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The American Bahá’í

Volume 21, No. 6 | ‘The real treasury of man is his knowledge.’—Bahá’u’lláh | June 1991

THE VISION OF RACE UNITY

America’s most challenging issue

‘Racism is an affront to human dignity, a cause of hatred and division, a disease that devastates society.’

"The Vision of Race Unity—America’s Most Challenging Issue" is a statement by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States about the Bahá’í principles relevant to the elimination of racial prejudice and establishing the principle of the oneness of humankind in American society. It represents the latest chapter in the long history of the American Bahá’í community’s efforts to bring about a reconciliation of races, ethnic groups and religions, efforts that represent the community’s most important contribution to date to the development of the American nation (see related article, page 11). The statement is a conscious elaboration and application of themes expressed in "The Promise of World Peace."

"The Vision of Race Unity" was written not merely for the study of the friends, but for widespread distribution, not only to political leaders and leaders of thought but to the rank and file of American society. Its purpose is to promote unity, both inside and outside the American Bahá’í community. It is also meant to accelerate the teaching work and as a vehicle through which to touch the hearts of people with the healing principles of Bahá’u’lláh.

Racism is the most challenging issue confronting America. A nation whose ancestry includes every people on earth, whose motto is "E pluribus unum," whose ideals of freedom under law have inspired millions throughout the world, cannot continue to harbor prejudice against any racial or ethnic group without betraying itself. Racism is an affront to human dignity, a cause of hatred and division, a disease that devastates society.

Notwithstanding the efforts already expended for its elimination, racism continues to work its evil upon this nation. Progress toward tolerance, mutual respect, and unity has been painfully slow and marked with repeated setbacks. The recent resurgence of divisive racial attitudes, the increased number of racial incidents, and the deepening despair of minorities and the poor make the need for solutions ever more pressing and urgent. To ignore the problem is to expose the country to physical, moral, and spiritual danger.

Aware of the magnitude and the urgency of the issue, we, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, speaking for the entire U.S. Bahá’í community, appeal to all people of goodwill to arise without further delay to resolve the fundamental social problem of this country. We do so because of our feeling of shared responsibility, because of the global experience of the Bahá’í community in effecting racial harmony within itself, and because of the vision that the sacred scriptures of our Faith convey of the destiny of America.

I

The oneness of humanity is the pivot round which revolve all the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith. It is at once a statement of principle and an assertion of the ultimate goal of human experience on the planet. More than a century ago Bahá’u’lláh, the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, wrote: "The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established." It is a principle that issues naturally from the genesis and purpose of human existence. The Word of God as presented in the Bahá’í writings offers compelling insights as in the following examples:

Veiled in My immemorial being and in the ancient eternity of My essence, I knew My love for thee; therefore I created thee, have engraved on thee Mine image and revealed to thee My beauty.

Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other. Ponder at all times in your hearts how ye were created. Since We have created you all from one same substance it is incumbent on you to be even as one soul, to walk with the same feet, eat with the same mouth and dwell in the same land, that from your inmost being, by your deeds and actions, the signs of oneness and the essence of detachment may be made manifest. Such is My counsel to you, O concourse of light! Heed ye this counsel that ye may obtain the fruit of holiness from the tree of wondrous glory.

All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization. The Almighty beareth Me witness: To act like the beasts of the field is unworthy of man. Those virtues that befit his dignity are forbearance, mercy, compassion and loving-kindness towards all the peoples and kindreds of the earth.

Having gone through the stages of infancy and turbulent adolescence, humanity is now approaching maturity, a stage that will witness "the reconstruction and demilitarization of the whole civilized world—a world organically unified in all its spiritual aspects..."

See RACE UNITY page 10

Several hundred people took part June 8 in a ‘Walk for Race Unity’ through Evanston and Wilmette, Illinois, sponsored by the Bahá’í-originated North Shore Race Unity Task Force. The mayor of the city of Evanston and president of the village of Wilmette proclaimed June 8 ‘Race Unity Day’ in their community. The walk ended with a devotional service at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette followed by ‎apicnic a picnic‎ and musical performance at nearby Gillson Park.

Congress introduces fifth resolution on behalf of Iran’s Bahá’í community

On May 22, the eve of the Declaration of the Báb, Senators Christopher Dodd of Connecticut and Albert Gore of Tennessee, together with Congressmen Wayne Owens of Utah, Benjamin Gilman of New York and John Porter of Illinois, publicly expressed their support for the emancipation of the Iranian Bahá’í community by introducing “The Bahá’í Community Emancipation Declaration” in both Houses of Congress.

The resolution, the fifth such concurrent resolution to be introduced since 1982, urges the government of Iran to emancipate the Bahá’í community by granting those rights guaranteed by international covenants to which Iran is a signatory.

The latest resolution is meaningful in that it states that “the United States regards the human rights practices of the government of Iran, particularly its treatment of the Bahá’í community and other religious minorities, as a significant element in the development of its relations with the government of Iran.”

The press briefing, held in the Senate’s Russell Office Building, witnessed the largest single gathering to date of elected national officials to express support for the Bahá’ís in Iran.

See RESOLUTION page 19

National Spiritual Assembly, Counselors unveil new National Teaching Plan; details on Page 3

This year, for the first time, a National Teaching Plan has been developed as a result of consultation among the members of the Continental Board of Counselors in the Americas, the National Spiritual Assembly and the National Teaching Committee.

The complete text of the plan, whose basic strategy is to intensify local Assembly collaboration with the Auxiliary Boards and to broaden the base of teaching institutes at the individual, community and project levels, appears on page 3. Included are six major goals for the final year of the Six Year Plan as the American Bahá’í community prepares for the Holy Year and second World Congress in 1992.

Notable Victory for Funds	Coming Soon to a Mailbox Near You	BIC Has New UN Rep in NY	An Enduring Commitment to Equality
Contributions up 36 percent over last year 5	Congress mailing largest in Faith’s history 8	Mr. Ahderom, wife arrive from Ethiopia 9	U.S. Bahá’í community sets pace in efforts to integrate 11

[Page 2]

TEACHING

The National Teaching Committee continues this month its series of short articles written to encourage and facilitate traveling teaching and homefront pioneering. Local Spiritual Assemblies, Bahá’í Groups, or District Teaching Committees that wish to request traveling teachers or homefront pioneers may call or write the National 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 wish to resettle as homefront pioneers. Also, friends who wish to offer their services as traveling teachers or homefront pioneers are invited to send the National Teaching Committee information about when they would be available, what kinds of teaching and administrative 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 Committee may need to contact local Assemblies or individuals for more information, and because preparing and printing The American Bahá’í takes time, we ask that information be submitted at least three months before teaching activities are to take place or before individuals are free to travel or relocate.

SOUTH GEORGIA needs homefront pioneers in a number of cities: Albany (pop. 56,000), in southwestern Georgia, has a functioning Assembly but only seven active believers. There are two colleges: Darton (two-year) and Albany State (four-year), both part of the University of Georgia system. Employment opportunities are varied including a new tile manufacturer and a Procter and Gamble plant. Americus (pop. 17,000), also in southwestern Georgia, has 45 Bahá’ís on its rolls, a non-functioning Assembly, and one homefront pioneer living just outside the city. Home of Georgia Southwestern College (four-year). Major employers include the college, mobile home manufacturers, and a shirt factory. Columbus (pop. 170,000) has one homefront pioneer. Active teachers are needed who would like to become involved in an area with tremendous growth potential. Many opportunities for employment; students can attend Columbus College. Perry (pop. 12,000), in central Georgia, has a non-functioning Assembly (there are 65 Bahá’ís on the rolls) and no homefront pioneers. Valdosta (pop. 40,000), in south-central Georgia, recently formed an Assembly but will have only seven adult Bahá’ís as of September. One of the fastest-growing areas outside of Atlanta; many employment opportunities. Students can attend Valdosta State College or Valdosta Technical-Vocational Institute. Warner Robins (pop. 40,000), in central Georgia, has a non-functioning Assembly, 20 Bahá’ís on the rolls, and one homefront pioneer. Employment possibilities include Warner Robins Air Force Base, the county hospital, and in social services, mental health, and a number of industries and medical facilities in nearby Macon, a city of 115,000. Three four-year colleges are within a 30-minute drive. For information about these and other homefront pioneering possibilities, contact the District Teaching Committee of Southern Georgia, Bruce Whitmore, secretary, St. Simons Island, GA 31522, or phone 912-634-0658.

TRAVELING TEACHING: opportunity to take part this summer in a teaching project in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for Bahá’ís who possess particular skills, sensitivities and resources. For more information, please contact David Ingham, 612-823-9074, or Sharon Hick, 612-825-5048.

THE HELP of traveling teachers is welcomed in Woodburn, Oregon, where 20 new believers have been enrolled in the Cause this spring. For more information, please phone David House, 503-678-1085.

About 200 people gather at Tennessee conference on Indian spiritual traditions

Approximately 200 people gathered May 12 at the Red Clay Historical Area in Tennessee for a day-long conference on American Indian spiritual traditions and the Bahá’í Faith.

The Red Clay area was the seat of the Cherokee Indian government from 1832 until their forced removal in 1838.

The "One in the Spirit" conference was co-sponsored by the Regional American Indian Teaching Committee for the Southeastern States, local Spiritual Assemblies and District Teaching Committees.

Counselor Jacqueline Delahunt joined Auxiliary Board members Mary K. Radpour and Jean Scales to share thoughts, prayers, stories and songs.

The diverse gathering included members of the Tewa, Choctaw, Cherokee, Chippewa and Lakota tribes as well as other cultural and ethnic groups.

The spirit of the event was enriched when some American Indian participants who are not Bahá’ís took part in worship services and contributed to the consultation.

Everyone gathered at the end of the day for a round dance and prayers to close the conference.

At least one non-Bahá’í who took part in the activities has declared his belief in Bahá’u’lláh since May 12.

Teaching the Cause to one's family and friends can be key to entry by troops in American Bahá’í community

In our country of more than 250 million individuals, in which only 110,000 are Bahá’í, relatively few people have friends or family members who are followers of Bahá’u’lláh.

When new believers join the Bahá’í community as youth or adults, only a few have relatives or friends who are also believers. Often, people hear of the Faith on their own and come into the Faith one at a time. The greatest realization they have had, that there is a new Manifestation of God for this day, is a reality that they do not share in common with their families and friends. In this sense, many new believers are separate and alone.

Although new believers gain a Bahá’í "family," their new Bahá’í family often cannot replace for them, nor should it be expected to replace for them, the strong bonds of natural families.

Teachers of the Cause can be sensitive to these bonds by building relationships not only with individual seekers but also, to the extent possible, with their relatives and others who are close to them.

For example, Bahá’ís can ask those they are teaching if they may meet their families and friends and have the opportunity to get to know them. Seekers can be encouraged to invite their spouses, children, siblings, or parents to Bahá’í gatherings.

Also, seekers can be encouraged to discuss, and, if possible, to study the Faith which they are investigating with their families and friends.

While it is true that the doubts of seekers might be reinforced by the doubts of others, it is also quite possible that the reservations they have as individuals may be banished by those who are near to their hearts. Individuals who are trusted by seekers may help to calm any apprehensions or fears. Their opinions and feedback may provide for the seekers important insight or confirmation.

In addition, new believers may need to be reassured about sharing their joy in discovering the Message of Bahá’u’lláh with their families and friends. This is surely an action that can have far-reaching effects in the lives of new believers and in the Faith.

Once these people know what the Bahá’í Faith is about, they may be more supportive of the new believer's involvement in the Cause, even if they do not become believers themselves.

Ideally, however, the seeker's natural family and new Bahá’í family would be merged into one, and entire families and groups of friends brought into the Faith.

The entry of such ever-expanding networks, especially those of family members, has exciting potential for large-scale growth of the Faith. As the Universal House of Justice wrote in a letter dated April 17, 1981:

"If the believer is the only one of his family who has embraced the Faith, it is his duty to endeavor to lead as many other family members as possible to the light of divine guidance.

"As soon as a Bahá’í family unit emerges, the members should feel responsible for making the collective life of the family a spiritual reality, animated by divine love and inspired by the ennobling principles of the Faith. To achieve this purpose, the reading of the Sacred Writings and prayers should ideally become a daily family activity.

"As far as the teaching work is concerned, just as individuals are called upon to adopt teaching goals, the family itself could adopt its own goals.

"In this way the friends could make of their families strong healthy units, bright candles for the diffusion of the light of the Kingdom, and powerful centers to attract the heavenly confirmations. Thus, focusing our teaching efforts on families and groups of friends could significantly affect our Bahá’í communities.

"Bearing in mind that one definition of the word 'troop' is a group of people,' entry by troops could well begin with the entry of families and groups of friends."

(Reprinted from The DirectLine, a bulletin produced by the National Teaching Committee)

Former President Jimmy Carter shakes hands with Dr. Alberta Deas, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, after receiving a copy of 'The Promise of World Peace' at his office in the Carter Center at Emory University in Atlanta. Looking on are Auxiliary Board member Soo Fouts and another member of the National Spiritual Assembly, Jack McCants.

President Carter, who is quite familiar with the Faith and asked how the Bahá’ís in Iran are doing, mentioned that he is writing a book to be titled 'Waging Peace' and said he might borrow some of the concepts expressed in the peace statement. He also said he had visited the Bahá’í gardens in Haifa, Israel.

The American Bahá’í is published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to Management Information Systems, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Executive editor: Jack Bowers. Associate editor: Scot Corrie. The American Bahá’í welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Bahá’í Faith. Articles should be written clearly and concisely; color or black-and-white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials and correspondence to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, Wilmette, IL 60091. Copyright 1991 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. [Page 3]

NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN: 1991-92

For final year of the Six Year Plan

Prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, April 1991

The National Teaching Plan, resulting from the consultation of the Continental Counselors, the National Spiritual Assembly and the National Teaching Committee, is designed to help the friends go forward confidently and accelerate the pace of the work to expand our community.

The basic strategy of the Plan is to intensify local Assembly collaboration with the Auxiliary Boards and to broaden the base of teaching institutes at the individual, community, and project levels. The institutes can be the impetus for a widespread increase in personal teaching and can provide a growing resource of teachers of the Faith for special projects.

The work of teaching institutes does not supersede firesides, "the most effective method of teaching," or other means of teaching; rather, it complements those efforts by preparing the friends for active participation in the teaching work.

Bahá’u’lláh’s mighty Covenant is a major theme of the Six Year Plan, and the Universal House of Justice tells us that "teaching is the food of the spirit; it brings life to unawakened souls and raises the new heaven and the new earth; it uplifts the banner of a unified world; it ensures the victory of the Covenant and brings those who give their lives to it the supernal happiness of attainment to the good pleasure of their Lord." To help us bring about that victory in the final year of the Plan and initiate the process of entry by troops, we have established the following goals:

I

To obtain a deeper appreciation of the station and purpose of Bahá’u’lláh and of the basic meaning of His mighty Covenant.

In anticipation of the Holy Year, "this high water mark in Bahá’í history," the 1990 Ridván message of the Universal House of Justice calls on the friends to "be spiritually prepared through prayer and study of the Teachings to obtain a deeper appreciation of the station and purpose of Bahá’u’lláh and the basic meaning of His mighty Covenant."

Focus at the regional schools and in teaching institutes will be on the significance of the Holy Year, the Station and Mission of Bahá’u’lláh, the "blessings which flow from the Word of God," and the sacred nature of teaching.

Further, the regional schools and teaching institutes will train teachers of the Cause and deepen new believers to enable them to be well-grounded in the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh.

II

To establish at least 100 teaching institutes focused on enrolling receptive populations and raising up teachers from among the new believers, including children and youth.

Teaching institutes are to build upon their successes and focus their energies on issues of concern to receptive populations, so as to attract and confirm new believers from among these populations.

Further, teaching institutes are to survey the range of opportunities unique to the various target localities and populations in which Bahá’í children and youth can take part.

Regional and/or district meetings will be called to initiate new teaching institutes, with emphasis on the involvement of children and youth, to broaden the base of support for the teaching work.

III

To charge at least 100 local Spiritual Assemblies to develop and execute local teaching plans involving children and youth and aimed at target populations.

Every local Spiritual Assembly is encouraged to develop teaching plans, in consultation with the Auxiliary Boards, that are aimed at target populations and that stimulate children and youth to take part in the execution of the plans.

In addition, Assemblies are encouraged to determine the actions needed locally to ensure the enrollment of ever-larger numbers who "will provide the energy, the resources and the spiritual force to enable the beloved Cause to worthily play its part in the redemption of mankind."

IV

To establish at least 10 teaching institutes focused on supporting large-scale teaching projects in areas of high concentrations of blacks, Southeast Asians, Hispanics, American Indians, and Chinese.

Teaching institutes are valuable instruments for the continuous training of new recruits and veteran believers so urgently needed for rapid expansion and for subsequent deepening and consolidation.

Institutes will be selected in areas of large-scale teaching projects to focus on deepening and training children, youth and adults from the target populations to enlist them in the process of entry by troops.

Bahá’ís in every region will be encouraged to designate periods of self-supporting, full-time service to teaching in selected areas.

Plans for reaching selected populations will be developed by the National Teaching Committee, the National Race Unity Committee, the national Chinese Teaching Committee, and the seven regional American Indian Teaching Committees.

V

To establish at least 10 teaching institutes focused on using the National Spiritual Assembly's statement on Race Unity to teach the Faith, particularly to blacks, and to promote models of race unity.

Race Unity Day will serve to launch a national campaign of proclamation in conjunction with the publication and distribution of the statement on race unity.

Institutes will be established that focus on deepening on the Bahá’í Writings about unity, teaching the Faith (especially to blacks), and promoting models of race unity.

VI

To establish at least 100 teaching institutes, comprised of children and youth, aimed at enrolling their peers as teachers and servants of the Cause of God.

Every youth and child is summoned to teach and to serve the Faith. To prepare children and youth for this service, teacher-training sessions will be held across the country.

Large-scale growth will be the focus assigned to selected Bahá’í Youth Service Corps posts to be established on the homefront in the United States.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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 Bahá’í mail.

For your convenience, an address change form appears on the last page of each issue of The American Bahá’í. Simply fill it out, place it in an envelope, and mail to: Management Information Systems, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

The National Spiritual Assembly is looking to fill two positions vital to the progress and development of the Bahá’í National Center. These positions require strong general managers capable of scrupulous adherence to Bahá’í principle and capable of creating a work environment in compliance with both the spirit and form of Bahá’í administration. Additional skills needed include managing large numbers of people, managing significant budgets, and developing plans and strategies for producing desired results. If you are able to share your talents with the National Spiritual Assembly, please send your résumé to the Bahá’í National Center, Department of Human Resources, Wilmette, IL 60091, or telephone Randa Wilbur at 708-869-9039.

