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The American Baha’i
Volume 23, No. 12
World Congress session on Day of Covenant to be televised via satellite
To all National Spiritual Assemblies Dear Baha'i Friends,
The Universal House of Justice has asked us to convey to youan important and thrilling announcement concerning the Baha’i World Congress to be held in New York City on November 23-26 of this year. We are therefore happy to inform you that arrangements are being made for World Congress proceedings to be broadcast for four hours via satellite from New York to a number of sites in various parts of the world involving the five continents.
A contract recently signed with WTN Productions, a subsidiary of World Television News Corporation, has made it possible to plan for the broadcast from New York to be received at the following places: Buenos Aires, Argentina; Sydney, Australia; New Delhi, India; Nairobi, Kenya; Panama City, Panama; Bucharest, Romania; Moscow, Russia; Singapore; and Apia, Western Samoa. The Baha'i World Center will also be connected with the World Congress by satellite.
The broadcast from New York to all sites will take place on November 26, the Day of the Covenant, continuing from 8 a.m. to noon New York time (1300-1700 GMT). During the first two hours, recorded activities of the previous three days of the Congress will be transmitted; the other two hours of transmission will include live broadcast of the final Congress session.
NATIONAL Spiritual Assemblies in the nine countries designated for receiving the broadcast are considering a recommendation to hold conferences built around the satellite transmission. These National Assemblies will announce their plans in due course for the information of the friends within their jurisdictions and in other countries nearby who may wish to attend.
Some other National Assemblies have asked to receive the transmission at their own expense. Any such interested Assembly may obtain detailed information from the Baha'i World Congress Logistics Office at the U.S. Baha’i National Center.
In the main, the broadcast will be transmitted internationally via the Intelsat system. The paths of the transmission will cover the globe; therefore, the broadcast from the Congress will be receivable anywhere in the world where there is appropriate equipment. Relevant details will be conveyed to all National Assemblies by the Satellite Broadcasting Task Force serving the World Congress.
The House of Justice is greatly pleased that the satellite broadcast will connect Baha'is around the world with the Congress and will cause the Name of Baha’u'llah to be proclaimed throughout the globe.
With loving Baha’i greetings,
Universal House of Justice Department of the Secretariat July 20, 1992
) Sulaymaniyyih
- The Blessed Beauty chooses exile
to preserve the unity of the Cause
UNCED
' The Baha’i Faith takes center stage at Rio's Conference on Environment
Modesto
California city welcomes 26 new Bahd‘is in month of June
‘...knowledge is a veritable treasure for man. ...’—Baha'u'llah
Asma B.e. 149 / August 20, 1992
“PATTERNS OF UNITY’
National Spiritual Assembly hosts strategy session to set race unity agenda for American community
By Ken Bowers
Five members of the National Spiritual Assembly met July 11-12 with 15 selected Baha*is from across the country for a “Patterns of Unity” strategy session to discuss short- and long-term approaches for promoting the Baha’i principle of race unity in America.
THE MEETING, characterized by frank, open consultation on local and national needs, resulted ina number of recommendations about specific issues raised by the National Assembly, as well as suggestions for its consideration.
Members of the National Spiritual
Assembly present were William Davis, Alberta Deas, Tod Ewing, Robert Henderson and Firuz Kazemzadeh. Glenford Mitchell, a member of the Universal House of Justice, was a special guest for the discussions.
Other guests were chosen for their expertise in fields such as education, psychology, and conflict resolution, and for their experience as leaders of Baha’i efforts to foster racial understanding. They were joined by members of the Baha’i National Center staff who are directly involved in implementing and communicating National Assembly strategies.
Invited guests were Kelly Clark Boldt, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Burrell Bullock, Canoga Park, California; Joy Cross, Portland, Oregon; Jeanne Gazel, Lansing, Michigan; Jane Grover, New Hampshire; Jack Guillebeaux, Montgomery, Alabama; Thelma Khelghati, Lunenburg, Massachusetts; Billie Mayo, University City, Missouri; Idalia Morales, Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Mary K. Radpour, Chattanooga, Tennessee; Raytheon Rawls, Atlanta, Georgia; Anthony Reid, Mountain View, California; Nathan Rutstein, Amherst, Massachusetts; Leonard Smith,
See PATTERNS page 18
Pictured (ce. requirements
is Perry James, the first Baha’i in the Griffin, Georgia, area to complete his the GED (General Equivalency Degree). Mr. James is a graduate of the Elbow Learning Lal. , vo-founded by Baha’i Clarence DuBois.
Griffin, Georgia's Elbow Learning Lab designated ‘Point of Light’ by President Bush for contributions to family literacy education
PD
On June 28, the Elbow Learning Lab of Griffin, Georgia, was designated as the 814th “Daily Point of Light” by President George Bush.
A message from the White House, addressed to volunteers and staff, cited the Lab as a “shining example” of the standard of service that defines any successful life.
Founded in 1990 by Clarence DuBois, a Baha’i who isa professional instructor in adult literacy, and Retha Brown, anelementary school teacher, the Elbow Learning Lab offers services in adult and child education free of charge to area residents.
The purpose of the Lab is to provide literacy and tutorial education for entire families, while at the same time strengthening family relationships so that learning will become a way of life. The Lab currently
serves more than 175 children and parents.
This model has proven so successful that similar programs have been instituted in the same county. Now there are eight family literacy centers in the area, all operating on the Elbow Learning Lab model.
The Elbow Learning Lab has been cited for its innovative approach by local and state agencies, and was hailed at Georgia's Adult Literacy Symposium in April 1991 by the state’s Assistant Commissioner of Adult Education and Literacy, who called it a “model for the entire state.” It was nominated for its most recent honor by U.S. Rep. Newt Gingrich of Georgia.
The goal of the Elbow staff and their associates is to achieve complete literacy in the county by the year 2000.
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2. THe American BAHA'I
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Race unity activities in U. S: continue to accelerate
“Considering that it is already a whole century since the Blessed Beauty ascended, and given the crushing weight of the ills burdening the peoples of the world, and seeing that a veritable cry of anguish is issuing more loudly from the hearts of those who long for some hope of relief, we, His avowed servants, can neither falter nor failin this primary and urgent duty. "— The Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 1992
.
Devaware: The Dover Institute for the Healing of Racism sponsored this year’s Race Unity Day event, which drew 70 people. Many of the city council members were there, and the mayor spoke and issued a proclamation. The Institute has also networked with area chapters of the NAACP and is working with the National Spiritual Assembly to present the race unity statement to the governor.
Georaia: The Pupil of the Eye Institute in Atlanta has been meeting regularly for more than a year, focusing primarily on prayer, study and discussion of the race unity statement as a means for increasing unity within the Baha’i community. Recently, the Institute has been exploring ways to reach its target population of young African-Americans; in May it met with members of Institutes from Boston, Kansas City and New York City to discuss strategies for emblazoni Baha‘u'llah’s Name in African-American communities through service projects and other means.
Kentucky: Baha'i efforts at interfaith
_ consultation have led to a desire on the part of local religious leaders in Frankfort to form an organization to discuss spiritual solutions to social problems.
Stories Wanted: Race Unity Activities
The National Teaching Office wants information on various efforts in which Baha’is are engaged to promote race unity. We would like to be abje to share more ne’ and information in upcomi) sues of The American Baha’i and create a network that will enable , the friends throughout the country to replicate successful initiatives. Please send asummary of your efforts with photographs, _ whenavailable, to: National Teaching Office, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: 708869-9039, Fax: 708-869-0247.
The American Baha'i is published 19
black-and-white glossy photographs shoul whenever possible. Please address all materi
World rights reserved. Print: the U.S.A.
sa year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Second class postage paid at Evanston, IL, and additional mailing offices. ISSN Number: 1062-1113. Executive editor: Jack Bowers. Associate Editor: Ken Bowers. Art director: Scot Corrie. The American Bahd'i welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Bahii Faith. Articles should be clear and concise; color or be included
spondence to The Editor, The American Bahd'i, Wilmette, IL 60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to Management Information Systems, Bahé't National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Copyright © 1992 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States.
Three black ministers have expressed a strong interest in such a program. The Baha'is have also been making inroads at Kentucky State University, where there have been strained racial relations. The president of the university has been invited to take part in the interfaith dialogues; the community also sponsored a concert at the university by the Baha’i singing group, Swan.
Marytanp: Four hundred people attended the second annual Race Unity Day celebration in Wicomico County. The event was featured in a front-page article in the local newspaper, and was covered by two television stations.
Micuican: The Baha'is of Detroit and Grosse Point cosponsored a public talk June 30 entitled “Truth and Fiction About Race.” The talk was given by the president of the Detroit chapter of the NAACP, and drew 65 people from a variety of backgrounds, most of whom were not Baha’is. Copies of the race unity statement were distributed, as well as other information about the Faith. The believers plan to hold monthly meetings on interracial understanding.
Mississippi: The Jackson Baha’i community has presented the race unity statement to the mayor, city council, local churches and civic organizations, and three university presidents. The community also hosts monthly public meetings on race unity. The Baha’i Clubat Mississippi State University sponsored a Race Unity Day picnic that drew 12 people including a few non-Baha’is.
Nevapa: The Baha’ is of Las Vegas sent a mailing in mid-July to the mayor, city council and other prominent persons. The mailing included “The Power of Unity,” “The Vision of Race Unity” and “Models of Unity,” as well as an invitation to discuss relevant issues with the local Baha'i Race Unity Committee. The committee hosted deepenings on the race unity literature in preparation for the officials’ response.
New Mexico: The Baha'i community of Gallup joined with the NAACP in April to hold a public panel discussion on race unity. The panel consisted of the sheriff, the mayor, an official from the school district, and a black minister, with a local Baha’i serving as moderator. About 30 people attended, most of whom were not Baha’is. The Assembly is now planning a series of institutes on race unity which they hope to present to schools and other organizations.
Orecon: The Spiritual Assembly of Douglas County recently held a public forum on race unity led by a five-member panel that included one Baha’i. The race unity statement was distributed to all 13 non-Baha‘is present; one of them now attends firesides regularly. A report of the forum appeared in a local newpaper.
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175 local believers gathered at the Louis G. Gregory Baha ’i Institute in Hemingway for this year’s Race Unity Day observance. The program began with prayers in English, Arabic and Chinese, and choral and instrumental music. Auxiliary Board member Jack Guillebeaux spoke on“Race Unity—A Bahaji Perspectiye,”
F Was iy year- eid ‘Anisa RR is Baha'i who was named the 750th Daily Point of Light by President Bush for her efforts to eliminate racism among children by helping to organize the recent “Calling All Colots” conference.
Texas: The Baha'is of Port Arthur chaired the award ceremony for the World of Difference program in July. Believers also took part in this year’s Juneteenth parade, at which 500 flyers with quotations from the race unity statement were distributed. An Institute for the Healing of Racism was recently started, which holds weekly public meetings at a local library.
Uran: The Spiritual Assembly of Salt Lake City presented the race unity statement to the local Commission on Human. Rights. Earlier this year the community sponsored its third annual “Young People’s Peace Vigil,” which drew 40 Baha'is and 360 guests, half of whom were children.
Children were invited to color paper doll figures in various colors to demonstrate that
who helped make the paper doll chain—90 in all—received a balloon with a race unity logo. Fair-goers were able to help themselves to Baha’ literature and to read about the Faith from display boards.
Blacks, whites, American Indians and Asians took part. Black Baptist and Filipino choirs sang, and an American Indian group performed a “feather dance.” The day's program also included a reading of a Baha’i prayer for unity and several passases from Baha‘u'llah’s Writings. The iBYEAE NE RUN eee ‘was covere ree television Stafa Virainia: More than 75 people attended this year’s Race Unity Day picnic in Norfolk, organized by the intercommunity Race Unity Committee of Tidewater. The celebration was envisioned as the first of aseries of events to culminate with a race unity conference in the spring of 1993. Wasuineton: The Baha'is of Bellingham held a public meeting for Race Unity Day this year, attended by members of the NAACP, Hispanic and Filipino groups, and the Rainbow Coalition. The mayor was also present to sign a Race Unity Day proclamation. About 30 Baha'is and 20 guests took part in a walk for race unity held after the meeting; 100 more people stopped by later for a.race unity picnic. The events were covered by a local television station, which broadcast the report several times.
capacities.
referred to them.
Professionals Sought for Race Unity Network and Referral Service
The National Spiritual Assembly is developing a network and referral system of professional individuals, corporations, and those active in the field of race unity to meet the needs of Baha’i communities and other organizations who may request assistance with race unity initiatives. This network could assist local Baha’i communities (on a minimal-expenses basis) by either personal visit, phone consultation, or, when developed, special materials, and assist organizations (educational, civic/governmental, or corporate) by operating in their professional
Professionals interested in becoming a part of this network should contact the National Teaching Office, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, phone (708) 869-9039. Correspondence should include the name of corporation/consulting firm, area of expertise (multi-cultural education for schools, experience with corporations, etc.), methodology (how the firm operates), range of fees for professional referral work, and availability to work on a minimal-expenses basis (could individuals volunteer, for example, once per month?). Professional participants would have the option to say, “No,” to a particular situation which may be
AsmA B.£. 149 / Aucust 20, 1992
[Page 3]
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Blessed Beauty chooses exile to preserve unity of the Cause
“Time and again We have admonished Our beloved ones to avoid, nay to flee from, anything whatsoever from which the odor of mischief can be detected. ...” Baha’u'llah
By Ken Bowers
The primary concept of the Baha'i Revelation can be expressed in one word: unity. “Of such cardinal importance is this principle of unity,” wrote Shoghi Effendi, “that it is expressly referred to in the Book of His Covenant, and He unreservedly proclaims it as the central purpose of His Faith.”
The references in Baha’u'llah’s Writings to the importance of the unity of humanity in this day and age are innumerable, as are the passages in which He directly ks its establishment to His own Mission.
It is important to remember that in those days there was no clear leadership in the Babi community. The one person nominated by the Bab to guide the community pending the appearance of “Him Whom God will make manifest”—Mirza Yahya—proved weak and i tive. Mirza Yahy4, the half-brother of Baha*u’llah, had been so stricken with fear after the attempt on the Shah's life and its aftermath that he spent most of his time in hiding or in disguise, never bothering to defend the Cause in any way, or to live up to his sacred trust to the least degree.
TO FILL the vacuum in leadership there arose a number of misguided people who grandly claimed the Station of “Him Whom God will make manifest” for
cluding His family, left Baghdad on the morning of April 10, 1854, attended by a single companion. His destination was Kurdistan, a large territory to the north, inhabby a people fiercely independent and historically inimical to Shi'ite Persians, whom they considered apostates from the true Faith, the Sunni branch of Islam.
Baha'u'llah was to dwell in that land for two years, at first as an obscure dervish living alone on a mountain called Sar-Galu, and then as an increasingly celebrated sage in the nearby town of Sulaymaniyyih, where the evidences of His knowledge and spiritual powers drew to Him a wide circle of friends and admirers, all of whom knew Him as Darvish Muhammad-i-Irani, and none of whom fully understood the reasons for His presence amongst them.
Much can be made of the parallels between
“We, verily, have come to unite and weld together all that dwell on earth,” He revealed in
one instance. And onanother occasion He stated:
“The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men. ...This is the straight Path, the fixed and immovable foundation. Whatsoever is raised on this foundation, the changes
. . the Lord of Mankind placed such importance on the unity and integrity of the Cause that He was ready toimposea difficult and heartbreaking exile on Himself in orderto preserve it...
this voluntary exile on the part of Baha’u’ll4h and similar events in the lives of other Manifestations of God. His torment is reminiscent of Jesus’ ordeal in the wilderness; His meditations, in which He “communed with [His] spirit,” remind us of Muhammad's reflections in the mountains near Mecca; and the physical and spiritual rigors of His exile recall those experienced by the Buddha in the years before His
and chances of the world can never impair its strength, nor will the revolution of countless centuries undermine its structure.”
IF THE FAITH of Baha’u’llah were to realize such aglorious destiny, it was also important that its own unity never be violated, as had been the case with the religions of the past. For this reason the Blessed Beauty instituted His Covenant, an institution that, in the words of the Universal House of Justice, “protects the Cause from individuals who, through the assertion of their own wills, would try to force God’s Cause into the paths of their own. preference and thus divide the faithful and subvert the world-wide establishment of divine justice.”
Moreover, Baha'u'llah repeatedly warned His followers against dissension and discord, charging them to avoid any acts that might result in disunity within their ranks. In passage after passage He warned the friends not to engage in mischievous behavior, apprised them of the dire consequences awaiting any individual who chose to ignore such commands, and made clear that all other interests, especially the personal agendas of the believers, were secondary to the unity and integrity of the Cause of God.
But He went far beyond words: in safeguarding the unity of the Cause of God Baha’u'llah spared no effort, Himself setting the standard for His loved ones to emulate. Perhaps no example of this is more dramatic than that which occurred during the earliest years of His Ministry, shortly after His exile to Baghdad. BavA’u’LtAn IN IRAQ
The Blessed Beauty left His homeland at the order of Nasiri’d-Din Shah, arriving in the Ottoman province of Iraq in April 1853 after a horrific three-month journey over the mountains of western Iran, through bitterly cold weather for which He and His retinue were far from adequately prepared. In Baghdad He met with a number of Persian Babis who had fled their homeland for the telative safety of that city.
Baha’u'llah found these souls to be in a state of utter spiritual and moral degradation. Dispirited at the loss of the Bab, severely persecuted and besieged with doubts, their only hope was in the appearance of “Him Whom God will make manifest,” the Promised One Whose Revelation their martyred Master had bidden His followets to expect, and Whose speedy advent He had clearly prophesied.
