The American Bahá’í/Volume 24/Issue 12/Text

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[Page 1]

Papua New Guinea's deputy Prime Minister visits World Center

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

DELIGHTED INFORM FRIENDS VISIT BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTER 12 JUNE 1993 SIR JULIUS CHAN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER PAPUA NEW GUINEA, ACCOMPANIED BY LADY CHAN DURING COURSE OFFICIAL VISIT ISRAEL. HIGHLY SIGNIFICANT THAT UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE MET WITH SIR JULIUS CHAN IN RESPONSE HIS REQUEST FOR CONSULTATION ON FUTURE ROLE PAPUA NEW GUINEA AS EMERGING NATION AND ON DESTINY PACIFIC REGION. MEETING HELD COUNCIL CHAMBER FOCUSED POTENTIAL PACIFIC NATIONS SET EXAMPLE UNITY, MUTUAL COOPERATION. SIR JULIUS EXPRESSED APPRECIATION ACHIEVEMENTS BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY AND ADMIRATION BAHÁ’Í APPROACH PERSONAL, SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION. MEETING WITH SIR JULIUS CHAN, FOLLOWING EARLIER MEETINGS PRIME MINISTER COOK ISLANDS AND PRESIDENT MARSHALL ISLANDS, FURTHER EVIDENCE REMARKABLE RESPONSE PACIFIC LEADERS PRINCIPLES BAHÁ’Í FAITH, HARBINGER FUTURE APPLICATION BY WORLD STATESMEN PRESCRIPTION DIVINE PHYSICIAN HEALING MANIFOLD ILLS HUMANITY.

Universal House of Justice June 25, 1993

...knowledge is a veritable treasure for man....-Bahá’u’lláh

House of Justice issues call for Three Year Plan

To the Bahá’ís of the world

Dear Bahá’í friends,

Integral to the success and development of the Cause of God is the continual deployment of pioneers and traveling teachers throughout the world. During the course of the Six Year Plan more than 4,000 Bahá’ís left their homes to serve as either short-term or long-term pioneers in other lands. This is an indication of the increased mobility that the modern world provides, and of the believers' eagerness to advance the Cause wherever the need is greatest. It suggests that new methods must be adopted to make the best use of this massive flow of Bahá’ís.

We have therefore decided, in consultation with the International Teaching Center, to adopt a new pattern for the pioneer call for the Three Year Plan.

The essence of this method is that friends may arise from anywhere in the world to pioneer to any other part of the world. There are very few places where long-term and short-term pioneers and traveling teachers are not needed. But the needs vary in nature, intensity and urgency. To help each volunteer to choose his or her goal, a list of four categories has been prepared to indicate the particular needs. These four categories comprise countries and territories where:

Bahá’ís throughout country encouraged to support March on Washington

To all local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í Groups

Dearly loved friends:

Thirty years ago, some 250,000 people of all races converged on Washington, D.C., in a massive demonstration for "Jobs, Justice and Freedom."

It was on that historic occasion that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech articulating his vision of racial unity for this country.

On August 28, people from all over the country will once more march on the nation's capital to take up Dr. King's call for racial justice and harmony.

The National Spiritual Assembly encourages Bahá’ís to join in efforts to support this year's 30th anniversary March to promote the principles of race unity and the oneness of humanity (details on page 8).

The goals of the March, "Jobs, Justice and Peace," reflect the need for all people to recognize the essential oneness of humanity and to embody that reality in their daily lives. While the National Assembly does not necessarily support each specific provision of the March, it does support its spirit in the promotion of Dr. King's vision for racial unity.

Because of the opportunities the March provides for Bahá’ís to come into contact with members of many different organizations and faiths, all those who travel to Washington are being asked to report to the National Teaching Committee so that they may be counted toward the Three Year Plan goal for traveling teaching.

"The well-being of mankind, its peace and security," said Bahá’u’lláh, "are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established." As followers of Bahá’u’lláh, we have a vision of unity to share

With loving regards, The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States July 23, 1993

Five Southeast Asian Bahá’ís elected to serve on Spiritual Assembly of Merced, California

Asian and American believers celebrate the Feast of Rahmat in Merced, California.

Exciting news continues to come from Merced, California. Although there may be some challenges involved in establishing a diversified Bahá’í community, the Bahá’ís of Merced are meeting them by emphasizing the positive aspects of their community and creating love for, and bonds with, Bahá’u’lláh.

According to a recent report from the Merced Bahá’í Teaching Institute, Southeast Asian Bahá’ís have been elected for the first time to the Spiritual Assembly of Merced—not just one or two, but five, each one from a different family.

Although in previous years an Assembly was elected because there were nine adult Bahá’ís in the community, meetings were seldom held as it was difficult to obtain a quorum. Now Assembly meetings are not only held regularly, but a quorum has been present at every one of them.

Nine Hmong Bahá’ís, representing seven families, attended the Feast of Núr, the first one for four of them and the first hosted by Joua Houa Her and his wife, Mrs. Blia Moua. During that Feast, when these newer Southeast Asian believers heard for the first time about the Bahá’í Funds from their hosts, they were eager to offer their contributions.

Meanwhile, the Bahá’í Teaching Institute continues to rejoice in the enthusiasm of the Southeast Asian Bahá’ís, and has made many plans to continue their deepening and growth in the Faith. One of them involves educating the youth and having them help in educating their younger brothers and sisters.

Another plan is to set up a program for traveling teachers. The Southeast Asians travel constantly back and forth throughout the valley in which Merced is located, visiting relatives. The Teaching Institute is encouraging them to share the Faith by using videos, literature, etc., and to welcome their relatives and friends into the Faith once they understand its significance and declare their belief in Bahá’u’lláh. [Page 2]

Spiritual education of children: Core Curriculum program

In the past year, more than 800 individuals and 50 communities in the United States have taken part in the Core Curriculum pilot program for the spiritual education of children. Reports from participants reflect a joy and enthusiasm that is caused by training in spiritual education and the possibility of service to children.

RESPONSE TO THE CURRICULUM

Teachers have hailed the curriculum, stating that it is "guidance, direction and acknowledgement we have waited years for." Communities have eagerly called for subsequent training, not only for teachers, but for Assembly members, parents and community members. Several Auxiliary Board members have taken the training and have extolled the "quality, thoroughness and inspirational nature of the Core Curriculum."

DEVELOPING THE CURRICULUM

The Core Curriculum was developed by the National Education Committee as a result of the 1989 direction from the National Spiritual Assembly to "create a Core Curriculum for the spiritual education of children ages 6-12." This curriculum is to be used for planning classes and programs by communities, teachers and parents across the country and is an explicitly stated goal of the Three Year Plan.

To develop the Core Curriculum, the Education Committee began by researching the Bahá’í Writings. They held extensive consultations with educators, parents and teachers, and evaluated hundreds of published and unpublished Bahá’í educational materials.

Central to the consultations were: (1) the need for a curriculum that covered not only the ages 6-12, but from birth to maturity; (2) the awareness that the curriculum should be a process involving continuously improving stages versus a stand-alone product; and (3) the requirement of an organized involvement of parents, teachers, scholars and communities to substantially impact the education of children.

Particular inspiration was derived from the December 5, 1988, letter of the International Teaching Center, which emphasized the destiny of our youth and children as "instruments of healing amongst mankind," a "door to entry by troops," and as having a "destiny before God."

The International Teaching Center underscored the need for the entire community to see our young people "not simply as children for whom activity must be arranged, or as adjuncts to their parents, or as awaiting some future time when they must take on adult responsibility, but as a living creation of God necessary at this very moment for the purposes of God in a civilizing process which is now being called into existence."

THE CORE CURRICULUM 'PROCESS'

The curriculum contains not only sequences of information that form the content of learning, but also a framework for teaching these key concepts. Information and concepts are sequenced in order to better foster growth according to the capacities and inclinations of children.

Teachers will learn how to integrate the content areas with the needs and experiences of the children in their community through using appropriate instructional methods, learning tools, and instructional conditions. The Core Curriculum training and the content areas booklets illustrate how to accomplish these aims.

The Core Curriculum is, however, more than mere sequences of information or lesson plans. It involves communities, parents and teachers assuming collective responsibility for each child's spiritual growth.

It is a process leading to a child-development centered community. It is carefully designed and well-implemented teacher training. It is parent facilitation in relation to roles in the spiritual development of children. It is a responsive and alive curriculum that allows for teacher style, regional and cultural diversity, and community needs. It requires a paradigm shift.

ESTABLISHING THE CURRICULUM

In response to the Core Curriculum, the National Spiritual Assembly established the National Teacher Training Center (NTTC) at the Louhelen Bahá’í School. The National Education Task Force (formerly the National Education Committee) will advise the NTTC and guide the further development of the Core Curriculum.

The National Assembly also established the National Education and Schools Office at the Bahá’í National Center and called for "the expansion of programs for the education of children, youth and adults and for the strengthening of Bahá’í family life" in the Three Year Plan. Trainings in the Core Cur- See CORE page 12

Where is a mature, functioning Assembly?

Where in the world is a fully matured, smoothly functioning local Spiritual Assembly? If this were a computer game we could start by looking at the clues:

Where is the teaching work actively and successfully organized, directed and pursued?

Where is the Nineteen Day Feast a joy to attend and an attraction to the hearts?

Where does the individual believer feel free to share recommendations and the feelings and desires of his or her heart with the Assembly? And where does a believer have supreme confidence in that institution to use the information for the advancement of the Cause?

Where is the Assembly that is a loving shepherd to the Bahá’í flock?

Where do great unity and concord exist among the friends?

Where do the friends contribute sacrificially to the funds without reservation or distrust?

Where is the local Bahá’í Assembly the light of the greater community and the source of benefit to all its people?

Where are the talents, potential and abilities of all the believers maximally used and coordinated?

Where is the Cause of God staunchly protected and correctly upheld by both the words and deeds of the local Spiritual Assembly?

These are the objectives to be attained by a local Spiritual Assembly in its process of development to full maturity. Where can we find some Assemblies that are making progress? We should be looking very close to home. Your own local Spiritual Assembly has been, and will be, called upon to demonstrate its progress in dealing with all of these responsibilities and challenges. If the signs of maturity cannot be found among the God-favored institutions of the United States Bahá’í community, where shall they be found?

The National Spiritual Assembly has updated and renewed the local Spiritual Assembly development process to meet the charge of the Three Year Plan. New and improved educational modules covering the essentials of LSA operation have been and are being produced. The members of the Auxiliary Boards and their assistants continue to be the source of effective delivery and presentation of these materials. Without their sacrificial efforts, the process would be stunted. Additional training sessions are planned for those who will be bringing the modular process to your community. Your own Assembly should be in touch with the assistant to the Auxiliary Board assigned to your community. She or he will be able to bring to you such, and as much, instruction as shall be appropriate for your needs.

Since every adult Bahá’í should be ready for service on an Assembly, and certainly should be aware of what is required for such service, the development process is intended not only for Assembly members, but for everyone in the community. May your own Assembly be the first to be found to satisfy the search criteria. Where in the world of maturity is your local Spiritual Assembly?

The National Spiritual Assembly August 1993

Tigard, Oregon, sees declarations by six Chinese in month, bringing total in Eugene area to 10

During the Seven Year Plan, Edward Lee of Lake Oswego, Oregon, became the first declared Bahá’í of Chinese descent in that state.

In June, Mr. Lee's wife, Terri (who is also Chinese), and daughter, Shawana, declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh, and are now members of the Bahá’í community of Tigard.

Four other declarations among Chinese also took place in the past month, bringing to 10 the number of Chinese Bahá’ís in the area including a young couple who recently moved to Eugene.

All of them had been studying the Faith at the Institute for the Advancement of Asian Culture (a Bahá’í teaching institute in Portland) since its inception more than a year ago.

'Exceptional content and presentation...'

National Education Task Force Wilmette, Illinois

Dearest members,

Recently, we attended the Core Curriculum for Spiritual Education presented in southern Ohio by Keith Boehm and Barbara Johnson. The program was inspirational. We not only learned the importance of teaching children as described in the Writings, but about our personal responsibility and privilege.

The content of the program and its presentation were exceptional: a holistic approach based on knowledge, wisdom, spiritual perception and eloquent speech combined with child, family and community centeredness.

Attendees discovered areas for personal improvement, developed increased respect and appreciation for teachers, felt loving support for one another, and practiced methods of consultation.

In addition, all are keenly aware of the loving sacrifices made by teachers like Keith and Barbara, and the Core Curriculum authors. They have our undying gratitude.

Rita M. Williams Cincinnati, Ohio

Publication Information

The American Bahá’í is published 19 times a year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís 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: Tom Mennillo. The American Bahá’í welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Bahá’í Faith. Articles should be clear and concise; color or black-and-white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials and correspondence to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, Wilmette, IL 60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to Management Information Systems, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Copyright © 1993 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. [Page 3]

TEACHING

TRAVELING TEACHING GOALS Goal: 3,000 Completed: 2,869 MISSION 19 (15 MONTHS TO GO!)

HOMEFRONT PIONEER GOALS Goal: 500 Completed: 475 Needed: 25

LOCAL TEACHING PLANS Goal: 200 Completed: 127 Needed: 73

1 Bahá: 3/21-4/8 2 Jalál: 4/9-4/27 3 Jamál: 4/28-5/16 4 ‘Azamat: 5/17-6/4 5 Núr: 6/5-6/23 6 Rahmat: 6/24-7/12 7 Kalimát: 7/13-7/31 8 Kamál: 8/1-8/19 9 Asmá’: 8/20-9/7 10 ‘Izzat: 9/8-9/26 11 Mashiyyat: 9/27-10/15 12 ‘Ilm: 10/16-11/3 13 Qudrat: 11/4-11/22 14 Qawl: 11/23-12/11 15 Masá’il: 12/12-12/30 16 Sharaf: 12/31-1/18 17 Sultán: 1/19-2/6 18 Mulk: 2/7-2/25

THE FUND

(As of June 30, 1993)

FOUR MAJOR FUNDS Goal for 150 B.E.: $25,000,000 Contributions to Date: $1,769,856

NATIONAL FUND Goal for 150 B.E.: $25,000,000 Contributions to Date: $1,498,685

INTERNATIONAL FUND From Nat’l Bahá’í Fund: $150,979 Earmarked Dollars: $60,891 Total Contributions: $211,870

ARC PROJECTS FUND From Nat’l Bahá’í Fund: $94,396 Earmarked Dollars: $185,021 Total Contributions: $279,417

CONTINENTAL FUND From Nat’l Bahá’í Fund: $20,000 Earmarked Dollars: $25,259 Total Contributions: $45,259

FIRESIDE HEAT WAVE CAMPAIGN

COMING IN NOVEMBER

Beginning with the Feast of Qudrat this November, a fireside campaign will sweep the country in a mighty wave that will culminate in November 1994 with the ending of Mission 19 (the time by which all the numerical goals of the Three Year Plan will be fulfilled). Named the HEAT (Hold Everything And Teach) Wave, this movement will begin in the Chicago area, since, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said in Tablets of the Divine Plan, with "every movement initiated in Chicago, its effect was spread to all parts and to all directions, just as everything that appears in and manifests from the heart influences all the organs and limbs of the body." It will then spread from Bahá’í month to Bahá’í month (except for the month of the Fast) to all other areas of the country. During the month for firesides in your area, believers are asked to make a concerted effort to Hold Everything And Teach!

FIRESIDE AREAS

1 Qudrat (11/4-11/22): Illinois, Iowa, Missouri 2 Qawl (11/23-12/11): Indiana, Ohio 3 Masá’il (12/12-12/30): Michigan, Wisconsin 4 Sharaf (12/31-1/18): Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont 5 Sultán (1/19-2/6): New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania 6 Mulk (2/7-2/25): Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington (DC), West Virginia 7 Bahá (3/21-4/8): Georgia, N. Carolina, S. Carolina 8 Jalál (4/9-4/27): Florida 9 Jamál (4/28-5/16): Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee 10 ‘Azamat (5/17-6/4): Oklahoma, Texas 11 Núr (6/5-6/23): Arizona, New Mexico 12 Rahmat (6/24-7/12): California: Electoral Units 025, 026, 027, 029, 030, 031 13 Kalimát (7/13-7/31): California: Electoral Units 015, 019, 020, 021, 022, 023, 024, 028 14 Kamál (8/1-8/19): California: Electoral Units 008, 009, 010, 011, 012, 013, 014, 016, 017, 018 15 Asmá’ (8/20-9/7): Oregon 16 ‘Izzat (9/8-9/26): Washington 17 Mashiyyat (9/27-10/15): Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming 18 ‘Ilm (10/16-11/3): Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, N. Dakota, S. Dakota

Fireside Teaching

Since January, 1993, 12 new believers joined the Faith and increased the Bahá’í population of the Marquette, Michigan area by about 22 percent! This significant increase can be largely attributed to the consistent effort of the believers in that area to invite their friends, neighbors, and other associates to their homes and provide a warm and friendly atmosphere in which they can learn about the Bahá’í Faith. This, in essence, is fireside teaching.

To stimulate fireside teaching among the friends, the National Teaching Committee is launching a fireside campaign called the "HEAT Wave" (described above). Although it is expected that the campaign will add impetus toward the goals of the Three Year Plan, it is hoped that it will also inspire more Bahá’ís to hold regular firesides long after the HEAT wave has passed.

A fireside is simply a small gathering organized by an individual believer or Bahá’í family, sometimes with the assistance of other believers, for the purpose of introducing acquaintances to the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. Many Bahá’ís believe that firesides must be formally structured occasions in which a guest speaker presents the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, questions are answered, and then refreshments are served. But firesides need not conform to this pattern. Perhaps the most important part of holding a fireside is to create a warm, loving, and spiritual environment in which people will feel comfortable in asking questions and to which they will wish to return and learn more about the Faith.