ASSOCIATION FOR BAHÁ’Í STUDIES

Which of these "convincing arguments and proofs" would you like to have at your command?

"We don't believe in that God either"

CONVINCING ARGUMENTS and proofs put the question in perspective, and gives the questioner something to think about. These "right insights at the right moment" can move a seeker. And they flow easily through those most susceptible to the spirit... those who pray and meditate daily.

"It sounds like you're trying to take over the world," said the radio interviewer. "Heavens no," responded his guest, a retired House of Justice member, "we want the world to take us over!"

"I don't think I believe in God," said the seeker." Said the Hand of the Cause, "We don't believe in that God either."

Imagine Hand of the Cause Agnes Alexander speaking of her need to "become a Bahá’í again each day." It's easier to be vigilant when we're positioned, in the information we receive and the presence we feel, at the very center of our evolving Faith. This advantage is now available to you in your daily study...

New Publications for members:

The Association for Bahá’í Studies Bulletin contains previously untranslated scripture, as available, abstracts of the past three months' published Bahá’í scholarship, and much more.

Its companion, The Journal of Bahá’í Studies, offers informed discussion of spiritual solutions to the problems of humanity and details of Bahá’í social and economic development successes around the world.

Membership, which includes conference and special publication discounts, is a superb value for just $40 per year / $50 for couples / $20 for seniors and students.

While it's still fresh in your mind, consider picking up the phone and joining right now...

ASSOCIATION FOR BAHÁ’Í STUDIES MEMBERSHIP LINE 1-800-387-8998 VISA/MasterCard accepted - Phone answered 24 hours a day during promotion

OR USE THIS COUPON

Yes! Enroll me in the Association for Bahá’í Studies: Name Address State Zip

Make your check for $40 ($50 for couples; $20 for seniors and students) payable to: Association for Bahá’í Studies, 34 Copernicus St., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 7K4 [Page 4]

'CV' can be helpful in securing employment overseas

(Excerpt from the "International Employment Hotline" for May 1991)

The one- or two-page résumé is a distinctly American document. Recruiters in most other countries prefer a more lengthy six-to eight-page résumé, commonly called a "curriculum vitae" or "CV."

Like the résumé, the CV is used to screen job applicants, but the foreign employer expects and requires more information upfront. The employer is not only looking for candidates who satisfy basic job requirements, but for candidates who have experience that is highly pertinent to the job they may be hired to do. Since this experience may be collective, rather than specific to one job, it's necessary to go into details about each job or project.

The first page of a CV is used to list personal data and education and can be up to two pages long. The next page of your CV, the second or third page depending upon the length of your personal data and education history, should be your professional summary.

Recruiters will often quickly review this section to see if your job titles and duration of employment constitute relevant work experience. The last few pages should be devoted exclusively to detailed descriptions of your work history.

At the end of your CV list three to five professional references with name, address and telephone and fax numbers. Be sure to let your references know they may be called upon to attest to your professional competence.

For a copy of the complete article, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091, or telephone 708-869-9039

Bahá’ís in New York City mark 79th anniversary of the Master's arrival

In April, Bahá’ís in the New York City area commemorated the 79th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s arrival on this continent when on April 7, 1912, His ship, the S.S. Cedric, landed in New York.

A small group of Bahá’ís traveled to the Battery Park Esplanade on the southern tip of Manhattan Island where they mounted the observation platform, fashioned to represent Liberty's crown.

From there they looked out over the harbor's entrance, taking in a panoramic view of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and sunset on the Jersey shore of the Hudson River while pondering the significance of the events of that day 79 years ago when the Master began His 239-day visit to North America.

One of the friends recited the poem "April 11, 1912," from the book Another Song, Another Season, adapted by poet Roger White from "The Diary of Juliet Thompson."

Afterward, the Bahá’ís distributed copies of the peace statement and Bahá’í pamphlets to those in the area and invited them to firesides and public meetings at the Bahá’í Center.

In Eastern Europe, many doors for teaching Cause are opening for those in various academic fields

In these historic times, as we witness the dramatic changes taking place in the world's evolution toward the establishment of the Lesser Peace, a committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Germany, responsible for the teaching of the Cause in the majority of the U.S.S.R., has brought to our attention doors that are opening up in that country on an unprecedented scale, particularly in the academic world which is in search of new standards and concepts and is only too ready to listen and accept well-grounded arguments presented with eloquence and conviction on the humanitarian as well as religious teachings of the Faith.

We ask you to give consideration to some possible avenues of service in your academic field: Do you know whether your university has a partner university in the Soviet Union? In which fields are exchanges already taking place and how could you participate in these? How about initiating contact with a Soviet university that is conducting interesting research in your field?

Many international scientific conferences offer opportunities for contact with universities in the Soviet Union, and in almost every field there are conferences held in that country. Why not seize the chance to turn these professional gatherings into teaching activities?

Also, lecture tours through the Soviet Union could be arranged for you by Soviet academicians. Once the contact with these co-workers is established and the Bahá’í Faith introduced, other topics relating the Faith to your academic field can be presented and finally, the offer can be made to give a presentation on the general principles of the Faith itself.

It is uncertain how long these golden opportunities for proclaiming the Faith to the academic world will remain or for how long the receptivity of the people, which is currently so high, will last. Now is your chance to take full advantage of these favorable conditions for teaching the Faith in the Soviet Union.

Employment opportunities on U.S. Indian Reservations

Many employment opportunities exist on or near Indian Reservations throughout the United States. Both the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service have publicized such job listings. Mature Bahá’ís could be of service as homefront pioneers, particularly those who could respond to the crisis in medical care on Reservations. For more information, contact:

National Teaching Committee American Indian Desk Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone 708-869-9039, ext. 361

CURRENT U.S. PIONEERING GOALS

AFRICA Area/Country / Goals Open / Assigned Goals (F) Burundi / 2 / 0 (E) Ciskei / 2 / 2 (E) The Gambia (Preferably Persians) / 2 / 0 (E) Kenya (Preferably Outside Nairobi) / 1 / 0 (E) Nigeria / 2 / 0 (E) Sierra Leone / 3 / 0 (E) South Africa / 2 / 0 (E) St. Helena / 4 / 0 (E) Namibia / 2 / 0 (E) Transkei / 2 / 1 (E) Uganda (One to teach the Faith in the university; one doctor) / 2 / 1 (E) Venda / 2 / 0 Total for Africa / 23 / 3

AMERICAS (E) Bahamas (North Abaco, Eleuthera, Andros, Cat Island, Long Island) / 2 / 0 (E) Barbados (Employment opportunities for a dentist) / 1 / 0 (E) Belize (For radio, consolidation, development projects; skills for the National Secretariat) / 1 / 0 (P) Brazil (Preferably for Amazon project, possibly of Persian background) / 2 / 0 (S) Chile (Juan Fernandez Islands, preferably a Spanish-speaking couple) / 2 / 2 (E) Dominica / 2 / 1 (F) French Guiana (Preferably Persian) / 3 / 3 (E) Grenada / 2 / 0 (F) Guadeloupe (Opportunities for English teachers) / 1 / 1 (E) Guyana (Preferably East Indians and Blacks) / 2 / 0 (S) Honduras (Bay Islands, Yoro, Colon; preferably self-supporting) / 2 / 1 (E) Jamaica (Preferably self-supporting for rural areas to work in village development) / 4 / 0 (F) Martinique (French-speaking youth to enroll in university or with musical talent) / 1 / 0 (S) Nicaragua (Preferably Persian) / 2 / 0 (E) St. Lucia (Skills in community consolidation) / 4 / 0 (E) St. Vincent & Grenadines / 2 / 0 (D) Suriname (Preferably Persian) / 2 / 2 (E) Trinidad & Tobago (Preferably Persian) / 2 / 0 (S) Uruguay / 2 / 2 (S) Venezuela / 2 / 0 (E) Virgin Islands, British / 2 / 1 Total for Americas / 45 / 13

ASIA (E) India / 3 / 0 (E) Malaysia (To help develop public relations experts) / 1 / 0 (E) Nepal / 2 / 0 (M) Taiwan (Chinese Background) / 1 / 0 Total for Asia / 6 / 0

AUSTRALASIA (E) Marshall Islands (To help with administration) / 2 / 2

EUROPE (P) Portugal (Couples for goal areas outside greater Lisbon, preferably Portuguese or Spanish-speaking) / 2 / 0 Total for Europe / 2 / 0

EASTERN EUROPE / USSR Goal Filled / Goals Open / Assigned Goals Ukraine / 100 / 125 Kazakhstan / 6 / 2 USSR (Other Republics) / 150 / 165 Bulgaria / 5 / 3 Czechoslovakia / 30 / 15 DDR/East Germany / 10 / 1 Hungary / 35 / 10 Poland / 15 / 7 Romania / 10 / 8 Yugoslavia / 40 / 6 Mongolia / 4 / 2 China / 35 / 43 Totals / 440 / 370

PIONEERING STATISTICS Total goals assigned: 77 Total goals filled: 60 Pioneers to goal countries: 213 Pioneers to non-goals: 371 Pioneers filling goals for other countries: 10 Total Pioneers sent: 594

Language Key: (E) English (D) Dutch (F) French (M) Mandarin (P) Portuguese (S) Spanish [Page 5]

THE FUNDS

The American Bahá’í community has won a remarkable victory for the Funds of the Faith this past year. With contributions to the four major Funds up 36 percent over last year's level, the believers' achievement is at once a testimony to the community's growing maturity as well as a strong foundation for further accomplishments in the coming year.

The spiritual impetus generated by the friends' material sacrifices must surely carry the community of the Most Great Name forward to win new blessings in the teaching field and in building Bahá’u’lláh's new World Order.

Central to this success has been the Local Assembly Goal Program. The wholehearted response of the friends to such a challenging program, launched at the year's midpoint, has been thrilling beyond description.

For next year, the program will continue; local Assemblies will be asked to take as their minimum goal their commitment of last year, unless they wish to change the number themselves. In addition, new goals totaling some $800,000 will be suggested to 277 Assemblies who received no suggested goals last year.

But the friends themselves are the most eloquent commentators on the beginning of this historic process. Here are passages from some of the letters the National Spiritual Assembly has received during the last month:

NEW JERSEY

"When our Local Spiritual Assembly was challenged to raise this year's Fund contribution to $20,000, we decided that we would try. With prayers and support from countless friends, we made it!...Dear friends, from the bottom of our hearts we thank you for challenging our community with this goal.... The spirit of deep love and total unity that came from working side by side with these dear souls (from two neighboring communities) produced the victory we have experienced....The moment we accepted your challenge we knew that (Bahá’u’lláh) would send us His powerful spirit and blessings...and He did. Bahá’u’lláh sent us his devoted friends to help us."

NEW HAMPSHIRE

"As promised you back in November 1990 we not only met our...goal but exceeded it!! It has changed every one of us in some way, for the better. We are not the same community as we were a year ago. Thank you so much."

WASHINGTON

"Last October you suggested $6,000 as a goal for our community to contribute to the National Bahá’í Fund. After the hysterical laughter subsided, we consulted and increased the community budget to ...--still not enough to meet your goal, but all we thought we could manage. ...During the prior 10 Bahá’í months, contributions averaged $193. In the seven months that followed your request and our consultation, contributions have averaged $428. ...We are a small community...but determined. The level of giving has been sacrificial. Thank you for giving us a goal that forced us to look deeply into ourselves and evaluate our commitment to Bahá’u’lláh. Thank you for giving us insight into our inner resources."

ALABAMA

"...in service to Bahá’u’lláh and dedication to the National Spiritual Assembly (we are) pleased to announce that...we have reached the special goal for National!"

OREGON

"We made it!"

CALIFORNIA

"Ya Bahá-ul’Abhá! It is the rhythm of progress/the cord of creation/the melody of eternity/and the password to the Kingdom of God.... Thank you, Bahá’u’lláh. With joy in our hearts and tears in our eyes we did what was almost an impossible task."

MARYLAND

"...we thought that we should thank you for recognizing the potential of our community to raise our National Fund goal to $15,000....We look forward to a new year of commitment from our local Community to play a part in assuring that our National Fund Goal is achieved."

GEORGIA

"It is with the utmost joy and happiness that our community is able to send the last check, just collected tonight at Feast, which will complete our goal....The sacrifice and level of participation has never been so high....God moved us all and we achieved this bounty....Thank you for giving us the opportunity to stretch ourselves and grow."

PENNSYLVANIA

"Our fund-raising efforts not only produced the funds needed to meet the new goal, but also served as a catalyst for renewed community spirit and dedication. ...It is our very great pleasure to aid the National Spiritual Assembly in reaching its goal and we pray for your continued success...."

MASSACHUSETTS

"We are extremely pleased to be able to send to you our final payments by the enclosed checks....We realize our $10,000 goal was not met; however, at the time the goal was set, we had only two families consistently giving to the fund. At this timewe are pleased to tell you that we have added two more families who give each Bahá’í month and two individuals who give much more consistently. Together, we have surpassed our own annual budget as well!!...We feel very fortunate to be able to give to the National Bahá’í Fund and look forward to another great year!"

CALIFORNIA (Again!)

"We fell far short, yet the improvements in so many areas of our lives makes us realize the blessings we received by taking on so great a goal. ...Our Assembly has worked with great maturity, efficiency and heart this year. We have done may new and wonderful things....Thank you for having the faith in us to set such a high goal, so we could be inspired and encouraged, and then reap such positive rewards."

UTAH

"Like may of our fellow communities, we....were surprised and overwhelmed when we first received the request from the National Spiritual Assembly for such a large contribution....Quite honestly, we were tempted to think it was a mistake: 'they must be thinking of someone else. As it turns out they were thinking of someone else: Bahá’u’lláh....After much consultation and with considerable skepticism, we decided to adopt the highly challenging fund goal of $4,000, representing 10 times the amount we contributed last year. Our decision was due in no small part to a....letter by William Davis...in which he emphasized the fact that Bahá’í institutions cannot expect to accomplish anything without turning to the power of Bahá’u’lláh. (What a concept!)....To make a long story short, we have reached our Fund goal! What a lesson this has been for all of us about what we can accomplish when we all work together with faith in the Blessed Beauty."

DELAWARE

"Please accept our thanks for your encouragement, love, support and prayers. As a result of your specifically directed request for a financial goal, and the consultations and answers to prayers offered in an effort to achieve such a goal, our aspirations, expectations and realizations have all been lifted. We know this is only a beginning...the porch still underfoot. But now that we've started to stir, we may begin to conceptualize what needs to be done to run with the big dogs.""

MICHIGAN

"The success of this challenge was assured by the sacrifices of the whole community. And as a result of the success achieved (this community) stands ready to accept any challenges put forth in order to meet the goals of the Six Year Plan." Amen!

National Spiritual Assembly to continue its series of consultative 'Town Meetings'

Last year saw another new process aimed at enhancing the consultation between the local and national levels of the Bahá’í community: the Town Meetings.

Some 150 of these gatherings were held in 10 months, reaching an estimated 750 communities and over 1,500 believers. Featuring representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly, these meetings discussed current news and issues of national and local concern. The thoughts and feelings shared by the friends were carried back to the National Assembly, whose consultation was enriched significantly with this important information.

This year, a preliminary list of 100 localities has been drawn up, including sites not visited in some time by friends serving at the Bahá’í National Center. The first meetings were scheduled for the end of May and the first part of June in Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Florida and Tennessee.

Fund Goal Chart

Brian Wittman (left), treasurer of the Spiritual Assembly of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Assembly member Roy Norman show graphically how that community responded to the Fund goal recommended this year by the National Spiritual Assembly.

Charlotte charts success with 'Brilliant Star' school

The Bahá’í community of Charlotte, North Carolina, has enjoyed considerable success with its "Southern Brilliant Star School" at which classes for adults, youth and children are conducted every Sunday by the Charlotte Bahá’í School Committee.

As a result, seekers have been attracted to the classes at all levels, but especially to the adult classes where Dr. Behruz Sabet of Fort Mill, South Carolina, and a number of local Bahá’ís have been teaching and lecturing.

These activities, combined with heightened teaching and regular firesides by the friends, have led to four declarations in Charlotte in the last five months, as well as two or three others in areas near the city itself.

HUQUQU’LLÁH

Payments for Huququ’lláh should be made to "The Bahá’í Huququ’lláh Trust" and sent to one of the Trustees:

Dr. Elsie Austin, P.O. Box 927, Silver Spring MD 20910 (Tel. 301-589-8481).

Dr. Amin Banani, Santa Monica, CA 90402 (Tel. 213-394-5449).

Dr. Daryush Haghighi, Rocky River, OH 44116 (Tel. 216-333-1506).

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

Video tapes of talks by the Hand of the Cause of God and Trustee of Huququ’lláh Dr. Ali-Muhammad Varqá, and by Ali Nakhjavání, a member of the Universal House of Justice, are available from the Office of the Secretariat for $6 each (postage included).

Copies of the compilation "Huququ’lláh, Extracts from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice" can be obtained from the Bahá’í Distribution Service at 85 cents per copy. [Page 6]

NEW TEACHING TOOL

THE VISION OF AMERICA'S MOST CHALLENGING ISSUE

This document should be shared and distributed as widely as possible and used to accelerate teaching of the Faith.

The Vision of Race Unity America's Most Challenging Issue by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

GE (General Edition intended for mass distribution) 10/pkg $3.50 50/pkg $15.00 100/pkg $25.00 PE (Presentation Edition) $2.00 each RACE UNITY PK (Press Kit) $.50 each

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES

The Six Year Plan 10 $17.50 25 $40.00

Racism, termed by the Universal House of Justice in The Promise of World Peace as "one of the most baneful and persistent evils" and "a major barrier to peace," is the subject of this major statement from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. We have been told by Shoghi Effendi that the eradication of racism is America's "most vital and challenging issue"—one that has become all the more pressing with the recent resurgence of divisive racial attitudes and the deepening despair of minorities and the poor.

Recognizing that America's peace, prosperity, and her standing in the international community depend on the resolution of this issue, the National Spiritual Assembly offers a vision of race unity grounded in the principle of the oneness of humankind. The National Spiritual Assembly also offers for examination the experience of the Bahá’í community, which has endeavored far more than a century to create models of unity. Individual Americans are challenged to heal the wounds of racism and begin building a society in which people of diverse backgrounds live as members of one family. This document should be shared and distributed as widely as possible and used to accelerate teaching of the Faith. 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 inches (GE), 7 x 9 inches (PE), 13 pages, addendum

Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

Messages from the Universal House of Justice

NB $8.00

The Six Year Plan brings together 27 major messages of the Universal House of Justice written during the Six Year Plan. Starting with the letter of January 2, 1986, that announced the beginning of the Fourth Epoch of the Formative Age, this volume of messages includes letters outlining the goals of the Six Year Plan and highlighting the progress of the International Bahá’í community in fulfilling them.

