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[Page 1]The American Bahá’í Volume 24, No. 13 ‘...knowledge is a veritable treasure for man. ...’—Bahá’u’lláh ‘Izzat B.E. 150 / September 8, 1993

Soo Fouts, one chapter closed, prepares to open another overseas

By TOM MENNILLO

To Soo Fouts, the death last year of her husband, Leroy, closed a 49-year-long chapter in the book of her life.

Now, she says, she is ready to “write a few more chapters and make a smashing conclusion.”

For Mrs. Fouts is about to embark on a trip that will see her teach the Faith in South Korea, the land of her parents’ birth, and visit China.

“The most glorious time will come now because it will be entirely different—a different type of service,” she says.

The Jacksonville, Florida, resident is no stranger to service in the Cause of God.

She has been an Auxiliary Board member since 1986. For 10 years before that she was a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, including two years as assistant secretary.

Mrs. Fouts and her husband also settled in a number of homefront pioneering posts, and she has served on such bodies as the National Teaching Committee, the Northeast Oriental Teaching Committee, the Asian-American Teaching Committee, and the first Deep South Teaching Committee.

Now Mrs. Fouts is ready for a new challenge in her life.

“We know when it’s time,” she says, “why Bahá’u’lláh gives us these opportunities.

“We had always wanted to go pioneering—at least, I did. When he (Leroy) died, I knew then he was...telling me to go on,” she says.

Mrs. Fouts thought first of going to Africa. Friends who are pioneering there “kept telling me about Uganda, where the House of Worship is.”

But then she attended a winter school at which some returning visitors to China spoke.

“They mentioned that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said in a letter that had He been healthy enough He would have gone to Kashgar, China,” she says.

After the talk, Mrs. Fouts cornered the speakers and asked for more information about the quite un-Chinese-sounding locale.

See SOO FOUTS page 20

INSIDE

Portrait of three growing communities	2
‘Peace Queen’ spreads message of love	10
9-year-old teaches on Reservation	11
Listing of District Convention sites	13-16
More on Race Unity Day 1993	17
Laws of Aqdas not binding on West	19

Resolution in House of Representatives urges Iran to ‘emancipate’ its Bahá’í community

On July 21, more than 40 members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a resolution urging Iran to “emancipate” the Bahá’í community of Iran.

The action in the House followed by about a month the introduction of a similar measure in the Senate condemning Iran’s “repressive anti-Bahá’í policy” as set forth in a confidential Iranian government document disclosed in a recent report to the United Nations Human Rights Commission.

That document, which the Senate resolution labels “a blueprint for the destruction of the Bahá’í community,” reveals that “Iran’s repressive actions are the result of a deliberate policy designed and approved by the highest officials of the government of Iran.”

In the House, members urged President Clinton to mobilize international efforts to protect the rights of Bahá’ís, pointing to ongoing actions by government officials in Tehran who are digging up graves and removing bodies from the city’s Bahá’í cemetery to make way for construction of a “cultural center.”

On August 4, the U.S. State Department condemned the “desecration” of Tehran’s Bahá’í cemetery and urged the Iranian government to “halt the construction work immediately.”

Desecration of the cemetery “is yet another example of abuse of the Iranian Bahá’í religious community by the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the Department declared in an official statement.

In early July, U.S. Bahá’í spokesmen reported that bulldozers were excavating part of the cemetery and removing the bodies of Bahá’ís in order to build the “Cultural Center of Khavaran.”

According to the latest reports, which the State Department said have been confirmed by independent sources, the foundations of the new building have already been erected on the site of Bahá’í graves. The work is being directed by municipal officials in Tehran.

The American Bahá’í community welcomed the U.S. government’s strong statement and urged Iranian officials to “put a halt to this unseemly action and to respect the sanctity of the Bahá’í burial grounds.”

Reps. John Porter of Illinois and Tom Lantos of California launched the effort in the House of Representatives to support the Bahá’ís, with strong bipartisan support from leading members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and other congressmen.

In the Senate, 39 legislators led by Christopher Dodd of

See CONGRESS page 27

Mexico responds to U.S. flooding

To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’í of the United States

OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND ALL THOSE WHO HAVE LOST LOVED ONES, HOMES AND POSSESSIONS IN THE TERRIBLE FLOODING OF PAST WEEKS. MAY THE LORD GIVE STRENGTH TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED FROM THIS CATASTROPHE.

Asamblea Espiritual Nacional de los Bahá’ís de México

‘FRUIT OF THE HOLY YEAR’ Bahá’í Youth Workshops set Atlanta area ablaze

By FORD BOWERS

Atlanta, Georgia, and its suburban areas were the site of an intensive week-long teaching and proclamation campaign spearheaded by 14 Bahá’í youth workshops July 31-August 7 as part of the “Fruit of the Holy Year” project.

The more than 300 young Bahá’ís, who came from as far away as California and Canada to take part in the effort, fanned out across the greater Atlanta metropolitan area each day to spread the message and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

These Bahá’í youth workshops, which depict the principles of the Faith through music and the performing arts, presented more than 50 public performances and conducted numerous firesides throughout the Atlanta area in an almost non-stop teaching campaign.

By the end of the week at least 75 people had embraced the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh while upwards of 50,000 others had become aware of its existence and precepts as a result of their performances.

Workshops involved in Atlanta’s Fruit of the Holy Year Project were:

• The Peacemakers
• The Candles of the Covenant
• The South Carolina Bahá’í Youth Workshop
• The Bahá’í Youth Workshop of the Central States
• The “To Move the World” Bahá’í Youth Workshop
• The Boston Bahá’í Youth Workshop
• The Chicago Bahá’í Youth Workshop
• The Maxwell Bahá’í Youth Workshop
• The Dawn-breakers
• The Washington Bahá’í Youth Workshop
• The Florida Bahá’í Youth Workshop
• The Harmony Bahá’í Youth Workshop
• The Los Angeles Bahá’í Youth Workshop
• The Atlanta Bahá’í Youth Workshop

See ATLANTA page 23

Daniel Patrick Brennan, a physics major at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, signs his declaration card at the Bahá’í information booth during the ‘Fruit of the Holy Year’ campaign as Bahá’ís Jamie and Kalim LeBlanc of Santa Maria, California, look on. (Photo by Joe Ferguson) [Page 2]

‘Success breeds success’ as communities grow in unity, size

By Tom Mennillo

Success breeds success, as many Bahá’í communities are finding as they throw themselves into teaching the Cause of God.

Not only are these communities increasing in the number of believers. The friends also are becoming more deepened themselves in the process, and are enjoying a growing feeling of love and unity in their community life.

Here are brief profiles of three such communities. Many more will be included in these pages during the Three Year Plan.

Iowa City, Iowa

There were weeks in which no one showed up for firesides in Iowa City, Iowa.

But the college-town Bahá’í community persevered, and has nine declarations since Ridván to show for the effort.

The community’s commitment to fireside teaching and a determination to rid any division from its midst are credited with the steady growth this year.

Iowa City, home of the University of Iowa, always has had a somewhat fluid Bahá’í community. College students, professors and staff come and go.

That sometimes put strains on its unity. With the support of assistants to the Auxiliary Board, though, the community has emerged with a renewed spirit of love.

As this Bahá’í year dawned, two Iowa City families were hosting firesides. When no seekers attended, they deepened and practiced teaching. The firesides focused on race unity, but no population group was particularly targeted in the teaching effort.

The community also staffed an information table this summer at a pedestrian mall in downtown Iowa City.

To top things off, Bahá’í youth from around the state, many of whom had received training at Louhelen Bahá’í School, leapt into the teaching. And the Minnesota Bahá’í Youth Workshop performed in the area.

When the dust cleared, five adults, three youth and one child had been enrolled. Many of the declarants are younger people. The community also has reached out to people in recovery and found receptive souls there.

Now the community faces a happy dilemma. It has swelled to about 35 in number and is outgrowing its in-home meeting places.

The answer to that problem probably will be supplied by the new believers, just as they have eagerly joined in the community’s teaching efforts.

With that kind of commitment, the momentum isn’t likely to be lost in Iowa City.

San Francisco

Seventy-seven declarations and hundreds of firesides later, the William Sears Teaching Project in San Francisco, California, has entered a new phase.

The project, which began last October, has reached a point at which the teaching methods have been finely honed.

However, the primary effort has been expended by outside teachers under the guidance of the local Spiritual Assembly. Now the task is to continue that mass teaching while getting more of the San Francisco Bahá’í community involved.

To achieve this, the Spiritual Assembly is delegating much of the project administration to five full-time people whose job it will be to:

• Activate the individual believers, such as through the formation of teaching institutes.
• Ensure that consolidation takes root, through the means of a “buddy system” and using recent declarants as human resources.
• Find people in the community to fill specific roles and to coordinate some 25 aspects of the project, from race unity work to adult education.

Project administrators will report regularly to the Spiritual Assembly, the Auxiliary Board, the National Teaching Committee and The American Bahá’í.

Consolidation is a particular concern in the case of minorities, some of whom feel they have not been entirely welcomed by all members of the community. The Spiritual Assembly and Counselor William Roberts are involved in solving the problem, and two discussion groups—Pupil in the Eye and the Revolutionaries—are meeting to define the roles various populations can play.

Meanwhile, the teaching project continues to pile up successes.

The main proclamation device is a 6-by 5-foot display that has been carted to about 15 to 20 locations such as street corners and parks. The sites were chosen so as to reach as many different demographic groups as possible.

Obtaining the necessary permits initially appeared to be a roadblock. The city was asking for fees of $30 per location. But when the Bahá’ís indicated that they would clean up the surrounding area while teaching, the city waived the fees and issued a blanket permit.

At each site, the teaching team takes up its stations. One member staffs the display, while one or two others are nearby praying. Other members put up flyers and still others make direct approaches to passersby. On occasion, music will be played or the dance workshop will perform.

Each member takes the role with which he or she feels most comfortable. Some are skittish about direct teaching, so they serve in a support capacity.

People who express an interest in the Faith as a result of the proclamation are invited to the firesides held each day at the San Francisco Bahá’í Center.

Members of San Francisco’s William Sears Teaching Project display the portable teaching unit that is used to proclaim the Faith on street corners ‎in in in‎ parks throughout the city.

Kingstree, South Carolina

In other years, school teacher Heather Lally taught summer classes.

This year, she taught the Bahá’í Faith.

The bounty has been 58 new believers in tiny Kingstree, South Carolina. Nearly all are African-American youth and pre-youth.

Ms. Lally definitely takes a direct approach to teaching: she hops in her car—the only one in the Kingstree Bahá’í community—and drives until she finds a group of children.

She proceeds to teach any who are receptive, and if a child declares his or her faith in Bahá’u’lláh she obtains the parents’ permission.

Then comes the deepening.

Ms. Lally soon has the new believers memorizing prayers from a 33-cent prayer booklet she sells to the parents. One child, an eight-year-old named Emmanuel, memorized five prayers in seven days, she relates proudly.

Several of the boys also have gone on overnight trips organized by Solomon Moore, a college student. There, the learning is interspersed with swimming and other activities.

And support has come from the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, whose youth workshop is helping to organize and train a Kingstree Bahá’í Youth Workshop.

[When Ms. Lally was interviewed for this article, she had just driven some of her young charges to Atlanta to see the youth workshops in action in the “Fruit of the Holy Year” teaching project.]

Ms. Lally is hoping she can get more help for her teaching efforts.

A van would help transport the children. Weekend teachers would be nice, too, as would homefront pioneers to help maintain the momentum of growth. She also notes that several of the youth are non-readers and could use some tutoring.

National Spiritual Assembly’s July-August meeting focuses on teaching during rest of Three Year Plan

The primary topic of consultation at the National Spiritual Assembly’s meeting July 30-August 1 was teaching activity during the remaining 33 months of the Three Year Plan.

The National Assembly, aware of the imperative need for large-scale growth in the number of Bahá’ís in this country, continued its regular meetings with the National Teaching Committee, which reported on the Plan’s status. Many signs indicate increased teaching activity in various parts of the country.

On Friday evening, Counselor Wilma Ellis joined the National Assembly for a detailed discussion of teaching plans for the South, where considerable initiative is being shown by a number of local Spiritual Assemblies.

Consultation was centered particularly on the Atlanta metropolitan area, one of the most promising in the country.

The National Assembly and Counselor Ellis shared the feeling that fears of making mistakes in teaching campaigns should not be allowed to paralyze the efforts of the community to expand its numbers.

While the National Assembly was in session, it received encouraging news of the early successes won by the Bahá’í youth workshops gathered in Atlanta for several days of performances and teaching in the city and its surrounding area.

On Saturday, Counselors Ellis, Jacqueline Delahunt, William Roberts and Steven Birkland (newly appointed to the Continental Board of Counselors) met with the National Spiritual Assembly from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Again, teaching was the primary topic of consultation, with special attention being given to the needs of American Indians. The Counselors strongly encouraged the National Assembly to proceed vigorously with its plans and assured it of the full support of their institution.

As communication among institutions is a necessary component of the success of all Bahá’í work, the National Assembly and the Counselors discussed the ways in which timely information might be conveyed from the National Assembly and its agencies to the Counselors and their Auxiliary Boards and vice versa.

To create a unified understanding of the tasks before the community, the National Spiritual Assembly voted to produce a brief glossary of terms whose meaning is not always clear even though they are used every day by Bahá’ís. Examples are “mass teaching,” “a large increase in the number

See MEETING page 20 [Page 3]

MISSION 19 (14 MONTHS TO GO!)

U.S. Bahá’í Community Current Goals and Status · ‘Izzat 150 · September 8, 1993

TEACHING

TRAVELING TEACHING GOALS

Goal for the 3 Year Plan	3,000
Needed as of this report	2,480
Completed as of this report	520

HOMEFRONT PIONEER GOALS

Goal for the 3 Year Plan	500
Needed as of this report	470
Completed as of this report	30

THE FUND

(As of July 31, 1993)

FOUR MAJOR FUNDS

• Goal: $25,000,000
• Contributions to Date: $2,932,301

NATIONAL FUND

• Total: $2,494,631

INTERNATIONAL FUND

• Goal: $191,464
• Earmarked Dollars: $118,216
• Total Contributions: $309,680

ARC PROJECTS FUND

• Goal: $133,883
• Earmarked Dollars: $246,999
• Total Contributions: $380,882

CONTINENTAL FUND

• From Nat’l Bahá’í Fund: $30,000
• Earmarked Dollars: $42,455
• Total Contributions: $72,455

LSA Goals: CITIES OF 50,000 +

Among the goals for the establishment of 150 new Local Spiritual Assemblies during the Three Year Plan are cities with populations of 50,000 or more that do not currently have Assemblies. The map above shows the 132 cities of this size which did not have Assemblies before Riḍván. Individuals interested in helping to raise the Bahá’í community to Assembly status in one of these areas through traveling teaching or homefront pioneering may contact the National Teaching Committee office at (708) 869-9039 for the name of a Bahá’í contact in that locality.

ALABAMA	COLORADO	ILLINOIS	MASSACHUSETTS	MISSOURI	OHIO	TENNESSEE
1. Dothan	27. Arvada	40. Cicero	55. Brockton	79. Florissant	98. Akron	117. Clarksville
ARKANSAS	28. Greeley	41. Des Plaines	56. Chicopee	80. St. Charles	99. Canton	TEXAS
2. Fort Smith	29. Lafayette	42. Oak Lawn	57. Fall River	81. St. Joseph	100. Elyria	118. Abilene
3. Pine Bluff	30. Thornton	INDIANA	58. Haverhill	NEW JERSEY	101. Hamilton	119. Baytown
CALIFORNIA	CONNECTICUT	43. Anderson	59. Lawrence	82. Bayonne	102. Lakewood	120. ‎Kileen Killeen‎
4. Baldwin Park	31. Bristol	44. Evansville	60. Lynn	83. Camden	103. Lorain	121. Laredo
5. Bellflower	32. Danbury	45. Hammond	61. Quincy	84. Clifton	104. Parma	122. Longview
6. Carson	33. Norwalk	IOWA	62. Waltham	85. East Orange	105. Springfield	123. Midland
7. Cerritos	34. Waterbury	46. Council Bluffs	MICHIGAN	86. Elizabeth	106. Warren	UTAH
8. Chino	35. West Haven	KANSAS	63. Battle Creek	87. Newark	107. Youngstown	124. Orem
9. Chualar	FLORIDA	47. Olathe	64. Dearborn Heights	88. Paterson	OKLAHOMA	125. Provo
10. Compton	36. Boca Raton	KENTUCKY	65. Livonia	89. Union City	108. Lawton	126. W. Valley City
11. Daly City	37. Daytona Beach	48. Owensboro	66. Pontiac	90. Vineland	109. Midwest City	VIRGINIA
12. El Monte	38. Hialeah	LOUISIANA	67. Roseville	NEW YORK	PENNSYLVANIA	127. Chesapeake
13. Fontana	GEORGIA	49. Bossier City	68. Royal Oak	91. Binghamton	110. Altoona	128. Danville
14. Hawthorne	39. Columbus	50. Kenner	69. Saginaw	92. New Rochelle	111. Erie	129. Lynchburg
15. Huntington Pk		51. Lake Charles	70. St. Clair Shores	93. Niagara Falls	112. Reading	WISCONSIN
16. Lodi		52. ‎Metaire Metairie‎	71. Sterling Heights	94. Troy	113. Scranton	130. Kenosha
17. Lynwood		53. Monroe	72. Taylor	95. Utica	RHODE ISLAND	131. La Crosse
18. Montebello		MARYLAND	73. Warren	NORTH CAROLINA	114. Cranston	132. Racine
19. Monterey Pk		54. Columbia	74. Westland	96. Fayetteville	115. E. Providence
20. National City			75. Wyoming	97. Gastonia	116. Pawtucket
21. Pico Rivera			MINNESOTA
22. Rosemead			76. Bloomington
23. South Gate			77. Brooklyn Park
24. S. San Francisco			78. Burnsville
25. Visalia
26. West Covina

TOTAL ENROLLMENTS

July 1993 ............................... 41

Year to date ............................ 286

Interested in helping to fulfill our goal of 3,000 traveling teachers or 500 homefront pioneers? Contact:

Mead Simon, National Traveling Teaching/ Homefront Pioneering Coordinator Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (708) 869-9039 [Page 4]

More ongoing overseas teaching projects for summer ’93

Your support is urgently needed for the following short-term and long-term international teaching projects:

Ongoing traveling teaching opportunities during the next Bahá’í year

AFRICA: Botswana, Cameroon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Niger, Senegal, South Africa, Transkei, Uganda, West Africa (for Benin, Côte D’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo), Zambia, Zimbabwe.

ASIA: Bangladesh, India, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Sri Lanka.

AUSTRALASIA: Cook Islands, Eastern Caroline Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

CARIBBEAN: Bahamas, Barbados, East Leeward Islands, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, West Leeward Islands.

EASTERN EUROPE: Albania, Baltic States (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia), Croatia, Hungary, Macedonia, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Yugoslavia.

LATIN AMERICA: Bolivia, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Mexico.

NORTH AMERICA: Alaska

WESTERN EUROPE: Canary Islands, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland.

Special international traveling teaching projects

BOLIVIA: “A.Q. Faizi Teaching Project” in Santa Cruz, beginning August 6, initial phase to last one year, with the goal of establishing permanent teaching teams operating in the area. Some Spanish needed.

FRANCE: Conferences, meeting members of local organizations, teaching, proclamation; started mid-July.

HUNGARY: All ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ of Hungarian origin urgently needed in the Three Year Plan teaching work, starting immediately.

ICELAND: Reforestation work on Bahá’í endowment land, teaching activities; June-September.

MACAU: Chinese speakers needed for initiation of campaign to “carry the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh to the generality of mankind”; October 20, 1993-January 23, 1994.

TURKEY: “Jinab-i-Munib” Teaching and Consolidation Project, July 15-October 15. Short pilgrimage to the House of Bahá’u’lláh in Edirne, teacher training course, teaching & consolidation work.

For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Telephone 708-869-9039; Fax 708-869-0247.

UPCOMING Bahá’í Youth Service Corps/Pioneering Institutes: January 11-18, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. If you are interested in pioneering, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247 for more information.

USIA Speakers’ Program sends U.S. experts abroad

Excerpted from “International Employment Hotline,” July 1993.

The United States Information Agency (USIA) offers an opportunity for short-term employment overseas through its Speakers’ Program. Participants in the program have the chance to lecture and meet with foreign groups and professional counterparts interested in their specialties.

Generally speaking, speakers chosen for the program are senior-level specialists, well-qualified in one of the following areas: economics, international affairs, democracy, or rule of law. To be considered, you must be an expert in your field, with enough training and experience to discuss it from both theoretical and practical purposes.

For a complete copy of the article, please contact the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091. Telephone 708-869-9039; fax 708-869-0247, attn: Office of Pioneering.

Last November, the Bahá’í Youth Committee of Laguna Niguel, California, guided by the Spiritual Assembly, sponsored a race unity conference that was attended by more than 30 people including eight seekers. Invitations were sent with copies of the National Spiritual Assembly’s open letter to then-President Bush to all churches, synagogues in the community as well as to its seven city council members. Included in the program were prayers, talks, music and a video presentation. Pictured (left to right) are the youth who helped plan the program: Shadi Alai, Kamil Erfanian, Samira Sanai, Mitra Sanai, Amelia Toosky, Joe Appolito and Cyrus Toosky.

More than 500 tread ‘Footsteps to Glory’

More than 500 people, some from as far away as Texas and New Jersey, attended the Southern Flame Bahá’í School June 30-July 5 at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne.

This year’s school, whose theme was “Footsteps to Glory: Obedience to the Laws of Bahá’u’lláh,” was a record-breaker in terms of the number and diversity of students, funds raised, volunteers for traveling teaching, and new declarants (seven).

Adult course work was focused on spiritual and practical ways to meet the challenges of the Three Year Plan. Participants were guided in their discussions by Jack McCants, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly; Auxiliary Board members Tahereh Ahdieh and Elizabeth Martin; and Paul Lample, a member of the National Teaching Committee.

Among those speaking to the more than 100 youth, whose courses and workshops were related to the performing arts, were Manuel Marciel and Robert Harris.

Programs for children and junior youth were centered on study of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and the Laws of God.

Music was performed by Tom Price and the Tennessee Bahá’í Choir, jazz artist Fred Johnson, Nargas Fani, members of the newly formed Florida Bahá’í Gospel Choir, and Van Gilmer and members of the World Congress Bahá’í Gospel Choir.

The spirit was so high that the World Congress Choir created a new song, “Press on to Meet the Dawn,” in honor of the Ridván message from the Universal House of Justice.

Fifty-two Bahá’ís volunteered to make traveling teaching trips, and $27,000 was raised for the Funds.

The World Congress Bahá’í Gospel Choir performs at the Southern Flame Bahá’í School in Melbourne, Florida.

Successful Holy Year teaching project continues in 40 European countries

More than one hundred young Bahá’ís, including a significant number from the United States, traveled throughout Europe in 14 groups last year to bring the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to nearly 40 countries.

As a result of the success of the “Routes Project,” the European Bahá’í Youth Council will continue the strategy during the Three Year Plan. The first phase of the project was launched this month and will end in August 1994.

The Council notes that “the American and Canadian Bahá’í youth have always participated with great devotion and endeavor in the teaching activities in Europe, and many of the successes of last year’s Routes Project are due to their selfless response to the call...to participate in this unique venture.”

If you would like to go, please contact the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center immediately for more information.

Rights removed At its June meeting, the National Spiritual Assembly removed the administrative rights of [name redacted] of King County NE, Washington. Mr. [name redacted] has been traveling across the United States, and the friends are cautioned not to provide him with hospitality or engage in any financial or business dealings with him.

[Page 5]

Development report card: how are we doing?

It has been 10 years since the Universal House of Justice issued its message concerning social and economic development. Have we in the United States done enough in the ensuing decade?

Some of the friends would say “no,” out of frustration or guilt over what they see as a lack of tangible progress in applying material salve to society’s wounds.

But the Universal House of Justice, in a letter dated November 21, 1989, noted that “emphasis on the process of attracting funds could detract from the critical process of community-building, which is a central purpose of development.”

The Supreme Body further urged us to focus on “the true criteria for measuring success: greater unity in the community, increased reliance upon community consultation, and enhanced ability to apply the spiritual Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh to the problems of society.”

In that light, Bahá’í individuals and communities throughout the United States are performing social and economic development work that will generate a lasting impact within and outside our Faith.

A prime example is the heroic effort to apply the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to America’s “most challenging issue,” race unity. The August 20 issue of The American Bahá’í (pp. 9-12) provided much evidence of the bounty such projects are producing, and you’ll see more such reports in this issue (p. 17).

Another example is successful outreach programs such as the Dorothy Baker Project in the Denver, Colorado, area (The American Bahá’í, August 1, p. 11).

A third example is one you might not have thought of in terms of social and economic development: the development strategy of the National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of the Treasurer.

This strategy has expanded the ability of the National Spiritual Assembly to discharge its divinely ordained mission—and, by setting high expectations, it has called local Spiritual Assemblies to new levels of action, thus building a stronger community over-all.

In 1988, the national Treasurer instituted the Honor Roll. This program has increasingly been understood and accepted by the friends, and their response to it provides a significant measure of the maturity of local Assemblies, one of the primary objectives of the Six Year Plan.

At present, more than 900 Assemblies and groups are recognized on the Honor Roll for their care and regularity of giving to the Bahá’í National Fund.

In 1989, the Local Assembly Goal Program was implemented. This program also is a vehicle for greater maturity, as local Assemblies incorporate the goal-setting process into their own planning and the Office of the Treasurer develops better tools for managing this enormous process.