So significant is this method of teaching that Shoghi Effendi instructed each of the friends to "hold a Fireside in his or her home, once in 19 days, where new people are invited, and where some phase of the Faith is mentioned and discussed. If this is done with the intent of showing Bahá’í hospitality and love, then there will be results" (on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, March 6, 1957). Therefore, it is important to consider firesides in the personal plans we make for teaching during the Three Year Plan.

Regularly inviting acquaintances to our homes for informal discussion is perhaps the most simple approach to teaching, and yet it is the most effective: "... It has been found over the entire world that the most effective method of teaching the Faith is the fireside meeting in the home. Every Bahá’í as a part of his spiritual birthright, must teach, and the one avenue where he can do this most effectively is by inviting friends into his home once in nineteen days, and gradually attracting them to the Cause.... This method is far more effective than advertising in newspapers, public lectures, etc." (on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, March 31, 1955). [Page 4]

Pioneers

1. there are now especially fertile opportunities for the rapid spread of the Faith that must be urgently met; 2. the Faith is established, but pioneers are needed to stimulate the process of growth and to assist in the opening of new centers; 3. the process of expansion and consolidation has a significant momentum, but there is a need for pioneers who can undertake specific tasks, such as arousing the interest of prominent people, strengthening the communities in certain areas, or assisting with proejcts of social and economic development; 4. pioneers are greatly needed, but entry is difficult because of restrictions on Bahá’í activity, lack of security, or other circumstances. These conditions present a need for believers who will resourcefully seek out opportunities for pioneering.

The list is attached to this letter for the information of every Bahá’í. Additional detailed information about many of the countries is being supplied to National Spiritual Assemblies and also to the Continental Boards of Counselors and Continental Pioneer Committees. Both the list and detailed information will be periodically updated as the outflow of pioneers and traveling teachers begins to meet current needs. Notification of areas of especially urgent concern will also be supplied from time to time.

Many National Assemblies have offered, among their international collaboration goals, to raise up a given number of pioneers and traveling teachers during the Three Year Plan. But, as indicated above, even from those countries which have specified no such goal, the friends should feel free to offer their services.

Any Bahá’í who has the urge to serve as a traveling teacher, or as a pioneer for a short or long term, should immediately contact his (or her) National Spiritual Assembly or appropriate national committee to obtain advice and additional information. He can also consult a Counselor or Auxiliary Board member, and write to a Continental Pioneer Committee. Through prayer and consultation, and after considering his own particular experience, inclinations and possibilities, he can choose his goal area and, confidently relying on the confirming power of Bahá’u’lláh, set out to serve the Cause of his Lord in distant lands.

There are still vast areas of the world where no Bahá’ís have set foot. There are millions desperately thirsting for this Water of Life. There are countries where believers are laboring day and night to foster the growth of the tree of the Cause, and are in urgent need of reinforcements. It is our fervent prayer at the Sacred Threshold that stalwart, self-sacrificing friends will arise and that a wave of pioneers and traveling teachers will surge forth to raise the banner of the Cause and reinforce the cohorts of God in every land.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

The Universal House of Justice June 27, 1993

COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES IN NEED OF PIONEERS AND TRAVELING TEACHERS

CATEGORY 1

The following are countries and territories where there are now especially fertile opportunities for the rapid spread of the Faith that must be urgently met. For each country or territory without its own National Spiritual Assembly, the name of the responsible or assisting National Assembly, or Regional Spiritual Assembly under whose jurisdiction it falls, is in parentheses.

Africa Benin, Congo Republic, Djibouti (Ethiopia), Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau

Americas Nicaragua

Asia Asiatic Russia including Sakhalin (Russia, Georgia and Armenia), Azerbaijan, Cambodia (Thailand), Georgia (Russia, Georgia and Armenia), Kazakhstan (Central Asia), Kirgystan (Central Asia), Mongolia (Singapore), Turkmenistan (Central Asia), Uzbekistan (Central Asia)

Europe Albania, Belarus (Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova), Bulgaria, Croatia (Austria), Czech Republic (Czech and Slovak Republics), Hungary, Macedonia (Austria), Moldova (Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova), Poland, Russia (Russia, Georgia and Armenia), Serbia and Montenegro (Austria), Slovak Republic (Czech and Slovak Republics), Slovenia (Austria), Ukraine (Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova)

CATEGORY 2

The following are countries and territories where the Faith is established, but pioneers are needed to stimulate the process of growth and to assist in the opening of new centers. For each country or territory without its own National Spiritual Assembly, the name of the responsible or assisting National Assembly, or Regional Spiritual Assembly under whose jurisdiction it falls, is in parentheses.

Africa Bophuthatswana, Botswana, Burkina, Burundi, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Ciskei, Gabon, Gambia, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Namibia, Niger, Réunion, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe (Nigeria), Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, St. Helena (South Africa), Tanzania, Transkei, Uganda, Venda (South Africa)

Americas Argentina; Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao (Venezuela), Bahamas, Bermuda, Chile, Dominica, East Leeward Islands, Falkland Islands (United States), French Guiana, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Jamaica including the Cayman Islands, Martinique, Mexico, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Virgin Islands, West Leeward Islands

Asia Andaman and Nicobar Islands, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand

Australasia Cook Islands, Eastern Caroline Islands, Fiji Islands, Kiribati, Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands, Nauru (Kiribati), New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Western Caroline Islands

PIONEERING GOALS FOR THE THREE YEAR PLAN

COUNTRY	GOAL	FILLED	COUNTRY	GOAL	FILLED
AFRICA			AMERICAS
Angola	1	1	Argentina*	1	1
Bophuthatswana*	1		Bahamas	5
Cameroon*	1		Barbados*	3
Central African Republic*	2		Belize*	4
Chad*	1		Bolivia*	3
Ciskei*	2		Brazil*	4
Congo	2		Chile*	5
Côte d'Ivoire	1		Colombia*	2
Equatorial Guinea*	2		Dominica*	3
Ethiopia	2		Dominican Republic*	1
Gabon*	1		Ecuador*	4
The Gambia*	1		East Leeward Islands*	4
Guinea-Bissau*	2		Grenada*	2
Madagascar*	1		Guadeloupe	1
Mauritius*	1		Guatemala*	4
Nigeria	2		Guyana*	8
St. Helena	3		Honduras	6
Somalia	1		Jamaica*	6
Swaziland*	1		Martinique	2
Tanzania*	2		Nicaragua	1
Transkei	1		Panama*	1
Venda	1		Peru*	2
Uganda	1		St. Lucia	4
Zambia*	6		St. Vincent & The Grenadines	4
Zimbabwe*	1		Suriname*	2
			Trinidad & Tobago*	6
			Turks & Caicos	6
			Uruguay*	3
			Venezuela*	4
			Virgin Islands*	3
			West Leeward Islands*	7
ASIA			EUROPE
Cambodia	2		Albania*	10
Central Asia Republics	6		Austria*	2
Hong Kong*	4		Belgium*	2
India*	4		Bulgaria*	10
Korea	2		Croatia	1
Laos	1		Czech & Slovak Republics*	16
Malaysia*	2		Finland*	1
Mongolia	4		France*	1
Nepal	1		Germany*	2
Pakistan	1		Hungary*	5
Taiwan*	2		Ireland*	3
Thailand*	5		Italy*	1
			Norway*	2
AUSTRALASIA			Poland	10
Cook Islands*	4		Portugal	3
French Polynesia	3		Romania	10
Kiribati*	2		Russia, Georgia & Armenia*	67
Mariana Islands*	2		Slovenia	1
Marshall Islands	2		Switzerland*	2
New Caledonia & Loyalty I.*	1		Ukraine, Belorus & Moldova	15
Papua New Guinea*	1		United Kingdom*	1
Tonga*	1
Vanuatu*	1
Western Caroline Islands*	4

TOTAL GOALS ASSIGNED: 368

• Bahá’í Youth Service Corps goal countries

Total goals filled: 110 Total BYSC goals filled: 3 Total pioneers to non-goals: 23 Total pioneers sent: 136 [Page 5]

Europe

Andorra (Spain), Azores (Portugal), Belgium, Channel Islands (United Kingdom), Corsica (France), Cyprus, Denmark, Elba (Italy), Estonia (Baltic States), Faroe Islands (Iceland), Finland, Gibraltar (United Kingdom), Greece, Latvia (Baltic States), Liechtenstein (Switzerland), Lithuania (Baltic States), Madeira (Portugal), Malta (Italy), Monaco (France), Portugal, Sardinia (Italy), Spitsbergen (Norway)

CATEGORY 3

The following are countries and territories where the process of expansion and consolidation has a significant momentum, but there is a need for pioneers who can undertake specific tasks, such as arousing the interest of prominent people, strengthening the communities in certain areas, or assisting with projects of social and economic development.

• • Africa**

Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe

• • Americas**

Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela

• • Asia**

Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Taiwan

• • Australasia**

Papua New Guinea, Samoa

• • Europe**

Canary Islands, Iceland, Romania

CATEGORY 4

The following are countries and territories where pioneers are greatly needed, but entry is difficult because of restrictions on Bahá’í activity, lack of security, or other circumstances. These conditions present a need for believers who will resourcefully seek out opportunities for pioneering. For each country or territory without its own National Spiritual Assembly, the name of the responsible or assisting National Assembly, or Regional Spiritual Assembly under whose jurisdiction it falls, is in parentheses. Any believer interested in pioneering or travel-teaching in particularly sensitive areas should contact the Bahá’í World Center as indicated below.

• • Africa**

Angola, Comoros (Kenya), Liberia (Bahá’í World Center), Mauritania (Bahá’í World Center), Mozambique, Somalia (Kenya), Togo, Zaire

• • Americas**

Cuba

• • Asia**

Afghanistan, Armenia (Russia, Georgia and Armenia), Bhutan (India), Brunei (Malaysia), Indonesia (Bahá’í World Center), North Korea, Laos, Maldives (India), Myanmar, Nepal, Tadzhikistan (Central Asia), Vietnam (Malaysia)

• • Australasia**

French Polynesia (Hawaii), Wallis and Futuna (New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands)

A tale of three cities—local goal progress

The program of local Assembly goals for contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund is nearing its fourth anniversary. The number and character of responses received so far this year from local Spiritual Assemblies has surpassed the expectations of the National Spiritual Assembly.

By the end of July some 800 Assemblies had answered the National Assembly's March letter, setting their goals for the year at levels at least as high as those suggested by the national body. Here are three examples from a growing number of replies that we feel illustrate something of the range of response.

VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS

The letter from this local Assembly indicated an unusual spirit: that although the Assembly had questions about the program itself, their spirit of unified support and obedience caused them to set a goal.

Their question centered on the principle of voluntary contributions to the Funds of the Faith. In a very special tone, the Assembly asked the guidance of the National Spiritual Assembly as to whether the program is consistent with that principle. Having asked the question, they then committed to a rather challenging goal for contributions, apparently content to await the national body's response.

In part, the letter sent to that Assembly by the National Spiritual Assembly reflected on the differences between giving by individuals and by institutions, which is essentially a matter of the higher levels of responsibility and maturity the institutions must achieve.

Second, the reply stressed that the amount of the commitment was strictly up to the discretion of the local body, and hence was still voluntary; what is not optional is setting a goal, since a mature institution is one that is able to set commitments to its senior institution and meet them.

Finally, a passage from a 1991 letter of the Universal House of Justice was cited, in which just this kind of program was recommended to the attention of National Assemblies everywhere. In fact, discussions at the International Convention revealed that a number of national institutions have already instituted their own variations of the U.S. program.

SUSTAINED GIVING

This Assembly has had, since the beginning of the program, a high goal, nearly $60,000 a year. In the program's first year, they accepted a suggested goal amount that seemed virtually impossible to obtain. To their surprise, and with the aid of surrounding communities, they met and even surpassed their committed amount.

In a year-end letter to the National Spiritual Assembly they wrote: "We thank Bahá’u’lláh for this opportunity to re-evaluate our faith....We knew that we could not meet the goal without His help, but we knew He would help us and He did...."

At the beginning of this year, however, the friends in the community began to wonder whether they could sustain such a high level of giving. Several staunch families had left the community, but more important, there were some differences of opinion as to whether more money was needed locally. Indeed, misgivings had been growing for some time within this locality, so the percentage of local contributions sent to the National Fund had become something of a hot topic.

The logic many of the friends found most compelling was that growth might be held back if funds were not available to invest in local activities that would promote expansion. At an Area Treasury Seminar, these topics were discussed. The consensus that emerged was that the balance of how much to give and how much to invest locally is a balance that shifts. Different circumstances and priorities can cause the local Assembly to "fine tune" this balance.

The principles identified were: (1) that obedience to the National Assembly is of prime importance; (2) that international and national goals take precedence over local ones; (3) that the resources currently available to the local Assembly can and must be increased through fostering greater involvement of each believer and through teaching; and (4) that the local Assembly must make a commitment to the National Assembly which it will keep, but the amount of that commitment is to be decided by the local Assembly itself.

The friends left the meeting pledged to consult within their Assembly on plans to increase the resources of their local community, and then to review their commitment to the National Fund. It had become clear during the consultation that simply holding the money in the local treasury would not in itself promote growth, but that effective plans, supplied by the necessary resources, would achieve all their objectives.

RISING TO A CHALLENGE

One smaller community's goal letter from the Office of the Treasurer contained a surprise: a suggested goal LOWER than the previous year's! This was all the more surprising since the higher goal, to this Assembly's joy, had been met.

Consultation produced an interesting decision: the Assembly chose to increase the suggested goal by about 15 percent, to a level just a bit lower than their previous year's target, and to increase the amount they offer to the Bahá’í International Fund by the difference between the two goals.

In fact, this Assembly perceived the urgency associated with the International Fund to be so great that they chose to meet their higher commitment immediately, even though to do so would mean a reduction in the first "installments" of their National Fund goal and using the overdraft loan provision on their checking account.

The Assembly ended its discussion feeling good about all its actions and united around its sense of having risen to an important challenge.

HUQUQU’LLÁH

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

Dr. Elsie Austin, Silver Spring, MD 20901 (Tel. 301-589-8481).

Dr. Amin Banani, Santa Monica, CA 90402 (Tel. 310-394-5449).

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

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

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

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

Symposium on Kitáb-i-Aqdas held to precede 17th Conference of Association for Bahá’í Studies

The 17th annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies (a complete report of which will appear in the next issue of The American Bahá’í) was preceded by an intensive day-long symposium devoted to the study of the first authorized English translation of Bahá’u’lláh's Most Holy Book, the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

More than 280 attendees filled a room at McGill University for the session, with an overflow audience viewing the proceedings on closed-circuit television in an adjoining room. Addressing various aspects of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas were:

Dr. Abbas Amanat, professor of history at Yale University (structure, style, originality, and future impact of the Aqdas).

The chairman of the meeting, Dr. Amin Banani, professor emeritus of Near Eastern languages and cultures at UCLA (the Aqdas as the charter for a future civilization).

Dr. John Hatcher, professor of English literature at the University of South Florida (the relationship of the Aqdas to such concepts as physical reality, recognition and obedience, knowing and doing, etc.).

Habib Riazati, a computer systems administrator in Anaheim, California (the meaning of the Aqdas as applied to...) [Page 6]

Mountain of the Lord

compiled by the Universal House of Justice SC $2.95

A highly illustrated full-color booklet bringing together excerpts from the Bahá’í Writings and statements made by the Universal House of Justice about the great undertaking facing the present-day followers of Bahá’u’lláh—the completion of the buildings on the Arc and of the terraces on the slopes of Mount Carmel.

This booklet contains full-color photographs of models of the buildings still to be raised on the Arc and brief descriptions of their role in fulfilling Bahá’u’lláh’s purpose. An attractively designed brochure that will encourage Bahá’ís everywhere to lend their support to this great enterprise. 8-1/4" x 5-13/16", 16pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust - UK

Issues Concerning Community Functioning

A Memorandum Prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice SC $2.00

This memorandum was prepared because "a number of questions have recently been raised about how to assist malfunctioning local Bahá’í communities, specifically those communities that have difficulty in responding to the needs and problems of their members, whose Spiritual Assemblies are unable to reach decisions, are unwilling to entertain frank and open consultation and which fail to acknowledge the existence of problems within the community." The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States encourages the Local Spiritual Assemblies "to use this material which could be a powerful tool in readying the growing number of Bahá’ís for the challenges of the Three Year Plan that will be built on the enthusiasm and zeal engendered by the Spirit of the Holy Year." 5-3/8" x 8-1/2", 19pp. Bahá’í Publications Australia

An Introduction to Persian

by Wheeler M. Thackston SC $25.00

An Introduction to Persian is intended to serve as an introduction on the elementary level to the modern Persian language. Persian is remarkably simple in terms of formal grammar: no gender, no noun inflection, no adjectival agreement, and no irregularities in verbal conjugation. Each lesson includes specific exercises and drills for the major grammatical and syntactical points introduced therein. Vocabulary lists are included at the end of each lesson and are intended for active acquisition. Specialized supplementary vocabulary lists are also scattered throughout the book. The supplementary vocabularies consist of concrete everyday items that are easy to learn and remember. Wheeler M. Thackston is Professor of the Practice of Persian and other Near East Languages at Harvard University. 6" x 9", 287pp., contents, preface, introduction, index Iranbooks, Inc.