Among the messages included are Ridván messages from 1986-91; announcements and descriptions of progress made toward the goal of completing the Arc on Mount Carmel; messages addressing the importance of literacy, the institution of the Nineteen Day Feast, marriage, and the sancitity and nature of Bahá’í elections; messages concerning the education of Bahá’ís in the law of Huqúqu’lláh; announcements of the remarkable progress of the teaching work in eastern Europe; and a letter outlining preparations to be made for the Holy Year 1992-93 that will mark the end of the Six Year Plan. 8-1/2 x 11 inches, 81 pages

Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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

Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

Paisajes Del Alma

by Navid Mohabbat HC $13.95

A collection of nine stories featuring some of the most significant female believers of the Bábí and Bahá’í Faiths. Our Spanish readers will enjoy the stories of Khadijih Bagum, the wife of the Báb; Bahiyyih Khánum, the Greatest Holy Leaf, daughter of Bahá’u’lláh and the sister of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; Marie, Queen of Rumania; and the greatest of the early American women teachers of the Cause.

These include the incomparable Martha Root; the beloved Lua Getsinger, whom ‘Abdu’l-Bahá called the Herald of the Kingdom; Dorothy Baker, who taught Bahá’u’lláh's message around the world; and Corinne True, who almost single-handedly championed the building of the Mother Temple of the West. 6-1/2 x 8-1/2 inches, 405 pages, introduction, preface, references, bibliography

Editorial Bahá’í de Espana

The Bahá’í Faith

SC $1.00

BACK AGAIN! The Bahá’í Faith teaching booklet is once again available to help declarants "catch the spark of faith," and become basically informed about the Central Figures and Bahá’í teachings, laws, and administration. Includes beautiful colored photographs of the Bahá’í Houses of Worship and other Holy Places.

Bahá’í Canada Publications

The Divine Art of Living

Selections from the Bahá’í Writings compiled by Mabel Hyde Paine revised by Anne Marie Scheffer SC $9.95

A collection of gems from the Bahá’í 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 Divine Art of Living helps Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’í writings to understand the dynamics and reap the rewards of the divine art of living. 5-1/4 x 8-1/4 inches, 156 pages, foreward, references, index

Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

The Journal of Bahá’í Studies Vol. 2, No. 4

SC $6.00

Sacred Mythology and the Bahá’í Faith Interpretation as Revelation, The Qur’án Commentary of the Báb On Human Origins: A Bahá’í Perspective The Development of Communication and the Communication of Development Commentary on John Hatcher's The Equality of Women: The Bahá’í Principle of Complementarity Works of Michael Fitzgerald and Moojan Momen are also reviewed. 6 x 9 inches, 92 pages, biographical notes, index

Association for Bahá’í Studies

The Prophecies of Jesus

by Michael Sours SC $18.95

In the nineteenth century many Christians throughout the Western world expected the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecies. Some even ventured to conclude from the Scriptures that Jesus would return in 1844. This widespread expectation is well known to historians and culminated in what has been referred to as "The Great Disappointment."

The Prophecies of Jesus offers a thoughtful, verse-by-verse exploration of Jesus' greatest prophetic sermon in light of Bahá’u’lláh's extraordinary ministry and teachings, nineteenth century Christian beliefs and current Christian interpretations. 7 x 8-5/8 inches, 223 pages, epilogue, appendices, abbreviations, bibliography, general index, Biblical index

Oneworld Publications

Faith & World Economy

A Joint Venture by Giuseppe Robiati foreword by Ervin Laszlo SC $23.00

Giuseppe Robiati offers a thermodynamic conception of world economy, based on the principles of the Bahá’í Faith, in this futuristic account of 21st century society. Special attention is devoted to the economic problems that develop in a contemporary political and social climate. Robiati is general manager of a leading group of industrial companies based in Milan, Italy. He is also an active member of the Bahá’ís of Italy.

5-1/2 x 8-1/4 inches, 177 pages, foreword, introduction, bibliography, index, note pages

Gruppo Editoriale Insieme

Contact your Local Bahá’í Distribution Representative, or send your order with payment to: 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091

Order now through the Bahá’í Distribution Service 1-800-999-9019 [Page 7]

Compilation of Compilations

compiled from the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í World Centre. The contents include Bahá’í writings on: Music; Family Life; Peace; Women; Excellence in all Things; Bahá’í Education; Divorce; Trustworthiness; The Nineteen Day Feast; Huqúqu’lláh; 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, Bahá’í school use, as a gift to the local university or public library, etc. 5-3/4 x 8-1/2 inches, 550 pages (Vol.1), 459 pages (Vol.2) Bahá’í Publications Australia

Equality of the Sexes A Bahá’í Principle

by the National Bahá’í Women's Group SC $2.00

Equality of the sexes is both a social and spiritual principle requiring a much more profound change in our values than merely seeking for women the rights and privileges enjoyed by men. This booklet addresses 31 questions on the subject of the equality of the sexes in question-and-answer form. The answers are quotations from the Bahá’í writings, which address such themes as: The role of women and men in fostering the equality of the sexes; women and education; women in the home and family life; women in the workplace; and the Bahá’í contribution to fostering equality of the sexes. This book was produced for the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Republic of Ireland. 5-1/2 x 8-1/4 inches, 17 pages, introduction, conclusion, references, bibliography National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Ireland

Treasure Chest A Workbook About Bahá’u’lláh

by Debbie Wix and Gail Radley SC $5.95

This workbook, designed for children ages 7-11, is an excellent tool for teaching the principles of the Bahá’í Faith. The workbook is divided into twelve "Treasure Hunts," which begin with an historical sketch of the life of Bahá’u’lláh and proceed to a variety of exercises that deepen the understanding of many Bahá’í tenets. Kids will enjoy games and activities, such as coloring, mapmaking, matching, memorization, puzzle solving, and crossword puzzles, while strengthening their understanding of the Faith. 8-1/2 x 10-1/2 inches, 46 pages, key to references, map, answer page Debbie Wix and Gail Radley

Sam Bald Eagle Augustine Bahá’í Talks From the Heart

CS $8.95

Sam Bald Eagle Augustine, a Micmac Indian, was a well-known and respected Elder in North America. He traveled internationally teaching his Native culture and the Bahá’í Faith. On April 22, 1989, Sam Bald Eagle Augustine passed away, leaving a rich collection of tapes which he hoped would be able to serve the Faith after he had left this earthly plane, which he referred to as Turtle Island. The cassette contains Sam's reading of The Spirit Way Booklet and Prayers. Also included: A Discussion on the Relationship of Traditional Native Ways and the Bahá’í Faith, The Sacred Pipe, The Impact of Contact with the Europeans Upon the Native People, and the Spiritual Destiny of the Native People. Each of the readings is beautifully accompanied by Indian drumming and flute. Approximately 40 minutes Omni-Source, Inc.

Steppin’ To A Brand New Beat

by Mike Rogers CS $8.95

Mike Rogers' blend of country, blues, bluegrass, and gospel styles combine beautifully on this cassette of original compositions on Bahá’í subjects. Songs such as "San Salvador Island Pioneer Song" and "It's Great to be Bahá’ís" deepen the understanding of many Bahá’í themes. Of particular interest is the track entitled "Fred Mortensen," which recounts the story of the early American believer of the same name who, having heard of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s presence on the East Coast, and without money, rode the rails that hang beneath the railroad cars. His journey of several hundred miles was rewarded when he was able to meet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Rogers' "down-home" style is a welcome addition to the range of Bahá’í music currently carried by the Distribution Service. Approximately 28 minutes Images International

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 Acre? What attracted such people as W.E.B. Dubois, Swami Vivekananda, William Lloyd Garrison, and Booker T. Washington to Green Acre in its early days? How was Green Acre given its name by the poet John Greenleaf Whittier? What happened during ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’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 Acre's one-hundred year history, which chronicles its development as it evolved from a resort hotel in 1890 to a Bahá’í school attracting visitors from all over the world. 8 x 9-1/2 inches, 131 pages, foreword, introduction, map, 103 photographs The Green Acre Bahá’í School Council

Alzheimer’s Disease An Eclipse before Sunset

by A. M. Ghadirian, M.D. SC $2.75

Dr. A. M. Ghadirian writes in Alzheimer’s Disease An Eclipse before Sunset, that "although patients with Alzheimer's lose their memory and intellectual faculties, they often maintain a sense of intuition and mysterious spiritual awareness... which transcends the barrier of their illness." Dr. Ghadirian examines the biological, psychosocial, and spiritual dimensions of this disease, as well as the role of the family in caring for afflicted patients. 6x9 inches, 11 pages, biographical note Bahá’í International Health Agency

Willie... and the Number Three Door and Other Adventures

by Adrienne Ellis Reeves illustrated by Leona Hosack SC $9.95

Enlighten Curriculum

Vol. 2 Kindergarten, and Vol. 3 First Grade by Lea Iverson SC $19.95

...Your True Brother 2

Messages to Junior Youth by Shoghi Effendi SC $6.50

Teaching Peace

by Red Grammer CS $9.95

Teaching Peace Teacher’s Notes

edited by Kathy Grammer SC $7.95

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

Growing into Peace

A Manual for Peace-Builders in the 1990s and Beyond, by Mary Perkins SC $10.95

Teaching Prominent People

from the Research Department at the Bahá’í World Centre, Haifa, Israel SC $1.50

Artists for the Arc

by various artists CS $9.95

Jewel in the Lotus

VT $25.00

Like an Eagle in the Sky

VT $10.95

Bahá’í Prayers is now back in stock HC $10.95 ⚫ SC $5.95

SPN: Bahá’í Faith a World Community: This title is no longer available due to improper translation.

ORDER FORM

Bahá’í Distribution Service / PHONE 1-800-999-9019 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 FAX 1-708-251-3652

Ordered by: (Please print or type) Name ___________________________ Date _________ Address _________________________ TAB 6/91 City ____________________________ State _________ Zip _________ Circle one: AMEX Master Card VISA Check Money Order on Account Expiration Date: _________________ Account Number: _________________ Signature: ______________________ Day Phone ______________________

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World Congress mailing is largest in history of the Faith

REFLEC WORLD CONGRESS

The largest mailing ever undertaken in Bahá’í history took place as registration packets for the Bahá’í World Congress were sent recently from the Bahá’í National Center.

Almost 80,000 separate pieces of mail left Wilmette for 198 countries including the U.S. and Canada. Each piece of mail contained anywhere from less than 10 to more than 7,000 individual packets.

A special room was set aside at the National Center to accommodate the tables of materials and rows of boxes that were required, and a small army of volunteers was recruited to help with stuffing and mailing.

Staff members from the National Center gave their lunch hours and evenings, and Bahá’ís from nearby communities were recruited to help.

In addition, since the process was begun shortly before the National Convention, visitors and spouses of delegates were asked to contribute some of their time to this gigantic effort.

International mail was handled first, as it takes so much longer for mail to reach countries overseas. In the U.S., more than 40,000 pieces of mail were sent to local Spiritual Assemblies, registered Groups, and District Teaching Committees.

Besides the individual Registration Form, the registration packet contains a Registration Guide with general information about the World Congress, air/hotel package prices from dozens of cities throughout the world, and instructions for completing the Registration Form. The friends are encouraged to read the Registration Guide carefully.

Bahá’í National Center volunteers Ada James (left) and Laura Cessna help pack some of the nearly 80,000 registration packets sent to 198 countries around the world in preparation for the second Bahá’í World Congress to be held in November 1992 in New York City.

Also in the packets are forms for registering groups traveling together or staying in the same hotel; a volunteer form for those who would like the privilege of contributing some time during the Congress; and a lovely poster that could be used for display purposes.

Please direct all questions about registration to 708-869-2294.

Plans are being finalized for program content and ancillary activities in New York City, and it promises to be an enriching and inspirational experience for all who attend.

Registration for the World Congress is on a first-come, first-served basis, so everyone is encouraged to register as early as possible. The registration period will close in April 1992 or when capacity is reached, whichever comes first.

This is the second World Congress to be convened by the Universal House of Justice. The first was held in 1963 in London, England, and introduced to the friends the newly elected members of the Universal House of Justice.

About 6,000 Bahá’ís attended the first World Congress, so it is easy to imagine how much more challenging the planning is for this second Congress where 32,000 are expected.

Space has been blocked in more than 90 hotels in the New York/New Jersey area, and dozens of buses will be used to transport the friends from their hotels to the Javits Convention Center where the main program will take place.

More information about the World Congress will be released as it is obtained from the World Center, but the friends are encouraged to register soon to ensure a reservation.

One Country newsletter is now available from Bahá’í Subscriber Service

One Country, a quarterly newsletter that reports on Bahá’í-sponsored environmental, social and economic development projects around the world, is now available to Bahá’ís through Bahá’í Subscriber Service.

Designed to inform prominent persons around the world about Bahá’í efforts to address contemporary social issues, One Country is published in New York by the Office of Public Information of the Bahá’í International Community. Until recently, it was distributed only to prominent non-Bahá’ís and was not available by subscription to Bahá’ís.

Hyatt Lincolnwood Accomodations and Rates No. Rooms --cut here--- "Although One Country was created for distribution to non-Bahá’ís," says Ron Browne, manager of Bahá’í Subscriber Service, "many Bahá’ís have seen it and have begun to ask how they might subscribe.

"Now, through a joint agreement between Subscriber Service and the Bahá’í International Community, we are pleased to announce that the newsletter is at last available to Bahá’ís."

One Country focuses on what Bahá’í communities around the world are doing to help humanity at large. Each issue carries an editorial that addresses world problems from a Bahá’í point of view, as well as two or three in-depth feature articles on Bahá’í-sponsored development projects, environmental efforts, or educational programs.

4500 WEST TOUHY AVENUE LINCOLNWOOD, ILLINOIS 60646 USA 708 677-1234 FAX #708 677-0234 TOLL FREE 1800 233-1234

BAHA’I CONFERENCE ON GROWTH August 30-September 2, 1991

Reservations must be received by: No. People Rates Single $62.00 Double $62.00 Triple $62.00 Arrival date Quad $62.00 Departure date Suite rates available on request

Reservations will be held until 6 pm on day of arrival unless one night's deposit is received or guaranteed by credit card.

Hold until 6 pm Gtd. for late arrival with deposit Gtd. for late arrival with credit card (number & expiration date must be included) AMEX MC Din Club Disc. number Car. Blan. Visa

Conference on Growth Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Home phone: Work phone:

I am most interested in attending workshops related to: The Individual and Teaching The Community and Teaching Teaching the Masses

Check-in time: 3 pm August 21, 1991 Check-out time: 12 noon Name Address Name(s) of additional persons(s) sharing room -cut here

Bahá’í ID #: exp. date Registration/materials fee may be paid in advance by check or money order or at the door by cash, check, or credit card. No refunds after August 27, 1991. $10.00 Fee per person Total enclosed Total due Please return by August 21, 1991 Mail to: National Teaching Committee office Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

In one recent issue, for example, the cover story reported on the dramatic success of the University of Nur in Bolivia, which is operated along Bahá’í principles and has grown from 100 to 1,000 students in only six years.

Another recent issue carried an article on the Bahá’í Vocational Institute for Rural Women in Indore, India, explaining how the Institute combines practical education with spiritual principles in its highly successful training program for women from remote tribal villages.

In gathering material for these and other articles, One Country relies on an international network of Bahá’í journalists. The emphasis is on producing high-quality articles that will draw the interest of prominent people from a wide variety of backgrounds.

The first issue of One Country was produced in February 1989. Currently, it is published in English, French and Chinese with each issue running 16-20 pages long.

The subscription price is $12 a year in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and $16 a year for other overseas addresses. A two-year subscription in North America is $22, and is $30 for other countries overseas.

Requests for subscriptions or other information should be directed to Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

Bahá’ís win scholarships in Oregon essay contest

In Oregon, young Bahá’ís won the two top scholarships in a recent essay contest sponsored by the Woodmen of the World's College Tuition Assistance Program.

The theme of the contest was "World Peace: My Role in It." First prize was won by Jade Rubick of West Linn High School, second prize by Erin Conway of LaCreole Junior High School in Dallas, Oregon.

The contest was organized on behalf of the sponsoring body by a Bahá’í, Lydia McCarter, who is employed at Educational Services Plus in Portland. Ms. McCarter did not take part in judging contest entries. [Page 9]

BIC welcomes new UN representative in N.Y.

Having recently completed the many complex procedures required to leave one country, take up residence and begin a new occupation in another, Techeste Ahderom has settled in as a representative to the United Nations for the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) in New York. He replaces Victor de Araujo who retired in January.

Mr. Ahderom’s responsibilities include the areas of human rights, peace, and social and economic development in addition to his over-all coordinating role for the UN office.

A citizen of Ethiopia, Mr. Ahderom was the general manager of the National Urban Planning Institute in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. From 1979-1983, he was president and associate professor at Asmara University. His more than 25 years of professional experience in urban development and renewal, manufacturing, agriculture, and design research and construction of health centers, housing projects, a zoo and public buildings should prove invaluable. He has a masters degree in architecture from Iowa State University, masters degrees in city planning and transportation planning from Yale, and more than 40 publications to his credit.

From 1966-68, Mr. Ahderom was secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of North-East Africa, comprising Somalia, Ethiopia, the Sudan, Egypt and Libya. He served as secretary (1970-79), vice-chairman (1980-83) and chairman (1983-90) of the National Spiritual Assembly of Ethiopia.

Mr. Ahderom’s wife, Alasebu Gebre Selassie, is a former member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Ethiopia and the Spiritual Assembly of Addis Ababa. She has a B.A. in sociology and a masters in social work from the University of Utah, and has often represented the BIC in Africa at conferences on women’s issues and the "Advocates for African Food Security: Lessening the Burden for Women." She will continue to be of assistance in this important field of endeavor.

The Ahderoms have three children, Selam, Sewit and Senei, who are presently attending schools in Connecticut.

Techeste Ahderom, who has replaced Victor de Araujo as the Bahá’í International Community’s representative to the United Nations, and his wife, Alasebu Gebre Selassie.

New book celebrates 100th anniversary of Green Acre

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Sarah Farmer Inn, the Green Acre Bahá’í School Council has published a comprehensive account of the history of Green Acre.

The book, entitled Green Acre on the Piscataqua, is now available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service at $19.95 (softcover) and $50 for the special limited hardcover edition.