Atthat time Baha’u Ilah had not yet divulged the secret of His Station to anyone, and was still to outward appearances no more than another follower of the Bab, however distinguished. Nevertheless, He immediately set for Himself the task of the spiritual regeneration of the Babi community. To these confused and intimidated souls He, relying solely on the power of the Spirit within Him, and still refusing to refer to His own Station in any more than the most allusive terms, offered moral guidance and spiritual sustenance.
themselves. Many were led to take this step out of a sincere desire to unify the Babis—most of them eventually recognized Baha’u'llah and repented of their misconduct—but there were also those who were motivated only by the lust for power and leadership.
Into this latter category fell Siyyid Muhammad-iIsfahani, who proclaimed himself the “King of the Bayan,” and who succeeded in misleading a few of his companions. This same Siyyid Muhammad would emerge in the years tocomeas Baha’u'llah’s chief nemesis, the antichrist of the Baha’i Revelation.
But in spite of the activities of Siyyid Muhammad and his minions, the healing influence of Baha’u'llah’s presence soon began to have its effect, and the time came when the Babis found themselves a people on the road to total rehabilitation, who once again felt pride in themselves and confidence in their Faith. The vast majority of the believers justly credited Baha'u'llah for this transformation, and He became the acknowledged Leader of the community.
This, however, only served to inflame the jealousy of Siyyid Muhammad, who, together with his band of associates, plotted to discredit Baha’u lah and His followers.
Siyyid Muhammad's hatred, and the lengths to which he was willing to go, knew no limits. Through a series of despicable acts engineered by him he succeeded in creating new doubts and divisions within the ranks of the Babis, and in bringing the Faith and its acknowledged Leader into great disrepute with the authorities.
The situation became so grievous that Baha’u'llah’s wonderful accomplishments were on the verge of being brought to nought. The Blessed Beauty, greatly tressed, was often heard to remark on the worthlessness of such unregenerate souls as dared to create such mischief, yet, not willing to risk a permanent breach in the unity of the Faith, He did not openly challenge His foes. During this period He revealed these words:
“The days of tests are now come. Oceans of dissension and tribulation are surging, and the Banners of Doubt are, in every nook and corner, occupied in stirring up mischief and in leading men to perdition. ...Suffer not the voice of some of the soldiers of negation to cast doubt into your midst, neither allow yourselves to become heedless of Him Who is the Truth, inasmuch as in every Dispensation such contentions have been raised. God, however, will establish His Faith, and manifest His light albeit the stirrers of sedition shall abhor it.”
It was with such words, as well as His own example, that He had hoped to effect the regeneration of the Babi community; but the disease being spread by Siyyid Muhammad proved too virulent. At last Baha‘u’llah, as the siyyid’s main target, was left with no option but to remove Himself from the scene.
WitHprAWwat Into SuLAYMANiYYIH The Blessed Beauty, without informing anyone, in
Enlightenment. During these periods They had
all prepared Themselves in some way for Their momentous missions.
Baha’u'llah experienced all of these things, perhaps to a greater degree than any Messenger before Him. But there was another dimension to His retreat that makes this episode unique in the history of religion—that His main reason for leaving was to protect the unity of the community of believers. Inthe Kitab-i-Iqdn, revealed in Baghdad after His return, He affirmed this:
“The one object of Our retirement was to avoid becoming a subject of discord among the faithful, a source of disturbance unto our companions, the means of injury to any soul, or the cause of sorrow to any heart.”
Therein lies an enduring lesson for His followers: that the Lord of mankind placed such importance on the unity and integrity of the Cause that He was ready to impose a difficult and heartbreaking exile on Himself in order to preserve it—He Who had every right as God’s Messenger (albeit undeclared) to remain and rally the followers of the Bab around Himself.
SUBORDINATING His own prerogatives, and even His desire to be with His family and friends, for the good of the community, He proved that nothing was more important than its unity, not even He Himself.
When reports of the remarkable dervish reached Baha’u'llah’s family in Baghdad, they knew that a person of such qualities could be none other than their Beloved. They commissioned one of their companions to goand petition Him to return, which He immediately did.
Upon His return the Blessed Beauty set about once again to resuscitate the small group of Babis that still remained in Baghdad, who, deprived of His beneficial presence for so long, had sunk to even lower depths than before.
The condition of community steadily improved now that the Sun of Truth had again appeared in their midst. Indeed, after two years of spiritual darkness, they appreciated Its worth more than ever, and soon Baha’u'Ilah’s ascendancy was firmly established.
Years later, in the Kitdb-i-Ahd, Baha'u'llah explained the motives behind His willingness to endure the many excruciating hardships that had come His way, and also took the opportunity to exhort the Baha’is to follow His example:
“The aim of this Wronged One in sustaining woes and tribulations, in revealing the Holy Verses and in demonstrating proofs hath been naught but to quench the flame of hate and enmity, that the horizon of the hearts of men may be illumined with the light of concord andattain real peace and tranquilli
“O ye that dwell on earth! The religion of God is for love and unity; make it not the cause of enmity or dissension. ...Conflict and contention are categorically forbidden in His Book. This is a decree of God in this Most Great Revelation.”
AswA B.£. 149 / Aucust 20, 1992
[Page 4]
4 The American BanA'i
Sa Aoeot porn Youth Year of Service volunteers are needed overseas inEl Salvador fied its needs for youth to establish Baha’i clubs in universities,
in El Salvador
Being a pioneer means Sacrifice It’s sacrificing every day in large and small ways. Yet, It’s never forgetting why you were put here. It’s keeping joy in your heart despite the sufferings, the loneliness, the tests. It’s loving the country you're serving — the people the Baha’is. It’s tears of love, frustration, loneliness, anger, fear, success. Growth Its dealing daily with those things you may have thought you left behind. If you're strong— It’s growth; spiritual and emotional. It’s learning to pray again— for prayer may be your only solace, your only friend. It's patience It’s making new friends— especially with yourself. It’s seeing things in a new way Listening to new sounds. It’s learning to be silent— to listen rather than speak. It’s never feeling sorry for yourself even when everything seems to be falling apart. Detachment It’s retaining a sense of hope and knowledge that God and the Concourse on high are with you, supporfing, assisting, there through all tests and difficulties. It’s taking the little successes and measuring them without ego. It’s honor—serving the Faith, the Friends, God. It’s giving up home, family, friends, language, material ease. It’s teaching the Faith in gestures and half sentences or just smiling a lot. It's detachment. Yet, It's keeping a good sense of humor, smiling and letting the world know, these are small sacrifices for the One you love the One you serve. Above all, Trust. It’s serving with trust, love, dignity, hope and prayer It's remembering at all time, The Bounty The Bounty The Bounty Judith Auslander—January 19, 1992
TRAVELING TEACHING CALENDAR
EAST GERMANY: July 4-October 11, 1992
GUYANA: International Visual Arts Conference, September 16-18, 1992
HUNGARY: September 7-20, 1992, Budapest SWITZERLAND: Summer 1992 TURKEY: October 1992
For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).
The Baha’i Youth Service Corps has recently received new requests from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of The Gambia, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha‘is of Maxwell International Baha’i School for
Thailand, and the Youth Year of Service volunteers.
As a tremendous boost to the Baha’i youth activities in that country, as well as a rewarding experience for the participants, the National Assembly in The Gambia has requested youth volunteers specifically to assist with the Holy Year activities.
The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is in Thailand has identi participate in youth activities connected with border teaching projects in Thai-Laos-Cambodian borders, to assist in the Baha’i school in Santitham Vitthayakom in Yasothon, and to teach
English courses in the Baha*i Centres.
Pioneer Training Institutes provide skills for teaching in new environment
Participation in a Pioneering Institute provides the spiritual and practical foundation upon which to focus one’s prayers and actions in promoting the Cause of Baha‘u'llah in a new environment. The goal of a Pioneering Institute is to provide the prospective pioneer with skills and a perspective on service which will enhance his/her ability to be happy and effective in this most meritorious of services to Baha*u'llah. Because of limited space and the specialized attention to the needs of each participant, attendance must be by invitation only.
Upcoming Pioneering Institutes
September 3-6, Louis G. Gregory Baha'i School, Hemingway, South Carolina.
January 7-10, 1993-Bosch Baha’i School, Santa Cruz, California.
Early Spring 1993, Green Acre Baha'i School, Eliot, Maine.
Late Spring 1993, Baha'i National Center, Evanston, Illinois.
If you are interested in attending any of these Institutes, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 or telephone 708869-9039 for additional information.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Recruits specialists from variety of disciplines
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is the largest of the United Nations’ specialized agencies, with more than 160 member countries. At any one time, there are about 2,000 or more field projects under way in more than 100 developing countries, where FAO experts provide technical help and training in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, nutrition and economic
Townshend Baha'i School set to open in September
The Townshend International Baha'i School opens for grades 7-9 on September 9. For more information, see the Rahmat (June 24) issue of The American Baha'i. The school office numbers are 0042-38 965552 (telephone) and 0042-38 965695 (fax).
ONGOING TRAVELING TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES
AUSTRALIA; ALBANIA; BANGLADESH; BELIZE; BULGARIA; BURKINA FASO; CAMBODIA; CHINA; CISKEI; COLOMBIA; COOK ISLANDS; COSTA RICA; DOMINICAN REPUBLIC; EAST GERMANY; EQUATORIAL GUINEA; FIJI; FRENCH POLYNESIA; GAMBIA; GERMANY; GUATEMALA; GUADELOUPE; GUINEA BISSAU; GUYANA; HAITI; HONG KONG; HUNGARY; ICELAND; INDIA; IRELAND; ITALY; MALAYSIA; MALTA; MOZAMBIQUE; NEPAL; NEW CALEDONIA; PAKISTAN; PANAMA; PHILLIPINES; PORTUGAL; PUERTO RICO; ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES; SAMOA; SIBERIA; SIERRA LEONE; SWEDEN; TAIWAN; THAILAND; TONGA; TRANSKEI; TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO; TUVALU; UGANDA; UNITED KINGDOM; VANUATU; WEST LEEWARD ISLANDS; YUGOSLAVIA; ZAMBIA.
development.
FAO's wide variety of endeavors requires a number of specialists, as well as some “generalists.” The specialists include not only agricultural and agriculture-related specialists, but many nonagricultural specialists, such as computer, | administrative atid media’specialists))1s |
(Excerpt from “International Employment Hotline.” For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette IL 60091; telephone 708-8699039 or fax 708-869-0247, Attn: Office of Pioneering.)
Reminder: Baha'i support of UN International Day of Peace replaces World Peace Day
In 1959 the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. initiated the commemoration of World Peace Day. World Peace Day was observed on the third Sunday in September.
On November 30, 1981, the United Nations General Assembly designated the third Tuesday in September as International Day of Peace and stated that it should be “devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideas of peace both within and amongall nations and peoples.”
In 1985 the National Spiritual Assembly replaced World Peace Day with Baha’i support of the U.N. International Day of Peace.
A REMINDER TO OVERSEAS PIONEERS WHO MAY BE TRAVELING TO OTHER COUNTRIES OR RETURNING TO THE STATES FOR THE WorLD Concress, A SHORT VISIT OR PERMANENTLY.
PLEASE GET A MEMBERSHIP CARD OR A LETTER FROM YOUR NATIONAL SpiriruaL AsseMBLY STATING THAT YOU ARE A Ban’ i IN GOOD STANDING. Your U.S. MEMBERSHIP CARD IS NO LONGER VALID ONCE YOU HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER COUNTRY.
The Maxwell International Baha’i School needs several youth to volunteer in various capacities.
If you are interested, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, FAX requests for information to (708) 869-0247, or call (708) 869-9039.
TRAVELING TEACHERS
Area / Country Goal Filled Ukraine ..... - 100 185 Kazakhstai a 6iree10 CIS (Other Republics) ..... 150 247 Bulgaria ... Soild Czechoslovakia 30. 44 DDA/East Germany .. {Ora Hungary 35 19 Poland . LRA Romania 10 13 Yugoslavi 409 Mongolia 2 ag 2 China .... . 35 91 Totals 440 659
Goals Months
AFRICA (months) Completed
Ciskei 24 8
Guinea-Bissau 12 0
Liberia 12 0
Nigeria 12 19
Tanzania 20
Uganda 0
Zambia | °0\ 4g°.! Totals’? °' 7
AMERICAS
Argentina
Bahamas
Barbados
Brazil
British V.1.
Colombia
Dominica
Ecuador
Guyana
Honduras
Jamaica
Leeward Islands 12 34
Martinique 12 0
Mexico 36 60
Nicaragua 24 2
Panama 36 21
Paraguay 24 oO
Puerto Rico 12 3
Uruguay 24 it
Venezuela a 17
Totals 396 270
ASIA :
Pao CTL
India 24
Japan 24 oO
Pakistan 12 0
Taiwan 36. 26
Totals 96 51
ORT-TERM PIONEER GOALS
0 Marshall Islands 12 oO W. Caroline Islands 12 7 Totals ti EUROPE FACT NR Portugal 24 1
AsmA B.£. 149 / Aucust 20, 1992
[Page 5]
a
ne
THE MEDICARE Bava 5
Growing field of service in international development
In a previous issue of The American Baha'i, some issues were raised about community development in the U.S. and its possible impact on the life of American society.
IN ADDITION to taking an increasingly active role in this kind of development, through the creation of consulting groups connected with certain key principles of the Faith, or through the establishment of certain economic operations for the Baha’is, the National Spiritual Assembly is seeking ways of becoming increasingly active in the international development field.
The American Baha’i community has a long tradition of service overseas. Even before the beloved Guardian launched his majestic plans, pioneers had left these shores to plant the standard of the Faith in faraway places. The efforts of these pioneers to teach the Faith, and with that teaching to promote a reawakening of human honor, dignity and self-reliance among their hearers, represent the very essence of the Baha’i approach to development.
On an annual basis, the American community sends a greater number of pioneers than there are Baha’ is insome national communities. Financial assistance has been generously given, whether through general deputization or to specific projects, such as the support recently given to the Baha'is of Samoa to rebuild local Centers in the wake of Cyclone Val.
The result of these endeavors has been the creation of
a development network unlike any that exists anywhere inthe world. Even with all the tremendous sums spent by governments, church organizations and the like, there is simply no comparable channel through which assistance, technology, and new ideas can reach the grass roots level.
The interlocking structure of local and national Assemblies can ensure that the maximum, most beneficial result is obtained from every investment of time and money.
The question is how the strengths of this vast network, reaching tens of thousands of locations around the world, can best be realized. The National Assembly is now working, with the aid of a growing number of friends with experience in this field, to fashion a new beginning in this field.
The Mottahedeh Development Corporation, successor to the New Era Foundation for International Development, was created in March, 1992. Task forces of friends are looking at the basic organizational issues, as well as a list of project proposals that have come in to identify those that offer the greatest short-term potential.
ONE ASPECT of this work will be to study the series of highly successful projects under way since the 1950s in connection with India’s New Era Development Institute in order to generalize a model that can effectively be used in other settings. Discussions are also in progress to finalize a fine woodworking project in Samoa which will
enhance traditional skills of youth and adults, both Baha’i and non-Baha’i, and thereby reinforce the islands’ threatened family and village structures. Afforestation is also a principal objective of the project, in an effort to reduce the destructiveness of current methods.
A group of Baha'i physicians has also established Health for Humanity to provide medical assistance in Albania, Guyana and Central America, all areas of intense teaching efforts and significant community growth. A number of projects are slated for completion this summer, and will be reported to the friends at a later date.
The constant challenge in all these activities is to ensure that the service offered reflects the distinctive character of its source in the Baha’ teachings.
Whether at home or abroad, the foundation of Baha’i development is spiritual, not material. Money is essential, to be sure, as are other technical and material resources. But the purpose is not a new well or a better heart monitor in some faraway clinic: it is the promotion of honor, self-esteem and self-reliance among peoples who have seen the worst life has to offer.
As the Prime Minister of Guyana challenged us during his recent visit, “You can spend millions of dollars in my country, but it will not do any good unless the Baha'is are there building the moral and social basis of the community at the same time.”
Baha'i Newsreels not intended for broadcast
The National Spiritual Assembly is delighted that the Baha’i Newsreels are being put to broad use by Baha*is. However, the friends need to be aware of some legal restrictions on the use of the videos.
Some of the material in the Baha’i Newsreels is obtained from other producers. The National Spiritual Assembly does not
have broadcast,rights for all such, mate‘rial. Therefore;a complete Newsreel may not be shown on broadcast or cable television.
If Baha'is show a complete Newsreel on TV, the institutions of the Faith may be subject to legal action.
However, many segments of the Newsreels may be used as part of locally produced Baha’i programs with the approval of the Newsreel producer in the Media Services Department at the Baha’i National Center. Baha’is who wish to use such segments from the Newsreels should contact the Newsreel producer at 708256-1361. The Media Services Department also can supply broadcast quality copies of approved Newsreel segments in several professional tape formats.
CorrEcTIONS
The editors wish to correct two errors that appeared in the race unity “Timeline” (June 24) and another in an article headlined “Pavilion of ‘Abdu'l-Baha among many events designed to enhance appeal of World Congress” (July 13).