One Universal Faith

PA 50/PK.—$5.75

A pamphlet emphasizing that the prophecies of the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and Zoroastrian Faiths have been fulfilled in the coming of Bahá’u’lláh. 3-7/16" x 5-3/4", 6-panel Reprinted by Erich Reich Enterprises with the permission of the U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust

The Kitáb-i-Aqdas

We are now accepting backorders for the pocket-size edition of The Kitáb-i-Aqdas

$3.00 (net, no discounts)

The Love of Bahá’u’lláh

by Jacqueline Mehrabi illustrated by Michael Sours HC $15.95

These delightful stories will introduce children to the timeless theme of love in the life and example of Bahá’u’lláh. Including some familiar and some less well-known events, this collection reveals through everyday occurrences the great love of Bahá’u’lláh for all.

Chosen and retold by popular children’s writer Jacqueline Mehrabi and beautifully illustrated by award-winning artist Michael Sours, this treasury of stories from the life of Bahá’u’lláh will be read and cherished for years to come. Written for the 5–12 age group. 6-5/8" x 9-1/8", 64pp. Oneworld Publications

Bahá’í Newsreel Vol. 4, No. 1

The Holy Year in Review 149-150 B.E. by Bahá’í Media Services

A special Holy Year edition including: The Centenary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, the second Bahá’í World Congress, Holy Year activities in Russia, Albania, Bolivia, Ireland, Germany, Sao Tome, Papua New Guinea, Italy, Canada, Guyana, Brazil, Zaire, Turkey, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Gambia, Japan, Philippines, United Kingdom, and the United States, arts and literature in the Holy Year including the publication of The Kitáb-i-Aqdas and Ministry of the Custodians. 30 minutes U.S. Bahá’í Media Services

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

The Gardeners of God

An Encounter with Five Million Bahá’ís by Colette Gouvion & Philippe Jouvion SC $12.95

For the first time, two highly respected journalists from Paris decided to write a book on the Bahá’í Faith.

The result is an introductory book with a difference. Factual information on Bahá’í beliefs, history, community life, and current activities around the world, based on the authors' personal research, is laced through a series of frank and lively interviews with Bahá’ís from many different backgrounds and nationalities.

This colorful book offers readers a chance to meet the Bahá’ís and to hear how they answer the probing questions of two journalists. What do they believe? How do they live? What are their hopes and their visions of the future? These are some of the questions that the authors set out to answer. Their style is warm, candid, informative, and enriched with a wealth of personal opinions and anecdotes from the diverse characters that filled their notebooks. Above all, this book is their answer to the question "Who are the Bahá’ís?"

5-1/2" x 8-7/8", 223pp., contents, references, selected bibliography, Index Oneworld Publications

Together Forever

A Handbook for Creating a Successful Marriage by Professor Khalil A. Khavari, PhD and Sue Williston Khavari, MA SC $14.95

Following the success of their popular book on family dynamics, the Khavaris are back with a practical and inspiring look at marriage. Ranging from basics like partner selection to potential problem areas like equality, finances, and communication, this book is designed to help couples avoid the common pitfalls that can threaten even the most secure relationship.

Included are sections on understanding your partner and recognizing his or her needs, personality differences, stress factors, problem-solving, in-laws, housework, and much, much more. Divorce-proof your marriage with this positive and down-to-earth handbook, and make it a fulfilling, nurturing, lifelong partnership.

5-3/8" x 8-1/2", 243pp., contents, Index Oneworld Publications

Live Unity

THE SOUND OF THE WORLD TORONTO 1992 VT $29.95

Live Unity celebrates the diversity of the human family through the universal language of music. Witness captivating performances by an international lineup of artists including Seals and Crofts, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Flora Purim, Airlo, Dan Seals, Kevin Locke, Red Grammer, Douglas Cameron, Lisa Lougheed, Renat Ibragimov, and Nova Bhattacharya.

90 minutes Live Unity Enterprises

Sustainable Development and the Human Spirit

Bahá’í International Community PA 50/PK.-$8.95 PA 10/PK.-$1.95

Sustainable Development and the Human Spirit was one of the sixteen statements read by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) at the historic Earth Summit—and the only one delivered by a religious NGO. This brochure takes the debate over environmental conservation and equitable world development to a higher ground. It focuses on the importance of spiritual values—especially the principle of the oneness of humanity—in an effort to address our planet's woes.

3-11/16" x 8-1/2", 6-panel brochure Bahá’í International Community

A Meeting with Shoghi Effendi

by Marcus Bach SC $6.95

Dr. Marcus Bach, then professor of the prestigious interfaith School of Religion at the University of Iowa and a distinguished author on comparative religion, set out in the 1950s to identify and interview the five people of his time whom he felt best exemplified the teaching of Jesus Christ in their lives. He traveled 40,000 miles in pursuit of this aim, interviewing Helen Keller, Pope Pius XII, Albert Schweitzer, Therese Neumann, and Shoghi Effendi.

This is the unique and fascinating account of Marcus Bach's visit to the Bahá’í World Center, his impressions of the Bahá’í Faith, and his conversations with the Guardian one April evening in 1953.

5-1/8" x 7-3/4", 47pp., foreword, about the author, notes, selected bibliography Oneworld Publications [Page 8]

Consejeros colaboran en la Tierra Santa

A los bahá’ís del mundo Muy amados amigos,

Siguiendo rápidamente tras los eventos inspiradores de la séptima Convención Internacional Bahá’í y la subseguiente Conferencia de Consejeros, las primeras semanas del Plan de Tres Años se han marcado con otro evento aún, de sumo significado. En la mañana del sábado 5 de junio, las Manos de la Causa de Dios ‘Alí Akbar Furútan y ‘Alí-Muhammad Varqá, con los nueve Consejeros miembros del Centro Internacional de Enseñanza en su totalidad, se unieron a miembros de la Casa Universal de Justicia en Bahjí y procedieron al Santuario de Bahá’u’lláh para orar como acto inicial del recién nombrado Centro de Enseñanza. Todos entonces realizaron una primera reunión en el cuarto usado por Shoghi Effendi en la Mansión de Bahjí, recordando las variadas asociaciones históricas de ese bendito lugar.

Continuaron las consultas en conjunto por la tarde del mismo día en la Cámara de Consulta de la Casa Universal de Justicia, explorando las tareas que actualmente enfrenta El Centro Internacional de Enseñanza mientras el mundo avanza por los años climatéricos a la clausura del siglo veinte.

Durante los cinco años desde mayo de 1988, cuando se hicieron decisiones de mucho alcance sobre el funcionamiento de Centro Internacional de Enseñanza y, por vez primera, se aumentó el número de sus Consejeros miembros a nueve, aquella institución ha demostrado abundantemente su capacidad y su ansia de asumir la gran variedad de responsabilidades que se le confiriera.

La clarificación sobre varias maneras de abordar el trabajo de enseñanza que ha emitido el Centro de Enseñanza, su indicación de métodos y áreas de esfuerzo potencialmente fructíferos, y la colaboración de los Consejeros con las Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales en la formulación de sus metas para el Plan de Tres Años han contribuido inmensurablemente a la profundización del entendimiento de los creyentes individuales; a la enseñanza, el ingreso y estímulo de niños y jóvenes; a la consolidación de comunidades que crecen; al refuerzo de sus instituciones; y a la persecución infatigable de la expansión de la Causa.

Los deberes anteriores del Centro de Enseñanza en cuanto a la formulación de planes para nuestra aprobación han sufrido un cambio como resultado de la devolución de la planificación a las Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales lo cual fue una señal de la apertura de la Cuarta Epoca de la Edad Formativa. Nos hemos impresionado muy favorablemente por la guía que ‎la le‎ ha dado a los Consejeros Continentales para promover la consulta a niveles local y nacional, entre instituciones y creyentes, dando lugar al inicio y al proceso sostenedor del crecimiento de la comunidad bahá’í, esperamos con ansia la perpetuación y la expansión de esta colaboración.

La responsabilidad de los Cuerpos Continentales de Consejeros para proteger la Fe, bajo la guía del Centro Internacional de Enseñanza, sin duda cobrará mayor importancia en los años por delante. Alentarán y asistirán a las Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales y Locales, no sólo para enfrentar preguntas sobre la Fe que hagan los no-bahá’ís interesados, sino también para contestar los ataques que se lancen por oponentes externos.

El estudio de la Fe misma es un elemento vital en la solidez del crecimiento de las comunidades bahá’ís, su consolidación y su protección. Esto debe incluir estudio sistemático de los Escritos de la Fe, su historia, su relación con varios sistemas de pensamiento, y la aplicación de sus Enseñanzas a la vida espiritual y material de la sociedad. El Centro Internacional de Enseñanza contribuirá significativamente al avance de tal estudio.

En cuanto a la producción y diseminación de la literatura bahá’í, lo cual es fundamental tanto para la expansión para como la consolidación de la Causa, han resultado en una admirable oleada hacia adelante el apoyo dado por los Consejeros a las Asambleas Nacionales por medio del Fondo de Subsidio de Literatura, y especialmente la promoción del Centro de Enseñanza del concepto de literatura clave, y estamos confiados en que este esfuerzo se aumentará en los años por delante.

El flujo de pioneros y maestros viajeros se ha aumentado notablemente por medio del desarrollo de los Comités de Pionería Continentales bajo los auspicios de Centro Internacional de Enseñanza, al igual que por las acciones de los Cuerpos Continentales y las Asambleas Espirituales. Se ha hecho aparente que, con el crecimiento en el mundo bahá’í y la movilidad aumentada de los amigos, se requieren nuevos métodos para dar consejo y ruta a los pioneros. Por tanto, el llamado de pioneros para el Plan de Tres Años asume un carácter diferente al cual los amigos han estado acostumbrados y, esperamos convencidamente, permitirá un uso más fructífero de ‎la energías las energías‎ y la devoción de los amigos.

Todos los asuntos anteriores se encuentran entre los temas que se consultaron entre la Casa Universal de Justicia y el Centro Internacional de Enseñanza en sus reuniones del 5 de junio, y durante una reunión subsiguiente al final de las consultas intensivas realizadas por el Centro de Enseñanza mismo. Los cinco miembros quienes aún residen en el extranjero actualmente están haciendo preparativos para trasladarse a Tierra Santa.

Es nuestra ferviente oración en el Sagrado Umbral que estos acontecimientos impartan ímpetu aún mayor a las ‎activades actividades‎ de los creyentes individuales y sus instituciones en todo el mundo y aceleren el trabajo que ya se ha lanzado tan ansiosamente para el logro del Plan de Tres Años.

Con amorosos saludos bahá’ís,

[firma] La Casa Universal de Justicia 24 de junio de 1993

Logistical details for those planning to take part in March on Washington

The 30th anniversary observance of the March on Washington provides an opportunity for Bahá’ís to participate with members of many organizations taking part in a nationwide mobilization effort.

Organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); the National Education Association (NEA); Association of Federal, State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); and the National Organization for Women (NOW) are conveners of the March. Bahá’í communities may be contacted by local affiliates of these organizations to encourage participation in the March, or Bahá’í communities may wish to seek them out to offer help.

Details of the March are given below. In addition, a telephone information line has been set up in the National Teaching Office, 708-869-9039, ext. 361. Those who travel to Washington are reminded to report their activities to the National Teaching Committee so that they may be counted toward the Three Year Plan goal of 3,000 traveling teachers. Please write to the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Remember to include your full name and Bahá’í ID number.

WHERE TO MEET Bahá’ís will meet on the Mall, in front of the Smithsonian Institution Building (the “Castle”), across Jefferson Drive. The Smithsonian Building is on the opposite side of the Mall from the National Museum of Natural History (see map).

Look for a Bahá’í sign or banner.

HOW TO GET THERE Use public transportation. Washington has an efficient Metro (subway). Take the Blue or Orange line on the Metro to the “Smithsonian” stop. Exit on the Mall. At the top of the escalator, walk straight ahead along Jefferson Drive (toward the Capitol Building, away from the Washington Monument). The Smithsonian Castle is about one city block ahead on the right.

WHERE TO GO

(Map Labels)

• CONSTITUTION AVE.
• PENNSYLVANIA AVE.
• MADISON DR.
• JEFFERSON DR.
• INDEPENDENCE AVE.
• 23RD ST.
• 17TH ST.
• 15TH ST.
• 12TH ST.
• 3RD ST.
• U.S. Capitol
• National Museum of Natural History
• Washington Monument
• Smithsonian “Castle”
• Reflecting Pool
• 1 — Smithsonian Metro Stop
• 2 — Smithsonian “Castle”/Bahá’í Meeting Place
• 3 — Lincoln Memorial

WHEN TO ARRIVE There will be thousands of people coming in for the March. To avoid confusion, please be at the meeting place in front of ‎the the the‎ Smithsonian by 8:30 a.m. We expect to have to relocate from the meeting place to assigned unit in the March. Someone will stay at the meeting point until 11:00 a.m. to direct Bahá’ís to the location of the Bahá’í unit in the March. The actual March begins at noon and ends at the Lincoln Memorial at 2:00 p.m. There will be a program at the Lincoln Memorial from 2-5 p.m. Later, there will be a gala evening performance at the Lincoln Memorial.

WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN Parents should prepare themselves and their children for the realities of the March. At times the March will be exciting, but there will also be long periods of waiting, and Washington is often hot and humid in August. Come prepared to endure the waiting and the heat. Bring water and snacks to stay comfortable.

WHAT TO WEAR Dress comfortably. Wear a Bahá’í T-shirt. The theme should be the oneness of humankind or race unity.

TRAVEL, OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS The March organizers have provided the following information: A Freedom Train will be departing for Washington on Thursday, August 26, from New Orleans, LA, stopping for passengers in Birmingham, AL; Mobile, AL; Atlanta, GA; Greenville, SC; Charlotte, NC; and Charlottesville, VA. They will leave Washington Sunday, August 29. In addition, chartered flights will go to Washington from Detroit, Miami, Atlanta and Chicago. For information, please call

See MARCH page 19 [Page 9]

RJUI aims to expand nationally

By TOM MENNILLO

You’ve proudly worn the button, perhaps even bought a T-shirt.

But “Racism. Just Undo It.®” is more than a slogan. The RJUI Task Force of the Spiritual Assembly of New York City sees its local race unity campaign as a springboard for a nationwide social movement.

With New York’s visibility, “if we can get a movement going here, it will have repercussions everywhere,” said Nabil Jurney, spokesman for the task force.

Media coverage would provide some of the momentum, he said. The task force is hoping, though, that Bahá’í communities throughout the country will take up the “Racism. Just Undo It.” banner and run with it.

To that end, the task force is developing a how-to kit of materials such as banners and display booths that can be customized to the needs of each community. (Availability of the kit will be announced in a future issue of The American Bahá’í.)

Meanwhile, the New York community has placed race unity at the top of its agenda for the Three Year Plan and is expanding the local RJUI campaign in several directions:

• RJUI took part in 20 events in the five boroughs this summer. An RJUI display was designed for street festivals. Two RJUI parade banners also were produced.
• An RJUI brochure has been developed and will be available with Bahá’í literature at the display booth.
• A new “Racism Free Zone” sticker has been designed and printed. It will be available to the public at the RJUI booth.

As noted in the RJUI brochure, “The Racism Free Zone sticker is a way to give individuals and businesses in New York City a way of rallying against racism. ... With the sticker, we can set the mood of race relations, and send a message that New York is a place where prejudice isn’t acceptable.”

The stickers can be ordered by calling the RJUI hotline at 212-465-3150.

• A weekly Race Unity potluck dinner and social is being held on Friday nights.
• The process of obtaining funding from foundation grants has started.

Expansion of the RJUI campaign is dependent on funding, said Mr. Jurney.

• A number of new RJUI and Racism Free Zone products are being designed. Currently, the button, T-shirts and sweatshirts are available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

Future activities include providing press kits to media outlets; placing public service ads; sending a quarterly update to grassroots community organizations; and sponsoring multi-ethnic musical events and a RJUI film festival.

Is “Racism. Just Undo It.®” a social or religious movement?

The RJUI Task Force had to tackle that issue in deciding when it is appropriate to mention the Faith in connection with the campaign.

The question is a ticklish one.

Many people might shy away if they knew the campaign were religious in nature. Also, many media outlets will not accept public service ads from religious organizations.

On the other hand, it is important to tell people that a spiritual solution to the evil of racism is necessary.

The task force took the position that the movement is essentially social, but that does not mean the Faith and Bahá’u’lláh will not be part of it.

Volunteers at RJUI booths will be offering both generic RJUI brochures and the Bahá’í race unity statement.

The wish is for an atmosphere that allows Bahá’ís and their friends to easily collaborate.

Likewise, the task force is careful to preserve the integrity of the RJUI logo.

The trademarked logo should be reproduced only from the sheet the task force provides. And it should not carry with it Writings of the Faith.

A community using the logo can identify itself, though: “The Bahá’ís of (your city)” or “This message is brought to you by the Bahá’ís of (your city).” The identification line should not compete with the logo in size.

The logo also may not be used on any personal projects or on products for sale. The only approved products are available through the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

The Spiritual Assembly is in the process of forming a non-profit race unity organization and choosing its board of directors. Non-profit status will allow “Racism. Just Undo It.” to solicit money from non-Bahá’í sources.

• The “Racism. Just Undo It.” creative contest that was held last year will be repeated this fall, with entries to be exhibited early next spring.

“Help us heal racism on a creative, intuitive level,” reads a description of the contest in the RJUI brochure. “Send us your solutions expressed as artwork, stories, music, video, etc. ... The only criterion is that entries pertain to solving racism, not just highlighting the problem.”

Race Unity Day ’93

MARQUETTE, MI

Mediation, picnic, puppets bear fruit in Upper Peninsula

Bahá’ís in Marquette, Michigan, have been carrying out their race unity efforts on several fronts.