Profits from the book will benefit the Green Acre Restoration Fund.

The work includes an historical essay; a description of the town of Eliot, Maine, site of Green Acre; map and sites listing of the properties significant to Green Acre; a chronology of events pertaining to Green Acre history; a biographical listing of many of the people associated with Green Acre; personal reminiscences and poetry; and more than 100 charming and historic photographs.

Chronicling Green Acre’s development as it evolved from a resort hotel in 1890 to a Bahá’í school attracting visitors from all over the world, the book reveals the story of the Farmer family and the early days of the conferences that brought to Green Acre such renowned people as poet John Greenleaf Whittier (who gave Green Acre its name); the well-known actor Joseph Jefferson; the Rev. Edward Everett Hale; W.E.B. DuBois, founder of the NAACP; writers Edwin Markham, Jane De Groff Thompson and Ralph Waldo Trine; educator Booker T. Washington; Rabbi Joseph Silverman; artist Marsden Hartley; and many others.

The book also describes the historic visit by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Green Acre in 1912 and includes many of the Master’s tablets to Sarah Farmer, one of which predicts that she would one day be "the envy of queens of all regions and the rival of the celebrated people of the world."

It also cites accounts of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prophecies that a university and House of Worship would be built at Green Acre.

The book underscores Green Acre’s importance as an historic site and an educational institution with a bright future. It will inspire readers to appreciate the present efforts to restore the Sarah Farmer Inn for posterity.

A group of early 'Greenacreites' assembled in the pines at what was then the Green Acre Conference Center. Swami Vivekananda is seated in the center foreground; actor Joseph Jefferson (with dark hat) is standing behind the Swami.

Landegg Academy hosts its third annual symposium for youth

Switzerland’s Landegg Academy held its third annual symposium for youth March 28-April 3.

Landegg symposia are designed to provide a forum in which youth, in consultation with experienced adults, can explore a variety of critical social issues. Last year’s symposium was dedicated to the environment, this year’s to conflict-free conflict resolution.

A faculty of six young professionals guided the 90 Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í youth from 16 countries through an intensive five-day training program.

Dr. Farzam Arbáb, a Counselor member of the International Teaching Center in Haifa, and Ms. Dorothy Cotton, a close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the '60s and now director of student activities at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, were guest speakers at this year’s symposium.

One of the challenges of the symposium was to effectively integrate three language groups. Simultaneous translations from English to French and German enabled the entire conference to stay together, and a variety of informal activities helped bridge the communication barriers.

The evaluation of the symposium by participants was overwhelmingly positive; most of the youth said they had never been to a Bahá’í conference quite like this one.

Given the vital need in the Bahá’í community for comparable participatory learning activities, plans were made, in consultation with Dr. Arbáb, to conduct an intensive training seminar on workshop methodology at Landegg in December 1991, immediately before the Academy’s second annual Forum for Young Professionals.

Meanwhile, plans are under way for Symposium '92, which will focus on the role of the arts in transforming individuals and societies. [Page 10]the essential aspects of its life." In no other country is the promise of organic unity more immediately demonstrable than in the United States because this country is a microcosm of the diverse populations of the earth. Yet this promise remains largely unrealized even here because of the endemic racism that, like a cancer, is corroding the vitals of the nation.

For too much of its history and in so many places the human race has squandered its energy and resources in futile efforts to prove the unprovable: that one portion of itself, because of separation by geography, a difference in skin color, or the diversity of cultural expression, is intrinsically distinct from another portion. The ignorance and prejudice on which such efforts are founded have led to endless conflicts in the name of the sanctity of tribe, race, class, nation, religion. Paradoxical as it may seem, in the consistency of these negative efforts across the spectrum of the race, humanity has proved the exact opposite: it has affirmed its oneness. The proof is in the fact that, given the same circumstances, all people, regardless of ethnic or cultural variety, behave essentially the same way. In the futility of its efforts to classify and separate its diverse elements, humanity has become disoriented and confused. Unaided by the divine influence of religion, people are incapable of achieving a proper orientation to their innermost reality and purpose and are thus unable to achieve a coherent vision of their destiny. It is in this respect that the Bahá’ís find relevancy, direction, and fulfillment in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of their Faith.

The oneness of humanity is a spiritual truth abundantly confirmed by science. Recognition of this truth compels the abandonment of all prejudices of race, color, creed, nation, and class—of "everything which enables people to consider themselves superior to others." The principle of the oneness of mankind "is no mere outburst of ignorant emotionalism or an expression of vague and pious hope. . . . It does not constitute merely the enunciation of an ideal. ... It implies an organic change in the structure of present-day society, a change such as the world has not yet experienced."

II

The application of the spiritual principle of the oneness of mankind to the life of the nation would necessitate and make possible vast changes in the economic status of the non-white segments of the population. Although poverty afflicts members of all races, its victims tend to be largely people of color. Prejudice and discrimination have created a disparity in standards of living, providing some with excessive economic advantage while denying others the bare necessities for leading healthy and dignified lives. Poor housing, deficient diet, inadequate health care, insufficient education are consequences of poverty that afflict African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanic Americans more than they afflict the rest of the population. The cost to society at large is heavy.

Evidence of the negative effect of racial and ethnic conflict on the economy has prompted a number of businesses and corporations to institute educational programs that teach conflict resolution and are designed to eliminate racial and ethnic tensions from the workplace. These are important steps and should be encouraged. If, however, they are intended primarily to save the economy, no enduring solution will be found to the disastrous consequences of racism. For it cannot suffice to offer academic education and jobs to people while at the same time shutting them out because of racial prejudice from normal social intercourse based on brotherly love and mutual respect. The fundamental solution—the one that will reduce violence, regenerate and focus the intellectual and moral energy of minorities, and make them partners in the construction of a progressive society—rests ultimately on the common recognition of the oneness of humankind.

It is entirely human to fail if that which is most important to people's self-perception is denied them—namely, the dignity they derive from a genuine regard by others for their stature as human beings. No educational, economic, or political plan can take the place of this essential human need; it is not a need that businesses and schools, or even governments, can provide in isolation from the supportive attitude of society as a whole. Such an attitude needs to be grounded in a spiritual and moral truth that all acknowledge and accept as their own and that, like the oxygen that serves all equally, breathes life into their common effort to live in unity and peace. Absence of the genuine regard for others fostered by such truth causes hopelessness in those discriminated against; and in a state of hopelessness, people lose the coherent moral powers to realize their potential. This vitalizing truth, we are convinced, is summarized in the phrase: the oneness of humankind.

So essential is the principle of the oneness of humanity to the efficacy of educational programs that it cannot be overemphasized. Without its broad influence such programs will not contribute significantly to the development of society. The very fact that businesses are themselves implementing educational programs is indicative of the glaring deficiency of the entire educational system. As we have already said, beyond the mechanisms of education lies the essential prerequisite of a proper attitude on the part of those dispensing curricula and, even more important, on the part of society as a whole. On this basis, education is not only the shortest route out of poverty; it is the shortest route out of prejudice as well. A national program of education, emphasizing the values of tolerance, brotherhood, appreciation for cultures other than one's own, and respect for differences would be a most important step toward the elimination of racism and, as a consequence, the bolstering of the economy.

III

The persistent neglect by the governing bodies and the masses of the American people of the ravages of racism jeopardizes both the internal order and the national security of the country.

From the day it was born the United States embraced a set of contradictory values. The founding fathers proclaimed their devotion to the highest principles of equality and justice yet enshrined slavery in the Constitution. Slavery poisoned the mind and heart of the nation and would not be abolished without a bloody civil war that nearly destroyed the young republic. The evil consequences of slavery are still visible in this land. They continue to affect the behavior of both Black and the White Americans and prevent the healing of old wounds.

Healing the wounds and building a society in which people of diverse backgrounds live as members of one family is the most pressing issue confronting America today. Her peace, her prosperity, and even her standing in the international community depend to a great extent on the resolution of this issue.

That the virulence of the race issue in America attracts the attention of the entire world should spur this country to an unprecedented effort to eliminate every vestige of prejudice and discrimination from her midst. America's example could not fail to have a profound influence on world society, nor could it fail to assist the establishment of universal peace. "For the accomplishment of unity between the colored and white," the Bahá’í writings proclaim, "will be a cause of the world's peace."

The responsibility for the achievement of racial peace and unity in the United States rests upon both Black and White Americans. To build a society in which the rights of all its members are respected and guaranteed, both races must be animated with the spirit of optimism and faith in the eventual realization of their highest aspirations. Neither White nor Black Americans should assume that the responsibility for the elimination of prejudice and of its effects belongs exclusively to the other. Both must recognize that unity is essential for their common survival. Both must recognize that there is only one human species. Both must recognize that a harmoniously functioning society that permits the full expression of the potential of all persons can resolve the social and economic problems now confounding a society wracked with disunity.

It is evident that both the Black and White Americans in large numbers are feeling deeply disappointed and frustrated by what each group perceives to be a failure of the efforts in recent decades at effecting progress in the relations between the races. To rationalize this failure, both have been reacting by retreating to the more familiar ground of racial separation. As the problems with crime and drug addiction mount, the tendency is to use the seeming intractability of these problems as a measure of the failure of years of struggle on the part of both to overcome the barriers of centuries. Formidable as is the challenge yet to be met, can it fairly be said that no significant progress has taken place since the days of the sit-ins at lunch counters across the South?

Similarly, the victims of a protracted and entrenched racial discrimination seek relief in the notion that Black Americans, White Americans, American Indians, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans are so distinctly different from one another that all of them must stake out their own cultural and social territories and stay within them. Would this be sensible? Would it not be a retreat from the reality of our common humanity? Would it not be a formula for the total breakdown of civilization? Those who raise the call for separation preach a grim doctrine indeed. If the nation is seriously to submit to such a view, where exactly will either the Black or the White Americans divide their cultural heritage, one from the other?

Racism runs deep. It infects the hearts of both White and Black Americans. Since without conscious, deliberate, and sustained effort, no one can remain unaffected by its corrosive influence, both groups must realize that such a problem can neither easily nor immediately be resolved. "Let neither think that anything short of genuine love, extreme patience, true humility, consummate tact, sound initiative, mature wisdom, and deliberate, persistent, and prayerful effort can succeed in blotting out the stain which this patent evil has left on the fair name of their common country."

Both groups must understand that no real change will come about without close association, fellowship, and friendship among diverse people. Diversity of color, nationality, and culture enhances the human experience and should never be made a barrier to harmonious relationships, to friendship, or to marriage. "O well-beloved ones!" Bahá’u’lláh wrote. "The tabernacle of unity has been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch."

IV

Our appeal is addressed primarily to the individual American because the transformation of a whole nation ultimately depends on the initiative and change of character of the individuals who compose it. No great idea or plan of action by the government or other interested organizations can hope to succeed if the individual neglects to respond in his or her own way as personal circumstances and opportunities permit. And so we respectfully and urgently call upon our fellow Americans of whatever background to look at the racial situation with new eyes and with a new determination to lend effective support to the resolution of a problem that hinders the advance of this great republic toward the full realization of its glorious destiny.

We mention the experience of the Bahá’í community not from any feeling of pride and ultimate victory, because that which we have accomplished still falls short of that to which we aspire; nonetheless, the results to date are most encouraging, and it is as a means of encouragement that we call attention to them.

From its inception in 1863 the Bahá’í community was dedicated to the principle of the unity of humankind. Bahá’ís rely upon faith in God, daily prayer, meditation, and study of sacred texts to effect the transformation of character necessary for personal growth and maturity; however, their aim is to create a world civilization that will in turn react upon the character of the individual. Thus the concept of personal salvation is linked to the salvation, security, and happiness of all the inhabitants of the earth and stems from the Bahá’í belief that "the world of humanity is a composite body" and that "when one part of the organism suffers all the rest of the body will feel its consequence."

Guided and inspired by such principles, the Bahá’í community has accumulated more than a century of experience in creating models of unity that transcend race, culture, nationality, class, and the differences of sex and religion, providing empirical evidence that humanity in all its diversity can live as a unified global society.

Bahá’ís see unity as the law of life; consequently, all prejudices are perceived as diseases that threaten life. Rather than considering that the unity of humankind can be established only after other problems afflicting it have been solved, Bahá’ís believe that both spiritual and material development are dependent upon love and unity.

Therefore, the Bahá’ís offer the teachings of their Faith and the example of their community for examination, convinced that these can make a contribution toward the eradication of racism endemic in American society. We do so 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." [Page 11]

American Bahá’í community: An enduring commitment to equality, integration

By ROBERT H. STOCKMAN

The commitment of the American Bahá’í community to racial integration and equality is one of the longstanding features of its beliefs and community life.

The first African-American Bahá’í—Robert Turner—was enrolled in the Faith in 1898, only four years after the first European-American. In the following year Olive Jackson became the first African-American woman to become a Bahá’í.

Although they were a small minority among the approximately 1,500 American Bahá’ís at that time, the African-American presence soon began to grow. Teaching the Faith to rural blacks began in Fairhope, Alabama, by 1901. About 1905 African-Americans began to enroll in the Faith in Washington, D.C., and by 1908 they numbered about 15 of that community's approximately 75 Bahá’ís.

In 1909 Washington's African-American Bahá’ís acquired an important addition to their ranks, a lawyer named Louis G. Gregory (1874-1951).

Although the European-American Bahá’ís encouraged the blacks to establish their own separate but equal Bahá’í community in the city, Mr. Gregory took to heart the Bahá’í commitment to racial integration and equality and insisted on integration of the black and white Bahá’í communities.

The white Bahá’ís, although used to the customs of a thoroughly segregated city, reluctantly agreed.

In 1911 Mr. Gregory became the first African-American to serve on a Bahá’í administrative body when he was elected to the "Working Committee," the coordinating body for all of Washington's Bahá’ís.

In 1912 he was elected to the Bahá’í Temple Unity Executive Committee, the nine-member body that coordinated Bahá’í activities throughout North America.

Mr. Gregory continued to be elected to that body and its successor, the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, intermittently for 32 years. His election was an important litmus test of the American Bahá’í community's commitment to equality.

In 1912, when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visited North America for nine months, race unity was a major theme of His formal and informal talks.

He addressed the fourth annual convention of the NAACP, and insisted that facilities where He gave public talks be open to blacks as well as whites so that His audiences could include both races.

The Bahá’ís of Washington had excellent contacts among the city's white leadership and held a formal reception and dinner for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to which federal officials and others were invited. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá insisted that Louis Gregory be included, and when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was seated at the head of the table He gave Mr. Gregory the seat of honor, to His right.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s commitment to racial unity found its most radical expression in His emphasis that the love between the races should be so strong that they should intermarry. At the time, such an act was often derogatorily termed "miscegenation" and was illegal in half of the United States.

Before he left the country ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had the privilege of attending the wedding of Louis Gregory to an English Bahá’í, Louisa Mathews, the first interracial marriage among Bahá’ís.

MATTHEW BULLOCK

The teens and twenties saw a steady increase in the diversification of the American Bahá’í community. African-Americans were drawn to the Faith in Pittsburgh, Chicago, New York City, Boston, and many smaller cities and towns such as Kenosha, Wisconsin, and Geneva, New York.

In every case they were integrated into the existing Bahá’í communities; separate black Bahá’í communities were never established.

In 1919 Dorothy Champ became the first black woman elected to the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of New York City. By 1928, the Bahá’í community of Chicago had more than 50 black members out of a total membership of perhaps 300. Among the Bahá’ís in Chicago were two interracial couples.

African-Americans were not the only minority group to join the American Bahá’í community. The teens and twenties saw growing numbers of Catholics, Jews, and even some American Muslims enrolled as Bahá’ís.

American Indians and Hispanic Americans became members as well. By 1944 there was even an organized Bahá’í community on an Indian Reservation.

The National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. and Canada made its first significant public commitment to fostering race unity in 1921, when it began to sponsor a series of race amity conferences around the country.

Louis Gregory began at that time a series of tours of the South, where he spoke about the Bahá’í Faith at colleges and to any audience that invited him.

As a result, a racially integrated Bahá’í community was slowly established in the South. The changes in racial attitudes that swept the South in the 1950s and 1960s accelerated considerably the Faith's growth there, especially among rural blacks who began to become Bahá’ís in relatively large numbers.

In 1991 African-Americans constitute about one-third of the membership of the American Bahá’í community; in the last three decades two or three of the nine seats on the National Spiritual Assembly have consistently been occupied by blacks; and two of the National Assembly's seven executive secretaries have been black.

LOUIS G. GREGORY

In addition to the significant commitment that American Bahá’ís as a community have made to racial unity and fellowship, as individuals they have devoted much time to integration and equality in American society.

Louis Gregory was a tireless supporter of efforts to heal the divisions between the races. He knew, and corresponded with, many of the early 20th century leaders of the effort to bring about the advancement of blacks, such as W.E.B. DuBois. One result was that Nina Gomer DuBois, wife of the well-known activist, became a Bahá’í.

She was not the only prominent African-American attracted to the Faith. George W. Henderson became a Bahá’í about 1916. A professor of business at Roger Williams University in Nashville, Tennessee, he later established Henderson Business College, a successful black college in Memphis.

Robert S. Abbott, founder of the Chicago Defender, one of the most important black-oriented newspapers in the country, became a friend and sympathizer of the Bahá’í Faith in 1912, and became a member of the Bahá’í community in 1934.

Alain Locke, professor of philosophy at Howard University and a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s, became a Bahá’í around 1922. Mr. Locke wrote extensively about adult education, world peace, cultural pluralism, and the advancement of blacks from a perspective informed by both the Bahá’í Faith and the pragmatism of such philosophers as William James, John Dewey and Charles Peirce.

Elsie Austin, one of the first black women in the U.S. to earn a law degree, accepted the Faith about 1935. She served with distinction as assistant Attorney General for the state of Ohio and in the U.S. diplomatic service in Africa. In 1946, she was elected to membership on the National Spiritual Assembly, the first African-American woman to serve on that body.

Matthew Bullock, a graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School and later a recipient of honorary degrees from both schools, became a Bahá’í in 1940. In addition to membership on the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, he became distinguished as a lawyer and public servant in Massachusetts who fought for social justice and human dignity.

ALAIN LOCKE

Robert Hayden, a well-known 20th century poet and the first black to serve as Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress, became a Bahá’í in 1943.

In the 1970s world-renowned jazz trumpeter John Birks (Dizzy) Gillespie, recipient of many honors including a recent medal for lifetime achievement in the arts from President George Bush, was enrolled in the Faith and has been an effective spokesman on its behalf all over the world.