Contrary to what was stated in the “Timeline,” ‘Abdu'l-Baha neither attended nor presided over the wedding of Louis Gregory and Louisa Mathews, although the marriage was a result of His inspiration. Also, the first Race Amity Conference in 1924 was not sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. and Canada; it was undertaken by an individual believer, Mrs. Agnes Parsons. The National Spiritual Assembly did sponsor a series of Race Amity Conferences beginning in 1924,
In the article on the Pavilion, it was stated that ‘Abdu’'l-Baha proclaimed the Covenant in the West in New York City on May 9, 1912. The actual date is June 19, 1912.
Baha'is honor minority women
More than 200 attend regional conference at Kent State U.
On April 3-5, more than 200 Baha'is and seekers attended a regional conference at Kent State (Ohio) University honoring minority women and cosponsored by the former National Committee on Women, the Spiritual Assembly of Kent andthe university's Baha'i Club.
David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice, opened the conference with a presentation on the Baha'i Faith and the equality of women and men.
Following his talk, three members of the National Committee on Women took part in apanel discussion on the principle of sexual equality and shared with the audience their commitment to make this principlea part of their daily lives.
The evening ended with entertainment by the Baha‘i Women’s Choir of Indianapolis, sign dancer Kathleen Colucci, and “Baha'is in Effect,” the Northeast Ohio Youth Performance Group.
Saturday morning's keynote address on the conference theme was given by Dr. Deborah Deas-Nesmith, a Baha’i from Charleston, South Carolina, who isa practicing psychiatrist.
A series of workshops was then offered by the National Committee on Women and area Baha’is on themes of internalized oppression; the meeting of racism, sexism and classism; the effects of sexual inequality on men; and the shift from “dominator” to “partnership” social structures.
Children’s classes followed a curriculum on equality developed by the National Committee on Women and resulted in the creation of murals illustrating peace and fellowship, and two songs on equality written and performed by the children with the help of Jerry Johnson.
Also presented on Saturday were a lec ture on Baha‘u'llah by Mr. Hofman and another on teaching values and virtues to children by Ed Muttart, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada. A banquet that evening honored two area African-American women for their role as educators in their communities: Desiree Liddell of Ravenna and Dr. Norma Marcere of Canton. They shared the Jetalyn Andrews Award, named for a Baha'i in northern Ohio who has devoted her life to education and who, at age 82, continues to serve her community. : Entertainment for the 85 people at the banquet was provided by Buford, Janet and Lorraine Williams, who combined various musical styles with quotes from the Writings to proclaim the Name of Baha'u'llah; and dramatist Ladjamaya from
Jan Smith (second from left facing camera), a member of the former National Baha'i Committee on Women, conducts a workshop during a regional conference honoring minority women April 3-5 at Kent State (Ohio) University. The conference was co-sponsored by the committee, the Spiritual Assembly of Kent, and the university's Baha’i Club.
Colorado, who performed selections from her work “The Black Experience: A Cry for World Peace.”
Ladjamaya repeated her performance on Sunday morning, whose session included more workshops on Saturday's themes and a performance by classical guitarist Michael Burns.
The Baha’i community of Kent has decided to make the conference an annual event and is planning the next one for April 16-18, 1993.
If you are traveling outside the United States for any reason, please contact the Office of Pioneering (708869- 9039) for information. 2
Asm B.£. 149 / Aucust 20, 1992
[Page 6]
6 THe American BaHA'i
Day of Glory
The Life of Baha’u’llah
by Mary Perkins
HC $24.95 SC $11.95
Beginning with the childhood of Baha’u'Ilah, this clear, straightforward, and readable sequel to Hour of the Dawn: The Life of the Bab briefly examines the same period as its companion volume, focusing on the life of Baha'u'llah, the Founder of the Baha’i Faith. Also covered are His days as the exemplary Disciple of the Bab; His imprisonment in Tehran’s “Black Pit”; the intimation He received telling Him that He is the Promised One of all ages; His banishment from Persia; and His journeys in exile from Tehran to Baghdad, to Constantinople, to Adrianople, and finally to ‘Akka, the Most Great Prison on the edge of the Ottoman Empire.
8" x 5", 160pp.
George Ronald, Publisher
The Hidden Words
by Baha'u'llah
HC $14.95 SC $9.95
Brief and stirring epigrams express the essential message at the heart of all religion—God’s eternal love for the human race. Baha’u’llah described The Hidden Words as “the inner essence” of the Prophets, clothed in “the garment of brevity.” According to Shoghi Effendi, they rank next to The Kitab-i-lgan and hold a position of “unsurpassed preeminence” among Baha’u’llah’s ethical writings.* 5-44" x 6-8", 112pp., introduction, illustrations, and brief biography of Baha’u’lléh
Nightingale Books
- Full color illustrations make these volumes ideal gifts
The Seven Valleys
by Baha'u'llah
the
The Covenant of Baha’u’llah by Adib Taherzadeh
HC $39.95
This book provides material for the study of the Cov The eternal relationship of the human soul to its Gov expressed today in faithfulness to the revelation of God’s.
Seven HC $14.95 SC $9.95 Valleys ‘ae Search; Love;
The intriguing and symbolic tale of the soul’s journey towards union with its Creator, through the Valleys of Knowledge; Unity; Contentment; Wonderment; to True Poverty and Absolute Nothingness. The summit of mystical composition, building upon the themes of the popular thirteenth century Sufi classic, The Conference of the Birds.*
will for humanity through Baha’u’llah, the Universal Manifestation. Mr. Taherzadeh refrained from discussing the Covenant in series entitled The Revelation of Baha'u'llah. Now, we havea wonderful tool for deepening, our understanding of the instrument through which God’s. will is expressed and His blessings are channeled.
The Kitab-i-Ahdi, Baha’u’llah’s own Will and Testament, and the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu'I-Bahd are quoted in full in this volume, and the historical events they refer to are explained.
6-%" x 9-%", S04pp., 35 illustrations, table of contents, forward, introduction, prologue, appendices, bibliography, references, index
George Ronald, Publisher
5-4" x 6-%s", 128pp., introduction, illustrations, brief biography of Baha’u’llah, references Nightingale Books
- Full color illustrations make these volumes ideal gifts
Special Times
by Susan Engle and Jean White
CS $9.95
Popular songwriter Susan Engle has teamed up with Jean White, Priscilla Jeanne, and Nina Doering to produce anew cassette tape for children. The cassette is divided into seven sections that correspond to parts of Baha’i life that are familiar to Baha’i children: Waking Up, Morning Prayers, Baha’i Schools, Teaching The Cause of God, Feast, Holy Days, and Going to Bed. Dialogue between a parent and child introduces each section. Instrumental accompaniment is intentionally sparse, says Susan Engle, to help “celebrate the use of the human voice and to encourage people to sing.” Quotations from the Baha’i writings are both spoken and sung to aid memorization. If you enjoyed Come and Sing or Loving Hands, you'll love this cassette. Approx. 60 minutes
Shoestring Productions
Star Series PAMPHLETS
Baha'i Prayers A Selection
SC $.50
An inexpensive, introductory selection of prayers from the Baha’i writings. Included is Blessed in the Spot, the short obligatory prayer, and prayers for assistance, morning, journey, night, children, youth, parents, healing, spiritual growth, forgiveness, the departed, mankind, teaching, and unity. Also included are selections from The Hidden Words and a calendar of the Nineteen Day Feast. An excellent gift. 3" x 4-4", 29pp., table of contents Baha'i Publishing Trust of Malaysia
The New Age The Life of the Soul PA 10/pk $3.50 100/pk $25.00 PA 10/pk $3.50 ‘ Baha’w’Ilah said, “Wert thou to attain to but a dewdrop of the ‘ 100/pk $25.00 Models of Unity crystal waters of divine knowledge, thou wouldst readily reali am: This pamphlet contains a collection of Racial, Ethnic, and Religious that true life is not the life of the flesh but the life of the spit AL quotations that discuss the nature, proga project of the Human Relations The New Age is characterized by the individual’s pursuit of ress, development, and purpose of the Foundation of Chicago and the National spiritual development. This pursuit leads to the investigation of human soul. It also addresses the soul’s Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd'is of the truth for oneself and the realization that one person’s life is passage through death into life in the next United States é I linked to everyone else’s. Inthisnew age Baha’is are developing world, and deals with questions such as, SC $1.00 (net) a holistic approach to healing, are recognizing that the world’s THE LIFE “will souls recognize one another in the Inthe spring of 1991, the Human Relations religions are one, and are championing the power of unity and or spiritual world?” and “Does the soul live Foundation of Chicago ‘ind the*National consultation as the means to achieve world 2 forever?” Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd’is of the peace and usher in the golden age of 6-panel, slimline format United States established a joint project to paw labs ine Fea Bahé’t Booksource identify successful examples of interracial ne of Boe meine Se mee phd unity in the greater Chicago area. They <P were convinced that models of unity were Ag common, but both organizations were con- eye . . cerned that reports of interracial violence, THY The Baha@’i Faith, What is It? confrontation, and conflict, far exceeded wig BAHA'I PA 10/pk $3.50 100/pk $25.00 those of interracial harmony, peaceful x FAITH This pamphlet answers the most frequently asked questions coexistence, and unity. The Models of about the Baha’i Faith, provides an excellent outline of the tenets Unity reports on their success in finding WHAT of the Faith, describes what the Baha’is’ role in helping to such examples in the Chicago area. ISAT? improve the state of the world should be, discusses the impor8-4" x 11", 1Spp. tance of daily and feasts and firesides in Baha’i community life, and concludes with a statement about the hopeful future of humankind. 6-panel, slimline format Bahd’i Booksource
Order now through the Bahd’t Distribution Service @ 1-800-999-9019
AswA’ 8.£. 149 / Aucust 20, 1992
[Page 7]
Sociat Issues
Prelude to The Lesser Peace
by Kathy Lee
SC $6.00
Quoting extensively from the Baha’i writings, Ms. Lee offers fresh perspectives and insights about the changes the world must undergo to achieve the peace prophesied inthe Baha’i writings. This book is an excellent companion piece to The Invisible Hand, in that it provides a means of achieving peace. Much like Nathan Rutstein, Ms. Lee hopes the friends will gain a greater understanding of their roles, and those of their Baha’i communities in bringing about a peaceful society.
5-4" x 8-%", 195pp., bibliography
Baha’ Publishing Trust of India
envoy (ee
The Invisible Hand Shaping the New World Order
by Nathan Rutstein
SC $9.95
We live ina rapidly changing world—one that has seen the collapse of the Berlin Wail
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will take us. Nathan Rutstein says that these historical events are the work of “
Invisible Hand,” that we are on the verge of an even greater global reform. World s, scientists, and philosophers are beginning to examine the worldwide
working model of unified cooperation. Close consideration of
this hopeful perspective is vital to anyone interested in exploring the full range and
implications of today’s |, economic, and spiritual processes at work in the world.
5-/s" x 8-/s", 11 0pp., table of contents, introduction, bibliography
Whitcomb Publishing, Inc.
i community
Tablets of Bahd@’u’llah
translated by Habib Taherzadeh
with the assistance of a committee. at the Baha'i World Center
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Sixteen of Baha’u’llah’s most significant and well-loved Tablets. Included is Baha’u’llah’s “Book of the Covenant,” which, along ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s Will and Testament, constitutes the “bedrock” of Baha’u’llah’s “entire administrative system” and the “stronghold of the faith of every Baha’i.”
4-%4" x 7", 299pp., table of contents, notes, index
Baha’i Publishing Trust of the U.S.
Songs of the Ancient Beauty
conducted by Tom Price
produced by Jack Lenz and Tom Price
Cassette $10.95 | Compact Disc $16.00
A brilliantly produced, devotional and/or recreational cassette tape of unaccompanied vocal music by the Baha’i Chorale. Lush harmonies and fresh arrangements are brought to life with superior soloistic performances by Dash Crofts and Narges Nouhnejad (Fani). The excellent ensemble singing of the Baha’i Chorale makes this cassette one of'the finest the Distribution Service has offered.
60 minutes
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Ride the Wave
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Have you ever wished that you had a book to give older children between the ages ofnine and fifteen? This book may be the answer. Popular children’s writer Cindy Savage, author of Nothing in Common, launches an exciting new series for youth that focuses on a Baha’i youth club in America. The Riverview High Baha’i Club, in an effort to proclaim the Faith, puts together a special act for a school talentshow. Much to their surprise their unity song, accompanied by sign language, wins first prize. Requests pour in from community organizations, and before they have time to take a deep breath they are a local ion. But now they are faced with problems ofan unexpected nature. This book, the first in the new series Youth Wave, introduces all the main characters ina lively, fast-paced story that explores teaching, consultation, and equality.
5-" x 7-%", 92pp.
Oneworld Publications, Ltd.
THe American BAHAi 7
Nearness to God Readings for Morn and Eve SC $14.95 A selection of extracts from the writings of Baha'u'llah, the Bab, and ‘Abdu’l-Baha, chosen to help us draw closer to God and appreciate more fully the spirit of His revelation. This high quality, beautiful publication a has been designed to follow the rhythm of the Baha’i calendar, and includes: + Two readings per page, one for morning and one for evening. + The obligatory prayers, and additional readings for Holy Days.
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[Page 8]
8 THe American BanA'i
CLASSIFIEDS
Classified notices in The American Baha'i are published free of charge as a service to the Baha'i community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial ads can be accepted for publication. The opportunities referred to have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exercise their own judgment and care in responding to them.
Claiaiflelss Ole snaUiNial=is)
HELP WANTE! 1¢ Los Angeles Baha'i Center office and Baha'i bookshop are accepting résumés for their files. Organizati , interpersonal, grammatical and computerskills required. Accounting and maintenance skills helpful. Send your résumé to the Baha’i Center Director, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016. No phone calls or unsolicited interviews will be accepted. Résumés only, please.
THE MAXWELL International Baha‘i School in Canada regularly needs retired persons to volunteer in supervisory/managerial positions such as for the uniform shop, laundry service, front desk, etc. Youth volunteers are also needed in many areas. Room and board provided. If you are interested, please apply to the Service Coordinator, Maxwell International Baha'i School, Bag 1000, Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia VOR 2W0, Canada, or telephone 604-743-7144.
PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT,
DUBUQUE, Iowa, a city of 53,000 on the Mississippi River in the tri-state area of Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois, which has been striving to bring more diversity into its population, has an opening for a city manager. Dubuque has an eight-member Baha'i Group whose goal is Assembly status as soon as possible. If you are interested in relocating there, or in looking into this or other employment opportunities, please write to M. McDowell,
Dubuque, IA 52001, or phone 319556-1982.
EXCELLENT opportunity for homefront pioneering in Smyrna, Tennessee, only a 30minute drive from Nashville (a large Baha'i community). Seize the Holy Year opportunity. For more information, phone Susan, 615-3554981 or 615-355-1711.
THE BAHA’{ Club at the University of California-Santa Cruz needs active Baha'is on campus. Located in the hills above Santa Cruz, and surrounded by a Redwood forest with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean, UCSC boasts one of the most beautiful campuses in the country and offers an ideal study environment. The university is close to the Bosch Baha'i School and about two hours south of San Francisco. The Baha‘i Club encourages all young Baha'is to consider UCSC when applying to universities this year. The club wants to plan many activities on campus, but needs new members to ensure success. For an application or information about the university, write to the University of California-Santa Cruz, c/o Office of Admissions, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or phone 408-459-2131. For other information, please write to the Baha'is of Santa Cruz, P.O. Box 8264, Santa Cruz, CA 95061.
THEBAHA ‘iS of Visalia encourage strong, deepened Baha'i families to move to this area of the San Joaquin Valley in central California. It is mostly a farming and agricultural community in the heart of “the fruit basket of America.” The community is mostly Persian, and there is a need for diversity to enhance teaching and consolidation especially among a large Hmong population whose members are embracing the Faith and need deepening. Energetic youth are encouraged to consider service in this area which has a large number of young people who need deepening and atten
tion. The friends will help find employment
for families or individuals; for youth, hospitality and transportation will be provided. Please
write to the Baha'is of Vi
Visalia, CA 93277, or phone
Ms. Lyons at 209-625-9434.
HOMEFRONT pioneers: consider Abilene,
Texas, where positions are presently available
for ER physician, OB/GYN physician, and
pediatrician. For information, write to Dr. Peter Garza, Abilene, TX 79608, or
phone 915-691-9938.
HALL COUNTY, Georgia, a mountainous, lakefront recreational community 45 minutes northeast of Atlanta, isa fine place to raise a family. Much fertile teaching is taking place, especially regarding race unity. Diverse homefront pioneers are needed—all would be treasured. Large Hispanic population; employment opportunities available as well as two local colleges. The University of Georgia is an hour away. Affordable cost of living. For information, phone Robin Neiheisel, 404-5351355, evenings or weekends.
WOODBURN, Oregon, is poised for entry by troops! Would you like to help? Spanishspeakersare especially useful, as most of those who have enrolled here so far speak Spanish. However, about 4,000 Russian-speakers and 10,000 English-speakers also need to hear about Baha‘u'llah. There is work for everyone. Pioneers are most welcome, as are those who can come on vacation any time of the year. Anyone who is passionate about teaching can be of enormous help. Most will need to be selfsupporting; housing is relatively inexpensive. We are planning to extend and strengthen a diverse effort that has included social and economic development and long- and shortterm service projects. For example, we have ongoing nightly classes in English as.a second language, and need more teachers. Musicians have been of great help, and there are many possibilities for using music in the teaching work. For more information, please contact the Woodburn Coordinating Committee, c/o Jan House, P.O. Box 167, Aurora, OR 97002 (phone 503-678-5162, home, or 503-678-1085, business).