The Harmony Task Force, which was inspired by and includes many Bahá’ís, was called on to mediate in the public schools in the wake of incidents in which minority students were taunted.

The event was covered on the front page and editorial pages of the local newspaper, and Bahá’ís were shown on local television.

On June 13, about 175 people attended a Race Unity Picnic in Marquette that was organized by the Bahá’í Race Unity Committee Task Force.

At the picnic, two women were given awards in recognition of their multicultural work in the community.

Notice of the event was given in the newspaper and via a downtown electronic sign, and the gathering was covered on the television nightly news broadcast.

After a 45-minute puppet show of multicultural stories was produced for Ayyám-i-Há, the troupe decided to take it on the road.

A high school teacher in Negaunee asked the Bahá’í youth to perform the show for her parenting and leadership classes.

The Faith was mentioned several times when students asked why the youth had come together to create the performance.

During Ridván, the troupe performed before 150 students in two Marquette schools attended by the youngest puppeteers.

This turned into a major teaching event because a teacher had known the Bahá’í children for several years for their observance of Bahá’í Holy Days as well as for their parent’s involvement in the schools.

Bronx Bahá’ís model unity

Bahá’í delegation proclaims ‘Racism. Just Undo It’ in Bronx parade.

On Sunday, June 6, an exuberantly diverse group of 25 Bahá’ís and their friends marched for 20 blocks down the Grand Concourse, the Bronx’s main thoroughfare.

Everyone had gathered in the morning to their assigned spot in the “Bronx Unity” parade, the kickoff event in “Bronx Expo” week.

The Bahá’ís marched in rows, proudly displaying their banners to the thousands of viewers lining the parade route in this Hispanic and African-American neighborhood.

The Bahá’í marchers demonstrated the living and loving reality of their banners with happy, smiling representatives of Hispanic, African, Asian, Indian and European ancestry.

The onlookers shouted and waved their enthusiastic approval, causing the marchers to smile even more broadly.

Several bags of literature in English and Spanish were distributed along the sidelines by members of the Peace-Weavers teaching institute and the Brotherhood Through the Arts Foundation.

Accompanied by the lively sounds of a Latino jazz band playing on a truck rolling behind them, the Bahá’í group reached the reviewing stand on the steps of the Bronx Courthouse.

There, they were introduced by the master of ceremonies as “the Bronx Bahá’ís, a multiracial, multicultural group representing unity in diversity under the theme of ‘Racism. Just Undo It.’”

ASMA’ B.E. 150 / AUGUST 20, 1993 [Page 10]

EVANSTON/WILMETTE, IL

Race Unity Day ’93

Colorful banners, energetic performances—such as by the Chicago Youth Workshop (above)—and fellowship were the order of the day June 13 at the fourth annual Walk for Race Unity sponsored by the North Shore Race Unity Task Force.

GAINESVILLE, FL

Bahá’ís provide vision

Little comment greeted the Bahá’ís of Gainesville, Florida, when, in the wake of the April 1992 Los Angeles riots, they presented the Faith’s perspective on race unity to the City Commission.

But from that meeting has come a year-long leadership role for the Bahá’í community toward bringing together racially polarized factions in the city.

In fact, it started the very next day. The office of then-Mayor Rodney Long invited the Bahá’ís to attend the first meeting of a committee charged with smoothing relations between law enforcement and the African-American community.

Soon after, a Bahá’í representative was appointed to three committees studying the formation of a county-wide coordinating council to address social disparities in Gainesville and Alachua County.

No other religious group was represented on the committees, which were made up of officials from education, housing, law enforcement, health and rehabilitative services, the Chamber of Commerce, corrections, and the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

In the months since, the Bahá’ís have served to bring all sides together on many issues, and provided the vision statement and operational mandate for the proposed Coordinating Council.

The Bahá’ís also contributed a statement countering the assertions of established agencies that the existing social service network is adequate.

The statement emphasizes the need for community development and the creation of those conditions necessary to shrink the growth in demand for social services.

It also draws attention to the role of racism in the complex social problems of the county, reiterates the moral responsibility borne by government, provides an economic analysis of the social service network, and establishes the economic and moral rationale for community development.

The statement was accepted for presentation to the City Commission and present Mayor McKnew.

Because of these efforts, the Bahá’ís are now considered a resource for consultation leading to practical solutions in the city and county.

The Bahá’í community’s contacts with the NAACP have been fruitful, and have resulted in the local chapter president attending weekly firesides and reading Bahá’í literature.

BOSTON, MA

The Bahá’í Youth Workshop of Metro Boston performs.

2,000-plus enjoy diversity

There was jazz. There was dance. There was poetry and the spoken word. Above all there was unity at the Race Unity Day celebration in Boston, enjoyed by more than 2,000 people and consisting of more than 15 performances.

The day was kicked off with the reading of Massachusetts Gov. William Weld’s proclamation declaring June 13 Race Unity Day in the state. A brief history of Race Unity Day also was read.

For the next six hours there was a steady flow of powerful performances on stage. Some highlights: the Bahá’í Youth Workshop of Metro Boston’s moving performance about learning and overcoming racism; toe-tapping tap dances by Double Time; foot-stomping blues by the Elders; hip-swinging jazz by the John Licata Quintet; heartfelt poetry by Kim Tallbear, Patricia Smith, Aixa Sobin and Tim ‎Siebles Seibles‎; inspired folk/rock by Franco Esile, Jabbering Trout and Talking to Animals.

Bringing the event under Bahá’u’lláh’s guiding Light was Robin Chandler’s keynote address.

Along with answering questions, a Bahá’í information booth sold Race Unity Day T-shirts and “Racism. Just Undo It®” buttons. Hundreds of peace statements and race unity statements were handed out.

Many community groups attended, most notably United Youth of Boston and Gang Peace, both of which work for youth enrichment and empowerment in Boston.

Gang Peace set up a table next to the Bahá’í booth. Bill Batson, general director of United Youth, spoke toward the end of the program, and has since invited the Bahá’í Youth Workshop of Metro Boston to perform at an end-of-the-year party for the youth with whom he works.

Race Unity Day was previewed in the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Boston Phoenix, Boston Chinese News and many neighborhood newspapers. Several radio stations ran public service announcements, and two TV stations sent camera crews to cover the event.

SAN JOSE, CA

Media spotlight race unity dialogue

In June, the Bay Area Institute for the Healing of Racism held its first-ever nine-session workshop in the San Jose area.

The workshop was mentioned in the local newspaper and on radio and television. More than 50 people (the majority of whom were not Bahá’ís) attended the first session, whose facilitators (one Bahá’í, one non-Bahá’í) were interviewed on the local ABC-TV affiliate.

Referring to recent incidents of racism in San Jose, the local paper began one of its articles by saying, “If timing is everything, sponsors of a workshop on prejudice have a lot going for them when their nine-week series of sensitivity sessions begins tonight.” [Page 11]

FAIRFAX COUNTY SOUTH, VA

Race Unity Day ’93

Interracial drama to premiere

A musical drama about the difficult issue of interracial relationships will anchor an intensive five-month teaching campaign sponsored by the local Spiritual Assembly of Fairfax County South, Virginia.

“Out of This Darkness” is a full-length production that uses music, drama, dance and photography to demonstrate the Bahá’í message of racial unity.

It will be performed first in Burke, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C., on the weekend of November 12-14. Subsequent performances are anticipated throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

Designed to emblazon the Name of Bahá’u’lláh and prepare communities for entry by troops, the teaching project focuses intense energy on one community at a time.

The strategy is for each community that hosts a performance to begin preparations several months in advance.

The local Bahá’ís will schedule the performance, book the hall and find receptive non-Bahá’ís to teach.

Then, through firesides, proclamation events, deepenings, local media attention and advertising, they will work to focus attention on race unity and create anticipation for the event itself.

On production weekend, the show’s cast—actors, dancers, musicians, singers—and crew will descend on the community for intensive teaching, rehearsals and the show itself.

After the performance, more firesides can be held and deepenings scheduled to consolidate the gains.

The plot of “Out of This Darkness” revolves around two typical middle-class American families: one black, the other white.

Though they love, respect and trust each other outwardly, they harbor inner misgivings and fears that suddenly are manifested when a son, Derek, and a daughter, Emily, announce their desire to be wed.

Derek, an earnest Bahá’í, knows he needs the consent of both families. For several stated and unstated reasons, consent is not granted.

Each family member is forced to come to grips with his or her true feelings, and the outcomes are not always happy—this is not “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.”

However, unfolding events that no one could anticipate serve to demonstrate clearly the power of unity, God’s love and the ability of His laws and teachings to find solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems.

Besides the music and drama onstage, the work uses a live orchestra, instrumental music and photographic projection, live choral music and interpretive dance to speak to the conflict on various levels. (Please see “call for talent” in Classifieds section of this issue.)

The production will be fully portable and will be performed wherever and whenever a community is ready to take it on.

LOUISVILLE, KY

Bahá’í delegation largest in city’s Walk for Diversity

A televised report of the June 13 “Walk for Diversity” in Louisville, Kentucky, was proceeding normally when, because of technical difficulties, the tape went into slow motion.

As a result, viewers’ attention was focused on a banner reading “Ye are the leaves of one branch and the fruits of one tree—Bahá’u’lláh” for a full 15 seconds!

That remarkable incident was one of the bounties of participation in the walk by Bahá’ís from the Louisville, Jefferson County and St. Matthews communities and from isolated areas of Jefferson County and southern Indiana.

The walk was sponsored by the local chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews (recently renamed the National Conference) and was held in conjunction with Louisville’s City Fair, a three-day downtown street festival.

Participants walked from four areas of the city, then joined just south of downtown and marched in unity to the Ohio River on the northern edge of town. The Bahá’ís chose to walk from the West End, which is predominantly African-American.

This was the first year for the walk, and the total turnout was only 200, but the Bahá’ís made up a group of 60, thus receiving recognition from Mayor Jerry Abramson for being the largest group to participate.

The Bahá’ís also received certificates for “Most Rhythmic” and “Most Money Raised by a Group” (donations went toward the Conference’s programs stressing multicultural unity).

When the mayor presented the certificates, he commented that he had visited the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa and that the Faith was something “we should all look into.”

The walk was covered by the four commercial television stations. Although the Faith was never identified by name, most of the group pictures were of the Bahá’ís.

The Louisville Defender, a weekly newspaper targeted to the black community, also provided extensive coverage. Most of its photos were of the Bahá’ís, and one Bahá’í, Manoocher Mofidi, was quoted in the story.

The Bahá’ís of Greater Louisville also got coverage from the Defender of their Race Unity Day picnic on June 24.

The picnic was held in a small park in an African-American neighborhood and was co-sponsored by the Metro Parks system. A grocery store chain donated hot dogs and buns, and the Bahá’ís furnished the soft drinks.

Since it was also Father’s Day, many people who weren’t aware of the picnic came by and found it. About 100 people, about half of whom were from the neighborhood, attended.

The Metro Parks representative was happy to have the Bahá’ís, since their presence contributed toward the city’s efforts to return the park to its former status as a safe family area.

(Left to right) Iraj Rahmani, Varqa Manshadi and Kyle Pirtle staff the Bahá’í booth at Louisville’s City Fair. The display included a ‘Peace Wall’ organized by the University of Louisville Bahá’í Club.

SPRINGFIELD, MO

Newly formed community group sponsors program

Using the Vision for a New Los Angeles as inspiration, a group called Springfield Community for Racial Unity was formed this year in Springfield, Missouri, and was the sponsor of recently held Race Unity Day activities.

Members of the new committee include African Methodist Episcopal and United Methodist ministers, a board member of the Unity Spiritual Center, Bahá’ís from Springfield and surrounding areas, the president of the Springfield chapter of the NAACP, and a board member of the Southwest Missouri Indian Center.

A local bank branch created the organization’s logo and covered expenses for T-shirts for the children’s choir.

Sixteen groups participated in the Race Unity Day program, which included the reading of a proclamation signed by Mayor N.L. “Mac” McCartney.

Hosaia Brown sang a Bahá’í prayer and Carl Haworth and Victor Nkwenti read from the Bahá’í Writings.

A nine-foot mural depicting figures of many cultures in native costume was provided by students from eight schools as part of an art project called “What Race Unity Means to Me: One Planet, One People...Please.”

Also, several of the more than 300 pictures received from the art project were placed in various McDonald’s restaurants, the library and several businesses and churches.

Springfield Community for Racial Unity is planning other events, including a “Calling All Colors” conference funded by a grant from a local foundation. [Page 12]

ASHLAND, OR

Jazz Jam leaves ’em howling for more

In mid-March, two Bahá’í youth in Ashland, Oregon, were reminiscing about the tremendously successful Jazz Jams held in Portland by the Citadel traveling teaching team.

Why not have a Jazz Jam right here in Ashland, they thought. On Race Unity Day. And make it a tribute to the late Bahá’í jazz great, Dizzy Gillespie.

On June 13 the plan came to fruition. Jazz Jam was held at a public hall next to Lithia Park.

The musicians were set up in an outdoor courtyard so passersby could stop and listen.

And many did, some staying for most of the afternoon.

During the course of the Jam, two saxophonists, four drummers, a percussionist, two bass players, two electric guitarists, a trombonist, a keyboardist and a recorder player all contributed to the sound.

Even a dog got into the act, howling melodiously along with the music.

Quotes were read from “The Vision of Race Unity” and stories were told about Dizzy Gillespie. An improvised song about race unity capped the event.

WACO, TX

Forum works to effect change

“How will the elimination of racism change my life?” was the theme of the second annual Race Unity Forum held June 13 and sponsored by the Race Unity Committee of the Bahá’ís of Waco, Texas.

Speakers included Bob Sheehy, the mayor of Waco; Louis Banks, president of HOT Black Chamber of Commerce; Lt. Jesse Flores of the Waco Police Department; Elwayne Gilbert of the Walk in Faith Ministry; Jan Hungate, principal of Waco 9th Grade Campus; and Virginia Padilla of the Houston Institute for the Healing of Racism.

The forum was covered by all three major television stations in Waco, and was well-received by the audience.

The Race Unity Committee of the Bahá’ís of Waco was formed in June 1992 by the Spiritual Assembly of Waco “to establish racial harmony in Waco, by offering and sponsoring projects of any nature which can effect a change toward achievement of race unity, whether this change be in individuals or institutions within the Waco community.”

FOXBORO, MA

This photograph of Bahá’ís marching in the annual Founders Day parade June 12 in Foxboro, Massachusetts, was published in the Foxboro Reporter with the cutline ‘Moving Mountains—Members of the Bahá’í Faith, familiar faces from past Founders Day parades, once again received a warm welcome last Saturday.’ Participation of 19 Bahá’ís in the parade was a joint Race Unity Day effort of the Bahá’ís of seven towns. Parade watchers’ support of the Bahá’í marchers was significant in light of charges of racism pending in state court against Foxboro’s high school.

ST. CLOUD, MN

300 attend picnic

On May 16, more than 300 people attended a Race Unity Day picnic co-sponsored by the Bahá’ís of St. Cloud, Minnesota, the local chapter of the NAACP, and the St. Cloud Human Rights Commission.

The mayor of St. Cloud opened the program and proclaimed May 16 “Race Unity Day” in the city. The speaker was Darryl Savage, a former education reporter at WCCO-TV in Minneapolis. The event was covered on radio, television and in local newspapers.

COVINGTON, LA

Mayor Keith Villere (fourth from left) of Covington, Louisiana, receives a plaque for his services to the community during the first Race Unity Award presentation by the Bahá’ís of St. Tammany Parish West. With Mayor Villere are (left to right) Martha Short, Sherry Michelli, Marvin Grafton, Marilyn Jennison and Terry Boland.

AUSTIN, TX

Presentations reflect diversity

Thanks to meticulous planning, widespread publicity and the co-sponsorship of a local television station, this year’s Race Unity Day observance June 13 in Austin, Texas, drew an audience of more than 1,500.

Mayor Bruce Todd of Austin designated June 13 as Race Unity Day, and County Judge Bill Aleshire spoke at the event, which included a children’s carnival area with games, face painting, balloons, a “moon walk” and children’s craft table reflecting themes of racial unity.

Various music, dance and theatrical presentations reflected Austin’s diversity. Among those performing were the Keito Academy Island Dancers, the Metz Ballet Folklórico, the Balkan Singers, Givens Drill Team, the Irish Dancers, and Elaine Childers, an American Indian storyteller.

Cuban, Puerto Rican, East Indian and Native American foods were contributed by local restaurants.

Core curriculum

from page 2

riculum have spread this process to pilot communities throughout the United States.

HOW TO BECOME INVOLVED

The reception of the Core Curriculum in the pilot local communities has confirmed the readiness of its release to the larger community. Communities are encouraged to take advantage of this exceptional teacher training program through either sending individuals to the National Teacher Training Center (NTTC) at the Louhelen Bahá’í School to become teacher trainers or to call the NTTC office to arrange for training in your area (should no trainer be available locally).

Bahá’u’lláh provided the clear direction for this effort: “so much as capacity and capability allow, ye needs must deck the tree of being with fruits such as knowledge, wisdom, spiritual perception and eloquent speech.” (Bahá’í Education, No. 9, p. 3).

‘Abdu’l-Bahá detailed the specific focus on children: “the little children must needs be aware in their very heart and soul that ‘Bahá’í’ is not just a name but a truth. Every child must be trained in the things of the spirit, so that he may embody all the virtues and become a source of glory to the Cause of God. Otherwise the mere word ‘Bahá’í,’ if it yield no fruit, will come to nothing.” (Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 143).

