The American Bahá’í/Volume 26/Issue 3/Text

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[Page 1]

AZo) Taal WM ns lel lad

Weekend fosters sexual equality

By MAHYAR MOFIDI and LYNNEA PROCHNOW

The much anticipated Conference on Women in Baha'i Perspective was held January 27-29 at the Baha'i National Center in Wilmette, Illinois.

The conference was blessed with knowledgeable speakers who presented a wide range of fresh and insightful viewpoints on sexual equality.

Meanwhile, a dynamic group of artists, performers and musicians displayed their talents and the eager participants, some 100 women and men

mittee.

congratulated by Ken Bowers (left), secretary of the National Teaching Com from the U.S. and Canada, were joined by their common interest in the principle of equality.

The conference, conceived by the Institute for Baha'f Studies and sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly, was not meant to focus exclusively on consciousness-raising with respect to women’ ues; rather, it was to provide an intimate, unified setting for new and creative thinking about women in Baha'i perspective.

After the guests were welcomed Saturday morning by Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, the keynote address by Hoda Mahmoudi laid a foundation for

the day's theme, “Where We Are and How We Got to This Point.”

Dr. Mahmoudi emphasized the responsibility of men in establishing the equality of men and women, noting that considerable emphasis should be placed on men to alter their behavior, attitudes and values.

She presented the family, childhood socialization, and the workplace as three areas in which attitudinal changes must take place.

These changes, she said, must be rooted in justice, voluntary submission to and individual responsibility before God, and the incorporation of Baha'i

See EQUALITY page 12

i Kathleen Colucci Russell recites an original poem at the January conference on Women in Baha'i Perspective. ‘

Two agencies honored

Kellum Awards recognize positive role models

By JACK BOWERS

Two social service agencies whose mission is to help disadvantaged inner-city youth in Chicago become responsible, productive adults were honored February 18 as recipients of the National Spiritual Assembly's 11th annual David Kellum Awards.

One of the agencies, Youth Guidance, has provided more than 70 years of uninterrupted service to troubled youth in metropolitan Chicago, while the other, the Cabrini Green Garden Project, was begun four years ago to give young people in one of Chicago's largest housing projects an opportunity to learn about gardening and en trepreneurship.

Their names were added to a list of honorees that began in 1985 when the first Kellum Awards were bestowed on then-Mayor Harold Washington of Chicago and Margaret Burroughs, founder of the city's DuSable Museum of African American History.

The Kellum Awards were established by the National Spiritual Assembly to honor individuals and organizations who have served as positive role models for young people while promoting better relationships among people of all races.

Ken Bowers, secretary of the National Teaching Committee, served as the National Spiritual Assembly's

See KELLUM page 12

To the Editor:

For Anne, with love.

This is Anne: Anne Morgan Zinke, the 14-year-old Baha’i we love dearly who loves walking on the beach and ballet dancing and Bahda’‘u’llah.

This is Anne, who in September began high school at Maxwell International

For Anne, with love

This is Anne, who, on learning she had a brain tumor, said, “Mom, Bahé’u’llah must love our family very much.” (We pied one waited—and heard in dis elief that the tumor was malignant and pervasive.)

This is Anne, who, on her way to a cal “prep” to remove the right frontal lobe

from the haze of anesthesia, began to sing “Allah’u’Abha” with the Baha‘ at her bedside.

This is Anne, who was so wracked with pain following surgery that all she could mutter was “my head hurts...my head hurts...my head hurts” over and over. Her

School in Vancouver, British Columbia, who came home for winter break and woke up December 29 with a badly bitten tongue; she’d had a seizure in her sleep.

tive attitude!

of her brain, smilingly told the doctors, “Just keep a positive attitude, keep a posi This is Anne, who, still semi-conscious

mother began reading aloud from page 1 of the prayer book. At the end oh every prayer, Anne’s plea, “my head hurts...my

See ANNE page 12

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

> Japanese Baha'is express thanks 2 Open letter from Latin American 8 Task Force

> Special pull-out section: “The Pros- 17, perity of Humankind”

> Guidance from House of Justice on Be

the conduct of External Affairs

Voluntary contributions sought for The American Baha‘i

As previously announced (February 7), financial constraints have forced the National Spiritual Assembly to reduce the number of issues of The American Baha'i from 19 a year (every Baha'i month) to 10.

Asa result, the National Assembly is inviting the community to help defray the cost of producing this vital publication through voluntary earmarked contributions.

The suggested yearly contribution is $20 per household, although any amount above or below that figure would be welcome.

The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to empha size that any donation to help underwrite the cost of producing The American Baha'i is entirely voluntary, but expresses the hope that every believer will choose to support the paper to the extent that he or she is able.

The American Baha‘iwill continue to be mailed free of charge, as has always been the case, to all Baha'i households regardless of whether or not a donation has been received. But in the present economic circumstances it represents an expense that can no longer be fully covered by the National Fund's general revenues. [Page 2]THe AMERICAN BAHA'I 2

To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States Beloved friends,

The Baha'i community was deeply moved by your pfayers and expressions of concern for the friends living in the area of the great Hyogo earthquake.

As letters and offers of assistance poured in from throughout the world, we anxiously monitored the reports that came filtering in from the friends from whom all means of transportation and communication had been cut off. By the third day, we were able to confirm that all the Baha'is had been unharmed, even those who lived in the most densely populated areas, devastated by fires.

These same friends, stricken as they were by personal loss, faxed the Bah'fs throughout Japan to join them in prayer on January 5 at the Amagasaki Baha'i Center for the thousands of victims of the calamity.

In the same invitation, they expressed their desire to be a source of strength to the suffering and to rededicate themselves to fulfilling the goals of the Three Year Plan, taking as their standard

Japanese Bahda’is send thanks for prayers, concern

‘Abdu'l-Bahd's stirring prophecy that “Japan will turn ablaze!”

May we ask for your prayers again as our friends in the Kobe area gather up their strength in their ardor to teach and to bring the Japanese masses into the loving fold of the Blessed Beauty.

With loving Baha'i greetings,

Yuichi Kawamura, secretary National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Japan February 7, 1995

.

Messages of concern and sympathy for victims of the devastating earthquake in Kobe, Japan, have poured into the National Spiritual Assembly of Japan from the Baha’i World Center and many National Assemblies including the United States.

More than 5,000 people lost their lives in the January 17 temblor. No Baha‘is were killed or injured, but the homes of a number of the friends were damaged or destroyed. The two Baha’i Centers in the area were unharmed.

Counselor Kimiko Schwerin, a member of the International Teaching Center, and her husband kept

in touch with the Japanese friends by fax and electronic mail throughout the disaster.

She took news of the earthquake immediately to the Universal House of Justice and to Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Baha Ruhfyyih Khanum. They said prayers at the Holy Threshold and sent letters of consolation to the National Spiritual Assembly of Japan and to the Japanese ambassador in Tel Aviv.

Counselor Schwerin reported later that faxes received from the Japanese friends confirmed that all of the Bahd’is are well and indicated that the earthquake “had provided certitude in the Faith of God, understanding of the truth of the teachings, and fanned the flame of the love for the Faith burning in the hearts of all.”

In a message to the Japanese believers, Counselor Schwerin noted, “Baha’u’llah will most certainly reward firm faith. We are continuing to say prayers at the Holy Shrines for the more than 5,000 people who were killed, for those who are suffering from the disaster, for all the Baha’fs, so let us make efforts to turn this tragedy into good fortune, spreading the teachings so that Japan may become one of the spiritually advanced nations.”

National Teaching Committee seeks Youth Service Corps volunteers

The National Teaching Committee is seeking Baha'i Youth Service Corps volunteers, ages 18-23, to fill a variety of posts within the U.S. including service opportunities at the permanent schools and institutes as well as in a number of cities. There are also opportunities for young people who want to enroll in a college or university in a goal locality to serve as a homefront pioneer.

Some of the immediate needs are as follows:

Phoenix, AZ—Spanish-speaking

‘volunteers are needed to take part in

all types of teaching including doorto-door and firesides. Youth will also teach children's classes and other classes offered at the newly opened teaching center.

Conway, SC—One volunteer to

eer NIC W

Published every 38 days (plus one

ial issue) for a total of 10a year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Second class postage paid at Evanston, IL and additional mailing offices.

ISSN Number: 1062-1113

Executive Editor: Jack Bowers Associate Editor: Tom Mennillo

The American Baha'i welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Baha'{ Faith. Articlesshould be clear and concise; color or blackand-white glossy photographsshould beincl: nae whenever possible. Please address all correspondence and other materials to The Editor, The American Bahd't, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Send address changes to Management Information Services, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201.

Copyright© 1995 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

work with teaching institutes for children and junior youth, visit families of children and Baha'i families, teach children's classes, and help with a tutoring project. Youth will also help maintain activities at the Baha'i office and help publish a newsletter.

Buncombe County, NC—One volunteer is needed to help with ongoing youth outreach and direct teaching in

oal areas. Youth will also help with ‘und raisers and in planning youth conferences. Hosting weekly Rresiaes and spiritual meetings may be among the assigned tasks.

Greater Orangeburg, SC—One colHeneeee outh to help reactivate the college club, plan activities, conduct firesides, invite college students to community events. Prefer someone who can enroll in school for at least one semester.

Holland, MI—Several volunteers are being sought to take part ina full-time dance workshop and intensive teaching program.

Holbrook, AZ—One volunteer is needed to help the Spiritual Assembl with youth activities including a Yout! Workshop. Responsibilities to include community teaching work of all kinds.

Los Angeles, CA—One female volunteer needed to help the Baha'f Center's administrator and work as a tutor in a social outreach program. Must enjoy working with children.

Developing posts

St. Paul, MN—project to be conducted in collaboration with the Auxiliary Board.

Kansas City, MO—project to be conducted in collaboration with the Auxiliary Board.

Northern/Central Plains—attend a Tribal Community College.

DOMESTIC BAHA’i YOUTH SERVICE CORPS POSTS

Schools, institutes and long-term projects Louhelen Baha'i School—house keeping, children's classes, kitchen help, grounds maintenance, clerical duties.

Bosch Bahai School—office, library, bookstore, kitchen, maintenance.

Green Acre Baha'i School—food service, housekeeping, grounds, maintenance, some potential for light office work. Will accept at least two youth at one time, but will not accept one at a time.

Louis Gregory Institute—support of existing programs in education and radio, clerical and janitorial duties at the Institute. Youth must be willing to approach every assigned task with an

attitude of joyful service.

Native American Baha ‘t Institute— coordinate youth activities and help with children's activities and/or maintenance work.

Lake Okeechobee (Florida) Project— teaching and consolidation at the Magdalene Carney Baha'i Institute.

Woodburn (Oregon) Baha'i Center— teaching and consolidation among the Latino population. Help with social and economic development projects.

For more information about the domestic Baha'i Youth Service Corps, please contact the National Teaching Committee office, 708-733-3493.

Friends must arise to fulfill ‘need of the hour’ by teaching, pioneering on the U.S. homefront

Can we stand aside and wait for others to fulfill the homefront pioneering goals when we are the ones who have been called upon to achieve them?

“The need of the hour,” Shoghi Effendi is quoted in The Individual and Teaching, “is teaching on the homefront. Its goals can only be won by a new spirit of dedication and consecration on the part of the friends, each in his own country, in his own home.”

Assemblies, Groups reminded to complete their teaching plans

A reminder from the National Teaching Committee to all local Spiritual Assemblies and Groups to formulate their

teaching plans for the final year of the Three Year Plan.

hose that made plans last year can evaluate and revise them as necessary. Please send your new or revised plan to the National Teaching Committee Office by Ridvan 1995.

One of the U.S. goals of the Three Year Plan is to raise 150 new Assemblies. Yet with all our lost Assemblies (400 in eight years) we must not only win new Assemblies, but regain lost ones.

One way to help the process is to become a homefront pioneer—a person who settles in a goal area in the U.S. This could be in a nearby city or as far away as across the country.

The Universal House of Justice refers us for guidance to the Tablets of the Divine Plan: “In the arena of teaching, your indispensable term of reference and the unerring resource to which you have ready access are the Master's Tablets of the Divine Plan. They invest your community with extraordinary powers shared by your sister community in Canada.

“It is in reacquainting the American friends with the special mission, both at home and abroad, assigned to them in these seminal and timeless documents, and in relating their contents to current conditions, that you will find the key to the revitalization of the teaching work and the winning of outstanding victories on the homefront.” (Letter of May 19, 1994)

See HOMEFRONT page 35

[Page 3]THREE YEAR PLAN

JatAt B.E. 152 © Apri 9, 1995

3

TOTAL ENROLLMENTS

BQDTUATY .scsscestsseescceeossss LOL Year to date. sae 1829

THE FUND

(As of February 28, 1995) YID Goal YTD Actual National Baha’{ Fund $12,083,333 $8,138,482 International Baha’{ Fund $452,402 Are Projects Fund $4,854,296 Continental Baha’{ Fund $178,626 Other Earmarked $308,127 Subtotal/Int’l Funds $8,750,000 $5,793,451 Total/All Funds $20,833,333 $13,931,933 1993-94 1994-95 National Baha’{ Fund $8,355,606 — $8,138,48: International Baha’{ Fund $679,241 $452,402 Arc Projects Fund $2,597,954 $4,854,296 Continental Baha’{ Fund $245,464 $178,626 Other Earmarked $455,063 $308,127 Subtotal/Int’l Funds $3,977,723 $5,793,451 Total/All Funds $12,333,329 $13,931,933 National Bahaé’{ Fund

$8,138,482

Where we need to be

$12,083,333

All International Funds

$5,793,451

Where we need to be

$8,750,000

> a ~ S. 8 e x c &

$4,854,296 Where we were last year

$2,597,954

International Baha’ Fund $452,402

$679,241

Continental Baha’{ Fund $178,626

$245,464

Army of Light projects

You can help fill in the map!

1. King Count

2. Woodburn Project

3. Salt Lake City

4. Sacramento

5. San Francisco

6. Stockton

7. Los Angeles

8. Native American Baha‘i Institute 9. Teresita Project

10. Las Cruces

11. Dallas

12. Cleburne

13. Austin

14. Houston

15. San Antonio

16. Oklahoma City, Lawton, and Seminole County 17. Kansas City, MO

18. Fort Smith and Pine Bluff

19. Temerity Woods

20. Indianapolis

21. Magdalene Carney Institute

22. Selma and Birmingham

23. Atlanta

24. Louis Gregory Baha'i Institute, Donnelly, Conway, and Fon naonville

25. Durham and Glendon

26. Eastern Tennessee, Nashville, and Jackson 27. Louisville, Oldham County, Frankfort, and Winchester, KY

28. Fairfax County South

29. Loudoun County

30. New York

es Boston, MA, Providence, RI, and Torrington,

32. Concord, Manchester, Exeter, and Seacoast 33. Portland/South Portland

34. Augusta

35. Dayton, Akron, Cleveland, and Chagrin Falls 36. Holland, Detroit, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Muskegon, Traverse City, and Grand Rapids

37. Galesburg, Rockford, Lombard, Joliet, and Springfield

38. Lac Du Flambeau and Milwaukee

39. Iowa City

40. Minneapolis/St. Paul

41. Ames

42. Omaha Reservation

43. Standing Rock and Pine Ridge Reservations, Rapid City, Custer, and Pierre

44. Denver

45. Moses Lake

46. Richland

Youth role vital in world transformation

Today, the Cause of Baha'u'llah faces another critical time in its development—a climax of human history brought about by the twin processes of integration and disintegration that are changing our lives and transforming our planet.

At this time, youth can play a vital role in the Faith that will result in moving the world.

You can make a difference by taking part in the Army of Light campaign. If you are a youth, set aside time to be a teacher at a project or in your own community. If you are an adult, see what you can do to help place young people in the forefront of teaching.

You can start today by calling your regional Army of Light coordinator—or you can choose a project from the ones listed here. You may want to start a project in your area; ask your Assembly for guidance. Your Auxiliary Board member may also be able to help you decide what you can do and where you can go.

Just do it! We are waiting to hear about your victories!

The Army of Light's national coordinator is Dorita Krapf, c/o Baha'f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone or fax 815-478-5560).

Among the established projects for 1995:

Woodburn, OR—contact the Oregon State Teaching Committee c/o Rachael Greco.

Atlanta, GA—contact Natasha Naderi,

Decatur, GA (phone 404-3203004).

Temerity Woods, Phelps County, MO—contact Temerity Woods Development Corp., P.O. Box 129, Lake Spring, MO 65532, or phone 314-3640491 (in Missouri, phone 800-987-4207).

Torrington, CT—phone 703-496-1894.

Salt Lake City, UT—contact Jan Saeed, 801-5823135.

Kansas City, MO—contact Bill Wieties, 314-3419955, or Marcelle LaVine, 913-831-3239.

St. Paul, MN—contact Bill Wieties, 314-3419955, or Mary McDowell, 319-556-1982.

Teresita Project, Mesa, AZ—contact Carolyn Wong, 602-890-2233.

Louis Gregory Institute—contact Sophia Borhani, 803-558-5093.

Native American Baha'i Institute—contact Lorraine Kahn, 802-521-1064.

Eastern Tennessee—contact Lois Osborne, 615476-6248.

[Page 4]THe AMERICAN BAHA'I 4

International projects and events—1995

In December the Universal House of Justice announced the joyful news that five new National Spiritual Assemblies will be elected at Ridvan—in Eritrea, Armenia, Georgia, Belarus and Sicily.

The Supreme Body noted that “These thrilling prospects denote the quickening pace of the consolidation process in different parts of the world, making possible a further thrust in the evolution of the wondrous System originated by the Lord of the Age for ordering the affairs and ultimately guaranteeing the peace of the entire planet.

“In their contemplation of such impending victories, may the friends everywhere derive fresh encouragerieae to increase and accelerate their manifold efforts in spreading the Message of Baha’u’lléh in all regions.”

The time to “increase and accelerate” our efforts is now! More traveling teachers are needed immediately and throughout the year in the above five countries and others.

Urgent: Traveling teachers and pioneers are needed

to help the expansion and consolidation work before and after the first National Conventions of ARMENIA and GEORGIA.

June 29-July 2: European Regional Baha’i Conference in ALBANIA focused on expansion and consolidation in Albania, Bulgaria and Romania. Attendance of the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahd Ruhfyyih Khénum anticipated.

July 4-Aug. 4, July 30-Aug. 28: “Call for Teaching” campaigns in BULGARIA following the conference in ALBANIA in June. Plan for one or both campaigns, both preceded by a week-long orientation.

July 21-28: Summer school in DENMARK with many interesting speakers and events. Consider this potential deepening “break” from a summer traveling teaching itinerary!

Aug. 16-Sep. 6: The “Entry by Troops Project” in HUNGARY. Teams of traveling teachers will work in all 19 regions of Hungary using several various proclamation approaches to reach all strata of soci ety. Traveling teachers also welcome before and after the project for preparation and follow-up work.

Aug. 30-Sep. 8: Non-Governmental Organizations Forum parallel to the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, CHINA. Registration deadline: April 30. Contact the United Nations Office of the Baha’fs of the United States immediately at 212-756-3500.

October 23-28: Annual meeting of the International Society for Agriculture and Rural Development in Acuto, ITALY. Traveling teachers and pioneers are needed for the islands of Sardegna and Elba, Italy.

January 11-14, 1996: International Teaching Conference in NEW ZEALAND.

If you can arise to meet one of these needs and you have not served as an international traveling teacher or pioneer within the last two years, please contact your local Spiritual Assembly to initiate the traveling teaching process. Otherwise, contact the Office of Pioneering directly for more information.

To ‘spread abroad the teachings’

Traveling teachers are needed at home and overseas

This is the time of year when many of the friends are getting ready to offer several weeks to several months in service to the Cause during the spring and summer. The urgent need for this service and the opportunity to do so are ever-increasing as the doors open for the generality of mankind to hear the healing Message of Baha’u’llah.

The Universal House of Justice explained that the primary purpose of the Three-Year Plan is “the next stage in the unfoldment of the divine charter of teaching penned by the Center of the Covenant.”

Addressing the American believers in those Tablets, ‘Abdu’l-Baha explains that a condition for the attainment of our high destiny is that “[t]eachers must continually travel to all parts of the continent, nay rather to all parts of the world. ...”

Our National Spiritual Assembly has called for a challenging number of traveling teachers and pioneers both internationally and here on the homefront during the next three years. National Assemblies around the world need help with their teaching projects.

As you arise, the following passages may be helpful to you.

Why travel and teach?

1. “Oh, how [long to announce unto every spot on the surface of the earth, and to carry to each one of its cities, the glad-tidings of this Revelation. "Baha'u'llah

2. “...spread abroad the teachings and ordinances of the loving Lord so that the world may become another world, the darkened earth may become illumined and the dead body of the people may obtain new life.” —‘Abdu’'l aha

3. “Travel ye to the East and to the West of the world and summon the people to the Kingdom of God. Hence the mercy of God must encompass all humanity.” —‘Abdu'l-Baha

4. Upon our efforts depends in very large measure the fate of humanity.” — The Universal House of Justice

Who should serve as traveling teachers?