The American Bahá’í commitment to racial equality was expressed by active support for the civil rights movement in this country. Many Bahá’ís took part in the celebrated march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1965, and in less dramatic efforts such as voter registration and preparing black children to attend integrated public schools.

In recent years Bahá’ís have been important participants in programs at Atlanta's Martin Luther King Center for Non-Violent Social Change. Two Bahá’ís serve on the Martin Luther King Federal Holiday Commission.

The slowing of progress in America toward legal and social equality in the 1980s appears to underscore the importance of the Bahá’í view that lasting improvement in race relations is a matter of changing attitudes and cultural patterns, as well as changing laws.

The recent focus of Bahá’í interest on the search for models of interracial, interethnic and interreligious unity outside the Bahá’í community, and continued strengthening of integration within the community itself, represent a new phase in the Bahá’í effort to bring about a revolution among races and in the development of closer relations among people in American society.

The American Bahá’í community remains unswerving in its commitment to help all persons realize the full development of their human potential, regardless of their ethnic background, religious tradition, or race. It offers itself as a model for study and as an example of a community with positive, dynamic and actively developing race relations. [Page 12]

'Active' is word to describe Atlanta Bahá’í Youth Workshop

YOUTH

The Atlanta Bahá’í Youth Workshop has begun several exciting projects in the past few months and has devised a set of goals for the coming year.

Among the goals are monthly teaching activities to focus on youth and minorities; monthly service projects; regular fund-raisers; and youth prayer sessions.

In January, the Workshop took part in Atlanta's annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade, in which members were asked to carry the front banner in the march section. After the parade, two Workshop members spoke at a youth rally, sharing the Message of Bahá’u’lláh with their audience.

On March 25, the Workshop held a game night fund-raiser for the National Fund and the Arc. The next morning, two members traveled with the Workshop directors to Nashville, Tennessee, and spent the day with Nashville youth, getting to know one another and answering questions about what it takes to make a workshop successful.

In February, Workshop members had decided to celebrate Ayyam-i-Há in a spirit of service by taking part in the Georgia Department of Transportation's Adopt-a-Highway clean-up campaign. They plan to clean a mile of Georgia highway once every other month.

On March 9, the Workshop performed the "Equality of Men and Women" dance at the Agnes Scott Women's College International Festival.

A week later, Workshop members celebrated the month of fasting with a dinner on March 22 and a picnic the following day party. They observed Naw-Rúz with a party at Stone Mountain Park.

On March 31, the Workshop welcomed to the deepening part of its practice session Fafar Guillebeaux of Montgomery, Alabama, who led a workshop on the equality of men and women.

The service project in March was a toy collection for area children's shelters. Workshop members donated toys throughout the month, and several boxloads were delivered to two children's shelters in the Atlanta area.

The Workshop is now planning its summer-long teaching projects which include a nine-day trip through North and South Carolina and several weekend projects in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.

If you believe the Workshop could be of service to your community, please contact them through Glenn and Maryam Evans, 404-438-6563.

• • ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY**

LITTER CONTROL ATLANTA BAHÁ’Í YOUTH WORKSHOP

Members of the Atlanta Bahá’í Youth Workshop are pictured next to the 'adopted' one-mile stretch of Georgia highway they have agreed to maintain as a part of the state Department of Transportation's 'Adopt-a-Highway' program. The project is one of a number of service activities the Workshop has already undertaken or plans to begin in the coming months.

Charlotte Bahá’ís co-sponsor symposium whose theme is 'Women: Up from Obscurity'

The Bahá’í community of Charlotte, North Carolina, co-sponsored a symposium March 30 whose theme was "Women: Up from Obscurity and Toward World Recognition."

About 70 people attended the day-long event whose other sponsors were the Mecklenburg County Women's Commission and the Afro-American Cultural Center, where the symposium was held.

A task force consisting of representatives from the co-sponsors and the Bahá’í Proclamation Committee served to build bridges between the Bahá’í community and Charlotte civic groups, government commissions and high-profile individuals to broaden the focus, widen publicity efforts, and win support for the symposium.

The mayor and city council proclaimed March 24-30 "Achievements of Women Week," and the symposium was publicized on radio and television.

Three Bahá’í women were among the featured speakers: Nancy Dobbins of Dallas, Texas; Dr. Carole Allen of Norfolk, Virginia; and Zylpha Mapp-Robinson of Washington, D.C.

The Charlotte community is now poised to raise its proclamation and teaching activities to a higher level to bring to the attention of the public the Station of Bahá’u’lláh and to speak boldly of Him as the Lord of the Age during the upcoming Holy Year.

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EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

Jim Haslip, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Tuolumne, California, has been appointed by the California superintendent of public education to attend the National Gallery of Art's 50th Anniversary Teacher Institute Scholar ceremony in July. A school superintendent and teacher from each state was appointed to attend the ceremony, to be held in Washington, D.C. "[Mr. Haslip] has set an exemplary example of how arts education can be part of a core curriculum," the appointment notice said. "And he has shown how in a small, rural county there is money for dance, music, drama and the visual arts. He provides a real model that other administrators can follow."

Dr. Manucher J. Javid, a Bahá’í who is professor and chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Wisconsin Medical School, was elected president of the International Intradiscal Therapy Society at its annual meeting April 6 in Houston, Texas. Dr. Javid was also the 1991 alumnus elected to Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society, Alpha chapter, University of Illinois College of Medicine, and was honored during their annual meeting March 16 in Chicago.

Ruhi Reimer, a Bahá’í from Atlanta, Georgia, has received a Martin Luther King Jr. scholarship for four years of study at Emory University. The scholarship is based on academic achievement and demonstrating a strong social conscience. While at Northside High School, Ruhi and another Bahá’í student, Enoch Varner, suggested and gained approval for a campus organization to address the need for closer ties between black and white students, who were segregated during lunch breaks and extracurricular activities. Earlier this year, Ruhi was named "Mr. Northside High" by his fellow students.

John J. Phillips, a Bahá’í from Pembroke, Massachusetts, has received the Academic Excellence Award in Health Records Administration from Northeastern University in Boston. After his graduation in June, Mr. Phillips planned to continue his work as a coder in the Department of Coding and DRG Analysis at Boston's Massachusetts General Hospital.

Three pieces by a Bahá’í, tressa ralya reisetter of Fairfax, Virginia, were featured April 14 in a concert by the Manassas (Virginia) Choral Society. Two of the pieces, "Find Him There" (based on selected Hidden Words), and "Thou Kind Lord" (based on a prayer revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá) were premiered at the concert. The third, a setting of the traditional Christian piece, "Lamb of God," had been performed several times previously in central Iowa.

June McKee Lindsay, a Bahá’í from Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been appointed a deputy Director General of the International Biographical Centre in Cambridge, England. Ms. Lindsay will assist and advise in the planning and running of the annual International Congresses of the IBC in major world cities, in approaching other leaders and achievers with a view to including them in future directories and reference titles, and in increasing the membership of the International Biographical Association and the World Literary Academy, which are sponsored by and headquartered at the IBC. [Page 13]

WORLD NEWS

A traveling "Peace Education" exhibit created by Bahá’ís in Brazil reached some 150,000 people in nine Brazilian cities last year and presented many opportunities to teach the Faith. At the exhibit's final stop, Londrina, 34 local artists displayed their work as part of the initiative, which local media called "The Art for Peace Exhibition."...

Since the beginning of the Six Year Plan, enrollments in the Central African Republic have averaged about 1,000 per year. After a series of meetings between Bahá’ís and government officials, the Faith has been recognized and registered by the government of Romania. In January, a document to that effect was signed by the Minister of Culture, and was registered and notarized in February by the national court in Bucharest. In the document, the Bahá’í community of Romania is registered as 'a religious association' on a national level with its seat in Bucharest, with its aim 'to spread the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in Romania....

More than 165 people from 13 countries attended India's fourth annual Bahá’í Winter School at Panchgani. Indian participants came from 11 states and included a group of 30 students from the Rabbani School at Gwalior. The school was dedicated to the memory of the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, "whose vision of the new World Order this generation is privileged to witness....

In the Mariana Islands, Bahá’í Mark Heath represented the Territory of Guam at a recent meeting of senior officials on a Program of Action in Support of Education for All, called by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. Meanwhile, Bahá’ís Graham Hassall of Melbourne, Australia, and Lin Poyer of Cincinnati, Ohio, took part in the Pacific Historians Association Conference on Guam. Dr. Hassall presented a paper on the growth of the Faith in the Pacific area from 1954-68. And at the Federation of Asian Women's Association convention, also on Guam, Dr. Craig Lewis, a Bahá’í, presented a talk entitled "Women as Peacemakers." Dr. Lewis was introduced as a member of the Bahá’í community of the Mariana Islands....

A Bahá’í children's camp was held in February in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, with some 45 youngsters from the coastal areas of the country taking part. Among the many activities planned for the children were art classes.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Trinidad supported the participation of a Bahá’í physician in a public health seminar on "Women and AIDS." The seminar was attended primarily by young student nurses eager to learn how to help in this medical crisis. A Bahá’í prayer was read at the start of the program, the Bahá’í doctor was one of the speakers, and at the end of the program the chairman thanked the Bahá’ís for their involvement and support....

Arctic Ventures Ltd., a variety store in Iqaluit, Northern Territories, Canada, is now selling Bahá’í books. The breakthrough came as a result of efforts by the Bahá’í Teaching Committee-Arctic, which has a goal of getting Blessed Is the Spot into bookstores in the Arctic. The book, produced by Bahá’í Canada Publications, contains the prayer in English, Inuktitut, and Greenlandic, along with illustrations.

Nearly 200 people from a number of religions attended Bophuthatswana's first World Religion Day observance sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Mmabatho. The opening speech was given by the mayor of Mmabatho....

About 140 people were enrolled in the Faith during the first 10 days of a teaching campaign that began last January in Manaus, Brazil....

The National Spiritual Assembly of Gambia sponsored a competition for secondary and high school students to express through the arts ways in which world peace can be achieved. Six schools took part, with an audience of more than 600 present for the judging. The competition, said a report from the National Assembly, "was a magnificent proclamation of 'The Promise of World Peace.' We now have appointments for seminars on the peace statement in the two branches of the Gambia College, and consideration is being given to holding competitions for the schools in other regions of the country."...

From January 5-20, four Bahá’í youth and a number of local friends went to remote villages in the district of Pitas, Malaysia, where they helped form three local Spiritual Assemblies. Some consolidation work was later carried out, and Assembly members were taught how to conduct the Nineteen Day Feast....

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom, with help from the Scottish Bahá’í Information Office, held a proclamation event to mark the publication of a new book, The Seven Candles of Unity: The Story of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Edinburgh. The program was held February 28 in the National Library of Scotland....

In Canberra, Australia, a nine-year-old Bahá’í used a classroom "Show and Tell" session to proclaim the Faith, using as her presentation a cassette tape of Bahá’í songs. The children showed interest in the tape, asked questions, and asked the teacher to make a copy for the class. The young Bahá’í went on to talk about the Faith and Bahá’í children's classes, and gave her teacher a lovely personalized invitation card to a Bahá’í community fireside....

A former Auxiliary Board member from Costa Rica who attends the Instituto Centroamericano de Administracio de Empresas in Managua, Nicaragua, suggested the use of the Bahá’í electoral process and the system was adopted. It marked the first time that an election along spiritual guidelines was carried out in an educational institution in that country....

Eighteen Bahá’ís including two Auxiliary Board members and seven members of the National Spiritual Assembly took part last December in a deepening seminar in Guéckédou, Guinea.

Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum present as Romania hosts 300 Bahá’ís at its first-ever National Convention

The first Bahá’í National Convention of Romania was held April 26-29 in Bucharest with the participation of almost 300 Bahá’ís, among whom were about 30 Bahá’ís from 15 countries.

The official representative of the Universal House of Justice on this historic occasion was the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum whose presence was an extraordinary blessing felt by all who had the bounty of taking part in the Convention.

Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum explained that she is especially attracted to Romania because of the outstanding services rendered to the Faith by Queen Marie and the special correspondence cultivated between the beloved Guardian and the Queen.

She also emphasized the great importance for Romania for the development of the Faith throughout Europe, and the shining example given by the Bahá’ís of Romania through their extraordinary increase in numbers.

The Convention was further enriched by Counselor Sohrab Youssefian who, on several occasions, contributed to the success of its deliberations and was a source of love and encouragement for all.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Germany was represented by Fritz Kluber. Messages of greetings and well-wishes were received from the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, the Continental Boards of Counselors for Europe and Asia, 27 National Spiritual Assemblies, and two local Assemblies. [Page 14]Judy Knight-Frank (left), chairman of the Ute Mountain Ute tribe, and Mary Baca, an Hispanic activist, display their awards at the Bahá’í-sponsored "Women Uniting the World" conference April 5-7 in Denver, Colorado.

Service/Employment opportunities at the Bahá’í 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 develop- ment you can become a pattern for the entire Bahá’í world." (Excerpt from a letter by the Universal House of Justice addressed to "the Believers in the Cradle of the Bahá’í 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:

Bahá’í 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- cessing.

Administrative Assistants • Essential to the efficient functioning and quality of service provided by the Bahá’í National Center • Must be well-versed in Bahá’í 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 accessing Requires 5-8 years experience in the MIS field •Experience in a 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 Bahá’í properties in the U.S. owned by NSA Properties Inc: • Must have general management experience including strong financial management and people management experience or background Requires 3-4 years experience in property development and management with emphasis on general business management •Must be familiar with all phases of design and construction • Must have working knowledge of pertinent legal issues critical to the work • Prefer special skills in renovation of historic properties

Other opportunities include: -Bahá’í Publishing Trust: Associate Editor, Editorial Assistant - House of Worship: Office Manager - Media Services: Secretary/Receptionist - NSA Properties: Custodian/Supervisor - National Teaching Committee: Secretary/Receptionist - Periodicals: Writer/Reporter - WLGI Radio: On-Air Operator - World Congress Logistics Office: Registration Processing Specialists.

If you are able to share your talents with the National Spiritual Assembly, please send your résumé to the Bahá’í National Center, Department of Human Resources, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone Diana Harris at 708-869- 9039.

Women activists given awards at Denver Bahá’í Conference

On April 5-7, the National Committee on Women and the metro-Denver Bahá’í com- munity co-sponsored a weekend confer- ence, "Women Uniting the World: A Multi- Cultural Perspective on Equality."

On Friday evening, an awards banquet was held to honor outstanding women from the first two cultures settling Colorado: Judy Knight-Frank, chairman of the Ute Mountain Ute tribe, and Mary Baca, a well-known civic activist of Hispanic de- scent.

The award, a bronze and nickel sculpture entitled "The Dove Dancer," crafted by Colorado artist Rik Sargent, has been named "The Alteria M. Bryant Award: Celebrat- ing the Diversity of Womankind," and is to be presented annually.

Mrs. Bryant was the first Bahá’í in Colo- rado, having accepted the Faith in 1900. One hundred sixty-four people attended the awards banquet, 40 percent of whom were not Bahá’ís.

Besides attending various panels and workshops, attendees heard from 15 noted speakers including Judy Canales, presi- dent of the Mexican American National Women's Association; Luz Martin del Campo-Cohan, associate director of the National Council of Women; Juana Conrad, founder of Women for International Peace and Arbitration; and Celeste M.C. de Baca, a Denver County judge.

Each of the plenary sessions was begun with a dramatic or musical vignette. Workshop and panel topics included "The Impact of Feminine Quality on Society," "Women's Role in Improving the Health of the Family," and "The Growth Potential for Women in the Workforce."

On Saturday evening, a program of multi- cultural entertainment entitled "The Col- ors of Colorado" was presented for an audience of more than 300, more than three-fourths of whom were not Bahá’ís.

Following a performance Sunday morn- ing by De Colores del Mundo, an Hispanic women's musical group, Mrs. Conrad spoke on "Women, the Catalyst for Peace."

The Bahá’í National Committee on Women then presented a panel discussion on that topic.

CHECK OUT SUMMER SCHOOLS

Like a vacation, a Bahá’í summer school can allow participants to experience an atmosphere that is both peaceful and ex- hilarating, restful and stimulating.

But unlike a mere vacation, a Bahá’í school can unlock doors to understanding Bahá’u’lláh’s life and teachings. A Bahá’í school can help every participant to be a competent and confident teacher of Bahá’u’lláh’s Cause.

And a Bahá’í school can go far beyond the mild pleasures of a vacation by im- mersing the participants in an atmosphere of true Bahá’í fellowship.

Summer schools are planned in many areas across the U.S. Please consult the May issue of The American Bahá’í for the schools nearest you. More information is available from the National Teaching Com- mittee office, 708-869-9039, ext. 288.

THE NATIONAL RACE UNITY COMMITTEE NEEDS YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SPEAKERS’ BUREAU TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF THE ONENESS OF MANKIND

Race Unity Committee Glencoe, IL 60022

We are interested in building a speakers' bureau to assist the national Bahá’í community in planning programs teaching the oneness of mankind. If you are acquainted with individuals whom you would recommend as speakers, workshop leaders, panelists, etc., please give us some information about them. We have provided the following form for your convenience. Please return it to the above address.

Name of Recommended Person: Address. City Telephone State zip (if address is unknown, please provide community of residence) Is this person a Bahá’í?

If known, please provide some biographical information and/or information about the kinds of talks, workshops, etc. this individual presents:

Why do you recommend this person?

Your name: Address City State zip. (if address is unknown, please provide community of residence) Your telephone Is this person a Bahá’í? (home) (work) [Page 15]

YOUTH

Two young Bahá’ís, Noah Bartolucci of Winston-Salem, North Carolian, and Jamal Reimer of Boone, North Carolina, are spending a Youth Year of Service documenting the services to the Faith of other Bahá’ís, young and old alike, in a number of areas around the world. Here is the first of a series of reports written especially for The American Bahá’í, from the Maxwell International Bahá’í School in British Columbia, Canada. This first article was written by Noah.

The engine that powers the Maxwell International Bahá’í School is its staff of volunteers.

There are 20 of them, ranging in age from 18 to 71, but most are youth. They serve in the school's cafeteria, its health center, administrative offices and facilities department. When they're through the working day they help coach sports, tutor students or lead teaching institutes. They're always on the job.

"The year-of-service personnel truly support the running of the school. They provide us with huge economic benefits," says Dr. Ray Johnson, a Bahá’í who is principal of the Maxwell School. "They’re crucial in these first years of the school's operation. We couldn't get along without them."

Dr. Johnson, who has directed the school since its inception in the fall of 1988, says the youth are more than a labor force. He considers them role models for the students.

"The Maxwell community is a learning environment," he says. "You need to give opportunities for service so you can teach service.