DOCTORS and other health care professionals are desperately needed to serve Indian communi in Nebraska, Iowa, North Da kota and South Dakota. This homefront pioneering opportunity includes the potential for carrying Baha‘u'llah's Message to American Indians. For more information, please phone Ada James at the National Teaching Committee Office, 708-869-9039.
AFRICAN-AMERICAN, Hispanic and Korean Baha‘is are invited to become homefront pioneers to Reno, Nevada. Also invited are financially independent Baha‘is to manage the newly acquired Baha'i Center in downtown Reno. The community is intensely unified, as are the surrounding communities, with primary emphasis given to children and family activities. Employment is abundant, real estate and housing rentals are available at reasonable prices, there are excellent schools including the University of Nevada-Reno and community colleges, a lovely environment and no state income tax. Continuous Baha'i activities as well as recent enrollments prompt the Spiritual Assembly of Reno to invite prospective homefront pioneers to consider Reno as a teaching and consolidation post. Contact the Spiritual Assembly of Reno, P.O. Box 6447, Reno, NV 89513.
PIONEERING (OVERSEAS
CAS—Chile: regional officer to support the FAO's Women in Development program for Latin America. Honduras: elementary school teachers. ASIA—Singapore: software programmer. EUROPE—Czechoslovakia: history/social studies teacher. URGENT need in ‘Tanzania for two qualified English teachers for the Ruaha Technical Secondary School, the first Baha'i secondary school in Africa. For more information on any of these positions, please contact the Office of Pioneering at the Bahai National Center, Wilmette IL
60091. Telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708869-0247, Attn: Office of Pioneering.
ARCHIVES
THE NATIONAL Baha‘i Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Silvia Margolis, Dimitri Marianoff, Irma Mariasche, Carrie Marsh, Lucy Marshall (died San Francisco, 1967), Charles Marshall-Dunkel, Gale Marsolais (died Monroe, WA, 1948), and Diana Martin. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who may have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahai Archives, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).
THE NATIONAL Baha'i Archives has available 10 sets of unbound issues of World Order magazine, 1966-83, vols. 1-6, 8-17. The sets are complete except for Vol. 7. The sets will be given to any local Spiritual Assembly or other Baha’ itution that could use them for its library or to give to local public or college libraries. Please contact the National Baha'i Archives, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.
WANTED
LOOKING for four steadfast souls who would like to become members of a full-time teaching team ina small southwestern town in central Arizona with a large Spanish-speaking population. Room will be provided; however, those who are interested must have their own funds or be deputized to be able to cover personal needs, and to contribute $125 per month to help cover the cost of food and utilities. The project begins September 5 and will continue until the end of the Holy Year. Individuals, institutions and/or families who desire the bounty of deputizing a team member forall or any part of the project are welcome to write to the Spiritual Assembly of Avondale, P.O. Box 507, Avondale, AZ 85323,,or.,to phone the secretary, Pamela Hawley, at,602280-9983. Part-time employment is available; fluency in English and Spanish a plus!
THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Philadelphia is raising funds to purchase a Center in Philadelphia that will serve the Baha‘is in that city, the suburbs, and nearby communities. A fund-raising concert is planned for September at which donated works of art will be auctioned. Artists are asked to donate items for the auction: paintings, drawings, and any other objects of art that are portable enough to be sent through the mail and carried home from the auction in the family car. Items should be sent to the committee c/o Feridoon Aryani,
Wallingford, PA 19086. Please send items no later than the end of August. Anyone who needs help with shipping and handling may phone Mr. Aryani at 215876-4249 or Nelson McMillan, 215-873-0356.
THE ESCUELA Bilingue Bahd’i Ral Pavon in Otavalo, Ecuador, has been functioning for nine years. We have kindergarten through sixth grade and are known in the area for having the highest academic standards. We greatly need someone to take care of our youth library. It is not necessary to have a degree in library science, just a working knowledge. It's an ideal situation for a retired person: mild year-round climate, low cost of living, and gentle mannered local people. If interested, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).
WANTED: Baha'is who are professional journalists to form a national association, federation, network, discussion group or information exchange. Print, radio, television and cable included. How many of us are there? Please contact Carol Grady, P.O. Box 7671, Louisville, KY 40257.
WANTED: help for the Baha'i World Congress Youth Movement Forum in November. If you are a youth who is an experienced sound/lighting technician or stage manager, and if you plan to attend the Congress and would iike to help, please contact the Baha'i
World Congress Youth Movement Forum, 866
United Nations Plaza, Suite 119, New York,
NY 10017.
1AM LOOKING for stories about Baha'i teaching in the former Soviet Union fora book that Lynda Godwin and I are compiling. Anyone who has traveled to those republics and has a memory or a story to share may write a paragraph or even a chapter. The Universal House of Justice has encouraged the project, saying it is “sure that this collection of personal stories will be of great interest to the present teachers and to those of the future.” Please send materials to Linda Brown,
Winter Haven, FL 33880
(phone 813-293-3584).
FOR SALE
FOR SALE by the Spiritual Assembly of Garden Grove, California: “Love of Baha,” one-hour cassette of Persian chants and origi nal songs for the Holy Year, performed by Mrs. Goli Ataii accompanied by santour, piano, tombak and violin, All proceeds to go to the Bahd’i Fund. Please make checks payable to “LSA of Garden Grove” for $9 ($7 plus $2 for shipping) and send to the local Spiritual Assembly of Garden Grove, P:O. Box 1667, Garden Grove, CA 92640.) i
FEAST WITH FRIENDS cookbook is iow available from the Dorothy Baker Project of Colorado Inc., a non-profit organization based on Baha‘i principles that provides emergency food, clothing and household items for those in need. Other assistance provided includes counseling, resource referrals, financial help with medical and/or dental needs, and emergency housing. The DBP is staffed entirely by volunteers. To order the cookbook, please send your name, mailing address and $10 plus $2 for postage and handling per book to DBP Inc., P.O. Box 4173, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126.
A RESOURCE LIST‘of Baha'i environmental professionals is being compiled, the immediate purpose of which is to include Bahi‘is in overseas environmental projects with international agencies. Opportunities may be short-term or long-term with a special focus on projects in Eastern Europe. The list is being. compiled in consultation with the Baha'i International Community Office of the Environment and the International Teaching Center. If interested, please forward your résumé to Alexander Tavangar, Geo-Environmental Consultants Inc.,
Malvern, PA 19355. Fax 215-251-2366; telephone 215-251-0900.
YOUTH and those of all ages! Come teach the Faith this summer in northern Ohio and western Pennsylvania with the Northcoast Necklace of Lights, lovingly dedicated to the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears. Youth with two weeks to give as well as traveling teachers are welcome. For information, contact the Baha'i Youth Board of Greater Cleveland, c/o Jenkins,
Cleveland, OH 44122 (phone 216-283-8526), or Lynn Farnsworth, 216-247-2135.
NOTICE to vendors at the Green Lake (Wisconsin) Baha'i Conference, September 1820: The National Spiritual Assembly has a policy that requires review and approval of all materials to be sold at Baha'i conferences. All materials must be specifically Baha’ in nature. Please contact the National Assembly for such review and approval. To sign up for space in the Exhibit Hall at the Green Lake Conference, write to M. Naysmith, Exhibit Hall coordinator, South La Crosse, WI 54601 (phone 608-782-5793).
Rights restored
The National Spiritual Assembly has restored the administrative rights of Shahraum Sobhani of Los Angeles, California.
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[Page 9]
At 10:30 a.m. on May 28, the President of Brazil's Federal Chamber of Deputies, Ibsen Valls Pinheiro, opened a solemn session of the Chamber called to observe the centenary of the Ascension of Baha‘u'llah.
More than 45 Federal Deputies were present along with diplomats and other prominent persons. On the podium were President Pinheiro and the Secretary of the Chamber, Deputy Waldir Pires, former governor of the state of Bahia, who invited the chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil to join them.
President Pinheiro delivered the first address, testifying to the magnitude of the personality and teachings of Baha‘u'llah and quoting on several occasions His utterances on the establishment of a new World Order.
Seven leading Deputies including one woman, representing various political parties, also presented eloquent testimonies on the life, teachings, vision and transforming power of Baha‘u'llah.
These talks, which lasted about two hours, included direct references to the beleaguered Baha'i community of Iran, “those who with their lives testify to the ideals of justice and brotherhood”; to the social projects developed by the Faith in Brazil and around the world; to the unity of the Baha‘icommunity, “free from divisions”; to the Name of Baha’u'llah, “The Glory of God—what a_ beautiful name!”; to His teachings, focusing on education, world government, the equality of women and men, elimination of prejudices, and protecting the environment, with emphasis on Baha’i participation in the UNCED Conference and Global Forum.
Some 150 guests were present including the director of the Baha‘i International Community's Office of the Environment, Lawrence Arturo; a representative of the Baha'i community of Uruguay; five Auxiliary Board members; seven members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil (two othérs were in the Holy Land for the centenary commemoration); and Baha'i delegations from 12 Brazilian states.
President Pinheiro crowned the event by presenting the message addressed to him by the Universal House of Justice, reading it with respect and emotion. He ended the session by reading the prayer contained in that letter.
This photograph, taken on a June 3, shows progress on construction of the underground storage building near the Shrine of the Bab, a part of the Arc Project. The Pilgrim House is in the background. (Photo by Ruhi Vargha)
The session was followed by the launching of a commemorative rubber stamp issued by the Brazilian Federal Postal Service. The stamp was first used by President Pinheiro and dedicated to the staunch Baha'i community of Iran.
India Baha'i Institute receives UNEP ‘Global 500’ award
In June, the Baha'i Vocational Institute for Women, a non-profit educational project in Indore, India, was among 74, individuals and groups awarded the prestigious’ Unitéd Nations EnVirohimént Programme (UNEP) “Global 500” award.
The Institute was recognized for its work in educating villagers on the prevention and eradication of guinea worms caused by contaminated water in 302 villages in central India.
The award citation reads in part: “When the program began 752 people were infected and 211,813 were at risk. Today,
are taught. Pictured with thei iced one of the Hmong families.
the district is completely free of guinea worms.”
Previous recipients of the “Global 500” awatd, which recognizes “individuals and orBariizations whose everyday actions and leadership in the front lines of the environmental agenda push forward the urgent goal of safeguarding the planet and building sustainable development,” have included former President Jimmy Carter, distinguished marine explorer JacquesYves Cousteau, and Chico Mendes of Brazil, who was killed because of his efforts to save the country’s rain forest.
teachers are , children and youth from
Baha'is of Homer, Alaska, recognized for support of environmental exhibit
An issue of the Alaska Baha'i News focusing on the environment was seen last year by Betsy Pitzman, director of the Pratt Museum in Homer.
At the time, the museum was in the process of creating a traveling exhibition about the history, science and technology associated with the Exxon Valdez oil spill and clean-up efforts. The exhibit, entitled “Darkened Waters: Profile of an Oil Spill,” was to be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and at other renowned museums in the continental United States.
Impressed by the Alaska Baha'i News and wanting to include representation from the religious communities of Homer, Ms. Pitzman arranged to have an associate meet with the Spiritual Assembly of Homer to solicit its help in funding the exhibit.
After consultation, the Assembly decided to contribute $500 to the Darkened Waters exhibit and to write to nine other religious groups in Homer, asking that each contribute a similar amount.
None responded, and the Baha'is of Homer were the only religious group to lend financial support to the exhibit. On more than one occasion the director of the Pratt Museum has expressed her appreciation for this help, and the museum has listed the Baha'i community of Homer as one of the contributors to the exhibit.
The remaining schedule for the exhibit: August 29-No vember 29—Virginia Museum of Natutal History, Martinsville, December 19March 14, 1993—Car-negie Science Center, Pittsburgh; April 3-June 27— California Museum of Science and Industry, Los Angeles; July 17-October 10— San Diego Natural History Museum; October 30-January 23, 1994—The Children’s Museum, Bet-tendorff, Iowa; February 12-August 21— Museum of Science, Boston; September 10-December 4—The Museum of Scientific Discovery, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; December 24-March 26, 1995—Burke Museum, Seattle, Washington.
IN BRIEF
News from Netherlands, St. Vincent & Grenadines
For the first time in the history of the Dutch Baha'i community, two Baha‘i women (Roberta Law and An Mannen) were official participants in this year's membership meeting of the Dutch Woman's Association. Mrs. Law was official representative of the Dutch Baha'i community; Mrs. Mannen presented an introduction to the Baha'i International Community to the more than 40 delegates, representing the largest and most influential women’s organizations in all of the Netherlands.
eK
The Attorney General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Hon. Parnel Campbell, Minister of Justice and Ecclesiastical Affairs, delivered the keynote address this year at the Bahai commemoration May 29 of the Ascension of Baha’u'llah, congratulating the friends for their religious tolerance and expressing the hope that persecution of the Baha‘is in Iran would cease.
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[Page 10]
10 The American BaxA'i
The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) June 3-14 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, commonly known as the “Earth Summit,” was the largest summit conference in history with more than 30,000 participants including 108 heads of state, representatives of 173 governments and more than 1,400 non-governmental organizations (NGOs). At least eight of the government delegations included Baha’is. ~
Asimultaneous parallel conference, the ‘92 Global Forum, was the umbrella event under which a constellation of NGO activities took place. At least 140 Baha’is from every continent including members of the Continental Boards of Counselors, National Spiritual Assembly members and their representatives, and representatives from the Baha’i International Community (BIC) attended.
Inall, the Forum drew more than 20,000 representatives of 11,000 NGOs from 170 countries. It is esti. mated that more than 400,000 visitors viewed the NGO booths and displays. The Global Forum was by far the largest gathering of NGOs in history.
The National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil and the BIC Office of the Environment worked together for more than two years to assure an extensive, coordinated and unified Baha’i presence at the Global Forum and to maximize Baha'i impact on the UNCED process.
The stunning results of this collaboration were the Baha'i booth and display at the Global Forum; the creation of “Tomorrow Belongs to the Children,” a book of children’s art and essays on the environment; the coordination of a series of 14 special cultural “Evenings in the Park” events; the erection of a permanent peace monument in Rio; the oral presentation of a Baha’i statement to the plenary session of UNCED; a daylong symposium on “Values and Institutional Changes fora Sustainable Society,” and the distribution of hundreds of thousands of specially created Baha'i brochures.
‘STATEMENT TO PLENARY SESSION
The BIC was one of only 12 NGOs, of more than 1,400 accredited to the Earth Summit, to present oral statements to the plenary session, the only body to which statements were addressed.
The Baha’i statement, “The Most Vital Challenge (full text on page 11),” was read to the plenary on June 4, and was the only statement read on behalf of a religion or religious group. The statement was so well received that several hundred copies were taken by government representatives, religious officials or NGOs. A live country-wide television broadcast of the plenary session engendered many requests for the statement from viewers. ‘ToMORROW BELONGS...’
Baha'i schools throughout the world were invited to submit entries of children’s drawings and essays on the environment for judging. A selection was made from among the thousands of entries, and the final drawings were reproduced in a book entitled “Tomorrow Belongs to the Children.”
The Baha’
Baha'is take center stage at conference, Global Forum '92
The book is prefaced by letters of introduction from the secretary-general of the Earth Summit, the administrator-general of the Baha’i International Community, the executive director of UNICEF, and the president of Asma, a Brazilian-based association.
When a copy of the book was presented to James Grant, executive director of UNICEF, he promised to ensure that copies would be presented to every head of state in the world.
The contest and book were undertaken and prepared by the BIC and the National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil with support from UNICEF (the United Nations Children’s Fund). The 15,000 first-run copies were financed by Asma. The BIC donated 7,500 copies to UNICEF for sale worldwide.
Bana'i BOOTH, DISPLAY
The Baha’i booth, at the crossroads of Forum terrain, drew an unending stream of visitors. A display of materials in four languages (English, French, Portuguese and Spanish) included a map of the world with the locations of Baha‘i development projects, radio stations, Houses of Worship, educational programs, and the Baha'i World Center.
Included in the literature were “International Legislation for Environment and Development”; “Women and Men: Partnership fora Healthy Planet”; “Earth Charter,” and “Spiritual Foundations for an Ecologically Sustainable Society” (English and Portuguese).
An estimated 60,000 visitors took literature, while 20,000 people from more than 103 countries spent additional time at the booth asking questions. At least 143 press representatives from more than 85 newspapers, television networks, radio stations and magazines visited the booth.
High-ranking officials who expressed
an interest in the display included the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the President of Iceland, ambassadors, ministers, and U.S. senators and congressmen. EVENING SERIES
Recognized for its experience in working with diverse groups of people, the BIC was given the responsibility for organizing a variety of musical and dance performances for each evening of the conference.
International Community and the National Spi commissioned this Peace Monument as a gift to the people of Rio de Janeiro and as a permanent symbol of the Global Forum held there in June.
These events, called “The Evening Series in the Park,” took place in the Flamenco Park Amphitheater in Rio. The programs were designed to showcase the diversity of humanity. Between 2,0004,000 people attended each of the gatherings where, released from their own agendas, they could mingle and relax.
The final evening, a four-hour event called “The Unity Show,” featured six Baha'i performances. Brazilian dances, Lakota Indian flute music and dance, a children’s choir, popular Brazilian music, Andean music, and jazz were interspersed with readings of excerpts from “The Promise of World Peace.” The statements, projected on two large TV screens, were warmly applauded by the audience. ONE-DAY SYMPOSIUM
“Values and Institutional Changes for a Sustainable Society” was the topic of a day-long symposium conducted by the BIC at the Global Forum. The keynote address was presented by Sir Geoffrey Palmer, former Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Panelists included Dr. Rosina Wiltshire, member of the board of directors, The Environmental Liaison Centre International; Koy Thomson, program director, International Institute for Environmentand Development; Dr. Elizabeth Bowen, president-elect, Physicians for Social Respon
sibility; Dr. Eloy Anello, member of the
Continental Board of Counselors; and Prof.