5. “The duties of teaching and pioneering are enjoined upon all believers.” —The Universal House of Justice

6. “...the glory of our Faith is not that people with unique abilities do the work of the Cause, but that it is done by the sacrifice of loving and devoted

House of Justice announces unique opportunity for service in Vietnam

On November 1, 1994 the Universal House of Justice announced a unique opportunity in Vietnam. “...the Government of Vietnam and the representative of the Baha’i International Community have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which provides for the Baha’is to suer Vietnam with 50 teachers of English for five years. Although our contract with the Government of Vietnam is for five years, volunteers need serve only one, to be replaced with new volunteers as necessary. ... These teachers will be under the direction of the Government and will be sent to various localities throughout the country. The Government of Vietnam will provide accommodations and some small assistance, such as a bicycle for each.”

This opportunity has been given the highest priority at this time. We encourage adults and youth to participate. “The House of Justice anticipates that many youth could be available for a year to undertake this service. Volunteers need not be highly qualified as teachers of English; an educated person with an aptitude for teaching and whose mother tongue is English may be quite acceptable, assisted ideally by a short course on teaching English as a second language.” We urge you to act without hesitation or delay.

t us know whether you are able to rise to this exciting challenge. Contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Tel: (708) 733-3508 Fax: (708) 733-3509 Email:

souls who arise selflessly to undertake work they feel themselves incompetent, sometimes, to achieve. God works through them and endows them with gifts they did not dream they could ever possess.”—Shoghi Effendi

7. “Whoso is unable, it is his duty to appoint him who will, in his stead, proclaim this Revelation. ...’—Baha’— u'llah

When should this be done?

8. “Now is the time that you may divest yourselves from the garment of attachment to this phenomenal realm, be wholly severed from the physical world, become angels of heaven and travel and teach through all these regions.” —Bahd'u'llah

How should we travel and teach?

9. “With hearts set aglow by the fire of the love of God and spirits refreshed by the food of the heavenly spirit you must go forth as the disciples nineteen hundred years ago, quickening the hearts of men by the call of antes ings, the light of God in your faces, severed from everything save God.” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahé

10. “The disciples of Christ forgot themselves and all earthly things, forsook all their cares and belongings, purged themselves of self and passion and with absolute detachment scattered far and wide and engaged in calling the peoples of the world to the Divine Guidance. ...”—‘Abdu’l-Bahd

11. “Putting on the armor of His love, firmly buckling on the shield of His mighty Covenant, mounted on the steed of steadfastness, holding aloft the lance of the Word of the Lord of Hosts, and with unquestioning reliance on His promises as the best provision for their journey, let them set their faces toward those fields that still remain unexplored and direct their steps to those goals that are as yet unattained, assured that He Who has led them to achieve such triumphs, and to store up such prizes in His Kingdom, will continue to assist them in enriching their spiritual birthright to a degree that no finite mind can imagine or human heart perceive.” —Shoghi Effendi

What are the promised results?

12. “The moment...this Divine message is carried forward by the Ameri can believers from the shores of America, and is propenated throughout the continents of Europe, of Asia, of Africa, and of Australasia, and as far as the islands of the Pacific, this community will find itself securely established upon the throne of an everlasting dominion. Then will the peoples of the world witness that this community is spiritually illumined and divinely guided. Then will the whole earth resound with the praises of its majesty and greatness.” —‘Abdu'l-Baha

13. “Erelong will God adorn the beginning of the Book of existence with the mention of His loved ones who have suffered tribulation in His path, and journeyed through the countries in His name and for His praise.”— Baha'u'llah

For information about international summer traveling teaching opportunities, contact the Office of Pioneering (international) or National Teaching Office (domestic) at the Baha’{ National Center, Wilmette IL 90091 (phone 708-869-9039; fax 708-8690247).

1. Baha’u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p.16

2. ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’ World Faith, p-216

3. ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, Tablets of the Divine Plan, 1977 Edition p. 314.

4. The Universal House of Justice, Wellspring of Guidance, p.120

5. The Universal House of Justice, from a letter dated February 7, 1965 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States.

6. From a letter dated December, 1943, written by Shoghi Effendi

7. Baha’u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, pp. 196-197)

8. ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 11

9. ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Promulgation of Universal Peace, p.6

10. ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, p.10

11. Shoghi Effendi, Messages to the Bahd’i World, p.102

12. ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, quoted in The Advent of Divine Justice, p.62

13. Baha’u'llah, quoted in The Advent of Divine Justice, p.70

[Page 5]JAAL BLE. 152 © Apri 9,1995 5

If you are interested in helping people of other countries—Cambodian, Hmong, Laotian and Vietnamese Americans—in or around your community, you can serve as a “Helper” and take part in an exciting and promising opportunity to increase the number of Baha'is in the U.S. by locating, helping and integrating Southeast Asians who have come to this country as newcomers (refugees or immigrants).

A letter dated February 19, 1989, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States emphasizes the importance of making “every effort to contact these friends [newly arrived Southeast Asian Baha’'fs] and to integrate them into the Baha'i community.”

We presently have a few volunteer Helpers in

‘Helpers’ needed to integrate S.E. Asian Baha'is

Baha’is in many areas of country seek aid, support in vital task of welcoming newcomers to the States

some areas of the country who have gladly dedicated much of their time to the teaching and consolidation of Southeast Asians. But our Helpers need your help and support with this challenging and rewarding work. In some other locations where Southeast Asian newcomers reside, there are no Helpers!

Please write or phone the U.S. Baha'i Refugee Office if you can support one or more of our present Helpers or wish to become one yourself in a new area. We'll help and put you in touch with a veteran Helper who can tell you all about this exhilarating work. Anyone who can make a sincere and loving commitment to this challenge can be a Helper.

Write to the U.S. Baha'i Refugee Office, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201, phone 708-733-3522, or fax 708-733-3545.

SE SSP ‘Helper’ Dr. Iraj Mottahed (seated with glasses, dark sweater) with a Cambodian Baha’ family and other friends in Fall River, Massachusetts.

Nevada Baha’is sponsor essay contest on ‘Healing Racism’

The Baha'is of Sunrise Manor (Las Vegas), Nevada, recently sponsored an essay contest on “Healing Racism” for seniors at Eldorado High School.

First prize ($100) was awarded to Long Hoang for his creative plan to overcome the biases that prolong racism, presented in the form of a sevenpart “safety” agenda:

S—start with yourself

A—avoid negative interactions

F—filter out negative sources

E—earn trust and friendship

T—teach others about yourself and your culture

Y—youth is the key; become a role model

Second prize ($75) was given to Jennifer Elbe whose essay stressed that healing racism must begin in the home.

Rights are removed

The National Spiritual Assembly has removed the administrative rights of of Miami, Florida, for his continuing and deliberate attempts to undermine the integrity of the National Spiritual Assembly and its members. has openly and repeatedly made disparaging remarks about the National Assembly's involvement with the second Baha’i World Congress and has intimated that individual members of the National Assembly have reaped personal financial gain from the Baha’i Funds.

has been repeatedly advised by the Universal

House of Justice, the Continental Board of Counselors and the National Spiritual Assembly that his statements are erroneous and damaging to the good name of the Faith. When the National Spiritual Assembly warned him that his actions were placing his good standing as a Baha'i in jeopardy, his. response was to persist in setting forth his accusations. Since has chosen to disregard the counsel and warning of the institutions and to persist in his erroneous views, the National Assembly is left with no recourse than to deprive him of his

membership rights.

Pictured at San Jose, California's, 14th annual Community Service Awards banquet January 28 are (left to right) Auxiliary Board member Marsha Gil patric! artist who designed the awards.

mcee Jim Beall; award recipients Alette Lundeberg and Anne Firth Murray; Santa Clara Couny Supervisor Blanca Alvarado; and Vern Allie, the

Two outstanding women are recipients of San Jose’s 4th Community Service Awards

Friends of the Faith comprised onethird of the 145 guests attending the 14th annual Community Service Awards banquet January 28 sponsored by the Baha'is of San Jose, California.

The theme of this year's event was “Women in Social and Economic Development.” Award recipients were the Global Fund for Women and its president, CEO and co-founder, Anne Firth Murray, and Alette Lundeberg, program manager, Santa Clara County Social Services Agency.

The Global Fund for Women raises and distributes to women all over the world funds dedicated to enhancing their well-being and full participation in society.

Ms. Murray, whose long career in philanthropy includes association with such entities as the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, is the author a number of publications including “Ending Violence Against Women” and “W) Ly Development Efforts Need Women.”

In her acceptance speech, she expressed her amazement to learn how closely the goals of her Fund are aligned with the principles of the Faith.

Ms. Lundeberg is administrator of

federally funded training programs for welfare recipients and refugees.

Previously, she helped establish a Women's Studies program at San Jose State University, was Sunnyvale's first city-wide Women's Concerns Coordinator, and is a founding board member of Career Closet of Santa Clara County, the Mid-Peninsula Support Network, and the Women’s Alliance (WOMA).

Among those attending the awards ceremony were two cultural consuls from the People's Republic of China, two members of the Santa Clara County board of supervisors, the chief of police of San Jose and his wife, and arepresentative of the county's Human Relations Commission.

The keynote address, “Organizational Behavior Change in Support of Women's Progress: Creating a New World Order,” was given by Dr. Mona Grieser, a Baha'i who is founder and CEO of Global Vision Inc., the manager of two long-term United Nations velopment Program initiatives, and a member of the advisory board of the Baha'i Office for the Advancement of Women.—Mary Ann Gorski

Rights are removed

The National Spiritual Assembly has removed the administrative rights of Mouhebat Sobhani of New York City for his deliberate efforts to undermine the authority and integrity of the National Assembly by spreading outrageous, scandalous and erroneous accusations about how the National Assembly administered the hotel and travel arrangements for the second Baha'i World Congress, and for spreading the baseless rumor that a member of the National Assembly is using the funds of the Faith for his personal gain.

When Mr. Sobhani first began openly to voice his allegations several years ago, he was advised by the Universal House of Justice, the Continental Board of Counselors and the National Spiritual Assembly to cease from saying such things. When he persisted in openly voicing his accusations, the National Assembly warned him that any future attempts to spread such rumors would result in the loss of his administrative rights. The National Spiritual Assembly has continued to receive reports from the friends indicating that Mr. Sobhani has disregarded the guidance of the institutions, and sadly, it is left with no recourse than to deprive him of his good standing as a Baha’i.

Now is time to learn about SITA Programs

Sensitive International Teaching Areas Programs (SITA)—coordinated by the Office of Pioneering. Now also available on aregional/local basis in many areas of the country.

What is a SITA?

Why should you know about SITA programs and deepenings?

For answers to these and other questions about SITA, contact your local Spiritual Assembly or the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3506).

[Page 6]THe American BAHA'I 6

WALLS)

“nee Brilliant Star. a

Order Now! March/April 95

The First Prejudice-Free Generation

Purchase Single Issues, Back Issues,

Special Editions and Bulk Orders from Baha'i Distribution Service:

Five or more copies of any one issue cost $2.00 ea.

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Press On to Meet the Dawn jr 95

In the Darkest Hour No 94

Putting the Vision into Action! so94

Starship: Life of the Bab 1494

Courage MA94

Families jr.94

My Part of the Plan np9

Being Leaders so93

Life's Journey: Purpose of Life ms 93

From Racism to Unity ma 93

The Life of ‘Abdu'l-Bahé Np 92

The 1992 World Congress so 92

Baha'u'llah Special Edition 1991

The Covenant Special edition 1992

The Kitdb-i-Aqdas Special Edition 1993

\. From Gnats to Eagles Special Edition 1994 ]

Secret Essence Picture

by Meg Anderson ©1994

WK

~

r

r

“Love is light, no matter in what abode it dwelleth; and hate is darkness, no matter where it may make its nest.” —‘Abdu'l-Bahé, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Bahd, p. 3

God's essence, or beauty, is in everything He makes. What signs of God do you see in nature? Perhaps you are thinking of a colorful rainbow or a fragrant flower. But His beauty is also in a black cloud and a rotting apple. Sometimes this essence is hidden within, like a secret.

I

Make a Secret Essence Picture

1. First put down old newspaper to protect the table. Color with crayons on a blank 3x5 card. You can make a rainbow, polkadots, or any design you like. Be sure to press down hard. Fill the whole card with color, right to the edges.

2. Now color over your design with a black crayon. Try to cover all the colors. Now the essence of your design is hiding under the

dark cover.

3. Finally, scratch a picture on your card with a toothpick or dried up pen. The picture need not match your design underneath. Draw a garden, a playground, an ocean scene or whatever you want. As you draw, the black will be scratched away to reveal the secret essence — the beauty within.

“O friends of God! That the hidden Mystery may stand revealed, and the secret essence of all things may be disclosed, strive ye to banish that

darkness for ever and ever.” ~'Abdu'l-Bahé, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Bahd, p. 3

( Purchase Single Issues, Back Issues, _ \

Special Editions and Bulk Orders from Baha'i Distribution Service:

Mlustrated by Patti Hoffmann ©1994

Five or more copies of any one issue cost $2.00 ea. One to four copies cost $3.00 ea. Back issues available in limited quantities.

Call: 1-800-999-9019 You may add your single or bulk issue order to the BDS order form on another page in this newspaper.

Give a Resource Library to Your

Child’s Baha'i Class Teacher! Issues Available:

In the Darkest Hour ND 94

Putting the Vision into Action! so94

Starship: Life of the Bab sa 94

Courage MA 94

Families jF 94

My Part of the Plan ND9

Being Leaders so 93

Life's Journey: Purpose of Life mj 93

From Racism to Unity ma 93

The Life of ‘Abdu'l-Bah4 np 92

The 1992 World Congress so 92

Baha'u'llah Special Edition 1991

The Covenant Special edition 1992

Reprinted from Brilliant Star, In the Darkest Hour, November-December 1994

Create a bookmark for your family Kitab-i-Aqdas

Cut a bookmark out of felt or other material. Use this pattern or make up your own. Trace the letters onto your bookmark and color them in. Use beads or sequins to decorate the top of the bookmark that sticks outside the book. Make it as beautiful

as you can. Think about the saying on the bookmark as you make it. *

A Reflection of Love

The Kitdb-i-Aqdas Special Edition 1993

\. From Gnats to Eagles Special Edition 1994 ]

Reprinted from Brilliant Star, The Kitdb-i-Aqdas, Special Edition 1993

[Page 7]JALAL B.E. 152 © Apri9, 1995 7

Me ae PS)

Trends in Total Contributions 1992-1995

51,700,000

51,400,000

$1,100,000

800,000

May Jun

Jol Aug Sep et

Nov Dee Jan Feb Mar Ape

J Trends in NBF Contributions 1992-1995 (February drops to 51,400,000 +. {1993 level 1,100,000 $800,000 $500,000 May Jon Jul Aur Sep Oct Nov Dee Jan Feb Mar Ape J

Roller-coaster ride in February

A dramatic upturn in contributions to the National Fund in November and December was followed by a_ hair-raising drop in February, as over-all giving plummeted to $1.5

Jan-93 Jan-94 Jan-95 National Baha’{ Fund $787,746 $921,827 __ $784,868 [Are Projects Fund $188,856 $359,462 $501,108 |

Other International $111,848 $95,656 $123,765 International Baha’t Fund $42,979 $50,155 $81,335 Continental Fund $20,931 $19,568 $18,125 Other Earmarked $47,938 $25,933___$24,305 Total $1,088,450 $1,376,945 $1,409,741

million from its $2.2 million peak at the end of

the tax year.

As of February 28 offerings to the four major Funds totaled $14 million, up 13 percent from the year-earlier level, on the strength of growing momentum in the Arc Projects Fund: $695,000 was given in February, the third highest month this year although substantially lower than the $850,000 total for

Florida ‘Arc Builders’

December.

The National Fund statistics are not so rosy, showing that the issue of balance is still wit us: the February total of $693,000 was the lowest in the past three years.

Over-all, contributions to the National Baha’i Fund are down 3 percent, or about 6.5 percent after adjusting for inflation. In other words, we are about 32 percent lower than our goal.

National Assembly consults on finances

The National Spiritual Assembly devoted a large part of its February meeting to financial matters.

After the Office of the Treasurer presented a draft budget, the National Assembly noted that the budget deficit had not diminished, and that indebtedness has grown in spite of a large increase in the total amount contributed to the Faith, with all of the increase earmarked for construction of the Arc on Mount Carmel.

The National Spiritual Assembly next met with Counselors Wilma Ellis and Stephen Birkland who were given detailed information about the status of the National Fund.

Financial matters dominated the discussion, the two senior institutions looking for ways to promote ever closer cooperation in this area.

There followed lengthy consultation on several issues raised by the Universal House of Justice in its letter of May 19, 1994, to the National Spiritual Assembly, among them decentralization of the national administration, and communication with local Spiritual Assemblies and the community at large.

The consultation was focused particularly on passages from the House of Justice's letter that stress the need for a loving relationship between the Baha'i National Center and the Baha'i community.

The distressing problem of malicious gossip and the spreading of falsehoods about individuals and institutions was brought up with the Counselors. The National Spiritual Assembly decided to take certain measures that would strongly discourage behavior that is inconsistent with Baha'f standards.

The forthcoming 86th National Convention, which this year will be open to a greater number of believers, was briefly discussed. Much of the meeting with the Counselors was devoted to consultation on teaching the Cause, the key to developing the resources of the Faith.

The National Spiritual Assembly met with the National Teaching Committee, informed it of the substance of the discussions with the Counselors, and received the committee's reports on teaching activities throughout the country.

Special attention was paid to planning a number of youth conferences for which locations were suggested.

The low rate of enrollments, inconsistent with the efforts in teaching, was discussed. One of the impediments to enrollments is the procedure itself, which is cumbersome and ineffective. It was agreed that some of the enrollment procedures should be modified to ensure ease of enrollment.

The National Spiritual Assembly had received a proposal for an institute that would provide high-level courses on the Faith in a systematic way. The proposal was sppioved in its general outline, with details to be worked out later by the task force that submitted the proposal.

Indebtedness has grown despite a large increase in total contributions, with all of the increase earmarked for construction of the Arc.

Celebration’

What was the label on that bottle, again?

demonstrates love for Baha’u’llah

On October 23, Baha'fs from five small communities in Polk County, Florida, enjoyed an “Arc Builders’ Celebration” in Lakeland.

Forty of the 70 Baha'is in the area and 10 from other communities took part in the event, demonstrating their enthusiasm for the Arc and love for Baha'u'llah by zalsing the amount either given or pledged to the Arc duriit Three Year Plan to $46,463.

ey were treated to a presentation of the not-yet-released video, “Vineyard of the Lord, Part 1,” heard an inepiting talk by Nikki Taylor of ainesville, reviewed a program on the Siberia/ Ukraine traveling teaching campaign, and enjoyed entertainment by singers, a dancer and a violinist.

The emphasis was on celebrating

rogress on the Arc, not on fund-raising. The friends were given an oppor tunity to contribute and to pledge, but no pressure was exerted.

The average contribution and/or pledge per adult in Polk County totals more than $940, with three families pledging at least one unit of $9,000 by the end of the Plan.

Virginia community nets $19,200 at dinner event

Responding to the need for funds to carry forward the Arc Projects on Mount Carmel, the Baha'is of Great Falls, Virginia, sponsored a recent fund-raising dinner at which about 80 Baha'is contributed $19,200.

Besides dinner, the event included music, singing, an auction, and talks about the importance of the Arc Projects.

A Baha‘f in one of the European countries once sent a large sum of money to the National Fund and told this touching story:

“After I married my husband, I realized that he was a heavy drinker and nothing could persuade him to stop his dangerous habit. As time went by I became worried about the future of myself and my children, and I starte putting aside a little money at a time to guard against misfortune.

“A year ago, our whole family became Baha’i, including our maid-servant. My husband’s great love for Baha’u’llah cured him of his drinking habit and now, when his friends offer him liquor, he tells them, ‘I have found an excellent drink which keeps me intoxicated all the time.’ He uses this as an excuse to tell others

about the Faith.

“One whole year has now passed and I know that my husband will never again touch alcohol.

“T feel our future is secure and I need worry no more about poverty. 1am therefore giving my savings to the Fund and request

‘ou to use it for printing Baha’i eaves for my people so that others, too, may come to know of the true path to security.”

Unknown to this woman, the National Assembly of that country had just finished translating three Baha’t books into its own language, but did not have the money to print them. What this dear soul offered to the National Fund was the exact amount needed for their publication.

—Quoted from Faizi, Stories About Baha'i Funds

[Page 8]117 X\e% |

THe AMERICAN BAHA'I 8

from the Latin American Task Force

Dear Friends,

Perhaps you may have read ina past issue of The American Baha'i about the appointment by the National Teaching Committee of the Latin American Teaching Task Force. We are pleased to be able to share with you at this time our vision and anticipated role in the process of entry by troops in the United States.

Our vision is to lead the mobilization of the Latino Baha’f community to become a force in the realization of the spiritual destiny of this nation as envisioned by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in the Tablets of the Divine Plan. We see the Latino community as a trigger that, once set in motion, has the capability to accelerate the entire process of entry by troops in other sectors of American society, and to inspire the national Baha’i community to move along, the same path.