The goal program contributed to an immediate increase in giving. Just as important is the essential information the program provides to the National Assembly and the Counselors about the maturity of local bodies, as reflected in their patterns of giving.

Both the Local Assembly Goal Program and the Honor Roll have been widely imitated throughout the Bahá’í world.

At the same time these programs have been operating, important efforts have been made to improve the National Assembly’s financial information and control.

Between 1990 and 1991, for example, the Assembly’s average cash on hand dropped 66 percent, but interest earnings rose nearly 300 percent—testimony to the more effective use of cash reserves and, hence, the greater strength of the Bahá’í National Fund.

Between 1991 and 1992, other essential components were added to this ongoing developmental process at the national

See DEVELOPMENT page 11

Area Treasury Seminars conclude successful, informative first round

On a scale of one to five, the friends rated the first round of Area Treasury Seminars a solid four.

Between February and July, more than 40 of these meetings were held all across the lower 48 states. Each meeting had representation of between five and 15 area local Assemblies, and was characterized by thought-provoking discussion and consultation.

Evaluation forms received from attendees indicated that the sections on Fund Development and the new materials prepared for these meetings were the best received sections of the seminars, while the presenters themselves got high marks for their ability to make the sessions interesting and challenging.

“These seminars represented a new departure for our Office,” said William Allmart, assistant treasurer and development coordinator for the Office of the Treasurer. “The purpose was to begin redefining the role of the local treasurer, moving away from the traditional functions of accounting and reporting, and toward a broader role for the treasury in assisting the local assembly to spark more active commitment by the local community to all aspects of the work.

“We can’t just talk about money in isolation from issues of the Covenant, spiritual transformation and community growth, and expect the friends to respond generously,” he said. “Once hearts are firmly cemented to the Cause, though, the money will come.”

The evaluations and comments of seminar attendees will play an important role for the second round of seminars; indeed, the tentative agenda for that series was the result of the friends’ suggestions in early seminar gatherings.

Presently under study by the National Teaching Committee and the Office of the Treasurer, the second round is expected to focus on the Assembly as manager of human and financial resources.

“One aspect of the first round that people responded to most favorably was the inclusion of some of the current literature on fund development,” Allmart emphasized. “We expect the second round to continue this, looking at some of the best thinking on organizational development and management, socially responsible investing, non-profit management and community building, and corroborating this body of knowledge with Bahá’í teachings on all these subjects.”

The projected implementation date for the second round is November.

Dear Bahai Funds, IM ‎Sanding Sending‎ ‎Mone Money‎ ‎becos because‎ I Want ‎Yo You‎ to ‎bild build‎ The arc. From Shana to The arc.

0156458

Modest Fund progress, but giving down from last year

Figures recently released for the period ending June 30 reflect a decrease of 23 percent in giving to the four major funds when compared to June 1992.

Contributions of $1,458,414 to Bahá’í National Fund were off 27 percent from the previous year, while offerings for the Bahá’í International Fund and the Arc Projects Fund were up 5 and 10 percent, respectively, to a total of $245,912.

Unusually large estate bequests totaling $523,869 boosted overall Fund revenues to $2,293,775, roughly equal to last year’s overall level.

The good news is that these figures represent an acceleration in giving from the first month of the fiscal year, which ended with contributions to the National Fund some 44 percent lower than the previous year.

The Office of the Treasurer credited this improving pace to the response of the friends to the launching of the Three-Year Plan and the series of Town Meetings that began in June. [Page 6]

We Have Come to Sing Praises

Compact Disc $16.95 / Cassette $10.95

A new recording of the exciting African-American Bahá’í Gospel Singers, who delighted audiences at the Second Bahá’í World Congress in New York City. Ten original Bahá’í songs, including In This Day Bahá’u’lláh and We have Come to Sing Praises. Relive the spirit of the World Congress. Order now.

45 minutes Produced by Jack Lenz and Tom Price

New REFER Programs

Central Figures Trilogy—$99.95 Compilation of Compilations—$60.00

Vivir! by Paul and Lourdes González

A recording of songs, in Spanish, consisting of quotations from the Bahá’í writings. Includes song lyrics, English translations, and a summary of the history and principles of the Faith.

Este cassette está diseñado para ser usado en la enseñanza. Contiene algunas canciones nuevas y otras ‎concidas conocidas‎ y queridas en toda América Latina. Algunos títulos: Dos Alas, Somos, El es El Rey de los Reyes, Recuerdos, Enseñar es Aprender, Sol de la Mañana.

40 minutes / Susquehanna Bahá’í Institute / CS $8.95

Do You Want to Learn Persian?

An Introduction to Persian by Wheeler M. Thackston SC $25.00

An Introduction to Persian is intended to serve as an elementary introduction to modern Persian. 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. 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.

The Kitáb-i-Aqdas

We are now accepting backorders for the following editions

Pocket Size $3.00 (net) Hardcover (Australia) $12.50 Softcover (Australia) $5.25

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 have written a book on the Bahá’í Faith.

The Gardeners of God offers readers a chance to meet the Bahá’ís and to hear ‎they them‎ answer such probing questions as: 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.

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

Mountain of the Lord

compiled by the Universal House of Justice SC $2.95

A generously 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.

8-1/4" x 5-13/16", 16pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust - UK

Bahá’í Newsreel Vol. 4, No. 1

The Holy Year in Review 149-150 B.E. by Bahá’í Media Services VT $16.95

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, the Philippines, the 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

A Meeting with Shoghi Effendi

by Marcus Bach SC $6.95

Dr. Marcus Bach set out to identify and interview the five people of his time whom he felt best exemplified the teachings 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.

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

The Secret of Our Century

A challenging new video that sets Bahá’u’lláh’s life and teachings against the backdrop of the transformation in humanity’s fortunes during the twentieth century.

WRITTEN BY Bahiyyih Nakhjavání DIRECTED BY Martine Caillard PRODUCED BY Fourth Epoch Productions

38 minutes VT $29.95

• Part 1 concentrates on the life of Bahá’u’lláh from 1852—when he was first banished from His native Persia—to His Ascension in 1892
• Part 2 profiles the present-day Bahá’í community, attempting to put Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings into practice all over the world.

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 such as partner selection to potential problem areas such as equality, finances, and communication, this book is designed to help couples avoid the common pitfalls that can threaten even the most secure relationship.

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

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‘Izzat B.E. 150 / September 8, 1993 [Page 8]

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.

PIONEERING: HOMEFRONT

RUSHVILLE, Illinois, a lovely, friendly and quiet small town (pop. 3,500) has only two Bahá’ís living there who would like to invite others to relocate. Good schools; Western Illinois University is only 25 minutes away. Rushville is a great location for doctors, dentists, chiropractors, contractors, retired persons, artists, writers, dress shop owners, or those willing to commute a short way to work in nearby cities. For information, phone Richard or Sara Hatch, 217-322-4540.

THE BAHÁ’Í community of Cumberland, Maryland (15 minutes from Frostburg University) needs two more Bahá’ís to achieve Assembly status. Scenic western Maryland is a lovely place to live and work. An opening exists for a skilled carpet installer. For more information, please phone 800-356-6748.

COME TO THE VALLEY that has everything: a great multicultural mix, near-perfect climate at high altitude, near a university, colleges, major hospitals and research labs. Opportunity to teach the Faith to about 60,000 people. You are needed to help strengthen this small but determined Bahá’í community bordering Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the Native American Isleta Pueblo. Our goal: two pioneer-oriented families and/or individuals before Ridván. For information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Pajarito, Albuquerque, NM 87121, or phone 505-873-4768.

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Stanford, California, encourages all Stanford University alumni and former residents of the Stanford Bahá’í community to contact the Assembly to take part in the accelerating teaching efforts at Stanford and to be notified of upcoming special events. Please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Stanford, P.O. Box 9843, Stanford, CA 94309, or phone Hamid Samandari, 415-327-6758.

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Brookfield, Wisconsin, invites you to consider relocating to that area to help strengthen its community of nine adults. For more information about the locality, please write to the Bahá’ís of Brookfield, Brookfield, WI 53005, or phone 414-786-7173.

CLAYTON, California, a rural community close to city life and employment in nearby Concord and Walnut Creek, is a quiet town of 6,000 with four active adult Bahá’ís and three active youth. The Bahá’í Center in San Francisco is only an hour away and accessible by BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). The Bosch Bahá’í School is a 45-minute drive from Clayton, and Danville (site of the Mt. Diablo Bahá’í School) is half an hour away. Clayton has a good elementary school, and a new junior high school is to open for the 1993-94 school year. High school students would go to Concord, where a new four-year university has recently been completed. If you are planning to move, why not consider helping to build an Assembly in this lovely spot. For information, phone the Assembly secretary, Guity Kiani, 510-672-1095. One member of the Bahá’í community is a real estate broker and can help with relocation.

BAHÁ’Í COLLEGE prospects: consider Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota, for furthering your studies. BHSU offers bachelor's degrees in 57 major fields and pre-professional programs including outdoor education and Indian studies, and accepts students from high school graduates to grandparents. The local Bahá’í community is fired up to spread the Faith in the beautiful Black Hills area. For a catalog and information about the area, please write to Joseph Howell, Spearfish, SD 57783, or phone 605-642-4391.

ACTIVE TEACHING project (Taylor-Rubino) sponsored by a strong Assembly in western Michigan needs a self-sustaining homefront pioneer couple as soon as possible. Excellent opportunity for an interracial family or returning pioneers from overseas to live in a receptive, integrated rural community. There are four new Bahá’ís and 20 seekers who are studying the Faith regularly through a systematic home-study course. We also offer weekly Bahá’í classes to about 25 non-Bahá’í children and have an exciting Three Year Plan for the project. Help us keep the momentum going! Traveling teachers are also welcome. Contact the Spiritual Assembly of White River Township, c/o June Martinez, Montague, MI 49437 (phone 616-894-6485).

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Buena Park, California, is in jeopardy and desperately needs homefront pioneers to help maintain its status at Ridván 1994. Seeking those who are active and willing to support the community. Buena Park, in northern Orange County, is a clean and desirable place to live; only 20 miles from downtown Los Angeles with two major freeways running through the city. Cypress College, Cal State-Fullerton and Cal State-Long Beach are only minutes away. The Buena Park Assembly is quite active, has held many successful teaching and fund-raising events, and is a regular contributor to the Bahá’í Funds. Its loss would be greatly felt in the city and district. For information about how you can help, please phone Mr. and Mrs. Riazati, 714-994-3131; Mr. and Mrs. Meshkin, 714-522-7978; or Mr. and Mrs. Ghalili, 714-522-6641.

FORT MYERS, Florida, the City of Palms (pop. 45,000), once the home of Thomas Edison, and one of the fastest-growing areas of southwestern Florida, welcomes all interested Bahá’ís who would like to relocate there and help re-establish an Assembly in the city. Please contact Bea Meese, Fort Myers, FL 33901, or phone 813-334-4377.

PIONEERING: OVERSEAS

EMPLOYMENT opportunities overseas: AFRICA-Mozambique: health education specialist. Zambia: edible oils project coordinator. AMERICAS-Bolivia: deputy field office director for management of "Save the Children" programs. Honduras: retired person or couple to serve as director(s) of the Ahmadiyyeh Institute. Turks & Caicos: retired general practitioner to help in medical clinic; handyman and light engine mechanic for Honda shop. For more information on any of the above, please contact the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091; telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247, Attn: Office of Pioneering.

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: Charles E. Raymond, H.E. Raymond, Alma Reed, Anna Reed, George W. and Blanche Reed, Katherine Reilly, Anna Reinke (died Austin, TX, 1971), Albert Reissner, Martha Reiter, Olive M. Releford, and Alfred Reynaud (died Kenosha, WI, 1961). Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or to phone 708-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking copies of the following books by Bahá’u’lláh in good or excellent condition: Epistle to the Son of the Wolf (cloth: 1971), Gleanings (cloth: 1939, 1949, 1952), The Hidden Words (cloth: 1943, 1948, 1952). Anyone having copies they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WANTED

I WOULD LIKE to establish contact with social workers or others who are involved in counseling victims of domestic violence. The purpose is to answer this question: What contributions can the Bahá’í Faith make in finding a solution to this problem? Please contact Oscar Arrambide, P.O. Box 3579, Anthony, TX 79821, or phone 915-886-2726.

NEEDED: information about new approaches to the treatment of depression/schizophrenia from a Bahá’í nutritional point of view, geared specifically for presentation to doctors/nurses. Am doing volunteer work and greatly need your input. The information will be presented at VA hospitals throughout the greater Boston area. Please contact Jerry Vinal, P.O. Box 108, Whitman, MA 02382.

WANTED: Bahá’í interstate truckers and RV owners interested in joining a network that has been formed to address your specific needs for Bahá’í fellowship and teaching while "on the road." Please contact Susan Strong, Birmingham, AL 35214, or phone 205-674-5347 (evenings).

STAMP COLLECTORS: I am looking for the following Bahá’í postage stamps and covers (1) Sri Lanka, "World Religion Day," 1985, Jan. 20, Scott A287; (2) India, "New Delhi 60th Anniversary" (shows Temple), 1991, Scott 1364a; (3) Panama, "Freedom of Worship" (shows Temple), 1983, Oct. 21, Scott A209; (4) Panama, commemorative cover, "Conmemoración de la Fe Bahá’í en 1992"; (5) Brazil, commemorative cover, "Centenary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh." Also interested in keeping in touch with Bahá’ís who collect stamps. William Collins, Alexandria, VA 22306 (telephone 703-765-9115; e-mail 4705541 @mcimail.com).

BAHÁ’Í woman would like to correspond with other Bahá’ís about the book The Seven Mysteries of Life, by Guy Murchie. Write to West Newburg, MA 01985.

THE BAHÁ’Í Publishing Trust is seeking a copy of a record album, "Angels of Fire and Snow," featuring Joany Lincoln. It was published in the late 1960s or early 1970s. If you have a copy and would be willing to donate it to the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, please contact Dr. Betty J. Fisher, Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-251-1854; fax 708-251-3652). If you have a copy of the album but are not willing to part with it, we would appreciate your sending us information about what is printed on the album's label.

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.

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/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, Burke, VA 22015.

MISCELLANEOUS

A SUPPORT NETWORK is being formed for Bahá’ís who have survived sexual abuse. Please write to P.O. Box 733, Ontario, CA 91762, or phone 909-467-9917.

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly of France is conducting a contest among architects for a monument to Thomas Breakwell, whom the Guardian called "the first British Bahá’í." The cenotaph is to be unveiled June 11, 1994, the anniversary of Mr. Breakwell's death (he died of tuberculosis in 1902, a year after embracing the Faith). To take part in the contest, one should start a file with the secretariat of the Bahá’í Association of Architecture and Urbanization: 4/86 avenue Hoche, 86000 Poitiers, France. (Price of the file: 50 French francs payable by check to the Association.) Applications should be sent by September 30 to the National Spiritual Assembly of France, Thomas Breakwell Project, 75 116 Paris, France.

ITEMS AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE from the Spiritual Assembly of Wilton Manors, Florida, for the cost of shipping: 3/4-inch video tapes of a 13-part television series, "The New World," produced in 1973 by Robert Quigley for the National Spiritual Assembly of Hawaii, hosted by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears with music composed and arranged by Russ Garcia. Potentially a powerful teaching tool. If interested, phone Heidi Melius, 305-565-9143. [Page 9]

World News

The following are highlights from cables, telexes, faxes and e-mail messages to the Bahá’í World Center from National Conventions in many parts of the world.

Angola: "In a spirit of love and great unity the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Angola was elected. Two homefront pioneers and six traveling teachers arose for the launching of the Three Year Plan."

Argentina: "Vivified by the mysterious heavenly forces liberated by the Holy Year, and rejoicing in the publication of the English version of the Most Holy Book, the Bahá’í community...has centered its efforts on the accomplishment of the Three Year Plan goals."

Azerbaijan: "One hundred and fifty friends and visitors gathered 2nd Convention. ...All hearts rejoiced welcome historic visit beloved Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum...."

Baltic States: "Believers from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are now gathered. ...We are endeavoring to understand the privileged but awesome time in which we are now living, and the responsibilities we have as the world is reeling from its spiritual illness."

Bangladesh: "...Convention being held outside capital city for the first time. ...The Most Holy Book presented to the Bahá’í community. ..."

Bermuda: "The delegates were moved to tears by assurances of the protection of Bahá’u’lláh as conveyed in the Ridván message. ...We feel honor bound to respond to your appeal for immediate redoubled and sustained action on all aspects of the Plan, whatever the sacrifice."

Brazil: "The goal of massive expansion of the Faith in Brazil was the object of extensive consultation, with practical suggestions for the NSA, and the delegates promising to take an active part in the teaching work."

Bulgaria: "It became evident that there are many victories yet to be won, not only through spiritual principles, but also through a systematic analysis of the challenges facing the community and implementation of well-thought-out plans."

Chile: "With hearts aflame and overjoyed, the delegates have received the wise words from the Universal House of Justice in their Ridván message, which has given rise to a spirit of dedication and participation in order to achieve the proposed goals."

Ciskei: "...our small but unified delegation, inspired by the power of the Ridván message...held passionate consultation, particularly [on] the call for a ‘massive expansion of the Bahá’í community’ as the means of assuring the proper development of our blessed institutions—the last hope for a desperate humanity."

Colombia: "With elevated spirit of union and consultation, the advances of our beloved Cause in the country were shared and the new Three Year Plan was launched with much enthusiasm and expectation, which includes the establishment of the first two Bahá’í primary schools in the country."

Côte d’Ivoire: "With joyous hearts, announce the holding of the 23rd Convention. High spirit. NSA elected: six natives, of whom three are women."

Czech and Slovak Republics: "A special highlight of the Convention was the dignified presentation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. ...We are confident that the Most Holy Book will serve to vitalize our Faith and inspire us to higher levels of excellence in service as we deepen our understanding of its ordinances and demonstrate their transforming power in our lives."

East Leeward Islands: "We are pleased to announce the result of our Convention. ...We are also pleased to report that we have already exceeded the preliminary stages of our Three Year Plan goals."

Ecuador: "Determined to live up to your call for immediate, redoubled and sustained action to achieve victories for the beloved Faith in Ecuador."

France: "For the first time in France [the Convention participants] were welcomed by a representative of the City Council of Saint Cloud."

Ghana: "Two local press personnel...were present for the first time in the history of the Faith in Ghana to cover the opening of the Convention."

Guinea: "First Guinean woman, Gnanama Sonole, from a village in the forest, elected to the National Assembly."

Guinea-Bissau: "Marveled at the presence of Mrs. Antonia Alves Vieira, wife of first African martyr. We had a visit from a radio journalist and a television reporting team."

Guyana: "In response to the Ridván message, a commitment was made by the delegates to have some 23 regional meetings...within six weeks to study the message with the hope that [it] will stimulate the believers. ..."

Honduras: "With joy we report that the majority of the new National Assembly members are Hondurans, including two Garifuna brothers."

Japan: "...experienced the birth pangs of going through the Holy Year and bringing to life the new Three Year Plan. ...With humility and patience we pledge ourselves to deepen the unity in our community. ..."

Luxembourg: "For the first time in the history of the Faith in Luxembourg, the Convention was held entirely in the native language (with simultaneous translation into English for two delegates)."

Malaysia: "The highly animated, open and frank discussion reflected a new level of maturity as the delegates voiced their views, expectations and concerns regarding the proper functioning of the national and local institutions."

Mauritius: "...firm resolutions were taken to achieve the goals of the Three Year Plan, including the start of construction of a Center on ‎Rodridguez Rodrigues‎ Island."

Netherlands: "Aware of the rapidly decaying civilization, collective concern was felt for the whole of humanity. ...consultations concentrated strongly on Bahá’í education for children, youth and adults, be they Bahá’í or not."

New Caledonia and Loyalty Islands: "For the first time, the national television station provided coverage of the Convention which was shown throughout the Territory. ..."

Papua New Guinea: "Convention opened by the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea. ...[He] made the trip from Moresby to Lae specifically to attend the Bahá’í Convention. Generous with time spent with Bahá’ís, who informed him of Bahá’u’lláh’s Message, independent character Faith, and present condition Faith in world and Papua New Guinea."

Philippines: "The Convention...was graced at its opening by Baguio City mayor...who announced his firm and full agreement with and support of Bahá’í aims."

Poland: "The Convention was addressed by the Knight of Bahá’u’lláh Ola Pawlowska, whose presence linked this newly developing community to the spirit of service and sacrifice created by our beloved Guardian during the Ten Year Crusade."

Rwanda: "...in spite of the situation of the country, we were able to hold our 22nd Convention. ...Because of these wars, this misery, this suffering, people are searching more and more for the healing Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and are accepting them."

St. Vincent and the Grenadines: "The Hon. Parnel Campbell, the Attorney-General, was present at opening session of the gathering and expressed his admiration [for] and understanding of the Bahá’í election procedures."

Taiwan: "Our newly formed Bahá’í Choir opened each day’s consultation with music, including new compositions in the Chinese language and based on the Words of Bahá’u’lláh."

Tonga: "Pleased to inform successful...achievement of 70 local Spiritual Assemblies. Friends were moved by Ridván message, the serious condition of the funds, and the call for vast expansion of the Faith."

Uganda: "Uganda Television covered and broadcast Convention opening and closing. The Convention was also covered by Radio Uganda."

Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova: "...we pray to be worthy participants within the crucible of action. We will not be dismayed or deterred. The source of our courage is Bahá’u’lláh, His institutions, and the friends. May we be worthy of so great an honor."

Vanuatu: "Spirits were so high that traveling teaching has been initiated to help toward the achievements of the Ocean of Light campaign."

An over-all view of the Terraces below the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel at the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa, Israel. With completion of drainage and irrigation, the Terraces soon will enter into the stage of final finishing work.

Senior citizens hear talk on Faith in Escondido

On May 15, Bahá’ís from several communities in the Escondido, California, area helped Lyn Smith, a resident of Casa Escondido, a large senior citizens complex, to host an introductory meeting on the Faith.

About 50 people of various ethnic backgrounds and ages attended including some children.

Alonzo Coleman of San Marcos spoke about the Faith and performed some of his own musical compositions. Afterward, refreshments were served. [Page 10]

‘Peace queen’ spreads a message of love and unity through children

Articles by Tom Mennillo

Individual Initiative

‘Our appeal for immediate, re-doubled and sustained action on all aspects of the Plan is addressed primarily to the individual believer of every locality, who possesses within himself or herself the measures of initiative that ensure the success of any global Bahá’í enterprise, and “on whom, in the last resort,” as our beloved Guardian plainly stated, “depends the fate of the entire community.”’ —Universal House of Justice, Riḍván 150 Message

The children of Albuquerque, New Mexico, got the royal treatment June 13.

They not only got to speak with the “peace queen,” but they came away dubbed “junior peace ambassadors.”

Peace queen is a title Loraine Menking, a Bahá’í from Dallas, Texas, has taken on as a vehicle to spread the message of love through the nation’s young people.

Loraine’s entourage for this appearance at the Albuquerque Children’s Museum consisted of her husband, Howard Menking, and granddaughter Kori Layli Menking-Hoggatt.

Howard really is a “knight”—a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh to Cape Verde Islands, West Africa.

This day, as each little one approached, the peace queen told him or her a story about the value of peace.

Then Queen Loraine asked the child to tell her what he or she will do to help bring about peace.

She has one strict rule, to which she allows no exceptions: To qualify as a “junior peace ambassador,” a child must offer that verbal pledge to contribute, in some way, to world peace.

In Albuquerque, the responses from the children ranged from “I won’t be sad when Mommy and Daddy fight” to “I’ll color the world.”

Finally, Knight Howard put the child’s name on a parchment paper diploma bestowing the title “junior peace ambassador.”

The one-on-one exchange can bring about some visible transformations. One older boy with a tough-guy attitude wandered up to Queen ‎Lorraine Loraine‎ and wordlessly embraced her in a tight hug.

Parents on the other side of the museum could be seen spotting the peace queen in her crown of flowers and flowing white gown and, as though drawn in by the love itself, they would pick up their children and head straight for the excitement.

Mr. and Mrs. Menking are careful to point out that Queen Loraine herself is not a representative of the Bahá’í Faith. Rather, the peace queen is an idea inspired by the Faith.

Similarly, the name Bahá’í does not appear on the diplomas or in the presentation. But during informal dialogues with parents curious about the origins of the peace queen the couple very often explain its Bahá’í inspiration and give a background on Bahá’í principles.

Those origins of the project go back to the 1988 Riḍván Message of the Universal House of Justice, which called for a new scale, quality and variety of teaching and for a new “paradigm” for reaching souls from all levels of society.

Howard and Loraine prayed they might come up with something that would incorporate entertainment, knowing that entertainment attracts people.

Loraine’s experience in a Renaissance festival provided part of the idea. After brainstorming, they arrived at the peace queen concept.

From the beginning it was a personal teaching plan to get people, especially children, to start thinking about peace and about building peaceful attributes such as love, unity, harmony and elimination of all prejudices.

The first event in which the “peace queen” appeared was September (1988) Peacefest, a month-long teaching project in Garland, Texas, that arose from a town meeting of Dallas-area Bahá’ís.

The Bahá’ís entered a float featuring the peace queen in the Labor Day parade. They also rented a storefront on the town square for the month and turned it into Peace Headquarters.

Peacemakers Inc., the Menkings’ umbrella organization for the peace queen, arranged for Queen Loraine to appear on the square every weekend along with musical entertainment. She also appeared at day-care centers.