NTTC TRAINING AT LOUHELEN

The National Teacher Training Center has a series of programs scheduled that support the Core Curriculum. The focus of the work of the NTTC is to train trainers and parent facilitators on the Core Curriculum. It is seeking local Spiritual Assemblies to sponsor trainers to attend, become certified, and subsequently deliver teacher trainings throughout their local and regional communities.

Trainers receive curricular materials, reference materials, and all the teacher materials masters for implementation of the Core Curriculum. Individuals should be recommended by local Spiritual Assemblies to ensure the ongoing support for conducting trainings at the local level.

Oct. 8-11: Teacher Trainer and Parent Facilitator Training

Jan. 14-17: Teacher Trainer and Parent Facilitator Training

March 25-27: Teacher Trainer and Parent Facilitator Training

April 15-17: Race Unity Training

May 20-22: Teacher Trainer and Parent Facilitator Training

NTTC Office: Dr. Barbara Johnson, coordinator, 313-652-5033 [Page 13]

World News

In May, the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum traveled to Azerbaijan to attend the National Convention in Baku. She was accompanied by Violette Nakhjavání and joined in Baku by Counselor Abbas Katirai. During her stay, the Hand of the Cause was warmly received by the Speaker of the Parliament of Azerbaijan, and held a press conference at her hotel attended by five journalists. She was invited to present a talk on “Family Life and the New World Order” at the University of Baku, and did so for about 60 faculty members and students. A second invitation, this one from Sumgait University in the neighboring city of the same name, was accepted, and Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum spoke there to an audience of about 400 on “Alcohol and Narcotics.” On May 25, she left Azerbaijan to visit Tashkent.

BOSCH IS THE PLACE FOR vacations for everyone! Study, recreation and devotions in a distinctive Bahá’í environment. Meditate, contemplate and socialize on the deck under the umbrellas at the newly opened bookstore/cafe. Walk in the redwood forest on a granite mountain overlooking the bay toward Carmel-by-the-Sea. Study the Writings and explore ways to make them real in your life while your children have excellent classes and activities. Summer sessions each Saturday-Thursday through August 26. For complete details, phone 408-423-3387.

A team of nine Bahá’ís from Mauritius traveled to Madagascar from March 25-April 9 to teach before the end of the Holy Year. The project, which had the blessing of both National Spiritual Assemblies, was centered in rural areas with the goal of forming local Spiritual Assemblies. After a week of teaching, more than 100 people had embraced the Cause (including a 110-year-old man) and five new Assemblies were formed. A one-day deepening institute was held for the new believers. Talks were given on Bahá’u’lláh, the Covenant, and living a Bahá’í life. Prayers were memorized by all, and children were taught Bahá’í songs. From the base village of Ambamo, the team was split into three groups of three members each to teach in Tamatave, Saovinandriana and Farafangana, as requested by the National Spiritual Assembly. Four days were spent in these villages, and one new Assembly was formed. Malagasy believers accompanied the teachers throughout the campaign, translating their remarks into the Malagasy language and making teaching possible.

In May, the Wildfire theatre group of young Bahá’ís from Australia supplied the spark that led to at least 60 enrollments during a dramatic public proclamation of the Cause in Romania. On May 24, Wildfire performed in Pitesti where, in spite of rain, the audience numbered 70 and three people were enrolled in the Faith. The following day, about 300 attended a performance in Curtea de Arges, after which there were five or six enrollments. That evening, 350-400 people attended another public performance; by the end of the evening, 26 people had embraced the Faith. On May 26 the group was in Bucharest, performing for an audience of about 8,000 young people in one of the city’s main squares. No performance was scheduled May 27, but the group continued teaching in one of the main squares in Bucharest, in front of the National Theatre. The result was five declarations. During the afternoon and evening of May 28, Wildfire gave four or five promotional performances on the street in front of the National Theatre while Romanian Bahá’ís taught at a nearby Bahá’í exhibit. The group gave one more promotional performance at noon on May 29, before its final concert, for an audience of about 1,000, that evening at the National Theatre. Afterward, many in the audience stayed to talk about the Faith. Throughout the week, media coverage of the performances was excellent.

Nearly 70 adults and a great many children attended the first Bahá’í Institute to be held at the new Bahá’í Center of Vunabang-Ralubang, Papua New Guinea. The theme of the day-long Institute was ‘The Story of Bahá’u’lláh.’ Included were stories of His life (by Auxiliary Board member Habib Yaganegi) and sufferings (by Auxiliary Board member Michael Elias), a talk on the significance of His Revelation (by Paul and Nathan Bluett), and a report by Donna Sindo of the observance in the Holy Land of the 100th anniversary of His ascension.

“With hearts brimming with joy,” reads a report from the National Spiritual Assembly of Sierra Leone dated April 21, “we announce the incorporation of the National Assembly after years of protracted deliberation with the authorities.” The approval came “in the wake of audacious activities undertaken during the course of the Holy Year.”

On March 27, the 10th annual Honor Kempton Award for Service to Humanity was presented during a banquet in Anchorage, Alaska, attended by more than 100 people. The award was given by the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska to Carol Feller Brady, a Tlingit Indian elder from Wrangell who works with young people who have substance abuse problems. Mrs. Brady received letters of congratulations from many prominent persons including Gov. Walter Hickel, who wrote in part: “...These efforts to help our youth get their lives going in a positive direction are so important. ...Truly you are a pioneer, and exemplify that great ‘can do’ spirit which we admire so much. ...”

Samuel Akale, a Bahá’í, was one of three official speakers March 11 at a celebration of International Women’s Day in Bamenda, Cameroon. A written version of Mr. Akale’s talk, entitled “Women and Peace,” was given to each of the nearly 200 people who attended the event.

The Chief Minister of Penang Island, Malaysia, Dr. Koh Tsu Koon, was the guest of honor at a Naw-Rúz celebration held by the Bahá’ís of Penang at a leading hotel. Counselor Shantha Sundram spoke briefly at the observance about the significance of the Holy Year and also about the Bahá’í calendar.

Also at Naw-Rúz, about 500 people attended the second Bahá’í Music Festival in El Salvador. Folk music and dance groups took part in the festival, including a group from the University of El Salvador.

About 175 Bahá’ís from 25 communities gathered January 16-17 at the National Cultural Center in Georgetown, Guyana, to celebrate the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh. The goal of capturing the spirit of the second Bahá’í World Congress for those who could not go to New York City was realized through videos and inspiring impressions of the Congress by a dozen friends who attended the event. “All were able to take back to their respective communities lasting impressions of the might and power of the Cause we love so dearly,” said a report of the January celebration.

In Nepal, the Minister of Tourism, Ram Hari Joshy (left), awards a prize to one of the winners of the Bahá’í youth song contest. The occasion was a Naw-Rúz party in Kathmandu attended by more than 80 people including 20 non-Bahá’ís.

GOING ABROAD? MAKE YOUR TRIP COUNT!

Beloved friends, the international travels of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh from the United States form a significant part of the history of the development of the Faith. The Universal House of Justice has asked us to keep detailed records of our international trips of any nature. It is important to remember that your mere presence as a Bahá’í in another country can potentially bring the spirit of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh to that land. To record your international travels as a U.S. Bahá’í, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Telephone 708-869-9039; fax 708-869-0247, Attn. Office of Pioneering.

[Page 14]

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The American Bahá’í are published free of charge as a service to the Bahá’í community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial ads can be accepted for publication. The 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.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

THE GREEN ACRE Bahá’í School is seeking a program coordinator. This is a full-time, year-round position primarily responsible for planning and coordinating educational programs and activities at Green Acre. Qualifications include an in-depth knowledge of the Bahá’í writings and Administrative Order; experience in planning and coordinating instructional services; ability to communicate effectively to large groups and to interact with a wide range of people; proven success in organizing and coordinating multiple tasks over an extended period of time. The position requires a personable, creative, highly motivated person who is a strong self-starter; experience in teaching or direct involvement with Bahá’í educational programs for adults, youth and children is highly desirable. Please send letter of introduction and résumé to the Office of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly is seeking a general manager for the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. This position requires a strong general manager capable of managing large numbers of people, preparing and managing significant budgets, developing plans and strategies for producing desired results. Publishing experience a plus. Please send résumé to the Bahá’í National Center, Department of Human Resources, Wilmette, IL 60091.

THE BOSCH Bahá’í School wishes to extend its Youth Service Corps program to include three-month, six-month and one-year terms. If you would be interested in an opportunity to serve the Faith in this capacity, please phone the Bosch school, 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or write to 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. These positions are for 40-hour weeks as volunteers in the many areas of service required at a permanent school. A small stipend for food is provided if needed. Past experience has shown that a car is helpful due to the school's remoteness from town. This is a truly unique opportunity not only to be of service but also to develop and grow within a Bahá’í family setting.

THE GREEN ACRE Bahá’í School is seeking an individual or retired couple to serve as resident caretaker(s). This is a year-round volunteer position primarily responsible for building and grounds security at designated times, opening and closing buildings as needed for functions, helping with light-duty maintenance, responding to emergencies, and greeting visitors to the school. Requires a mature person or couple with proven experience in carrying out these responsibilities. On-campus residence (two-bedroom apartment) will be provided. Applicants may also apply for other openings at the school. Please submit a letter of introduction and résumé with detailed description of your qualifications and background to: Administrator, Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903.

HEALTH CARE professionals, especially nurses, are in demand in Indian communities throughout the country. Often, housing is provided in association with these positions. This is a chance to become a homefront pioneer and help win a goal of the Three Year Plan. For more information, please contact Ada James at the Bahá’í National Center, 708-869-9039.

PIONEERING: HOMEFRONT

HOMEFRONT pioneers: openings for both medical and educational personnel in the heart of the Navajo Indian Reservation. The Assembly of Chinle Chapter, Arizona, would like to help you pioneer to the area. For information about medical employment, please phone Jeannette Wirtz, 602-674-5904; for information about school positions, please phone Jean Scott, 602-674-8323.

COME TO a Spiritual Assembly "goal city" and help teach the Faith in Warren, Michigan, whose Bahá’í community consists of three adults and two children. Our teaching plan includes celebrating the love of God among people of diverse backgrounds through the arts. Bring your talent, interest and enthusiasm. Warren (pop. 140,000), one hour from the Louhelen Bahá’í School, is the third largest city in Michigan. It is home to Macomb Community College, GM's Tech Center, large GM, Ford and Chrysler plans and many small automotive industry manufacturers. Housing is affordable; city services are good. For more information, phone Roxie Schell, 313-757-2999, or Paula Drewek, 313-558-7545.

Employment opportunities

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER

Support Services: Assistant meeting and travel coordinator. Full-time position to help coordinate travel and meeting arrangements including hotel and airline reservations, ground transportation, room reservations, on-site set-up for meetings, refreshments. Clerical and word processing skills required.

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

Production Department coordinator. Responsible for developing and implementing production strategies under the direction of the Executive Secretary of the Publications Board to ensure the timely and cost-effective production of Bahá’í texts, literature, periodicals, video tapes, audio cassettes and other materials in support of the goals of the National Spiritual Assembly for expansion and consolidation of the U.S. Bahá’í community.

BOSCH BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL

Assistant director. Responsible for helping the school director in all functions related to operating and promoting the school. The assistant director will contact urban Assemblies throughout California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada to apprise them of the programs/possibilities/opportunities existing at Bosch. Also helps with all administrative and personnel activities of the school.

Program coordinator. Primary duty is to develop and coordinate programs at the school to include adults, youth, children and the non-Bahá’í public.

NATIVE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í INSTITUTE

Program coordinator. Primary duty is to develop and implement programs at the Institute with special emphasis on teaching the Faith, the development of children, and a variety of social and economic development programs. When responding, please include a summary of your experience with Native American cultures, specificially Navajo.

Please submit current résumé including Bahá’í service to Stephanie Gladden or Karen Marcellis, Office of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201.

THE BAHÁ’Í community of Smyrna, Tennessee, warmly welcomes homefront pioneers. Smyrna, less than 30 minutes by car from Nashville or Murfreesboro, both of which have many fine educational institutions, has eight active adult Bahá’ís, one youth and four children. There is a Nissan Motors plant and other industries. Smyrna lost its Assembly at Ridván and is establishing a teaching institute to begin large-scale expansion and regain Assembly status by Ridván 1994. For information, please write to Susan Hakiman, Smyrna, TN 37167, or phone 615-355-4981.

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Elizabeth Radle, Frances Marion Ralston, A.W. Randall (died Vista, CA, 1942), John Herman Randall, Lillian Randall, Lee Rapaport, Samual Rapaport, Cynthia Rather, Harry R. Raver and Mary Ray. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

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

WANTED

WANTED: members for a support group for Bahá’í law enforcement officers (i.e., state troopers, FBI agents, peace and police officers, corrections officers, etc.) from any state. The primary goal is to promote fellowship among Bahá’ís who are law officers and, most important, to act as a support group for problems faced on and off the job. Write to Officer Walter Gavula, P.O. Box 542, Bolton, NY 12814, or phone 518-644-2031.

WANTED: information about the availability of books (or articles) about Queen Marie of Romania. I would like to know about the titles of books, publishers, present owner(s), and whether or not the book(s) are for sale or in print. My ancestors taught music at the Royal Court in Romania, and may have heard about the Faith. Please send information to Paul Hippmann, Decatur, GA 30030.

EDUCATORS needed: openings for teachers have been announced on Indian Reservations in Minnesota, South Dakota and Arizona. Included are all specialties. from kindergarten to grade 12. This is a great way to become a homefront pioneer and teach American Indians. For more information, please contact Ada James at the Bahá’í National Center, 708-869-9039.

THEATRICAL and musical talent is needed for "Out of This Darkness," a full-length Bahá’í multi-media musical drama about racism, obedience, sacrifice and unity using music, drama, dance and photography to teach the Cause and stir the hearts. The play is part of a teaching campaign sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Fairfax County South, Virginia. Needed are production staff, cast, technical crew, choristers for an 80-voice choir, and instrumentalists for a 19-piece theatre orchestra. Production is scheduled for November 12-14 in northern Virginia (Washington, D.C., area); many performances are likely in the mid-Atlantic region. Must be dedicated to teaching the Faith and willing to commit and sacrifice. Call or write by SEPTEMBER 1/ASAP. Auditions/selections in mid-September. Dancing/acting: Jen Hampton, 410-730-4216 or Rob Head, 301-570-8797; production/choir/orchestra: Tressa or Steve Reisetter, 703-425-8863, or write to "Out of This Darkness," c/o Reisetters, 5468 Midship Court, Burke, VA 22015.

IN CONJUNCTION with local public schools, the Bahá’í community of the Town of North Hempstead, New York, is planning to sponsor a program entitled "Save Our Earth" in which students will be asked to create posters, dioramas, etc., that relate to the theme. We would like input from communities that have sponsored similar programs. Write to Luann Scribani, Mineola, NY 11501, or phone 516-747-5853.

IF YOU were unable to purchase souvenirs during the second World Congress or would like to help a fund-raising effort, here is your chance. The Bahá’í community of Lansing, Michigan, is once again printing a limited number of T-shirts with the Congress logo printed on the front. The T-shirts are in two colors, white or gray, with black print. The cost is $7 for small size, $12 for medium, large or extra-large, plus $3 shipping and handling for each T-shirt. Please send checks to the Lansing Bahá’í Fund, P.O. Box 26011, Lansing, MI 48909. Include ordering information (size, color, number of T-shirts wanted) with your check, and allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. For more information, phone 517-487-2323.

AM RESEARCHING the life of Lua Moore Getsinger, developing workshops based on her life as an example of teaching and obedience to the Covenant. I am not a writer, but will be cross-referencing all material. Looking for photographs, letters, stories, any other information you may have. I am willing to pay all costs of mailing and reproducing the material, which can either be mailed to me or faxed. Please indicate the source of the material, and if sending photos, please include place, time and event at which they were taken. If photos are copyrighted, please include the name of one from whom permission to use may be obtained in case a book is developed from this research. If you would like a copy of the research that is compiled, please indicate this when sending materials. Send to Linda Greer, Whitehorse, Yukon YIA 2B2; phone 403-668-6628 (business), 403-633-2932 (home); fax 403-668-6638.

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly is seeking information about programs and community-based efforts (both institutional and grassroots) that deal with the issue of eliminating racism, and asks that Bahá’ís who are working to help lift the burden of racism in their schools and communities send information about those efforts to the National Teaching Committee Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

MISCELLANEOUS

WILL YOU be coming to Louhelen? Traveling to Detroit or Windsor, Ontario? We want to increase the number of Bahá’ís speaking on southeastern Michigan's radio interview programs. Topics or accomplishments should be those of interest to a large audience: newsworthy, provocative or controversial. Please let us know details of your travel plans and potential topics by contacting Roxane Firman, Bahá’í Office of Public Information of Southeastern Michigan, Farmington, MI 48336. (phone 313-442-2525; fax 313-442-2651).

RETIRED believers who are self-sufficient can help with teaching on Indian Reservations by relocating to homefront pioneer. For more information, please contact Ada James at the National Teaching Committee Office, 708-869-9039, ext. 361. [Page 15]

Faith represented at second Conference on Human Rights

Bahá’ís took part in a number of ways in the second World Conference on Human Rights held June 14-25 in Vienna, Austria.

The conference was sponsored by the United Nations and preceded by a Forum for UN Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) June 10-12, also in Vienna.

Although this was the second global human rights conference (the first was held in 1968 in Tehran, Iran), little connection was made between the two events.

According to Kit Cosby, who represented the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly at the Vienna conference, that lack of connection is an indication of the dramatic changes that have taken place in the world during the quarter-century since the first gathering was held.

According to Ms. Cosby, one of the most significant differences between the two conferences is the phenomenal change in the role and participation of NGOs.