Central to this vision is the crucial role that the Latino community in general and the Latino Baha’i community in particular play in the process of establishing race unity, to which we are all committed. That role, we feel, has not yet been clearly and effectively understood, and as a resource is under-utilized. We are inspired by the beloved Guardian’s statements about enriching the Baha'i community by converting these people to the Faith, and demonstrating the principle ofthe unity of the human race that will result from this infusion.

We hope to help all the friends everywhere to achieve a greater awareness of the unique role that Latinos and their leaders, and particularly recent immigrants, have to play in establishing universal peace. These same masses of immigrants, we feel, have a great potential to change the course of the development and maturation of our local communities and the spread of the Faith of Baha’u’llah among the masses of Latinos of second, third and fourth generations already established in our society.

Our role in that process of entry by troops includes monitoring and supporting Latino American teaching projects around the country. By becomet more familiar with the efforts of the friends in different regions, we will be able to better support initiatives in the path of understanding, welcoming, initiating and sustaining the process of entry by troops as outlined by the Universal House of Justice in the compilation on Entry by Troops.

Action-oriented conferences to help the friends understand and welcome the process of entry by troops among Latinos will be held at the regional level, together with discussions at permanent and regional schools. We have identified some areas in the country where a continuous effort already exists, and some evidence of success has been witnessed, resultingina pipniticant number of new believers among Latinos. Initiating the process of entry by troops will be the focus of the effort in those regions.

We have a strong conviction that in every local Baha’f community where Latinos live, there are one or more friends who feel as we do. We hope to tap into your dedication and enthusiasm to establish a network for action to move further toward the unfolding of our vision, and to enroll these waiting souls in the Army of Baha’u’llah.

Please feel free to contact the Task Force by mail at CO 80631, or by email at

With warm regards,

Greeley

Latin American Teaching Task Force April 1995

An open letter to the Baha’i community

Baha'is in Standish, Maine, co-sponsor interfaith observance of Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday

On January 15, the Baha'is of Standish, Maine, and the Sebago Lake Congregational Church co-sponsored

Dream” speech), a period of sharing stories of how lives were affected b’ the work of Dr. King, and an interfait!

the third annual observance of World Religion Day and Martin Luther King Day with an interfaith gathering in Sebago Lake.

The well-attended event began with a potluck supper, followed by an hour devoted to the memory of Dr. King (including excerpts from his “I Have a

Army of Light ‘worksheet’

Having trouble planning your Army of Light teaching campaign? The National Teaching Committee has prepared an Army of Light Teaching Plan “worksheet” to help you get started. It's available on request from the National Teaching Committee Office. Phone 708-7333493 or write to the committee at 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201.

devotional service with prayers offered by those of all pron ine faiths.

The Baha'is presented copies of the Universal House of Justice's peace statement and the National Spiritual Assembly's document, “The Vision of Race Un to the Rev. Konnie Wells, pastor of Sebago Lake Congregational Church, and all others who attended.

The friends also presented readings from various world religions to show their great diversity, beauty and commonality, and Stan Colburn, a Baha'i from Steep Falls, presented an interpretation in American sign language of the Red Grammer song, “Listen...can you hear the sound?”

Three original compositions dedicated to Dr. King and performed by Baha'is Larry and Leona Hosack of Kennebunk were taped by Fox 51 television and used to close its 10 o'clock news program that evening.

fi

Sasi

Pictured are many of the 50 young Bahdis from the U.S., Canada and Hong

Kong who spent a week last December teaching the Cause of God in Chandler, Arizona, following the Army of Light Youth Conference in Phoenix.

Youth arise after ‘Army of Light’ meeting to emblazon Cause in Chandler, Arizona

After last December's Army of Light National Youth Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, many young people arose to answer the call of the Universal House of Justice.

In its letter to the youth at the conference, the Supreme Body wrote, “May this conference generate a further mobilization of your energies, such as to break the ee records of your individual and collective endeavors to spread the Teachings of Baha'u'llah and to conform your lives to His divine purpose.”

Shortly afterward, 50 youth from as far away as Canada, Massachusetts, California, Texas, Connecticut, lowa, New Jersey, Georgia and even Hone Kong gathered for a week in the small Arizona town of Chandler to set ablaze the Valley.

Within the span of only a few days, the group visited nursing homes with offerings of flowers and friendship; manned a booth at the Mill Avenue block party; performed a 20-minute show at Incredible Universe; spoke to youth and the Boys and Girls Club; carried out service projects in Gua— deloupe (a small town in Arizona); taught at Fiesta Mall in Chandler; hosted a Unity Feast, and went out in the front lines of street teaching.

Furthermore, one of the coffee shops in the Valley received a strong dose of Baha'i teaching, as youth read poetry and sang at the “ Mic” and “Poetry Slam” events. In fact, Baha'is won first, second and third prizes for best

try.

A jurist) who happened to be in the coffee shop, was overwhelmed by the Baha'i message of love, peace and unity, and that evening held a lengthy interview with the Baha'is.

Such unusual coincidences became so commonplace that an hour was set aside each day in which to share them with the group.

At dawn each day, 50 young people would arise from their sleeping bags,

et dressed, gather at “headquarters”

the home of a Baha'f family in Chandler), have breakfast, pray for the day's events, consult, deepen, and set out to conquer the hearts of the town's residents.

Returning in the evening for supper, some of the youth would remain to conduct firesides while others went

into the field again to teach; later at night, everyone would gather to share stories, laugh, cry and say goodnight.

This was their iifestyle or one week. One week of true living. As the days passed, it became clear that one does not take a break from life to teach, but that teaching is life itself.

When the time at last came to separate, not one eye was dry as hugs were passed around. As one of the youth said, “You'd think someone had died!”

The young people may have left Chandler, but they left behind them a spirit that would not depart. The battle has only begun. The Army of Light is this generation of youth, who together are raising the pila of the new Kingdom.—May Movafagh

Baha’is ignore ‘culture shock,’ learn to love Blackfoot, Idaho

It was culture shock at first sight, but the rural Northwest no longer seems so strange to Andrea Determan.

Andrea and her daughter, La Desha, moved from the cultural diversity of New York City to nearly all-white Blackfoot, Idaho, after her marriage in 1991. She had met her new husband, John Determan, months before at Green Acre Baha’i School.

Pretty soon, Andrea and John imete themselves in spreading the Faith. She teaches school on an Indian Reservation and he is an engineer.

Today, Blackfoot has a local Spiritual Ascenbly Just as important, “we have friends in the community who respect the Baha’is and are interested in what we do, too,” says Andrea.

Trereoe exposure to the Faith took a giant leap this year after Andrea met Lois Bates of The Morning News.

Lois took a photograph of Andrea and students at a school celebration of Martin Luther King Day. Then the newspaper correspondent wrote a feature article on the Baha’f community and its celebration of Ayyaém-i-H4— complete with recipes.

“It’s a challenge to live here as a Bahd’f because of the strong ties to the Mormon religion,” says Andrea, “but one heart at a time.”

She says Blackfoot would welcome homefront pioneers. The Determans can be reached at 208-785-0063 for more information.

[Page 9]

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[Page 10]

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Baha'i Publications Australla

maintain a loving, creative relationship with the person we have chosen as a life partner? Or harmonious relationships with our own family or colleagues at work? If love is the “first principle of the divine teaching,” why is it such a feat to be able to love? How can we deal with anger and hurt feelings? Find out in A Key to

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incorporate Baha'f teachings into general education. Based on a series of talks presented at the Baha'f World Center by the author.

6" x 9", 76 pp., preface, notesPalabra Publications

Journey Into Exile The Story of Bahé'u'llah

by Mary Firman

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Two Wings 25:35 MIN. VT $10.95 (ETWN)

Two Wings describes events communities around the world which decided tocommit to the equality of women and men.

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Managed by the Baha’f International Community's Office for the Advancement of Women with funding support from the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), the project wasimplemented by Baha’ communities in Malaysia, Cameroon and Bolivia.

Produced by the BIC, Office for the Advancement of Women

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[Page 11]JALAL 8. 152 / Ape 9, 1995 11

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SC $14.95 (IEBS) A compilation of stories from around the world that capture the magic of the Holy Year and the Second Bahé't World Congress. Among the chapter themes are "Behind the Scenes" with the choir and media, the group leader of the Parade of Nations, the dramatic presentation director:; remarkable stories about "Getting There and Back"; "Dreams and Visions" Baha'fs had about the Congress; "World Congress Diaries"; proclamation and teaching stories from around the world; and reflections on the centenary of the Ascension of Baha'u'llah at the Baha'f World Center in May 1992. The only book to capture the memories and warmth of the second Baha'f World Congress and the Holy Year. 6" x 9", 187 pp. J. Michael Kafes Publications

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[Page 12]

NEW:

Equality

Continued from page 1

values in one's everyday life.

Afterward, Lynn Echevarria-Howe examined the lives of five extraordinary women: Lua Getsinger, May Maxwell, Martha Root, Agnes Parsons and Corinne True, pointing out that the singular thing these indomitable spirits had in common was individual faith, shaped and nourished by their continuous communication with the Central Figures of the Faith.

The morning session ended poignantly with the reading of Rhea Harmsen's poem, “My Lament,” describing a woman's pain and suffering in an unjust world, and a performance of Bach's Prelude in C by pianist Rosamond Brenner.

Saturday afternoon's presentations were centered around the topics of male attitudes of entitlement and privilege, inadequate models of gender roles in society, and the crisis of violence against women and

irls in various cultures. The speakers were Michael

‘ogell, Jane J. Russell, Michael A. Russell and Michael L. Penn.

Closing the session were performances by César and Lisa Cortes; the Chicago Baha'i Youth Workshop; and Kathleen Colucci Russell who recited an original poem that gave voice to a woman's innermost feelings of self-definition.

On Saturday evening, a presentation of the video Two Wings served to introduce the conference's second theme, “Where We Are Headed—A Vision of the Future.”

Two Wings documents a development project managed by the Baha'i inesra tional (Comuntinity's Office for the Advancement of Women, describing events that took place in three culturally diverse countries—Malaysia, Cameroon and Bolivia—and depicting how people in those communities committed themselves to the principle of the equality of men and women.

Afterward, panelists Hoda Mahmoudi, Constance Chen, Gwen Etter-Lewis and Michael Penn offered a cross-cultural analysis of the video.

The discussion sparked a lively discourse touching on such diverse topics as the plight and concern of women of color experiencing racism, sexism and classism across cultures; resistance within the Baha'f community to establishing full equality; and means of applying the dynamics of such RevelopineAt projects to local Baha'f communities.

Sunday morning began with two dances by INKA (Intertribal Native American Kit of Artists) that set the stage for the day's focus on psychology and feminism, gender aspects of moral leadership, the seminal role of men in assuming greater responsibility for imple

Kellum

Continued from page 1

spokesman and presented the awards at this year's event, held in Foundation Hall at the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

The Kellum Awards, he said, are a tangible representation of the Faith's deep and abiding commitment to quality education and greater opportunities for children everywhere, a commitment expressed time and again in the Writings of Baha'u'llah and ‘Abdu’l-Bahd and reiterated by the Guardian and Universal House of Justice.

Accepting the award on behalf of Youth Guidance was Nancy Johnstone, its executive director since 1973. The award to the Cabrini Green Project was given to its coordinator, Dan Underwood, a music teacher who has spent more than 20 years helpin young people better themselves in the face of a difficult and often defeating environment.

Both recipients expressed their deep appreciation to the National Spiritual Conta: and praised the Baha’{ Faith for its support of programs designed to uplift and ennoble young people whose economic and family circumstances often place them at a disadvantage whose consequences can include drug abuse, crime and other kinds of antisocial behavior.

Using public schools as the base and primary lo ms

‘Among the performing artists at the Baha'i Conference on Women in Wilmette, Illinois, were César and Lisa Cortes who sang a Peruvian love song.

menting the principle of equality, and a practical examination of law as it relates to gender equality.

Speakers included Marilyn Ray, Mahyar Mofidi, Haifa Sadighi (in a taped presentation from Alaska) and Martha L. Schweitz.

Mrs. Schweitz, a lawyer, contrasted Baha'f law with the modern western legal system, describing how Baha'i law demands a careful examination of the principle of equality according to the principle of the oneness of humanity, whereas the western legal system perpetuates a dichotomy between public acts and private behavior.

She also addressed the ethics of the feminist approach to law, discussing its features and limitations, and contrasting it with the Baha’ tenets.

Throughout the conference an exhibition of paintings by Carrie Kneisler and Paula Henderson reflected the various themes discussed by the speakers. Both artists' works featured strong feminine images, offering new vistas for contemporary artists.

The conference's final speaker was Juana C. Conrad, assistant secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, who pointed out that the American Baha'i community must become aware of the conference proceedings as these new perspectives must be heard in various localities so they can serve as the impetus for new initiatives.

The conference closed with presentations by Ms.

Harmsen (who read her poem, “On the Road to Bene: The Pendulum Swings and Dr. Brenner who played her composition, and Unity, a befitting anthem for a spiritually radiant conference that witnessed an integration of hearts and minds. The conference was a testament to the power of Baha'i brothers and sisters working together, recognizing equality as a pivotal sacred issue, and striving toward it in a true partnership.

cation for its provision of services (it presently serves 34 inner-city schools), Youth Guidance concentrates its efforts in three areas: (1) individual, group and family counseling, creative arts and crisis intervention; (2) the Comer School Development Program, designed to change the school environment so that it supports the social and cognitive needs of children; and (3) Project Prepare, a program that provides vocational training and seeks to ensure desirable employment opportunities for young people after high school graduation.

The Cabrini Green Garden Project was begun by Jack Davis, an accountant and fund-raiser whose idea was to give inner-city youth a hands-on experience in operating a business while spending their free time in a productive endeavor.

Although it remains a fledgling business, the quality of vegetables produced by youngsters in the propen is such that leading hotels and restaurants in

hicago purchase much of the 7,000 to 8,000 pounds of produce that are prepared, harvested and marketed each year.

The Kellum Awards, which recognize and honor their contributions toward helping young people rise above their circumstances to lead productive lives, are named for the late David Kellum, a Baha'i who

THe American Banat = 12

Anne

Continued from page 1

head hurts,” would start again.

At page 68 in the book the nurses finally brought relief. Later when her mother asked, “Did the prayers help? Did they stop the pain, and is that why you could stop asking for help while they were being read?” Anne replied, “No, Mom. I was just trying to be reverent.”

This is Anne, who, when asked, “Exactly what would you like us to pray for? For you?” replied, “For the pain to go away and for world peace.”

This is Anne, who, with her family, has inspired us, taught us, united us and strengthened us in ways and to depths they may never know.

This is Anne, who now faces high-level chemotherapy, so intense that her own bone marrow was extracted first to reuse later.

This is Anne, who will spend Ayyém-i-Ha in critical condition, who will turn 15 in intensive care, who will celebrate Naw-Ruz and spend her spring break in a room at Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles.

And we are the Baha’fs of her small hometown, Cambria, California. We, like many others, have longed to share the pain and to shoulder the cross of Anne, her parents, Nancy and John, and her brother, Matthew.

Anne’s mother, our dear Nancy, has put her daughter in Baha’u'llah’s hands at every moment. She has shared that “I could bear it all so much more if there was a purpose to her suffering and if we could learn about sacrifice from it.”

We wish to give purpose to Anne’s suffering and to learn something of sacrifice by it. The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of San Luis Obispo Coane Northwest has therefore pledged to build God’s Holy Mountain in Anne's honor!

Every day, as she bravely faces new pain, we will each find ways to sacrifice more—to sacrifice until it hurts—to translate her pathway of physical suffering into the pathway of the kings up Mount Carmel. In Anne’s honor, we’re building the Arc.

You are invited to join us: to add your prayers, your love, your sacrifice.

We believe you'll agree that Anne Morgan Zinke has done far more than memorize her favorite words from ‘Abdu’l-Baha. She has learned to live them. “As ys have faith, so shall your powers and blessings

e. This is the balance. This is the balance. This is the balance.”

Baha'is of San Luis Obispo County NW, California

was city editor of the Chicago Defender newspaper and founder of the city's annual Bud Billiken Day parade and associated activities.

The first Billiken Day parade was held in August 1929. Among the guests were Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll, better known as radio's “Amos 'n Andy.”

The parade took its name, said Mr. Kellum, from a mythical Chinese god who represents “things as they should be.” Children who belong to the Billiken Club are taught that they should be honest and trustworthy, obey their parents and respect one another.

Besides the parade, Mr. Kellum developed the annual Bud Billiken Thanksgiving, party and amateur show, the Bud Billiken Easter music festival, and the Bud Billiken Junior Fire Patrol with about 2,000 young volunteers.

His memory was honored by a program that included prayers, musical selections by pianist Robert Reneau and Peruvian flutist Cesar Cortes, the awards presentation, a video pirsentetion by Youth Guidance, refreshments and fellowship.

The program was planned by the House of Worship's Committee for the Celebration of Human ity.

[Page 13]JALAL B.E. 152 ¢ Ape 9, 1995 13

Reputation gives Baha’i youth opportunities

By TOM MENNILLO

Reputation is everything.

Just ask American Telephone & Telegraph and other groups that came in contact with Baha‘i youth last year through a series of “Don’t Hate...Communicate” National Youth Leadership Forums sponsored by AT&T.

Outstanding Baha’t youth Particle tion at a forum in New York City opened the doors to similar opportunities for young Baha fs in Chicago and Atlanta.

And now many groups that work with young people are clamoring for the Bahd’i youth to take part in their activities.

AT&T began the forum series to help young people ages 18-25 build alliances with peers of other backgrounds who are working toward positive change.

(In a change of corporate focus, AT&T will continue to support followup activities in the five cities the forum visited, but will not complete the two to three-year tour it originally envisioned. The company is seeking another organization to take up the reins of sponsorship.)

Each weekend conference consisted of a Friday evening dinner program and Saturday morning training class, followed by small-group sessions.

In these breakout sessions, the youth put together both personal and group action plans to ensure that their commitment wouldn’t flag once they returned home.

When the forum came to Chicago, young Baha’is were encouraged to participate by the youth task force of the Chicago Human Rights Commission, which was quite familiar with the Chicago Baha’f Youth Workshop’s diverse makeup and widespread community efforts.

To their surprise, all of the Bahda’i youth were accepted into the program. The reason? Forum organizers had been so impressed with the Baha’i youth who took part in New York.

The Baha’ Youth Workshop also was given the go-ahead to perform at the

Friday evening program.

The performance, which started with a dramatic presentation of one of the Hidden Words, set the tone for the entire weekend, as evidenced by numerous references to the Baha'is throughout the conference.

Baha‘i youth also played a pivotal role in the small-group sessions. They helped to raise the consultation skills of young people whose previous experience had been that the person with the loudest voice is heard most often. And they helped to instill confidence that youth indeed can “move the world.”

Not surprisingly, the two photographs the Chicago Tribune published on the forum had Baha4‘i youth prominently featured.

The story doesn’t end there. Two Baha‘f youth from Atlanta participated in Chicago, and they encouraged their peers to apply for the Atlanta forum that was to be held the next month.

In fact, when AT&T’s coordinator began receiving applications from young Bahd’is in Atlanta, she invited

the Baha’f Youth Workshop to perform at the opening.

The Workshop received a long standing ovation for its performance. Afterward, mini-firesides sprang up all around the banquet room and in hallways, elevators and the hotel lobby.

Directors of the Workshop were approached at the same time by the mayor's office, the AT&T summer youth camp coordinator, and several others active in youth services around Georgia.

As in Chicago, the 12 Baha’f youth who took part in the forum shared the Faith and its Writings on eliminatin; Pesjudiee throughout the weekend.

veral of the other youth have stayed in touch with the Baha'is since the conference and want to learn more about the Faith.

As the AT&T forum coordinator wrote in a thank-you note: “...if only the world at large could capture the love and sensitivity that seems to be instilled in the youth of the Baha’i Faith, our problems would be far closer to being solved.”

Detroit readies welcome for troops

By TOM MENNILLO Detroit-area Baha’is aren’t letting a little thing like the loss of a television program deter them.

Not when they’ve vowed that their metropolitan area will be first in the United States to welcome entry by troops.

It certainly came as a blow that the independent station on which the program aired suddenly signed onasa CBS affiliate, making air time scarce and prohibitively expensive.

After all, the show was responsible for bringing the Faith to the attention of thousands of people in three states and a Canadian province—people who were starting to come to Baha'i events as a result.

But radio spots and newspaper advertisements will take up the slack in a major media campaign that begins around Easter. The campaign will include production of a 28-minute television program aimed for broadcast in May.

Baha’is’ longstanding involvement in civic and interfaith groups is opening more doors than ever, and Baha'i speakers from outside the area are being brought in to speak at the Baha’f Center on topics of concern to the urban population.

Likewise, heavy use of non-Baha’i speakers at Baha ‘sponsored events is making the Faith familiar to influential companies and organizations.

That strategy has paid off handsomely in garnering partners for this year’s Models of Race Unit Conference, which will be held May 20 in Cobo Hall,

General Motors has agree to pay half the cost of

the event. The Catholic Youth Organization, also a co-sponsor, will present a joint program with the Detroit Baha’i Youth Workshop.

In fact, the CYO sees the Baha’f youth group as a model for unifying the city’s separate black, white and Latino CYO groups.

With good reason. The Detroit Baha'i Youth Workshop is quite a success story.