An International Day of Peace was proclaimed by the ‎major mayor‎, and the month was capped by a grand volunteer performance by artists—most of whom were non-Bahá’ís—at the city’s new Center for Performing Arts.

The peace queen and her court have gone on to appear in several cities in the years since then.

The Menkings also have made several trips back to the Cape Verde Islands for traveling teaching and have helped to initiate William Sears Teaching Projects in Dallas, Albuquerque, the Ozarks, Oklahoma and Kent, England.

For more information about the peace queen or Peacemakers Inc., call Howard or Loraine Menking at 800-275-5464.

‘Peace Queen’ Loraine Menking (center) is flanked by her husband Howard Menking and Kori Layli Menking-Hoggatt and by two unidentified children.

Culture Club works to improve school racial climate

Seventeen-year-old Bahá’í youth Richeall Kennedy characterizes Bloomfield, New Jersey, as a town known far and wide for its “racial disharmony.”

The situation isn’t any better at Bloomfield High School, where a fight a year ago between a white and a black further polarized the students.

It was in this environment that Miss Kennedy formed the Culture Club, a school group that allows students from different cultures to interact.

The club was suggested by a traveling teacher to whom Miss Kennedy had described the town’s racial division. Her mother, Azar Kennedy, also encouraged her.

So Miss Kennedy approached several adults at the school for assistance, including her guidance counselor and the head of the social science department.

Her sister and “friends who felt the way I did” joined in the effort.

The resulting group, starting with about 40 students, met weekly during the past school year.

As the school newspaper wrote, “The members of this club come from mixed backgrounds of both ethnic culture and religion. They spend some time at the meetings just talking and sharing some of their own experiences. They also spend time organizing events and making plans for the future.”

Ideas for the current year include a cultural fair, a school survey to find out what issues the students would like to see addressed, and a newsletter for students.

Those plans have gotten a big boost from the state of New Jersey. The Culture Club was awarded a state grant to help subsidize the cost of its operation. Further, New Jersey has mandated that each high school “have some kind of organization that deals with people’s culture.”

Miss Kennedy wholeheartedly recommends that other Bahá’í youth form a similar school club.

“I know for myself I’m always too busy studying, so I never had time to teach people,” she said. “I also find it hard to talk to students about religion because they don’t seem to like the idea of ‘religion.’

“So this would be an indirect way to teach your friends and other high school students,” she said. [Page 11]

9-year-old teaches on Reservation

This month, when school children all around the United States report on “how I spent my summer vacation,” Maryam Nasim Frazer will have a fascinating tale to tell.

Maryam, a 9-year-old Bahá’í child from Ambler, Pennsylvania, and her mother spent two weeks traveling teaching in Nevada and New Mexico.

Not only did she learn a lot about other places and cultures, but she was able to teach the Faith to Native Americans at the Spiritual Unity of the Tribes Gathering outside Gallup, New Mexico.

Here is how Maryam related the story in a letter addressed “Dear Friends at The American Bahá’í”:

“Natives came from many different tribes to celebrate the oneness of the ‘human tribe.’ The Navajo Indians hosted the weeklong event. They built a shady place by putting some poles up, wiring them on the top and resting tree branches on the top. I was thrilled to help build this shade because my father had told me that he helped to build one many years ago.

“Every night there was a pow-wow—a type of gathering around the fire with celebration and entertainment. The second day, we were asked if my mother and I would like to perform in any way, so I thought about it and I had the strongest desire to sing ‘Toko Zani,’ a Swahili Bahá’í song that has ‘Ya Bahá’ul’Abhá’ in it six times.

“When the time came for us to go up to the microphone and sing for everyone, my mother gave an introduction to explain the song, including how to pronounce the Greatest Name. Everyone repeated it several times and was invited to sing along in the chorus. Many of the human tribe learned ‘Ya Bahá’ul’Abhá,’ Bahá’í as well as non-Bahá’í.

“We didn’t realize until three or four days later what an effect this had on some of the people. You see, an Indian came up to my mother and told her that ever since we sang that song, his 5-year-old daughter had been joyously singing the song for several days, but had forgotten the words. He asked if my mother could please write down the words of the song.

“When she started saying ‘toko zani,’ he said: ‘Not that part.’ Then my mother’s heart leapt with joy because she knew it was ‘Ya Bahá’ul’Abhá’ that the girl had been singing. He made my mother write down the words ‘Ya Bahá’ul’Abhá’ so the little girl could sing to her heart’s content.

“My mother got to explain in more detail the meaning of the Greatest Name and the power and protection it gives. The Indian seemed very grateful that his daughter was singing a prayer. He even asked if his daughter could be enrolled into a Bahá’í children’s class!”

Maryam Nasim Frazer relaxes at home with her pet guinea pig, Yyami. The furry critter was an Ayyám-i-Há present.

Development

from page 5

level. Numerous task forces were created to analyze model institutional arrangements that might be created under the National Assembly’s auspices.

During the Holy Year, several of these new entities were created:

• The Asset Management Group, whose task is to improve the use and orderly maintenance of all the national properties;
• Health for Humanity, which provides training and material resources to national health care programs in Albania, Honduras, Nicaragua and Guyana; and
• Mottahedeh Development Services, whose role is to support Bahá’í development programs here and abroad with technical assistance and, when needed, funding.

Further initiatives are currently under analysis: fee-for-service affiliates of the National Assembly; financial services and investment programs for the friends; and, at a future date, additional dependencies of the Holiest House of Worship.

These efforts, combined with the kinds of grassroots projects encouraged by the National Spiritual Assembly and carried out by local believers, have the potential to reinforce the faith and capacity of the believers in countless ways. They also give practical preparation for carrying out the greatest task of all: the spiritual redemption of America.

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Illness is no handicap to founder of Campaign to End Racism in America

Diana Carson had long admired from afar the race unity work engaged in by fellow Bahá’ís.

She wanted to do her part, too, but suffers from low physical stamina brought on by rheumatoid arthritis.

So the Prospect Heights, Illinois, resident prayed to Bahá’u’lláh for a way to help fight racism, and she found the answer in her own background.

She had once started a national network of incest survivors. Why couldn’t she form an organization dedicated to the “most challenging issue” facing the United States?

From that realization has emerged the Campaign to End Racism in America.

As the Bahá’í Writings state, black and white Americans alike have an obligation to work for race unity.

Her campaign takes up one side of that equation: Its purpose is to “motivate, then empower European-Americans at the grassroots to successfully participate in the process of dismantling racism in their own communities, each in his or her own way.”

Since Prospect Heights, a community northwest of Chicago, lacks a local Spiritual Assembly, Mrs. Carson approached the Secretariat of the National Spiritual Assembly with her proposal.

Encouraged by the response, she then sought funding to begin the project in the Chicago area. After 10 minutes of conversation with Clarence Wood of the Human Relations Foundation, she had a deal.

Mrs. Carson was hired as a consultant, and the campaign started September 1 with the appearance of 10 large billboards along key arteries into the city.

Meanwhile, a packet of materials Mrs. Carson has prepared is available to Bahá’ís across the country.

[Write to the Campaign to End Racism in America, c/o Diana Carson, Prospect Heights, IL 60070, or call 708-808-1222.]

The materials are copyrighted, but she indicates that they can be adapted to the particular needs of a community.

Mrs. Carson envisions the national campaign as a vehicle individual Bahá’ís can use for race unity work within the broader population. All too often, she says, Bahá’ís try to host functions instead of going where the people are.

The message that runs through the program is that white Americans are “by nature good-hearted” and that they would “like to live in a country where there is harmony, true freedom and equality among the races.”

“...like to live in a country where there is harmony, true freedom and equality among the races.”

But, she says, “most are unaware of their own racial conditioning and feel overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness about (the role they can play in) improving life for their African-American fellow citizens.”

She has identified three underlying factors for that feeling of powerlessness.

One is the “constant bombardment” of negative images of African-Americans in the news, which leads to frustration, and unrealistic lifestyles in the entertainment media, which leads to denial.

Another is the “lack of empowering information and structures for positive efforts.”

Third is the impression that only “leaders (such) as in government, business, sports and entertainment can truly effect change in our society.”

According to Mrs. Carson, an antidote to those feelings lies in “positive encouragement aimed at the European-American population as a whole through prominent, highly visible outdoor advertising, through messages of empowerment and reminders of their own creative talents.”

Many people, she hopes, will take the next step of asking for information. Once motivated and educated, she believes, they “will begin to act, each in his or her own way, to help end racism where they live.”

The information packets will contain materials on grassroots success stories, motivational information, how-to pamphlets and networking resources in their own areas.

Mrs. Carson says white Americans must show African-Americans that they are allies and are willing to do what they can to end racism.

This effort by white Bahá’ís will speak volumes to African-Americans, she says, and will awaken their hearts to the Faith.

“We need blacks and their perspective and experiences in our Faith,” says Mrs. Carson.

She says white Americans are reticent to talk about God and spiritual matters.

“We need to feel as free to talk about our experiences with God as the African-Americans are,” she says.

The Campaign to End Racism in America itself was a direct result of spiritual supplication, she notes.

It also is based on “what individual Bahá’ís have done to put their Faith into practice,” Mrs. Carson says in expressing a hope that other Bahá’ís will take up the Universal House of Justice’s call for individual initiative.

“These are such historic times,” she points out. “Just now is the message of oneness starting to be recognized, along with its spiritual imperative and inevitability.

“We’re given strength by God to handle all problems and move forward toward solutions.” [Page 12]

RADIO

No medium is more cost-effective in reaching masses with Message

“A massive expansion of the Bahá’í community must be achieved far beyond all past records. The task of spreading the Message to the generality of mankind in villages, towns and cities must be rapidly extended.” (Ridván 150 Message, Universal House of Justice)

“... it would be excellent if the Cause could be introduced more to the people through the medium of radio, as it reaches the masses, especially those who do not take an interest in lectures or attend any type of meeting. ...” (From a letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, March 7, 1945)

No medium is as cost-effective as radio for reaching the masses of humanity. In many places, radio is a part of daily life, accompanying people as they go about their chores or travel to work, and is always turned on during an emergency. It is a source of community, national and world news. A portable receiver can be slipped in a pocket or hung on a cart. A Bahá’í radio program can reach more people every day for a fraction of what a program would cost on television. News and public service announcements may be broadcast free of charge.

The Universal House of Justice urges us to use this powerful medium by placing Bahá’í programming on “radio broadcast facilities operated by non-Bahá’ís, but available to our communities either on public service time or for fees which, cumulatively, add up to relatively small totals locally affordable as part of public information or special proclamation activities.” [From a letter to the International Bahá’í Audio-Visual Center, from the Department of the Secretariat of the Universal House of Justice, dated January 5, 1993]

More and more Bahá’í communities are discovering that they have access to radio. Restrictions have loosened in many countries; in others, the climate of popular opinion is now open to alternative solutions outside of the traditional ‘mainstream’. “The world is rich in commercial or public service stations whose staff will find the Message of the Cause and the uniqueness of its members interesting and worthy of assistance.” [From same letter of January 5, 1993]

Using radio is within the capacity of almost all Bahá’í communities. Although getting on the most popular station in a big city may be daunting, it may be possible to experience success by starting in small population centers, where local stations tend to be more responsive to community groups. Radio opportunities abound. Investigate public broadcast and community stations, university and college stations. Stations broadcasting to minorities in their language may be an excellent way to reach those target groups. Smaller stations such as the low-power FM radios libres in the states of France, “neighborhood” stations as found in Japan and even the “market radios” found in many Latin American countries offer opportunities.

As Bahá’ís, we can offer real news or community announcements, public service programming or programming that fills one of the station’s needs, interesting and expert guests for interview programs—all are attractive to a radio station. Many Bahá’ís establish friendships with the radio personnel or offer a service in exchange for air time, such as reading announcements and news or hosting a program. Radio is a powerful tool that Bahá’í communities can use to proclaim the Cause, support their teaching plans, and provide needed community service. It can help keep the name of the Faith alive in people’s consciousness, offer a forum for airing Bahá’u’lláh’s solutions to current problems, continue to emblazon His Name about the globe.

The International Bahá’í Audio-Visual Center encourages Bahá’í communities to study the possibilities of using radio (or more of it) in their area. To support this effort, IBAVC offers radio scripts and some tapes, music for production, training materials for radio programming, experience in coordinating training workshops, consultative assistance for developing strategic plans for radio use, a resource list of Bahá’ís with experience in radio broadcasting and 18 years of work on an evolving philosophy for Bahá’í programming. At the same time, IBAVC would like to learn of Bahá’í communities’ radio experiences, tests and triumphs, programming and programmers. Please fill out one of the accompanying survey forms and send to IBAVC at \____________________ Maracaibo 4001-A, Venezuela; fax 58-61-618572. You may also wish to contact your local public information officer or national Office of Public Information for guidance and tips on using radio for proclamation. The International Bahá’í Audio-Visual Center is a field agency of the Universal House of Justice, dedicated to assisting Bahá’í communities around the world with many aspects of their use of audio-visual media—large and small.

Road ‘adoption’ worth wait

It has been a long road, but the Bahá’ís of Westlake Village, California, have “adopted” a 1.7-mile section of Ventura Freeway 101, and the wait was worth it. The community applied to the “Adopt-A-Highway” program of CALTRANS (the California transportation department). After more than a year of waiting and follow-up, the permit was granted. In granting the sponsorship, CALTRANS officials mentioned that they have a high regard for Bahá’ís because they are organized and do their part well. Now the Bahá’ís of Westlake Village and four other nearby communities—Agoura Hills, Oak Park, Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley—are working to keep that reputation intact by picking up litter along the stretch of freeway 12 times a year. Two signs along the highway tell motorists of the sponsorship. The Bahá’í community obtained the sign boards from CALTRANS and did the art work itself so “Bahá’í Faith” could be proclaimed in the largest-size letters possible.

SURVEY ON RADIO USE

FOR COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE REGULAR RADIO PROGRAMS ON THE AIR Please fill out one sheet for each program that you have; use additional sheets if necessary.

Name of Community \____________________________________________________________________

Address \________________________________ Country \__________ Phone/Fax \________________

1. Program name: \_____________________________________________________________________

2. Frequency of broadcast \____ daily \____ weekly \____ bi-weekly \____ monthly \____ other (please explain) \_________________________________________________________

3. Length \__________ 4. Longevity: Starting date \__________ to \__________ (month/yr) (month/yr)

5. Hour program airs \____________________ 6. Circle one: Broadcast time was free/ paid

7. Type of program \____ music \____ talk \____ magazine (variety) \____ dramatized \____ children’s program \____ other, please specify \__________________________________

8. Languages \_________________________________________________________________________

9. Description of program (topics or themes covered) \____________________________________ \____________________________________________________________________________________

10. Name of station(s) on which program airs and broadcast area \__________________________ \____________________________________________________________________________________

11. Who is your audience? \_____________________________________________________________

12. Evaluation of program (i.e.: Does the audience like the program? Does the station like it?) \____________________________________________________________________________ \____________________________________________________________________________________

13. Do you have any special needs for particular radio programs? Explain. \________________ \____________________________________________________________________________________

14. Is there any area, such as training, etc., with which you would like help? \_____________ \____________________________________________________________________________________

15. Additional comments: \______________________________________________________________ \____________________________________________________________________________________

16. Please share with IBAVC the names, addresses and areas of expertise of the people in your community who prepare the radio programs. This information will be added to our human resources data base. \______________________________________________________ \____________________________________________________________________________________

Please photocopy as needed and return completed form to: IBAVC, Apartado 1817, Maracaibo 4001-A, Venezuela

SURVEY ON RADIO USE

FOR COMMUNITIES THAT MAKE OCCASIONAL USE OF RADIO Please fill out one sheet for each program that you have; use additional sheets if necessary.

Name of Community \____________________________________________________________________

Address \________________________________ Country \__________ Phone/Fax \________________

Please answer as applicable to your community (there may be more than one) 1. Type(s) of radio broadcast used \____ news announcements \____ special programs (international holidays, etc.) \____ interview shows \____ community announcements \____ promotional spots \____ public service announcements \____ other (please explain) \_________________________________________________________

2. Station(s) used \____________________________________________________________________

3. Language(s) \_______________________________________________________________________

4. Description of program(s) \__________________________________________________________

5. Circle one: Broadcast time was free / paid . Please explain. \________________________

6. Who was your audience? \_____________________________________________________________

7. Evaluation of program(s) (i.e.: Did the audience like the program? Did the station like it?) \____________________________________________________________________________

8. Do you have any special needs for particular radio programs? Please explain. \________ \____________________________________________________________________________________

9. Is there any area, such as training, etc., with which you would like help? \_____________ \____________________________________________________________________________________

10. Please share with IBAVC the names, addresses and areas of expertise of the people in your community who prepare the radio programs. This information will be added to our human resources data base. \______________________________________________________ \____________________________________________________________________________________

11. Additional comments: \______________________________________________________________ \____________________________________________________________________________________

Please photocopy as needed and return completed form to: IBAVC, Apartado 1817, Maracaibo 4001-A, Venezuela [Page 13]

1993 DISTRICT CONVENTION SITES

The following list of District Convention sites includes dates, times, an address to which mail ballots may be sent, and a telephone number to call for more information.

Unit 1. Alabama, Northern Tom Bevill Center, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 4925 University Dr. NW, Huntsville; Oct. 3; 9am-4pm (Registration: 8am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Huntsville, P.O. Box 1783, Huntsville, AL 35807. Phone for info: 205/859-4234.

Unit 2. Alabama, S/Florida, NW University of South Alabama, Brookley Conference Center, 254 Old Bay Front Dr., Mobile; Oct. 3; 10am-3:30pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Mobile, Mobile, AL 36609. Phone for info: 205/344-8205.

Unit 3. Arkansas Mount Sequoyah Conference and Retreat Center, Fayetteville; Oct. 3; 10am-4pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Rogers, Rogers, AR 72756. Phone for info: 501/443-1620.

Unit 4. Arizona, Northern-A Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson, Peoria; Oct. 3; 9:30am-3pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Peoria, P.O. Box 1021, Peoria, AZ 85380. Phone for info: 602/872-9347.

Unit 5. Arizona, Northern-B Arizona State University, Memorial Union Bldg., MU Rm. #218 (Pima Rm.), Tempe; Oct. 3; 1:30pm-6pm (Registration: 12:30pm). Mail ballots to: LSA of Paradise Valley, c/o Behshad, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253. Phone for info: 602/443-3099.

Unit 6. Arizona, Northern-C Goodyear Community Center, 420 E. Loma Linda Blvd., Goodyear; Oct. 3; 9am-1pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Avondale, c/o Melanie Martinez, Phoenix, AZ 85039. Phone for info: 602/877-8357.

Unit 7. Arizona, Southern Northwest Neighborhood Center, 2160 N. 6th Ave., Tucson; Oct. 3; 10am (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Pima County East, c/o Gowhar Jamshedi, Tucson, AZ 85715. Phone for info: 602/795-9484 (days) or 602/749-5956 (eves.).

Unit 8. California, Central #1-A San Francisco Bahá’í Center, 170 Valencia St., San Francisco; Oct. 3; 10am-1pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of San Francisco, San Francisco Bahá’í Center, Ballot, 170 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94103. Phone for info: 415/431-9990.

Unit 9. California, Central #1-B Bancroft Elementary School, 2200 Parish Dr., Walnut Creek; Oct. 3; 9am-2pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Concord, P.O. Box 42, Concord, CA 94522. Phone for info: 510/798-9078.

Unit 10. California, Central #1-C College of Alameda, 555 Atlantic Ave., Alameda; Oct. 3; 10am (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Berkeley, P.O. Box 765, Berkeley, CA 94701. Phone for info: 510/865-4480.

Unit 11. California, Central #1-D Louden Nelson Center, 301 Center St., Santa Cruz; Saturday, Oct. 2; 9:30am-1pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Live Oak/Santa Cruz, P.O. Box 3068, Santa Cruz, CA 95063. Phone for info: 408/476-5361.

Unit 12. California, Central #1-E Strawberry Park School, 730 Camino Escuela, San Jose; Oct. 3; 9am-1pm (Registration: 8am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Cupertino, P.O. Box 1258, Cupertino, CA 95015-1258. Phone for info: 408/973-8361.

Unit 13. California, Central #1-F York School, 9501 York Rd., Monterey; Oct. 3; 10am-12:30pm (Registration: 9:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Prunedale, 17561 Vierra Canyon Rd. #39, Prunedale, CA 93907. Phone for info: 408/663-0812.

Unit 14. California, Central #1-G For information, call the Bahá’í National Center, 708/869-9039 ext. 209.

Unit 15. California, Central #2 Fresno Bahá’í Center, 2240 N. Angus, Fresno; Oct. 3; 10am-4pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Fresno, c/o Fresno Bahá’í Center, 2240 N. Angus, Fresno, CA 93704. Phone for info: 209/447-1633.

Unit 16. California, Northern #1-A Winters Community Center, 201 Railroad Ave., Winters; Saturday, Oct. 2; 9:30am-3pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Davis, P.O. Box 578, Davis, CA 95617. Phone for info: 916/756-6021.

Unit 17. California, Northern #1-B KVIE/Channel 6, 2595 Capitol Oaks Dr., Sacramento; Sunday, Oct. 17; 2pm-6pm (Registration: 1pm). Mail ballots to: LSA of Fair Oaks/Orangevale, P.O. Box 621345, Orangevale, CA 95662. Phone for info: 916/988-9403.

Unit 18. California, Northern #2 Pickleweed Park Community Center, 50 Canal St., San Rafael; Oct. 3; 10am-3:30pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of San Rafael, P.O. Box 2266, San Rafael, CA 94912. Phone for info: 415/472-4616.

Unit 19. California, Southern #1-A Lancaster City Park, Stanley Kleiner Activity, 43011 N. 10th St. W., Lancaster; Oct. 3; 11am-3pm (Registration: 10am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Lancaster, P.O. Box 4216, Lancaster, CA 94539. Phone for info: 805/943-4952.

Unit 20. California, Southern #1-B Bay Laurel Elementary School, Calabasas; Oct. 3; 11:30am-4:30pm (Registration: 11:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Calabasas, c/o Drude M. Clark, P.O. Box 8771, Calabasas, CA 91302. Phone for info: 818/591-9119.

Unit 21. California, Southern #1-C (NOTE: Unit elects 3 delegates.) Los Angeles Bahá’í Center, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles; Oct. 3; 2pm-5pm (Registration: 12noon). Mail ballots to: LSA of Los Angeles, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016. Phone for info: 310/519-1811.

Unit 22. California, Southern #1-D Arcadia Community Center, 375 Campus Dr., Arcadia; Oct. 3; 10am-1pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Monrovia, P.O. Box 346, Monrovia, CA 91017. Phone for info: 818/358-8254.

Unit 23. California, Southern #1-E Hawthorne Community Center, 3901 W. El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne; Oct. 3; (Times tentative) 9:30am-1pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Manhattan Beach, P.O. Box 3773, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. Phone for info: 310/372-5856.

Unit 24. California, Southern #1-F Palm Park, Palm Ave. & Floral Drive, Whittier; Oct. 3; 1:30pm-4:30pm (Registration: 1pm). Mail ballots to: LSA of Long Beach, P.O. Box 4150, Long Beach, CA 90804. Phone for info: 310/431-1141.

Unit 25. California, Southern #2-A Harris’ Dept. Store Multi-Purpose Room, 3635 Riverside Plaza, Riverside; Oct. 3; 11am-6pm (Registration: 10am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Riverside, c/o JoAnn Rayshel, Riverside, CA 92506. Phone for info: 909/686-7314.

Unit 26. California, Southern #2-B Fullerton Senior Multi-Service Center, 340 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton; Oct. 3; 10am-3pm (Registration: 9:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Orange, P.O. Box 5441, Orange, CA 92667. Phone for info: 714/633-6352.

Unit 27. California, Southern #2-C University of California Irvine, Crystal Cove Auditorium, Irvine; Sunday, Oct. 10; 10am-5pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Laguna Niguel, P.O. Box 7776, Laguna Niguel, CA 92607. Phone for info: 714/831-1609.

Unit 28. California, Southern #3 Doubletree Hotel at Ventura, 2055 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura; Oct. 3; 10am-3pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Ventura, P.O. Box 3126, Ventura, CA 93006. Phone for info: 805/643-8376.

Unit 29. California, Southern #4-A Woman’s Club of Carlsbad, 3320 Monroe St., Carlsbad; Oct. 3; 9:30am-12:30pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Carlsbad, P.O. Box 217, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Phone for info: 619/729-6435.

Unit 30. California, Southern #4-B Lakeside Community Center, 9841 Vine, Lakeside; Oct. 3; 9:30am-1pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of La Mesa, P.O. Box 3111, La Mesa, CA 91944-1113. Phone for info: 619/469-6608.

Unit 31. California, Southern #4-C San Diego Bahá’í Center, 6545 Alcala Knolls Dr., San Diego; Oct. 3; 1:30pm-4:30pm (Registration: 12noon-potluck lunch). Mail ballots to: LSA of San Diego, 6545 Alcala Knolls Dr., San Diego, CA 92111. Phone for info: 619/459-7579.

Unit 32. Colorado, Northeast Metro Denver Bahá’í Center, 225 E. Bayaud St., Denver; Oct. 3; 10am-4:30pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Denver, P.O. Box 4363, Denver, CO 80204. Phone for info: 303/744-6456 ext. 46.

Unit 33. Colorado, Southeast Fountain Fort Carson High School, 515 N. Santa Fe Ave., Fountain; Oct. 3; 10am-3pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of El Paso County East, c/o Colorado Springs, CO 80911. Phone for info: 719/392-6472.