"The year of service is a separate curriculum, another objective of Bahá’í education."

Even before Maxwell's founding the school made good use of volunteers, the first group of whom helped prepare the school for its opening, taking part in maintenance work and readying the grounds for the dedication ceremony.

Each year since then, the structure of the service work and the orientation programs for the volunteers have been refined and improved.

Today, prospective volunteers need specific skills to enhance the "engine's" performance. While some areas of the school require that volunteers be somewhat specialized, Dr. Johnson says youth should still be prepared to do whatever they are asked.

"It may be that we need someone to serve in different capacities because one of the youth has fallen and broken a leg," he says.

The volunteers' need to be adaptable extends beyond the workplace. They must be ready to help students, sometimes as tutors and other times as a mature friend in whom to confide.

Eva Trantor (left), a ‘Year of Service volunteer at the Maxwell International Bahá’í School in British Columbia, Canada, and two Maxwell students show off their ‘Maxwell Workshop’ sweatshirts.

"Many of the students are really close to the volunteers—you can go to them for help," says Rita Scheck, a Bahá’í from Oregon who is a ninth-grade student at Maxwell. "We can go to the staff for help too, but most of the volunteers are younger and sometimes they can better relate to us."

Many students think of the volunteers as older siblings, people they can laugh with and seek guidance from. But many of the volunteers also inspire the students to do their own pioneering.

Lindsay Wood, a Bahá’í ninth-grader from Ontario, Canada, says that interacting with the volunteers and seeing them work has prompted her to undertake a year of service.

"Wherever the volunteers are," she says, "they always seem happy. That teaches you a lot about the spirit of service.

"Before I came here I didn't understand what the year of service was about, or what the point was. Now I see, and I'm hoping to serve a year after a graduate from Maxwell."

The students aren't the only ones who witness the spirit of service exemplified by the volunteers and marvel at their growth. The school's permanent staff, co-workers of the volunteers, spend more time with them than any other group. Leo Kolodychuck, a Bahá’í who is the school's maintenance director, is one of those people.

"Whether or not the volunteers come with a good work ethic," he says, "they all learn it sooner or later; and they learn patience too. Everyone who comes to the school learns that."

Mr. Kolodychuck says service for the volunteers isn't always easy. Coming to grips with hard labor tests many volunteers to their limits.

"Most of them," he says, "don't have hard, physical labor in their background."

His favorite incident concerning volunteers took place soon after the school first opened. He, another worker and two young Bahá’ís had spent two days loading lumber onto the back of a truck. It was, he recalls, "back-breaking work." Once they were done, the truck set off for the Yukon Territory.

"We got a call later that night," Mr. Kolodychuck says. "The truck had toppled over, and we had to spend another two days picking up the logs and loading them again.

"Now, whenever those youth and I see each other, we laugh about it. Nothing bonds people better than having to endure hardships together."

‘Seniors’ find service at Maxwell School challenging, rewarding

Service for the benefit of one's fellow man is not only the highest station one can obtain, it is the essence of the Faith in action.

"Let deeds, not words, be your adorning." A Year of Service is available for everyone, not merely the youth.

What are you going to do when you retire (or before)?

The Maxwell International Bahá’í School has a volunteer service program that is essential to the smooth operation of the school. There are more than 20 Year of Service personnel ranging in age from 18 to 78.

Eva and Richard Trantor have been serving at the Maxwell School as assistant cook and maintenance personnel for the 1990/91 school year. Alberta and Keith Schulte from St. Cloud, Minnesota, will be joining the volunteer staff in August, Alberta as assistant nurse and Keith to head the custodial department.

What is unique about these and other volunteers at the Maxwell School is that they are retired. Not only do they put in a good 8-10 hours of work each day, they are also substitute grandparents to 165 students.

Eva says that for the first time, she and Richard have the opportunity to combine their life experiences and training with their desire to serve Bahá’u’lláh. Almost 24 hours a day, they know they are helping the Cause through their service to the Maxwell School.

Serving at the Maxwell School is an example of the kind of challenges and bounties Bahá’í communities will have in the future. This last year of the Six Year Plan requires an increase in service from as broad a spectrum of the Bahá’í community as possible.

The Maxwell Bahá’í School is one alternative of many that could use your time and talents. Contact your National Spiritual Assembly for a list of short- and long-range service opportunities.

And if you are interested volunteer service at the Maxwell School, write to the Principal, Maxwell International Bahá’í School, Bag 1000, Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W0, Canada.

Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo Bahá’í Club

Seventeen Bahá’í college students from all over California gathered February 19-21 for a research weekend retreat sponsored by the Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo Bahá’í Club. The students independently researched Bahá’í questions and practiced presentation skills by presenting brief talks on research topics. The retreat adhered to the rigor and content of the Bosch School Bahá’í Youth Academy. [Page 16]

انجمن ادب و فرهنگ ایرانی PERSIAN ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION

فرهنگ ایرانی از تاریخ 2

همانگونه که در شمارههای پیشین این نشریه به آگاهی دوستان عزیز رسید اولین انجمن ادب و فرهنگ ایرانی از تاریخ ۱۸ تا ۲۱ جولای سال جاری در مدرسه بهائى لوهلن تشكيل خواهد شد اطلاعات بیشتری درباره انجمن مذکور جهت آگاهی علاقه مندان به شرکت در آن کنفرانس در زیر درج میگردد

۱ دوستان میتوانند برای ثبت نام با تلفن شماره ۵۰۳۳-۶۵۳ (۳۱۳) مستقیماً با مدرسة لوهلن تماس حاصل نمایند و اطلاعات لازم را دریافت دارند همچنین یاران میتوانند مبالغ تعیین شده برای نام نویسی و تهیه مکان را با کارت اعتباری credit card پرداخت نمایند.

۲ جدول زیر را مدرسه لوهلن در نشریه تابستانی خود منتشر کرده است

صبحانه JOY ناهار ۴ دلار ۵ دلار ۶ دلار ۸ دلار غذا و سایر مخارج اشخاص ۱۲ ساله به بالا فرزند و یکی از والدین یکی از والدین و فرزندان والدین و فرزندان

۹ دلار ۸ دلار ۱۱ دلار ۱۲ دلار شام ۶ دلار ۱۰ دلار ۱۳ دلار ۱۴ دلار لوازم ۶ دلار ۹ دلار ۱۰ دلار ۱۲ دلار محل اقامت ۱۸ دلار ۲۳ دلار ۳۱ دلار ۳۵ دلار جمع كل يك روز ۳۹ دلار ۵۶ دلار ۷۳ دلار ۸۲ دلار

دو روز آخر هفته ۷۲ دلار ۱۰۲ دلار ۱۳۳ دلار ۱۵۰ دلار

سه روز ۱۱۱ دلار ۱۵۸ دلار ۲۰۶ دلار ۲۳۲ دلار

پنج روز ۱۸۹ دلار ۲۷۰ دلار ۳۵۲ دلار ۳۹۶ دلار

توجه جمعه ها و عصر روز ثبت نام شام داده نخواهد شد. ارقام و مبالغ بالا شامل افرادی است که از پیش ثبت نام کرده باشند و وجه ثبت نامشان (۱۰) دلار برای هر نفر) لااقل ۱۵ روز پیش از آغاز دوره مورد نظر به مدرسه لوهلن رسیده باشد. کسانی که از قبل نام نویسی نکرده باشند، باید ۱۰ دلار به مبالغ بالا اضافه نمایند.

برای اشخاص بالاتر از سن ۶۵ زن و شوهرها خانواده های دونفره و اشخاصی که به توجه بیشتری احتیاج داشته باشند - به علت بیماری و غیره - بدون اینکه لازم باشد وجه بیشتری بپردازند - اتاقهای دوتخته در نظر گرفته شده است. - برای سایر شرکت کنندگان اتاقهای مجهز به تخت خوابهای دو طبقه در نظر گرفته شده است. البته شرکت کنندگان میتوانند با پرداخت ۵ دلار اضافی درخواست اتاق با دو تخت خواب نمایند که در صورتی که مدرسه جا داشته باشد برایشان تهیه دیده خواهد شد. اتاقهای یک نفره به تعداد محدودی وجود دارد (۱۴) دلار اضافی برای هر روز ) برای هر دست حوله ملافه و روبالشی باید ۱۵ دلار اضافه پرداخت شود. سپرده قابل اعاده برای کلید اتاق ۲ دلار است. برای محافل روحانیه ای که بورس تحصیلی در اختیار باران قرار میدهند ۳۳ درصد تخفیف داده خواهد شد. محافل مذکور باید وجوه لازم را مستقیماً به مدرسه لوهان پرداخت نمایند.

برای شرکت در انجمن ادب و فرهنگ ایرانی باید مبالغ زیر را به مخارج مذکور در بالا اضافه نمود: ۱ خانواده ها ۲۵ دلار -۲ زن و شوهر ۲۰ دلار يك نفر ۱۵ دلار محصلان روزانه باید برای هر روز ۵ دلار اضافه نمایند

چون پیش بینی میشود که تعداد شرکت کنندگان زیاد باشد، حق تقدم با مجریان و ناطقان خواهد بود. پس از آنان اتاقها به ترتیب تاریخ نام نویسی در اختیار شرکت کنندگان قرار خواهد گرفت در اطراف مدرسه لوهلن هتلهای متعددی وجود دارد باران میتوانند جهت کسب اطلاع درباره آنها با مدرسة لوهلن تماس حاصل نمایند یارانی که در هتلهای مذکور اتاق داشته باشند خواهند توانست صبحانه و ناهار و شام را در مدرسه صرف نمایند.

کسانی که هواپیمایشان در یکی از فرودگاههای اطراف دیترویت Detroit و فلینت Flint و لنسینگ Lansing در صورت نیاز به وسیله نقلیه باید در برگ مخصوص نام نویسی در ذیل شاگردان ساکن Resident Students این نکته را قید نمایند. مخارج رفت و آمد به شرح زیر است از فرودگاه دیترویت هر اتوموبیل رفت و برگشت ۴۰ دلار از فرودگاه فلینت هر اتوموبیل رفت و برگشت ۱۴ دلار از فرودگاه لنسینگ هر اتوموبیل رفت و برگشت ۳۰ دلار

کنگره جهانی بهائی BAHA’I WORLD CONGRESS

به آگاهی یاران عزیز میرسد که زمان نام نویسی برای کنگره جهانی بهائی آغاز گردیده است باید محافل روحانی محلی و جمعیتهای بهائی و لجنات ناحیه ای نشر نفحات District Teaching Committees تا کنون اوراق نام نویسی را جهت توزیع در میان یاران دریافت نموده باشند. احبائی که در نقاط متفرقه سکونت دارند باید با لجنات ناحیه ای نشر نفحات با دفتر امور کنگره جهانی World Congress Logistics Office در دفتر محفل روحانی ملی تماس حاصل نمایند.

از دوستان عزیز تقاضا میشود مطالب و اطلاعات راجع به کنگره جهانی را با دقت مطالعه نمایند. همچنین یاران میتوانند جهت کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با دفتر امور کنگره جهانی تلفن ۸۶۹۲۲۹۴ (۷۰۸) از ساعت ۸:۳۰ صبح تا ۵:۳۰ بعد از ظهر به وقت محلی تماس حاصل نمایند.

مسؤولان کنگره جهانی برنامه سفر و اقامت شرکت کنندگان را چنان ترتیب دادهاند که باران بتوانند با خاطر آسوده از این کنفرانس تاریخی مستفیض شوند. خاطر عزیزان را متذکر میداریم که مستقیما با هتلهای نيويورك تماس حاصل ننمایند زیرا اتاق به تعداد کافی رزرو شده است.

همچنین باید هر يك از بارانی که برای شرکت در کنگره جهانی ثبت نام مینمایند يك ورقة مخصوص نام نویسی را تکمیل نمایند. اوراق نام نویسی و پرداخت وجوه مربوطه فقط از طریق ارسال توسط پست پذیرفته خواهد شد

دفاع از حقوق بهائیان ایران IN DEFENSE OF BAHA’IS OF IRAN

آقای جان پورتر John Porter نماینده مجلس شورای ایالات متحده از ایالت ایلینوی مطالبی را تحت عنوان تلاش بهائیان هنوز پایان نیافته است در جلسه رسمی مجلس اظهار داشت که در خلاصه مذاکرات کنگره امریکا درج گردید. ترجمه فارسی سخنان آقای پورتر در مجلس شورای امریکا در زیر درج میشود

جناب رئیس، دهها سال است که اقلیت بهائی ایران دچار ستمهای وحشیگرانه بوده است. از سال ۱۹۷۹ تا به حال صدها بهائی اعدام شده و هزاران نفر از آنان تنها به دلیل اعتقادات دینیشان زندانی شده و بسیاری نیز بی رحمانه مورد شکنجه قرار گرفته اند

خوشبختانه امروز اوضاع بسیار بهتر از ۱۰ سال پیش است. در حال حاضر کمتر از ۱۰ نفر در زندان به سر میبرند و از سال ۱۹۹۰ تا کنون هيچيك از آنان اعدام نشده است.

آشکار است که دولت ایران در برابر فشارهای بین المللی واکنش نشان میدهد در سالهای پیش دولت آمریکا و کنگره آن منجمله در بیانیه ای که با اقدام بنده در سال ۱۹۸۸ مبنی بر اعتراض به سو رفتار نسبت به بهائیان صادر شد آشکارا از آنان حمایت کرده است. همچنین سازمان ملل متحد نیز توجه خود را به بهائیان ایران معطوف داشته است. در جلسات اخیر کمیسیون حقوق بشر سازمان ملل که در ژنو در کشور سوئیس تشکیل شد بیانیه ای به اتفاق آراء صادر شد که نه تنها حمایت خود را از بهائیان اعلام میدارد بلکه دستور العمل نماینده ویژه سازمان ملل متحد به ایران را در مورد آن کشور لازم میداند بنا بر گزارش نماینده مذکور تبعیضات رسمی نسبت به بهائیان همچنان ادامه دارد.

نكته مهم و ضروری این است که جهانیان نباید فراموش کنند که هر چند بهائیان به علت تعلقات دینیشان دیگر اعدام و زندانی نمی شوند، معذلك هنوز هم به طور منظم توسط دولت ایران مورد تبعیض قرار میگیرند ما باید همچنان اعتراضات خود را در خصوص رفتار با بهائیان ایران ابراز کنیم و بی حرمتی کشور ایران را نسبت به حقوق دینی آنان که از طریق حقوق بین المللی تضمین شده است محکوم نمائیم.

گروه کر در کنگره جهانی

یکی از برنامه های ویژه کنگره جهانی بهائی که قرار است در ماه نوامبر سال ۱۹۹۲ در نيويورك تشکیل شود تشکیل گروه گری است که مرکب از خوانندگانی از سراسر جهان خواهد بود. از احبائی که تصمیم دارند در کنگره جهانی شرکت نمایند درخواست میشود برای شرکت در گروه کر مخصوص تقاضا نمایند خوانندگان بهائی از سراسر جهان میتوانند صدای خود را روی نوار صوتی کاست ضبط نمایند و آن را به کمیته برنامه ریزی کنگره جهانی ارسال نمایند

علاوه بر گروه کر اصلی که ذکر آن گذشت نیازی به خوانندگانی برای شرکت در گروههای گر دیگری از سراسر جهان منجمله افریقا افریقای جنوبی جزائر اقیانوس آرام جزائر کارائیب ،ایران ،هندوستان، اروپا و خاور دور وجود دارد محدودیت های مالی اجازه نمیدهد که صندون مالی کنگره جهانی مخارج سفر و اقامت خوانندگان را بر عهده بگیرد به همین جهت احبائی که قرار است در کنگره جهانی شرکت نمایند میتوانند نوار صدای خود را به نشانی زیر ارسال نمایند

Bahá’í World Congress Choir Audition P.O. Box 789 Wilmette, IL. 60091 U.S.A.

نیاز به داوطلب برای انجام خدمات مربوط به کنگره جهانی

نیاز مبرمی به داوطلب برای كمك به برگزاری کنگره جهانی بهائی وجود دارد یارانی که مایل باشند در كمك به برنامههای مربوط به این خدمت تاریخی سهمی داشته باشند میتوانند برای آگاهی بیشتر از چند و چون نیازهای مربوطه با دفتر محفل ملی تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۸۶۹۹۰۳۹ (۷۰۸) [Page 17]۹ جولای روز شهادت حضرت اعلی

چشم‌انداز وحدت نژادی

THE VISION OF RACE UNITY

اخیراً محفل روحانی ملی بیانیه‌ای با عنوان "چشم‌انداز وحدت نژادی" صادر نموده است. این بیانیه حاوی مطالبی راجع به اصول و تعالیم امر بهائی در ارتباط با ترک تعصبات نژادی و پی‌ریزی بنیاد وحدت عالم انسانی در این امریکاست و حاکی از کوشش دیگری از سوی جامعه بهائی این دیار برای هماهنگی و یگانگی نژادها و قوم‌ها و دین‌های گوناگون است. این کوشش‌ها نمودار مهم‌ترین خدمتی است که جامعه بهائی تا کنون به ملت امریکا ارزانی داشته است. همچنین این بیانیه شرح و بسط و چگونگی اجرای مطالب "وعده صلح جهانی" را نیز در بر دارد.

بیانیه "چشم‌انداز وحدت نژاد" تنها برای احباء تهیه نشده است بلکه باید به نحوی گسترده در میان رهبران سیاسی و اندیشمندان و همهٔ افراد جامعه امریکا توزیع گردد. مراد از صدور این بیانیه ایجاد اتحاد در داخل و خارج جامعه بهائی امریکاست. همچنین باید از این بیانیه بعنوان وسیله‌ای برای تسریع امر تبلیغ و حصول ارتباط با دل‌های مردمان جهت آشنا ساختن آنان با اصول و تعالیم جانبخش حضرت بهاءالله استفاده نمود. بخش‌هایی از بیانیه "چشم‌انداز وحدت نژاد" در زیر درج می‌شود:

جامعه بهائی چگونه وحدت نژادی را می‌گستراند؟

وحدت عالم انسانی هدف غائی دیانت بهائی است. مفهوم رستگاری فردی در آئین بهائی با نجات و امنیت و سعادت همهٔ مردمان پیوند یافته است.

جامعه بهائی بیش از یک قرن تجربه در زمینه ایجاد وحدتی دارد که از نژاد و فرهنگ و ملیت و طبقه و جنس و دین فراتر می‌گذرد.