Only a year old, the Workshop is engaged in an impressive array of projects and hae had three of its non-Baha’i members enroll in the Faith.

On tap are a return engagement at the Michigan State Fair and a performance at the April 21 Arc fundraiser in Detroit. The youth are deepening on the significance of the Arc and are readying dances to debut at the fund-raiser.

Significantly, in two community projects Baha’i youth are involved at the planning stage.

One is the Interfaith Roundtable’s annual fair for junior high and high school students. A Baha’f youth came up with the theme of diversity and how to celebrate it.

The other is a race unity conference in predominantly white McComb County.

The Interfaith Center for Social Justice, concerned that children are growing up with hatred, is patterning the event after the Baha'is’ Models of Race Unity Conference. Again, a Baha'i youth is in on the preparations.

One appealing feature of the McComb event is its tie-in with the school systems. That’s an arena the Baha’i Youth Workshop has been frustrated in trying to reach with its inspirational message.

Institute for Baha’i Studies presents talks

In December, the Institute for Baha'i Studies presented two talks by Dr. Moojan Momen, a distinguished Baha'i scholar and author.

The first, on December 1, was part of a weekly course sponsored by the Institute at the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, titled “Religion in Baha'i and Comparative Perspectives” at which Dr. Momen spoke to an overflow audience of 57, including several Baha'is of Hindu background and others studying Hinduism, on “Hinduism and the Baha'i Faith.”

The second lecture, presented the following evening at the Baha'i National Center, focused on “The Manifestations of God: A Comparison of Their Lives,” in which Dr. Momen offered a model for comparing typical features of the lives of the

various Manifestations of God based on the Baha'i scriptures.

These lectures are among the first activities sponsored by the Institute for Baha'i Studies, an organization created last year by the National Spiritual Assembly to foster academic research and study of the Faith.

The Institute sponsors lectures, small scholarly conferences and non-credit academic courses, develops materials on the Faith for use in universities, and helps researchers find the information they need.

On January 27-29, the Institute hosted the conference on “Women in Baha'i Perspective” sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly, and in March, a soogutu on the Kitdb-i-Aqdas sponsored by the Haj Mehdi Arjmand Fellowship.

TV series on Faith offered at lower cost to communities

The Bahda’t Faith: A Broadcast Television Series is not yet on the air, but the producer hopes that changes it has made in the offering will get programs into the hands of as many Baha’i communities as possible.

Roxane Firmin, president of RTI Visual Communications Inc., said the series now will be distributed on video tape—Betacam SP or %-inch—instead of by satellite.

She said that will give Baha’i communities a choice of airing it on broadcast stations, leased-access cable, or public-access cable.

RTL also is making the series available in weekly or monthly formats. A six-month contract would buy 13 weekly programs that can be rerun for a second 13-week period or six programs provided monthly.

Contracts were sent to interested Assemblies in February. Since then, according to Ms. Firmin, the firm has “received an unexpected ‘cash infusion’ that will enable RTI to discount the cost of the poly 25 percent.”

All shows mix the Creative Word with music and information—including promotion of local events—designed to touch the heart and mind. The monthly programs focus ‘on special days such as Race Unity Day.

The community receiving the programs is responsible for securing air time, although if a community has cube getting rates and available times RTI can help gather the information.

RTI recommends investigating low-power broadcast stations. They are less expensive than network affiliates and enjoy the same access to TV listings and cable audiences.

Leased-access programs also air at a consistent time purchased by the community, but only on cable. The third option, public access, is free, but showings are at the discretion of the cable operator.

RTI recently upgraded its post-production facilities with state-of-the-art digital editing. Now, if enough areas sign on, The Baha'i Faith can hit the airwaves in the third or fourth quarter of 1995.

For more information, phone 810-442-2525.

[Page 14]THe AMERICAN BAHA'I 14

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The American Baha'i are published free of charge as a service to the Baha'i community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no per— sonal or commercial ads can be ac~ cepted for publication. The opportunities to have not been ap by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exer-cise their own judgment and care in responding to them.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

THE GREEN ACRE Baha’{ School has an immediate opening for a full-time administrative assistant. Seeking highly motivated, energetic selfl-starter with strong organizational skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, competency in word processing and data base management, and an ability to balance and complete a variety of tasks on time with minimal supervision. Candidate must have outstanding interpersonal skills and enjoy working with people. Acrouitine bookkeeoit skills and some retail experience desirable; Fequltes a minimum of 2-3 years similar office experience. Applicants should have a strong desire to serve, and ability to work harmoniously within the Baha’f admininstration and with diverse types of people. Please send a letter of introduction and résumé to Ray LaBelle, Green Acre Bahd’f School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903, or phone 207-439-7200.

THE LOUHELEN Bookstore Café and Twin Oaks Dining Room are new additions to the operation of the Louhelen Baha’ School. Both offer improved service to those attending sessions at the school as well as to members of the general public. More volunteer staff are needed for these two operations. In particular, mature youth or adults are sought who are pursuing training or have career experience in the restaurant or hotel industries or other food service/ poepiall -related professions. The possibility of internships exists for students who would wish to explore such options. While no cash stipends are available, full room and board are offered for those acpepe, to serve. Length of service is flexible, with service opportunities ranging from a few weeks to a year or more. For an application, contact Mrs. Penny Schmicker, volunteer services manager, Louhelen Baha'i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. Phone 810-6535033; fax 810-653-8850; INTERNET lou

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT needed to help in audio and video production for the Media Services Department at the Bahd'f National Center. Principal re— sponsibilities: complete work orders and other Media Services requests in a timely manner; support administrative needs including help with billing; work in production, shooting and editing as requested, both individually and as part of a production team. Qualifications: ability to work as part of a team; demonstrated knowledge of and skill in using professional audio and video production equipment; 2-5 years experience in the field and/or specialized training in a recognized program; ability to complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision; ability to work harmoniously within the Baha‘f administration and with diverse types of individuals; ability to work well under deadline pressures; ability to handle multiple assignments at one time; valid driver's license. Knowledge of PageMaker and WordPerfect computer programs is desirable. For information or

an application, please contact the Deent of Human Resources, Baha'f

lational Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3429).

THE GREEN ACRE Baha’f School has an immediate opening for a resident caretaker. This is a year-round full-time volunteer position primarily responsible for building and grounds security at designated times, opening and closiny buildings as aaeaed a functions, lightduty maintenance, responding to emergencies and greeting visitors. Requires a mature person with a strong desire to serve. On-campus residence provided. Ideal for retired or semi-retired couple; spouse may also apply for other openings at the school. Please submit a letter of introduction and résumé to Ray LaBelle, Green Acre Baha’{ School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903.

THE LOUIS GREGORY Bahd‘{ Institute has vacancies for Youth Service Corps volunteers. Bpplications are sought from youth who desire to grow in the fields of service and obedience. Service areas include teaching—entry by troops; Radio Baha’i—broadcasting, maintenance; teaching/deepening children; education center—tutoring, G.E.D.

rograms. For information, phone 803-5093, or fax 803-558-2921.

PUBLIC SAFETY Officers sought at the Baha'i National Center in Wilmette, Illinois. Requires at least a two-year commitment for training and service. Ensuring the safety and security of National Center staff, volunteers and visitors, plus facilities at the House of Worship, National Center offices, Baha'{ Publishing Trust, the Baha'i Home and other properties is our responsibility. Our standards are high for professional conduct, demeanor and appearance. If you are skilled in interpersonal relations, oral and written English, report writing, and have verifiable good experience working alone or as part of a team, you may be qualified. Often, new officers are assigned to the night shift (11 p.m. to 7 a.m.), which can be a rewarding experience for daytime students at nearby colleges or universities. If you are interested, either now or in a future appointment, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-733-3429.

THE GREEN ACRE Bahd'{ School is seeking applicants for its 1995 summer staff. Opportunities for service are available in a number of areas. Those with little or no experience as well as skilled professionals are encouraged to apply. Positions include assistant cooks, dining room help, dishwashers, housekeepers, groundskeepers, general help, children's teachers, recreation leader, librarian, office assistant, and gardeners. Applicants should be available from June 19 through August 27; however, shorter terms of service can be considered in some cases. While full-time volunteer service in exchange for room and board is most desirable, provisions for additional compensation can be made. For information and/or an application,

lease phone the Green Acre Baha'i

‘hool, 207-439-7200, or fax 207-439-7202, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern time, or send a letter to Administrator, Green Acre Baha'i School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903.

PIONEERING (OveRSEAS)

EMPLOYMENT opportunities over

seas. AFRICA: Mauritania—nurse prac titioner or phys jan’s assistant to work as medical officer for the U.S. Peace

Corps office. Tanzania—urgent need for accountant, English teachers, computer science teacher. AMERICAS: Brazil— pre-school and primary school teachers. Guatemala—elementary school teachers. Honduras—junior high English and sci

ence teacher, senior high English and so— cial studies teacher. ASIA: Cambodia— health coordinator. Macau—teachers. Sakhalin—teachers. Thailand—volunteer English teachers, coordinator of the English Language Center. Vietnam—English teachers, assistant representative needed by international nonprofit orga— nization to help open office in Vietnam. AUSTRALASIA: Palau—psychiatrist. Western Samoa—pre-school trained teacher. Yap, Western Caroline Islands— high school teachers. EUROPE: Czech Republic—dorm parents, teachers. Po— land—associate Peace Corps directors for small enterprise development. MULTIREGIONAL: Africa—regional specialist needed by nonprofit international development organization to provide management assistance and administrative sup— port to pe rams in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Uganda. Other opportunities: Paris, France—the European branch of the Office of Public Information of the Baha‘ International Community in Paris is seeking a full-time program coordinator. Panama has an urgent need for two. Spanish-speaking couples to serve in the una region of the San Blas Islands. Taiwan—the Bahd’{ Office of the Environment needs a staff member to be responsible for its “environmental education” projects. Brazil—the School of Na~ tions is seeking pre-school and primary school teachers (grades 1-4). The Townshend International School is seeking, dorm parents, teachers of science, math, English, foreign languages, drama, psy— chology, world religions, history, fine arts. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’f National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3512; fax 708-733-3509).

OPPORTUNITIES in China: Teaching positions—Beijing, Chongqing, Shenjane Tianjin, Xinxiang, Xuzhou (college

level); Guangzhou, Beijing (kindergarten level); Guangzhou, Huizhou, Xindu (peimany and middle school level). Also, the U.S.-China Peoples Friendship Asso— ciation (US-CPFA) ee educators make contact with institutions and the Ministry of Education in the PRC. The USCbrA will send a packet of materials that includes information on recruitment, application forms and related documents, teacher job description, and a list of resources. Send a brief request letter and a check for $7.50 (payable to USCPFA/Teach-in-China Program) to Ms. Jo Crodon, national coordinator, Teach-inChina Program, P.O. Box 387, Union City, GA 30291. For more information, please contact Ms. Gwili Posey (phone 708-733-3512; fax 708-733-3509).

Be) a AVR

PLEASE HELP save the Spiritual Assembly of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in the heart of Amish country an hour west of Philadelphia. Nearby is the newly renovated Marietta Baha'i Center, home of the Spirit of the Roses Baha'{ School. Lancaster has clean air, low unemployment, reasonably priced housing, two colleges (Franklin & Marshall and Millersville University), and a diverse pop— ulation of black, white, Hispanics and Asians. We hope for two dedicated souls to become long-term residents and help us teach and deepen within this community. Some interim hospitality can be offered to help anyone who is seriously considering a move. The Assembly is jeopardized owing to several moveaways and pioneers. Please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Lancaster, P.O. Box 2453, Lancaster, PA 17603-2453, or phone the Assembly secretary, 717-2931261.

SIERRA MADRE, California, needs one adult Baha'i by Ridvan and two more adults after Ridvan to maintain its Assembly status. Sierra Madre (pop. 10,000) is solace to Los Angeles and Pasadena; jobs, schools and cultural

events are plentiful, yet Sierra Madre's reputation for safety, coupled with its small-town charm, make it a highly desirable place to call home. For information, phone 818-355-6683. Our friendly, united community looks forward to your call.

THE BAHA'S of Lake County, California, need your help to maintain their Assembly when a resident family leaves soon to pioneer overseas. Lake County is a lovely rural area of Northern California on the state's largest natural lake, Clear Lake, about 125 miles north of San Fran— cisco/Sacramento. There is an immediate opening for a physical therapist in a Baha'f-owned outpatient clinic; the county also needs more physicians and nurses. The friends will he ip in your job search—or you may find Lakeport, the principal city and a goal community for re-establishment of its Assembly, an ideal place to retire. Excellent outdoor recreation; all water sports; a great place to raise one's family. Please write to Rick Green, Lakeport, CA 95453, or phone 707-263-1295 or evenires) 7071005.

THE 20-YEAR-OLD Spiritual Assembly of Grand Forks, North Dakota will be jeopardized at Ridvn. Please help save it by moving to our area. We need two adult Baha'is. For information, please phone Nancy Joyner, 701-746-4728.

THE BAHA'S of Pleasant Hill, California, need your help to prevent this long-standing, incorporated community from losing its Assembly. Pleasant Hill is a lovely town of 30,000 with a good public school system, excellent opportunities for higher education and employment opportunities in all fields. We have the bounty of many Bahd'f resources including a large weekly Baha'f school, the Baha’f Center in San Francisco, and the Bosch Bahé'{ School. Your prayers are greatly appreciated, and we eagerly. await your arrival. Please phone 510-6763441 or 510-687-9957.

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Olean, New York, the only Assembly on the northern tier of New York State (1 1/2 hours from Buffalo, two hours from Rochester) needs one or two adult Baha'is by Ridv4n to save its Assembly status. Olean, in the “enchanted mountains” on the Pennsylvania border, is a small, friendly and culturally diverse city of about 17,000 with many Bahd'f teaching opportunities. It is home to St. Bona— venture University, Jamestown Community College and the Olean Business In— stitute, has a large shopping district, a hospital, many restaurants and a large number of cultural groups and activities. There are employment opportunities in business, service sectors, mental health and other medical areas. An excellent location for families, those who are retired or living ona fixed income with low-cost housing and many indoor and outdoor recreational activities. We need yout! Please phone Brenda Snyder, secretary, 716-372-3663.

HELP SAVE our Assembly! Kenosha, Wisconsin, a city blessed by the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, needs homefront pio— neers. Kenosha offers many opportunities—the University of Wisconsin/Park— side; Carthage College; Gateway Technical Institute, plus many job openings, low-cost housing, and equal access to Chicago and Milwaukee, both within 50 miles. For more information, write to the Bahd'fs of Kenosha, P.O. Box 4072, Kenosha, WI 53143, or phone Denise BehmRattigan, 414-657-7413, or Paul Voelz, 414-654-7814.

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Allentown, Pennsylvania, needs one person to secure its Assembly status at Ridvan. Allentown (pop. 100,000), 60 miles northeast of Philadelphia, is in the heart of a unique geographic and historic circle that is home to many diverse religious communities including Quakers, Mora— vians, Swedenborgians and Millerites. The Baha'i community of the Lehigh

[Page 15]JAALB.E. 152 ¢ Ape 9,1995 15

Valley, firmly established in the early 1970s, has raised local Assemblies in Allentown and Bethlehem. The 60-mem— ber community supports regular fire— sides, children’s classes, deepenings and many proclamation events. The Baha'f community's talents have an unusual focus on the arts, drama, music and education, and local Baha'i communities have played a central role in such move— ments as the Parliament of Religions Centennial in 1993, the Interfaith Alliance, and race unity events. Area schools include Lehigh University and Muhlen— berg, Cedar Crestercl Earn Gok leges. The Lehigh Valley (pop. 1.5 million) generates a diversified economy and employment market. For more in— formation about the Allentown area, phone Ginny Harry, secretary, at 610820-0689.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

VERO BEACH, on Florida's Atlantic coast, rated one of the 10 best small towns in the U.S., eagerly awaits the formation of its first local Spiritual Assembly with the help of you/your family. Known primarily for “indian River Citrus,” Vero Beach, a clean and progressive city, is the home of the internationally known “Flightsafety” flight school and spring training home of the Los Angeles gers. There are employment opportunities in all areas of the medical field and in many service industries. Vero Beach is an hour and a half from Disney World, an hour from the Ken— nedy Space Center. It has three performing arts theatres (one of them by/for children) and easy access to Florida's active community of Baha'i youth. For more information, please contact the Baha’'fs of Indian River County,

Vero Beach, FL 32962 (phone 407-778-5753).

OPPORTUNITY in Jasper, Alabama (pop. 13,600) which has no city taxi service. Move to Jasper, start your own bus— iness, and pioneer to the lovely, temperate South. Low cost of living, opportunities for higher education, and a small Baha'i Group eager to hear from you. For in-formation, phone 205-302-0931 or 205221-7897.

KINGMAN, Arizona, needs a homefront pioneer. Kingman, in the high desert, is an excellent area for your lungs. Indian Reservations are only an hour or two away; tourist attractions. include the Grand Canyon Caverns, the Colorado River, etc. The first Kingman Baha'i Center needs caretaking help. The present caretaker pays $305/month rent and utilities. That could be divided into two or three. Kingman is ready for an Assembly. Pioneer must love teaching and be able to adapt. This could be a transitional move for someone who is considering, pioneering overseas. Write to Kingman, AZ. 86401, or phone 520-753-2690.

BAHA'S in media who would like to move closer to Hollywood while pioneering for the Faith, we need more balance in our lovely Malibu-by-theocean where the stars live. Good schools, clean air, within commuting distance to studios and universities. We can get the Message to the world from Malibu! For details, write to R.R.,

Malibu, CA 90265 (phone 310-457-5336).

HOMEFRONT pioneers are wanted in Florence, South Carolina, only 50 miles from the Louis Gregory Baha't Institute. Prefer mature, self-supporting couple with pioneering experience, but dedication is the main quality needed. Florence is a vital Baha'i community with an active Assembly, a local Center in a prime location, and hundreds of people on its membership list who have not been truly consolidated. South Carolina is an excit— a place to be as a Baha'i, and this is a call to those with a sense of spiritual ad—

venture who love to serve. Phone 803667-1540 or write to the Spiritual Assembly of Florence,

Florence, SC 29501.

ONCE AGAIN the Baha'f community of Sarasota, Florida, is appealing to any Bahd'f who is considering a move to warmer climes: please come to the lovely Suncoast city of Sarasota—we need you. Our 35-year-old incorporated Assembly is close to being in jeopardy. For any Baha'{ business owner, there is an op— portunity to buy commercial property at 20 percent below the asking price. Contact the Assembly secretary, Patricia (Trish) Wicker,

Sarasota, FL 34236 (phone 813955-3073), or Pat Raymond, Sarasota, FL 34234 (phone 813-362-0010).

KINGSTREE, South Carolina, needs a pioneer or pioneer family to continue and expand the teaching work to those of all ages, to represent the Gospel Choir from the Louis Gregory Institute, and to help the Assembly to function. Kingstree is a rural county seat 30 minutes from the Gregory Institute. Its barely functioning Assembly includes two very active native believers. Rents average around $300/month; a nice house may cost $50,000-$60,000. Kingstree is a quiet town, well-suited to retirees. For infor— mation, please phone 803-354-5339 from 6-8 p.m. (Eastern time) weekdays or Sundays.

LOVELY little Los Lunas, New Mexico, needs homefront pioneers to help form its first local Spiritual Assembly. Los Lunas (pop. 4,000-plus), in the high desert (5,000 feet), is rich in Hispanic history. The Rio Grande River runs through the center of town, and the view of the mountains is beautiful. Los Lunas is 20 minutes from Albuquerque, Kirtland Air Force Base and the Sandia Na~ tional Laboratory. Ideal for military retirees, teachers, nurses, doctors and those interested in teaching the Faith at nearby Indian pueblos and Reservations. Low-cost housing and cost of living is a plus. Write to the Baha'f Group of Los Lunas, P.O. Box 463, Los Lunas, NM 87031, or phone 505-865-4379.

MORE THAN 50,000 souls are waiting in New Rochelle, New York, for you to guide them to Baha'u'llah. New Rochelle, a goal city of the Three Year Plan, is only 15 minutes from the City of the Covenant. Ample employment opportunities in any profession within an easy commute. The three Baha'is in the ethnicall and racially diverse city of New Rochelle invite you to join them in arising to win an exciting victory for the Three Year Plan. Temporary lodging available. For loving support for your move, please write to the Baha'i Group of New Rochelle, New Rochelle, NY 10801-1603, or phone 914-654-0146.

AEN

WANTED: The Mona Baha’ School is seeking to expand its materials for classes and is looking for back issues of Brilliant Star and Child’s Way, Baha't school lesson plans, the Baha'i Teaching, Guide, and Bahd't books for children. Please send to Carri Smith, Spanaway, WA 98387-7005, or

phone her at 206-847-4885. The Mona

aha'i School can pay for postage.

THE BAHA't Center in San Francisco, California, needs a caretaker (or couple) who are retired, self-supporting and can offer at least a year of service. The prin— cipal qualification is a warm, hospitable nature so that those who come to the Center, either for information or to attend meetings, find themselves welcomed in an atmosphere of dignity and reverence. The caretaker has many opportunities to teach, and should be open and ready to greet those who stop by or telephone, and to help them understand

the teachings. The caretaker is responsible for opening and closing the Center at various hours and helping to maintain its appearance. A studio apartment will be provided on a major bus line within 10 minutes of the Center. Please write to the San Francisco Management Committee, 170 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94103, fax 415-431-9991, or phone 415431-9990.