Unit 34. Colorado, Western Annex Building, La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave., Durango; Oct. 3; 9:30am-4pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Durango, P.O. Box 256, Durango, CO 81302-0256. Phone for info: 303/259-2405.

Unit 35. Connecticut (Site to be determined) Oct. 3; 9am-4pm (Registration: 8am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Stamford, P.O. Box 10964, Stamford, CT 06904. Phone for info: 203/325-1783.

Unit 36. Delmarva Hurlock Elementary School, Charles St., Hurlock; Oct. 3; 9:15am-4pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Cambridge, Cambridge, MD 21613. Phone for info: 410/228-6130.

Unit 37. Florida, Central University of Central Florida, Alafaya Trail, Orlando; Oct. 3; 9am-4pm (Registration: 8am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Seminole County West, P.O. Box 951211, Lake Mary, FL 32795-1211. Phone for info: 407/333-0120.

Unit 38. Florida, Northern Gainesville Bahá’í Center, 4451 NW 19th St., Gainesville; Oct. 3; 9am-2pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Gainesville, P.O. Box 149, Gainesville, FL 32602. Phone for info: 904/372-8147.

Unit 39. Florida, Southeast-A Holiday Inn-Airport, 1301 Belvedere Rd., West Palm Beach; Oct. 3; 9am (Registration: 8am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Palm Beach County Central, P.O. Box 5354, ‎Lakeworth Lake Worth‎, FL 33466. Phone for info: 407/966-6751.

Unit 40. Florida, Southeast-B Pompano Beach Recreation Center, 1801 N.E. 6 St., [Page 14]

DISTRICT CONVENTION SITES

Pompano Beach; Oct. 3; 10am-3pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Plantation, Karen Pritchard, Sec., Plantation, FL 33317. Phone for info: 305/581-4513.

Unit 41. Florida, Southeast-C Howard Johnson, 7330 NW 36th St., Miami; Oct. 3; 9am-4pm (Registration: 8am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Dade County Central, P.O. Box 560554, Miami, FL 33256-0554. Phone for info: 305/665-4693.

Unit 42. Florida, Southwest University of South Florida, Theater 2, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa; Oct. 3; 9:30am-4pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Hillsborough Co. N.W., c/o Ida Brangman, Tampa, FL 33624. Phone for info: 813/933-9329.

Unit 43. Georgia, Northeast University of Georgia, School of Social Works, Tucker Hall, Athens; Oct. 3. Mail ballots to: LSA of Athens, P.O. Box 5304, Athens, GA 30604. Phone for info: 706/548-6495.

Unit 44. Georgia, Northwest-A Unitarian Universalist Church of Gwinnett County, 12 Bethesda Church Rd., Lawrenceville; Saturday, Oct. 2; 10am-2pm (Registration: 9:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Gwinnett Cnty. South, c/o Kim Isherwood, Lawrenceville, GA 30244. Phone for info: 404/962-0446.

Unit 45. Georgia, Northwest-B Trolley Barn, 963 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta; Oct. 3; 1:30pm-5pm (Registration: 1pm). Mail ballots to: LSA of Roswell, P.O. Box 651, Roswell, GA 30077. Phone for info: 404/664-2418.

Unit 46. Georgia, Northwest-C Emory University, White Hall, Rm. 208, Atlanta; Oct. 3; 10am-4pm (Registration: 9:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of DeKalb County Central, Decatur, GA 30033. Phone for info: 404/325-7637.

Unit 47. Georgia, Southern-A Peach County Community Center, 307 Peachtree St., Fort Valley; Oct. 3; 11am-4pm (Registration: 10:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Peach County, c/o Beverly Rogers, 1878 Vinson Rd., Fort Valley, GA 31030. Phone for info: 912/825-1465.

Unit 48. Georgia, Southern-B (Tentative) Southside Fire Dept., White Bluff Rd., Savannah; Oct. 3; 10am-2pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Savannah, P.O. Box 1093, Savannah, GA 31402. Phone for info: 912/351-9583.

Unit 49. Georgia, Southern-C Home of Ella Young, Albany; Oct. 3; 9:30-4pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Albany, P.O. Box 70031, Albany, GA 31707-0001. Phone for info: 912/888-0878.

Unit 50. Iowa Ambroz Recreation Center, 2000 Mt. Vernon Rd. SE, Cedar Rapids; Oct. 3; 10am-3pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Cedar Rapids, P.O. Box 2298, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406. Phone for info: 319/366-2181.

Unit 51. Idaho, N./Washington, E. Yakima Indian Nation, Stanley Smartlowit Education Center, Yakima Tribal School, Highway 97 and West 1st St., Toppenish, Wa.; Saturday, Oct. 2; 9:45am-3pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Yakima Indian Reservation, P.O. Box 81, Wapato, WA 98951. Phone for info: 509/877-7241.

Unit 52. Idaho, Southern Ramada Inn, 1025 Capital Blvd., Boise; Oct. 3; 10am-3pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Boise, Boise, ID 83706. Phone for info: 208/385-7979.

Unit 53. Illinois, Northern #1 Kenrock Community Center, 3218 Eleventh St., Rockford; Oct. 3; 10am-5pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Rockford, P.O. Box 26, Rockford, IL 61105. Phone for info: 815/968-7626.

Unit 54. Illinois, Northern #2-A Fox Center, Jackson & Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park; Oct. 3; 9:15am-12:30pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Oak Park, c/o Cengiz Yetken, Oak Park, IL 60302. Phone for info: 708/524-4837.

Unit 55. Illinois, Northern #2-B Bahá’í House of Worship, Foundation Hall, Wilmette; Saturday, Oct. 2; 9am-1pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Glencoe, Glencoe, IL 60022. Phone for info: 708/835-1818.

Unit 56. Illinois, Northern #2-C Chicago Bahá’í Center, Chicago. Mail ballots to: LSA of Chicago, Attn: Convention Ballots, Chicago, IL 60616. Phone for info: 312/883-2355.

Unit 57. Illinois, Southern-A Levis Faculty Center, 919 W. Illinois St., Urbana; Oct. 3; 10am-3:30pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Champaign, c/o N. J. Osterhoff, Champaign, IL 61821. Phone for info: 217/356-9654.

Unit 58. Illinois, Southern-B Holiday Inn, I-55 & Route 108, Exit 60, Carlinville; Oct. 3; 10am-4pm (Registration: 9:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Springfield, P.O. Box 1841, Springfield, IL 62705. Phone for info: 217/546-6895.

Unit 59. Indiana Greenfield Central High School, 810 N. Broadway, Greenfield; Oct. 3; 10am-3:30pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Indianapolis, c/o Carol Niss, Sec., Indianapolis, IN 46218. Phone for info: 317/872-7358.

Unit 60. Kansas Oakland Community Center, 801 N.E. Poplar, Topeka; Oct. 3; 10am-4:30pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Topeka, P.O. Box 1962, Topeka, KS 66601. Phone for info: 913/232-5639.

Unit 61. Kentucky Mail ballots to: LSA of Louisville, c/o Kyle Pirtle, Louisville, KY 40204. Phone for info: 502/458-6145.

Unit 62. Louisiana Bahá’í Center, 4270 Perkins Rd., Baton Rouge; Oct. 3; 10am-5pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge, LA 70806. Phone for info: 504/927-3747.

Unit 63. Massachusetts-A JFK Middle School, Bridge Rd., Florence; Saturday, Oct. 2; 9:30am-4pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Northampton, P.O. Box 523, Northampton, MA 01061. Phone for info: 413/586-6194.

Unit 64. Massachusetts-B Bemis Hall, 17 Bedford Rd., Lincoln; Oct. 3; 8:30am-4pm (Registration: 8am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Lowell, P.O. Box 8133, Lowell, MA 01853-8133. Phone for info: 508/858-0006.

Unit 65. Massachusetts-C Forestdale School, 74 Sylvan St., Malden; Oct. 3; 10am-4pm (Registration: 9:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Malden, P.O. Box 323, Malden, MA 02148. Phone for info: 617/322-7902.

Unit 66. Maryland, W./D. C. Rockville Senior Center, 1150 Carnation Drive, Rockville; Oct. 3; 10am-5pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Montgomery County S.W., c/o Larson, Potomac, MD 20854. Phone for info: 301/762-4444.

Unit 67. Maryland, Central Maryland Hall, 801 Chase St., ‎Anapolis Annapolis‎; Oct. 3; 9:30am-1pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Prince George County South, c/o Lucille Reams, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. Phone for info: 301/249-7448.

Unit 68. Maine Univ. of Southern Maine-Gorham, 37 College Ave., Gorham; Oct. 3; 9:30am-4pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Augusta, c/o Claire Cline, Augusta, ME 04330. Phone for info: 207/622-2406.

Unit 69. Michigan, Mainland-A The Pendleton Room, University of Michigan Union, State Street, Ann Arbor; Oct. 3; 10am-4pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Ann Arbor, P.O. Box 6021, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Phone for info: 313/994-6428.

Unit 70. Michigan, Mainland-B Marywood Academy, Corner of Fulton & Lakeside, Grand Rapids; Saturday, Oct. 2; (Times tentative) 9am-5pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Grand Rapids, P.O. Box 1112, Grand Rapids, MI 49501. Phone for info: 616/245-5541.

Unit 71. Michigan, Mainland-C Civic Center, Parks & Recreation Bldg., 26000 Evergreen Rd., Southfield; Oct. 3; 10am-3pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Southfield, c/o Jeanine Gunaskaran, Southfield, MI 48075. Phone for info: 313/353-2939.

Unit 72. Minnesota, Northern Hobson Student Union, Bemidji State University, Bemidji; Oct. 3; 9:30am-4pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Beltrami County, Bemidji, MN 56601. Phone for info: 218/751-0317.

Unit 73. Minnesota, Southern University of Minnesota, St. Paul Student Center, 2017 Buford Ave., St. Paul; Oct. 3; 12:30pm-5pm (Registration: 12noon). Mail ballots to: LSA of Golden Valley, P.O. Box 27011, Golden Valley, MN 55427. Phone for info: 612/544-0726.

Unit 74. Missouri-A Saint Paul’s Theological Seminary, 5123 E. Truman Rd., Kansas City, Mo.; Oct. 9 & 10; Convention - Sunday, 10am-4pm (Registration: 9am), Pre-Convention program, Saturday at 7:30pm). Mail ballots to: LSA of Kansas City, c/o Kansas City, MO 64127. Phone for info: 816/734-5570.

Unit 75. Missouri-B Holiday Inn, 1200 Gannon Dr. (I-55 at Exit 175, visible from I-55), Festus; Oct. 3; 10am-4pm (Registration: 9:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Jefferson Cnty., c/o Tom Liebman, Fenton, MO 63026-4966. Phone for info: 314/469-8555.

Unit 76. Mississippi University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Park Campus, East Beach Blvd., Long Beach; Saturday, Oct. 2; 10am (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Gulfport, Gulfport, MS 39501. Phone for info: 601/863-3411.

Unit 77. Montana McLaughlin Center, College of Great Falls, 1301 Twentieth St. S. (located at 20th St. S. and 15th Ave.), Great Falls; Oct. 3; 9am-3pm (Registration: 8am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Great Falls, Great Falls, MT 59401. Phone for info: 406/727-1120.

Unit 78. Navajo-Hopi Cafe Sage, Ganado; Oct. 3; 9am-5pm (Registration: 8am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Chinle Chapter, c/o Yvonne Ayoub, P.O. Box 1005, Chinle, AZ 86503. Phone for info: 602/674-3654.

Unit 79. North Carolina, Central-A Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4907 Garrett Rd., Durham; Saturday, Oct. 9; (Times tentative) 10am-5pm (Registration: 9:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Chapel Hill, P.O. Box 3503, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Phone for info: 919/942-5535.

Unit 80. North Carolina, Central-B Quality Inn, I-95 & Hwy. 74, Exit 14, Lumberton; Oct. 3; 1pm-4pm (Registration: 11am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Hamlet, c/o Laurie Flannery, Hamlet, NC 28345. Phone for info: 919/582-3545.

Unit 81. North Carolina, Eastern-A Glen Eden Park, 1500 Glen Eden Drive, Raleigh; Oct. 3; 9:30am-4:30pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots [Page 15]to: LSA of Raleigh, P.O. Box 58111, Raleigh, NC 27658. Phone for info: 919/872-6023 (evenings).

Unit 82. North Carolina, Eastern-B Home of Mike & Maria Hillis, Wilson; Saturday, Oct. 2; 9:30am (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: DTC of Eastern North Carolina, c/o Mary Spires, Rocky Mount, NC 27803. Phone for info: 919/446-5889.

Unit 83. North Carolina, Western-A Bahá’í Center, 5 Ravenscroft Drive, Asheville; Oct. 3; 9:30am-2pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Asheville, P.O. Box 882, Asheville, NC 28802. Phone for info: 704/254-6439.

Unit 84. North Carolina, Western-B Senior Center, Boone; Oct. 3; 10am-4pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Watauga County, P.O. Box 1406, Boone, NC 28607. Phone for info: 704/297-4274 or 704/264-2297.

Unit 85. North Dakota Chieftain Motor Lodge, Carrington; Oct. 3; 9am-4pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Jamestown, P.O. Box 1166, Jamestown, ND 58401. Phone for info: 701/252-7109.

Unit 86. Nebraska Notre Dame Center, 3501 State St., Omaha; Oct. 3; 9am-3pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Omaha, P.O. Box 4597 Benson Station, Omaha, NE 68104. Phone for info: 402/393-3598.

Unit 87. New Hampshire New Science Bldg. Auditorium, New England College, Henniker; Oct. 3; 9am-4pm (Registration: 8:15am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Exeter Twp., Attn.: Jon Ring, P.O. Box 384, Exeter, NH 03833. Phone for info: 603/772-4680.

Unit 88. New Jersey-A (Joint Convention w/ Unit 89) Georgian Court College, Lakewood; Oct. 3; 10am (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Ridgewood, c/o Joel Nizin, Scty., NJ 07450. Phone for info: 201/652-6385.

Unit 89. New Jersey-B (Joint Convention w/ Unit 88) Georgian Court College, Lakewood; Oct. 3; 10am (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Lakewood, P.O. Box 811, Lakewood, NJ 08701-0811. Phone for info: 908/367-2755.

Unit 90. New Mexico, Northern College of Santa Fe, St. Michael’s Dr., Santa Fe; Oct. 3; 9am-5pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Santa Fe, P.O. Box 1767, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1767. Phone for info: 505/471-5333.

Unit 91. New Mexico, S./Texas, West-A Dona Ana Community College, 3400 S. Espina, Las Cruces; Oct. 3; 9am-3pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Las Cruces, P.O. Box 1491, Las Cruces, NM 88004. Phone for info: 505/527-4044.

Unit 92. New Mexico, S./Texas, West-B Ditzler Hall, New Mexico School for the Visually Handicapped, Indian Wells Rd. & White Sands Blvd., Alamogordo; Saturday, Oct. 2; 10am-4pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Alamogordo, P.O. Box 1461, Alamogordo, NM 88311. Phone for info: 505/437-1824.

Unit 93. New Mexico, S./Texas, West-C Oct. 3. Mail ballots to: LSA of El Paso, P.O. Box 640602, El Paso, TX 79904. Phone for info: 915/751-6388.

Unit 94. Nevada, Northern Fallon Community Center, 100 Campus Way, Fallon; Oct. 3; 9:30am-3:30pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Reno, P.O. Box 6447, Reno, NV 89513-6447. Phone for info: 702/972-6527.

Unit 95. Nevada, Southern Multi-Use Bldg., Central Park, 1204 Sixth St., Boulder City; Sunday, Oct. 10; 10am-5pm (Registration: 9:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Boulder City, Boulder City, NV 89005. Phone for info: 702/294-3103.

Unit 96. New York, Eastern-A Lecture Center 100, SUNY New Paltz, in New Paltz; Oct. 3; 9am-4pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Poughkeepsie, c/o Druzelle Cederquist, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Phone for info: 914/454-1229.

Unit 97. New York, Eastern-B (Note: unit elects 2 delegates) NYC Bahá’í Center, 53 E. 11th St., NYC; Oct. 3; 10am-5pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of New York City, NYC Bahá’í Center, 53 E. 11th St., New York, NY 10003. Phone for info: 212/674-8998.

Unit 98. New York, Eastern-C Julia Homayoon Bahá’í Center, 774 Sycamore Ave., Bohemia; Oct. 3; 8:30am-5pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Huntington Twp., P.O. Box 842, East Northport, NY 11731. Phone for info: 516/673-1946.

Unit 99. New York, Western-A Buffalo State College (Classroom Bldg.), 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo; Oct. 3; 10am-4pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Amherst Twp., c/o McMahon, Amherst, NY 14226. Phone for info: 716/835-8243.

Unit 100. New York, Western-B Cobblestone Art Center, 207 High St. Extension, Victor; Sunday, Oct. 10; 10am-4pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Victor, c/o Robert R. Mann, Victor, NY 14564. Phone for info: 716/924-3345.

Unit 101. Ohio, Northern-A Mail ballots to: LSA of Mansfield, c/o Rasheedah Zaris, Mansfield, OH 44903. Phone for info: 419/525-0675.

Unit 102. Ohio, Northern-B Newton D. Baker Hall, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland; Oct. 3; 9:30am-4:30pm (Registration: 8am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Shaker Heights, P.O. Box 221109, Beachwood, OH 44122. Phone for info: 216/491-0961.

Unit 103. Ohio, Southern Mail ballots to: LSA of Cincinnati, c/o Charles Martin, Cincinnati, OH 45211. Phone for info: 513/661-1070.

Unit 104. Oklahoma, Eastern Tulsa Bahá’í Center, 5424 S. Mingo Rd., Tulsa; Oct. 3; 10am-4pm (Registration: 9:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Tulsa, P.O. Box 251, Tulsa, OK 74101. Phone for info: 918/749-2859.

Unit 105. Oklahoma, Western Greater Oklahoma City Bahá’í Center, 1201 S. Blackwelder, Oklahoma City; Oct. 3; 10am-4pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Norman, P.O. Box 335, Norman, OK 73070-0335. Phone for info: 405/364-6216.

Unit 106. Oregon, Eastern Rosie Bareis Community Campus, 1010 N.W. 14th St., Bend; Saturday, Oct. 2; 1:30pm-9pm (Registration: 12:30pm). Mail ballots to: LSA of Bend, P.O. Box 5666, Bend, OR 97708. Phone for info: 503/389-1381.

Unit 107. Oregon, Western-A Portland Bahá’í Center, 8720 N. Ivanhoe, Portland; Oct. 3; 1pm-5:30pm (Registration: 12:30pm). Mail ballots to: LSA of Washington County, P.O. Box 255, Beaverton, OR 97075. Phone for info: 503/645-2629.

Unit 108. Oregon, Western-B Portland Bahá’í Center, 8720 N. Ivanhoe, Portland; Saturday, Oct. 2; 10am-4pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Portland, P.O. Box 4245, Portland, OR 97208. Phone for info: 503/286-1412.

Unit 109. Oregon, Western-C Celeste Campbell Sr. Community Center, 155 High St., Eugene; Saturday, Oct. 2; 9:30am-3:30pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Eugene, c/o Ayned McComb, P.O. Box 10743, Eugene, OR 97440-2743. Phone for info: 503/342-3605.

Unit 110. Oregon, Western-D 4-H Bldg., 215 Ringuette, Grants Pass; Oct. 3; 10:30am-3:30pm (Registration: 9:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Jackson Cnty., Medford, OR 97501. Phone for info: 503/535-6572.

Unit 111. Pennsylvania, Eastern Mail ballots to: LSA of Harrisburg, P.O. Box 3108, Harrisburg, PA 17105. Phone for info: 717/232-9163.

Unit 112. Pennsylvania, Western Mountain View Inn, 1001 Village Dr., Greensburg; Oct. 3; 10am-4:30pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Monroeville, c/o Rhea Harmsen, Monroeville, PA 15146. Phone for info: 412/856-6439.

Unit 113. Rhode Island Mail ballots to: LSA of Warwick, c/o Virginia McDevitt, Warwick, RI 02886-5650. Phone for info: 401/737-3128.

Unit 114/115. South Carolina, Central-AB (Note: unit elects 2 delegates) Columbia Junior College, 3810 Main St., Columbia; Oct. 3; 10am-3pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Lexington County North, P.O. Box 8501, Columbia, SC 29202. Phone for info: 803/772-4358.

Unit 116/117. South Carolina, Central-CD (Note: unit elects 2 delegates) (Vacation home of Annette Reynolds), Branchville; Oct. 3; 9:30am-2pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Greater Orangeburg, Orangeburg, SC 29115. Phone for info: 803/534-6280.

Unit 118-121. South Carolina, East #1A-D (Note: Unit elects 4 delegates) Lawton Park, Hartsville; Oct. 3; 3pm-5:30pm (Registration: 2:30pm). Mail ballots to: LSA of Lydia, c/o Richardson, P.O. Box 238, Lydia, SC 29079-0238. Phone for info: 803/395-2123.

Unit 122-125. South Carolina, East #1E-H (Note: Unit elects 4 delegates) Florence Bahá’í Center, 541 W. Evans, Florence; Oct. 3; 4:30pm-9pm (Registration: 4pm). Mail ballots to: LSA of Florence, 541 W. Evans, Florence, SC 29501. Phone for info: 803/667-1540.

Unit 126-129. South Carolina, East #2A-D (Note: Unit elects 4 delegates) Home of Greg & Virginia Kintz, Conway; Oct. 3; 2pm-5pm (Registration: 1:45pm). Mail ballots to: LSA of Conway, P.O. Box 348, Conway, SC 29526. Phone for info: 803/248-6224.

Unit 130. South Carolina, East #2E Home of Sandra Heather Lally, Kingstree; Oct. 3; 11am. Mail ballots to: LSA of Kingstree, c/o Heather Lally, Kingstree, SC 29556. Phone for info: 803/354-5339.

Unit 131. South Carolina, East #2F Home of the Hiltons, Hemingway; Oct. 3; 1pm (Registration: ‎12noon 12 noon‎). Mail ballots to: LSA of Donnelly, c/o Tracey Hollingsworth, Hemingway, SC 29554. Phone for info: 803/558-9019.

Unit 132. South Carolina, East #2G For information, call the Bahá’í National Center, 708/869-9039 ext. 209 or the South Carolina Coordinating Committee, 800/735-4445.

Unit 133. South Carolina, North-A (Joint Convention with Unit #134) Fort Mill Club House, Peachtree Apts., Fort Mill; Oct. 3; 9am-4pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Spartanburg County, c/o Helen Thomas, Rock Hill, SC 29730. Phone for info: 803/877-0563.

Unit 134. South Carolina, North-B (Joint Convention with Unit #134) Fort Mill Club House, Peachtree Apts., Fort Mill; Oct. 3; 9am-4pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Rock Hill, c/o Helen Thomas, Rock Hill, SC 29730. Phone for info: 803/328-8395.

Unit 135. South Carolina, South #1A Ziegler Home, Goose Creek; Oct. 3; 10am-2pm (Potluck lunch) (Registration: 9:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Cross, c/o Debra Beckham, Cross, SC 29436. Phone for info: 803/753-3456.

Unit 136. South Carolina, South #1B Phone for info: 803/722-2657 or Bahá’í National [Page 16]Center, 708/869-9039 ext. 209.

DISTRICT CONVENTION SITES

Unit 137/138. South Carolina, South #1-C/D (Note: Unit elects 2 delegates) Holiday Inn, 1120 Snyder St. (Interstate 95 & 63), Walterboro; Oct. 3; 10am-3pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of St. Helena Island, c/o Amber Spahn, P.O. Box 236, St. Helena Island, SC 29920. Phone for info: 803/838-5453.

Unit 139. South Carolina, Western Cambridge Academy, Eastman St., Greenwood; Saturday, Oct. 2; 10am-3pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Greenwood County North, c/o Gail Curwin, Greenwood, SC 29646. Phone for info: 803/229-7438.

Unit 140. South Dakota-A Custer Community Center, 447 Crook St., Custer; Oct. 3; 10:30am-4pm (Registration: 10am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Rapid City, P.O. Box 565, Rapid City, SD 57702. Phone for info: 605/343-2929.

Unit 141. South Dakota-B Todd County 4-H Bldg. (Turn south at Antelope Motel at junction of Hwys 18 & 83; south 1.8 miles on 83; look for blue bldg. on west side of road.); Oct. 3; 10:30am-4:30pm (Registration: 10am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Mission, c/o Lorraine Wright, P.O. Box 46, Mission, SD 57555. Phone for info: 605/856-4571.

Unit 142. Tennessee, Eastern Comfort Hotel, 407 Chestnut St., Chattanooga; Sunday, Oct. 10; 10am-5pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Hamilton Cnty., c/o Chattanooga, TN 37416. Phone for info: 615/344-1637.

Unit 143. Tennessee, Western West End Middle School, 3529 West End Ave., Nashville; Oct. 2 & 3; Saturday, 7pm-9pm; Sunday, 9am-4pm (Registration: Sat., 6:30pm). Mail ballots to: LSA of Nashville, c/o Dave Labelle, Nashville, TN 37221. Phone for info: 615/662-1883.

Unit 144. Texas, Central-A Austin Bahá’í Center, 4317 Airport Blvd., Austin; Oct. 3; (Times tentative) 9:30am (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Austin, 4317 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78722. Phone for info: 512/339-0244.

Unit 145. Texas, Central-B Univ. of Texas-San Antonio, University Center, 1600 N.W. Loop 1604, San Antonio; Oct. 3; 10am-4pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of San Antonio, c/o San Antonio, TX 78232. Phone for info: 210/680-1080.