Maria de Lourdes Montenegro Holzman,
Federal University of Parana, Brazil. The
focus of the workshop was “Redefining
Leadership.”
Many NGOs asked for the results so they could share them with their membership. A publication of the results will be made available as soon as it is compiled. Peace Monument
The Peace Monument was an initiative of the BIC and the Baha’i community of Brazil with support of the mayor's office of Rio de Janeiro and the ‘92 Global Forum.
The monument was designed by Siron Franko, an internationally known Brazilian sculptor who declared his faith in Baha‘u'llah during aradio interview prior to the dedication.
The monument will stand as a timeless symbol of the Earth Summit and the Global Forum and will remain as a gift to the people of Rio de Janeiro, the hosts of the historic conferences.
The monument, which is five meters (16 1/2 feet) high and designed in the shape of an hour glass, symbolizes the fact that time is running out for the nations of the world to achieve a lasting peace. The bottom half of the monument represents the material reality of the human condition; the top half represents the spiritual reality. ,
The monument's mid-section represents the point at which these two realities meet—the point where concrete expression can be given to the lofty spiritual ideals of peace and unity.
The words “The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens— Baha'u'llah” are inscribed in four languages on the upper four sides, while on the lower four sides “World Peace” is inscribed in more than 40 languages. At the top of the monument is the Baha‘i ringstone symbol.
Children from various countries, representing the diversity of the human family, poured soil from nations around the world into the monument's hollow structure in a gesture symbolic of the international cooperation and unity required to establish world peace. Soil from other countries will be added each year on World Environment Day.
Invitations to the monument's dedication ceremony were delivered personally to all government delegations, many UN officials, a great number of media representatives, and thousands of NGO representatives. At the close of the dedication, dignitaries and other guests saw the unjing of a bronze plaque with the inscription “Dedicated to the peoples and nations of the world” together with an explanation of the monument’s symbolic meaning.
The hour glass sculpture, accepted as the official monument of the Global Forum, has become the de facto symbol of the Earth Summit as well, and is becoming a known landmark in Rio.
U.S. activmes at UNCED
The National Spiritual Assembly of the
United States was, through its Washing
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[Page 11]
THe American BanA'i 11
THE Most VitaL CHALLENGE
A paper presented by the Baha'i International Community Office of the Environment to the Plenary of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, June 4, 1992.
.
Beyond such technical and political questions as what limits should be placed on greenhouse gases, how can sustainable development be promoted, and who will pay for it all, the fundamental question facing the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) is this: Can humanity, with the entrenched patterns of conflict, self-interest and short-sighted behavior, commit itself to enlightened cooperation and long-range planning on a global scale?
The UNCED process has highlighted both the complexity and the interdependence of the problems facing humanity. None of these problems—the debilitating inequities of development, the apocalyptic threats of atmospheric warming and ozone depletion, the oppression of women, the neglect of children and marginalized peoples, to name but a few—can be realistically addressed without considering all the others. None can be fully addressed without a magnitude of cooperation and coordination at all levels that far surpasses anything in humanity's collective experience.
The potential for such cooperation is, however, undermined by the general debasement of human character. Although not commonly discussed in relation to the challenges of environment and development, there are current in the world certain trends—including the widespread lack of moral discipline, the glorification of greed and material accumulation, the increasing breakdown of family and community, the rise of lawlessness and disorder, the ascendancy of racism and bigotry, and the priority given to national interests over the welfare of humanity — all of which destroy confidence and trust, the foundations of collaboration.
The reversal of these destructive trends is essential to the establishment of unity and cooperation. This reversal will require a deeper understanding of human nature. For, although economics, politics, sociology and science offer important tools for addressing the interdependent crises facing humanity, a true resolution of the dangerous state of affairs in the world can only be realized when the spiritual dimension of human nature is taken into account and the human heart is transformed.
Although there are mystical aspects that are not easily explained, the spiritual dimension of human nature can be understood, in practical terms, as the source of qualities that transcend narrow self-interest. Such qualities include love, compassion, forbearance, trustworthiness, courage, humility, cooperation and willingness to sacrifice for the common good—qualities of an enlightened citizenry, able to construct a unified world civilization.
The profound and far-reaching changes, the unity and unprecedented cooperation required to reorient the world toward an environmentally sustainable and just future, will only be made possible by touching the human spirit, by appealing to those universal values which alone can empower individuals and peoples to act in accordance with the long-term interests of the planet and humanity as a whole. Once tapped, this powerful and dynamic source of individual and collective motivation will release such a profound and salutary spirit among the peoples of the earth that no power will be able to resist its unifying force.
The fundamental spiritual truth of our age is the oneness of humanity. Universal acceptance of this principle—with its implications for social and economic justice, universal participation in non-adversarial decision-making, peace and collective security, equality of the sexes, and universal education—will make possible the reorganization and administration of the world as one country, the home of humankind.
ton, D.C., office, active for more than a year in NGO preparations for the Global Forum meetings in Brazil.
Peter Adriance, the National Assembly's liaison with Non-Governmental Organizations, is secretary of the U.S. Citizens’ Network on UNCED, which includes more than 600 organizations involved in Earth Summit follow-up.
Mr. Adriance is co-chairman of the Network's working group that prepared a draft Earth Charter, part of a continuing effort by NGOs to influence an Earth Charter that, it is hoped, will eventually form the ethical framework for decisions on environment and development.
At the Global Forum, Mr. Adriance attended a briefing for U.S. citizens by 10 U.S. Senators and a “Town Meeting” with Congressmen, personally distributed to many national delegations invitations to the dedication of the Peace Monument, and hand-carried to the conference the sample of U.S. soil provided by the Soil and Conservation Service to be deposited in the Peace Monument.
As one of three spokespersons on the Earth Charter Treaty at a press conference, Mr. Adriance was later interviewed about Baha'i perspectives on unity in diversity, consultation, and the independent search for truth.
On the last night of the “Evening Series in the Park,” programs of entertainment planned by the BIC and National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil, U.S. Baha'i Kevin
Locke and his daughter performed traditional American Indian music and dance, while Baha'i Mike Longo and his trio entertained the audience of several thousand with their superb renditions of American jazz.
THEME OF UNITY
A strong unity of purpose, dedication to service, the close collaboration of Baha'i institutions, communities and individuals, and—undoubtedly—the spiritual energy teleased by the Holy Year combined to garner for the Baha’is animpactand influence undreamed of when initial preparations for these historic meetings were begun.
The theme of the unity of humankind, of the need to eliminate the barriers between nations and peoples and to recognize our essential unity, was put forward by many speakers in an unprecedented manner at both the Earth Summit and Global Forum. As Warren Lindner, co-chairman of the Global Forum, expressed it during the dedication of the Peace Monument, “These historic meetings are not about the environment or about development, they are about the words of Baha‘u'llah on this monument: “The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens."”
John Major (left photo), Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, accepts information on the Faith from a young Baha'i during Mr. Major’s visit to the Global Forum '92 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Also visiting was Her Excellency President Vigdis Finnbogadéttir of Iceland (right photo), who was given information on the Faith and a description of Baha'i activities at the Global Forum and UNCED conference by Baha'i Guity Milani.
At the dedication ceremony for the Peace Monument in Rio, Sharokh Pezeshk (below left), coordinator of the Peace Monument project, talks with Siron Franko, the renowned Brazilian architect who designed the monument. Mr. Franko declared his belief in Baha'u'llah during a radio interview a few days before the monument was dedicated. To their left is a display of soil for the monument received from 42 countries.
Baha'i materials
There are some countries in which Baha’is must observe special caution with respect to what Baha’i materials, including prayer books, jewelry and I.D. cards, can be brought into the country.
These restrictions are determined by the laws of that country or by specific instructions from the Universal House of Justice. They are a protection not only for Baha’is who may reside in those countries, but also for the Baha’ is who may be traveling there.
It is always helpful to contact the Office of Pioneering before taking any trip so as to be sure to receive any necessary information and advice. If you are planning a trip overseas, write to the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.
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[Page 12]
72) THe American Bana’
Modesto community welcomes 26 new Baha'is in June
Excitement is building among the Baha‘is in Modesto, California, where no less than 26 new Baha'is of Southeast Asian background were added to the community in June, nearly one per day.
THIS HAS come about as a result of a few Baha'is visiting Southeast Asians in the community for a couple of years, becoming their friends and earning their trust.
Now each time the Baha‘is pay a visit they find that friends or family members of the Southeast Asians are accepting the Faith. Following are parts of several reports received from a member of the Modesto Baha'i community’s Southeast Asian Teaching Institute:
“So much is happening here I don’t know where to start. Iam enclosing a declaration form for Ry Meng. I love her very much. She suffers from post-traumatic syndrome from her torture in Cambodia; she is barely able to speak. Cynthia [Christensen] and I have visited [her] and said healing prayers.
“Tony Arrington, a Baha‘i who relocated from Southem California and is acting chairman of the Central Valley Race Unity Task Force, accompanied me to visit Southeast Asians and said he felt ‘a spirit [he] couldn't describe.”
“Sophean Yin, a Cambodian Baha'i from Modesto, is
an acting member of the Task Force. Her four-year-old nephew died recently. Cynthia purchased flowers for the funeral, and several Baha’is attended. The family was happy to see us there and was extremely gracious to us even at a time of great sorrow. I can't remember when I have been so moved, and am always reminded how much the Asian culture has to offer the world.
“ON JUNE 7, Seuth Bouthsing-khone’s daughter, Ladda, celebrated her eighth birthday. Seuth and his wife, Somsavay, a long-time Laotian Baha'i now living in Modesto, invited many of their relatives and friends to dinner, including myself and several other Baha‘is. We had a wonderful time, and before the party was over four people had declared their belief in Baha‘u'llah.
“The Bouthsingkhones and the Keosavangs, another Baha'i family, are teaching all of their friends and relatives, and have attracted many people to the Faith. Seuth Bouthsingkhone and Kamphay Keosavang carrieda large TV into the backyard with a VCR and played a Baha‘i video for the adults. Wendy Scott (of Ceres, California) spoke briefly about Baha‘u'llah, and Kamphay translated into Lao.
“On June 22, I visited Mom Chhun and her husband,
Sophean. We had a good fireside with Sophean’s mother and father and sister-in-law. Allthree declared, and Sophean said he has many friends he is teaching who want someone to explain more to them.
“I have contacted our assistant to the Auxiliary Board. She is willing tohelpour community and, as you know, is a competent and dedicated Baha’i. We are overwhelmed, but we have such a wonderful problem!”—Jennifer Muratore
Pictured are Mrs. Somsamay Keosavang and Mrs. Somsavay Bouthsingkhone, Laotian Baha'i sisters now living in Modesto, California, who taught the Faith to many people at a Lao New Year celebration.
National Assembly Secretariat for External Affairs moves
The National Spiritual Assembly's Secretariat for External Affairs has moved. As of August 1, the new address is 1320 Nineteenth St. N.W., Washington, DC 20036. The new telephone number is 8338990.
Through its Secretariat for External Affairs, the National Spiritual Assembly coordinates U.S. Baha'i relations with federal and state government agencies and officers, nationally prominent persons, and national non-governmental organizations.
Louhelen invites applications for ‘Pathways to Service’ program
The Louhelen Baha‘i School invites applications from Baha‘is accomplished in their vocations or professions to serve as distinguished faculty in its “Pathways to Service” program. The program has these goals:
(1) To honor the contributions and abilities of Baha‘is who are accomplished ina wide variety of vocations and professions.
(2) To assure that the valuable knowledge, experience and skill of accomplished Baha'is is shared with the next generation in a way that encourages younger people
I
33rd Annual
ference
Additional Program 1
Information
For additional program-related
information or a copy of the i
conference flyer, contact:
Carolyn Malouf, Secretary Covington Square
Cedarburg, WI 53012
or call (414)375-0159 after 6 PM
w ference theme during this Holy re Care reee
Year. An outstanding program will again bring together inspiring speakers, interludes of meditation and prayer, intertwined with exceptional creations by artists and perform. crs, and unique audio-visual presentations. Children's programs are planned. Subeil Bushnii, Ernestine Berkey and Robert Harris will be integral
+ Mr. Kevin Locke, Auxiliary Board Member for Propagation
+ Dr. Jenna Khodadad, Doctor of Molecular Biology & Professor at Rush Medical School
+ Mr. Robert Malouf, Auxiliary Board Member for Propagation
+ Mrs. Ernestine Berkey, Commissioner on Black Affairs for the State of Oregon and
components of an exciting Consultant for Synergy II Youth Program. Some of the major topics of the conference | | Tyo Friday Forums
will be: Bahd'u'llsh, the ‘Covenant, the Kitab’i’ Aqdas, and the Holy Year.
Each wil be oftered twice: 1-2:45 & 315-5 + “Attracting the Holy Spirit” Prayer and Meditation Robert Malouf, Manijeh Khorshidi + "Bringing the Holy Spirit Home”...Family Life
Speakers Include: + Dr. Suheil Bushrui, Professor & Holder of First Baha'i Chair
September 18 ~ 20, 1992 1:00 Pm Fridsy 10 1:00 PM Sunda | eee ara Ia Aaiisratan Blg f Children/Youth Program “Connecting the Heart + Mr. Robert Harris, Former to Bahd'u'lldh” “Know Thou The member of the Continental Nursery through youth Value of These Days” Foe een and programs. arene iliary Board now serving |’ preregistration correspondence These wordsof'Abdu'LBahs |] oy Madia Task Force forthe | inounedicacdion
Janine Petersen, Children & Youth Registrar,
Stoughton, WI 53589, (608) 873-0962. AN chitdren and youth must pre-register!
Accommodations & Meal Registration
All housing and meal registra tions should be made as soon as possible directly with the American Baptist Assembly, Registration, Green Lake, WI 54941, Phone (414) 294-3323 or (800) 558-8898.
Conference Fees
Ages up to 11 - no charge Ovemight adult 12 and up: $15.00 ‘Overnight child under 12: $10.00 Day guests adults/children: $10.00
for World Peace at the Dick hee Rendall Maximum family fee: $40.00 University of Maryland Note: No child care available | Grounds fee - day guests: $ 2.50 + Mrs. Javidukht Khadem, daring Forums is a . Fees are payable at the time of Rewer Board Member for registration only. Do not send
- perme
L = =
to develop a spiritualized and practical vision of how they can serve humanity and the Cause of Baha‘u'llah.
(3) To encourage an “apprentice-like” structure that links one mature and talented faculty with a maximum of three youth in an excellent mentoring relationship through which youth can be encouraged to develop a mature, deepened pattern of basic life skills and attitudes toward service.
(4) To help young people who are serious about personal development and ser vice to gain somé.basic expétience.and’ knowledge in direct relation to’ spiritual’
deepening ina climate of the highest moral standards and aspirations to serve Baha‘u'llah.
(5) To involve distinguished Baha’is directly in empowering the lives of others through sharing their own spiritual and material development process.
(6) To help the Louhelen Baha'i School through the contributed service of Baha’is.
Applications to serve as distinguished faculty are warmly invited from Baha'is in a wide variety of vocations and professions. Degrees, professional honors or formal positions are not the primary criteria used toevaluate applications—the overall experience, evidence of professional or vocational contributions, attitudes toward service, and high moral character are most important.
We are seeking those whose lives speak strongly of devotion to the Cause of Baha’u'llah, mature understanding of service, and a desire and capacity to share their skills and understanding with others.
Excellent cooks areas welcome as computer professionals, carpenters as much needed as fine librarians.
OUTLINE OF THE PROGRAM
- Individual Baha'is or couples may
apply. Sorry, families cannot be accommodated.
- Those chosen will serve as distinguished faculty for at least one year, during which they will live at the Louhelen
school and provide service in their area of expertise.
- During the residency period, Louhelen
will provide room and board and full participation-in the school’s active conference/workshop schedule.
- “Pathways to Service” faculty will
provide 30 hours of service per week ina
“hands-on” teaching mode with youth also assigned to the service area.
° The faculty, in consultation with Louhelen‘s administration, will also be directly involved in ongoing deepening programs with youth.
- No more than four distinguished faculty will be in residence at any one time,
and a maximum of eight youth Year-ofService participants will be in residence at any one time.
- Youth involved in the program will
gaiti basic but training ina particular’ vocational area: wiff take part in ‘awe planted program of deepening and! Spiritual development; will learn first-hand about the rewards and challenges of service with the help of mature, experienced servants of the Cause; and will leave the program with tangible, relevant life skill experience that can provide a foundation for future life-long service.
- The highest standards of Baha'i conduct will be expected of all participants in
the program.
® Youth who successfully complete the program will be given formal letters of reference specifically acknowledging tangible life skills gained, and as part of the program will receive help in developing communication skills including résumé! writing.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES.
Prospective distinguished faculty-may receive application materials by writing to Dr. Rick Johnson, director, Louhelen Baha'i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033; fax 313-653-7181). Youth who are interested in exploring a Year of Service through the “Pathways to Service” program may write to the same address.