WANTED: singers and musicians for a major conference, “Color Me Human: Raising the First Generation of PrejudiceFree Children,” to be held July 1-2 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The conference is open to Bah4'fs and non-Baha’fs of all ages. Music will play a pivotal role; a choir and orchestra are being assembled to provide music at all sessions and at a special interfaith service on Sunday morning. Please send a brief résumé of your musical experience with a tape showing your skills and range to Nelson LeDuc,

Bountiful, UT 84010. Please indicate the instrument(s) you play and/or your voice type (soprano, alto, tenor, bass). Inquiries may be made by calling 801298-2387, or via e-mail,

WANTED: traveling teachers who may be in or near the Moines, lowa, area. The Des Moines Area Teaching Committee is establishing a program of public firesides called “Crossroads.” Meetings are to be held the second Thursday evening each month; special programs can be arranged for anyone wishing to use this format. For details, Bae write to Napolun Birdsong or

amela Knox, Des Moines, [A 50317, or phone 515-263-2778 (daytime answering machine) or 515-9610605 (evening answering machine).

THE BAHA'f community of Conway, South Carolina, is seeking a couple or an individual to live in its newly acquired Baha‘f Center. Conway is an energetic community with an ongoing teaching project and is committed to “entry by troops.” Conway is close to the Louis Gregory Baha’i Institute, Radio Baha’{, and Myrtle Beach. The rent is negotiable based on services that the person/couple can provide. Phone (803) 293-7225 for information and details.

WANTED: community outside of Boston is looking for advice from communities who have advertised on billboards or public transit systems. Also, we would love to borrow or purchase any camera-ready art work that would be eEpropaale for use on posters or billboards. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Rich

‘amartino, 617-924-1769, e-mail

or write to P.O. Box 101, Watertown, MA 02172.

THE BAHA'IS of Franklin County, Missouri, birthplace of early American Baha't Phoebe Hearst, are seeking copies of photographs, letters, articles, etc. relating to Mrs. Hearst's Baha'i experience. Plans are being made to present the ma— terial to the Missouri Historical Socie! and the local Phoebe Hearst Historical Society. Please contact the Baha'is of Franklin County, P.O. Box 15, Pacific, MO 63069, or phone Shirley Lee, 314-2577521.

THE BAHA‘f Association for the Arts (BAFA), initiated in 1986 by a group of artists from various parts of Europe who are Baha'is, is a non-profit organization whose aim is to encourage networking, education and promotion of the arts across all disciplines and cultural back— grounds. Submissions and subscriptions 18/year) to its quarterly professionally produced, 20-40 page newsletter, “Arts Dialogue,” can be sent to Kathleen L. Babb, Kirikushi, Etajima-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima-Ken 737-21 Japan (e-mail

Telephone/

fax (81)823-44-1150.

MUSICIANS, dancers, writers, artists: is your calling to teach the Faith full-time through music, dance or art? Would you like to form a collective and help start a Creativity and Healing Institute for suf— fering souls? I would like to network with you in hopes of creating a project to express a love and spirit that will trans— form and heal hearts and lives. If the unity of the group is strong enough, this will happen! I am also interested in pio— neering new forms and styles of music and art, especially the New Age genre. I play electric guitar, and my musical in—

luences are classical, rock, jazz, new age and avant-garde. Anyone who is inter— ested in supporting such a project is invited to contact Bob Charnes,

| Voorhees, NJ 08043, or to phone 609-772-2195.

“SONGS from Our Children's Hearts,” a project designed to spark and encourage creativity in our children, is looking for original songs based on Baha’{ themes and written by children (ages 14 and under). The project, spon— sored by the Spiritual Assembly of Beacon, New York, depends upon enough quality material being received. It could lead to a recording of selected songs to be sung by Red Grammer, Laurie Early and others, with all proceeds going to ward scholarship funds to enable more children to attend Baha'{ schools. Please send your name, age, address and telephone number with a cassette recording of your song(s)—non-returnable—and lyric sheet to Laurie Early, c/o BIC, 866. United Nations Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017 (no phone calls, please).

BAHA‘t musicians with a sincere de— sire to travel and teach everywhere with words and music are wanted for an up— comin, campaign. Needed are an electronic keyboard player, a guitarist, a drummer, a bass player and a tenor sax— ophonist. It is preferable if all musicians are able to sing, can read music as well as play by ear or listening. All musical instruments for the band except tenor sax are on hand and ready to be played. For information, phone Samuel N. Alucho, 216-255-9767.

ATTENTION isolated believers. Now available on America Online: the Isolated Believers’ Network (IBN). At present we're only a message board, but we're hoping for more! Come join us. This is a

reat way to stay in touch with old

riends, make new ones and be part of a Baha'i group! Go to the “Baha'i” section under Religion and check out our mes~ sage board. We hope to hear from you soon!

SEEKERNET, a nationwide toll-free telephone communications system established by the Spiritual Assembly of New York City, is a success. Calls are pouring in as Seekernet rapidly builds its network of teachers who are dedicated to assuring that no souls “slip through the cracks” during entry by troops. With Seekernet, you can teach the Faith to any‘one outside your community with the confidence that they will be nurtured toward declaration. Simply get their name, address and phone number and let them know that someone will be in touch with them. Then call 1-800-SEEKERNET and let us go to work. We'll connect your seekers to the volunteer teacher nearest them, and provide you with periodic updates on their pro—gress. More teachers are always needed —so call today!

ATTENTION Baha‘ singles. Now available on America Online: the Baha'i Singles message board, a new way to meet single Baha'is all over the country! Make lots of new friends. We also have a “chat room” on Tuesday evenings at 9 p-m. (Eastern time) which allows “live” interaction. So don't complain about not

See ADS page 28

[Page 16]7

HING / HOUSE OF W

ball

THe AMERICAN BAHA'I 16

Woodburn project welcomes migrants, but needs help

Every spring, thousands of workers eager to improve their circumstances take the difficult and sometimes dangerous trip north from Mexico and other points south.

Many of these workers, or inmigrantés, come to Marion, Washington and Clackamas counties in Oregon, the area in which, for the past four years, the Woodburn project has been teaching the Faith, feeding the hungry, and offering classes in English to this receptive population.

This year, stresses in Mexico’s economic fabric have devalued the savings and stolen the hope of many. Unemployment promises to rise, and the Woodburn Teaching Institute, which organizes and directs the Woodburn project, expects a human flood this

spring and summer.

“The teaching opportunities are going to overwhelm our ability to respond,” says project coordinator Janeth House. “Many inmigrantés will arrive hungry as well, since these are people with (ee resources.”

The Baha’i Teaching Center in Woodburn is the only place for many miles around at which to receive a free hot meal. While information about the Faith is not directly shared when meals are served, a pattern that is repeated over and over is that people want to stay to learn about the beliefs of those who have offered them such loving hospitality and service.

“Many of these inmigrantés have become dedicated, dynamic teachers of the Faith,” says Ms. House. “In fact, even

some non-Bahd’is are now teaching.

“Two of our last four declarations were the result of teaching by inmigrantés who had not yet declared. This is our basic goal: not merely to gain declarations, but to raise up Baha'i teachers.”

Teachers raised by the Woodburn project have taught their families in Mexico, resulting in several declarations, and new believers teach others as well.

Unfortunately, this year’s economic crisis is not limited to Mexico, or only to the National Fund.

“In previous years we've gotten a lot of support [for the project] from the National Center,” says Ms. House, “and from communities and individuals across the country.

“But this year we know that most of

those funds will dry up because of the national picture. The National Fund and especially the Arc must take precedence, but we hope that some additional support will be available.”

The Woodburn Teaching Institute is praying for, and making general and personal calls to individual Baha’is and Baha’i communities across the country asking that they consider dedicating whatever services they can to this challenging opportunity. Vehicles are also needed in which teachers can travel to the migrant camps.

Those who would like to come and learn about the Woodburn project are most welcome. Please contact Jan House, Aurora, OR 97002 (phone 503-678-5162; fax 503-678-1085).

VISIT THE BAHA'l HOUSE OF WORSHIP

Each year a special invitation is extended to the friends to visit the House of Worship for a four day weekend of learning, teaching, fellowship, prayers and meditation.

Highlights of the visit include an opening reception; an address by a member of the National Spiritual Assembly or representative; daily devotions, tours of the Baha'i House of Worship and Baha'i National Center offices; tour luncheon; a workshop on volunteer service opportunities and a chance to guide; an indepth presentation from the Writings on the significance of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar; closing devotions followed by refreshments in the Visitors’ Center.

We have provided a regiistration form below for you to fill out. If you need further information, please call the Activities Office at 708/853-2300. We would love to greet you at the Holiest House of Worship.

Number in your party

BauA'i HOUSE OF WoRSHIP SPECIAL VISIT PROGRAM July 13 - 16, 1995 Thursday - Sunday

REGISTRATION FORM - DEADLINE May 19, 1995

PARTICIPANTS AND BAHA'I I.D. NUMBERS:

Telephone (hm./wk/other) List name(s) and Baha'i I.D.#'s/Attach additional sheet as needed Indicate Children/Youth and 1.D. #'s (ages 4.5 and up may register). Children, pre-youth and youth activities will be available. Infant care and child care will not be provided.

Address (attach others as needed) City

• Airport shuttle service

Skokie Howard Johnson Yes__

• Buffet Breakfast included

• 2 miles from the House of Worship
• 1 room, | to 4 persons - $65.00 Flat rate

State Zip code

The registration fee is $10.00 per person including each child. Please make checks payable to the "Baha'i Services Fund." Do not send any other cost to us. A schedule of activities and check-in will be sent to you upon confirmation. Canadian monies need to be sent by cashiers check in U.S. dollars.

HOTEL/TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION:

The hotel listed below has been selected to provide group assistance for your stay. We can make your reservations based on this selection. However, you will handle all financial arrangements with the hotel. For those who wish to select their own accommodations, we will send you a list of hotels. Bus transportation will be provided to and from Howard Johnson Hotel. Transportation to and from other hotels will be on your own throughout the tour. All registrants will receive transportation information and an itinerary of program activities. Major meals and free time transportation will be on your own.

Below please mark confirmation of your hotel choice and number in your party staying in each room. In addition, please state special needs required during your stay.

Noms

Return this form to: Baha'i House of Worship Activities Office, Special Visit Program, Wilmette,IL 60091

Alternative hotel listing? Yes __ No _

Louis G. Gregory/ Magdalene Carney Teaching Initiative

Needed: Teachers

Where: Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute

Goal: Entry by Troops!

Responsibilities/Needs Include: 1. Teacher obedience to directives 2. Door-to-door teaching 3. Speakers for proclamation 4. Presenters to dignitaries, people of prominence, special interest groups 5. Users of audiovisual materials for} teaching, deepening and proclamation 6. Deepening older Baha'is through home visits 7. Deepening new believers—adults, youth and children—through four-hour programs, one-day programs, weekend programs, or home visits 8. Support services

All teachers will attend an orientation program. Volunteers and those requiring further information should contact the South Carolina Coordinating Committee, 800-7354445, or Administration at the Louls G. Gregory Baha’i Institute, 803-5585093, Route 2 Box 71, Hemingway, SC 29554.

75-year-old Baha’i returns to college to teach Cause

Velma Rogers, a Baha'i from San Angelo, Texas, has been taking courses at Angelo State University for years to maintain a Baha'i Club and teach on campus.

She displays 15 showcases durin; the year in the Student Center, on sucl occasions as World Religion Day, World Friendship Day, Black History Month, Earth Day, Race Unity Day, World Peace Day, the International Day for Women, UN Day for the Elimination of Prejudice, UN Bill of Rights Day, Universal Children's Day, Human Rights Day, and others.

t 75 years of age, she has been featured in the school yearbook as the oldest member of the 6,000-student body.She has earned 100 credit hours but is now monitoring classes.

A few international students are presently in the club, and Velma, an example to us all, welcomes anyone who is interested to join.

[Page 17]

JALAL B.E. 152 ¢ Ape 9, 1995 17

The prosperity of humankind

To the National Spiritual Assemblies Ohh Baha'is throughout the world ir Friends,

As the twentieth century rapidly approaches itsend, there is a marked acceleration in the efforts of governments and peoples to reach common understandings on issues affecting the future of humankind. The 1992 Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro, the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna, the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, the forthcoming March 1995 World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen, to be followed in September by the fourth World Conference on Women in Beding are, conspicuous indications of this acceleration. These events are as capstones to the myriad activities taking place in different parts of the world involving a wide range of non-governmental organizations and networks in an urgent search for values, ideas and practical measures that can advance prospects for the peaceful development of all peoples. In this endeavor can be discerned the patherin momentum of an emerging unity of thought in world undertakings, the Pealization of which our sacred scriptures describe as one of the lights of unity that will illumine the path to peace. The Bahd‘is around the world are, of course, heartened by such hopeful trends and will continue increasingly to lend moral and practical support to them as opportunities allow.

In view of the intensive attention being given to the issues of social and economic development since the Earth Summit in Brazil, we requested the Baha'i International Community’s Office of Public Information to prepare a statement on the concept of global prosperity in the context of the Baha’f Teachings. This statement is now ready for distribution. We are therefore pleased to send each of you herewith a copy of “The

rosperity of Humankind” and to commend it to your use as you pursue activities that enable you to interact with governments, organizations, and people everywhere. Our confident hope is that the statement will assist you to foster understanding of this important topic among the members of your communities and thus vitalize their contribution to the constructive social processes at work throughout the planet.

With loving Baha’i Breen

iinet House of Justice January 23, 1995

THE PROSPERITY OF HUMANKIND

To an extent unimaginable a decade ago, the ideal of world peace is taking on form and substance. Obstacles that long seemed immovable have collapsed in humanity’s path; apparently, irreconcilable Pre have begun to surrender to processes of consultation and resolution; a willingness to counter military ag ression through unified international action is emerging. The effect has been to awaken in both the masses of humanity and man world leaders a degree of hopefulness about the future of our planet that had been nearly extinguished.

Throughout the world, immense intellectual and spiritual energies are seeking expression, energies whose gathering pressure is in direct proportion to the frustrations of recent decades. Everywhere the signs multiply that the earth’s peoples yearn for an end to conflict and to the suffering and ruin from which no land is any longer immune. These rising ampulees for change must be seized upon and channeled into overcoming the remaining barriers that block realization of the age-old dream of global peace. The effort of will required for such a task cannot be summoned up merely by appeals for action against the countless ills afflicting society. It must be galvanized by a vision of human prosperity in the fullest sense of the term—an awakening to the possibilities of the spiritual and material Saleen now brought within grasp. Its beneficiaries must be all of the

lanet’s inhabitants, without distinction, without the imposition of conditions unrelated to the fundamental goals of such a reorganization of human affairs. listory has thus far recorded principally the experience of tribes, cultures, classes and nations. With the physical unification of the planet in this peniney and acknowledgement of the interdependence of all who live on it, the history of humanity as one people is now beginning. The long, slow civilizing of human character has Been a sporadic development, uneven and admittedly inequitable in the material advantages it has cH erred hie verineees) endowed with the

wealth of all the genetic and cultural diversity that has evolved through past ages, the earth’s inhabitants are now challenged to draw on their collective inheritance to take up, consciously and systematically, the responsibility for the design of their future.

It is unrealistic to imagine that the vision of the next stage in the advancement of civilization can be formulated without a searching reéxamination of the attitudes and assumptions that currently underlie fee proaches to social and economic development. At the most obvious level, such rethinking will have to address practical matters of policy, resource utilization, planning procedures, implementation methodologies and organization. As it proceeds, however, fundamental issues will quickly emerge, related to the long-term

‘oals to be pursued, the social structures required, the implications for development of principles of social justice, and the nature and role of knowledge in effecting enduring change. Indeed, such a reéxamination will be driven to seek a broad consensus of understanding about human nature itself.

Two avenues of discussion open directly onto all of these issues, whether conceptual or practical, and it is along these two avenues that we wish to explore, in the pages that follow, the subject of a strategy of global development. The first is prevailing beliefs about the nature and purpose of the development process; the second is the roles assigned in it to the various protagonists.

The assumptions directing most of current development planning are essentially materialistic. That is to say, the purpose of development is defined in terms of the successful cultivation in all societies of those means for the achievement of material prosperity that have, through trial and error, already come to characterize certain regions of the world. Modifications in development discourse do indeed occur, accommodating differences of culture and political system and responding to the alarming dangers posed by environmental degradation. Yet the underlying materialistic assumptions remain essentially unchallenged.

As the twentieth century draws to a close, it is no longer possible to maintain the belief that the approach to social and economic development to which the materialistic conception of life has given rise is capable of meeting humanity’s needs. Optimistic forecasts about the changes it would generate have vanished into the ever-widening abyss that separates the living standards of a small and relatively diminishing minority of the world’s inhabitants from the poverty experienced by the vast majority of the globe’s population.

his unprecedented economic crisis, together with the social breakdown it has helped to engender, reflects a profound error of conception about human nature itself. For the levels of response elicited from human beings by the incentives of the prevailing order are not only inadequate, but seem almost irrelevant in the face of world events. We are being shown that, unless the development of society finds a purpose beyond the mere amelioration of material conditions, it will fail of attaining even these goals. That Bees must be sought in spiritual dimensions of life and motivation that transcend a constantly changing economic landscape and an artificially imposed division of human societies into “developed” and “developing.”

As the purpose of development is being redefined, it will become necessary also to look again at assumptions about the appropriate roles to be played by the protagonists in the process. The crucial role of government, at whatever level, requires no elaboration. Future generations, however, will find almost incomprehensible the circumstance that, in an age paying tribute to an egalitarian philosophy and related democratic principles, development planning should view the masses of humanity as essentially recipients of benefits from aid and training. Despite panowiedsement of participation as a principle, the scope of the decision-making left to most of the world’s population is at best secondary, limited to a range of choices formulated by agencies inaccessible to them and determined by goals that often are irreconcilable with their perceptions of reality.

This approach is even endorsed, implicitly if not explicitly, by established religion. Burdened by traditions of paternalism, prevailing religious thought seems incapable of translating an expressed faith in the spiritual dimensions of human nature into confidence in humanity’s collective capacity to transcend material conditions.

Such an attitude misses the significance of what is likely the most important social phenomenon of our time. If it is true that the governments of the world are striving through the medium of the United Nations system to construct a new global order, it is equally true that the peoples of the world are galvanized by this same vision. Their response has taken the form of a sudden efflorescence of countless movements and organizations of social change at local, regional and international levels. Human rights, the advance of women, the social requirements of sustainable economic development, the overcoming of prejudices, the moral education of children, literacy, primary health care, and a host of other vital concerns each commands the urgent advocacy of organizations subported by growing numbers in every part of the

lobe.

2 This response of the world’s people themselves to the crying needs of the age echoes the call that Bahd‘u’llah raised more than a hundred years ago: “Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and center age deliberations on its exigencies and requirements.” The transformation in the way that great numbers of ordinary people are coming to see om selves—a change that is dramatically abrupt in the perspective of the history of civilization—raises fundamental questions about the role assigned to the general body of humanity in the planning of our planet’s future.

The bedrock of a strategy that can engage the world’s population in assuming responsibility for its collective destiny must be the consciousness of the oneness of humankind. Deceptively simple in popular discourse, the concept that humanity constitutes a single people presents fundamental challenges to the way that most of the institutions of contemporary society carry out their functions. Whether in the form of the adversarial structure of civil government, the advocacy principle informing most of civil law, a glorification of the struggle between classes and other social groups, or the competitive spirit dominating so much of modern life, conflict is accepted as the mainspring of human interaction. It represents yet another expression in social organization of the materialistic interpretation of life that has progressively consolidated itself over the past two centuries.

Ina letter addressed to Queen Victoria more than a century ago, and employing an analogy that points to the one model holding convincing promise for the organization of a planetary society, Baha’u’ll4h compared the world to the human body. There is, indeed, no other model in phenomenal existence to which we can reasonably look. Human society is composed not of a mass of merely differentiated cells but of associations of individuals, each one of whom is endowed with intelligence and will; nevertheless, the modes of operation that characterize man’s biological nature illustrate fundamental pHneples of existence. Chief among, these is that of unity in diversity. Paradoxically, it is precisely the wholeness and complexity of the order constituting the human body—and the perfect integration into it of the body’s cells — that permit the full realization of the distinctive capacities inherent in each of these component elements. No cell lives apart from the body, whether in contributing to its functioning or in deriving its share from the wellbeing of the whole.