Unit 146. Texas, Eastern #1-A McKinney Community Center, 2001 S. Central Expressway, McKinney; Oct. 3; 9:30am-3pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of McKinney, c/o Mahin Akhavan, P.O. Box 16, McKinney, TX 75070. Phone for info: 214/540-2474.

Unit 147. Texas, Eastern #1-B Kilgore Community Inn & Convention Center, 801 N. Highway 259, Kilgore; Oct. 3; 10am-4pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Tyler, Tyler, TX 75707-9008. Phone for info: 903/984-2915.

Unit 148. Texas, Eastern #1-C Bledsoe-Miller Center & Park, 300 Lake Brazos Dr., Waco; Oct. 3; 10:30am-4:30pm (Registration: 10am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Waco, P.O. Box 8995, Waco, TX 76714. Phone for info: 817/751-7673.

Unit 149. Texas, Eastern #1-D Richardson Hilton, 1981 North Central Expressway, Richardson; Oct. 3; 9am-4pm (Registration: 8am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Carrollton, P.O. Box 116893, Carrollton, TX 75011-6893. Phone for info: 214/492-0585.

Unit 150. Texas, Eastern #2-A Houston Bahá’í Center, 2121 Oakdale, Houston; Sunday, Oct. 10; 10am-4pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of College Station, P.O. Box 9028, College Station, TX 77842. Phone for info: 409/764-3160.

Unit 151. Texas, Eastern #2-B Houston Bahá’í Center, 2121 Oakdale, Houston; Oct. 3; 9am-1pm (Registration: 8am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Houston, P.O. Box 301190, Houston, TX 77230. Phone for info: 713/531-0975.

Unit 152. Texas, Northern/Central Virgil Henson Activities Center on the Campus of West Texas A&M University, Canyon; Saturday, Oct. 2; 11am-4pm (Registration: 10am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Amarillo, P.O. Box 9103, Amarillo, TX 79105. Phone for info: 806/358-4887.

Unit 153. Texas, Southern La Plazita, 301 S. Main St., McAllen; Oct. 3; 9am-4pm (Registration: 8am). Mail ballots to: LSA of McAllen, P.O. Box 3321, McAllen, TX 78502. Phone for info: 210/631-8786.

Unit 154. Utah Your Community Connection, 2261 Adams Ave., Ogden; Saturday, Oct. 9; 1pm-5pm (Registration: 12noon). Mail ballots to: LSA of Salt Lake City, P.O. Box 58305, Salt Lake City, UT 84158-0305. Phone for info: 801/485-6601.

Unit 155. Virginia, Northern-A Fairfax Cnty. Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax; Oct. 10; 10am-4pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Fairfax County West, P.O. Box 2057, Centreville, VA 22020. Phone for info: 703/222-6145.

Unit 156. Virginia, Northern-B Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Rd. (3.6 miles south of the Beltway off Ft. Hunt Rd.), Alexandria; Oct. 3; 9:30am-1pm (Registration: 9:05am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Alexandria, c/o Alexandria, VA 22301. Phone for info: 703/836-2475.

Unit 157. Virginia, Southeast College of William and Mary, Rm. 201, Washington Hall, Williamsburg; Saturday, Oct. 2; (Times tentative) 10am-4pm (Registration: 9:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Norfolk, P.O. Box 6100, Norfolk, VA 23508. Phone for info: 804/440-9410 or 804/489-0464.

Unit 158. Virginia, Southwest Westside Elementary School, 1441 Westside Blvd. N.W., Roanoke; Oct. 3; 10am-4pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Roanoke, P.O. Box 6071, Roanoke, VA 24017. Phone for info: 703/774-0348.

Unit 159. Vermont Montpelier High School, Memorial Drive, Montpelier; Oct. 3 (times to be determined). Mail ballots to: LSA of Montpelier c/o Gary Gordon, Montpelier, VT 05602. Phone for info: 802/229-1201.

Unit 160. Washington, Northwest-A Everett Community College, 801 Wetmore Ave., Everett; Saturday, Oct. 9; 9:30am-5:30pm (Registration: 8:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Everett, P.O. Box 2001, Everett, WA 98203. Phone for info: 206/259-0993.

Unit 161. Washington, Northwest-B Jefferson Community Center, 3801 Beacon South, Seattle; Oct. 3; 10am-2pm (Registration: 9:30am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Seattle, P.O. Box 396, Seattle, WA 98111. Phone for info: 206/632-9699.

Unit 162. Washington, Northwest-C Chief Kanim Middle School, 32627 Redmond Fall City Rd., Fall City; Sunday, Oct. 10; 1pm-5pm (Registration: 12noon). Mail ballots to: LSA of King Cnty. NE, P.O. Box 91, Fall City, WA 98024. Phone for info: 206/333-6127.

Unit 163. Washington, Southwest Mark Morris High School, 1602 Mark Morris Court on 15th Ave., left off of Ocean Beach to lower Columbia College, Longview; Oct. 3; 9:50am-4pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Cowlitz Co. Comm. Dist. #3, c/o P.O. Box 191, Longview, WA 98632. Phone for info: 206/577-6200.

Unit 164. Wisconsin, N/Mich., Penin. Howard Johnson’s Motor Lodge, 2001 N. Mountain Rd., Wausau; Oct. 3; 9am-4pm (Registration: 8am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Eau Claire, P.O. Box 462, Eau Claire, WI 54702. Phone for info: 715/834-9792.

Unit 165. Wisconsin, Southern-A DeForest Area Community Center, 505 N. Main, De Forest; Oct. 3; 9:30am-4:30pm (Registration: 8am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Madison, Madison, WI 53703. Phone for info: 608/238-9372.

Unit 166. Wisconsin, Southern-B Sheraton Mayfair, 2303 N. Mayfair Rd., Milwaukee; Oct. 3; 12:45pm-5pm (Registration: 12noon). Mail ballots to: LSA of Wauwatosa, c/o Ruth Johnson, Wauwatosa, WI 53213. Phone for info: 414/774-4163.

Unit 167. West Virginia Univ. of Charleston, W. Virginia, 2300 Macorkle Ave. S.E., Charleston; Saturday, Oct. 9; 9:30am-5pm (Registration: 9am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Charleston, P.O. Box 6656, Charleston, WV 25362-0656. Phone for info: 304/343-6604.

Unit 168. Wyoming Plains Hotel, Mezzanine Ballroom & Hudson Room, 1600 Central Ave., Cheyenne; Oct. 3; 9am-3pm (Registration: 8am). Mail ballots to: LSA of Cheyenne, P.O. Box 2063, Cheyenne, WY 82003-2063. Phone for info: 307/635-0943.

‘World traveler,’ former teacher guest speaker at breakfast sponsored by Gary Assembly

World traveler Frankie McCullough, a non-Bahá’í, was the featured speaker at a recent community breakfast sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Gary, Indiana.

A former teacher in the Gary schools, Ms. McCullough taught speech, Spanish and French to Gary students for more than 50 years.

Since retiring two years ago, she has remained active and most recently attended the second annual African-African-American conference in Nigeria, West Africa.

Because she is multi-lingual—she speaks 12 languages—Ms. McCullough became one of the most sought after representatives in attendance. Delegates needed her to translate as they negotiated decisions that potentially will change the world.

Her students remember her speaking of the world as a global village, which is why the Gary Bahá’ís invited her to share her conference experiences at the public breakfast meeting.

Her address, “An African Connection,” related many of the tenets of the Bahá’í Faith that are being used to unite the various nations on the African continent.

The breakfast meetings are part of a continuing series of public meetings that have been held regularly in Gary for more than two years.

Coordinated by the local Assembly, past breakfasts have featured Bahá’í speakers, writers, world travelers and leaders.

They have included Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly; Claudius Adebayo of the National Treasurer’s Office; Robert Stockman, coordinator of the National Research Office; Al Black of Purdue-Lafayette; Lani Smith, an executive with American Express; Michael Hampton, vice president of Prudential-Bache; and Hamilton Niss, a retired chemist with Eli Lilly.

Issues they have addressed include “The Teachings of the Bahá’í Faith and Christianity”; “Solving the Problem of Racism in the United States”; “The Connection of Biblical Scripture and the Bahá’í Faith”; “The Economic Destiny of America”; “The Relationship of Science and Religion,” and “The Elimination of Prejudices.”

Previous breakfasts have been attended by the mayor and various local leaders from all walks of life. As a result of the presentation by Frankie McCullough, two prominent educators expressed an interest in obtaining Bahá’í literature. [Page 17]

Race Unity Day ’93

Continued from last issue

FT. WAYNE, IN

Weekend events draw hundreds

Two days of activities and unprecedented media coverage marked Race Unity Day in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

About 200 people attended events June 12-13 in the northeast Indiana city.

Festivities began June 12 with a unity walk within the Ft. Wayne Black Expo parade.

That was followed by a picnic and “A Celebration of Brotherhood Through the Arts,” an opportunity to share cultural art forms and to cross self-imposed lines of race and religion.

The crowd was treated to Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í artists performing music, dance, poetry and folklore. The German children’s choir and the Indianapolis Bahá’í Women’s Ensemble also sang. And the Bahá’ís in Effect Youth Workshop from Cleveland, Ohio, and the Indiana Dawnbreakers Bahá’í Youth Workshop made race unity presentations.

The next day, the Ft. Wayne Museum of Art was the setting for a more solemn observance of Race Unity Day. Representatives from four religious communities—Jewish, Catholic, Protestant and Bahá’í—came together to offer remarks regarding the race issue.

Rabbi Harvey Markowitz touched upon humankind being created in God’s image. Sister Mary Govert discussed how St. Francis’s life serves as a model of Christ’s love. Rev. Anthony Payton exhorted the audience to untie its racial fears and not let racial differences cause division. Henry Curry, a Bahá’í from Gary, Indiana, gave a talk drawing on “The Vision of Race Unity.”

Interwoven with these brief speeches were various art forms: African and American Indian folklore, Persian and African drum music, and gospel music.

A highlight of the program was a local high school dance ensemble’s interpretive performance accompanied by selected quotations on brotherhood read from the Bible, Koran and The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh.

An original composition titled “Childhood’s Promise” was played by violinist David Tovey to close the program.

Bahá’í Behrooz Sanai of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, tries out Filipino dance during Race Unity Day activities in Ft. Wayne.

The two race unity events were preceded by a flurry of publicity.

All four local television channels interviewed local Bahá’ís. Two interviewers focused on why Bahá’ís celebrate Race Unity Day, enabling the Bahá’ís to discuss the principles of the oneness of mankind and the elimination of prejudices.

Two radio stations, including one that is popular in the African-American community, regularly aired public service announcements for the events.

Print publicity also was extensive. The Ft. Wayne Black Expo advertised the events in newspapers and promoted them in its Expo brochure. An article appeared on the front page of a minority-interest newspaper. Several notices appeared in a variety of publications. And the daily News-Sentinel published a short article.

MARIN CO., CA

‘Unity in diversity’ is the theme of parade, program

“Unity in diversity” was the message of the day as Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í groups in Marin County, California, came together June 13 for a Race Unity Day parade and program.

American Indian healing colors of red, white, black and yellow provided the theme of a children’s parade.

More than 300 people marched, including a samba band, an Asian drill team, clowns, a Haitian dance troupe, gospel singers and a “king of imagination.”

After the parade, a luncheon was served, then the assemblage was treated to multicultural entertainment, games and an art station.

At the art station, children were asked to illustrate what unity in diversity “looks like” to them.

Event coordinator Deanne LaRue explained, “We wanted to do more than a one-day, one-time event.

“We designed a component into the day through the children’s art work to continue to bring the message of unity in diversity into the community all summer long,” she said.

The planning committee organized exhibits displaying the children’s art all over the county in libraries, banks and the civic center.

The art work is generating much response in the community and will continue to be exhibited through September.

ROGERS, AR

Gathering called the ‘largest ever’

On June 13, the Bahá’í community of Rogers, Arkansas, with help from many of the friends in northwestern Arkansas, sponsored what was described as “the largest race unity gathering ever held in that area.”

More than 100 people from 14 countries attended the event, which was held at Blowing Springs.

Among the countries represented were Bolivia, China, India, Iran and Mexico.

LOS ANGELES, CA

Bahá’í prayer is televised

Members of the Bahá’í Race Unity Committee of Long Island and participants in the Race Unity Day picnic June 13 show off proclamations that were signed by the Nassau and Suffolk county executives and Babylon Township supervisor. The program included musical performances, readings and statements on the importance of race unity, children’s games, volleyball, a scavenger hunt, nature walks and fellowship. The Bahá’ís also entered a float in the Long Island Black-American Day parade June 5. Children wearing hats representative of various cultures rode on the float.

Los Angeles Bahá’ís are greatly encouraged about prospects of achieving a constructive relationship with new Mayor Riordan after their participation in the mayor’s inaugural breakfast July 1.

The Bahá’í Faith was one of seven that presented a prayer at the breakfast, and Glora Haithman’s reading of the Unity Prayer visually moved the audience.

Later, reporters interviewed her on camera. Channel 13 featured her reading on the nightly news.

Over the years, the Bahá’ís enjoyed a warm relationship with former Mayor Tom Bradley. At the presentation of the “Vision of a New Los Angeles” document in February, he said, “I am one in spirit” with the “Vision” and with the “feeling of love that pervades any Bahá’í gathering.”

Before he left office, Mayor Bradley shared the “Vision” document with City Council and with “Rebuild L.A.” He also passed it along as part of the active file to be pursued by the new mayor.

The Bahá’í plan to meet with Mayor Riordan to garner support for continued implementation of the plan.

They see participation in the inaugural breakfast as a first step toward encouraging a spiritual approach to social problems.

‘Izzat B.E. 150 / SEPTEMBER 8, 1993 [Page 18]

‘I don’t see value from my contributions to the National Fund’

One of the friends recently said: “I think people don’t give as much as they might to the National Fund because they don’t see anything of value happening at the national level. The teaching work is stalled and there are no new enrollments. If the National Assembly were doing something about that, the friends would give more to all the Funds.”

This is an important question. Indeed, a similar one was raised at the National Convention, when one of the delegates said, “it seems amazing to me that the National Spiritual Assembly spent only $11,000 on the teaching work last year, according to the Annual Report.”

The National Assembly’s answer on that occasion pointed out that every activity of the national administration, from the permanent schools and the Properties Office to the Treasury and the Secretariat, is directed toward supporting and shaping the teaching work; they provide the infrastructure that helps the friends improve their own teaching and that will support and communicate with the new recruits that are to come.

One interesting aspect of this exchange is that it points to what may be a difference of definition.

If the only truly valuable result from the National Assembly’s work is defined as increasing numbers of Bahá’ís, that is one thing, and would in any case be an arguable position since it leaves out the roles of the local Assemblies and the individual believers in the teaching process.

There may, however, be another, more accurate definition, one that takes into account the particular characteristics of the present moment in the Faith’s development.

The Holy Year was defined as a pause, a respite during which the Bahá’ís were to reflect upon and celebrate the progress of the Cause of God. Growth in numbers is always a desirable outcome, that goes without saying; but it may be that there were other fundamental purposes of the Holy Year.

In fact, what occurred at the national level was most interesting. The restoration work on the House of Worship entered its conclusive stage; the World Congress, with all its infinite details and demands, was successfully concluded under the on-site direction of the National Assembly; the national goals of the Three-Year Plan were finalized; and new entities were created under the Assembly’s auspices.

One of the most far-reaching processes, however, occurred internally, and this has gone virtually uncommented among the friends to date. That is the reorganization of the national administrative structure.

Child of the Holy Year, this new structure emphasizes certain important principles.

First, the national organization needed to be, in a sense, open-ended: If sudden expansion occurred, the old organization’s ability to communicate and coordinate would be hopelessly inadequate. This meant a new balance of centralized policy-making and decentralized action and responsibility, pivoting around local Institutions rather than regional or district committees.

Second, the operations must be integrated, so as to make maximum use of resources and information.

Third, these integrated operations must speak to the National Assembly’s many publics, both inside and outside the Faith, with a single strategic message.

Eighteen months of intensive consultation, within the Assembly, with the Counselors and their Auxiliaries, and with Bahá’ís who are experts in these fields, produced a new organization that achieves these ends. Scheduled to be gradually implemented as funds and circumstances permit, this structure will be much more able to absorb the impact of rapid growth and the entry of troops of new believers.

The strategic and financial focus of the permanent Bahá’í schools and the Publishing/Distribution services are in a much better position to train the believers to carry out the teaching work and provide them the materials they need to carry Bahá’u’lláh’s Message.

The financial organization has plans that will strengthen the Cause materially. Regional teaching offices will be progressively established in order to support the believers’ initiatives in new ways.

And new methods of training the institutions, such as the Area Development Seminars, will help the local Assemblies and their membership to use new methods for more effective mobilization of the community’s enormous potential.

These are all important results which are designed to pave the way for massive expansion. These are the things that occupied much of the attention and resources of the National Assembly during the “pause” of the Holy Year.

Most important of all, this intense process has helped define a new, much bolder vision of the capacities and mission of the American Bahá’í community.

This vision requires both the resources and whole-hearted support of each Bahá’í, so that together we can achieve the greatest result to which the Universal House of Justice has now called us in its Ridván Message: “massive expansion beyond all previous records.”

Paymon Zarghami, a 10-year-old Bahá’í from San Jose, California, delivers the commencement address June 14 at his school’s graduation exercises. His talk, to more than 400 parents, educators and fellow students, was based on writings of Bahá’u’lláh about education. Paymon received the Presidential Academic Fitness Award for outstanding academic achievement. Earlier, he spoke with other Bahá’í children ages 8-12 on various topics relating to the Faith at a party sponsored by the Santa Clara County Bahá’í Speech Club and attended by more than 45 teachers from several schools in San Jose.

Bahá’ís in Ohio distribute ‘Passports to the World’

Two eighth-graders fill out their ‘Passports to the World’ during the Middleburg Heights (Ohio) Home Days Fair. Manning the Bahá’í booth is Daniel Twadell (left), a Bahá’í child who was attending the event with his father.

They came, they saw, they stamped.

Amid the frenzy of the Middleburg Heights (Ohio) Home Days Fair, about 200 children and youth stepped into the serenity of the Bahá’í booth to fill out “Passports to the World.”

The free activity at the June 23-27 event was staffed by Bahá’ís from the Cleveland area assisting the Middleburg Heights group.

It gave fair-goers ages 3 to 17 the opportunity to color in a drawing of the planet and peace doves, then stamp their passport (or hands, arms, forehead!) with rubber “friendship stamps” on the themes of race unity, peace, recycling and world citizenship.

The children also signed their names to statements outlining why they are world citizens, such as “I am a member of the human race” and “I have friends from other countries.”

After completing their “passports” to take with them, they were awarded either a “World Citizen” button, a “Unite Against Racism” button, or a handmade paper medallion on a ribbon showing the planet with the words “World Citizen” around it.

Many adults took Bahá’í literature from the display and commented on how nice it was to have a quieter activity for the children in the middle of the fair excitement.

That sentiment also was expressed by the “Middleburg Hts. Happenings” columnist for the local News Sun newspaper. “My gratitude is extended to Sue Coates of the Bahá’í Faith booth, who dedicated her week to making world citizens of the children at the festival. ...I often found my girls visiting with Sue if they had tired of riding the rides. I am sure there were many other parents whose children sought the same solitude.”

This was the second time the passports have been used at an area fair with great response. Two years ago close to 1,000 “passports” were issued at the much larger Children’s Peace Fair.

The National Spiritual Assembly would like to remind the Bahá’ís that it is necessary to obtain permission from the Universal House of Justice before traveling to Israel, whether for personal reasons or to visit the Bahá’í Holy Places.

[Page 19]

Laws of Kitáb-i-Aqdas not binding on Western believers

In the introduction to the English translation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas it is stated that its publication does not increase the number of laws that are binding on Bahá’ís. The Law of Huqúqu’lláh was applied universally at Ridván 1992. In due course, the Universal House of Justice will announce further applications of the laws when the friends have had the opportunity of familiarizing themselves with the Most Holy Book and when it is propitious to do so. To clarify the present situation, following are those laws listed in the “Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas” that are not at present binding upon the friends in the West. For ease of reference, the numbers of the sections are listed.

IV.A.4.c—The law regarding the exemption from obligatory prayer granted to women in their courses.

IV.A.10—The law concerning ablutions, with the exception of the ablutions required for the Medium Obligatory Prayer which are described in Section CLXXXII of “Prayers and Meditations” and are required for the recitation of that prayer.

IV.A.12—The law concerning actions to be taken in place of an Obligatory Prayer missed on account of insecure conditions.

IV.B.5.a—The definition of travelers for exemption from fasting. Instead of these definitions the believers in the West should observe the following guidance given by the beloved Guardian’s secretary on his behalf: “travelers are exempt from fasting, but if they want to fast while they are traveling, they are free to do so. You are exempt the whole period of your travel, not just the hours you are in a train or car, etc. ...”

IV.B.5.f—The law regarding the exemption from fasting granted to women in their courses.

IV.C.1.i—The laws governing betrothal.

IV.C.1.j—The law concerning the payment of a dowry by the groom to the bride on marriage.

IV.C.1.l and m—The laws concerning the traveling of a husband away from his wife.

IV.C.1.n and o—The laws relating to the virginity of the wife.

IV.C.2.b—That part of the divorce law relating to fines payable to the House of Justice.

IV.C.3—The law of inheritance. This is normally covered by civil laws of intestacy at the present time.

IV.D.1.a—The law of pilgrimage.

IV.D.1.d—The law of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is gradually being put into effect.

IV.D.1.f—The Bahá’í Festivals are being celebrated by the western friends on their anniversaries in the Gregorian calendar until such time as the Universal House of Justice deems it desirable to pass supplementary legislation necessary for the full implementation of the Badí‘ calendar.

IV.D.1.j—The age of maturity applies only to Bahá’í religious duties as yet. On other matters it is subject to the civil law of each country. The age of administrative maturity in the Bahá’í community has, for the time being, been fixed at 21.

IV.D.1.k—For the burial of the dead the only requirements now binding in the West are to bury the body (not to cremate it), not to carry it more than a distance of one hour’s journey from the place of death, and to say the Prayer for the Dead if the deceased is a believer over the age of 15.

IV.D.1.p—The law of tithes.

IV.D.1.q—The law concerning the repetition of the Greatest Name 95 times a day.

IV.D.1.r—The law concerning the hunting of animals.

IV.D.1.t, u, v and w—The laws relating to the finding of lost property, the disposition of treasure trove, the disposal of objects held in trust, and compensation for manslaughter are all designed for a future state of society. These matters are usually covered by the civil laws of each country.

IV.D.1.y, xiv, xv, xvi and xvii—Arson, adultery, murder and theft are forbidden to Bahá’ís, but the punishments prescribed for them in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas are designed for a future state of society. Such matters are usually covered by the civil laws of each country.

IV.D.1.y, xxv, xxx, xxxi and xxxii—The laws prohibiting the use of the type of pools that used to be found in Persian baths, the plunging of one’s hand in food, the shaving of one’s head, and the growth of men’s hair below the lobe of the ear.

All the exhortations, listed in section IV.D.3, are applicable universally at the present time insofar as it is possible for the friends to implement them; for example, the exhortation to teach one’s children to chant the Holy Verses in the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár can be literally carried out only on a limited scale at the present time, but the friends should nevertheless teach their children the Holy Writings as far as possible.

70 race unity workers gather, share experiences at Louhelen conference

About 70 race unity workers from across the country gathered July 23-25 at Louhelen Bahá’í School.

Their goal was to share experiences, expand the information network among race unity workers, and deepen their understanding of the processes involved in building unity.

Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, opened the conference with a presentation of the vision of race unity.

His talk, drawing on examples of African-Americans throughout history who had envisioned a unified humanity, moved the hearts of all to a deeper appreciation of the spiritual vision that moves the age.

Billie Mayo facilitated sharing among participants on the processes needed to build unity.

Robert Stockman updated the group on the progress of the various Models of Unity projects around the country.

Representatives of the Spiritual Assembly of Greensboro, North Carolina, shared the experience of that Bahá’í community in pursuing their own Models of Unity project.

A performance of “The Second Coming,” a drama bringing to life the historic struggle for race unity, brought a special poignancy to conference activities.

The conference was enriched by the participation of several prominent Bahá’í public officials and professionals.

Dale Kildee, U.S. representative for the congressional district surrounding Louhelen, opened the Saturday session with a 20-minute message of greeting to conference participants.

In his remarks, Rep. Kildee affirmed his long-standing appreciation for the race unity work done by Bahá’ís, pledged his continued support for efforts to ease the oppression of Bahá’ís in Iran, and related personal experiences that had led him to see that “unity is the reality of human affairs.”

He noted that personal backgrounds and social conditions often tend to focus attention on disunity and instances of conflict; however, this is not the reality.

A panel presentation by several Bahá’í professionals offered personal insights and experiences about building unity among diverse groups.

Panelists included Benjamin Davis, executive director of the Urban Coalition of Greater Flint; Kevin Early, assistant to the president at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan; and Ashoka Roa, program director at the International Institute of Flint.

Dr. Early, in particular, took part in all of the conference sessions and was deeply touched by the Bahá’í commitment and actions on race unity.

These valuable alliances of mutual support and commitment to race unity will surely further develop in the future.

Use of the term ‘Bahá’í World Faith’

The Office of Public Information encourages Bahá’ís to use the term “Bahá’í Faith” when describing the Faith. A statement from the Universal House of Justice, published in the “National Bahá’í Review,” January 1968, states the following:

“...it is our hope that the friends will gradually lose the habit of using this term [Bahá’í World Faith] as widely as they do now.