- ...the paramount purpose ofall
Baha’ i activity is teaching. Allthat has been done or will be done revolves around this central activity, the “head cornerstone of the foundation itself,’ to which all progress in the Cause is due. The present challenge calls for teaching on a scale and of a lity, a variety, and intensity ot all current efforts.”. sal House of Justice,
AsmA B.£. 149 / Aucust 20, 1992
[Page 13]
13
THe American BaHA'i
Among the many communities now involved in activities to promote the Baha'i vision of unity are several whose rewarding efforts have spanned months of care~ ful planning and implementation. Key to theirsuccesses are a spirit of unified cooperation among the believers and the presentation of Baha'i principles in wellconsidered and effective ways.
TWO outstanding examples are the communities of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the Miami Valley area of Ohio, where differént approaches, in the spirit of the “unity in diversity of actions” called for by the Universal House of Justice, have led to unprecedented victories for the Cause of God in their respective areas.
The Baha’ is of Green Bay began planning a multi-phased “Vision of Race Unity” project in late 1991. Phase I, a public meeting, took place in December, and featured a panel of Baha’ i speakers— one African-American, one American Indian, and one white—who gave presentations on race unity. The audience included more than 100 non-Baha’is of diverse backgrounds, among whom were many community leaders in education, law, religion and other fields.
Enthusiastic audience participation indicated a readiness and strong desire on the part of all present to pursue the vision of racial harmony in concrete ways, thereby setting the stage for Phase II in March of this year.
For this event—a dinner and. discussion-—-200 diverse, community, leaders.
wete. invited to help take the.next.step.in,
launching a local grassroots movement for improving human relations. Speakers included the mayor of the nearby city of DePere, the district attorney, the director of education for the Catholic Diocese, and six other community leaders.
After the presentations the 85 attendees consulted in groups of six to eight to identify sources of disunity, possible activities to promote harmony, and related topics. The suggestions gleaned formed the basis for Phase III, held in May.
THE GOAL of this meeting was to form strategies and working committees to develop the various aspects of unity outlined in Phase II. These included intercultural, racial, educational, service, media and children/youth approaches.
Attendance was far greater than expected, and included a state Senator and representatives from the U.S. Postal Service and the Social Security Administration.
Also attending, for the second time, were representatives of United Way, who had been about to launch a campaign similar to the one developed by the Baha’is. In the end, United Way decided to throw its support behind the Baha’i effort, strongly recommending to its members and to other groups that they do likewise.
Race uNITy Innovation leads to victory in a Bay, wal (Ohio) Valley
Press coverage for the event was outstanding. The city’s largest daily newspaper ran a front-page article the same day, under the headline, “Bahai, United Way Join to Unite Area's Cultures.” On the following day another front-page piece appeared, entitled “Taskforce Wages War on Racism.” Two days later the newspaper published a highly favorable editorial. The meeting also received significant radio and television coverage.
A great many of those present volunteered to serve in various ways, and were organized into committees to prepare for the next general meeting, scheduled for the end of June.
Activimies in Miami VALLEY
Since 1977 the Baha'is of Ohio’s Miami Valley have sponsored an annual Human Rights Award banquet to honor local groups and individuals who have performed meritorious services in that field. For many years the theme of the United Nations was used in selecting honorees.
IN 1991, however, after the publication of “The Vision of Race Unity,” the banquet's planners decided to change the theme to “Human Rights: A Vision of Race Unity.” They also decided to hold a public workshop for healing racism, which was scheduled for the day before the Human Rights event.
More than 200 invitations announcing the meetings were sent to area organizations and individuals, including police and fire departments, social service agencies, local governments, school boards, university officials and prominent persons. One local television station broadcast public service announcements for a month before the events.
The “Healing Racism Workshop,” held last December 14, attracted 66 people. Several of the non-Baha’i guests expressed interest in an ongoing series of discussions. The next evening's Human Rights banquet drew 90 people. Half of these were not Baha’is, and many of them had attended the workshop.
The response to both events was remarkable: one young man enrolled in the Faith just outside the banquet room, and a woman whoattended the banquet declared her belief in Baha’u'llah the next day. Although both had studied in firesides, it was clear in each case that these gatherings were the catalyst for their acceptance of the Faith.
In January, area Baha'is met informally
to deepen on The Power
Da
Reports of race unity activities sought
What is your community doing to foster race unity? The National Spiritual Assembly is collecting reports of race unity-related activities from across the country. If you or your Baha’{ community are involved in such activities, please send a written report (with photos when available) to the National Teaching Office, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone the Teaching Office at 708-869-9039.
of Unity and study “The Vision of Race Unity,” and to consult on further public presentations. The believers decided to establish several series of “Dialogues” on race unity, using the format of the Houston (Texas) Institute for the Healing of
Racism.
From January 7 to June 2, a total of 15 dialogues were held in Kettering and Dayton. An eight-session series is presently under way in Lebanon. Invitations to the dialogues were sent to those who had attended the workshop and banquet, as well as to a few others. Attendance has ranged from 10 to 25, with some driving as far as 70 miles to attend. Feedback has been positive and strong bonds have been established among participants.
MANY CONTACTS were also made with groups working for racial understanding. Some of them have expressed interest in holding “in-house” dialogues in collaboration with the Baha'is.
Another significant development was the formation in 1990 of the “Unity Teaching Institute” in Dayton, which was responsible for this year’s successful Race Unity Day celebration in Dayton’s Courthouse Square.
Advance publicity was an important factor in the success of the event: a member of the Institute personally visited every media outlet in the Miami Valley. shirts bearing the slogan “Dayton, Ohio,
at that community’s Race Unity Day celebration held in the courthouse square. All three local stations aired coverage of the event. The Dayton Daily News published a feature article on the front page of the following day’s Metro section.
Race Unity Capital, Year 2000” were printed and sold, and thousands of colorful fliers were distributed.
As a result, the celebration received extensive media coverage. One local radio station aired a 30-minute interview with a member of the Institute, and all three television stations broadcast news of the event.
Miami Valley Bahd‘is plan to hold this year’s Human Rights banquet on the theme of “The Oneness of Humanity.” They plan to continue Dialogues on Racism, and believers from nearby cities have asked ‘for help in planning similar efforts in their own communities.
Divine CONFIRMATIONS
In Miami Valley as well as in Green Bay, the friends have seen their work evolve in ways far beyond what was originally envisioned, and in virtually all of them patterns have been established for productive, ongoing teaching activity. Both areas are proof of the Divine assistance that confirms the efforts of those who arise with unity and purpose to obey the call to teach and proclaim the Cause of God.
‘Brilliant Stars in Holy Year’ weekend conference draws nearly 100 young Baha'is ages 5-14 to McKenna, Wash.
“Brilliant Stars in the Holy Year,” a special weekend conference geared to Baha’is ages 5 to 14, attracted nearly 100 children and adults from Washington and Oregon May 2-3 at Brighton Creek Conference Grounds in McKenna, Washington.
Conference classes focused on three areas: “Who is Baha’u'llah and how can I please Him?”; “What makes us holy?”; and the “Who's, what's, why’s, when's and how’s of the World Congress in New York City.”
Area youth, with help from the adults, taught the classes and inspired the youngsters with their energy, enthusiasm and knowledge.
One of the highlights of the weekend
was an international dinner and celebration. Children dressed up in costumes from various countries and learned about the wide variety of cultures that will be represented at the World Congress in November.
Two American Indian youth performed a Friendship Song and Round Dance, which was followed by a candlelight ceremony in which children stood ona large world map to illustrate how Baha’u'llah’s light has spread across the planet.
Children took home several craft projects including prayer beads and tiedyed T-shirts. Children and adults also shared in making a “Blessed is the Spot” quilt to be sent to the World Congress.
AsmA B.£. 149 / Aucust 20, 1992
[Page 14]
14. THe American Bana'i
Algunos pensamientos sobre profundizacion
Notas de una serie de charlas dadas por el Consejero Farzam Arbab, Octubre de 1989. Esta es la segunda parte del articolo sobre expansién que iniciamos en el niimero anterior.
.
Ya hemos mencionado que las palabras constituyen el instrumento basico de la ensefianza, pero las palabras que son penetrantes, que realmente conducen al entendimiento. Estas palabras tienen que venir de una persona quien, ademas de tener amor y fe y cumplir con un numero de otras condiciones espirituales, también posee una cierta cantidad de sabiduria. E] maestro tiene que ver las necesidades del buscador, ser capaz de conversar con el buscador, escuchar al buscador, y luego poder presentar la fe en una secuencia de ideas que realmente ayude a la persona a entender el mensaje de Baha‘u'llah y alcanzar las orillas del mar de Su Revelacion. Asi, el maestro tiene que impartir el mensaje de tal forma que no agobie a la nueva alma; no es sabio tratar de decir todo lo que uno sabe al mismo tiempo. Uno tiene que pensar en las necesidades del buscador y decir tanto como la persona pueda comprenderen ese momento - ni mas, ni menos. Las palabras tienen que ser de tal forma que el buscador se sienta liberado, liberado de las cadenas que lo sujetan. Y especialmente, las palabras tienen que ser tales que doten de poder al buscador. Noes tan necesario que los nuevos creyentes sepan muchos detalles, pero si tienen que sentir que al volverse Baha’is estan siendo habilitados para realizar algo en este mundo. Puede ser que ellos atin no sepan qué es, perosimplemente el sentir que ya no seran mas victimas impotentes de la sociedad, que participaran en algo mucho mas grande que ellos mismos, es algo que un maestro efectivo puede comunicar a cada nuevo creyente. Los nuevos creyentes pueden facilmente comprender el hecho de que no importa qué tan poco puedan contribuir, qué tan pequefias sean sus capacidades, ellos van a poder efectuar cambios importantes en el mundo y contribuir al establecimiento del Reino de Dios sobre la tierra. Entonces, el mensaje ne que ser otorgador de poder. La ensefianza no es simplemente un acto misionero de conversi6n; es un acto de liberar todo el potencial espiritual.
LA SIGUIENTE pregunta que uno puede hacerse es: Sila ensefianza es todo esto, {cuanto tiempo realmente tomael maestro antes de que se inscriba el nuevocreyente? Mas que todo la gente ha oido de los problemas aparentes de lo que llamamos ensefianza en masa, ellos son los que tienden a decir: “jPero eso no se puede hacer en‘unos pocos minutos! ;Cémo puede ser? Yo demoré tres afios en sentir esos sentimientos. ,Cémo puede alguien lograr lo mismos en unas horas, atin en minutos?”. Ahora, este es un hecho que todos debemos aceptar: El tiempo no tiene nada que ver con lo que estamos hablando. Demora afios para algunas personas alcanzar este punto de entendimiento, de sentirse realizados en todo su potencial; y para llegar alli parece que ellos necesitan saber toda clase de detalles de la Fe. Otros pueden hacerlo en pocos minutos y no necesitan saber todos los detalles; ellos lo sienten y aceptan. Eso no quiere decir que después no deban pasar por un proceso de profundizacion para aprender acerca de los detalles y mucho mas importante que los detalles es el aumentar su conocimiento y entendimiento de las verdades basicas de la Fe. Entonces, no estamos diciendo que el conocimiento noes importante y que no toma tiempo absorber conocimiento nuevo. Es sdlo que en el acto de aceptar a Baha’u'llah, como lo hemos descrito, el tiempo es relevante solo en el sentido de que es distinto para diferentes personas. La aceptacion puede ocurrir en un minuto o puede tomar cincuenta anos. Y el error mas grande que podemos cometer es decir: “Como yo me demoré tanto tiempo, no puedo creer que éste pueda hacerlo tan rapido”. Este es uno de los problemas que surgen a raiz de la incredulidad que muchos Baha*is muestran hacia la ensefianza en masa.
Si pudieran ver la historia de la Fe, veran que la aceptaci6n no debié haber dependido mucho del tiempo. Para darles un ejemplo, Cuando Mulla Husayn pasé por Isfahan la primera vez y conocié al cribador de trigo, quien mas tarde participé en los acontecimientos de Tabarsi, ellos tuvieron una conversacion y el cribador de trigo acepto al Bab. {Qué piensan que le dijo Mulla Husayn? ,Qué creen que el cribador de trigo, aparentemente un hombre sencillo, pudo haber sentido? {Cuanto tiempo creen que tomo est4 conversacion?
Asmé 8.£..149 / August 20, 1992
Acepto o no acepté al Bab? Pudo ser que alguien hubiera dicho, “;Es él un verdadero Babi, o es un Babi de papel?” Claramente, él era un verdadero Babi. Pero, porsupuesto, el maestro era Mulla Husayn; el fuegoera extremadamente fuerte y condujo al encendimiento. El cribador de trigo fue dotado de poder. Ya no era un residente cualquiera de Isfahan. Estoy seguro que la transformacién no ocurrié de la noche a la manana; pasaron otras cosas en su vida antes de que fuera a Tabarsi. Pero el punto es que se inicié un proceso de profunda transformacién durante esa corta conversaci6n inicial
AHORA VAMOS a otro punto sobre la ensefianza que de tiempo en tiempo ha sido causa de desacuerdo entre los creyentes: la cuestién de la ensefanza individual versus la ensefianza en masa. Por una razon infortunada, que yo nunca he entendido, se ha creado una dualidad en las mentes de muchos creyentes, una clase de dicotomia que separa estos dos métodos de ensefianza. Alguien se preguntara, “;Cual es buena, la ensefianza individual o la ensenanza en masa? {Cual es el verdadero camino?” Pero si lo piensa, la dicotomia no tiene ningtin sentido. Al examinar los Escritos se hace evidente que la ensefianza individual es el deber de cada Baha’i. Es una expresi6n natural de amor: “Yoamoeste amigo. Entonces tengo que ensefarle. Como no podria ensenarle?. Si tengo contacto con la gente, donde sea, y siento amor por ellos, atin si no es una relacién muy profunda, sin embargo si siento algo de amor, es bastante natural que me gustaria ensefiarles.” Esto es algo que debemos hacer durante nuestras vidas, aprovechando cada oportunidad. Al hacer esto, debemos usar todo método que sea digno y nos funcione efectivamente. De especial importancia para la ensefianza individual es, por supuesto, la idea de las hogarenias, las cuales cada individuo debe esforzarse por tener cada 19 dias. Una hogarefia es un medio de ensefianza muy efectivo, pero por supuesto tiene que ser una ocasi6n sumamente espiritual y enfocada. A veces las hogarefias se usan solamente como eventos de proclamacion. Eso quiere decir, que aunque se Ilaman hogarefias, no van mas alla de la diseminacién de informacion sobre la Fe. Cuando las hogarefias estan vibrando con el espiritu de la Fe, cuando estan imbuidas con el espiritu del amor y la hospitalidad y conducen a conversaciones profundas sobre temas que Ilevan a los buscadores al nuevo entendimiento espiritual, es asombroso ver qué tan rapido y consistentemente conducen a declaraciones. Para que una hogarefia tenga éxito, por supuesto, tienen que Ilevarse regularmente nuevos buscadores. Eso quiere decir que no se puede dejar al azar la ensefianza individual. Tiene que ser ejecutada en forma sistematica. Este concepto de ensefianza sistematica, el cual se aplica a la ensefanza individual y en grupo, sera la siguiente idea que estudiaremos.
Si examinamos los Escritos, especialmente la guia del Guardian y luego la de la Casa Universal de Justicia, es muy claro que en adici6n a la ensefanza individual, hay también un Ilamado a lo referimos como ensefhanza colectiva, ensefianza planeada por la comunidad. La ensefianza sistematica no es sdlo para el individuo, como un deber personal de su propia vida; también leemos mucho sobre la ensefianza sistematica de la comunidad, de la comunidad local, regional y nacional, y hay mucho espacio para proyectos internacionales. Obviamente, existe en la Fe la necesidad de la ensefianza sistematica de la comunidad, la ensenanza colectiva planeada.
Una cosa que es importante considerar en este contexto es que un plan de ensefianza no debe reducirse a la declaracion de principios y una lista de como deben ser las cosas idealmente. Por ejemplo, un comité puede decir, “Tenemos un plan de ensenianza y consiste en pedir a todos los creyentes en la comunidad que oren y ensefian todos los dias”. Bueno, este no es un plan; es una declaracién de principio. Un plan sistematico para una comunidad, promovido por una institucion de la Fe, una Asamblea Local, un comité, una Asamblea Nacional, debe tener ciertos elementos sin los cuales es dificil ver como esta sucediendo la ensefanza lematica en realidad. Me parece que una de las condiciones mas importantes es que el plan debe enfocar la atencidn de la comunidad en una poblacién especifica. No puede simplemente ensefarse en abstracto. No se puede decir, “Bueno, el plan es que todos vivan la vida y vean a quién Dios le pone en su camino”. Es una declaracién valida
pero no constituye un plan sistematico de accién. Estoy seguro de que hay otras formas de pensar en un plan, pero de las mas efectivas que yo haya visto son las que enfocan la atenci6n en una grupo especifico: “Vamos a ensefiar a esta gente, a los habitantes de estas veredas, a los de los barrios de nuestra ciudad, a los alumnos de estos colegios, a los trabajadores en estas fabricas, a los comerciantes en nuestra ciudad, a los estudiantes extranjeros en esta universidad, a los miembros de tales y tales movimientos”. Deben escoger alguna poblacién de entre la poblacién total del mundo. Porsupuesto, no tenemos que enfocarnos solamente en una poblacién. Si nuestra comunidad es fuerte, tendremos planes simultaneos para la ensenanza de muchas poblaciones.