The physical peli being tus achieved finds its purpose in making possible the expression of human consciousness; that is to say, the purpose of biological development transcends the mere existence of the body and its parts. >

What is true of the life of the individual has its parallels in human society. The human species is an organic whole, the leading edge of the evolutionary process. That human consciousness necessarily operates through an infinite diversity of individual minds and motivations detracts in no way from its essential unity. Indeed, it is precisely an inhering diversity that distinguishes unity from oman eH, or uniformity. What the peoples of the world are today experiencing, Baha‘u’llah said, is their collective coming-of-age, and it is through this emerging maturity of the race that the principle of unity in diversity will find full expression. From its earliest beginnings in the consolidation of family life, the process of social organization has successively moved from the simple structures of clan and tribe, through multitudinous forms of urban society, to the eventual emergence of the

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nation-state, each stage opening up a wealth of new

opportunities for the exercise of human capacity. learly, the advancement of the race has not oc curred at the expense of human individuality. As so cial organization has increased, the scope for the ex- tu

pression of the capacities latent in each human being las correspondingly expanded. Because the relationship between the individual and society is a reciprocal one, the transformation now required must occur simultaneously within human consciousness and the structure of social institutions. It is in the opportunities afforded by this twofold process of change that a strategy of global development will find its purpose. At this crucial stage of history, that purpose must be to establish enduring foundations on which planetary civilization can gradually take shape.

Laying the groundwork for global civilization calls for the creation of laws and institutions that are universal in both character and authority. The effort can begin only when the concept of the oneness of humanity has been wholeheartedly embraced by those in whose hands the responsibility for decision-making rests, and when the related principles are propa ated through both educational systems and the me iia of mass communication. Once this threshold is crossed, a process will have been set in motion Hires which the peoples of the world can be drawn into the task of formulating common goals and committing themselves to their attainment. Only so fundamental a reorientation can protect them, too, from the age-old demons of ethnic and religious strife. Onh through the dawning consciousness that they constitute a single people will the inhabitants of the planet be enabled to turn away from the patterns of conflict that have dominated social organization in the past and begin to learn the ways of collaboration and conciliation. “The well-being of mankind,” Bahd’u’lléh writes, “its peace and SMT, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.”

Justice is the one power that can translate the dawning consciousness of humanity’s oneness into a collective will through which the necessary structures of global community life can be confidently erected. Anage that sees the Beoble of the world increasingly aan access to information of every kind and toa

liversity of ideas will find justice asserting itself as

the ruling principle of successful social organization.

With ever greater frequency, proposals aiming at the

development of the planet will have to submit to the

candid light of the standards it requires.

At the individual level, justice is that faculty of the human soul that enables each person to distinguish truth from falsehood. In the sight of God, Bahd’u’Il4h avers, justice is “the best beloved of all things” since it

‘ permits each individual to see with his own eyes rather than the eyes of others, to know through his own knowledge rather than the knowledge of his neighbor or his group. It calls for fair-mindedness in one’s judgments, for equity in one’s treatment of others, and is thus a constant if demanding companion in the daily occasions of life.

At the group level, a concern for justice is the indispensable compass in collective decision-making, because it is the only means by which unity of pauett and action can be achieved. Far from encouraging the punitive spirit that has often masqueraded under its name in past ages, justice is the practical expression of awareness that, in the achievement of human progress, the interests of the individual and those of society are inextricably linked. To the extent that justice becomes a guiding concern of human interaction, aconsultative climate is encouraged that permits options to be examined dispassionately an appropriate courses of action chosen. In such a climate the perennial tendencies toward manipulation and partisanship are far less likely to deflect the decision-mak ing process. 5

‘he implications for social and economic development are profound. Concern for justice protects the task of defining progress from the temptation to sactifice the well-being of the generality of humankind— and even of the planet itselP—to the advantages which technological breakthroughs can make available to privileged minorities. In design and planning, it ensures that limited resources are not diverted to the pursuit of projects extraneous to a community’s essential social or economic priorities. Above all, only development programs that are perceived as meeting their needs and as being just and equitable in objective can hope to engage the commitment of the masses of humanity, upon whom implementation depends. The relevant human qualities such as honesty, a willingness to work, and a spirit of cooperation are successfully harnessed to the accomplishment of enormously demanding collective goals when ev ery member of society—indeed every component

eon? within society—can trust that they are protected y standards and assured of benefits that apply equally to all.

At the heart of the discussion of a strategy of social and economic development, therefore, lies the issue of human rights. The shaping of such a strategy calls for the promotion of human rights to be fi from the grip of the false dichotomies that have for so long held it hostage. Concern that each human being should enjoy the freedom of thought and action conducive to his or her personal growth does not justify devotion to the cult of individialism that so deeply corrupts many areas of contemporary life. Nor does concern to ensure the welfare of society as a whole require a deification of the state as the supposed source of humanity’s well-being. Far otherwise: the history of the present century shows all too clear: that such ideologies and the partisan agendas to whicl they give rise have been themselves the principal enemies of the interests they purport to serve. Only ina consultative framework made possible by the consciousness of the organic unity of humankind can all aspects of the concern for human rights find legitimate and creative expression.

Today, the agency on whom has devolved the task of creating this framework and of liberating the promotion of human rights from those who ently exploit it is the system of international institutions born out of the tragedies of two ruinous world wars and the experience of worldwide economic breakdown. Significantly, the term “human rights” has come into anes use only since the promulgation of the United

lations Charter in 1945 and the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights three years later. In these history-making documents, formal recognition has been given to respect for social justice as a correlative of the establishment of world peace. The fact that the Declaration passed without a dissenting vote in the General Assembly conferred on it from the outset an authority that has grown steadily in the intervening years.

The activity most intimately linked to the consciousness that distinguishes human nature is the individual's exploration of reality for himself or herself. The freedom to investigate the purpose of existence and to develop the endowments of human nature that make it achievable requires protection. Human beings must be free to know. That such freedom is often abused and such abuse grossly encouraged by features of contemporary society does not detract in any degree from the validity of the impulse itself.

It is this distinguishing impulse of human consciousness that provides the moral imperative for the enunciation of many of the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration and the related Covenants. Universal education, freedom of movement, access to information, and the opportunity to participate in political life are all aspects of its operation that require explicit guarantee by the international community. The same is true of freedom of thought and belief, including religious liberty, along with the right to hold opinions and express these opinions appropriately.

Since the body of humankind is one and indivisible, each member of the race is born into the world as a trust of the whole. This trusteeship constitutes the moral foundation of most of the other rights— principally economic and social—which the instruments of the United Nations are attempting similarly to define. The security of the family and the home, the ownership of property, and the right to privacy are all implied in such a trusteeship. The obligations on the part of the community extend to the provision of employment, mental and physical health care, social security, fair wages, rest and recreation, and a host of other reasonable expectations on the part of the individual members of society.

The principle of collective trusteeship creates also the right of every person to expect that those cultural conditions essential to his or her identity enjoy the protection of national and international law. Much like the role played by the gene pool in the biological life of humankind and its environment, the immense wealth of cultural diversity achieved over thousands of years is vital to the social and economic development of a human race experiencing its collective coming-of-age. It represents a heritage that must be permitted to bear its fruit in a global civilization. On the one hand, cultural expressions need to be protected from suffocation by the materialistic influences currently holding sway. On the other, cultures must be enabled to interact with one another in ever-changing patterns of civilization, free of manipulation for partisan political ends.

“The light of men,” Baha'u'llah says, “is Justice. Quench it not with the contrary winds of oppression and

tyranny. The pares of justice is the appearance of unity among men. The ocean of divine wisdom surgeth within this exalted word, while the books of the world cannot contain its inner significance.”

In order for the standard of human rights now in the process of formulation by the community of nations to be promoted and established as a prevailing international norm, a fundamental redefinition of human relationships is called for. Present-day conceptions of what is natural and SPPrOpeat in relationships—among human beings themselves, between human beings and nature, between the individual and society, and between the members of society and its institutions—reflect levels of understanding arrived at by the human race aliting care and less mature stages in its development. If humanity is indeed coming of age, if all the inhabitants of the planet constitute a single people, if justice is to be the ruling principle of social organization—then existing conceptions that were born out of ignorance of these emerging realities have to be recast.

Movement in this direction has barely begun. It will lead, as it unfolds, to a new understanding of the nature of the family and of the rights and responsibilities of each of its members. It will entirely transform the role of women at every level of society. Its effect in Pace people’s relation to the work they do and their understanding of the place of economic activity in their lives will be sweeping. It will bring about far-reaching changes in the governance of human affairs and in the institutions created to carry it out. Through its influence, the work of society's rapidly

roliferating non-governmental organizations will be

meres rationalized. It will ensure the creation of binding legislation that will protect both the environment ane the development needs of all peoples. Ultimately, the restructuring or transformation of the United Nations system that this movement is already bringing about will no doubt lead to the establishment a a world federation of nations with its own

islative, judicial and executive bodies.

entral to the task of reconceptualizing the system of human relationships is the process that Baha’u’llah refers to as consultation. “In all things it is necessa consult,” is His advice. “The matsirity derstanding is made manifest through consultation.

The standard of truth-seeking this process demands is far beyond the patterns of negotiation and compromise that tend to characterize the present-day discussion of human affairs. It cannot be achieved—indeed, its attainment is severely handicappedasay the culture of protest that is another widely prevailing feature of contemporary society. Debate, propepandty the adversarial method, the entire apparatus of partisanship that have long been such familiar features of collective action are all fundamentally harmful to its purpose; that is, arriving at a consensus about the truth of a given situation and the wisest choice of action among the options open at any given moment.

What Bahd’u’llah is calling for is a consultative process in which the individual participants strive to transcend their respective points of view in order to function as members of a body with its own interests and goals. In such an atmosphere, characterized by both candor and courtesy, ideas belong not to the individual to whom they occur during the discussion but to the group as a whole to take up, discard or revise as seems to best serve the goal pursued. Consultation succeeds to the extent that all participants su; port the decisions arrived at, regardless of the individual opinions with which they entered the discussion. Under such circumstances an earlier decision can be readily reconsidered if experience exposes any shortcomings.

Viewed in such a light, consultation is the operating expression of justice in human affairs. So vital is it to the success of collective endeavor that it must constitute a basic feature of a viable strategy of social and economic development. Indeed, the participation of the people on whose commitment and efforts the success of such a strategy depends becomes effective only as consultation is made the organizing principle of every roject. “No man can attain his true station,” is Baha’u’llah’s counsel, “except through his justice. No

r can exist except through unity. No welfare and no well-being can be attained except through consultation.”

IV

The tasks entailed in the development of a global society call for levels of capecy far beyond poets the human race has so far been able to muster. Reaching these levels will require an enormous expansion in access to knowledge, on the part of individuals and social organizations alike. Universal education will be an indispensable contributor to this process of ca

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quire knowledge and apply it to the shaping of human affairs.

Throughout recorded history, human consciousness has depended upon two basic knowledge systems through which its potentialities have progressively been expressed: science and religion. two agencies, the race’s experience has been organized, its environment interpreted, its latent powers explored and its moral and intellectual life disciplined. They have acted as the real progenitors of civilization. With the benefit of hindsight, it is evident, moreover, that the effectiveness of this dual structure has been greatest during those periods when, each in its own sphere, religion and science were able to work in concert.

Given the almost universal respect in which science is currently held, its credentials need no elaboration. In the context of a strategy of social and economic development, the issue rather is how scientific and technological activity is to be organized. If the work involved is viewed chiefly as the preserve of established elites living in a small number of nations, it is obvious that the enormous gap which such an arrangement has already created between the world’s rich and poor will only continue to widen, with the disastrous consequences for the world’s economy already noted. Indeed, if most of humankind continue tobe reparaed mainly as users of products of science and technology created elsewhere, then programs ostensibly designed to serve their needs cannot properly be termed “development.”

A central challenge, therefore—and an enormous one—is the expansion of scientific and technological activity. Instruments of social and economic change so powerful must cease to be the patrimony of advantaged segments of society, and must be so organized as to permit people everywhere to partici ate in such activity on the basis of capacity. Apart

rom the creation of programs that make the required education available to all who are able to benefit from it, such reorganization will require the establishment of viable centers of learning throughout the world, institutions that will enhance the capability of the world’s peoples to participate in the generation and application of knowledge. Development strategy, while, acknowledging the wide differences of individual capacity, must take as a major goal the task of making it possible for all of the earth’s inhabitants to approach on an equal basis the processes of science and technology which are their common birthright. Familiar arguments for maintaining the status quo w daily less compelling as the accelerating revolution in communication technologies brings me tion and training within reach of vast numbers of people around the globe, wherever they may be, whatever their cultural backgrounds.

The challenges facing humanity in its religious life, if different in character, are equally daunting. For the vast majority of the world’s population, the idea that human nature has a spiritual dimension—indeed that its fundamental identity is spiritual—is a truth requiring no demonstration. It is a perception of reality that can be discovered in the earliest records of civilization and that has been cultivated for several millennia by every one of the great religious traditions of humanity’s past. Its enduring achievements in law, the fine arts, and the civilizing of human intercourse are what give substance and meaning to history. In one form or another its promptings are a daily influence in the lives of most people on earth and, as events around the world today dramatically show, the Joneity s it awakens are both inextinguishable and incalculably potent.

It would seem obvious, therefore, that efforts of any kind to promote human progress must seek to tap capacities so universal and so immensely creative. Why, then, have spiritual issues facing humanity not been central to the development discourse? Why have most of the priorities—indeed most of the underlying assumptions—of the international development agenda been determined so far by materialistic world views to which only small minorities of the earth’s population subscribe? How much weight can be placed on a professed devotion to the principle of universal parpopeuon that denies the validity of the participants’ defining cultural experience?

It may be argued that, since spiritual and moral issues have historically been bound up with contending theological doctrines which are not susceptible to objective proof, these issues lie outside the framework of the international community’s development concerns. To accord them any significant role would be to open the door to precisely those dogmatic influences that have nurtured social conflict and blocked human progress. There is doubtless a measure of truth in such an argument. Exponents of the world’s vari

ous theological systems bear a heavy responsibility not only for the disrepute into which faith itself has fallen among many progressive thinkers, but for the inhibitions and distortions produced in humanity’s continuing discourse on spiritual meaning. To conclude, however, that the answer lies in discouraging the investigation of spiritual reality and ignoring the deepest roots of human motivation is a self-evident delusion. The sole effect, to the degree that such censorship has been achieved in recent history, has been to deliver the shaping of humanity’s future into the hands of a new orthodoxy, one which argues that truth is amoral and facts are independent of values.

So far as earthly existence is concerned, many of the greatest achievements of religion have been moral in character. Through its teachings and through the examples of human lives illumined by these teachings, masses of people in all ages and lands have developed the capacity to love. They have learned to discipline the animal side of their natures, to make great sacrifices for the common good, to peaches forgiveness, penetoalty and trust, to use wealth and other resources in ways that serve the advancement of civilization. Institutional systems have been devised to translate these moral advances into the norms of social life on a vast scale. However obscured by dogmatic accretions and diverted by sectarian conflict, the spiritual impulses set in motion by such transcendent figures as Krishna, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Jesus and Muhammad have been the chief influence in the civilizing of human character.

Since, then, the challenge is the empowerment of humankind through a vast increase in access to knowledge, the strategy that can make this possible must be constructed around an ongoing and intensifying dialogue between science aa religions It is—or by now should be — a truism that, in every sphere of human activity and at every level, the insights and skills that represent scientific accomplishment must look to the force of spiritual commitment and moral puncile to ensure their appropriate application.

eople need, for example, to learn how to separate fact from conjecture—indeed to distinguish between subjective views and objective reality; the extent to which individuals and institutions so equipped can contribute to human progress, however, will be determined by their devotion to truth and their detachment from the promptings of their own interests and

assions. Another capacity that science must cultivate in all people is that of thinking in terms of process, including historical process; however, if this intellectual advancement is to contribute ultimately to promoting development, its perspective must be unclouded by prejudices of race, culture, sex or sectarian belief. Similarly, the training that can make it possible for the earth’s inhabitants to participate in the production of wealth will advance the aims of development only to the extent that such an impulse is illumined by the spiritual insight that service to humankind is the purpose of both individual life and social organization.

Vv

It is in the context of raising the level of human capacity through the expansion of knowledge at all levels that the economic issues facing humankind need to be addressed. As the experience of recent decades has demonstrated, material benefits and endeavors cannot be regarded as ends in themselves. Their value consists not only in providing for humanity's basic needs in housing, food, health care and the like, but in extending the reach of human abilities. The most ameortant role that economic efforts must play in development lies, therefore, in equipping Poke and institutions with the means through which they can achieve the real purpose of development; that is, laying foundations for a new social order that can cultivate the limitless potentialities latent in human consciousness.

The challenge to economic thinking is to accept unambiguously this purpose of development—and its own role in fostering creation of the means to achieve it. Only in this way can economics and the related sciences free themselves from the undertow of the materialistic preoccupations that now distract them, and fulfill their potential as tools vital to achieving human well-being in the full sense of the term. Nowhere is the need for a rigorous dialogue between the work of science and the insights of religion more apparent.

The problem of poverty is a case in point. Proposals aimed at addressing it are predicated on the conviction that material resources exist, or can be created by scientific and technological endeavor, which will alleviate and eventually entirely eradicate this ageold condition as a feature of human life. A major reason why such relief is not achieved is that the necessary scientific and technological advances respond to

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a set of priorities only tangentially related to the real interests of the generality of humankind. A radical reordering of these priorities will be required if the burden of poverty is finally to be lifted from the world. Such an achievement demands a determined quest for ap ropriate values, a quest that will test profoundly both the spiritual and scientific resources of humankind. Religion will be severely hampered in contributing to this joint undertaking so long as it is held prisoner by sectarian doctrines which cannot pre between contentment and mere passivity and which teach that poverty is an inherent feature of earthly life, escape from which lies only in the world beyond. To participate effectively in the struggle to bring material well-being to humanity, the religious spirit must find—in the Source of inspiration from which it flows—new spiritual concepts and principles relevant to an age that seeks to establish unity and justice in human affairs.

Unemployment raises similar issues. In most of contemporary thinking, the concept of work has been largely reduced to that of gainful employment aimed at econ the means for the consumption of available goods. The system is circular: acquisition and consumption resulting in the maintenance and expansion of the production of goods and, in consequence, in supporting paid employment. Taken individually, all of these activities are essential to the well-being, of society. The inadequacy of the over-all conception, however, can be read in both the apathy that social commentators discern among large numbers of the employed in every land and the demoralization of the growing armies of the unemployed.

Not surprisingly, therefore, there is increasing recognition that the world is in urgent need of a new “work ethic.” Here again, nothing less than insights generated by the creative interaction of the scientific and religious systems of knowledge can produce so fundamental a reorientation of habits and attitudes. Unlike animals, which depend for their sustenance on whatever the environment readily affords, human beings are impelled to express the immense capacities latent within them through productive work designed to meet their own needs and those of others. In acting thus they become participants, at however modest a level, in the processes of the advancement of civilization. They fulfill purposes that unite them with others. To the extent that work is consciously undertaken in a spirit of service to humanity, Bahd’‘u’'llah says, it is a form of prayer, a means of worshiping God. Every individual has the capaci to see himself or herself in this light, and it is to this inalienable capacity of the self that development strategy must appeal, whatever the nature of the plans being pursued, whatever the rewards they promise. No narrower a perspective will ever call up from the people of the world the magnitude of effort and commitment that the economic tasks ahead will require.

Achallenge of similar nature faces economic thinking as a result of the environmental crisis. The fallacies in theories based on the belief that there is no limit to nature’s capacity to fulfill any demand made on it by human beings have now been coldly exposed. A culture that attaches absolute value to expansion, to acquisition, and to the satisfaction of people’s wants is being compelled to recognize that such goals are not, by themselves, realistic guides to policy. Inadequate, too, are approaches to economic issues whose decision-making tools cannot deal with the fact that most of the major challenges are global rather than particular in scope.

The earnest hope that this moral crisis can somehow be met by deifying nature itself is an evidence of the spiritual and intellectual desperation that the crisis has engendered Recognition that creation is an orate whole and that humanity has the responsibility to care for this whole, welcome as it is, does not represent an influence that can by itself establish in the consciousness of people a new system of values. Only a breakthrough in understanding that is scientific and spiritual in the fullest sense of the terms will empower the human race to assume the trusteeship toward which history impels it.

All people will have sooner or later to recover, for example, the capacity for contentment, the welcoming of moral discipline, and the devotion to duty that, until relatively recently, were considered essential aspects of being human. Repeatedly throughout history, the teachings of the Founders of the great religions have been able to instill these qualities of character in the mass of people who responded to them. The qualities themselves are even more vital today, but their expression must now take a form consistent with humanity’s coming-of-age. Here again, religion’s challenge is to free itself from the obsessions of the past: contentment is not fatalism; morality has nothing in

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devotion to duty brings feelings not of self-righteousness but of self-worth.

The effect of the persistent denial to women of full equality with men sharpens still further the challenge to science and religion in the economic life of humankind. To any objective observer the Repel le of the

ality of the sexes is fundamental to all realistic thinking about the future well-being of the earth and its people. It eee a truth about human nature that has waited largely unrecognized throughout the long ages of the race’s childhood and adolescence. “Women and men,” is Baha’u'll4h’s emphatic assertion, “have been and will always be equal in the sight of God.” The rational soul has no sex, and whatever social inequities may have been dictated by the survival requicements of the past, they clearly cannot be justi ed at a time when humanity stands at the threshold of maturity. A commitment to the establishment of full equality between men and women, in all departments of life and at every level of society, will be central to the success of efforts to conceive and implement a strategy of global development.