جامعه بهائی شرکت اقلیت‌ها را در تمامی جوانب مربوط به زندگی اجتماعی و امور اداری و پرورش روحانی خود ترویج می‌نماید؛ ازدواج در میان نژادهای گوناگون را اشاعه می‌دهد؛ روش‌هایی در تصمیم‌گیری برمی‌گزیند که بدون پرخاشگری به موافقت بیانجامد؛ با سازمان‌هایی که طرفدار تفاهم و هماهنگی نژادی باشند همکاری می‌کند. محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده در سال ۱۹۵۷ جهت اهمیت بخشیدن به وحدت نژادی دومین یکشنبه ماه جون را بعنوان "روز وحدت نژاد" معین کرده است.

چرا این بیانیه صادر شده است؟

بهائیان معتقدند که تعصبات و تبعیضات نژادی ‎سهم‌تـرین مهم‌ترین‎ مشکلی است که امریکا با آن روبرو شده است. علیرغم همهٔ تلاشی‌هائی که برای بهبود روابط نژادی رخ داده است، تبعیضات نژادی همچنان ادامه دارد. حصول صلح و امنیت در ایالات متحده مشروط بر این است که ملت امریکا مصمم شود که مشکلات نژادی خود را حل نماید.

بهائیان بر آنند که تعالیم حضرت بهاءالله و تجربه‌ای که جامعه بهائی آموخته و اندوخته است حل مشکل نژادی را ممکن می‌سازد.

چگونه امریکا می‌تواند مشکلات نژادی‌اش را حل کند؟

نخست مردم امریکا باید حقیقت روحانی و اخلاقی وحدت عالم انسانی را دریابند. پذیرش این اصل آنان را برای ترک تعصبات و ایجاد ترکیب و طرحی نو برخواهد انگیخت.

مسئولیت اولیهٔ دستیابی به وحدت و آشتی نژادی بر عهدهٔ امریکائیان سفیدپوست و سیاهپوست است. نفس کوشش برای حل مشکلات عمیقی که سیاهان و سفیدان را از هم جدا کرده است، باعث پایان یافتن تبعیضات نژادی در رابطه با سرخپوستان و اسپانیولی زبان‌ها و آسیائیان امریکا نیز خواهد شد.

این مشکل به آسانی و با شتاب حل نخواهد شد. بدون همکاری نزدیک و دوستی و نشست و برخاست در میان همهٔ نژادها و فرهنگ‌ها هیچ تغییری حاصل نخواهد گردید...

نقشهٔ تبلیغی ملی

NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN سال آخر نقشهٔ شش‌ساله

ضمانت پیروزی عهد و میثاق الهی تهیه شده توسط محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده امریکا آپریل سال ۱۹۹۱

نقشهٔ تبلیغی ملی که در اثر مشاورات مشاورین قاره‌ای و محفل روحانی ملی و لجنهٔ ملی نشر نفحات تهیه گردیده، به نحوی طرح شده است که یاران را کمک نماید که با اطمینان به پیش روند و جریان امور مربوط به گسترش دامنهٔ جامعهٔ امری را تسریع نمایند. خط مشی اصلی این نقشه مبتنی بر افزایش همکاری در میان محافل محلی و اعضای هیئت‌های معاونت و همچنین گسترش مبانی "مؤسسات تبلیغی" در زمینهٔ مربوط به طرح‌ها و اقدامات فردی و جمعی است. مؤسسات تبلیغی می‌توانند محرک افزایش گسترده‌ای در سطح فردی باشند و منبع زاینده‌ای برای پرورش مبلغان در زمینه‌های مختلف قرار گیرند.

عهد و میثاق غلیظ حضرت بهاءالله موضوع و درونمایهٔ مهمی از نقشهٔ شش‌ساله است. بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی خاطرنشان فرموده‌اند که "تبلیغ امرالله غذای روح است؛ مردگان بستر غفلت را جانی تازه می‌دهد و ارض و سماء جدید را بر پا می‌دارد. درفش جهانی متحد را برمی‌افرازد؛ پیروزی پیمان ایزدی را تضمین می‌نماید و به کسانی که زندگی خویش را وقف نشر نفحات کنند، سعادت آسمانی کسب رضای الهی را اعطاء می‌دارد." محفل روحانی ملی جهت کمک به انجام پیروزمندانهٔ اهداف سال آخر نقشه و آشکار ساختن طلیعهٔ تحقق وعده "يدخلون في دين الله افواجا" اهداف زیر را معین نموده است:

۱

فراهم ساختن درک عمیق‌تری از مقام و مراد حضرت بهاءالله و معنی و مقصود عهد و پیمان پرتوانش.

در ارتباط با حلول "سال مقدس"، بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی در پیام رضوان سال ۱۹۹۰ یاران را متذکر فرموده‌اند که "با توسل به دعا و مناجات و مطالعه و فراگرفتن تعالیم مبارکه خود را روحاً و معناً آماده سازند تا بیش از پیش به مقام منیع و اهداف رفیع جمال اقدس ابهی پی برند و به حقایق عهد و میثاق محکم و متیقن واقف گردند."

تمرکز اصلی مدارس ناحیه‌ای و مؤسسات تبلیغی بر محور موضوعاتی چون "سال مقدس" و "مقام و مراد حضرت بهاءالله" و "برکات کلمه الهی" و "اصل روحانی تعالیم امری" استوار خواهد بود.

علاوه بر این مدارس ناحیه‌ای و مؤسسات تبلیغی به پرورش مبلغان امر مبارک و تزیید معلومات تازه‌تصدیقان مبادرت خواهند نمود تا اینان آشنائی لازم را با عهد و میثاق حضرت بهاءالله داشته باشند.

۲

تأسیس حد اقل یکصد مؤسسهٔ تبلیغی با تمرکز و تأید بر تسجیل افراد مُحبّ و پرورش مبلغان از میان تازه‌تصدیقان که شامل خردسالان و نوجوانان نیز خواهد بود.

مؤسسات تبلیغی باید از موفقیت‌هایی که نصیبشان شده است بهره گیرند و نیروی خود را بر مسائل مربوط به گروه‌های مُحبّ متمرکز سازند تا از میان آنها افرادی را جذب نمایند و به صف مؤمنان ملحق نمایند.

اضافه بر این، مؤسسات تبلیغی باید همهٔ امکاناتی را که ویژهٔ اهداف محلی و گروه‌هایی باشد که خردسالان و نوجوانان بتوانند در آن شرکت نمایند، بررسی کنند.

از جلسات ناحیه‌ای یا محلی خواسته خواهد شد که برای گسترش دامنهٔ فعالیت‌های تبلیغی "مؤسسات تبلیغی" جدیدی با تأکید بر سهیم ساختن خردسالان و نوجوانان در خدمات تبلیغی تشکیل دهند.

۳

موظف ساختن حد اقل ۱۰۰ محفل روحانی محلی به طرح و اجرای نقشه‌های تبلیغی محلی که متضمن سهیم بودن خردسالان و نوجوانان و متوجه گروه‌های تعیین شده باشد.

همهٔ محافل روحانی محلی تشویق شده‌اند که با مشورت با اعضای هیئت معاونت نقشه‌های تبلیغی محلی طرح نمایند که ناظر بر گروه‌های مذکور باشد و خردسالان و نوجوانان را جهت سهیم شدن در اجرای نقشه‌ها برانگیزد.

علاوه بر این محافل روحانی تشویق شده‌اند که اقداماتی را که برای تسجیل تعداد روزافزون تازه‌تصدیقان لازم است، شناسائی و تعیین نمایند. این افراد نیرو و منابع و توان روحانی لازم را فراهم خواهند ساخت تا امر محبوب الهی بتواند سهم خود را در مورد نجات و نجاح عالم انسانی ایفاء نماید.

۴

تأسیس حداقل ۱۰ مؤسسهٔ تبلیغی که تمرکزشان بر محور طرح و فراهم آوردن نقشه‌های بزرگ تبلیغی در مناطقی باشد که در آن سیاهپوستان و هندوچینیان و سرخپوستان و چینیان و افراد اسپانیولی زبان تمرکز زیادی دارند.

مؤسسات تبلیغی در مورد پرورش مداوم خادمان جدید و همچنین احبای باتجربه که جهت انتشار سریع امر مبارک و تحکیم مبانی جوامع امری نیاز مبرمی بدانان است، ارزش بسیار دارند.

این مؤسسات در مناطقی با نقشه‌های بزرگ تبلیغی تعیین خواهند شد و تمرکز آنها بر آموزش معلومات امری به خردسالان و نوجوانان و بزرگسالان از گروه‌های معین شده خواهد بود تا آنان را در جریان دخول جمعی افراد در صف مؤمنان آماده سازند.

به احباء در همهٔ مناطق توصیه خواهد شد که اوقاتی را به خدمات تبلیغی تمام وقت در مناطق تعیین شده اختصاص دهند.

نقشه‌های لازم برای دسترسی یافتن به گروه‌های تعیین شده توسط لجنه ملی نشر نفحات و لجنه ملی وحدت نژاد و لجنه ملی تبلی چینیان و هفت ناحیهٔ تبلی سرخپوستان طرح خواهد شد.

۵

تأسیس حد اقل ۱۰ مؤسسهٔ تبلیغی با تأکید بر استفاده از بیانیهٔ محفل روحانی ملی دربارهٔ وحدت نژاد جهت تبلیغ امر مبارک به سیاهپوستان و ارائهٔ نمونه‌هایی از وحدت نژادی.

از "روز وحدت نژاد" (اولین یکشنبه ماه جون) بعنوان فرصتی برای یک طرح ملی جهت اعلان عمومی امرالله استفاده خواهد شد و به همراه آن "بیانیهٔ وحدت نژاد" منتشر و توزیع خواهد شد.

همچنین مؤسساتی تشکیل خواهد شد که به مطالعهٔ عمیق آثار بهائی در خصوص اتحاد و تبلیغ امرالله (به ویژه به سیاهپوستان) و ارائهٔ نمونه‌هایی از وحدت نژادی خواهد بود.

۶

تأسیس حد اقل ۱۰۰ مؤسسهٔ تبلیغی مرکب از خردسالان و جوانان به منظور تسجیل همقطارانشان بعنوان مبلغان و خادمان امر الهی.

هر يك از خردسالان و نوجوانان بهائی موظفند خدمتی تقدیم امر مبارک نمایند. جلساتی به منظور تربیت معلمان جهت آماده ساختن خردسالان و نوجوانان برای تبلیغ در سراسر کشور به پا خواهد شد.

مأموریت بعضی از جوانانی که داوطلب خدمت در "سپاه خدمات جوانان" می‌شوند، خدمت در مراکزی خواهد بود که هدف اصلیش تبلیغ جمعی و فراهم آوردن مقدمات ورود افواج مردمان در ظلّ امرالله خواهد بود.

همانگونه که یاران عزیز ملاحظه فرموده‌اند، در شمارهٔ پیشین این نشریه در صفحات فارسی اشتباهاتی در خصوص تاریخ ایام متبرکه رخ داده بود. از پیش گفته بودیم که وقوع این اشتباهات هیئت تحریریه را به "جایز الخطا" بودن خود متذکر می‌سازد. به هر تقدیر از اشتباه پوزش می‌طلبیم و می‌کوشیم که تا آنجا که در توان داریم از تکرار آن خودداری نمائیم.

[Page 18]

HELP WANTED

Experienced, intelligent person, energetic, good language skills, computer experience helpful but pot necessori Apply in person

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The American Bahá’í are published free of charge as a service to the Bahá’í community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial ads can be accepted for publication. The opportu- nities referred to have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exercise their own judgment and care in responding to them.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

THE BOSCH Bahá’í School is accepting ap plications for summer 1991 employment. Posi- tions 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 résumé of your experience or request an application form for employment from the Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-423-3387).

THE WORLD Congress Logistics Office at the Bahá’í National Center is looking for "a few good people" to work in the registration office for the next year starting immediately. Available positions are: travel desk coordinator, respon- sible for coordinating the exchange of travel and hotel accommodation-related information be- tween the Logistics Office and travel agency as directed by the Registrar; periodic reports, rou- tine correspondence and other needs identified by Registration or Logistics Office staff. Regis tration processing specialist, responsible for con- ducting initial processing of all registration forms, inspecting forms for accuracy and appropriate attachments, assuring correct payment, ensuring that all registration forms and currency are given strict accounting and securely handled, and car- rying out a number of other duties in connection with registrations. If you or anyone you know is interested in applying, please phone the Depart- ment of Human Resources, 708-869-9039, ext. 265, or the World Congress Logistics Office, ext. 287.

THE GREEN ACRE Bahá’í 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 end of August. Room and board are provided with a small stipend. Please send a brief résumé to the Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903, or phone 207-439-7200 Mon- day-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET) for more information.

CHILDREN'S program teaching staff sought at the Louhelen Bahá’í School: child education coordinators, master teachers, teachers' assis- tants for weekend conferences through the sum- mer months. For details or to apply, contact the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or telephone 313-653-5033.

THE LOUHELEN Bahá’í School is accept- ing applications for summer positions. These include children's education director, adult pro- gram director, registrar, recreation director, dish- washer/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 position desired to: Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

THE MAXWELL International Bahá’í School is expanding its program to full capacity in September 1991 by adding grade 12, thereby requiring additional staff in several areas. To better meet the needs of its international student body, the school is interested in receiving résumés from qualified applicants who have experience with students of diverse racial and ethnic heri- tage from all socio-economic levels. Positions are anticipated in the following areas: Aca- demic-curriculum/staff developer; teachers in all disciplines who can be certified by the British Columbia Ministry of Education. Service per- sonnel-custodial, groundskeeping, housekeep- ing. Residential-dorm parents, couples who can make a full-time commitment in a demand- ing and uniquely rewarding environment. Ad- ministrative-clerical staff with word process- ing and receptionist skills. Those who wish to provide a Year of Service are also encouraged to apply for any of the above positions. Please send a résumé outlining your experience and qualifi- cations to: Principal, Maxwell International Bahá’í School, Bag 1000, Shawnigan Lake, BC VOR 2W0, Canada.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

AFRICA: Gambia: Health & Nutrition. Guinea-Bissau: Agricultural Specialist. Project coordinator. Sierra Leone: Investment opportu nities. Swaziland: Caretaker couple for the Na- tional Bahá’í Center. Transkei: Caretaker couple for Center. AMERICAS: Belize: Custodians for the Amelia Collins Institute. Dominican Re- public: ESL/Teacher Trainer. Honduras: Elemen- tary School Teachers (2). ASIA: Macau: Co- ordinators for Pre-School, Primary/Secondary and Night School, Primary and Secondary Teach- ers. Pakistan: Project Manager/Crafts, Health Project Manager. Thailand: Montessori Trained Teacher. AUSTRALASIA: Marshall Islands: Manager. Food Services, Patrol Officers, Civil/ Structural Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Elec- tronic Technician, digital Systems Technician, Loss Prevention Engineer, Standardization en- gineer, Operational Procedures Writer, Docu- mentation and Forms Control Specialist, Physi- cians, Clinical Nurse Specialist (Med/Surg), PA, Nurse-Midwives. Palau: Secondary School Math, Science and English Teachers. Samoa: Caretaker for the Mother Temple of the Pacific. EUROPE: Poland: Advisors needed by the Pol- ish Business Advisory Service. Romania: Pro- gram Officer for program in Romania orphan health. Soviet Union: Russian language speak- ers for Resident Manager, Facilities Manager, Building Projects Supervisor, Mechanical Su- pervisor, Customs Expeditor. MULTI-RE- GIONAL: Health Professionals and Biomedi- cal Scientists for short-term exchange visits to Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and the Soviet Union. The New Era Development Insti- tute in Panchgani, India has a one-year certifi- cate course for community development facili- tators. For additional information on any of the above, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or telephone (708) 869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Republic of Ireland is seeking someone experienced in public relations to assist the Irish Bahá’í community in its public re lations work and to train one or more individuals to continue the work. The Bahá’í community of Puerto Rico is seeking pioneers deepened in Ba há’í administration to settle in Ponce. Would pre fer self-supporting believers. For additional in- formation on the above, please contact the Of fice of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wil mette IL 60091 or telephone 708-869-9039.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

NORTH FLORIDA, an area with abundant water, Spanish moss-draped oak trees, lush farm lands and woods, needs homefront pioneers. Land is cheap; homes start at $47,000. Employ- ment is marginal, but cultural activities are splen- did and nearby rivers are lovely. Self-employed or retired people are invited to write for details to Hans Valk, Lake City, FL 32055 (phone 904-755-3675).

FORT LEWIS College in Durango, Colo- rado, has re-established a Bahá’í Club after the lapse of 10 years and warmly welcomes any students who could come and help reinforce its efforts. Fort Lewis is a four-year liberal arts college in the Rockies that provides free tuition for American Indian students. For information, write to the Office of Admissions, Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO 81301, or contact the Bahá’ís of Durango, P.O. Box 256, Durango, CO 81302 (phone 303-247-8072).

HOMEFRONT pioneers needed for the rural North Carolina communities of Roxboro (pop. 12,000) and Person County (pop. 18,000) about 30 miles north of Durham with easy access to major universities and employment opportuni- ties. Inexpensive land and housing available; one isolated Bahá’í presently lives in the area. For information, please contact Terri Hamrick, Roxboro, NC 27573, or phone 919-597-4687 (home) or 919-599-8366 (work).

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 health- care to education to laundromats. Northern New Mexico needs Bahá’ís in all these areas to sup- port 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 Bahá’ís to retain, regain or attain leges, ethnic diversity, mountain solitude or Assembly status. Area has small to large col- western "foothill" towns, agriculture, or close- to-capital city excitement. For information, please write to the District Teaching Committee of Northern California No. 1, c/o Grace Shahrokh, secretary, Fair Oaks, CA 95628, or phone 916-966-7490.

SCHOOLS

CATALOG of summer conferences at the Louhelen Bahá’í School is available from the Registrar, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

"REFLECTIONS" catalog listing "Mankind Is One" sweatshirts, T-shirts, tapes, books and other Bahá’í-related materials is available at no. cost from the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313- 653-5033).

WANTED

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

ANY AND ALL Bahá’ís who have lived or taught in eastern North Carolina are invited to return for a homecoming in July. For more information, please contact the District Teach- ing Committee of Eastern North Carolina: Mike Hillis (919-291-1187) or Mary Spires (919-446- 5889).

ESSAYS needed about American youth who have professed their faith in Bahá’u’lláh to be compiled in a chronicle entitled 99 Lights Across America. Essays should explain how the indi- vidual came to recognize Bahá’u’lláh and how this transformed his/her life. The book will be an inspiration for teaching the Faith, and will attest to the fact that everyone is potentially a Bahá’í 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, Washington, DC 20012 (phone 202-726-5909).

LOOKING for a Bahá’í community willing to sponsor and man a Bahá’í prayer telephone line. For information, phone Jim Seigel, 408- 624-7551.