Cuando ya se escoje una poblacion, uno tiene que crear un plan para ensefarles. La ensefianza sistematica implica pensar en nuestros recursos, /en cémo estos recursos pueden aumentarse. El recurso mas importante es el factor humano. ,Quiénes son los maestros y administradores que actualmente llevan a cabo el plan y aseguran su éxito? Otra vez, no es suficiente que un comité diga, “Hemos informado a la comunidad acerca del plan y ahora estamos esperando su respuesta”. Los recursos humanos tienen que movilizarse. Un buen plan de accién considera no solamente el buen uso de los talentos de todo el mundo sino también provee los medios para elevar los espiritus de los amigos a niveles cada vez mas y mas altos. Un buen plan contiene medidas para asegurar que se alcancen consistentemente niveles mas altos de energia, y que la expansion y la consolidacién continuamente ganen impetu. Pues, si vamos a ocuparnos en la ensefanza colectiva, de alguna forma debemos asegurar que vamos a obtener mas que la mera suma de individuos ensenando.
La ensefianza sistematica también involucra algo mas, que desafortunadamente nos olvidamos a menudo. Involucra el desarrollo de toda una forma de presentacién de la Fe que sea apropiada para la poblacién. Entonces, supongamos que estamos ensefiando con éxito algunos de‘ nuestros amigos estudiantes, ‘presentandoles ciertos argumentos y pruebas, dandoles cierta informaciénsobre” la historia de la Fe, luego Ilamando su atenci6n a la situacién del mundo y después mostrandoles cémo las ensefianzas de la Fe y nuestro amor por Baha’u'llah nos dan el poder para cambiar el mundo. Si tenemos éxito entonces hemos encontrado la presentacién apropiada para este grupo de personas. Pero puede ser que este mismo argumento no sea la mejor forma de presentacion ar en la ensefianza de, por ejemplo, una poblacién de gente del campo. Un plan sistematico de ensefanza implica, necesariamente, que la comunidad haya pensado bastante sobre este asunto y esté concientemente desarrollando una presentacion que sea apropiada para la poblacion bajo consideracion.
LA ENSENANZA sistematica también implica métodos apropiados. Como llegar a un numero mas y mas grande de la poblacién? ;Donde hablar? ;Qué se hace después? {Qué clase de materiales se deben usar? Todas esas preguntas necesitan responderse antes de embarcarse en un plan sistematico de ensefianza. Pero sobre todo, la metodologia de la ensefianza sistema\ de aprendizaje. Esto implica la profundizaci6n inicial del grupo de maestros. Esto se acompania por acci6n paralela: reuniéndose con la gente, ensenando, profundizando a los nuevos creyentes. Una gran cantidad de oracién va paralela con la accién, y todo esto es simultaneo con bastante consulta sobre qué esta pasando y qué se esta aprendiendo. ,Cémo mejoramos nuestros métodos? {Como mejoramos nuestra presentacion? ,Como mejoramos nuestros materiales? Es un involucramiento simultaneo en estas actividades paralelas: profundizacién - oracién - accién - consulta - profundizacién - oracién accion - consulta... es este ciclo continuo la metodolo; fundamental dela ensefianza basica de una poblacién definida en los planes de una comunidad. En este momento de nuestra historia, hasta donde yo sé, el enfocarse en ciertas poblaciones realmente solo se ha hecho segtin un método basico y un sélo argumento, y se ha dirigidoa la gente que vive en los pueblos y en ciertos barrios de las ciudades y, en general, a la gente que es pobre materialmente o por alguna otra razon es oprimida por la sociedad. El término “gente marginada” se usa a
Vea PROFUNDIZACION pagina 19
The first Holy Day observance to be held in one of the former homes of the Hand of the Cause of God Martha Root in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania, took place in May as 38 adults, youth and children from Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York state commemorated the anniversary of the Ascension of Baha‘u'llah.
In addition to the celebration, plans were made for a two-week youth service and teaching project in the Cambridge Springs area as part of the late Hand of the Cause of God William Sears’ call for a “Necklace of Lights” teaching/service program.
On June 21, about 25 youth and their counselors
Holy Day observance held in former home of Martha Root
arrived in Cambridge Springs from greater Cleveland, Akron, Kent, Toledo and Cincinnati, Ohio. They were joined later by young Baha'is from Edinboro, New Castle, Warren and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The youth presented musical programs using sign language as a dance form to senior centers and nursing homes in Cambridge Springs and Meadville, and at the borough hall in Edinboro.
They delivered “meals on wheels,” did house-cleaning, and washed windows for elderly shut-ins; painted a house, cut firewood, cleaned a community-owned beach, installed a rural mail box, and scraped and painted the
Tue American BaHA'i 15
front porch of the Martha Root House. On the weekend, two of their fathers helped the young people repair the porch roof and install new gutters and downspouts.
Several community groups and individuals invited the Baha’i youth to come back to perform services for other public organizations.
Accommodations for the young people were provided at the Martha Root Farm and Martha Root House and at two Bahda‘i homes in nearby Edinboro.
Youth, their parents or home communities paid their expenses during the two-week project.
Wortp Concress Yours Forum
Three-day experience to celebrate power of the Covenant
Complementing the Baha'i World Congress will be a unique three-day experience for youth called the Bahai World Congress Youth Movement Forum. The purpose of the Forum is to celebrate the power that the Covenant releases, and to help youth find ways to respond to the challenge of taking the Message of Baha‘u'llah to humanity.
The program will include dialogue, lectures, entertainment and other presentations, and will center on the following three questions (with passages from the Writings added so that we can begin to meditate on them now!):
1. Wuo ts BanA’u’LLAH?
“And since there can be no tie of direct intercourse to bind the one true God with His creation...He hath ordained that in every age and dispensation a pure and stainless Soul be made manifest in the kingdoms of earth and heaven. ...These Essences of Detachment, these resplendent Realities, are the, channels of, God's. all-pervasive grace. ...They are commissioned to use the inspiration of Their words, the effusions of Their infallible grace and the sanctifying breeze of Their Revelation for the cleansing of every longing heart and receptive spirit from the dross and dust of earthly cares and limitations. Then, and only then, will the Trust of God, latent in the reality of man, emerge. ...
“Through the Teachings of this Day
Children in Charlotte raise $1,229.35 for National Fund
Fifteen children from Baha‘i communities in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area recently raised $1,229.35 for the National Fund by taking part in a Read-a-Thon.
The activity was the children’s response toa letter, sent late last year by the Universal House of Justice, which spoke of the urgency of moving ahead without delay on construction of the Arc on Mount Carmel.
After asking for and receiving pledges from Bahd’‘is that they knew, the children read a total of 119 Baha’i books from last December 31 to April 21.
UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DAYS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
September 8
International Literacy Day September 15
International Day of Peace October 24
United Nations Day October 31
UNICEF Day (United Nations
Children’s Fund) December 10
Human Rights Day
Star of Truth every man will advance and develop until he attaineth the station at which he can manifest all the potential forces with which his inmost true self hath been endowed.” (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahd'u'lléh, pp.66-68)
“He Who in such dramatic circumstances was made to sutain the overpowering weight of so glorious a Mission was none other than the One Whom posterity will acclaim, and Whom innumerable followers already recognize, as the Judge, the Lawgiver and Redeemer of all mankind, as the Organizer of the entire planet, as the Unifier of the children of men, as the Inaugurator of the long-awaited millenium, as the Originator of a new “Universal Cycle,” as the Establisher of the Most Great Peace, as the Fountain of the Most Great Justice, as the Proclaimer of the coming of age of the entire human race, as the Creator of anew World Order, andas the Inspirer and Founder of a world civilization.” (God Passes By, pp.93-94) 2. Wuat ts BavA’u’LLAH’s REVELATION AND Mission, AND HOW DO THEY RELATE TO ME AND MY GENERATION?
“By the righteousness of God! It is not Our wish to lay hands on your kingdoms. Our mission is to seize and possess the hearts of men. Upon them the eyes of Baha are fastened.” (Gleanings, p.212)
“This generation of Baha’i youth enjoys a unique distinction. You will live your lives ina period when the forces of history are moving to a climax, when mankind will see the establishment of the Lesser Peace, and during which the Cause of God will
who will be called upon in the years to come to stand at the’helm of the Cause in the face of conditions and developments which can, as yet, scarcely be imagined.” (Universal House of Justice, letter dated July 4, 1983, to the European Youth Conference, Innsbruck, Austria)
3. WHAT SERVICE CAN | RENDER AT THIS TIME IN MY LIFE—AT THIS TIME IN HISTORY—THAT WILL PLEASE BAHA’U’LLAH?
“Baha’u ‘Ilah...hath, during His last days onearth, given the most emphatic promise that, through the outpourings of the grace of God and the aid and assistance vouchsafed from His Kingdom on high, souls will arise and holy beings will appear who, as stars, would adorn the firmament of divine guidance. ...
“These shall labor ceaselessly, by day and by night, shall heed either trials nor woe, shall suffer no respite in their efforts, shall seek no repose, shall disregard all ease and comfort, and, detached and unsullied, shall consecrate every fleeting moment of their lives to the diffusion of the divine fragrance and the exaltation of God's holy Word. ...They shall reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom, and manifest
unto everyone the signs of God. They shall burn brightly even as a candle in the heart of every assembly, and beam forth as a star upon every horizon. The gentle breezes wafted from the garden of their hearts shall perfume and revive the souls of men, and the revelation of their minds, even as showers, will reinvigorate the peoples and nations of the world.
“Iam waiting, eagerly waiting for these holy ones to appear; and yet, how long will they delay their coming? My prayer and ardent supplication, at eventide and at dawn, is that these shining stars may soon shed their radiance upon the world. ...”
(Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'lBahd, pp.251-252) VIDEO AVAILABLE
A video has been prepared by the World Congress Youth Movement Forum Task Force to provide detailed information about the program and to help youth prepare for the World Congress and reflect on the Holy Year.
The video should be especially useful at summer schools, youth workshops and other gatherings. To order your copy please send $10 (payable to ...) to Laura Cessna, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
a a Members of the Atlanta Baha'i Youth Workshop Rainbow Festival sponsored by the Race Unity Coalition of Gainesville, Georgi
Atlanta Baha'i Youth Workshop performs at Gainesville's annual Rainbow Festival
On May 30, the Atlanta Baha‘i Youth Workshop traveled to Gainesville, Georgia, to perform at the second annual Rainbow Festival sponsored by the Race Unity Coalition of Gainesville.
More than 300 children, youth and adults took part in the festival which included a wide range of entertainment and music in addition to educational booths and refreshments.
The Baha‘i community of Gainesville was invited by the Race Unity Coalition, a non-Baha‘i group with only one Baha‘i member, to sponsor a booth to provide information about the Faith and its efforts to establish race unity.
The Workshop performed twice during the festival; at the close of each performance, a brief talk about the Faith was given and the audience was invited to find out more by going to the Baha'i booth.
Some Workshop members were able to help man the booth, and a number of contacts were made with community lead ers, educators and social service professionals who were interested in the concept of the Workshop and its message of unity.
It was apparent that the Baha'i community of Gainesville, though small in numbers, is working hard to emblazon the Name of Baha'u'llah in that community and to promote a vision of race unity.
The Workshop, which has always been an effective means for proclaiming and teaching the Faith and for being an example of service to others, has made several visits in the past six months to the Atlanta Women and Children’s Shelter.
Besides donating toys and clothing, the Workshop members have spent a great deal of time playing with and talking to children at the shelter.
If you would like information about the Atlanta Youth Workshop, please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Spalding County, Georgia, or phone Maryam or Glenn Evans, 404-438-6563.
AR RR RR
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AsmA B.£. 149 / Aucust 20, 1992
[Page 18]
18 THe American BanA'i
Excellence in all things...
Dr. SHarria Amen, professor of materials at Youngstown (Ohio) State University who became a Baha'i last March, recently received his second U.S. patent for NASA-related research. The patent deals with the development of a solidification process under an electric field. The process enhances the materials’ properties and service performance without requiring further thermal or mechanical treatment while also improving the structure of the materials.
Kay L. Mavoney, a Baha‘i from Great Falls, Montana, has won the newly created Thurgood Marshall Award from the local chapter of the NAACP, presented, it states, for her “outstanding contributions to civil rights in Montana.” Ms. Maloney, a former pioneer to Micronesia, began publishing the NAACP bulletin in 1990, took part in efforts to gain state recognition for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and helped set up a statewide Human Rights Network Conference on racism (“Confront Bigotry: Celebrate Diversity”).
Natavie Biake, a Baha'i from St. Vincent, West Indies, who is a senior at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, is one of 70 graduating seniors from 53 liberal arts colleges and universities in the U.S. to receive a prestigious Thomas J. Watson Fellowship, established in memory of the founder of IBM. With her $13,000 award, she plans to study pottery in Indonesia—where she spent her spring semester last year—and in Africa.
MicHaet FitzGerato, a Baha’i from Winchester, Virginia, has won the Shenandoah Arts Council Award for literature; has read his poetry at the Folger Shakespeare Library and for Visions International in Washington, D.C.; has worked on a film project for the Smithsonian Institution; and has a new book of poetry and photographs, New Seeds, to be published this year by Rainbow's End Books.
Vara GHAEMMAGHANI, a 17-year-old Baha'i from Pasadena, Texas, who came to this country with his family from Iran in 1980, was graduated this year as valedictorian of his high school class. A member of the National Honor Society, he recently won first place in the Academic Decathlon Top Ten competition, was first chair violin in the school orchestra, and was captain of the school water polo team. An active Baha’i teacher, Vafa serves as an assistant to Auxiliary Board member Robert Ramirez.
Gieert L. Rucker, a Baha’i from Victoria, Texas, was named runner-up this year at the city’s annual Volunteer of the Year awards luncheon. Mr. Rucker, a Baha’i since 1957, spends two evenings a week teaching probationers from the Adult Probation Department who lack basic literacy skills.
Desoran V. Deas-Nesmitu, a third-year resident in psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston and member of the Spiritual Assembly of Adams Run, is one of 25 outstanding research persons chosen to take part in a Research Seminar/Workshop on HIV Infection and AIDS sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). She was chosen as a result of her concept paper entry, “Research on Severely Mentally III Persons at High Risk of or with HIV Infection.” Dr. Deas-Nesmith was among 10 “Mini-Fellows” chosen to attend the annual meeting of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Apam Smith, a 13-year-old Baha'i from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, won first place in the “Simple Machines” event at the National Science Olympiad at Auburn University in Alabama. Adam was part of a 14-member team from Morse Middle School in Milwaukee, where the eighth-grader also captains the four-member Morse “Math Counts” team that won the state championship in March.
Mary Gray, a Baha'i from Boone, North Carolina, is one of three people recognized recently by Appalachian State University’s Environmental Issues Committee for promoting environmental awareness at the local, national and international level. Ms. Gray was honored for her work with community environmental groups including SAVE and the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League and as founder of the group Positive Options for the Future. Her book, Growing Into Peace, explores the relationship of the environment and human nature with building world peace.
Noau J. Bartotucci, a 23-year-old Baha’i from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, who is a student in the School of Journalism at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, has won third place for feature writing in the 1991 editorial competition sponsored by the North Carolina Press Association. While Mr. Bartolucci was taking a year off from school to take part in a “youth year of service” project, one of his articles was submitted to the Press Association on his behalf by the editor of the UNC newspaper, The Daily Tar Heel.
Nevin JENKINS, a young Baha’i from Warrensville Heights, Ohio, has been named 1992 Student of the Year at his high school by the Warrensville Heights Optimist Club. Criteria for selection include academics, sociability, citizenship, community service and extra-curricular activities. In his acceptance speech, Nevin, who is white and attends a school whose student population is 99 percent black, said, “I would like to thank God and Baha'u'llah, the Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i Faith, for instilling positive beliefs in me. Because of the Baha'i Faith, I believe that all races are equal, that we belong to one human family, that men and women should be totally equal in society, that all the religions of the world believe in the same God, and that there will be world peace one day.”
Don Camp, a Baha'i from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is one of 100 artists in this country to be interviewed by the Smithsonian Institution's “Archives of American Art” oral history program. Mr. Camp, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Philadelphia, is an experimental and conceptual photographer.
Leewrt Crouch, a 17-year-old Baha'i from Laramie, Wyoming, is one of 350 young people from across the country chosen to attend this year’s National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. The criteria for selection include academic achievement, leadership and citizenship. Leewitt, a senior at Laramie High School, plans to become a math teacher.
Patterns
from page 1
Amherst, Massachusetts; and Richard Thomas, East Lansing, Michigan.
Dr. Henderson opened the discussions with a brief survey of the history of race unity efforts in the American Baha'i community. He then presented an overview of recent and current Baha’i activities, noting the extraordinary increase in involvement with groups of all kinds, and pointing out that a true national movement is now under way in the community.
“Since the publication of the race unity statement last year,” he observed, “the pace of race unity activities has quickened to the point that there is now no area of the country that is not sharing in the phenomenon.
“THIS IS due in part to increased receptivity on the part of our countrymen in the wake of racial incidents, but must also be attributed to the spirit of ‘rededication to our sacred tasks,’ as called for by the House of Justice, and to the spiritual empowerment which is the result of our reflections during the Holy Year.
“We are quickly establishing ourselves in the public eye as leaders in the area of interracial understanding, and rightfully so. We have a long history of hard-won victories that demonstrate the Faith's unique capacity for unifying the hearts of all peoples. Our challenge now is to be ready to jump into action as greater numbers of individuals and groups come to us saying, ‘Show me!"”
Dr. Henderson said the immediate concern of the National Assembly is to find various ways of helping local communities respond to concrete proposals from other groups, one of which would be a referral system through which experienced believers could be called upon for help.
The first phase of this process, he said, was to establish close and regular contact with all local communities pursuing race unity activities, which has already begun. The National Assembly has also begun compiling a list of individuals who might serve as a network of consultants.