Indeed, in an important sense, progress in this area will itself be a measure of the success of any development program. Given the vital role of economic activity in the advancement of civilization, visible evidence of the pace at which development is progressing will be the extent to which women gain access,to all avenues of economic endeavor. The challenge goes beyond ensuring an equitable distribution of opportunity, important as that is. It calls for a fundamental rethinking of economic issues in a manner that will invite the full participation of a range of human experience and insight hitherto largely excluded from the discourse. The classical economic models of impersonal markets in which human beings act as autonomous makers of self-regarding choices will not serve the needs of a world motivated by ideals of malty and justice. Society will find itself increasingly challenged to develop new economic models shaped by ansipnts that arise from a sympathetic understanding of shared experience, from viewing human beings in relation to others, and from a recognition of the centrality to social well-being of the role of the family and the community. Such an intellectual breakthrough—strongly altruistic rather than self-centered in focus—must draw heavily on both the spiritual and scientific sensibilities of the race, and millennia of experience have prepared women to make crucial contributions to the common effort.

Vi

To contemplate a transformation of society on this scale is to raise both the question of the power that can be harnessed to accomplish it and the issue inextricably linked to it, the authority to exercise that

wer. As with all other implications of the accelerating integration of the planet and its people, both of these familiar terms stand in urgent need of redefinition.

Throughout history—and despite theologically or ae aly nepitee assurances to the contrary— power has been largely interpreted as advantage enjoyed by persons or groups. Often, indeed, it has been ex simply in terms of means to be used against others. This interpretation of power has become an inherent feature of the culture of division and conflict that has characterized the human race during the past several millennia, regardless of the social, religious or political orientations that have enjoyed ascendancy in given ages, in given parts of the world. In general, power has been an attribute of individuals, factions, peoples, classes and nations. It has been an attribute especially associated with men rather than women. Its chief effect has been to confer on its beneficiaries the ability to acquire, to surpass, to dominate, to resist, to win.

The resulting historical processes have been responsible for both ruinous setbacks in human well-being and extraordinary advances in civilization. To appreciate the benefits is to acknowledge also the setbacks, as well as the clear limitations of the behavioral patterns that have produced both. Habits and attitudes related to the use of power which emerged during the long ages of humanity’s infancy and adolescence have reached the outer fimits of their effectiveness. Today, in an era most of whose pressing problems are global in nature, persistence in the idea that power means advantage for various segments of the human family is profoundly mistaken in theory and of no practical service to the social and economic development of the planet. Those who still adhere to it—and who could in earlier eras have felt confident in such adherence—now find their plans enmeshed in inexplicable frustrations and hindrances. In its traditional, competitive expression, power is as irrelevant to the

of humanity’s future as would be the technolo gies of railway locomotion to the task of lifting space satellites into orbits around the earth.

The analogy is more than a little apt. The human race is being urged by the requirements of its own maturation to free itself from its inherited understanding and use of power. That it can do so is demonstrated by the fact that, although dominated by the traditional conception, humanity has always been able to conceive of power in other forms critical to its hopes. History provides ample evidence that, however intermittently and ineptly, people of every background, throughout the ages, have tapped a wide range of creative resources within themselves. The most obvious example, perhaps, has been the power of truth itself, an agent of change associated with some of the greatest advances in the philosophical, religious, artistic and scientific experience of the race. Force of character represents yet another means of mobilizin; immense human response, as does the influence o} example, whether in the lives of individual human beings or in human societies. Almost wholly unappreciated is the magnitude of the force that will be generated by the achievement of unity, an influence

‘so powerful,” in Baha’u’llah’s words, “that it can illuminate the whole Earth.”

The institutions of society will succeed in eliciting and directing the potentialities latent in the consciousness of the world’s peoples to the extent that the exercise of authority is governed by principles that are in harmony with the evolving interests of a rapidly maturing human race. Such principles include the obligation of those in authority to win the confidence, respect and genuine support of those whose actions they seek to govern; to consult openly and to the fullest extent possible with all whose interests are affected by decisions being arrived at; to assess in an objective manner both the real needs and the aspirations of the communities they serve; to benefit from scientific and moral advancement in order to make appropriate use of the community’s resources, including the energies of its members. No single principle of etfective authority is so important as giving priority to building and maintaining unity among the Meee of a society and the members of its administrative institutions. Reference has already been made to the intimately associated issue of commitment to the search for justice in all matters.

Clearly, such principles can operate only within a culture that is essentially democratic in spirit and method. To say this, however, is not to endorse the ideology of partisanship that has everywhere boldly assumed democracy’s name and which, despite impressive contributions to human progress in the past, today finds itself mired in the cynicism, apathy and corruption to which it has given rise. In selecting those who are to take collective decisions on its behalf, society does not need and is not well served by the political theater of nominations, candidature, electioneering and solicitation. It lies within the capacity of all people, as they become progressively educated and convinced that their real development interests are being served by programs proposed to them, to adopt electoral procedures that will gradually refine the selection of their decision-making bodies.

As the integration of humanity gains momentum, those who are thus selected will increasingly have to see all their efforts in a global perspective. Kot only at the national, but also at the focal level, the elected governors of human affairs should, in Baha’u’llah’s view, consider themselves responsible for the welfare of all of humankind.

Vil

The task of creating a global development strategy that will accelerate humanity’s coming-of-age constitutes a challenge to reshape fundamentally all the institutions of society. The protagonists to whom the challenge addresses itself are all of the inhabitants of the planet: the generality of humankind, members of governing institutions at all levels, persons serving in agencies of international coordination, scientists and social thinkers, all those endowed with artistic talents or with access to the media of communication, and leaders of non-governmental organizations. The response called for must base itself on an unconditioned recognition of the oneness of humankind, a commitment to the establishment of justice as the organizing principle of society, and a determination to exploit to their utmost the possibilities that a systematic dialogue between the scientific and religious genius of the race can bring to the building of human capacity. The enterprise requires a radical rethinking of most of the concepts and assumptions currentl Saemune social and economic life. It must be wed ied, as well, to a conviction that, however long the process and whatever setbacks may be encountered, the governance of human affairs can be conducted

along lines that serve humanity’s real needs.

Only if humanity’s collective childhood has indeed come to an end and the age of its adulthood is dawning does such a prospect represent more than another utopian mirage. To imagine that an effort of the magnitude envisioned here can be summoned up by despondent and mutually antagonistic peoples and nations runs counter to the whole of received wisdom. Only if, as Baha’u’ll4h asserts to be the case, the course of social evolution has arrived at one of those decisive turning points through which all of the phenomena of existence are impelled suddenly forward into new stages of their development, can such a possibility be conceived. A profound conviction that just so

reat a transformation in human consciousness is un ler way has inspired the views set forth in this statement. ‘To all who recognize in it familiar promptings from within their own hearts, Baha’w'llah's words bring assurance that God has, in this matchless day, endowed humanity with spiritual resources fully equal to the challenge:

‘O ye that inhabit the heavens and the earth! There hath appeared what hath never previously appeared.

“This is the Day in which God's most excellent favors have been poured out upon men, the Day in which His meas mighty grace hath been infused into all created things.”

The turmoil now convulsing human affairs is unprecedented, and many of its consequences enormously destructive. Dangers unimagined in all history gather around a distracted humanity. The greatest error that the world’s leadership could make at this juncture, however, would be to allow the crisis to cast doubt on the ultimate outcome of the process that is occurring. A world is passing away and a new one is struggling to be born. The habits, attitudes and institutions that have accumulated over the centuries are being subjected to tests that are as necessary to human development as they are inescapable. What is required of the peoples of the world is a measure of faith and resolve to match the enormous energies with which the Creator of all things has endowed this spiritual springtime of the race. “Be united in counsel,” is Baha‘u’llah’s appeal,

“be one in thought. May each morn be better than its eve and each morrow richer than its yesterday. Man's merit lieth in service and virtue and not in the pageantry of wealth and riches. Take heed that your words fe pire from idle fancies and worldly desires and your deeds be cleansed from craftiness and BHO: Dissipate not the wealth of your precious lives in the pursuit of evil and corrupt affection, nor let your endeavors be spent in nn your personal interest. Be generous in your days of plenty, and be patient in the hour of loss. Adversity is followed by success and rejoicings follow woe. Guard against idleness and sloth, and lhe unto that which profiteth mankind, whether young or old, whether high or low. Beware lest ye sow tares of dissension among men or plant thorns of doubt in pure and radiant hearts.”

Spiritual Assembly of Tigard, OR, hosts Chinese at Thanksgiving

For the fourth year in a row, the Spiritual Assembly of Tigard, Oregon, in cooperation with the Institute for the Advancement of Asian Culture (a Baha'i teaching institute) and the Oregon State Teaching Committee, hosted a group of more than 75 friends, more than half of whom were mainland Chinese living in Oregon as graduate students, doctors or educators, at a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

The gala event, held last December 3 at the Tigard Water District building, not only included tables laden with foods from turkey and cranberries to potatoes and gravy, salads and fruits, and even vegetarian fare, but featured a variety of entertainment by Chinese and Americans.

Several Chinese Baha'is and their non-Bahé'i friends came from Vancouver, British Columbia, to join the celebration. One of them, Wenling Gergely, an assistant to the Auxiliary Board in Vancouver, opened the program by discussing the concept of God as presented in Chinese philosophy.

Another young woman from Vancouver formed two Chinese songs from Peking Opera; were demonstrations of Tai Chi, songs in Chinese and English, and music on a Chinese bamboo flute by a medical doctor from Portland.

A prominent Chinese educator was so touched by the program that he offered his services as panelist at a forum, to present the teachings of Tao and Lao Tzu, and asked if they could be shared with the Baha'i teachings.

er

[Page 21]

OVERSEA

JatAt B.E. 152 © Apri 9, 1995

21

Vanuatu campaign sees 106 embrace Faith

Within a recent six-week petiod, 106 people in Vanuatu declared their belief in Baha'u'llah including 90 on the island of Tanna. According to areport, “A National Spiritual Assembly member from Tanna, Mr. Thomas Ialuaing, said

ple were just coming to the Baha'i Center and asking to join the Faith.” The declarations came shortly after the end of a six-month campaign to open the country's largest island, Mele, to the Faith. That effort resulted in the formation on Mele of a local Spiritual Assembly.

.

Traveling teacher Emélia Bassrei made several recent trips across Guinea-Bissau, conducting deepening classes and training children's class teachers in Bafata where 45 people were enrolled in the Faith during her visit. She then visited Canchungo, where another 29 people embraced the Cause of Baha'u'llah. Mrs. Bassrei also visited the Dr. Muhajir Project, took part in the regional Baha'i school at Nhacra, and attended a meeting of the Baha'i Family Committee during which she spoke about training for children's classes.

°

Following last November's Baha'f conference in Madras, India, the Baha'is of Tamil Nadu began actively teaching in the Sivakasi area. Proclamation activities were carried out in 10 vie including two schools and two colleges. The Message of Baha'u'llah was given to about 415 seekers, of whom 175 were enrolled in the Faith and two local Spiritual Assemblies were established.

.

A teaching campaign in Szolnok, Hungary, led to the recent declarations of four members of a Gypsy folklore group. One new believer is carving a wooden statue symbolizing the unity of mankind and of religions, while another is conducting monthly “sports days” at a local orphanage. Elsewhere, 23 declarations were received in less than a week in the village of Tis zapiisp6ki, and about 50 people took part last December in electing the first Spiritual eee ly of Tiszapiisp6ki. Two more people were enrolled in the Faith during the election.

°

Asa result of a recent teaching campaign launched by the National Spiritual Assembly of Cuba, with help from a believer from El Salvador, seven people embraced the Cause and three new localities were

ned to the Faith on the east of the island.

°

Sixty-five young people took part in a conference on youth and teaching organized

y the National Youth Committee of Turkey and held at the Hazfratu’l-Quds in Isken— derun. Sessions on entry by troops and teacher training were conducted by Counselor Ilhan Sezgin. One of the highlights of the gathering was the declaration of faith in Baha'u'llah by two of those attend ing.

A young Baha'i, Negar Ashtari, was one of three finalists Tepiesenting, Botswana at the

forld Debating and PublicSpeaking Championships, held last year in Taunton, Somerset, England. Her talk, “The Persecution of Baha'is in Iran,” was entered in the Persuasive Speaking category, delivered twice during the competition, and judged sixth best among 50 entries from 10 countries.

The National Council of Women's Societies in Nigeria appointed Mrs. Florence Assam, president of the Baha'i Office for the Advancement of Women, to lead a delegation of Nigerian women ata regional women's conference in Dakar, Senegal, one of a number of such conferences being held to prepare women for the International Women's Conference in September in Beijing, China. “An appointment of this nature,” the National Spiritual Assembly reports, “shows that the Nigerian public is becoming aware of the significance of the Teachings

is accepting applications for a

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THE BAHA‘{ Distribution Service

customer service representative. This is a full-time permanent staff position with hourly salary and benefits. Interested candidates should have excellent written and oral communication skills, experience with computers and data entry, and a wide range of knowledge about Bahd’i literature and related materials. For more information and an application, or to send your résumé, write to: Operations Supervisor, Baha'i Distribution

Chattanooga, TN 37343, or phone 615843-0940.

able.

Using a concept by graphic designer Chris Remignanti as its basis, the quilt depicts stylized figures of an Afican-American man and woman in silhouette, framed

of Bahd'u'llah.” .

The Baha'i community of La Palma, Canary Islands, hosted a benefit concert last September to celebrate International Peace Day by raising funds for victims of Rwanda's civil war. A well-known rock group and two support bands performed for four hours, with more than 1 million pesetas collected from ticket sales, a raf— fle, refreshments and donations. The proceeds were given to Doctors Without Borders, a non-governmental organization recognized by the United Nations, and a document was signed committing that group to buying medicine and other supplies to send to Rwanda.

.

The mayor of Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, was among the more than 4,000 people who attended a recent Bahda'i-sponsored “Family Expo” in that city. According toa report, “the mayor spoke highly of the Baha'is and their services to the community.” About 800 people attended a United Nations Day observance, held in conjunction with the Expo, whose keynote speaker was Linda Kavelin Popov, a Baha'i representative to the UN Conference on the Family in Malta.

In-Theatre, a theatre company focusing on using the inspiration of the Faith to bring its spirit to the masses, won critical acclaim at the United Kingdom's Edinburgh Festival with two experimental Baha'i-inspired shows. The first was “A Strange Bit of History,” depicting the parallel of Messianic fervor in the West with the execution of 20,000 Babis in the East, capturing the spirit of the times and making

tiles.

the claim that the Messiah, normally associated with the return of Christ, did in fact come. The second presentation, an autobiographical story of a young Iranian Baha'i growing up in London in the ‘70s, being “the wrong color, the wrong shape, the wrong religion,” was the surprise hit of the festival, selling out a number of times and being recorded by BBC Radio Scotland as one of the top 20 programs for its “Best of the Fest” comedy series.

About 40 people attended the four-day Alaska-Yukon Youth Council, held late last November in Anchorage. Sixteen communities in Alaska and the Yukon Institute of Canada were represented at

NH Baha’is observe Black History Month by donating book, quilt to library display

For Black History Month, Bahd'fs in Meredith and Moltonborough, New Hampshire, presented a book and quilt for the library's special display in February.

The Baha'is decided to make a quilt even though none of them had ever quilted. For a first-time effort, the result was remark by a rainbow of African and Caribbean tex The words “Black History Month” appear prominently, and near the bottom of the quilt are the words “Moltonborough Public Library.”

The Baha'is also donated the book I Know

What the Red Clay Smells Like, a compila tion of essays about and interviews with female African-American fiction writers by New Hampshire-born African-American author Rebecca Carroll.

Brazil, as a social development activity, reads a poem she had composed.

the event, which was organized and administered by youth serving under the Office of Youth and Child Development. “The spirit of cooperation, unity, respect and courtesy demonstrated during the Council was wonderful,” the National Spiritual Assembly reported.

The past few months have seen an upsurge of teaching activities in the Solomon Islands, especially on the island of Malaita where an Auxiliary Board member recently undertook a teachin; nip showing videos about the Faith. Hundreds of people learned about the Faith by viewing the videos while the Baha'is themselves were deepened by them.

[Page 22]THe AmericAN BAHA'I 22

4150) ara)

From the Universal House of Justice

Guidance on external affairs strategy

To National Spiritual Assemblies Dear Baha'i Friends,

In its Ridvan 1993 message launching the Three Year Plan, the Universal House of Justice announced that further direction would be given to the external affairs of the Faith “as the Bahd'{ International Community is drawn more deeply into dealing with world issues.” We have now been asked to convey to you on its behalf the enclosed paper on the external affairs strategy that is to guide the global activities of the community for the immediate future.

As you will readily appreciate, the major channels for the execution of this strategy are National Spiritual Assemblies, which are hereby called upon to increase the intensity and range of their activities in accordance with the enclosed guidelines. A greater coordination of the external affairs work is to be tected through close collaboration between these Assemblies and the Baha'f International Comite United Nations Office and Office of Public Information, as indicated. A large measure of this coordination will be the adherence of all concerned to the thematic emphases of the strategy; namely, human rights, the status of women, global prosperity, and moral development. This does not mean that Spiritual Assemblies should exclude other considerations from their external affairs plans; indeed, they must respond to important opportunities provided by particular developments in their respective areas whether or not they fall within these themes. However, Assemblies will be expected to incorporate the specified themes into their plans to the extent pos sible.

The United Nations Office and the Office of Public Information are now preparing to assume their increased tasks in this new phase of the external affairs work, particularly in relation to National Spiritual Assemblies. It will take some time before these offices are ready to initiate communications with you and to provide greater detail as to the execution of the plans to be pursued. However, you are urged not to wait or to stop your plans and programs in the meantime; on the contrary, you should proceed with your own activities, interpreting and applying the guidelines as you deem possible.

Some Assemblies have long ago formed committees or appointed qualified individuals to act as their representatives in this field; a few, where the circumstances require it, have opened offices to enable them to deal expeditiously with government officials and agencies and non-governmental organizations. Other Assemblies have not yet taken any concrete steps in these respects. Whatever your situation, you are asked to take the time now to review the current status of your activity in external affairs and to devise such means or make such necessary adjustments as will ensure your effective and continual involvement in this essential work. You may, if you wish, send to the House of Justice a report of your expe ience, plans and expectations.

With loving Baha'{ greetings,

The Universal House of Justice Department of the Secretariat

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS STRATEGY September 19, 1994

A paper reper by an ad hoc committee and approved by the Universal House of Justice

Part I

The Baha'i community has entered a new stage in its external affairs work with an impressive record of success at a time when widespread disorder has thrust society into a worsening disequilibrium. A feeling of rudderlessness looms as world leaders seem unable to provide coherent answers to the questions of the times. There is a sense of a vacuum in the absence of any moral leadership. Despite all this, or because of it, people in various countries are increasingly seeking alternative means of asserting themselves. The success of the Baha'f community is signified by the heartening response its work in external affairs has evoked. Since its administrative system demonstrates its unique capacity to unify people in global action, the non-Baha'f world is turning to its members as a major resource in assistin; with canalizing the forces for development an peace. The immense challenge posed by this response has yet to be thoughtfully addressed.

The Lesser Peace anticipated by Baha'u'llah will, of course, be established by the nations themselves. It seems clear that two entities will push for its realization: the governments of the world, and the peoples of the world through the instrumentality of the organizations of civil society. But to lend spiritual impetus to the momentum which that grand attainment will generate, the need for a Baha’f strategy is evident. One of its expressions should be the exertion of a kind of leadership, principally a moral leadership, by coherently, comprehensively and continually imparting our ideas for the advancement of civilization, and this through a unified voice that because of the diverse composition of our community could come to be regarded as representative of the aspirations of the peoples of the world.

The functions of the external affairs work of the Baha'i International Community for the immediate future are thus defined.

Purpose

The purpose of the external affairs efforts of the Baha'i International Community is focused on two objectives:

1. To influence the processes toward world peace. So as not to dissipate our limited resources, our efforts will concentrate on human rights, the status of women, global prosperity and moral development.

2. To defend the Faith, as in the case of the perse cution of the Baha'is in Iran.

This two-pronged purpose will be universally adopted by the Baha'i community and become the focus for our diplomatic and public information work at the international, national and local levels. Diplomatic work involves the management of our relations with the United Nations and with governments, while public information work involves the management of our relations with the public in general. A collateral outcome of the work in these two aspects will be to attract to the Faith “capable and receptive souls” with the aim of enrolling some of them.

Approach, means of accomplishment

The coherence of our endeavors globally will depend largely on the clarity and common understanding of programmatic concepts, on the application of these concepts in relation to international, national and local opportunities and conditions, on the involvement of National Spiritual Assemblies, and on the utilization of the talents of the largest possible number of competent individuals.

Among the means of accomplishing our purpose will be the production of literature and audio-visual materials; extensive use of mass-communication media; sponsorship of and participation in seminars, workshops and the like; association with likeminded people and organizations; cultivation of relations with governments; Baha'i representation at important relevant events; contributing to policy proposals when appropriate; assisting deserving and

ike-minded groups and organizations to realize their objectives.

