sixth Continental Indigenous Council, Maxwell International Bahd"{ School Shawnigan Lake, B.C.,Cansda. Theme: “Transformation and the Family.~ For information. contact Christine Lucas, Maxwell Intemational Baha’i School, Bag 1000, Shawnigan Lake B.C., Canada VOR 2WO.

5-10: Pioncer Institute, “Lifetime of Service,” with emphasis on the family, Loubelen Baha" School. Co-sponsored by the Office of Pioneering. For information, phone 313-653. 5033.

6-11: “The Environment: Fundamental Issues of 2 Sound Economy in s Just Society,” Bosch Baha‘i School. Baha'i professionals, students or active volunteers in environmental fields are invited to take part in a panel for ACTION AGENDA. To register, send 2 $35 deposit to: Registrar, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or order by charge card by phoning 408-423-3387. To take part in the panel, please submit brief bio, Attention Program Director.

8-13: “Directions for Esperanto—Local and National,” 3rd Midwest Conference, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. For information, phone Sherry Wells, 313-S43-S297, or Steve Brewer, 616-626-8202.

11-14: International Youth Conference, Guadalajara, Mexico. For information, contact the Youth Desk at the Baha'i National Center (phone 708-869-9039).

12-17: Senior Youth Week, Louheen Bahé’i School.

18-21; Second annual Persian arts and culture conference, Louhelen Baha" School. The ee ee nen with the language and culture of Iran and to facilitate an appreciation for and understanding of Baha'i history and writings For information, phone 313-653-5033.

21-27; Elderhostel, sponsored by Louhelen and the University of Michigan-Flint, Loubelen Baha'i School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

27-August I:Junior Youth Week, Bosch Baha"i School.

AUGUST

2-7: Family Week 1, Loubelen Baha'i School, with Auxiliary Board members Sam McClellan and Morris Taylor. For information, phone 313-653-S033. 9-14: Junior Youth Week, Louhelen Baha'i School. 10-14: Art Forum, the Netherlands. 16-21: Pamily Week 2, Louhelen Baha'i School, with focus on the arts and education. For information, phone 313-653-5033. ber 2: Homecoming, Loubelen Baha'i School. For information, phone 313

653-5033, 1: Pioneer Institute, Louis Gregory Baha" Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093. 30-September 2: National Conference oa Growth, Hyatt Lincolnwood Hotel, Lincolnwood, Ilinois. Sponsored by the National Teaching Committee. For information, phone the Teaching Committee office, 708-869-9039 