Among the needs identified by the National Assembly for the long term were the establishment of consultative entities for conflict resolution and race unity issues that could provide services to the public on a fee-for-services basis; developing the remaining institutions of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar; supporting existing socio-economic development initiatives suchas the Mottahedeh Development Corporation and Health for Humanity, and creating more such entities; developing educational and other materials; and developing financial and administrative support for local and national programs.
The group spent the bulk ef the weekend in consultation on these issues, and concluded with several recommendations for consideration by the National Spiritual Assembly.
ALL THOSE present shared an awareness of the contributions Baha'is can make toward racial understanding. It was observed that the Baha'i community is unique in its history and experiences, in its administrative structure, in the infallibility of its guidance, in its understanding of the sources of prejudice, and in its dedication to the unification of the peoples of the world.
And most importantly, the Baha’ is have
the Covenant of Baha'u'llah, and with it the assurance of a glorious destiny. Although the community itself has not realized its full potential, the believers know that it will grow in perfection and strength for ages to come.
Mr. Mitchell, in closing the meeting, pointed out the evidences of Baha’u'Ilah’s power in that very room, where people of various races had come together in love and unity to discuss how to advance the cause of God. This power of united effort, he said, makes the Faith invincible. He concluded with the words of Baha*u'llah as quoted by Shoghi Effendi in The Advent of Divine Justice:
“Say: O people of God! Beware lest the powers of the earth alarm you, or the might of the nations weaken you, or the tumult of the people of discord deter you, or the exponents of earthly glory sadden you. Be ye as a mountain in the Cause of your Lord, the All-Mighty, the All-Glorious, the Unconstrained.”
“Say: Beware, O, people of Baha, lest the strong ones of the earth rob you of your strength, or they who rule the world fill you with fear. Put your trust in God, and commit your affairs to His keeping. He, verily, will, through the power of truth, render you victorious, and He, verily, is powerful to do what he willeth, and in His grasp are the reigns of omnipotent might.”
“I swear by My life! Nothing save that which profiteth them can befall My loved ones. To this testifieth the Pen of God, the Most Powerful, the All-Glorious, the BestBeloved.”
Faith is represented
at annual meeting of Council of Chapters and Division Presidents of UNA-USA in Denver
The Faith was represented June 26-28 at the annual meeting of the Council of Chapters and Division Presidents of the United Nations Association of the United States (UNA-USA) in Denver, Colorado.
Invited to attend along with the Presidents were Shirley Lee, representative to the UN for the National Spiritual Assembly and chairman of the UNA-USA's Conference of UN Representatives in New York, and Werner Fornos, president of the Population Institute and past chairman of the Washington, D.C., Conference of UN Representatives.
The National Spiritual Assembly belongs to the 132-member Council of Organizations of the UNA-USA.
Ata panel discussion on education, during a meeting on closer cooperation between the Council and its chapters, and in a talk at a luncheon for the participants, Ms. Lee presented a well-received packet of information to be used to foster education about the UN in U.S. schools.
The packet, entitled “The United Nations in the Classroom: A Program of Action for Citizens and Educators,” in. cludes a plan of action, a list of groups that are members of the UNA-USA Council of Organizations, a list of UN achievements from 1988-92, lists of recommended educational materials, reference materials for high school and public libraries, and a listing of special UN events days and weeks.
The packet can be ordered for $5 from
UNA-USA Publications, 485 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10017.
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[Page 19]
NEWs IN BRIEF
‘Path to Unity’ presented
“A Path to Unity,” a program devoted to the Baha‘ Faith, was presented April 30 by the Interreligious Forum of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, as a part of its continuing interest in promoting better understanding among people of diverse religious beliefs.
Included was a presentation on Baha'u'llah and His Mission by guest speaker Anita loas Chapman of Washington, D.C. Afterward, Mrs. Chapman answered questions from the 20 people of
Emilie Zeigler, secretary of Peoria Assembly for 33 years
Emilie K. Zeigler, who served for 33 years ‘as secretary of the local Spiritual Assembly of Peoria, Illinois, died June 17 at the Lutheran Home in.Peoria. She was 90 years old.
Profundizacion de pagina 14
veces para describir estas poblaciones, pero me gustaria mencionar un punto de atencién acerca del uso de este concepto. Una cosa es crear planes de ensefianza para la gente indigena de las Américas, las. tribus de Africa, los aldeanos de la India, con el entendimiento de que por alguna raz6n, afios de opresion y sufrimiento, les han hecho receptivos a la Fe. Ahora, otra cosa es ira buscar drogadictos y mujeres de cigrta fpatesignen alguns. siudad y decir, “Bllos son. la_ gente marginada,. ensenémésles!’”! “Hé: visto én’ alguna ocasién en las consultas entre los amigos el término “ensefianza en masa” evocar imagenes de esta segunda clase de gente marginada y asi volverse este término fuente de mucha resistencia. Porsupuesto, debemos ensefiar a todo el mundo, pero acuérdense que cuando hablamos de la ensefianza en los pueblos del mundo de hoy dia, estamos hablando de personas basicamente saludables, por lo menos tan saludables como la humanidad puede serlo enestos dias. Tienen problemas, amenudo toman alcohol. En ciertas culturas tienen _,.,ptoblemas con el concepto de matrimonio, _ ¥ asi sucesivamente, pero al juzgarlos _ dentro ‘de su propia cultura son personas moral y espiritualmente saludables. __ Si miran alrededor del mundo veran un amplio espectro de este mismo tipo de ensefianza en masa. Pero la esencia del proceso es basicamente igual. Debido a que las poblaciones de las cuales estamos hablando son muy abiertas a otra gente, se les puede visitar facilmente y hablar con ellos, por supuesto, si se poseen ciertas cualidades. Si no se tiene prejuicio y se siente amor por la gente, se puede hablar conellos y abiertamente darles el mensaje de Baha’u'llah. Generalmente la primera frase es muy sencilla: “Tengo un mensaje para usted. Se trata de una religion maravillosa que quiere unir a toda la humanidad en una familia.” La mayoria de las veces la respuesta inmediata es que les encantaria escucharla y puede empezar ahablarles de la Fe. Y en muchas, muchas poblaciones, después de oir de la Fe presentada en una manera apropiada, un buen porcentaje de la poblacién se hace Baha'i. Sinembargo, debo mencionar aqui que atin en el contexto de este método basico uno observa variaciones de maestro a maestro.
various religious backgrounds who attended.
The mayor proclaimed May 8 as “Interreligion Day” in Harrisburg, and each religion hada display ina downtown shopping square. The theme of the Baha’i display was “The Vision of Race Unity.”
Peace essay contest set
The United States Institute of Peace has announced the 1992-93 National Peace Essay Contest for students in grades 9-12.
The contest will run from September 1, 1992, to February 1, 1993. Students are asked to research and write a 1,500-word essay on America’s role in world peace and how this country should direct its resources to help avoid or resolve international conflicts.
More than 150 college scholarships will be awarded with the top three prizes of $10,000, $5,000 and $3,500. This is an excellent chance for young Baha'is to express the Faith's views on world peace while competing for valuable scholarships.
For an official Contest Kit, please write to the United States Institute of Peace, 1550 M St. N.W., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20077.
$42,000 raised for Arc
Almost $42,000 was raised for the Arc Fund at a concert and silent auction April 19 sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Portland, Oregon, in collaboration with its Persian Teaching Committee.
Performing in the concert for an audience of more than 150 was the internationally renowned Persian singer, Ahdyyeh Badi Pakravan, accompanied on electric piano by her son, Hoosein.
Mrs. Badi brought with her several ‘opieves’ of ‘exqllisite jewelry donated by. suother: Baha'i friends especially: for: this
fund-raising’ event. She also donated her own six-carat square-cut emerald and dia
House of Justice offers
guidance on Baha'i support
of political candidates
The National Spiritual Assembly has received inquiries about Baha'i support of third-party or independent candidates. In response to the National Assembly’s request for clarification, the Universal House of Justice has offered the following statement:
“Active support...of an individual who has announced his candidacy for political office is not permissible to Baha'is. Even if the person is not attached to a political party, the very fact of promoting his candidacy over that of other competitors is an act of partisanship, which is inimical to the principles of the Faith.
“As you well know, campaigning and nominations are forbidden in Baha'i elections. The friends should endeavor to keep in mind the non-partisan character of the Faith and to employ the attitude of nonpartisanship, to the greatest extent possible, in the exercise of their civic responsibilities as voters.
“Baha'is are, of course, free to vote, except in primaries, but should not express support for any candidate.”
The Universal House of Justice Department of the Secretariat May 25, 1992
Hazel Wing, 98, long-time member of Everett Assembly
Hazel Wing, a Baha'i since 1927 and a long-time member of the Spiritual Assembly of Everett, Washington, died June 13 at a nursing home in Everett. She was 98 years old.
mond dinner ring.
The auctioneer was a member of the District Teaching Committee of Western Oregon.
Holy Days on NCCJ calendar
Baha'i Holy Days are among the holidays listed on an Intercultural Calendar distributed throughout the public school systems of Orange, Seminole and Oceola counties in Florida by the Interfaith Council of the National Conference of Christians and Jews (NCCJ).
Corrections are being made to the calendar toadd six more Baha'i Holy Days on which work is to be suspended to the three that already appear (Naw-Ruz, the first Day of Ridvan, and the anniversary of the Birth of Baha‘u'llah). A second printing will incorporate these changes.
The calendar was made possible through a special funding arrangement with the NCCJ Interfaith Council, the Jewish Federation of Central Florida, and othermember groups.
THe AmericAN BaHA'i 19
Journalists must have credentials to cover World Congress in NYC
Baha'i journalists who wish to write articles or otherwise cover the second Baha'i World Congress as professionals must obtain credentials in advance. Send your journalistic credentials or résumé, including professional references, to the Baha‘i World Congress Media Task Force, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 119, New York, NY 10017.
The Task Force will refer each such request to the appropriate Spiritual Assembly for its recommendations. Only those Baha'is who submit their credentials for review and are subsequently approved will be invited to cover the World Congress.
In June, several Baha'i:
members of his family, Vietnamese Bah: refugee camp in the Philippines. On his arrival, Mr. Thu wrote to the Spi Assembly of Chicago, introducing himself as a Baha'i and ing hi: meet with the friends and become involved in Baha'i acti
from the Chicago area welcomed Pham Tan Thu and
who had arrived in the U.S. via a
ies. A few days later,
the Thu family was taken on their first visit to the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette, and are pictured in the gardens there. Also, Mr. Thu has already
attended his first Feast in Chicago. Because of his
‘ills as an English-Vietnamese
translator, Mr. Thu was asked by the U.S. Baha'i Refugee Office to prepare a provisional translation of a Baha'i teaching booklet into Vietnamese, a task he accomplished in less than a week using a typewriter and adding diacriticals by
hand.
IN MEMORIAM
Allie C. Atmore Elsmere, DE
Abdullah Eshraghi Spring Valley, CA
June 8, 1992 June 3, 1992 Luis Ayala Gwendolyn Gilbert Guadalupe, CA New Orleans, LA June 28, 1992 June 11, 1992
Joseph Coultier Downers Grove, IL June 26, 1992
Reginald Cox Jamaica, NY Date Unknown
John Hopkins Grand Junction, CO September 30, 1991
Albert Munday Lake Harbor, FL Date Unknown
Grace E. Platts
Rigg Bryce Scott
Date Unknown
Soleiman Vahdatian
Bristol, NH Beverly Hills, CA July 12, 1991 June 16, 1992 Johnny Robles Gladys Wellman Corona, NY Jackson, MI 1990 Date Unknown
Opal H. Winans
Springdale, AR Rogers, AR April 22, 1992 June 29, 1992 Graham Stewart Emilie K. Zeigler Safford, AZ Peoria, IL.
June 17, 1992
AsmA B.£. 149 / Aucust 20, 1992
[Page 20]
shop, formed in the
fall of 1991 to proclaim and teach the Fait Workshop is sponsored by the S|
through the performing arts. The ual Assembly of Roseville. Its members would
like to establish a network of similar workshops in the U.S. and to start a workshop
newsletter to develop personal relationships and to share teac!
Wong, Minneapolis, MN 55403 (phone 612-870-9931).
1g and perfoming ideas. Members of other workshops may contact the MBYW through Nancy
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State Zip code State Zip code D. NEW COMMUNITY: E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER:
Name of new Bali Comunity Moving date ‘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:
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BAHA'| NATIONAL CENTER
112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
AUGUST
28-30: 10th Baha‘i Conference at Massanetta, Harrisonburg, Vi . Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Staunton. Theme: “Bahda'u'lléh, His Revelation and His Covenant.” Please register by July 15. For registration/information, Jim Lamb,
Staunton, 24401 (phone 703-885-6996).
28-30: Alabama Bal chool, Camp Saddlerock, Mentone. Adults $40; maxii family $100. For information, contact Keitha Hudson, ham, AL 35222, or phone 205-595-9905.
29: Day of Unity and Unity Walk, Burnham Park, Chicago. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago With the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations, the Human Relations Foundation of Chicago, and the 20 Urban League. Day of Unity events begin at noon, with the Walk for Unity at 4 p.m. and a picnic in the park at 6 p.m. Registration is free. For information, phone Cher Gupta, 312-456-7745.
SEPTEMBER
3-6: Pioneering Institute, Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 708-869-9039.
4-7: Homecoming 1992, Louhelen Baha'i School. Phone 313-653-5033.
8-12: Third International Dialogue on the Transition to a Global Society: The Transition toa Just Society, Landegg Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland. For information, phone 41-71-91 91 31; fax 41-71-91 43 O1.
11-13: “Expanding Our Horizons,” the annual commemoration of ‘Abdu’ l-Bah: to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. For people of all ages. Speakers to include Au: Board member Steven Gonzales, historians Marie Griffith and Duane Troxel. Also, performing arts, workshops, special youth excursion, children’s classes, nursery. Preregistration (adults) $15. Additional fees for activities. For information, please phone Cyndi Hogan, 303-625-3932.
14-20: Joint Conference on Social and Economic Development (OSED) and Agriculture and Rural Development (ISARD), Landegg Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland. For information, telephone 41-71-91 91 31; fax 41-71-91 43 01.
18-20: 33rd annual Green Lake Baha‘i Conference, Green Lake, Wisconsin. Theme: “Know Thou the Value of These Days.” Confirmed speakers: Javidukht Khadem, Jenna Khodadad, Kevin Locke, Robert Malouf, Robert Harris, June Thomas. For accommodations and meal reservations, phone 1-800-558-8898.
18-20: Peace Fest ‘92 and Peace Week activities, Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093.
26: Sixth annual “Stepping Stones to Peace” Pasadena (California) Civic Center. Theme: “Mankind Is One Family...The Stepping Stone to Peace.” Pre-registration is required, as space is limited to 500 children and youth; registration fee is $10. For a registration form, phone 818-797-6216.
OCTOBER
16-18: National Hispanic Baha'i Conference, Bosch Baha’i School, Santa Cruz, California. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Gilroy, California, and El Ruiserior/ The Nightingale. Registration $35 per person; children 3-12, $25; under 3, free. For information, phone the Bosch School, 408-423-3387; Los Angeles, 818-836-7967; San Jose, 408-842-7531.
22-25: “The Role of Music in a Changing World,” Landegg Academy, Switzerland.
28-31: Conference on the Role of Women in a United Europe, Landegg Academy, Switzerland. For information, phone 41-71-91 91 31; fax 41-71-91 43 O1.
30-November 1: “Rendezvous of the Soul,” a special Holy Year program for personal reflection, Bosch Baha'i School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.
NOVEMBER 5-9: First Sino-American Seminar on Women’s Issues, sponsored by the Shanghai Municipal Women’s Federation. Theme: “Women Today and Tomorrow.” For information, contact Seminar on Women’s Issues, Duette J. Rochelle, Kapaa, HI 96746 (phone 808-822-5756 or 808. 35 i 26-December 1: Radio Baha‘i International Conference sored by IBAVC, the Louis Gregory Institute, and WLGD, Louis G. Gregory Baha’ Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093. DECEMBER 11-13: “Rendezvous of the Soul,” a special Holy Year program for personal reflection, ‘i School. For information, phone 408-423-3387. hth annual Grand ‘Canyon Baha'i Conference, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Phoerizona. Rooms from only $40. Youth workshops, entertainment, top speakers (Dr. um Roberts, Dr Suheil Bushrui, others). For more information please phone the GCBC hotline (24 hours a day), 602-375-9951. JANUARY 7-10: Pioneer Training Institute, Bosch Baha'i School, Santa Cruz, California. For information, phone 708-869-9039. 15-17: “Rendezvous of the Soul,” a special Holy Year program for personal reflection, Bosch Baha'i School. For information, phone 408-423-3387. FEBRUARY 26-28: “Rendezvous of the Soul,” a special Holy Year program for personal reflection, Bosch Baha'i School. For information, phone 408-423-3387. SPRING Pioneer Training Institutes, Green Acre Baha'i School, Eliot, Maine, and Baha'i National Center, Evanston, Illinois. For information, phone 708-869-9039.
The U.S. Baha'i Refugee Office would like to remind the friends of the National Spiritual Assembly's standing policy that local Baha’i communities welcome Southeast Asian Baha’i newcomers to the U.S. whether or not they have credentials from overseas.
Please feel free to include these friends in your Baha’i community activities. Baha’i membership transfer/enrollment forms for Southeast Asian newcomers are available on request from: U.S. Baha’i Refugee Office, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039, ext. 216).
‘AsmA B.£. 149 / Aucust 20, 1992 