Twenty-five years ago, she said, there were considerably fewer NGOs, and they played a relatively minor role. Governments generally did not take them seriously. In Vienna, however, more than 3,000 NGO representatives were present, and many governments now depend on the research and information they are able to provide.

Some governments even choose NGO representatives to serve on official government delegations.

Bahá’í participation in Vienna was coordinated by the Bahá’í International Community United Nations Office. Working closely with the BIC were representatives of the National Spiritual Assemblies of France, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States.

The Bahá’í delegation presented three statements at the conference (both written and oral); organized a classical concert in collaboration with the National Spiritual Assembly of Austria; took part in a panel discussion on religious intolerance and in five working groups; and was represented on the 12-person NGO Planning Committee which organized the International NGO Forum.

BIC STATEMENTS

In a series of statements addressing three main agenda items, the BIC identified a number of obstacles to the realization of universal human rights and presented solutions to them.

Also during the course of the conference, members of the Bahá’í delegation shared copies of the publication “The Bahá’í Question,” which exposes the systematic nature of the persecution of the Bahá’í community in Iran. The UN Commission on Human Rights has passed 11 resolutions in the last few years expressing its concern about reports of human rights abuses in Iran, with each one mentioning the Bahá’í situation, while the U.S. Congress has approved five resolutions condemning the mistreatment of Bahá’ís in Iran and calling on the U.S. government to raise the issue with the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. A sixth resolution was introduced in June.

BAHÁ’Í DISPLAY

The Bahá’í International Community Office of Public Information coordinated the design of a Bahá’í display and the dissemination of all Bahá’í materials at the conference. Besides providing up-to-date information to the press, the Office distributed thousands of pieces of Bahá’í material to those taking part in the conference.

CLASSICAL CONCERT

On June 18, at the Palais Palffy, the BIC and National Spiritual Assembly of Austria co-hosted a concert dedicated to the oneness of humanity. The featured soloists, violinist Bejan Khadem-Missagh and pianist Walter Delahunt, both of whom are Bahá’ís, performed music by Mozart, Beethoven and ‎Saint-Saens Saint-Saëns‎, among others.

“The concert,” said Techeste Ahderom, the main representative of the Bahá’í International Community to the United Nations, “was a resounding success.” Among the audience were a number of ambassadors, ministers and senior members of delegations from all continents, in addition to prominent Austrian guests invited by that country’s National Spiritual Assembly.

COLLABORATIVE EFFORT

One of the distinguishing features of Bahá’í participation in such events is the collaboration among local, national and international Bahá’í institutions. Under the over-all coordination of the Bahá’í International Community, representatives of eight National Spiritual Assemblies and more than 30 volunteers from the Austrian Bahá’í community staffed the booth, helped disseminate literature, hosted the concert and reception that followed, and took part in substantive discussions in various arenas.

Pictured next to the Bahá’í display at the World Conference on Human Rights held in June in Vienna, Austria, are (left to right) Kit Cosby, deputy director of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly Office of External Affairs; Techeste Ahderom, main representative of the Bahá’í International Community to the United Nations; and Lizbeth Bos, former representative of the Bahá’í International Community in Geneva, Switzerland.

TIME-LY ADVICE

On proper times to observe Bahá’í Holy Days

Follow the sun.

That’s the essential guideline for setting the time to observe Bahá’í Holy Days.

The commemoration of many Feasts and anniversaries in the Bahá’í year is fixed according to the position of the sun:

• The first day of Ridván, at about 3 p.m. on April 21.
• The anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb, at about two hours after sunset on May 22.
• The anniversary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, at 3 a.m. on May 29.
• The anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Báb, at about noon on July 9.
• The anniversary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, at 1 a.m. on November 28.

When this schedule is adhered to, the observances held on a Holy Day succeed one another for an entire 24 hours as the earth turns on its axis.

But the advent of daylight saving time in much of the United States has raised questions about how to fix the proper time for commemoration.

The answer is that standard time should continue to be used to set observances.

A letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi dated August 12, 1944, indicates the following:

“... Regarding your question of the proper time to celebrate or hold our meetings of commemoration: the time should be fixed by counting after sunset; the Master passed away one hour after midnight, which falls a certain number of hours after sunset; so His passing should be commemorated according to the sun and regardless of daylight saving time. The same applies to the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, Who passed away about eight hours after sunset.”

An exception is granted to believers living in the high latitudes, where the periods of daylight are abnormally long or short, depending on the season:

“As to whether the celebrating of the Feasts, Holy Days and the Fast should follow the rising and setting of the sun, in the high latitudes it is permissible to go by the clock.” [From the Universal House of Justice to the National Teaching Committee of Iceland, October 28, 1971]

The question also arises here in the summer months, when the sun sets quite late, as to whether a meeting that begins prior to sunset but continues on into darkness is considered to have been held on the Bahá’í day ending at sunset or the Bahá’í day beginning after sunset.

The following guidance was given on behalf of the Guardian in this regard:

“He would like to point out that if the believers gather before sundown on a certain date it does not matter if the meeting continues after sunset; it may still be considered as being held on the day they gathered.” [From a letter written to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, July 5, 1950]

FROM THE DECK of the new Bosch School Bookstore/Cafe, study and meet new friends in the distinctive atmosphere of the Bahá’í School of the West. See sunsets on the Pacific Ocean through the redwood forest of this lovely 67-acre site near Santa Cruz. Each week features a study session on the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and the practical application of Bahá’í principles in our own lives. Outstanding children’s program too.

For details of summer programs, phone 408-423-3387. Registrations can be made by phone.

More than 100 attend Race Unity Day event in Springfield, Illinois

More than 100 people, half of whom were not Bahá’ís, attended this year’s Race Unity Day observance June 13 in Springfield, Illinois.

Mayor Ossie Langfelder proclaimed June 13 “Racism. Just Undo It.” Day in Springfield, and was present at the observance to read the resolution. Also on the program was a talk by Juliette Whittaker, a Bahá’í from Peoria, and music by a six-piece jazz ensemble, two of whose members were Bahá’ís.

Symposium

from page 5

current cultural context).

Dr. Martha L. Schweitz, associate professor of law at Seinan Gakuin University in Japan (the Aqdas as the charter for a just and equitable body of international law).

Afterward, each of the speakers answered questions from the audience. Dr. Banani pointed out that the four presentations had had a composite effect—bringing the hearers closer to the “ocean” of Bahá’u’lláh’s mighty Revelation. [Page 16]

چین و آینده مبینش در ظل آئین رب‌العالمین

TEACHING OPPORTUNITY IN CHINA

نوشتۀ آقای فرزام کمال آبادی

یکی از نکات بسیار مهم که مبلغین بهائی هر کشوری و یا فرهنگی بدان مواجه خواهند بود، مسألۀ سطح سوادآموزی و عادت کتاب خوانی و روشنفکری و عشق به علم و اطلاعات و تعلیم و تربیت آن فرهنگ و ملت است که یکی از عوامل ایجاد استعداد برای شناخت امر و وسیلۀ تزئید معلومات آن مردم و فرهنگ می‌باشد. مطابق دائرةالمعارف آمریکا در مسألۀ تولید و چاپ و نشر کتب در چند سال اخیر چین رکورد بین‌المللی را شکست. (Encyclopedia Americana, 1990, p. 591)

مثلاً در سال ۱۹۸۳ در چین ۳۵ هزار عنوان کتاب مختلف مجموعاً در ۵/۸ بیلیون نسخه چاپ و منتشر شده و همین رقم انواع کتب مختلفه در سال ۱۹۸۸ بالغ بر ۶۲۹۶۲ عنوان در نزدیک به ۷ بیلیون نسخه بوده که توسط ۵۰۲ شرکت مطبوعاتی چاپ گردیده، در حینی که در همان سال ۱۹۸۸ در بزرگ‌ترین کشور آزاد کاپیتالیستی یعنی آمریکا که هر کسی هر نوع کتابی می‌توانسته تألیف و چاپ کند، تعداد انواع کتاب‌های چاپ و نشر شده فقط ۴۷۴۸۹ عنوان بوده است. در همان سال حدوداً ۱۰ هزار عنوان مجلات و روزنامه‌های مختلفه در چین چاپ می شده که جمعاً در ۲۰ بیلیون و ۷۲۰ میلیون نسخه روزنامه و ۲/۵ بیلیون نسخه مجله به دست نزدیک به یک بیلیون خوانندۀ مشتاق چینی از کودک و جوان و خرد و کلان می‌رسیده است.

در سال ۱۹۸۸ دستگاه عظیم تعلیم و تربیت چین دارای ۱۷۱۸۴۵ کودکستان و ۷۹۳۲۶۱ دبستان و ۹۴۴۴۹ دبیرستان و بیشتر از ۳۰۰۰ دانشگاه و کالج و مؤسسات معارف عالی و دانشکده‌های تربیت معلم بوده است. (منبع استخراج: EuroWorld Book of Statistics) ۱۲۳۷۳۰۰۰۰ نفر کودکان چینی محصلان دبستان بودند که معادل است با ۹۸ درصد از جمع کل کودکان در سن دبستانی در تمام چین. بنابراین در دهۀ اخیر چین به هدف مذکوره در فقرۀ ۴۶ اساس‌نامۀ دولت یعنی تعلیم و تربیت اجباری و عمومی دست یافت.

این ارقام سرسام‌آور بدینجا اختتام نمی‌یابد. به فرمودۀ حضرت ولی امرالله چین "از جهت ثروت داخله و قوای مکنونۀ مادیه و ادبیه و روحانیه تفوق بر هر مملکتی از ممالک عالم دارد." از برخی قوه‌های نهفتۀ چین سخنی کوتاه به میان رانده شد. بحث قوای مکنونۀ روحانیه چین و تصوف و عرفان و فلسفه و ایمان چین کنونی و چین باستان نیز از حوصلۀ این مقاله کوتاه خارج است. به ذکر یک دو نکته نمایانگر ثروت داخله و قوای مکنونۀ مادیۀ چین کفایت می‌شود. سرزمین چین از لحاظ وفور معادن سنگ‌های قیمتی و انواع فلزات و نفت و گاز و ذغال‌سنگ کشوری است بسیار ثروتمند طبق آمار ۱۹۸۹ بزرگ‌ترین ذخیرۀ ذغال‌سنگ عالم در معادن چین به مقدار یک بیلیون تن متری قرار گرفته که بعبارتی قادر است به تنهائی احتیاجات سوخت و انرژی تمام کرۀ ارض را برای چند قرن برآورده سازد.

دیوار چین

در جمال تو چنان صورت چین حیران شد که حدیثش همه جا بر و دیوار بماند

یگانه پدیده و اثر غیرطبیعی و تنها ساختۀ دست بشر که از کرۀ ماه با چشم بدون عینک قابل دیدن است دیوار چین می‌باشد که به درازای ۱۴۰۰ میل در قلب کوهستان‌های پیچاپیچ شمالی چین ساخته و بافته شده است. این عمارت بی‌همتا در ازای چندین نسل و در طی چندین سلسلۀ مختلفه (شروع حدوداً ۲۲۰ پیش از میلاد) بنا گشته و فی‌الحقیقه از عجایب تاریخ دنیاست و علامتی است حاکی از عادت درون‌گرائی مردم چین و نشانه‌ای است از استقلال‌جوئی و جدائی آنها از دنیای خارج.

ید غیبی در کار

وقت آن فرا رسیده که در این سنۀ اسرار در اثر رشحات این نوبهار یعنی ظهور آئین حضرت پروردگار این کشور مملو و سرشار از قدرت‌های نهفتۀ بی‌شمار که به گفتۀ ناپلئون همچون اژدهای ‎خفتۀ ای خفته‌ای‎ خاموش مانده بود، بیدار گردد.

به فرمودۀ حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله که "ید غیبی در کار است و انقلابات ارض مقدمۀ اعلان آئین پروردگار" اتفاقات و تغییرات اخیرۀ جهانی به نحوی سحرآمیز مملکت و مردم چین را در معرض ارتباط با جامعۀ پیروان حضرت بهاءالله قرار داده و موقعیت شناختی و قبول دین بهائی را فراهم آورده است.

خاطرنشان توان ساخت که بی‌ تردید ارادۀ غیبی الهی بود که این امکان را مقدر ساخت که همزمان با انقلاب ایران و نقل مکان خانواده‌های بهائی مهد امرالله بالاخص جوانان آن سامان به شهرها و کشورهای غرب گروه گروه دانشمندان و محصلان و محققان چین نیز درست در همان احیان (سال‌های ۱۹۷۹_۱۹۸۰) پس از سالیان سال موفق گشتند به دانشگاه‌های همین شهرها و دیار در همین اقطار مهاجرت نمایند و ساکن شوند و میسر گشت که این دو گروه بتوانند با یکدیگر مراوده و مشاوره و مبادلۀ نظر نمایند به نحوی که حال در آمریکا منحصراً در دانشگاه‌های رتبۀ اعلای این کشور ۹۰ هزار از نخبگان و برجستگان دانشمندان و محققان چین به تحصیل و تحقیق مشغول و به همین ترتیب در کانادا ۲۰ هزار و در استرالیا ۴۰ هزار و در کشورهای مهم اروپا نیز هزاران دانشمند و دانش آموز چین اصلی به فراگیری علم و دانش عالم خارج کوشا و بسیار مستعد پذیرش آئین یکتا و تعالیم بی‌همتای جمال ابهی می‌باشند.

همچنین عیان است که ارادۀ بالغۀ حضرت یزدان بود که کشور مالزی که بیشترین عدۀ نفوس مبلغان چینی‌زبان چیره دست بهائی را پرورانده و ذخیره نموده، درست ۳ سال پیش از این سنۀ مقدس دولتش ناگهان ممنوعیت اکید، اجازه دهد مردمانش به آزادی به سیر و سفر در کشور چین کمونیست پردازند و بدینوسیله امکان‌پذیر گردد که هزاران نفر از بهائیان چینی‌الاصل آن سامان به کشور مادری خود باز گردند و به عنوان مهاجر و یا مسافر به تبلیغ امر حضرت یزدان به قوم و خویشان و هم نژادان خود پردازند.

به همین قسم ارادۀ محکمۀ الهیه است که در ماه اکتبر همین سنۀ مقدسه پس از گذشت ۲ هزار سال برای اولین بار در تاریخ، امپراطور ژاپن شخصاً به ملاقات سران کشور چین در پکن برود، با وجودی که در همین نسل ‎سرسخت‌تین سرسخت‌ترین‎ دشمن همدیگر محسوب بودند و همچنین در همین سنۀ رابطۀ دشمنانه و تیرۀ چین و اسرائیل به مراودۀ دوستانه تبدیل گردید و هم امسال چین کمونیست و کرۀ جنوبی کاپیتالیست روابط کاملۀ سیاسی و تجاری و غیره بر قرار نمودند.

(ادامه در شمارۀ آینده)

تبلیغ چینیان

CHINESE TEACHING ACTIVITIES

در طی نقشۀ هفت ساله آقای ادوارد لی Edward Lee ساکن لیک آسویگو Lake Oswego در ایالت اورگان اولین بهائی چینی آن ایالت بود.

در ماه جون سال جاری همسر آقای لی، خانم تری Terri که او هم چینی است، و نیز دخترشان شوانا Shawana به امر حضرت بهاءالله اقبال کردند. این عزیزان در حال حاضر ساکن جامعۀ امری تایگرد Tigard در ایالت اورگانند.

همچنین در ماه گذشته ۴ تن دیگر از افراد چینی تبار نیز به امر مبارک اقبال کردند و تعداد این مؤمنان در حال حاضر بالغ بر ۱۰ نفر شده است. در حال حاضر همۀ این بهائیان تازه تصدیق در بنیاد گسترش فرهنگ آسیائی ـ که مؤسسۀ تبلیغی شهر پورتلند است ـ به مطالعۀ آثار امری مشغولند.

روز ۲۸ جون بیش از ۷۵ نفر از احباء و میهمانانشان در یک پیک‌نیک که با همت احبای شهر تایگرد ترتیب داده شده بود، شرکت کردند و ۴۵ نفر از حاضران از افراد چینی تبار بودند.

کتب و نشریات امری

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مثنوی مبارک به خط جناب مشکین قلم

اخیراً لجنۀ نشر آثار امری به لسان فارسی و عربی در آلمان مثنوی مبارک حضرت بهاءالله را که به طرز شکسته نستعلیق توسط خوشنویس معروف بهائی جناب میرزا حسین مشکین قلم (۱۸۲۶_۱۹۱۲) ترقیم شده، در مجموعه‌ای نفیس منتشر نموده است. این مجموعه در ۴۵ صفحه به قطع ۳۰ در ۲۱/۵ سانتی متر روی زمینۀ رنگی با تذهیب عالی چاپ شده است.

دکتر وحید رأفتی سابقۀ نزول مثنوی مبارک و خوشنویسی جناب مشکین قلم و همچنین شرح حال مختصر ایشان را در مقدمه نگاشته‌اند و این امر مجموعه را جامع‌تر می‌نماید.

یاران عزیز می‌توانند برای خرید این مجموعۀ زیبا با کتابدار محل خود و یا مستقیماً با لجنۀ نشر آثار امری در آلمان تماس حاصل نمایند.

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مجلۀ پیام بدیع

• سال جدید که آغاز یازدهمین سال مجلۀ پیام بدیع است همراه با انتشار ضمیمۀ جدید مجلۀ برای نوجوانان و نونهالان بود. امید است خانواده‌های ایرانی از این بخش برای آشنا نمودن نوباوگان و ‎نو جوانان نوجوانان‎ عزیز با زبان فارسی استفادۀ شایان برند.