“The designation ‘The Bahá’í Faith’ is more dignified and is preferable. Any adjective added to this name tends to a diminution of its stature and might be taken to mean there are other ‘Bahá’í Faiths’...”

This llama feels right at home as the Andean folk music group El Viento Canta performs for him and an appreciative audience in Bloomington, Indiana.

Llama ‎llends lends‎ color to concert as El Viento Canta proclaims Faith to 350 in Bloomington, Indiana

El Viento Canta couldn’t have asked for a better prop.

Yet there it was, a llama, grazing contentedly in front of the stage while the Andean folk music group performed June 26 in Bloomington, Indiana.

The outdoor performance was one of three concerts the Chicago-area Bahá’í group gave in Bloomington during a successful teaching weekend sponsored by the city’s local Spiritual Assembly.

About 350 people heard the Message of Bahá’u’lláh through this proclamation event—the most visible in Bloomington since the 1988 Bahá’í Youth Conference. Bahá’ís from all over Indiana came with seekers to seize this opportunity to teach the Cause of God.

Area Bahá’ís helped to copy and distribute fliers, babysit for the singers’ children, staff information booths, and plan and host follow-up firesides in a variety of languages.

The pre-youth Peachtree teaching institute played a tasteful role by serving “Most Challenging Strawberries” and “Hands of Humanity” cookies from recipes they found in Brilliant Star magazine.

And the llama? It was brought to the outdoor concert by its owner, a non-Bahá’í who had seen advertisements for the event and thought her pet might be a nice addition to the Andean music.

Telephone number for the Bahá’í National Center Bulletin Board Service (BNCBBS): 708-869-0389.

[Page 20]

Soo Fouts

from page 1

She was told that Kashgar is a city in northwestern China, along the old trade route with Iran.

She recalls thinking to herself that "if ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had wanted to go there and couldn't," she might want to visit it.

The clincher came later when she discovered that the Chinese name for Kashgar is Shufu, a name very much like her own.

"Was that an omen or just vain imaginations and idle fancies?" she asks, laughing. "I was so taken by the idea and made plans" to go there.

But first comes Korea, at the urging of Continental Counselor Kimiko Schwerin. Mrs. Schwerin told her that Korea at one time had more than 100 local Spiritual Assemblies. Now, though, it is down to 18, and the Universal House of Justice is "quite distressed" by the decline.

Although Mrs. Fouts has been to Korea many times as a visitor, it had never occurred to her to live there.

"During that conversation, things began happening," Mrs. Fouts says, "and I thought to myself, you know how Bahá’u’lláh speaks about our honoring our parents, and I thought maybe this is also guidance for me to go there, do some work and honor my parents.

"And since I'm Korean, maybe that's where I should go"—with the intention of eventually reaching China, she says.

"Eventually" might arrive sooner rather than later. The economy of South Korea is booming, but so is the cost of living.

"I'm going to be living on my social security and a little nest egg," she says. "I'm trying to sell my home. I want to be self-sufficient."

Once she finds a permanent home, Mrs. Fouts plans to operate an import-export business, a venture for which she is eminently qualified.

1993 North American Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development

"The oneness of mankind...implies the achievement of a dynamic coherence between the spiritual and practical requirements of life on earth... The concept of social and economic development is enshrined in the sacred Teachings of our Faith." The Universal House of Justice

1993 North American Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development

The Bahá’í Faith in Action... Sustainable Development for a New World December 16-19, 1993 Walt Disney World Orlando, Florida

HOTEL/AIRLINE INFORMATION Special Bahá’í group discount rates: Hotel rooms at Buena Vista Palace Hotel at the Disney World Complex in Orlando, Florida: $99 per night double occupancy (no additional charge for children) LIMITED AVAILABILITY CALL PROMPTLY Hotel reservations: 1-800-327-2990 Airfare discounts from Delta Airlines Airline reservations: 1-800-241-6760 (In Canada, call local Delta Office) (For discounts, refer to File No. XT0195)

REGISTRATION Registration fee per person Before October 1: $129 After October 1: $149 (No conference registration fee for youth or children)

Make checks payable to: The Rabbani Charitable Trust 1477 W. Fairbanks Avenue Suite 200 Winter Park, FL 32789

For information call: (407) 647-7777

The Rabbani Charitable Trust in association with the Mottahedeh Development Services, an affiliate of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, warmly invites you to attend the 1993 North American Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development.

This conference presents a unique opportunity for Bahá’ís of all backgrounds and experiences to gather together....

...To gain a deeper understanding of the principles and practices of Bahá’í social and economic development as they relate to our role within our communities, our nations, and our world.

...To forge action plans to achieve developmental goals of the Three Year Plan.

...To network, to share experiences and success stories, and to integrate our efforts for change.

Featured at the conference will be: Speakers: from the National Spiritual Assemblies in North America, the Continental Board of Counsellors, and many others intimately involved in development efforts. Displays and videotapes of current projects. Special programs for youth and children Workshops in the areas of: Race Unity, Enhancement of the Status of Women, The Environment, Education, Health, Bahá’í Institutions in Social and Economic Development, and Development with Special Populations.

Registration North American Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development Please print Name Address State City Names and ages of youth and children attending Phone Zip Amount enclosed

For 15 years before serving in Wilmette as assistant secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, she was administrative assistant to the chairman of a media brokerage, Hamilton Landis Inc.

Then, after moving to Jacksonville, she purchased a gift shop from the same man, who had retired from the brokerage business but "had his fingers in many pies," including laundromats and gift shops.

One gift shop became four, and Mrs. Fouts operated them until 1988, when a serious automobile accident left her unable to take part fully in the business.

Mrs. Fouts does not see language as a hindrance to visiting the Orient.

"My Korean is very poor," she acknowledges. "I was married to an Irishman for 49 years. I always say I learned Irish fluently, but I lost my Korean along the way.

"But where there's a will there's a way. All I need to do is get back into the environment and I'll pick it up easily," she says.

Mrs. Fouts says she is reminded of the story of Agnes Alexander, "one of the leading women of this Dispensation," who opened several Asian countries to the Faith without speaking the language.

Mrs. Fouts says her plans have spurred at least seven American women, widows mostly, to visit her while she is abroad.

They're packed and ready to go!," she says. "Every time I get a note, they say, 'How are you doing with your plans?'

"How wonderful if we could have a senior citizens' brigade of visitors. The Chinese people love and revere older people."

Her own age lends a sense of urgency to Mrs. Fouts' planning.

"At my age, I can't face the rigors that you [a younger person] can stand, and I want to do it [pioneer] before my health fails. I turn 70 this year, and anything can happen things do happen," she says.

"My husband was 76 when he died of a heart attack. That's only six years, and if I spend a year getting ready to go, then I have only five left, perhaps. Whatever God wills.

"I may be nearing the end of the book [of my life], but I feel yet that I need to write a few more chapters and make a smashing conclusion."

Meeting

from page 2

of avowed adherents," and "entry by troops."

Although the Treasurer's Office report did not show improvement from last month in the state of the National Fund, the National Assembly felt optimistic about a number of measures soon to be put into effect to ensure a steady flow of much-needed funds with which to finance the ever-growing needs of the Bahá’í community.

The secretary for External Affairs reported on the steps taken in Washington to obtain a statement from the U.S. government on the desecration of the Bahá’í cemetery in Tehran.

The National Assembly has been working closely with the National Spiritual Assemblies of Germany and Australia to call the attention of their respective governments, as well as of the media, to the ghoulish acts of the Tehran municipality in exhuming the remains of Bahá’ís and unceremoniously carting them away to an unknown destination. [Page 21]

Southeast Asian elected to Spiritual Assembly of Ft. Worth, Texas

For the first time, a Southeast Asian has been elected to serve as a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Fort Worth, Texas.

The newest Assembly member is Truong van Tam, a Vietnamese who emigrated to the U.S. three years ago after having spent a year in a refugee camp in the Philippines and more than five years in a government “re-education camp” following military service in the war in Indochina.

Mr. Tam has also been named an assistant to Auxiliary Board member for propagation Robert Ramirez.

The road that led him to Fort Worth was long and difficult. Mr. Tam had hoped to become a physician, but after graduating from high school in 1972 he was drafted into the South Vietnamese army and commissioned a second lieutenant.

The war ended in April 1975, but not before a bullet had shattered one of Mr. Tam’s forearms. It took him a year to regain use of his hand. After more than five years of hard labor in a North Vietnamese government “re-education camp,” he was relocated to a “new economic zone” where he and other former military officers worked on small cooperative farms raising such crops as rice and sugar cane.

While visiting a neighbor Mr. Tam was introduced to the Bahá’í Faith, and after studying for a year declared his belief in Bahá’u’lláh. But since no organized religions were allowed in Vietnam, he could not teach openly, nor were there any administrative bodies, conferences or even Feasts.

In 1989 Mr. Tam was given permission to leave Vietnam. While in the Philippines he was able to teach the Faith openly for the first time, and, with help from James Taylor, a Bahá’í liaison in the Philippines, presented countless firesides, becoming well-known among his fellow refugees as a devoted teacher of the Cause.

Since arriving in the States in 1990, Mr. Tam has continued his efforts to spread the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh among Southeast Asians in the Fort Worth area through firesides and unity Feasts.

Last November, encouraged by the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office, the Spiritual Assembly of Fort Worth sponsored Mr. Tam’s attendance at the second Bahá’í World Congress in New York City. He was one of only a few Southeast Asian Bahá’ís at that memorable event.

Since then Mr. Tam has redoubled his efforts to teach and deepen his fellow Southeast Asians, armed with one of his favorite passages by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (from Tablets of the Divine Plan): “How can I succeed unless Thou assist me with the breath of the Holy Spirit, help me to triumph by the hosts of Thy glorious kingdom, and shower upon me Thy confirmations, which alone can change a gnat into an eagle, a drop of water into rivers and seas, and an atom into lights and suns?”

Truong van Tam, a Bahá’í from Vietnam and newly elected member of the Spiritual Assembly of Fort Worth, Texas.

Performing Arts Teaching Team

New teaching tool evolves in Central States

A new teaching tool has evolved in the Central States: the temporary Performing Arts Teaching Team (PATT).

In a PATT, Bahá’í youth from distant communities gather at a central point for intensive spiritual, physical, intellectual and emotional training.

Since many youth do not live in areas that have comprehensive youth programs or youth teaching projects, this new model provides an opportunity for them to come together from remote areas, deepen on many aspects of the Faith and then, in just a few weeks, go out and “blazon the Name of Bahá’u’lláh.”

From its beginning three years ago, “Bahá’ís In Effect” (BIE), the PATT in northeastern Ohio, has been one of many elements in a comprehensive youth development program created by the Greater Cleveland Youth Teaching Institute.

Two key goals of this teaching institute have been: to develop the spiritual vitality and faith of youth; and to empower them to teach the Cause and fully participate in Bahá’í community life.

To this end, the institute began the youth program by focusing on developing and empowering the Bahá’í youth within their own communities. When BIE started, the average age of youth was 13 to 14, with an age range of 7 to 18.

Once the youth had the experiences of service, intensive deepening, direct teaching, proclamation through performance, working at increasingly higher levels of unity, refined consultative skills and traveling, they gained an understanding and maturity that empowered them to assume even greater responsibilities.

They had already shared their enthusiasm with other youth they had visited in their travels and, as a result, these youth decided to start their own PATTs from scratch.

In addition, many youth who had visited Cleveland for the past two mid-winter conferences were inspired and joined in initiatives already begun in Cleveland or started their own youth projects.

At this point, the youth entered a new phase in their development.

Many youth from across the Central States had not been in a PATT, but wanted to participate in the “Fruit of the Holy Year” Teaching Project in Atlanta.

In order to participate, the youth were required to be in an active team. Unfortunately, bringing a new team to the point where it is functioning effectively generally takes from one to two years.

Using the existing networking, the growing experience and the resources that the Cleveland youth were developing, the youth from these states collaborated with BIE and a new model, a temporary Performing Arts Teaching Team, came into being: the newly formed Central States Workshop.

The youth participants came together for a brief time from different areas, drew upon existing resources, rehearsed, deepened, developed unity and prepared to teach.

This temporary PATT then traveled, taught and proclaimed the Faith through the medium of the performing arts for a specific period of time.

When they accomplished their mission, the team dissolved, but the experience they gained could be drawn upon to assist others to develop their own PATT.

BIE was not able to participate in the teaching project in Atlanta as an entire PATT; however, a few of the youth were deeply committed to the project.

The summer schedule had already been set.

The first week, all youth (whether or not local or in the PATT) were invited to participate in a weeklong intensive training in the Ruhi deepening method that would provide a foundation for participating in the entire summer projects.

This teacher training has been quite successful in Columbia as a tool for large-scale consolidation. The youth envision a time in the near future when it will be necessary to consolidate large numbers of new believers in their own communities and are examining the Ruhi method as a model or foundation for building consolidation strategies into all teaching projects they undertake.

The performance quality of BIE had been limited by the lack of dance, drama and other artistic human resources in their community that could have been drawn upon to assist them. They wanted to develop and polish the quality of their performance presentation so that it would be a more effective teaching tool.

Therefore, the second week was used for intensive arts training and deepening that was open to all youth. A professional sacred dance choreographer helped choreograph new materials and refine existing pieces.

This was then followed by three weeks of service (such as meals for homeless, house painting, working with children in a community center, etc.) and teaching, which was open to any youth who had fulfilled the study requirements.

One week they traveled to an area in northwestern Pennsylvania where they had been the year before and where a small PATT had started as a result. Two more weeks were dedicated to the Greater Cleveland Ohio area.

In addition to the service and teaching projects with the whole team, the youth who had the intensive training participated in performances.

Immediately following the teaching project, 17 youth from several of the Central States came together in Cleveland to form a temporary PATT to go to the “Fruit of the Holy Year” teaching project in Atlanta. They called themselves the Central States Workshop.

Several of the youth had participated in the Bahá’í Youth Service Corps and all had hands-on experience in a variety of teaching projects. They had all demonstrated their maturity and commitment to the Faith.

One final week of preparation provided the skills and unity necessary to be both an effective teaching team and a polished performing arts team.

During this week, they had intensive practice in the newly choreographed performance material. Seemingly endless rehearsals were required to put the hour-length show together.

And throughout the entire week, “hot seat” deepenings were interspersed with rehearsals, service, prayer and intensive consultation. Hot seat deepening, learned from the Boston Workshop, is a form of role playing as seekers and teachers in hypothetical teaching scenarios.

To mark the first anniversary of the passing of the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, Marguerite Sears (right) presented a tape-recorded copy of Mr. Sears’ book, God Loves Laughter, to Carol Ann Rott, librarian of the Nannini (Arizona) Library. Ms. Rott expressed her gratitude to Mrs. Sears who has on a number of occasions donated books by Mr. Sears to the library, and they are frequently checked out.

‘Izzat B.E. 150 / September 8, 1993 [Page 22]

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS . . .

Soheila Khosravanifar, a Bahá’í from Lake Oswego, Oregon, who came to the U.S. 13 years ago from Iran, has been chosen as a Leader for Manufacturing Fellow for the 1993-95 academic years at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Ms. Khosravanifar is a Boeing Computer Services Total Manufacturing System project manager and material requirements analyst for Boeing Commercial Airplane Group in Portland. On completing her fellowship at MIT, she will receive two master’s degrees, one in electrical engineering and the other in computer sciences. In 1991, after earning degrees in mathematics and electrical engineering while working two jobs, Ms. Khosravanifar received a master’s degree in business administration from Portland State University.

Donna E.M. Denizé, a Bahá’í from Arlington, Virginia, who teaches English at St. Albans, a private school for boys in Washington, D.C., took part June 23 in a White House ceremony honoring 141 Presidential Scholars, one of whom had chosen her as the teacher who most influenced his academic development. Ms. Denizé also has been invited to serve on a planning committee for an exhibit at the Folger Shakespeare Library in 1996 honoring the African-American tradition of performing Shakespeare, and to take part in a panel discussion on effective classroom teaching to be held in October at the Smithsonian Institution.

A Bahá’í, Priscilla L. Griffith, has been named 1993 Alumni Professor at the University of South Florida in Tampa. The Alumni Professor Award, sponsored by the USF Alumni Association, is presented annually to a faculty member in recognition of outstanding teaching, distinguished service to the USF community, and contributions to the faculty member’s discipline. Ms. Griffith, an associate professor, teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in the College of Education and conducts research on reading acquisition and reading instruction.

Nina Tunstall, an 11-year-old Bahá’í from New Haven, Connecticut, was the statewide winner among fifth grade students for a poster she submitted in a recent contest for drug abuse prevention. On May 13, at the invitation of Gov. Lowell Weicker, she was honored at the State Capitol in Hartford, presented a plaque and a $100 savings bond, and her poster was mass-produced and displayed in the halls of the Capitol building.

Andrew Massey, a Bahá’í from Lake Worth, Florida, was graduated in the top 10 percent of his class of nearly 400 this year at Lake Worth Community High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, three-year winner of the Waddell Award for leadership, scholarship and athletics, chosen all-county, all-conference and all-district in football and wrestling, and first team all-state in football. He played in the Florida North-South All-Star football game in July, received the Pathfinders Award in athletics from among students in 27 high schools, the Faculty Award at his school for scholarship and leadership, a Civitan Club citizenship award, and served on a “Bridge-builders” team to help promote racial harmony in his school. He has been granted a full four-year scholarship to Middle Tennessee State University where he plans to study biology and play football.

Cameron Mura, a Bahá’í from North Augusta, South Carolina, has been named a Collegiate Scholastic All-America by the United States Achievement Academy. A 1992 honor graduate of North Augusta High School, he attends Georgia Tech University in Atlanta where he holds a 3.8 grade point average.

Nabil Isaac Wayne Guffey, a 14-year-old Bahá’í from Mechanicsville, Maryland, received a number of awards and certificates designating him as an outstanding student in middle school, where he earned straight A’s for three years. He received the Presidential Academic Fitness Award and awards in French and algebra and for perfect attendance. He was active in the school band, on a community baseball team, and in the Boy Scouts of America. Nabil completed a pilgrimage last July and attended the Bahá’í World Congress in November.

Anissa Galata, a 10-year-old Bahá’í from Reno, Nevada, was named this year’s Outstanding Athlete of the Year at Rita Cannon School for her achievements in volleyball, tennis, basketball, skating and dance. Her eight-year-old sister, Shayda, was also named one of the school’s outstanding athletes and was chosen as one of the school’s 10 outstanding citizens of the year.

Jordan Gottlieb, a 10-year-old Bahá’í who moved with his family last year from Puerto Rico to Washington state, was recognized at an awards ceremony for “outstanding academic achievement and outstanding behavior” at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Yakima, where he is enrolled in a special program for gifted and talented students. He also received a written commendation from the Superintendent of Schools for his “exceptional level of accomplishment.”

Mihdi Olinga Correia, a physically challenged Bahá’í youth from Greater Sebastopol, California, earned his high school proficiency certificate in May. The certificate is equivalent to a high school diploma. Because of his handicaps, Mihdi has been unable to attend school under normal circumstances since he was six years old. Despite this, he earned the high school certificate at age 16 and plans next year to attend Santa Rosa Junior College, where he took part this year in forming a Bahá’í Club on campus.

Kevin Locke, daughter, four other American Indians visit Thailand on cultural tour of Southeast Asia

The Bahá’ís of Chiangmai, Thailand, prepared this banner to welcome Kevin Locke (fourth from right), a Lakota Indian Bahá’í from the U.S.; his daughter, Kimimila; and four other American Indians at the airport in Chiangmai. Mr. Locke and his friends were in Thailand from May 30-June 2 as part of a cultural tour of Asian countries.

Kevin Locke; his daughter, Kimimila; and four other American Indians visited Chiangmai, Thailand, May 30-June 2 as part of a cultural tour of Southeast Asia countries.

While there Mr. Locke performed at a public meeting arranged by the United States Information Agency (USIA), playing the Lakota courting flute and presenting a number of dances. He was introduced to the audience of several hundred by the local USIA director.

On the day before the performance, Mr. Locke and his daughter visited Bahá’ís of the Karren tribes in the Omgoi district, 190 kilometers (about 120 miles) from Chiangmai. He played the flute for the friends, visited the Bahá’í institute under construction in Omgoi, and performed for 200 students and teachers at the local high school.

Mr. Locke spoke to many people in Chiangmai, and always mentioned that he was a Bahá’í and explained the teachings of the Faith.

PEACE-MAKING

Portland Bahá’ís have display at 6th National Conference

During the sixth National Conference on Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution, held May 29-June 1 in Portland, Oregon, about 600 people paused at a display table sponsored by Bahá’ís in Oregon and were presented “gifts” that included copies of “The Promise of World Peace” and the magazine “The Bahá’ís,” first seen at the second Bahá’í World Congress last November in New York City.

Participants from South Africa, England, Canada, Hungary, India, China, Ukraine, Romania, the U.S. and other countries came to the conference to explore the challenge of diversity and consult on ways in which peace and justice can be created and sustained in a world where differences are inevitable.

Many of those who stopped at the Bahá’í display wondered how the concept of Bahá’í consultation would be effective in a global community. Still others asked about the role of the Universal House of Justice in the Bahá’í Administrative Order.

Each was greeted by an official “Bahá’í representative” and shown the beautifully decorated display of Bahá’í books amidst huge bouquets of flowers. On the back wall were posters drawing attention to “unity through diversity” and including photographs of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette.

A conference workshop on “Bahá’í Consultation: Achieving Unity Through Diversity” was conducted by Steven Gonzalez, assistant attorney-general for Arizona, an Auxiliary Board member and member of the Bahá’í Justice Society.

Three Bahá’ís took part in an evening round table discussion with some 70 others representing a variety of religious denominations.

Also, a Bahá’í was interviewed by the religion reporter assigned to the conference. The article was to be published by George Mason University in Virginia, headquarters for the conference staff.

‘Most Holy Book’ theme of 20th Conference on Nur at Elizabethtown College

“The Kitáb-i-Aqdas: The Most Holy Book” was the theme of the 20th annual Conference of Nur held May 29-30 at Elizabethtown (Pennsylvania) College. About 420 people from eight states attended this year’s event, which saw one declaration of faith in Bahá’u’lláh.

The speakers were Javidukht Khadem, Robert Harris, and Dr. Lameh Fananapazir. The spirit and excitement of the National Convention and highlights of the Three Year Plan were shared by Auxiliary Board member Tahereh Ahdieh and three delegates to the Convention.

Special classes were held for children, and workshops for youth and adults followed each of the talks.

Music was performed by a number of family groups—the Aryanis, the Agbaws and the Gilmers—and by local Bahá’í youth and children. [Page 23]

Atlanta

from page 1

Although each of these groups has its own particular style, all have two things in common: (1) their goal is teaching, and (2) their method of teaching is through the arts.

Workshop members are aware that their effectiveness in teaching the Cause depends on how deeply they have immersed themselves in the Writings and how able they are to reflect in their character and bearing those lofty ideals of personal conduct enunciated by Bahá’u’lláh and exemplified by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

A mature workshop realizes that performance is only one of many tools for “finding and attracting receptive soul(s)” and “delivering the Message with wisdom.” Keenly aware that the process of teaching must continue until the new believer is nurtured to “unqualified acceptance of Bahá’u’lláh” and confirmed to “service in His Cause,” many workshops have developed long-term consolidation strategies.

Bringing these large and disparate elements together for a concentrated week-long teaching/proclamation effort was a long and complex process. Since the Atlanta campaign was envisioned last year by Oscar DeGruy, a co-founder of the Los Angeles Bahá’í Youth Workshop, the National Teaching Committee has worked with local Spiritual Assemblies, youth workshops and their coordinators, and individual Bahá’ís to help make the vision a reality.

The young people came to Atlanta mostly by car, bus or van, teaching along the way at whatever venues Bahá’ís in the various cities and towns through which they traveled had arranged for them.

Once in Atlanta and housed in dormitories at Georgia Tech, the Bahá’í youth undertook an almost non-stop schedule of performing and teaching until it was time for them to depart.

Following breakfast each day and a meeting at which they prayed and discussed strategy, the workshop members loaded their vehicles and climbed aboard, ready to give the first performance of the day. Many of them would not return to the dorms until 10 or 11 that night.

They performed at community centers, schools and recreational parks, and at various sites suggested by the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change; Habitat for Humanity (a Christian charity group that builds homes for the poor); Hands on Atlanta (a community-oriented service organization); and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (which expressed an interest in working with the Bahá’ís in the future).

Workshop members presented the Message at town squares in Roswell, Dahlonega and Cumming. The latter town, in Forsyth County, has gained national prominence in recent years as an area of ongoing racial unrest and Ku Klux Klan activity.

The performances in Cumming led to two radio interviews, on WSB-AM, Atlanta’s top-rated all-news station, and V-103, one of the highest rated contemporary music stations in the Atlanta metro area.

Everywhere they appeared the youth workshops presented the Bahá’í principles of the oneness of humanity, the need to eliminate prejudices of all kinds, the equality of the sexes, and abstention from violence and drugs.

Drama, dialogue, dance, rap and contemporary music helped them deliver the message in a way that demonstrated the earnestness of their beliefs and the efficacy of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh as the sole remedy for a sick and grieving humanity.

Everyone who saw these performances was invited to attend a fireside that evening. If no firesides were scheduled in that area, they were invited to the Student Center at Georgia Tech, site of the largest and most spirited gatherings of the week.