AN EXCITING feature of the Bahá’í World Congress in New York City in November 1992 will be a specially-created World Congress Choir, consisting of singers from all parts of the world. Bahá’ís 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 avail- able from the World Congress Program Com- mittee. In addition to the main choir, singers are needed for special choirs in various parts of the world including Africa, South America, the Pa- cific Islands, the Caribbean, Iran, India, Europe and the Far East. The World Congress is not able to pay for transportation or housing of singers. Bahá’ís who feel they may be capable of taking part in this project are warmly encouraged to send for an application form and audition proce- dures. Write to: Bahá’í 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 Spiritual Assembly the task of publishing Bahá’í sacred writings and other Bahá’í 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 helping with this important work, or if you know of someone who might be, please contact Melanie Smith, Ukrai- nian and Kazakh Desk, Bahá’í Publishing Trust, East Lansing, MI 48823 (phone 517-337-2858).

DISTRIBUTORS: individuals, groups or As- semblies are sought to serve as distributors of the "Mankind Is One" sweatshirts and T-shirts. Dis- tributors will receive consignment discounts. Write to "Reflections," Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

FUND-RAISERS

HELP US reach our National Fund goals and receive in return a 42-minute cassette tape of lovely meditative piano music (Chopin, Debussy, Brahms, Bach, Pachelbel, Ravel and others) performed by Nancy Harper. The tape is de- signed to be used during Feast and Holy Day observances or for one's own peaceful medita- tions. "Meditations" is available for $10 plus shipping and handling from the Spiritual Assem- bly of Santa Fe, P.O. Box 1767, Santa Fe, NM 87504. All proceeds go to the National Bahá’í Fund.

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seek- ing, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Florence Holsinger, Lulu Perle Holstein, Glenn C. Hood (died Beverly, MA, 1960), Chandon Hopkins, Olive Hopper, Hiram H. Hoskin, Charles C. Howard (died Canon City, CO, 1971), P. Windsor Howard (died Los Angeles, 1944) and Marion Hoylen. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 or phone 708-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seek- ing photographs of local Spiritual Assemblies, local communities and local activities in South Carolina, especially early pictures. Anyone hav- ing photographs they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Please identify the photographs if possible.

"...the paramount purpose of all Bahá’í activity is teaching. All that has been done or will be done re- volves around this central activity, the 'head cornerstone of the foun- dation itself,' to which all progress in the Cause is due. The present challenge calls for teaching on a scale and of a quality, a variety, and intensity outstripping all cur- rent efforts."--The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 1988 [Page 19]

Resolution

Following the briefing, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, the National Spiritual Assembly secretary for External Affairs, and members of the National Assembly's staff in Washington, D.C., visited House Speaker Thomas S. Foley who issued a strong statement on behalf of the Bahá’ís in Iran. Sens. Dodd, Gore, Nancy Kassebaum of Kansas and John McCain of Arizona, the leading co-sponsors of the resolution, were joined by 10 other senators from both parties.

In the House, Reps. Gilman and Wayne Owens of Utah, both members of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Reps. Porter and Tom Lantos of California, co-chairmen of the House Human Rights Caucus, were joined in co-sponsoring the resolution by nine other Congressmen from both parties.

Sens. Dodd and Gore paid tribute to the late Sen. John Heinz of Pennsylvania who initiated the first Senate resolution on the Bahá’ís in Iran in 1982.

"This year," said Sen. Gore, "the good news is that the wholesale persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran has stopped, and something approaching normalcy now exists.

"The bad news is that, for the Bahá’ís, 'normalcy' means life in Iran without citizenship.

"The Bahá’ís do not have the most basic legal rights within the Iranian system. Their marriages are not recognized by the state. Their livelihoods are not sanctioned by the state. They may not even own land in which to bury their dead."

The emancipation of the Bahá’ís in Iran, said Sen. Gore, "would provide clear and unmistakable proof that the Iranian people are committed to uphold compassion and justice in their domestic affairs, and to place great value on sustaining their good name among other nations.

"We are offering this resolution in a constructive spirit, hoping that the leadership of Iran will find in it not just criticism but encouragement to make further improvements."

"This is the Congress at its finest moment in many ways," said Sen. Dodd. "...Congress shines when we stand up for people who are being denied their basic rights."

His colleagues in Congress, he said, "are mindful of what is happening to the Bahá’ís; their concerns have not gone unnoticed. We are fully aware of how they are being treated, and while we welcome the positive news that they are not being subjected to execution as they were only a short time ago, we are aware that they are being denied their basic rights to practice a religion which seeks no advantage over any one else in their country. They want only the freedom to worship God in their own way.

"We are going to insist in the months and years ahead that as tensions may ease between our two countries, any stabilization....will have to include-must include-a fair and better treatment of the Bahá’ís."

Sen. Kassebaum also inserted remarks about the resolution in the Congressional Record in support of the basic human rights of the Bahá’ís in Iran.

Rep. Porter took the occasion to announce an historic initiative by the Congressional Human Rights Caucus to establish a network of parliamentarians around the world to encourage their governments to adopt resolutions that would impact upon the government of Iran in a coordinated effort to effect positive changes.

"We believe this will help us," he said, "in organizing our network because this is a new effort by the Caucus to work with parliamentarians in other countries. It will help us bring people together in a common cause and work together toward improving the situation in Iran."

Reflecting the sentiment of his remarks of March 19 in the Congressional Record, Rep. Porter said that "while the executions have stopped, the Bahá’ community in Iran remains fundamentally and officially repressed.

"They are a peaceable, law-abiding people who recognize civil authority. They are a people not demanding independence, or autonomy, and provide no threat whatsoever to the state of Iran. This is perhaps the most pure example in the world of religious intolerance, and it is one that the world, including the United States, ought to address as strongly as possible."

"Religious liberty," said Rep. Owen, "is the pillar of our Republic. It is a principle that has special meaning for my home state of Utah, many of whose Mormon forebears had driven across the continent to escape persecution....

"This resolution makes clear that Congress continues to be deeply concerned about Iran's human rights practices, especially its denial of rights to members of the Bahá’í community, Iran's largest religious minority."

"It is my sincere hope," said Rep. Gilman, "that this Congressional action will inspire the UN Human Rights Commission to press the Iranian government to abandon, once and for all, its persecution of these peaceful people."

Dr. Kazemzadeh concluded the briefing with these remarks: "I feel that resolutions such as the one that is being introduced today have an impact even beyond the case of the Bahá’ís of Iran....

"Resolutions such as this one create an atmosphere, create a feeling within the international community that will eventually make it impossible to deprive any religious minority of its rights.... Insistence on religious tolerance is relatively new and the Bahá’í case, then, becomes an archetypal case.

"The treatment of Bahá’ís within society can thus be taken as a yardstick by which to measure human rights in that society. This is why the support given to the Bahá’ís by the U.S. Congress is so important. This is why the Bahá’í community in this country, and I personally, am so grateful to the Congress for the actions it has taken and will continue to take."

In a statement issued after his meeting with Dr. Kazemzadeh, Speaker Foley emphasized that "in addition to Iran's assistance in the release of American hostages in Lebanon and an end to Iranian-supported terrorism, continued progress must be made in providing full human rights to the Bahá’í community in Iran."

The National Spiritual Assembly's office in Washington will continue to solicit co-sponsors for the resolution in both Houses of Congress before it is put to a vote sometime next year.

ABS reprints 'Divine Institution of Marriage'

The Association for Bahá’í Studies has recently reprinted "The Divine Institution of Marriage." This 153-page volume contains the following articles:

• "The Poetry of Loving: Family Therapy and the Bahá’í Faith," by Michael Bruwer.
• "The Development and Dimensions of Love in Marriage," by Hossain Danesh.
• "Marriage: The Eternal Principle," by Ruth and Helgi Eyford.
• "Human Responses to Life Stress and Suffering," by ‘Abdu’l-Missagh Ghadirian.
• "Marriage and the Nuclear Family: A Bahá’í Perspective," by Khalil Khavari.
• "Marriage Breakdown in North America: A Psychosocial Perspective," by Kerry Mothersill.
• "Applications of Positive Psychotherapy for Marriage and Family Therapy," by Nossrat Peseschkian.
• "Parental Authority: Its Uses, Misuses and Implications," by Sandra Roberts.
• "Counseling Members of the Bahá’í Faith Involved in Domestic Violence: Some Special Considerations," by Janet Cullen Tanaka.

The work sells for $6 a copy, and Assemblies will receive a 30 percent institutional discount on all orders.

For information, write to the Association for Bahá’í Studies, 34 Copernicus St., Ottawa, Ontario KIN 7K4, Canada, or phone 613-233-1903.

Fourth 'I Have a Dream' National Youth Assembly to be held in Philadelphia

The fourth annual "I Have a Dream" National Youth Assembly sponsored by the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Commission will be held August 9-11 at the Sheraton Society Hill Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The theme for this year's Assembly is "Peace Through the Empowerment of Youth."

Through presentations, workshops and group discussions, young people will explore Dr. King's definition of peace and how it affects their lives on a personal, family and community level. Participants will then devise plans of action to use this information at home within their community.

For costs, accommodations and other information about the Assembly, please write to Flossie Thurston, coordinator, MLK Jr. National Youth Assembly, Washington, DC 20410, or phone 202-708-1005.

Florence Gibson, 82; was 1st administrator of Bahá’í Home

Florence Gibson, who served as the first administrator of the Bahá’í Home in Wilmette, Illinois, died April 9 in Falls Church, Virginia. She was 82 years old.

Mrs. Gibson was for many years chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Wilmette.

Teacher-training session for young people held at Native American Institute

In response to goals of the National Teaching plan, an intensive teacher-training session for youth and children was held April 27-28 at the Native American Bahá’í Institute near Houck, Arizona.

Of the 22 youth who attended, at least five were not Bahá’ís and only two were over 16 years old.

NABI staff members were pleased and surprised to see how many of the children memorized passages to recite in front of the group. The program included praying, deepening and memorizing in order to empower the participants to express their love for Bahá’u’lláh by teaching the Faith.

On Saturday, a non-Bahá’í youth suggested role-playing a teaching experience. He volunteered to be the person interested in learning about the Faith. A Bahá’í youth volunteered to be the teacher and the group shared ideas about how to respond to questions.

Several Bahá’í youth shared their desire to learn more about the Faith so they would be better prepared to teach. The concept of teaching institutes was discussed.

As a result of the training, two teaching institutes were formed. Both will study "The Significance of Bahá’u’lláh's Revelation." One institute has met at NABI every Friday afternoon since the training; the other was committed to meet in Chinle on Thursdays beginning May 2.

Other intensive teacher training sessions have taken place in Avondale, AZ; West Sacramento, CA; Lakewood, CO; Roxbury, CT; Evanston, IL; Warren, MA; Los Lumas, NM; Woodburn, OR, and Tacoma, WA. Several of the children and youth attending these sessions have formed teaching institutes and are actively teaching the Faith.

IN MEMORIAM

Minnie Benjamin, Dovesville, SC Gladys Bradley, Kansas City, KS Jessie Bridges, Florence, SC Lawrence Brown, Oatland, SC Andrew Burnette, Patrick, SC Huskie Burnside, Houck, AZ Delmont Campbell, Patrick, SC Bensaim Canteen, Georgetown, SC Arthur Capers, Olanta, SC Claude B. Cole, Brooklyn, MI Clarence D. Cook, Farmington, NM Doris H. Cook, Bloomfield, NM Sharon Ferguson, Renton, WA Rachel Flowers, Florence, SC Billy George, Hartsville, SC Florence Gibson, Falls Church, VA Aubrey Gifford, W. Sacramento Co, CA Arthur Graham, Dovesville, SC Joe Graham, Hartsville, SC Josephine Graham, Hartsville, SC Lillian Gregory, San Marcos, CA May Griggs, Lebanon, NH Tevita Halaholo, San Mateo, CA Lamont Henderson, Florence, SC Frank Hoffer, Jensen Beach, FL Wanden Kane, Fountain, CO Elmer Kenneally, Clinton, SC George Kennedy, Kingstree, SC Ann Kenworth, Minneapolis, MN Sally Khodadadeh, Bloomfield Hills, MI Kenneth Marshall, Martin, SD Eugene McLeod, Olanta, SC Lillie Mai Moses, Dovesville, SC Nerssy Moshtagh, San Diego, CA Alfred C. Pilz, Cuba, MO Jessie Red Bear, Allen, SD George Schultheis, Beacon, NY Ricardo Shamwell, Crossville, TN John Stackpole, Nantucket, MA David Taylor, Olanta, SC Kathryn Tedrow, Klamath Falls, OR Evelyn van de Mark, Worcester, MA Marilyn Van Deusen, Berea, OH John Vipont, Schurz, NV Katherine Walker, Stamford, CT [Page 20]

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Pictured with parents (and clown) are most of the 24 children from eight communities who took part in an Ayyám-i-Há talent show, sing-along and gift-giving party February 26 in San Pablo, California.

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS

A. NAME(S):

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your copy of The American Bahá’í, send your new address and your mailing label to MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL, 60091, as soon as you know what your new address will be.

This form may be used for one person or your entire family. Please be sure to list FULL NAMES AND I.D. NUMBERS for all individuals, ages 15 years or older, who will be affected by this change.

1. I.D. # Title Full name—No nicknames please! 2. I.D. # Title Full name 3. I.D. # Title Full name 4. I.D. # Title Full name

B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: Street address Apartment # (if applicable) City State Zip code

C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box or Other mailing address Apartment # (if applicable) City State Zip code

D. NEW COMMUNITY: Name of new Bahá’í Community Moving date

E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: Area code Phone number Name

F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S): Area code Phone number Name Area code Phone number Name

G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE:

we do not have the same last name. We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and I.D. number(s) listed above.

the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.

H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY:

Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, I.D. number and address above.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID WILMETTE PERMIT NO. 479

JUNE

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

29-July 4: Bosch Bahá’í School summer session: "China Is the Country of the Future," "The Divine Polity: Uniting East and West," "Chinese Philosophy and the Bahá’í Life." For information, phone 408-423-3387.

29-July 11: 1991 Summer Youth Academy, Bosch Bahá’í School. Other sessions to be held July 13-25, August 3-15, and August 17-29. To inspire Bahá’í youth through a disciplined academic approach to deepen in the fundamentals of the Faith. Local Spiritual Assemblies are encouraged to sponsor youth to attend. Previous Youth Academy graduates may apply and be considered for an advanced program. As attendance is limited to 20 students per Academy, early application is advised. Please write to the Academy registrar, Mrs. Angelina Allen, Cardiff, CA 92007, or phone 619-944-6441.

30: Artists for the Arc, 7:30 p.m., Los Angeles Bahá’í Center auditorium. For information, phone Mina Sabet, 714-974-5426.

JULY

3-7: Sixth Continental Indigenous Council, Maxwell International Bahá’í School, Shawnigan Lake, B.C., Canada. Theme: "Transformation and the Family." For information, contact Christine Lucas, Maxwell International Bahá’í School, Bag 1000, Shawnigan Lake, B.C., Canada VOR 2W0.

5-10: Pioneer Institute, "Lifetime of Service," with emphasis on the family, Louhelen Bahá’í School. Co-sponsored by the Office of Pioneering. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

6-11: "The Environment: Fundamental Issues of a Sound Economy in a Just Society," Bosch Bahá’í School. Bahá’í professionals, students or active volunteers in environmental fields are invited to take part in a panel for ACTION AGENDA. Also, "Sustainable Agriculture: A Nobel Science," and "Equality of Men and Women: What Has That to Do with the Economy and the Environment?" To register, send a $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 a brief bio, Attention: Program Director.

7-August 3: Youth Academy (high school students and older), Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

8-13: "Directions for Esperanto—Local and National," 3rd Midwest Conference, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. For information, phone Sherry Wells, 313-543-5297, or Steve Brewer, 616-626-8202.

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

13-18: "Bringing Up Parents," "Work as an Expression of Worship," "Priceless Moments of Our Primary Mission," Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

18-21: Second annual Persian arts and culture conference, Louhelen Bahá’í School. The conference is part of an effort to promote familiarity with the language and culture of Iran and to facilitate an appreciation for and understanding of Bahá’í history and writings. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

20-25: "The Healing of Racism," "Epistle to the Son of the Wolf: Content, Style and Metaphor," "Women and Men/Mothers and Fathers," Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

21-27: Elderhostel, sponsored by Louhelen and the University of Michigan-Flint, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

AUGUST

2-7: Family Week 1, Louhelen Bahá’í School, with Auxiliary Board members Sam McClellan and Morris Taylor. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

2-12: Zikrullah Khadem Teaching Project, Menominee Indian Reservation, Wisconsin (Keskena). For information, phone 414-386-2908.

3-8: "The Oneness and Wholeness of the Human Family," "Story-Telling Workshop," "Epistle to the Son of the Wolf," "The Holy Qur'an," Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

4-17: Children's Academy (upper elementary school students), Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

8-14: Connecticut Bahá’í Youth Conference: "Teaching, a Tool: Preparation for the World Congress." For information, phone Frank Robinson (203-747-2918) or Shar Gardella (203-354-6079).

9-14: Junior Youth Week, Louhelen Bahá’í School.

10-15: "The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh," "Community Building," Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

15-18: 16th annual Conference, Association for Bahá’í Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Theme: "Bahá’u’lláh: His Life and Writings." For information, phone ABS, 613-233-1903 (fax 613-233-3644).

16-21: Family Week 2, Louhelen Bahá’í School, with focus on the arts and education. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

30-September 1: Pioneer Institute, Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

30-September 2: National Conference on Growth, Hyatt Lincolnwood Hotel, Lincolnwood, Illinois. Sponsored by the National Teaching Committee. Conference and hotel registration forms are on page xx. Registration deadline is August 21. Please note: there is no meal plan this year, and conference participants are responsible for finding their own roommates. For those who plan to fly to Chicago for the conference, special rates on Delta and American Airlines are available from Corporate Travel Consultants, Group Services Division, 800-323-0088. For more information about the conference, please phone the National Teaching Committee office, 708-869-9039.

SEPTEMBER

12-15: "Rest, Relax, Reunite" at the annual commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. For information, phone 303-945-6303 or 303-625-3932.

13-15: 32nd annual Green Lake Bahá’í Conference, American Baptist Assembly, Green Lake, Wisconsin. Theme: "With humility before our Soverign Lord..." A weekend aimed toward personal transformation as well as fellowship and fun. Dorms, campsites, cabins, private rooms; cafeteria-style meals. For reservations, phone 800-558-8898.

20-22: Peace Fest '91, Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093.