• ضمناً از یاران گرامی بویژه مشترکین محترم ماهنامۀ "پیام بدیع" تقاضا می‌شود که طبق قرار محفل مقدس روحانی ملی حق اشتراک مجله را در وجه Payam-i Badi’ و به نشانی زیر ارسال فرمایند.

Payam-i Badi’ P.O. Box 698 Clifton, NJ. 07012 [Page 17]

خدمات احباء در زمینه وحدت نژادی

RACE UNITY

هنگامی که بهائیان گینزویل Gainesville در ایالت فلوریدا اندکی پس از شورش‌های شهر لوس آنجلس نظر امر مبارک را در کمیسیون شهر درباره وحدت نژادی اظهار می‌داشتند، توجه چندانی بدانان نشد. اما از همان زمان به بعد جامعة بهائی آن شهر رهبری امور مربوط به نژاد را به دست گرفت.

فردای آن روز دفتر شهردار از احباء دعوت کرد در اولین جلسة کمیسیون شهر شرکت کنند و روابط بین سیاهپوستان آن شهر و پلیس را بهبود بخشند. چندی نگذشت که یک نمایندة بهائی در سه کمیسیون مسؤول ایجاد شورای هماهنگی امور نژادی به خدمت برگزیده شد.

از هیچ گروه دینی دیگری دعوت نشده بود که در کمیسیون‌های مذکور شرکت داشته باشد. اعضای کمیسیون‌ها را مسؤولان آموزش و پرورش و امور بهداشت و پلیس و دیگر سازمان‌های اجتماعی تشکیل می‌دادند. از زمان تشکیل کمیسیون‌های مذکور احباء وظیفة هماهنگ‌سازی را بر عهده داشته و کوشیده اند با در نظر گرفتن همة جوانب راه حل‌هائی ارائه دهند. از جمله بیانیه و دستورالعملی برای شورای هماهنگی امور نژادی تهیه دیده اند.

در بیانیة دیگری که از جانب احباء صادر شد، نیاز به عمران و بهسازی جامعه و ایجاد شرایط لازم برای کاهش تقاضا برای خدمات اجتماعی تأکید شده است. همچنین سهمی که تبعیضات و تعصبات نژادی در مسائل پیچیدة اجتماعی بر عهده دارد، مورد توجه قرار گرفته و مسؤولیت اخلاقی مقامات دولتی تأکید شده و تحلیلی از خدمات اجتماعی صورت گرفته است. بیانیة مذکور مورد قبول شهردار کنونی قرار گرفته است. احباء به خاطر اینگونه خدمات از جمله منابع اصلی برای مشاورات و یافتن راه حل‌های عملی در آن منطقه به شمار می‌روند.

تماس‌هائی که جامعة بهائی با سازمان‌های اجتماعی داشته این نتیجه را هم فراهم آورده است که در حال حاضر یکی از نمایندگان این سازمان‌ها هر هفته در یکی از جلسات تبلیغی حضور می‌یابد و به مطالعة آثار بهائی می‌پردازد.

وحدت نژادی

RACE UNITY

محفل روحانی نیویورک هیئتی برای رسیدگی به تعصبات و تبعیضات نژادی و تهیة برنامه‌هائی برای از میان بردن این شر اجتماعی تشکیل داده است. این هیئت را .Racism. Just Undo It نامیده‌اند که مفهوم آن به زبان فارسی "ازالة تعصبات نژادی" است.

هر چند این هیئت در نیویورک تشکیل شده است، با این حال اعضای آن امیدوارند که خدمات و پیشنهادها و برنامه‌های هیئت مورد توجه و تأسی دیگر جوامع نیز قرار گیرد. هیئت مذکور به منظور اشاعة وحدت نژادی و از میان بردن تعصبات نژادی موادی تهیه کرده است که شامل بیرقی حاوی شعار ویژه هیئت است. همچنین مواد دیگری نیز در نظر گرفته شده است که می‌توان از آن در غرفه نمایشگاه‌ها با ملاحظة نیازهای هر یک از جوامع استفاده کرد.

احبای نیویورک موضوع وحدت نژادی را سرلوحه خدمات خود در طی نقشه سه ساله قرار داده و در صدد است برنامه‌های مربوط به گسترش وحدت نژادی را به شرح زیر تهیه نماید:

• موادی برای استفاده در مدارس در دست تهیه است. موادی نیز برای استفاده آموزگاران در پائیز امسال توزیع خواهد شد و یک سلسله سمینار نیز تهیه شده است که در ضمن آن گروه‌های نژادی موادی از فرهنگ خود را به دیگران خواهند آموخت.
• در تابستان سال جاری هیئت ازالة تعصبات نژادی در ۵ مجمع شرکت کرد و در آن ۲۰ برنامة مربوط به وحدت نژادی را ارائه نمود و دو بیرق مخصوص تهیه کرد.
• جزوه ای به منظور اشاعة وحدت نژادی تهیه شده و قرار است در غرفه نمایشگاه در دسترس همگان باشد.
• برچسبی با عنوان "منطقة خالی از تعصب نژادی" Racism Free Zone طراحی و تهیه شده است. این برچسب را می‌توان از طریق تماس با هیئت مذکور سفارش داد. تلفن: ۳۱۵۰ـ۴۶۵ (۲۱۲).
• روز جمعه هر هفتة جلسة شامی برای ایجاد وحدت نژادی تشکیل می‌شود.
• کوشش‌های مربوط به تأمین مخارج هم اکنون آغاز گردیده است. ادامة برنامه‌های هیئت مذکور مستلزم داشتن منابع مالی است. محفل روحانی نیویورک در صدد است که یک سازمان غیرانتفاعی برای گسترش وحدت نژادی تشکیل دهد.

دیگر فعالیت‌هائی که قرار است در آینده صورت گیرد عبارت است از: تهیة پوشاکی که بر آن شعار "ازالة وحدت نژادی" نقش بسته باشد؛ تهیة موادی برای استفاده رسانه‌های همگانی؛ تهیه برنامه‌های موسیقی بومی و غیره.

روز ۶ ماه جون سال جاری ۲۵ نفر از بهائیان و دوستانشان در یک راهپیمائی در برانکس Bronx شرکت کردند. تنوع نژادی این گروه چشمگیر بود.

صبح آن روز همة شرکت‌کنندگان در این راهپیمائی در محل مخصوص خود گرد هم آمده بودند که از احباء نیز درخواست شده بود که در این راهپیمائی شرکت نمایند.

یاران در چند ردیف راهپیمائی می‌کردند و با افتخار بیرق‌هائی را که در دست داشتند به گروه تماشائیانی که در محله سیاهپوستان و اسپانیولی زبان‌ها به نظاره ایستاده بودند، نشان می‌دادند.

اخبار امری از اطراف جهان

NEWS FROM THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD

جمهوری آذربایجان

در ماه می سال جاری کانونشن ملی به باکو در جمهوری آذربایجان سفر کردند. خانم ویولت نخجوانی در این سفر همراه حضرت خانم بودند. آقای عباس کثیری عضو هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای نیز در باکو به ایشان ملحق شدند.

رئیس پارلمان آذربایجان از امة‌البهاء به گرمی استقبال کرد. حضرت خانم در طی دیدار خود از آذربایجان در یک مصاحبة مطبوعات که در هتل محل اقامتشان ترتیب یافته بود، شرکت کردند و در دانشگاه باکو در حضور ۶۰ نفر از استادان و دانشجویان دانشگاه سخنرانی کردند و همچنین در دانشگاه سومگایت Sumgait نیز در حضور حدود ۴۰۰ نفر دربارة "الکل و مواد مخدر" نطقی ایراد فرمودند.

رومانی

در ماه می سال جاری گروه بازیگران تئاتر وایلدفایر Wildfire از کشور استرالیا چنان شور و شوقی در رومانی ایجاد کردند که موجب تصدیق ۶۰ نفر شد.

گروه مذکور در روزهای ۲۴ تا ۲۹ می برنامه‌های گوناگونی در شهرهای مختلف رومانی از جمله بخارست پایتخت آن کشور اجرا کرد و در هر برنامه عده‌ای تصدیق امر مبارک کردند. در هفته‌ای که این برنامه‌ها اجرا می‌شد، شرح آن در رسانه‌های همگانی منعکس می‌شد.

سیرا لئون

محفل روحانی ملی سیرا لئون Sierra Leone اعلان کرد که محفل مذکور در ۲۱ اپریل سال جاری به ثبت رسمی مملکتی رسیده است. مطابق اعلان محفل سیرا لئون برکات سال مقدس یکی از عوامل این موفقیت بوده است.

موفقیت‌های یاران

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

خانم سهیلا خسروانی‌فر، یکی از احبای ساکن لیک آسویگو Lake Oswego واقع در ایالت اورگان بعنوان یکی از رهبران صنعت برای تحقیق و تحصیل در سال‌های تحصیلی ۱۹۹۳ تا ۱۹۹۵ در مؤسسة مشهور ام آی تی برگزیده شده است.

خانم خسروانی‌فر ۱۳ سال پیش به آمریکا آمد و در سال ۱۹۹۱ لیسانس خود را در دو رشته ریاضیات و مهندسی برق گرفت و سپس موفق شد فوق لیسانس خود را در رشته مدیریت و بازرگانی از دانشگاه ایالتی پورتلند دریافت دارد و اینهمه موفقیت در حالی صورت گرفته که خانم خسروانی‌فر به کار در دو شغل مختلف نیز اشتغال داشته و اخیراً در سمت مدیر طرح در یکی از دوائر شرکت هواپیماسازی بوئینگ مشغول به کار بوده است. ایشان پس از پایان دورة تحصیل در ام آی تی به اخذ دو مدرک فوق لیسانس یکی در رشتة برنامه‌ریزی کامپیوتر و دیگری در رشتة مهندسی کامپیوتر موفق خواهد شد.

موفقیت هر چه بیشتر این بهائی نمونه را آرزو می‌کنیم.

خردسال نمونه

EXEMPLARY ACTION

در برنامة آخر سال تحصیلی یکی از مدارس کالیفرنیا یک خردسال بهائی به نام پیمان زرغامی عهده‌دار ایراد نطق آغاز برنامه بود. بیش از ۴۰۰ نفر از پدران و مادران و آموزگاران و شاگردان آن مدرسه در این برنامه که روز ۱۴ ماه جون سال جاری اجرا شد، شرکت داشتند. نطق پیمان حاوی گزیده‌هائی از آثار حضرت بهاءالله درباره تعلیم و تربیت بود.

در طی این برنامه پیمان جایزه‌ای دریافت داشت که به شاگردان ممتاز اهداء می‌شد. پیش از این نطق پیمان برای گروهی از خردسالان ۸ تا ۱۲ سالة بهائی سخنرانی دیگری دربارة مطالب امری ایراد کرده بود.

موفقیت این خردسال عزیز و بااستعداد بهائی را به او و خانواده‌اش تبریک می‌گوئیم.

مهاجرت داخله

HOMEFRONT PIONEERING

احبای شهر نیاگارا فالز Niagara Falls در ایالت نیویورک برای تبلیغ امر مبارک و تشکیل محفل روحانی به مهاجر احتیاج دارند. از علاقه مندان تقاضا می‌شود برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با آقای فرهمند نوران بخت تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۵۹۱۱ـ۳۳۰ (۴۱۶). [Page 18]

ترجمه پیام بیت العدل اعظم

MESSAGES FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

خطاب به عموم محافل روحانی ملی که در ۲۵ جون ۱۹۹۳ با وسائل الکترونیک مخابره شده است

با کمال خوشوقتی دیدار سر جولیوس چان Sir Julius Chan قائم مقام رئیس‌الوزرای کشور گینه جدید Papua New Guinea و همسرشان لیدی چان Lady Chan را از مرکز جهانی بهائی در ۱۲ جون ۱۹۹۳ که ضمن بازدید رسمی از کشور اسرائیل صورت گرفت، به اطلاع یاران عزیز می‌رسانیم.

ملاقات سر جولیوس چان با بیت‌العدل اعظم که به تقاضای معزی‌الیه برای مشورت درباره نقش آینده ملت نوپای گینه جدید (پاپوآ) و نیز مقدرات منطقه پاسیفیک صورت گرفت، حائز اهمیت شایان است. مذاکراتی که در محل اجلاس بیت‌العدل اعظم انجام شد، معطوف به مشاوره درباره امکانات ملل منطقه پاسیفیک جهت ارائه سرمشق و نمونه برای وحدت و یگانگی و همکاری متقابل بود. سر جولیوس از موفقیت‌های جامعه بهائی اظهار خوشوقتی و امتنان نمود و نحوه اقدامات بهائی را برای تحول فردی و اجتماعی تمجید کرد. ملاقات با سر جولیوس چان متعاقب جلسات مشابه قبلی با رئیس‌الوزرای جزائر کوک و رئیس‌جمهور جزائر مارشال شاهد دیگری از عکس‌العمل شایان توجه رؤسای دول منطقه پاسیفیک به اصول امر بهائی و منادی اجرای دستورات و نصایح طبیب الهی برای شفای آلام گوناگون عالم انسانی بوسیله زمامداران و سیاست‌مداران جهان در آینده ایام است.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

ترجمه پیام بیت العدل اعظم

خطاب به بهائیان جهان مورخ ۲۷ جون ۱۹۹۳

یاران عزیز الهی،

لازمه موفقیت و پیشرفت امر الهی انتشار مستمر مهاجرین و مبلغین سیار در سراسر جهان است. در طی نقشه شش‌ساله متجاوز از چهار هزار نفر از احباء به قصد مهاجرت طولانی یا کوتاه‌مدت اوطان خود را ترک گفتند. این امر هم حاکی از تحرک روزافزونی است که امکانات کنونی دنیا فراهم می‌آورد و هم نشانه اشتیاق یاران به پیش‌بردن امر الهی است در هر کجا که نیاز بیشتری وجود دارد و نیز دلیل بر آن است که باید روش‌های جدیدی اتخاذ گردد تا از این حرکت عظیم یاران الهی حد اکثر استفاده حاصل گردد.

بنا بر این ضمن مشورت با دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی مقرر شده است که در نقشه سه‌ساله طرح جدیدی برای اعزام مهاجرین به کار برده شود.

اساس این روش آن است که یاران الهی می‌توانند از هر نقطه‌ای که در آن ساکن هستند به هر نقطه مهاجرتی در جهان که مایل باشند، عزیمت نمایند. نقاطی که نیازمند به مهاجرت خواه طولانی یا کوتاه مدت نباشد، بسیار اندک است. به منظور کمک به داوطلبان هجرت برای انتخاب نقطه مهاجرتی فهرستی از چهار نوع اهداف مهاجرتی تهیه شده است که نیازمندی‌های خاص هر نوع را مشخص می‌سازد. نقاط مهاجرتی مزبور شامل چهار نوع ممالک و سرزمین‌هائی می‌شوند که شرح آنها ذیلاً مندرج گردیده است:

۱ـ نقاطی که در حال حاضر امکانات ثمربخشی برای توسعه سریع امر الهی در آنها وجود دارد و باید به فوریت مورد استفاده قرار گیرد.

۲ـ نقاطی که امر الهی در آنها تأسیس شده و لیکن به مهاجرین احتیاج است تا رشد و پیشرفت امرالله را به جریان اندازند و برای تأسیس مراکز جدید امری کمک و مساعدت نمایند.

۳ـ نقاطی که جریان توسعه و تحکیم امرالله سرعت قابل ملاحظه‌ای دارد، اما در عین حال به مهاجرینی نیاز است که بتوانند وظایف خاصی از قبیل جلب توجه و علاقه مندی اشخاص برجسته یا تقویت جوامع بهائی در نواحی بخصوص و یا کمک به مشروعات مربوط به توسعه و عمران اجتماعی و اقتصادی را بر عهده گیرند.

۴ـ بالاخره نقاطی که به مهاجرین بسیار نیازمند است، اما به عللی نظیر تضییقات برای اقدامات امری یا ناامنی یا اوضاع و احوال دیگر مهاجرت به آن نقاط مشکل است. در این نقاط به یاران احتیاج است که با کاردانی و تدبیر فرصت‌های مناسبی برای مهاجرت بدان نقاط بیابند.

فهرستی که ضمیمه این متحدالمال می‌باشد برای استحضار خاطر یاران الهی است. اطلاعات تفصیلی برای بسیاری از این ممالک در اختیار محافل روحانی ملی و هیئت‌های مشاورین قاره‌ای و لجنات مهاجرت قاره‌ای قرار داده می‌شود. این فهرست و نیز اطلاعات تفصیلی مذکور به تدریج که مهاجرین و مبلغین سیار نیازمندی‌های موجود را تأمین نمایند، در فواصل زمانی معین تجدید نظر و تکمیل خواهد شد.

بسیاری از محافل روحانی ملی تقبل نموده‌اند که بعنوان اهداف مربوط به همکاری‌های بین‌المللی در نقشه سه‌ساله تعداد معینی مهاجرین و مبلغین سیار اعزام دارند. اما همان طور که فوقاً متذکر شدیم حتی در کشورهائی که چنان اهداف مشخصی در نظر نگرفته‌اند، یاران الهی مختارند برای خدمات فوق‌الذکر قیام نمایند.

هر یک از یاران که اشتیاق به سفرهای تبلیغی یا مهاجرت طولانی یا کوتاه‌مدت دارند، باید فوراً برای کسب راهنمائی و تهیه اطلاعات مورد نیاز به محفل روحانی ملی متبوع یا لجنات ملیه مربوطه مراجعه نمایند. همچنین می‌توانند با مشاورین یا اعضاء هیئت معاونت یا لجنه قاره‌ای مهاجرت مشورت کنند و با دعا و مناجات و توسل به مشورت و در نظر گرفتن تجارب و علاقه مندی‌ها و امکانات شخصی هدف مهاجرتی خود را تعیین نمایند و با توکل به تأییدات جمال اقدس ابهی برای خدمت به امر الهی به سرزمین‌های بعیده حرکت نمایند.