If a workshop was not scheduled to perform during a morning or afternoon, its members did not use the free time to rest or wait for their next assignment; instead, they donned their Bahá’í T-shirts and, armed with pamphlets and flyers, walked through malls and other public areas looking for any opportunity to mention the name of Bahá’u’lláh and make known the principles of His Cause.

In the evenings the dozens of Bahá’í youth who had returned from their teaching trips were joined by no less than 20 seekers—and usually many more—for the firesides at Georgia Tech. After watching performances by selected youth workshops, the audiences would break up into smaller groups to continue discussing various aspects of the Faith until late at night.

On Saturday, August 7, more than 100 seekers were among the approximately 800 people who gathered at Georgia Tech’s Theatre for the Arts for a program that marked the culmination of the week-long effort.

Performers included the Bahá’í Gospel Choir featuring Sandy Simmons-Williams; Doostán, a duo of singing Bahá’ís; and a grand finale performed by young Bahá’ís representing all of the youth workshops.

Also on the program was a dramatic presentation illustrating progressive revelation and the resistance by humankind to each new Messenger of God.

The evening also provided an opportunity to recognize the efforts of coordinators who are working with the youth, devoting their time and resources to bringing them together not only for this special teaching campaign but during the rest of the year as well.

That these several hundred Bahá’í youth had a positive impact on the city of Atlanta was formally recognized by Mayor Maynard Jackson who issued a proclamation through the city’s Office of Youth Services thanking them for their efforts to improve through their message of racial harmony and non-violence the quality of life of all the residents of Atlanta.

Shoghi Effendi said, “That day will the Cause spread like wildfire when its spirit and teachings are presented on the stage or in art and literature as a whole. Art can better awaken such noble sentiments than cold rationalizing, especially among the mass of the people.”

The experience of the youth workshops in Atlanta demonstrates the potency of the performing arts as a teaching tool when combined with youthful enthusiasm and energy.

Putting ‘Fruit of Holy Year’ campaign in perspective

The following is an interview with Pat Steele, a member of the National Teaching Committee who lives in Marietta, Georgia, and worked closely with the “Fruit of the Holy Year” project that brought some 14 Bahá’í Youth Workshops to Atlanta for a week-long teaching campaign in late July and early August whose results so far include at least 75 declarations of belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

The American Bahá’í: What advantages have been gained by bringing these workshops together?

Pat Steele: Primarily, the more people you concentrate in an area targeted for teaching, the greater the impact you will have. But apart from this, it allows the workshops themselves to share experiences as well as artistic developments and ideas.

TAB: As you review the week, what are some of the more significant developments that you recall?

PS: I was impressed by the fervor these youth demonstrated in their desire to teach. Not only did they take part in structured events, in their free time they devoted themselves to teaching the Faith. Their eagerness to teach was so strong. They had an enthusiasm for teaching that comes only from the act of teaching. I also think this project raised the youth to a new level of identity as Bahá’ís. Their energy, their creativity, and their love for one another as Bahá’ís grew noticeably during this one short week.

TAB: In what ways did this campaign address goals of the Three Year Plan?

PS: Well, this project alone accounted for fully one-tenth of the numerical goal established for teaching teachers. It also dealt with raising up a generation that is free from prejudice. In fact, this is one of the strongest and most visible ways we have of making the Bahá’í teachings on race known outside the Faith; these workshops are working models of these principles, and they are constantly on public view. They also address the issue of the advancement of women, and through their own maturation as well as new declarants, they are helping to expand the human resources of the Faith.

TAB: What sort of follow-up is planned?

PS: Since many local Assemblies were involved in sponsoring the workshops and performances, they are aware of the new declarants and are in a position to step in immediately and begin a process of nurturing and deepening. The youth in Atlanta are planning to follow up in areas that need strengthening, to make sure the new believers are not left to themselves but continue to enjoy opportunities to be with other Bahá’ís. We’ve also made a good many connections with civic and social groups, some of which have already invited the Atlanta Bahá’í Workshop to return.

TAB: Are there projects in the works for similar events in other cities?

PS: Yes, possibly. The scope of this campaign is already national, since it involves so many people from across the country. The next step is to decide when and where to go from here.

Bahá’í Johney Brooks, U.S. Foreign Service officer, profiled by Colorado paper

Johney Brooks, a Bahá’í who directs the administrative office of the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan, one of the former Soviet republics, was profiled June 17 in a feature article in the Pueblo (Colorado) Chieftain headlined “Citizen of the World.”

Ms. Brooks, the article notes, “uses her international career [she has spent more than 10 years in the U.S. Foreign Service] to live the Bahá’í faith and its teachings of unity, equality and peace among humankind.”

As Bahá’ís, Ms. Brooks says, “we are supposedly world citizens. [My work] helps me to feel more honest about my religious claims that I am a world citizen.”

Ms. Brooks was invited in 1982 by the Reagan administration to join the Foreign Service as director of its office in The Gambia. Although she was studying at UCLA and working toward a doctorate, she says she couldn’t refuse the offer and postponed her studies to accept the position.

After the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ms. Brooks was asked to help set up a U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan, one of 15 countries that claimed their independence from Russia.

One of the 14 Bahá’í Youth Workshops from across the country that took part in the ‘Fruit of the Holy Year’ teaching campaign in Atlanta, Georgia, gives a typically spirited performance. Besides performing each day, the young Bahá’ís taught one-on-one and traveled throughout the Atlanta area distributing invitations to firesides and other events. (Photo by Joe Ferguson)

RESERVE NOVEMBER 14

AMERICA’S DESTINY MAY DEPEND ON IT

[Page 24]

مجله اندیشه و فرهنگ

شماره اول فصلنامه «اندیشه و فرهنگ» که از انتشارات «پیام دوستی» است، به تازگی انتشار یافته است.

این نشریه تربیتی، اجتماعی، هنری، دینی و فرهنگی به مدیریت آقای فرزین دوستدار و خانم فرشته تیفوری (حجازی) و همکاری عده‌ای از علاقه‌مندان به موضوع‌های فرهنگی آغاز به کار نموده است.

در شماره اول (بهار ۱۳۷۲) مقالاتی در زمینه‌های تربیتی و روانشناسی؛ صلح جهانی و نظم نوین؛ زبان فارسی در هجرت؛ گل‌های رنگارنگ در گلستان ادیان؛ نغمه‌های ایرانی (حافظ از دیدگاه گوته)؛ داستان‌های کوتاه؛ اشعار شاعران گذشته و معاصر و مطالب متنوع دیگری درج گردیده است.

حق اشتراک این نشریه سالانه ۲۴ مارک یا معادل آن (حدود ۱۵ دلار آمریکایی) است و تک‌شماره ۸ مارک (۵ دلار) معین شده است. علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند مستقیماً با دفتر این نشریه تماس حاصل نمایند: Farzin Dustdar P.O. Box 220 L- 9003 Ettelbruck. ‎LUXAMBURG LUXEMBOURG‎

چین و آینده مبینش در ظل آئین رب العالمین

TEACHING OPPORTUNITY IN CHINA

نوشته فرزام کمال‌آبادی

(بقیه از شماره پیش) به‌نظر حقیر نگارنده روابط مخصوصی در زمینه‌های ادبی و فرهنگی و اقتصادی و بازرگانی و اجتماعی و حتی فلسفی و عرفانی و روحانی ایران و چین را در طی تاریخ پیوند داده که سرنوشت آینده روحانی این دو ملت را به‌هم عجین گردانده، به‌نحوی که شاید این رابطه مخصوص ما بین هیچ دو کشور دیگری وجود نداشته باشد. از یک‌جهت موقعیت جغرافیایی این دو مرکز فرهنگ باستانی به‌شکلی بود که نه‌کشور همسایه بوده‌اند که هیچ لکه ننگ جنگ بر دامانشان نشسته باشد و نه‌از جهت دیگر بدانسان از هم دور بوده‌اند که کاملاً جدا و مجزا دوران تاریخ خود را گذرانده باشند. بلکه بالعکس همه‌گونه مبادلات فرهنگی و هنری و داد و ستدهای بازرگانی در تمام طول تاریخ چندهزار ساله بین این دو کشور بر قرار بوده که حد اعلا و اوج این مراودات در سه دوره باستانی و سلسله ساسانی و دوره مغولان ایلخانی بوده‌است.

جاده ابریشم را همه می‌دانند که در سلسله چین (Qin) ۲۲۰ سال پیش از میلاد مسیح ایران و چین را متصل کرده و قبل و بعد از آن هم از طریق ترکستان شرقی انواع و اقسام آداب و رسوم و هنر و فرهنگ و عادات و علم و اطلاعات و فلسفه و عرفان و اعتقادات رد و بدل می‌شده. بعنوان مثال برخی از میوه‌جات و بسیاری از ابزار و آلات موسیقی از قبیل یانگ‌چین (سنتور)، خوجین (کمانچه مانند)، تار و ‎لوط لوت‎ و غیره از طریق ترکستان شرقی به چین معرفی شده، به‌حدی که حتی تا امروز اکثر مردم چین طبعاً از موسیقی اصیل ایرانی بیشتر لذت می‌برند تا از موسیقی غربی و اروایی.

معروف‌ترین شاعر تاریخ چین لی‌بای (Li Bai) یا لی‌پو نیز پدرش ایرانی سمرقندی بود و خودش به سند تاریخی چین در دربار سلسله تانگ چند‌بار مترجم سفرا و وزیران ایرانی بوده است. در سلسله تانگ و ساسانی و در زمان کوبلای‌خان و هولاکوخان و تیمور مغول بعضی از وزرای دربار و بسیاری از رؤسای استانی چین ایرانیان بوده‌اند.

در زمان سقوط سلسله ساسانی پس از حمله اعراب (حدود ۶۵۲ میلادی و بعد) هزاران پناهنده ایرانی به چین مهاجرت نموده، اکثر بعنوان هنرمند، جواهر‌ساز، شعبده‌باز، و حتی مخترع و وزیر و دانشمند در دربار فرهنگ‌دوست و پیشرفته سلسله تانگ (۶۱۸ - ۹۰۷ میلادی) به‌خدمت مشغول گشتند که در میان این پناهندگان می‌توان از بعضی از خاندان خود یزدگرد سوم نام برد.

رنگ‌های سه‌گانه مجسمه‌سازی معروف سلسله تانگ، بخصوص رنگ آبی لاجوردی و فلزکاری و طلاکاری و نقش‌های جواهرسازی معروف این دوره نیز از ایران به چین رسیده است.

در دوره سلسله یوان (Yuan) (۱۲۷۶ - ۱۳۹۸ میلادی) و در زمان سفرهای مارکوپولو (۱۲۷۱ - ۱۲۹۲ میلادی) هر دو کشور ایران و چین تحت سلطه خارجی مغول بودند که رابطه این دو شاخه از نوادگان چنگیزخان که حکم‌فرما بر دو کشور چین و ایران بودند، بهترین رابطه بین سران خاندان‌های مختلف مغول بود و چون حکمرانان مغول هم در چین و هم در ایران فرهنگ و زبان کشور مغلوبه را پذیرفتند و آموختند و پشتیبانی نموده و رواج می‌دادند، در این دوره تبادل علم و فرهنگ این دو ملت در اوج بود. بعنوان نمونه، معروف‌ترین کتب طبی چین در سال ۱۳۱۳ میلادی از چینی به فارسی ترجمه شده.

نکته بسیار جالب و لازم به‌تذکر آن است که در ادوار مختلف مهاجرین ایرانی در چین نه‌فقط در غرب و در ترکستان، بلکه در شرق و در قلب چین شهرهائی تماماً ایرانی تشکیل داده بودند؛ از جمله شهر معروف کای‌فنگ (Kai Feng) که در سال ۱۱۶۳ میلادی در سلسله سونگ (Song) توسط ایرانیان بنا شد و از جمله شهرهای دیگر در ایالت کنونی فوجیان (Fu Jian) در جوار شهر جوان‌جو (Quan Zhou) و نزدیک اقیانوس نه‌چندان دور از تایوان واقع شده که البته این شهرها به‌علت دوری و انزواء زبان فارسی را از دست داده‌اند و لکن آداب و رسوم ایرانی مخصوص به‌خود را حفظ نموده‌اند.

متأسفانه با وجود همه‌گونه روابط دوستانه بین این دو کشور در طی تاریخ و تأثیر شدید دوجانبه این فرهنگ، مردم ایران و چین کلاً از یکدیگر بی‌خبرند و شناختشان نسبت به‌همدیگر مجهول و نامعلوم، گر چه ایران‌شناسی در چین پیشرفته‌تر از چین‌شناسی توسط ایرانیان است.

نگارنده در چین دوستانی چینی دارد که استاد زبان و ادبیات فارسی می‌باشند که شاید معرفی ایشان و کارهایشان برای خوانندگان گرامی جالب توجه باشد. یکی از این دوستان جناب جانگ خوی که در جوانی مترجم رسمی کتب مائو تسه‌تونگ به‌فارسی بوده، در چند سال اخیر برای اولین‌بار کتبی مانند دیوان حافظ، دیوان جامی، قابوسنامه و اشعار خیام را مستقیماً از فارسی به‌چینی ترجمه و چاپ نموده و بسیار مشتاق ترجمه ادبیات و آثار بهائی و اشعار امری از فارسی به‌چینی می‌باشد.

دوست دیگری که نایب‌رئیس و استاد بخش زبان فارسی دانشگاه پکن است و رئیس مؤسسه تحقیق فرهنگ ایران هم می‌باشد، کتاب فرهنگ لغت کامل ضخیمی فارسی به‌چینی چاپ کرده‌اند و امسال مشغول تدوین و تألیف اولین فرهنگ لغت چینی به‌فارسی می‌باشند و در همان دانشگاه پکن کتب تدریس زبان فارسی برای چینی‌زبانان هم به‌چاپ رسانده‌اند که از هر نوع کتب دانشگاهی تدریس زبان فارسی موجود در آمریکا بهتر و کامل‌تر است.

غرض از نگارش این مقاله آن است که عده‌ای چند از میان خوانندگان ارجمند به‌هیجان آیند و خود را آماده و مجهز سازند که وقت آن فرا رسیده که با این موقعیت بی‌نظیر و این مسؤولیت خطیر مواجه گردیم. بخصوص جوانان پرذوق و شوق مهد امرالله که ماشاءالله پراستعدادند، می‌توانند شخصاً و یا در مدارس به‌فراگیری رشته‌های مربوط به‌اطلاعات چینی اعم از زبان و فرهنگ و یا تاریخ و طب چینی و حقوق و یا اقتصاد چین و یا هنر و ادبیات و فلسفه و غیره مشغول گردند و در آینده‌ای نه‌چندان دور به‌ترجمه کتب و آثار امری به‌زبان چینی پردازند و به‌معرفی معارف امر به‌پرجمعیت‌ترین نژاد جهان موفق شوند.

برای خوانندگان فارسی‌زبان ناگفته نماند که علاوه بر نژاد اکثریت خان (Han) در چین اقلیت‌های نژادی و زبانی مختلف بسیاری در استان‌های مختلف چین زندگی می‌کنند و مطابق احصائیه رسمی دولت به ۵۶ نژاد مستقل متفاوت دسته‌بندی شده‌اند که برخی از آنان برای ایرانیان جالب توجه است:

در سراسر چین ۲۰ الی ۳۰ میلیون مسلمان وجود دارند. نژاد ۸ میلیون نفری خوی (Hui) که بیشتر شبیه سایر چینی‌های نژاد اکثریت می‌باشند، زبانشان چینی است و زبان مخصوص به‌خود ندارند و در تمام استان‌های چین پخش شده‌اند و در همه‌شهرهای بزرگ مساجد بنا کرده‌اند ولی معارف اسلامی هیچ نمی‌دانند. اغلب اقلیت‌های نژادی دیگر مسلمان در شمال غربی چین در ایالت مستقل شینجیانگ (به معنی مرز جدید، همان ترکستان شرقی) ساکنند.

مطابق آمار ۱۹۹۰ در چین ۷۲۱۴۴۳۱ نفر از نژاد معروف اویغور ترکی‌زبان و ۱۱۱۱۷۱۸ نفر از نژاد قزاق و ۱۹۱۵۴۹ نفوس از نژاد قرقیز و ۸۷۶۹۷ نفر از طایفه سالار و ۱۴۵۰۲ ازبک و حتی ۳۳۵۳۸ نفوس از نژاد فارسی‌زبان تاجیک و حدود ۵ هزار عضو از قبیله مشهوره تاتار مذکور در ادبیات و آثار فارسی در همین ایالت شینجیانگ ساکن بوده‌اند و هم در شمال غرب همین استان شینجیانگ است که شهر کاشغر (نه‌شهر کاشمر و نه‌کشمیر) واقع گشته که به شهادت خود حضرت عبدالبهاء شهری است که ایشان میل به مهاجرت بدانجا داشته‌اند.

احبای عزیز ایرانی و دوستان بهائی، ملاحظه می‌نمائید که اینچنین کشوری با چنین وسعت شگفت‌آوری و این مقدار امکانات و قابلیت و استعدادات، میدانی است پهناور و بی‌پایان و عرصه خدمتگاهی است پرشور و هیجان که سالیان سال هزاران فارسان دلاور حضرت رحمن را به‌خود مشغول خواهد ساخت. چنین میدانی وسیع را رخش سریع و شتابان و توسن پر تاب و توان و یارای جولان لازم. البته احبای جانفشان ایران را در حکم تبلیغ چینیان نقشی مخصوص و مقامی منصوب مقدر گشته.

(جناب فرزام کمال‌آبادی مقاله خود را به نشان یادبود به پدرشان تقدیم کرده‌اند.) [Page 25]

از جوانان چه خبر؟

YOUTH ACTIVITIES

در این شماره از نشریه "آمریکن بهائی" توجه ویژه‌ای به نوجوانان و خدمات آنان شده است. گزیده‌ای از آنچه دریافت داشته‌ایم، به آگاهی یاران می‌رسد.

انیسا گالاتا Galata در نامه‌ای که خطاب به سردبیر این نشریه نوشته، گفته است: "۱۰ ساله‌ام و تا سه ماه دیگر ۱۱ ساله خواهم شد. فکر می‌کنم که بچه‌ها باید جداً تبلیغ بکنند. شاید بچه‌ها بهتر بتوانند با بزرگ‌ترها ارتباط پیدا کنند.

"باید جزوه‌های امری را همه جا بگذاریم.... شاید باید به پارک‌ها برویم و در آنها جلسات تبلیغی داشته باشیم.... باید همه را تبلیغ کنیم تا این دنیا، دنیای بهتر بشود.... بعضی وقت‌ها فکر می‌کنم حضرت بهاءالله با اشاره پیغامى به ما می‌دهند که تبلیغ کنیم.... بعضی وقت‌ها که با دوستانم راجع به حضرت بهاءالله حرف می‌زنم، به عکس حضرت عبدالبهاء نگاه می‌کنم و فکر می‌کنم به من لبخند می‌زنند که کار خوبی کرده‌ام...."

خردسال عزیز دیگری به نام مریم نسیم فریزر Frazer به همراه مادرش به یک سفر تبلیغی به ایالت نیومکزیکو و نوادا رفته بود. این کوچک عزیز در نامه‌ای خطاب به نشریه "آمریکن بهائی" نوشته: "سرخپوست‌ها از هر قبیله‌ای برای بزرگداشت وحدت قبیله انسان آمده بودند. سرخپوستان قبیله ناواهو یک هفته برنامه‌هائی را بر عهده داشتند. با چند چوب بلند و برگ‌های درخت‌ها سایبانی ساختند. من هم از اینکه کمکشان می‌کردم کیف می‌کردم.... هر شب دور آتش جمع می‌شدیم و برنامه‌ای اجرا می‌شد. روز دوم از من و مادرم خواستند برنامه‌ای اجرا کنیم. خیلی دلم می‌خواست یک سرود بهائی به زبان سواحیلی را برایشان بخوانم که در آن ۶ مرتبه "یابهاء‌الابھی" تکرار می‌شود.

"وقتی که نوبت ما رسید... همه "یابهاء‌الابھی" را بلند بلند تکرار می‌کردند، بهائی و غیر بهائی! سه چهار روز بعد فهمیدیم که چه اثری داشته‌ایم. یک آقای سرخپوست به مادرم گفت که بعد از آن شب سرودخوانی، دختر ۵ ساله‌اش مرتب آهنگ آن سرود را می‌خوانده ولی کلمات آن را فراموش کرده بود. از مادرم خواست که کلمات آن را برایش روی یک تکه کاغذ بنویسد.

"وقتی مادرم از اول سرود شروع کرد، آن مرد گفت اولش را نمی‌خواهم، آن قسمت دیگرش را بنویس. مادرم دلش هرى ریخت چون فهمید که دختر آن مرد قسمت "یا بهاء‌الابھی" را زمزمه می‌کردده است.... بعداً مادرم معنی اسم اعظم را برایش شرح داد و آن مرد سرخپوست هم خیلی تشکر کرد و حتی دست آخر پرسید که می‌شود دخترش را در کلاس بهائی نام‌نویسی کند."

روز ۱۸ جون مقالهٔ مفصلی دربارهٔ تینا شهید یزدانی در یکی از روزنامه‌های کالیفرنیا به چاپ رسید. تینا سال ۱۹۸۴ به همراه خانواده‌اش از ایران به آمریکا آمد و امسال دیپلم دبیرستانش را گرفت و در بین ۳۱۰ نفر شاگرد چهارم کلاسش بود. در بالای مقاله عکسی از تینا در کنار ماکتی از مشرق‌الاذکار امریکا درج شده و در خود مقاله شرحی از تضییقات احبای ایران آمده و بعضی از اصول امر مبارک مانند استمرار ظهور مظاهر امر و تساوی حقوق زن و مرد و ترک تعصبات ذکر و تشریح شده است. همچنین در مقاله نوشته شده که تینا کلوپی در دبیرستان تشکیل داده که مرکب از کسانی است که با هر نوع تبعیض مخالفند و حرمت همه را حفظ می‌کنند.

به گفته تینا تشکیل این گروه حاصل طبیعی ایمان او به امر مبارک بوده که وحدت در کثرت را تعلیم می‌دهد. در مراسم فارغ‌التحصیلی ناظم مدرسه نقل قولی از حضرت عبدالبهاء دربارهٔ وحدت در کثرت کرد و همهٔ ۴ هزار نفر حاضران را تشویق کرد که دربارهٔ آن پیام محبت تأمل کنند.

روز ۱۳ جون سال جاری برای کودکان البوکرکی Albuquerque در ایالت نیومکزیکو روزی فراموش نشدنی بود. این کودکان هم با "ملکه صلح" صحبت کردند و هم "سفیران کوچک صلح" نامیده شدند. "ملکه صلح" عنوانی است که خانم لورین منکینگ، یکی از احبای شهر دالاس تکزاس به خود داده است. حضور این خانم بهائی در موزه کودکان بخشی از برنامه‌ای است که از سال ۱۹۸۸ برای انتشار پیام محبت به کودکان این کشور آغاز شده است. در روز مذکور هر یک از کودکانی که در موزه حاضر بود، نزد "ملکه صلح" رفت و داستانی درباره اهمیت صلح از او شنید. بعد هم "ملکه صلح" از کودک می‌خواست که به او بگوید که برای برقراری صلح چه خواهد کرد. برای اینکه یک کودک بتواند "سفیر کوچک صلح" نامیده شود، باید تعهد کند که به هر نوعی که شده کمکى به صلح جهانی تقدیم کند.

ریچل کندی Richeall Kennedy یک نوجوان ۱۷ ساله بهائی از بلوم‌فیلد Bloomfield در ایالت نیوجرزی است. ریچل شهر بلوم‌فیلد را با عنوان نمونه گویایی از اختلافات نژادی توصیف می‌کند. سال گذشته بین یک شاگرد سفیدپوست و یک شاگرد سیاه پوست دبیرستان دعوائی در گرفت که شاگردان مدرسه را از همدیگر جدا کرد. ریچل با راهنمائی یکی از مبلغان سیار و تشویق مادرش چاره کار را در آن دید که یک کلوپ فرهنگی تشکیل دهد که شاگردان مدرسه از فرهنگ‌های گوناگون بتوانند در آن با هم نشست و برخاست داشته باشند. کلوپ مذکور با ۴۰ نفر از شاگردان مدرسه تشکیل شد و در سال تحصیلی گذشته جلسات هفتگی برقرار بود. مطابق گزارش روزنامه مدرسه "اعضای این گروه از پیشینه‌های گوناگون بومی و فرهنگی و دینی تشکیل شده‌اند. در جلساتشان با هم صحبت می‌کنند و تجربیاتشان را با هم در میان می‌گذارند و همچنین برنامه‌های آینده خود را طرح می‌کنند." اقدامات این گروه مورد تشویق ایالت نیوجرزی واقع شده به طوری که دولت ایالتی برای مخارج فعالیت‌های کلوپ به آن کمک مالی داده است. خانم کندی به همه نوجوانان بهائی توصیه می‌کند که چنین کلوپی را در مدارس خود تشکیل دهند. به گفتهٔ این نوجوان مبتکر بهائی "چون همیشه مشغول درس و مدرسه هستم، وقت برای تبلیغ امر ندارم. در ضمن برایم سخت است که راجع به دین با دیگر هم‌مدرسه‌ای‌ها صحبت کنم. برای همین است که دائر کردن چنین کلوپی راه غیر مستقیم ابلاغ کلام الهی به دوستان و همشاگردان است."

از نامه‌های یاران

FROM OUR MAILBAG

خانم شهین فریدیان ساکن ایالت میشیگان نامه‌ای به دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی ارسال داشته‌اند که آن را برای آگاهی دوستان نقل می‌کنیم.

"بچه‌های آمریکایی به درس اخلاق می‌آیند" اینجانب شهین فریدیان وقتی در پاکستان به مدت ۲ سال و اندی اقامت داشتم، در کنفرانس جوانان ساکن آنجا شرکت کرده بودم و تعهد کردم که در کشور مقصد تنها کاری که از دستم برمی‌آید به بچه‌ها شعر و مناجات فارسی یاد بدهم و این آرزویم بعد از ۳ سال اقامت در اینجا برآورده شد.

بله در اوایل بهار امسال به محفل و لجنة تربیت امری دیترویت رفتم تا کسب اجازه برای استفادهٔ بهائی سنتر دیترویت جهت درس اخلاق ایرانی برای بچه‌های ایرانی که ساکن دیترویت ویندزر و اطراف دیترویت هستند بکنم. البته این پیشنهاد از طرف خانواده‌های ایرانی بود.

به این اعتراض مواجه شدم که یکی از اعضای لجنة محترم تربیت امری که خانم دکتری آمریکایی بود، که چرا می‌خواهی فرق بین بچه‌های ایرانی و آمریکائی بگذاری؟ چرا به بچه‌های ما شعر و مناجات فارسی که به زبان حضرت بهاء‌الله می‌باشد، یاد نمی‌دهی؟

باور کنید اشک در چشم‌هایم جمع شد. از خوشحالی نمی‌دانستم چه جوابی به ایشان بدهم. بعد از اندکی مکث گفتم: "من که حرفی ندارم؛ اگر شما دوست دارید چرا که نه؟ این یکی از تعهدات من در پاکستان می‌باشد." همه خوشحال شدند و اینطور بیان کردند که خیلی خوب می‌شود که پروژهٔ تابستانه ما این باشد که بچه‌ها چند کلمه‌ای هم ایرانی یاد بگیرند. شاید زبان بین‌المللی در آینده زبان فارسی باشد، چونکه زبان حضرت بهاء‌الله می‌باشد.

این درس اخلاق در اول جولای سال جاری شروع شد. هر هفته یکشنبه‌ها داریم. دو هفته اول چون با الفبای فارسی شروع کرده بودیم کمی مشکل بود که تغییر روش دادیم. به همکاری دوستم هاله، حالا با موفقیت بچه‌ها مناجات کوچک "قلب صافی"، دو بیت از شعر دستم بگیر عبدالبهاء، و رنگ‌ها و اعداد و شعر و بازی "اگر خوشحال و خندانید دست بزنید، پا بزنید" را فعلاً یاد گرفته‌اند و ان‌شاء‌الله تا آخر تابستان این ادامه دارد و قرار بر این است که در پائیز و زمستان هم حد اقل ماهی یکبار ادامه داشته باشد.

البته یکبار به پيک‌نیک و دیدن باغ وحش هم رفتیم و قرار است در پیک‌نیک بین‌المللی که در تاریخ ۲۹ آگوست در سارینا کانادا تشکیل می‌شود هم شرکت کنیم. در حقمان برای موفقیت دعا کنید. عکسی از بچه‌های این درس اخلاق که در دیدار از باغ وحش گرفته شده، ضمیمه می‌شود که اگر موقعیت بود همراه این نامه در "آمریکن بهائی" چاپ شود.... با رجای تأیید از درگاه جمال اقدس ابهی. [Page 26]

بیانیه نمایندگان کنگره امریکا

CONGRESSMEN APPEAL FOR EMANCIPATION OF IRANIAN BAHÁ’ÍS

بیش از ۴۰ نفر از اعضای مجلس نمایندگان ایالات متحده طی بیانیه‌ای خواستار آزادی جامعه بهائی ایران شدند.

این اقدام مجلس نمایندگان یک ماه پس از اقدام مشابه مجلس سنای ایالات متحده صورت می‌گرفت.

نمایندگان مذکور با اشاره به اقدامات اخیر دولت ایران و تخریب گلستان جاوید طهران جهت بنای یک مرکز فرهنگی از پرزیدنت کلینتن خواستند که مساعی بین‌المللی را برای حمایت از حقوق بهائیان تقویت کند و تمرکز بخشد.

روز ۴ آگست وزارت امور خارجه ایالات متحده تخریب گلستان جاوید طهران را محکوم کرد و از دولت ایران خواست که عملیات بنای مرکز فرهنگی را فوراً متوقف گرداند.

در بیانیه وزارت امور خارجه آمده است که "تخریب گورستان بهائی نمونه دیگری از سوء رفتار دولت جمهوری اسلامی ایران نسبت به جامعه بهائی ایران است."

پایان دادن به تعصبات نژادی

خانم دایانا کارسن Daina Carson، یکی از احبای ساکن ایالت ایلینوی همواره کوشش‌هائی را که احباء برای رفع تعصبات نژادی صورت می‌دادند، می‌خواست خود نیز قدمی در این راه بر دارد. اما بیماری جسمانی این فرصت را به او نمی‌داد که خواسته خود را برآورده سازد.

پس از مدتی دعا و مناجات به درگاه الهی جهت یافتن راهی برای کمک به رفع تبعیضات نژادی چاره‌ای به فکرش رسید و برنامه‌ای تحت عنوان "پایان دادن به تعصبات نژادی" طرح کرد.

هدف برنامه مذکور این بود که امریکائیان اروپائی‌تبار را برانگیزد که هر یک به هر نحوی که باشد در جریان از میان بردن تعصبات نژادی در جوامع خود همتی شایان کنند.

خانم کارسن با دارالانشاء محفل ملی تماس گرفت و با تشویق آن به دنبال فراهم ساختن منابع مالی رفت. به مدت ۱۰ دقیقه با یکی از اعضای بنیاد روابط انسانی شهر شیکاگو صحبت کرد و ترتیب مخارج این پروژه داده شد.

خانم کارسن بعنوان مشاور استخدام شد و طرح مذکور را از اول سپتامبر با قرار دادن تابلوهای بزرگی در ۱۰ راه ورودی اصلی شهر آغاز کرد.

به اعتقاد خانم کارسن همه احباء می‌توانند از این برنامه جهت کوشش‌هائی که برای وحدت نژادی صورت می‌گیرد استفاده کنند.

اساس برنامه مذکور به این قرار است که امریکائیان اروپائی‌تبار اساساً مردمانی خوش قلبند و صمیمانه می‌خواهند در کشوری زندگی کنند که در آن هماهنگی و آزادی و اتحاد در میان نژادهای گوناگون وجود داشته باشد. اما اکثر این گروه از پیش‌داوری‌های نهفته خود ناآگاهند و خود را برای بهبود وضع سیاهپوستان ناتوان می‌یابند.

خانم کارسن عوامل سه‌گانه زیر را در این ناآگاهی و ناتوانی دخیل می‌داند:

۱- تصویر منفی که از سیاهان در ذهن سفیدپوستان نقش بسته مدام با تبلیغات در اخبار و رسانه‌های گروهی تشدید و تقویت می‌شود،

۲- عدم دسترسی به اطلاعات سازنده و قالب‌های لازم برای مساعی مثبت،

۳- این سوء تفاهم که فقط و فقط رهبران ایالات متحده - اعم از دولتی و دینی و تجاری و ورزشی و هنری - می‌توانند تغییری در جامعه ایجاد کنند.

علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر و دریافت موادی که برای نبرد با تعصبات و تبعیضات نژادی تهیه شده است، با خانم کارسن تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۱۲۲۲-۸۰۸ (۷۰۸).

وحدت نژادی

RACE UNITY

روز ۱۳ جون سال جاری گروه‌های بهائی و غیربهائی مارین کانتی در کالیفرنیا طی یک راهپیمائی در مراسم روز وحدت نژادی شرکت کردند.

شعار آن روز "وحدت در کثرت" بود. بیش از ۳۰۰ نفر از نژادهای گوناگون در این راهپیمائی شرکت جستند و پس از آن ناهار صرف شد و سپس برنامه‌های هنری و فرهنگی اجراء شد.

همچنین روزهای ۱۲ و ۱۳ جون ۲۰۰ نفر در مراسم روز وحدت نژادی در فورت وین واقع در ایالت ایندیانا شرکت داشتند.

این مراسم ۱۲ جون با یک راهپیمائی آغاز شد. سپس شرکت‌کنندگان در یک پیک‌نیک شرکت نمودند که برنامه‌های هنری و فرهنگی در آن اجراء شد. روز بعد همگی در موزه شهر حضور یافتند و نمایندگان یهودیان و کاتولیک‌ها و پروتستان‌ها و اهل بهاء مطالبی درباره مسائل نژادی اظهار داشتند.

هر ۴ ایستگاه تلویزیونی محل با بهائیان شهر مصاحبه کردند. ۲ نفر از مصاحبه‌کنندگان درباره اینکه چرا بهائیان روز وحدت نژادی را جشن می‌گیرند پرسش‌هائی کردند. این پرسش‌ها فرصتی فراهم ساخت که احباء از اهداف و تعالیم امر حضرت بهاءالله سخن به میان آورند و آن را توضیح دهند.

جلسه یادبود ستمدیدگان

MEMORIAL FOR THE PERSECUTED

روز ۱۹ جون سال جاری سومین جلسه یادبود از سلسله جلسات یادبود بهائیان ستمدیده و دیگر اقلیت‌ها در پلینو Plano در ایالت تگزاس تشکیل شد.

بیش از ۷۵ نفر در این جلسه شرکت کردند. نمایندگان سازمان عفو بین‌المللی Amnesty International و سازمان آزادی سیاهان امریکا NAACP نیز در جلسه مذکور حضور داشتند.

جان اورچرد Jon Orchard، رئیس شعبه شمال تگزاس سازمان عفو بین‌المللی دورنمائی از موارد نقض حقوق بشر در آمریکای شمالی و جنوبی و یوگسلاوی سابق و خاور میانه و هندوستان و چین ارائه داد.

لئالا گرین Leala Green، رئیس یکی از شعبه‌های سازمان آزادی سیاهان آمریکا نیز مطالبی درباره موارد نقض حقوق مدنی گروه‌های اقلیت در ایالات متحده اظهار نمود و به موارد اخیری که در تگزاس رخ داده بود، اشاره کرد و از کوشش‌های احبای دالاس و حومه جهت گسترش هماهنگی نژادی قدردانی کرد.

جناب پیام مودت، یکی از احبای پلینو نیز درباره تضییقات احبای ایران و تجربیات شخصی خود که شامل دستگیری و والدین او و اعدام پدرش بود، بیاناتی اظهار کرد. جناب مودت علل تضییقات احباء را مورد بررسی قرار داد و آن را با موارد نقض حقوق مدنی در این کشور مقایسه کرد و راه حل اهل بهاء را برای از میان بردن تعصبات و تبعیضات نژادی بازشمرد.

این جلسه با اجرای یک برنامه هنری توسط مایک ارد و گروه کر بهائی دالاس پایان پذیرفت.

یادبود شهیدان ایران

IN MEMORY OF THE MARTYRS

روز ۲۶ جون سال جاری به یادبود شهیدان ایران نمایشنامه‌ای با عنوان "هنگامی که آن لحظه فرارسد" در حظیرةالقدس لوس آنجلس بر روی صحنه آمد.

اجرای این برنامه مقارن بود با دهمین سال شهادت ۱۰ تن از زنان شهید شیراز که متن نمایشنامه اقتباسی از ماجرای شهادتشان است.

نمایشنامه مذکور نخستین بار در دومین کنگره جهانی بهائی در نوامبر سال گذشته به صحنه آمد و بازیگران تعهد کرده بودند که بعداً آن را در لوس آنجلس نیز اجراء کنند.

آگهی اجرای این نمایشنامه در رادیو فارسی‌زبان لوس آنجلس پخش شد و از همگان دعوت شده بود که در آن شرکت نمایند.

در روز اجرای نمایشنامه بیش از نیمی از تماشاگران را ایرانیان بهائی و غیربهائی تشکیل می‌دادند. متن نمایشنامه همزمان با اجرای آن به زبان فارسی ترجمه می‌شد و از طریق گوشی مورد استفاده کسانی که انگلیسی نمی‌دانستند، قرار می‌گرفت.

پس از پایان برنامه دیده می‌شد که تماشاگران تحت تأثیر قرار گرفته بودند و برخی آشکارا می‌گریستند.

اطلاعیه مؤسسه معارف بهائی بلسان فارسی

PERSIAN INSTITUTE FOR BAHÁ’Í STUDIES

دومین مجمع مطالعه معارف بهائی (دوره "خانواده بهائی، اساس وحدت")

دومین مجمع مطالعه معارف بهائی روزهای جمعه ۲۰ تا دوشنبه ۲۳ ماه می ۱۹۹۴ تشکیل خواهد یافت. موضوع اصلی این دوره با الهام از یکی از اهداف سه‌گانه نقشه سه‌ساله "خانواده بهائی، اساس وحدت" انتخاب شده که جنبه‌های مختلف آن طی جلسات مجمع توسط تنی چند از فضلای بهائی تشریح و مورد بحث قرار خواهد گردید.

مؤسسه معارف بهائی از احبای عزیزی که مایلند مقالاتی در این زمینه تهیه نمایند، دعوت می‌کند که مقالات خود را با ذکر این که مایلند در مجمع مذکور مطرح شود و یا خود آن را ارائه دهند، حداکثر تا آخر ماه مارچ ۱۹۹۴ به مؤسسه ارسال دارند تا در صورت تصویب در برنامه کنفرانس منظور شود. (برنامه جلسات به زبان فارسی است.)

برنامه تفصیلی، محل تشکیل، شرایط نام‌نویسی، هزینه خوابگاه و هتل و بهای غذا به زودی اعلام خواهد شد.

برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر لطفاً با مؤسسه معارف بهائی تماس بگیرید. شماره تلفن: ۳۰۴۰-۶۲۸ (۴۱۶) شماره فکس: ۳۲۷۶-۶۲۸ (۴۱۶).

Persian Institute for Bahá’í Studies P.O. Box 65600 Dundas, Ontario. L9H 6Y6 CANADA [Page 27]

Performing arts

from page 21

Much attention was given to training in youth leadership. This was accomplished through modeling elements of the institutions of the Faith in PATT.

A core coordinating committee was elected by the team. These core individuals assumed very specific responsibilities. Not only were they responsible for a particular area, the exact degree of their authority was spelled out for everyone.

Individuals then selected a coordinator to collaborate with in order to fulfill their areas of responsibility.

Everyone in the team had a part to play in leadership and responsibility, and yet no one assumed all the responsibility. By spreading out leadership to all the participants, they continually developed creative ways of expanding the possibilities of their service.

This was the first time that the youth were teaching as a team without the adults who have been traditionally coordinating their activities.

From the inception of the Greater Cleveland Youth Teaching Institute, the vision has remained constant. PATTs are one tool in realizing that vision of empowering the youth as full partners in community life, confident and able to assume the responsibilities necessary for a life of dedicated service to the Cause.

In three short years the youth have come a long way toward realizing this vision for themselves, sharing it with others and helping to empower their peers.

One of the main elements of the youth program that has guided the PATTs has been to continually add to what has been developed before without losing the base of knowledge, skills, talents and abilities that has preceded it.

Youth classes at the intercommunity Crimson Ark Bahá’í School continue to evolve. The process of youth deepening continues, building on the good foundations already laid by youth and youth teams in the Central States.

Emphasis on the arts, focusing on understanding the spiritual implications of the arts, and the refinement of skills is ongoing.

Expanding the diversity of the team, the types of projects undertaken, and the genre of performance materials continues.

Networking with new youth, sharing good music, choreography, information, and resources with the existing youth network continues.

In short, the concept of the Performing Arts Teaching Team is continually expanding and developing.

The third annual Mid-Winter Conference is scheduled for December 26-31. For more information, contact: Bahá’í Youth Board of Greater Cleveland, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Warrensville Heights,

Warrensville Heights, OH 44122, c/o Mary Lou Jenkins, secretary; or call Lynn Farnsworth, (216) 247-2135.

Rights removed

The National Spiritual Assembly has removed the administrative rights of Bobby Elk, of Wanblee, South Dakota, because of his abuse of hospitality, non-payment of debts and disruptive behavior. The friends are cautioned to exercise restraint in offering him hospitality.

Participants in the House of Worship Special Visit Program pause outside the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár after devotions on July 17. The 89 visitors came from 21 states and Venezuela for the weekend, which included a tour of Bahá’í National Center offices and an opportunity to “garden teach” at the House of Worship. A special program of activities also was conducted for the 21 youth and 19 children present.

Spiritual Assembly of Houck Chapter, Arizona, to sponsor Pioneering Institute in September

Questions about pioneering on the Navajo Reservation have prompted the Spiritual Assembly of Houck Chapter, Navajo Nation, Arizona, to sponsor a Pioneering Institute.

The institute will run from the evening of September 17 to noon on September 19 at the Native American Bahá’í Institute (NABI) and is designed to sensitize present and future pioneers to Navajo culture and tradition.

The deepening includes classes for all ages, and special classes on the challenges of being a Bahá’í child or youth pioneer are planned.

Reservations should be made in advance. Indoor sleeping space is limited, so be prepared to camp out.

Please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Houck, P.O. Box 417, Houck, AZ 86506 (or phone 602-367-5126, ext. 8595).

Transportation is available by plane into Albuquerque or Gallup, New Mexico, or by train into Gallup, then by Greyhound bus into Houck.

Fees of $25 per person or $50 per family are requested. They cover six meals, camping, materials and transportation from Houck to NABI.

Participants are urged to dress informally, keeping in mind that the weather is mild during the day and cool in the evening.

Congress

from page 1

Connecticut co-sponsored the resolution with backing by Majority Leader George Mitchell of Maine and GOP Leader Bob Dole of Kansas.

Sen. Claiborne Pell of Rhode Island, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Sens. Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut, Nancy Kassebaum of Kansas and John McCain of Arizona co-signed a letter urging their colleagues to join in the appeal.

These appeals are the latest in a series of congressional resolutions adopted over the past decade condemning Iran’s human rights abuses against the Baháís in that country.

Firuz Kazemzadeh, the National Spiritual Assembly secretary for External Affairs, welcomed the congressional action and urged continued international pressure to persuade Iran to abandon its policy of “genocide by attrition.”

He pointed out that the Iranian government’s “blueprint” calls for denying Bahá’ís access to education and employment and states explicitly that the policy is to deal with Bahá’ís “in such a way that their progress and development are blocked.”

Brenda Watts, pioneer to Japan, dies at age 41

Brenda Watts, a pioneer to Japan, died June 24 at the age of 41.

In October 1977, Miss Watts left Claremont, New Hampshire, where she served as secretary for the Assembly, to settle in Japan as a teacher.

At the time of her passing, the National Spiritual Assembly of Japan wrote that “the last two years and three months she was our National Office manager. She assisted everyone with kindness and patience. Her command of both English and Japanese endeared her to everyone and made her services invaluable.”

IN MEMORIAM

Charles Andrews Monroeville, AL July 5, 1987	Myrtle Costa Concord, CA June 4, 1993	Nancy Jentimane Portsmouth, NH December 6, 1990	Edith Osborn Hixson, TN June 2, 1993
Daphne F. Austin Jackson, CA June 30, 1993	Walter Courtney Andrews, SC Date Unknown	Frederick Krueger Walnut Creek, CA Date Unknown	Annie Mae Parlin Blue Island, IL Date Unknown
Nicholas Bauer San Francisco, CA Date Unknown	Samuel Dadian Milwaukee, WI January 8, 1993	Wayne Lancaster Mira Loma, CA June 1993	Willie Pollard Columbus, GA June 29, 1992
Glady Baumann Tempe, AZ June 22, 1993	Wesley Dalleinne Commack, NY August 19, 1992	William L. Love Kingstree, SC Date Unknown	Alonzo Rush Andrews, SC Date Unknown
Muriel Benson Brockport, NY Date Unknown	Jamal DeGarcie Sanford, ME April 29, 1989	Alice Lovejoy Santa Maria, CA Date Unknown	Edith P. Stanley Adams Center, NH August 11, 1992
Robert G. Blair Fort Myers, FL July 4, 1993	Joseph Gaudette Alton Bay, NH March 14, 1991	Mattie Ruth Lowe Shellman, GA February 1993	Ethel Stone Arcadia, CA December 27, 1992
Amir Bogheirie Columbus, OH March 12, 1993	Eulla Graham Effingham, SC June 1990	Lula Maslauski Springfield, IL July 18, 1993	Fahren Tevis Brownstown, IL June 3, 1993
Odessa Bostwick Jackson, GA July 17, 1993	May Louise Hill Mariposa County, CA Date Unknown	Claude R. Mauldin Murphys, CA May 2, 1993	Farrokh Tavakkoli Walnut, CA Date Unknown
Isaac Boyd Fort Dodge, IA 1990	John W. Hill Mariposa County, CA Date Unknown	Khosrow Mowzoun Walnut Creek, CA Date Unknown	Brenda Watts Tokyo, Japan June 24, 1993
Ida Mae Brown Hawkinsville, GA Date Unknown	Stanley Hudson Hartsville, SC Date Unknown	Rhoderoi Myers Durango, CO June 27, 1993	Thomas Wilkerson Jr. Marion, NC March 30, 1992
Emma Carrasco Hialeah, FL June 1, 1993	Rosa Ingram Unadilla, GA April 1993	Claire Newport Eugene, OR June 1, 1993	Robert M. Wilson Livermore, CA May 30, 1993
Willie J. Clyde Albany, GA May 1991	Louise Irvin McMinnville, TN Date Unknown

[Page 28]More than 130 students attended this year’s Arizona Bahá’í Summer School held during the July 4 weekend at the Bellemont Bahá’í property in northern Arizona’s Coconino National Forest. Classes were held indoors and out with inspiring presentations by Marguerite Sears, Brent and Vicki Poirier, Steven Gonzalez and Mike Chunowitz. The sessions were dedicated to the memory of the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears. An auction raised more than $900 for the Arc, the Bellemont property, and the school itself.

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS.	To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your copy of The American Bahá’í, send your new address and your mailing label to MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as you know what your new address will be.	This form may be used for one person or your entire family. Please be sure to list FULL NAMES AND I.D. NUMBERS for all individuals, ages 15 years or older, who will be affected by this change.
A. NAME(S):
1. __________________ I.D. # ___________ Title ___________	2. __________________ I.D. # ___________ Title ___________
3. __________________ I.D. # ___________ Title ___________	4. __________________ I.D. # ___________ Title ___________
B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS:	C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS:
_____________________________________ Street address	_____________________________________ P.O. Box or Other mailing address
_____________________________________ Apartment # (If applicable)	_____________________________________ Apartment # (If applicable)
_________________ ____________________ City State Zip code	_________________ ____________________ City State Zip code
D. NEW COMMUNITY:	E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER:
_________________ ____________________ Name of new Bahá’í Community Moving date	(____) ___________ ___________________ Area code Phone number Name
F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S):
(____) ___________ ___________________ Area code Phone number Name	(____) ___________ ___________________ Area code Phone number Name
G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE:	H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY:
[ ] we do not have the same last name. We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and I.D. number(s) listed above. [ ] the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.	[ ] Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, I.D. number and address above.

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SEPTEMBER

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: 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.

17-19: Pioneering Institute, Native American Bahá’í Institute, Houck, Arizona. For information, write to P.O. Box 417, Houck, AZ 86506, or phone 602-367-5126, ext. 8595.

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

2: Bahá’í drama, “When the Moment Comes,” 8 p.m., Los Angeles Bahá’í Center. For information, phone 213-933-8291; fax 213-933-1820.

& Commemoration of the 81st anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Stanford, California. For information, please phone Hamid Samandari, 415-327-6758.

8-10: Oklahoma Regional Bahá’í School, Dwight Mission, near Vian.

8-11: National Hispanic Conference, Bosch Bahá’í School, co-sponsored by El Ruiseñor magazine and the Spiritual Assembly of San Jose. 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.

9-10: Persian-American Cultural Celebration/Deepening, Jacksonville, Florida. For information, phone Joy Allchin, 904-249-4520, or Elham Nadji, 904-221-1081.

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.

14: World premiere of “Out of the Darkness,” a drama about race unity sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Fairfax County (Va.) Central South, 2 p.m., Lake Braddock Secondary School, Burke, Virginia. Tickets: $10. For information, write to P.O. Box 10514, Burke, VA 22015, or phone Steve/Tressa Reisetter, 703-425-8863.

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

4-5: International Cultural Celebration/Deepening, Jacksonville, Florida. For information, phone Joy Allchin, 904-249-4520, or Elham Nadji, 904-221-1081.

16-19: 1993 North American Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. Theme: “The Bahá’í Faith in Action... Sustainable Development for a New World.” Sponsored by the Rabbani Charitable Trust. For information, phone 407-647-7777. To register, see Registration Form on page 20.

22-26: Winter Session I, Bosch Bahá’í School. Study and contemplation with special guest David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice. Registration at 5 p.m. Wednesday, dinner at 7, orientation at 8. For full program see the Fall/Winter Brochure. To register, write to 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, phone 408-423-3387, or fax 408-423-7564.

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

29-31: Regional Winter Youth Conference, Wilder Forest, north of St. Paul, Minnesota. Theme: “Preparing for a Life of Service to the Cause.” Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís ages 11-20 are welcome to attend. For information, write to Ken McNamara, Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047, or phone 612-433-5089.

29-January 2: Winter Session II, Bosch Bahá’í School. Study and contemplation with special guest David Hofman. Registration at 5 p.m. Wednesday, dinner at 7, orientation at 8. For full program see Fall/Winter Brochure. To register, write to 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564.

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.

’Izzat B.E. 150 / September 8, 1993