هنوز مناطق وسیعی از عالم موجود است که تا به حال پای احباء بدان نقاط نرسیده و میلیون‌ها نفر با ناامیدی تشنه آب حیات روحانی هستند و نیز کشورهائی وجود دارد که در آنها احباء شبانه‌روز در تلاشند تا موجبات رشد و نمو شجر امرالله را فراهم سازند و محتاج کمک فوری می‌باشند. در آستان مقدس صمیمانه دعا می‌کنیم که یاران دلیر و ثابت قدمی قیام نمایند و موجی از مهاجرین و مبلغین سیار به حرکت آید تا علم امرالله را برافرازند و افواج سپاه الهی را در هر کشور و سرزمینی تقویت نمایند.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی بیت العدل اعظم

کشورها و سرزمین‌هائی که نیازمند مهاجرین و مبلغین سیار هستند

جون ۱۹۹۳

گروه ۱

در ممالک و سرزمین‌های این گروه در حال حاضر فرصت‌های ثمربخشی برای انتشار سریع امرالله موجود است که باید به فوریت مورد استفاده قرار گیرد. برای ممالک و سرزمین‌هائی که دارای محفل ملی نیستند، نام محفل روحانی ملی مسؤول یا سرزمین مزبور در تحت اشراف آن قرار دارد، در داخل پرانتز نوشته شده است.

(دوستان عزیز می‌توانند برای آگاهی از نام کشورها و سرزمین‌هائی که نیازمند مهاجرین و مبلغین سیارند، به صفحات انگلیسی این نشریه رجوع نمایند.)

گروه ۲

در ممالک و سرزمین‌های این گروه امر الهی تأسیس شده و لیکن به مهاجرین احتیاج است تا رشد و پیشرفت امرالله را به جریان اندازند و برای تأسیس مراکز جدید امری کمک و مساعدت نمایند....

(دوستان عزیز می‌توانند برای آگاهی از نام کشورها و سرزمین‌هائی که نیازمند مهاجرین و مبلغین سیارند، به صفحات انگلیسی این نشریه رجوع نمایند.)

گروه ۳

در ممالک و سرزمین‌های این گروه جریان توسعه و تحکیم امرالله سرعت قابل ملاحظه‌ای دارد، اما در عین حال به مهاجرینی نیاز است که بتوانند وظایف خاصی از قبیل جلب توجه و علاقه مندی اشخاص برجسته یا تقویت جوامع بهائی در نواحی بخصوص و یا کمک به مشروعات مربوط به توسعه و عمران اجتماعی و اقتصادی را بر عهده گیرند.

(دوستان عزیز می‌توانند برای آگاهی از نام کشورها و سرزمین‌هائی که نیازمند مهاجرین و مبلغین سیارند، به صفحات انگلیسی این نشریه رجوع نمایند.)

گروه ۴

ممالک و سرزمین‌های ذیل جزو ‎چه آنهایی که‎ بسیار نیازمند مهاجرین است، اما به عللی نظیر تضییقات برای اقدامات امری یا ناامنی یا اوضاع و احوال دیگر هجرت به آن نقاط مشکل است. در این نقاط احتیاج به یارانی است که با کاردانی و تدبیر فرصت‌های مناسبی برای مهاجرت بدان نقاط بیابند.... یارانی که مایل به مهاجرت یا سفر تبلیغی به این مناطق حساس می‌باشند، باید به نحوی که ذیلاً ذکر شده است با مرکز جهانی بهائی تماس حاصل کنند.

(دوستان عزیز می‌توانند برای آگاهی از نام کشورها و سرزمین‌هائی که نیازمند مهاجرین و مبلغین سیارند، به صفحات انگلیسی این نشریه رجوع نمایند.)

از دوستان عزیز مستدعی است تقدیمی‌های حقوق‌الله را در وجه Bahá’í Huququ’llah Trust به نشانی یکی از امنای حقوق‌الله ارسال فرمایند. Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA. 90402 Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH. 44116 Dr. Elsie Austin Silver Spring, MD. 20910

[Page 19]

Maxwell SCHOOL

Thirteen students from continental U.S. are among 43 members of second class to graduate from Canadian school

Thirteen students from the continental United States and two from Alaska were among the 43 members of the Maxwell International Bahá’í School’s second graduating class in June.

Graduates from the U.S. are Erika Crichton, Jessica Dobbs, Adalia Ellis, Sarih Frey, Amin Jalali, Amy Johnston, Lorian Maendal, Susan Mali, Kris Martin, Shervin Parvini, Forest Patton, Betsy Scheidet and Sean Wolfe.

Miss Ellis won the school’s coveted Eagle Award for moral leadership by a female student and the Performing Arts award. Miss Frey and Mr. Jalali were named outstanding students of the year.

In addition, Miss Frey won the English award and Mr. Jalali the math and science awards. Miss Crichton won the award for academic improvement.

Besides Alaska, their classmates are from Bolivia, Canada, Chad, Ecuador, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Spain and Uganda.

Graduation ceremonies were held the weekend of June 24-26 with a formal dinner for graduates and their families on Friday, commencement exercises Saturday afternoon, a dance that evening followed by an all-night pool and pizza party, and a ceremony Sunday afternoon honoring graduates and staff.

The graduates also found time to clean their rooms, pack their belongings, and say goodbye to their friends.

Arturo Serrano, a member of the Continental Board of Counselors whose son, Navid, was in the graduating class, addressed the seniors and their families at Friday’s dinner.

“We need more Maxwell Schools,” he said, “institutions that place education in its proper dimension—not only academic education but education for moral and service commitments.”

Anne Wilson, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, gave the commencement address Saturday afternoon and recalled her first meeting as a member of that body six years ago, at which the first topic on the agenda was whether to purchase property on Vancouver Island (present site of the Maxwell School) to fulfill a long-time wish of the Assembly to provide a first-rate Bahá’í educational facility for the youth of the world.

Nearly half of the graduates plan to go on to further schooling. Many others are to join teaching projects or offer a year of service in the following countries: Bolivia, Chile, Honduras, Israel, Madagascar, Mexico, Romania, Russia, Thailand, Zambia.

During the final weeks of the school session, a number of last year’s graduates returned to what they call their “home,” helping in a variety of ways. Many of them attended the graduation ceremony.

American Red Cross honors Dr. Turpin, Bahá’í who founded Project Concern

In 1962, Dr. James W. Turpin parlayed an award from the U.S. Jaycees into an opportunity to speak widely about his ‎fledging fledgling‎ Project Concern.

The result was an outpouring of assistance that helped the health care organization grow to the point that today it is a $10 million-a-year operation serving the needs of disadvantaged children worldwide.

Now, Dr. Turpin, a Bahá’í who lives in Fairview, North Carolina, has been recognized by the American Red Cross Overseas Association as its 1993 International Humanity Award winner for his work as founder of Project Concern.

The 65-year-old Dr. Turpin accepted the Red Cross honor June 26 in San Antonio, Texas. The Humanity Award has been presented since 1956 to 31 individuals or groups, including nonagenarian entertainer Bob Hope, the late author Pearl S. Buck, and Habitat for Humanity founder Millard Fuller.

Awardees “receive a gift of support for projects with which they are affiliated and are remembered in the future for possible additional support,” according to a confirmation letter sent to Dr. Turpin in May by Charlotte A. Leedy, president of the Association.

“This shows that the organization I started 30 years ago has prospered in its work and that capable people continue to lead it and expand it,” Dr. Turpin told the Asheville (N.C.) Citizen-Times in a June 6 front-page story.

“They just go from good things to better,” he told another newspaper, the Charlotte Observer, in a June 26 story. “The best thing I ever did was to hire good people and turn them loose.”

Dr. Turpin left Project Concern in 1974 but remains a trustee and fund raiser for the San Diego-based agency, which operates children’s health projects in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Romania and in two American inner cities.

It is for his work in Vietnam, however, that Dr. Turpin is best known.

The Kentucky native was an ordained Methodist minister and physician practicing private medicine in Coronado, California, when he started working with the poor in Tijuana, Mexico, in 1959.

An American sailor told him of the horrendous living conditions in disease-ridden Hong Kong, and soon afterward he visited that country to see for himself. In 1962, with support made possible by his recognition as one of the U.S. Jaycees’ “Ten Outstanding Young Men,” he opened a “floating clinic” in Hong Kong harbor to serve the thousands of people who live their entire lives on sampans without ever stepping ashore.

Then Dr. Turpin became aware of the plight of the starving Montagnard tribes in Vietnam. He and other American doctors and nurses went to work there, amid the horrors of war, until 1972, when it became too dangerous to remain. His diary of those experiences formed the basis for a best-selling book, Vietnam Doctor.

After he resigned as director of Project Concern in 1974, Dr. Turpin returned to his native Appalachia to renew himself with work among the region’s people. There, while trying to deal with the death of his 23-year-old son in a plane crash, he found comfort in the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh.

He had been introduced to the Faith by Donna Wrenn Turner, a volunteer with Project Concern whom he later married.

As he told the San Diego Union in a 1980 interview, “After my son Keith died in the airplane accident and I was wondering why it had to be him, Wrenn sent me a Bahá’í booklet entitled ‘The Open Door.’”

The book, he said, “compared God to a gardener and suggested that from time to time our lives need replanting from one flower bed to another and if we really understand it, this [death] is really a cause for celebration.

“I needed that message,” he said. “It came at just the right time.”

Dr. Turpin embraced the Faith in 1976 and has actively spoken to audiences about it ever since.

He now is director of Health Designs, an industrial medicine service of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Asheville.

In February, he was forced by heart surgery to forego a return trip to Vietnam with 43 doctors and nurses from around the world. He is scheduled to go there next February, though, to rededicate a hospital Project Concern started in Lin Hip to the men and women of all sides who died in the Vietnam conflict.

Yufenika O’Neal, a sixth-grade student at Renfroe Middle School in Decatur, Georgia, the first-prize winner in an essay contest on race unity sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Decatur, is presented a T-shirt bearing the message ‘America’s Challenge: World Peace Through Racial Unity’ by Larry Strickland and Karen Ryan at an Honors Assembly on June 8. The contest theme was ‘What Can One Person Do to Promote Understanding Among People of Different Colors?’ Cash awards and T-shirts were presented to the top three entrants, Miss O’Neal, whose essay centered on ‘five rules for all colors of the world,’ and eighth graders Kea Williams and Kyonzte Hughes.

March

from page 8

the official travel agent for the March, Henderson Travel Service, 1-800-234-2309.

For housing in the D.C. area, please call Washington, D.C., Accommodations, 1-800-554-2220, or Capitol Reservations, 1-800-847-4832.

Note: The National Spiritual Assembly offices in Wilmette and Washington cannot reimburse the travel or other expenses incurred by Bahá’í participants in the March, make arrangements for housing, or provide further information on those matters. Bahá’ís must make arrangements on their own.

Special note to believers in the Washington, D.C., area:

The National Assembly addresses a special appeal to the friends in your area, for whom the March is most accessible. Your participation in large numbers will go a long way toward enhancing the Faith’s growing reputation as a leader in the movement for racial harmony.

Your Spiritual Assembly or Group may also wish to organize special events (providing refreshments, preparing banners, holding proclamations or firesides in connection with the March, serving as Bahá’í marshals, etc.) during that weekend, or to help in some way with logistics.

If your Assembly or Group would like to be responsible for such a project, please contact the National Spiritual Assembly’s office in Washington, 202-833-8990, which is a clearing-house for Bahá’í participation in the event.

THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í
Subscription rates
Outside continental U.S. only

! 1 Year ! 2 Years
First class/Surface	$24	$45
Air Mail	$32	$60
Please make check payable to: Bahá’í Subscriber Service, c/o Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. All orders must be pre-paid in U.S. currency. VISA/MasterCard accepted; please include full account number and expiration date.

[Page 20]

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The Bahá’ís of Columbia County, Maryland, took part June 18-20 in the 16th annual Columbia City Fair. Pictured (left to right) at the Bahá’í booth, which was constructed to evoke a sense of serenity and beauty and won an honorable mention award for community service, are Madelaine Lamb, Robin Sinex, James Genus Jr., Mary Munion and (in front) Suzanne Lamb.

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS.

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

A. NAME(S): 1. I.D.# Title 2. I.D.# Title 3. I.D.# Title 4. LD.# This form may be used for one person or your entire family. Please be sure to list FULL NAMES AND LD. NUMBERS for all individuals, ages 15 years or older, who will be affected by this change. Title

C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS: B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: Street address Apartment # (If applicable) City State D. NEW COMMUNITY: Name of new Bahá’í Community P.O. Box or Other mailing address Apartment # (If applicable) City Zip code State Zip code

E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: |F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S): Area code Phone number Name Moving date Area code Phone number Name

G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: we do not have the same last name. We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and LD. number(s) listed above.

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

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

H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY: Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, LD. number and address above.

AUGUST

27-29: Young Black Males' Conference (co-sponsored with South Carolina Action Council for Cross-Cultural Mental Health and Human Services), Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

28: 30th Anniversary Observance of the March on Washington: Jobs, Justice and Peace Washington, D.C. Bahá’ís who would like to take part should contact the National Spiritual Assembly's Washington office, 202-833-8990.

28-September 4: 1993 Parliament of the World's Religions, Palmer House Hotel, Chi-cago, Illinois.

31-September 5: Bahá’í Youth Service Corps Training and Pioneer Training Institute, Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039.

SEPTEMBER

3-6: Homecoming, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

3-6: "Race Unity and the Revolutionizing Agency of Bahá’u’lláh," Green Acre Bahá’í School. For information, phone 207-439-7200.

3-7: "Fire in the Darkness," the fourth annual regional Carolina Bahá’í Youth Conference, Camp Chestnut Ridge, near Chapel Hill. Cost is $65 and is for youth in grades 6-12. For information, phone Vance Remick, 919-942-3909, or write to Carrboro, NC 27510.

5-11: "The Three Year Plan and Beyond," Landegg Academy, Switzerland.

10-12: "Faith. Family and the Future," annual commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Confirmed presenters: Counselor Wilma Ellis, Marguerite Sears, Louise Matthias, Sharon and Carl Ewing. Special program for youth; children's classes, nursery. For information, phone 303-928-0543.

10-12: "How to adjust to life and feel more fulfilled," a weekend in Mandarin for Chinese friends of the Faith with a parallel program in English, Bosch Bahá’í School. Tuition is $50 per person (special reduced rate). For information or to register, phone the school at 408-423-3387 (fax 408-423-7564). Plan to arrive Friday at 4:30 p.m. to register and have dinner before the opening session. Registration deadline is September 1.

17-19: Green Lake Bahá’í Conference, American Baptist Assembly Conference Grounds, Green Lake, Wisconsin. To make housing reservations, phone 1-800-558-8898. The conference begins at 1:30 p.m. Friday and ends at noon Sunday. Special guests: Counselor Wilma Ellis, the National Spiritual Assembly, the National Teaching Committee, Auxiliary Board member Robert Malouf, Morris Taylor.

17-19: "Marriage: The Second Most Challenging Issue," conference for young adults, Hilton Great Valley Conference Center, Malvern, Pennsylvania. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Lower Merion. For information, phone 215-527-3114 or 215-664-2127.

17-19: Second annual Ohio Regional Women's Commemoration Conference, Center for Pan-African Studies, Kent State University. Theme: "Teaching Racial Unity." Sponsored by the Kent State Bahá’í Club and the Spiritual Assembly of Kent. For information, phone Barbara Geisey, 216-678-0226.

24-26: Peace Fest '93 and South Carolina Peace Week, Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

24-27: Annual meeting of the Association of Bahá’í Studies in German-speaking Europe, Landegg Academy, Switzerland.

26: 81st memorial service for Thornton Chase, Inglewood Park (California) Cemetery.

OCTOBER

8-10: National Hispanic Conference, Bosch Bahá’í School, co-sponsored by El Ruiseñor magazine. Fees: $60 for ages 11 and older, $25 for ages 1-10. Classes for children included. Participants must register and mail in fees by September 24 to assure their space. To register, phone the Bosch School, 408-423-3387 (credit card only) or write to the Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

15-17: Western States Urban Assemblies Conference No. 3 for members of local Assemblies and the Auxiliary Boards, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

16-17: Lehigh Valley Parliament of Religions, Cedar Crest College, Allentown, Pennsylvania. Keynote speaker: Dr. David Ruhe, retired member of the Universal House of Justice. Registrar: Laura Lawrence, 215-868-5604.

22-24: Youth Research Weekend for ages 12 and up (sponsors required for those under 15), Bosch Bahá’í School. Cost: $40. Registration deadline: October 9. For information or to register with a credit card, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.

28-November 1: Annual meeting of the Landegg Music Forum, Landegg Academy, Switzerland.

29-31: Rendezvous of the Soul, personal deepening program, Bosch Bahá’í School. Self-directed study after opening program. For information or to register with a credit card, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.

NOVEMBER

5-7: Race Unity Institute II: plans for action, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information or to register with a credit card, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.

19-21: Kitáb-i-Aqdas: Intensive Study (Derek Cockshut, facilitator), Bosch Bahá’í School. For information or to register with credit card, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.

DECEMBER

24-27: Ninth annual Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference, Phoenix, Arizona. Keep this date in mind. More information to follow.

30-January 2: South Carolina Bahá’í Winter School, Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

APRIL

10-11: International Conference, "Once Empires Fade: Religion, Ethnicity and the Possibilities for Peace," University of Maryland, College Park. Sponsored by the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace, the Joseph and Rebecca Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Studies, and the Department of History.