The formulation and articulation of concepts for programmatic action at all levels will in large degree be effected through the guidance of the Universal House of Justice and through action of the offices of the Baha’f International Community. These offices will assist in the work of the national communities not only through the conveyance of ideas and concepts but also through training and through coordination of the distribution of information and materials.

National Spiritual Assemblies are to be the major channels for this work, as they are in the best position to influence national organizations and movements relevant to our purpose. They will, of course, guide the work of their national communities with governmental and non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and artistic and business communities. In addition to forming task forces, committees or offices through which to devise and execute their plans and programs, National Assemblies will enlist the collaboration of their local Spiritual Assemblies as opportunities and circumstances allow.

tober 10, 1994

To influence the processes toward world peace, it will also be necessary to engage like-minded nonBaha'is in our activities, inviting them to work with us and offering to work with them, as appropriate. Occasions should be provided for such individuals to study certain aspects of the Faith which relate to topics of particular interest to them, so as to enable them to express Baha'i ideas to the world in their own way. An important element of success will be arranging for such individuals to share in social experiences with Baha'is particularly suited to dealing with them.

In the execution of plans and programs, it will be vital for offices of the Baha'{ International Community and National Spiritual Assemblies to identify an increasing number of competent individuals and draw upon their talents, both for consultation on various aspects of the work and for individual assignments. In this context the provision of adequate training takes on special importance.

Baha'i International Community

Baha'f International Community is the name in which external affairs work is done at the international level; thus, for example, our United Nations Office and Office of Public Information are agencies of the Baha'i International Community. However, although this designation is used in this particular way, Baha'i International Community is a reference to the worldwide community of Baha’fs, which these agencies represent in their various capacities under the direction of the Universal House of Justice, the head of that community. National and local Spiritual Assemblies are, of course, institutions within the Baha’ International Community; thus, for instance, in identifying the components of the Baha'i International Community to United Nations agencies, our United Nations Olfice lists National Spiritual Assemblies as affiliates of the Baha'{f International Community. This is to indicate to the United Nations that the Bahd'i International Community is a global association of national Baha'i communities. However, itis generally unnecessary for National or local Spiritual Assemblies to use the designation Baha’t International Community in their relations with national and local governments or with national and local organizations. In most instances it is highly important for them to be understood to be indigenous institutions.

Part II

Public information work

Several decades of public information work at the local, national and international levels have created an historic opportunity in the public presentation of the Baha'i Message. The Faith can now begin per

[Page 23]JALAL BLE. 152 © Apri 9, 1995 23

AI Narada Lis)

suasively to represent itself as a significant global influence promoting the emergence of world peace, gradually overcoming any impression of being merely another sectarian group carrying out propaganda. The four areas in which the work will proceed are those identified in the external affairs strategy: moral development, global prosperity, human rights, and the status of women.

Audiences

Apart from the general public itself, the two influential constituencies which will be the particular concern of our public information program are:

1. private enterprise (including corporations, business associations, business publications, etc.) and

2. organizations of social change. These include national and international non-governmental organizations as well as other types of civic associations and movements whose interests parallel in some degree those of the Faith.

Focus

In aiming to engage and sustain the interest of receptive circles in the audiences mentioned, the program will seek to express the relevant Baha'i teachings in terms that these sepments of society will understand and value. For this reason, conceptual initiatives will drive public information activities. Such initiatives should give particular attention to ‘Abdu’l-Baha's explanation of the central role that knowledge plays in human life and human society: that it is the process of generating and applying knowledge that lies at the heart of civilization. The objective will be to assist audiences to appreciate that social advancement, including economic, political and social change, flows from it.

Accordingly, the program will explore not merely a body of challenging ideas, but the unique social workshop that the global Baha'i community today represents. By exploiting the unity that underlies Baha'i history, teachings, world-view and community development, public information activities can give increased force to a message whose relevance to contemporary need is already becoming apparent to a wide audience.

Method

Central to the program will be collaboration between the Office of Public Information and National Spiritual Assemblies. This collaboration will take the form of a wide range of projects, each focusing on one or more of the four themes of the external affairs strategy, following an agreed-upon schedule and carried out by task forces in the field. The program calls for the mobilization of the impressive and growing pool of talent that the Baha'i community possesses but that is, for the most part, geographically scattered.

Baha’i who co-founded Brazil’s School of Nations noted by

A major resource available to the Office of Public Information and the National Spiritual Assemblies is the wide range of voluntary Baha'i associations that have come into existence, such as the European Baha'i Business Forum, the Association for Baha'i Studies, Niir University, the Justice Society, etc. Such agencies will often be in a position themselves to act as task forces, assuming the responsibility for specific projects, under the direction of the responsible National Spiritual Assemblies. Where such groups of qualified Baha'is do not already exist to accept assignments, specialized task forces can be created by the National Assemblies in consultation with the Office of Public Information.

The role of the Office of Public Information in this collaborative program will be to identify the goals of the global program for the approval of the House of Justice; inform National Assemblies concerning the underlying concepts, their application and _results; and encourage these institutions and qualified Baha'f agencies to adopt projects.

The Office of Public Information will give importance to projects that can be carried out by Baha'i agencies acting in collaboration with like-minded non-Baha'i groups and that may arouse an interest on the part of some members of these groups in the Faith itself.

Part III

Diplomatic work

With the formation of the League of Nations, the Baha'i community found a propitious avenue at the onset of the Formative Age to pomote its principles of world order and to eel the interests of the Faith. The decision rendered by the Council of the League affirming the right of the community to possession of the House of Baha'u'llah in Ba; dad gave aclear indication of the success of its diplomatic initiative at the international level. With the foundin; of the United Nations, a new phase was entered an the related activities of the Faith began to be done in the name of the Baha'i International Community. The diplomatic work attained yet another distinctive phase when the Baha'i International Community, in 1970, was granted consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC); subsequently, it obtained a similar status in relation to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

The persecution of the Baha'is in Iran, exacerbated by the 1979 revolution, posed just the challenge to the Baha'f International Community's diplomatic skill which has enabled it to employ for more than a decade the human rights instruments of the United Nations in a manner that has set a pattern for others and won the admiration of governments and nongovernmental organizations around the world. Hav Comprehensive articles with photographs about Brazil's Baha'f-operated School of the Nations and its cofounder, Baha'i pioneer Suzanne von Frasunkiewicz, appeared last May 16 in the Metro section of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and November 10 in the Edwardsville (Illinois) Intelligencer.

Mrs. von Frasunkiewicz was in Edwardsville to visit her parents and consult about the possibility of establishing Bahd'i-run elementary schools in the U.S.

She brought with her a Baha'i curriculum development plan that she is now completing for the School of the Nations.

While in Edwardsville, she presented a talk at the public library and was one of six judges in a high-school essay contest sponsored by the Baha'is of Edwardsville on the topic “Peace for a Multi-Cultural Society.”

The mew epaper articles about her work in Brazil touch on the history, phlbeey, and curricula of the School of the Nations, now in its 15th year, and

make clear that it is based on the Teachings of Baha'u'llah, “a prophet who taught that all the world’s religions represent one changeless and eternal faith in God.”

Last July, the Baha'is of Edwardsville sponsored a month-long Multi-Cultural Book Display in the lobby of the public library and took part in a threeday Festival of Nations in a city park that surrounds the library.

In November, Mrs. von Frasunkiewicz conducted a three-hour workshop for educators, parents and others interested in implementing a multicultural curriculum into schools in this country.

The workshop was co-sponsored by the city's Human Relations Commission (the mayor of Edwardsville has invited the Baha'is to teach and introduce topics relating to “unity in diversity” to its residents).

Also in November, Mrs. von Fra— sunkiewicz made a three-day visit to Phoenix, Arizona, to support interest shown for a Baha'f school in that area.

ing ventured so successfully onto the global scene, the community is now poised for yet another thrust in its work, a thrust to which it is being Bs elled not only by its phenomenal success but also by the demanding and rapidly changing conditions of world society.

Aims and focus

The diplomatic activities of the Baha'i International Community aim at influencing thought and action at the United Nations and among national governments, particularly with respect to human rights, the status of women, and global pros rity. As major channels for such activities, National Spiritual Assemblies engage in coordinated diplomatic efforts oe their contacts with the SPREE a agencies of their national governments. A further aim is to ensure the recognition and protection of the Baha'i community everywhere.

There are two main categories of the diplomatic work:

1. maintenance of regular representational activay, through the Baha'i International Community's

nited Nations Office, to preserve, expand and upade the consultative status of the community with

inited Nations agencies and, within this context, defense of the interests of the community; and

ie programmatic activity that will engage the Baha’{ International Community's United Nations Office in a worldwide campaign, involving National and local Spiritual Assemblies, in the pursuit of themes meant to influence their governments in the processes toward peace.

Structure of the diplomatic system.

Regarding the maintenance of representational ‘ activity, the United Nations Office of the Baha'i International Community represents the diplomatic interests of the Faith at the international level, particularly in relation to the United Nations, and in this regard it guides and coordinates the efforts of National Spiritual Assemblies in relation to their governments.

The National Spiritual Assemblies are responsible for diplomatic work at the national level and guide the local Spiritual Assemblies in activities at the local level; however, to effect a coherent pattern in the development of diplomatic activities worldwide, the Baha'i International Community's United Nations Office will give direction to these activities in the form of information, materials, ideas and advice addressed to National Spiritual Assemblies. In turn, the National Spiritual Assemblies will report their related activities to that office and generally correspond with it about diplomatic programs. Furthermore, the office will assist the National Spiritual Assemblies through a process of training that will assume various forms.

a.S. visit

press during

Mrs. Suzanne von Frasunkiewicz, a Bahd'i pioneer and co-founder of the School of the Nations in Brazil, is pictured during a three-hour workshop on multi-cultural education she conducted last November at the public library in Edwardsville, Illinois.

[Page 24]24

THe AMERICAN BAHA'I

THE ARC

At right: Heavy equipment is used to clear away the mountain and make toom for the foundation of the International Teaching Center on Mount Carmel.

Construction of the International Teaching Center has begun in earnest. The opening of this front commences the fifth phase of the Mount Carmel Projects—a major step in widening the scope of the work. With construction under way on all buildings, the Arc Project enters a significant phase in its development.

One of the initial challenges in constructing the building to house the International Teaching Center has been the problem of access to the site; it is accessible only from Golomb Street, next to the main entrance to the Seat of the Universal House of Justice. The

eneral excavation levels for the foundations are between 20 and 25 meters (66 to 82 feet) below street level.

During the excavation of the earthworks, an earth ramp was built to access the site. At present, this ramp is being used to advantage in bringing site facilities, heavy equipment and vehicles for constructing the foundations. Eventually, however, the earth ramp will have to be removed, as it covers almost 25 percent of the building areas, and all the materials and equipment will have to be delivered using cranes via a loading/unloading bay at Golomb Street.

In the first stage of the work, test drilling was carried out to detect cavities below the foundation area. The

Vineyard of the

results indicated rather strong limestone deposits with almost no cavities or open joints, thus facilitating the excavation for the foundations.

The foundations of the International Teaching Center consist of many large and deep footings ranging in lenth from one meter (3.3 feet) to 1.8 meters (nearly six feet), to cater for heavy loads and seismic movement of the earth. At present, excavation for some of these footings is under way.

Center for Texts/Archives Extension

The major part of the first suspended slab of the building of the Center for

The detail of the balustrades and fine stone ornamental eagle are shown in this photograph of Terrace Nine beneath the level of the Shrine of the Bab.

the Study of the Texts has been constructed at level 4. Nearby, the foundation columns of the parking building have been built, and the area around it has been back-filled with compacted sand.

The sand surface has been further covered with a layer of lean-mix concrete to receive waterproofing membranes and the concrete floor slabs. The application of the waterproofing material has been completed in this area.

Though it is an essential feature in all construction today, waterproofing the buildings of the Arc is of special significance owing to the nature of their design. The Center for the Study

move into their fifth phase with work proceeding on schedule.

of the Texts and the International Teaching Center have both been designed with their major elements underground, while the Archives Extension and the adjacent parking building are totally underground, making it imperative to protect them from water infiltration. For effective and long-lasting results, the waterproofing of these buildings must be of a high standard. To meet this requirement, a manufacturer of international repute from France was chosen, and three people from the Israeli applicator contractor's firm and a site supervisor were sent for training to acgui knowledge and skill about its waterproofing products.

Lower Terraces

The picture that emerges of the Lower Terraces in their present stage of development is pleasing to the eye as well as satisfying from the point of view of construction.

Terrace 9, immediately below the Shrine of the Bab, already presents a preview of what the Terraces will look like when completed. The stone work on both pools on this Terrace is finished and the balustrades vised in Italy have been fixed on the contour walls.

Some of the light fixtures are in place, along with the ornamental planter urns and stone eagle. The design of the fountain bowls to be placed in the pools has been finalized, and their production has begun in Italy. The stone selected for the fountain bowls is known as Giallo d'Istria, which has high abrasion resistance. It is widely used in Venice and matches in color the Sajur stone used in the Terraces.

See VINEYARD page 25

[Page 25]JALAL B.E. 152 © Apri 9, 1995 25

nels

Vineyard

Continued from page 14

It was mentioned in one of our previous reports that Sajur and Jatt stones are among the finest variety of stone quarried in Israel. These two stones reflect the ancient architectural heritage of the Holy Land, and their nativity makes them a familiar sight here.

The Terraces project on Mount Carmel has made extensive use of these stones in an imaginative way, adding a local flavor. This is also evident in the masonry work on the retaining walls of the bridge over ‘Abbas Street.

While the stone pools on Terraces 8 and 7 are in place, the construction of the concrete pools on Terraces 6 and 5 is complete and work is well under way on Terraces 4 and 3. In fact, 95 Pea of the work on dressing stone

for the columns, pools and stairs of the Lower Terraces has been completed.

In conjunction with the architectural work, the greening of the area is also being undertaken simultaneously. When one looks upward toward the Terraces from Ben Gurion Avenue, he can see a vast expanse of green from Terrace 3 all the way up to Terrace 9, as sod has been laid on both the east and west sides of these Terraces.

Upper Terraces

Work is also proceeding expeditiously on the Upper Terraces, and the entire site is beginning to take shape. Work is being carried out on steep in

Ga" = Mamdouh Lel Beltagi (second from left), Egypt's Minister of Tourism, is the first high-level official from that country to visit the Mount Carmel Projects. Mr. Beltagi was accompanied by his Israeli counterpart, Uzi Baram; the mayor of Haifa; and 22 other officials from Egypt, the Ministry of Tourism and the mmumicecny of Haifa. The visit was arranged at the request of the mayor of jaifa.

clines ranging between 45° and 60°. Excavations have also begun on the uppermost Terrace 19 adjacent to the Louis Promenade on Yefe Nof Street, where another site office has been located.

Construction of the concrete mechanical rooms on Terraces 15 to 18 is complete, and geometric curves are in place on Terraces 17 and 18. Extensive drainage work on the east side as well as the inner zone is complete, and work has begun on the west side where

Outpouring of love sends

Baha’is in Kentucky are still savoring the sweet taste of victory months after their historic January 14 fund-raiser for the Arc that raised more than $400,000 in contributions and pledges.

The outpouring of sacrificial love so evident at the fund-raiser has catalyzed new and bold initiatives by Assemblies and individuals in the areas of teaching and strengthening Baha’i life.

And the community is reaping the benefits: several enrollments, greater unity, enhanced levels of consultation, and wider participation of the friends in Feasts, deepening classes, firesides, and other events.

Another legacy of the fund-raiser has been the transformation of hearts.

It was a night that saw many longstandin; ‘fs fall in love all over again with Bahé‘u’ll4h, a reawakening

their souls to the Beloved.

Many newly declared Baha’is felt reaffirmed as well, for it convinced them once more of the all-embracing and all-powerful Message of the Blessed Beauty.

Throughout the night, such moving, tributes and personal testimonies as “it feels like the moment I declared,” “this is a heavenly experience,” and “this brings back memories of the [second Baha’i] World Congress” testified to the spiritually charged atmosphere of the evening.

The many non-Bahd’is present— spouses and friends—also felt the sincerity and purity of the gathering. One such witness, Bob Kelly, declared his

belief in Bahé’u’llh that night, answering 13 years of ardent prayers by his wife, Shahin.

A major factor in the success of the fund-raiser was the stalwart effort of 20-plus volunteers, who planned it in only six weeks.

e event also was blessed with divine assistance in a message from the Bahé’i World Center: “Kindly assure the friends of its [the Univer ‘Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and other

irrigation lines and electrical duct banks are being laid out. The purpore: of the drainage is to collect surface rain water and prevent damage to the Terraces as a result of waterlogging. Owing to the steepness of the mountain, gravity walls are being constructed on the Upper Terraces in addition to the underground retaining walls. Big boulders are laid on top of one another to provide the gravity support, and a minimal amount of concrete is applied to hold them together.

¢ A request from a young couple setting out on the voyage of marriage evoked a warm response from the wedding guests. The wedding invitation read in part: “...as a blessing for our spiritual union...we would prefer that instead of a physical gift, you choose to send a contribution to the Arc Fund in our names.”

The newlyweds wrote to say, “In light of the many challenges that our Faith must meet, we felt that this was a small step we could make, our first step together. To let you know, our request for funds was met with great excitement and wide participation from the friends.”

© “I wear on my finger a beautiful diamond ring that was left to me by my mother. ...

“This ring is considered my closest material tie with my late mother, and even though it has already been bequeathed to the Universal House of Justice, considering the urgency to complete the Arc on Mount Carmel it is my desire that it be given to you now. ...

“My dear mother, being a valiant steadfast warrior in the Cause of Baha'u'llah for over 50 years, held the building of the Arc close to her heart, and it was her last coherent response before death to want read to her the latest progress update on the Arc. ...I, therefore, can think of nothing that would bring greater happiness to her soul than to have the above action carried out.”

ripples through Kentucky

their lives for the Cause. It was a time to pay tribute to the past and gather spice strength to reconsecrate our efforts to the present task.

The featured speaker was Robert Harris, who in his unique and cherished style emphasized the importance of the Arc Projects and the qualities of wisdom, maturity and sacrifice required to complete them.

Following his energetic talk and

sal House of oy . several prayers, Justice's] prayers suchcommunitieshavenei- the _friends— in the Holy — therasignificantnumberof adults and Phrines that their Baha'is nor the abundant = Youth — ap loving efforts and ial GF StH proached the condevoted sacrifice material resources of other tribution boxes, may attract di- places. What they have are dropped in their vine blessings groups of dedicated believ- Pledges and re: tion.” ers ... who consider them- — candles. In the

From the begin- selves asnomorethan‘or- background, ning of the pro. inary instruments’ but ge portals of felt the force per- who want to make history the Shrine of the

meatin, the and are doing it.’ Bab were disroom. The tone played. was set early on Leading the

by emcee Carol Grady Mansour, followed by the melodious chants of a prayer—in Persian and English—that symbolized the essential harmony of

e friends from both East and West and communicated the importance of unity in winning victories for the Faith.

Another inspirational and solemn moment was the showing of martyrs’ photographs on a large screen. In the audience were a number of Persian believers whose relatives had offered

procession was Jerry Smith, the newest member of the Louisville Baha'i community, in his wheelchair. Mr. Smith was a staunch atheist prior to a near-fatal bicycle accident 11 years ago, but since then has come to see his injury as a sign of God’s mercy because it led him to a new understanding and ultimately to Baha’u’ll4h’s Revelation.

Then the lights were dimmed and People gathered in a circle to light candles one by one. A selection of songs

and poe culminating with the trumpet flourish from the World Congress Oratorio was heard, indicating the triumph of the friends’ sacrificial efforts. ie spiritual radiance of the moment became evident as people held hands—some with beaming expression, some shedding tears, and some in reflective postures. As hearts were set aglow, a video clip of the beloved Guardian walking augustly in the Holy Land was shown. .

A postscript from a Kentucky Baha‘i:

“This experience is shared with the rest of the American Baha’i community to humbly suggest that what happened in Kentucky and in other southern states is achievable in other communities.

“Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and other such communities have neither a significant number of Baha‘is nor the abundant material resources of other places. What they have are groups of dedicated believers, men and women, who consider themselves as no more than ‘ordinary instruments’ but who want to make history and are doing it, swiftly and convincingly.

“Finally, a word about sacrifice: as Baha’is when we think we have exhausted our reserves for sacrifice, let us reflect with due solemnity on the life of Baha’u’ll4h, Who for 40 years ‘consented to be bound with chains,’ ‘accepted to be made a Prisoner,’ and subjected Himself to a lifetime of suffering so that in moments such as these, we might be inspired by His example and triumph on His behalf!”

[Page 26]

NEW

The 1994 Racial Justice Award, presented to the

(7 neon 9s aS)

Ww gotten: | Bahai community of ha) Decatur, Illinois, by the

as city's YWCA.

Race unity award won

Last November 1, the Baha'i community of Decatur, Illinois, received the 1994 Racial Justice Award for groups/agencies from the Decatur YWCA.

Awards were given in five categories to “a nominee that has made a significant contribution in racial justice or diversity awareness.”

In addition to the Baha'i community, nominees among groups/agencies were the local chapter of the NAACP, the Red Cross, the Girl Scout Council and the Human Service Agency Consortium.

The Baha'i community was nominated by one of its members “for upholding the standard of the fundamental unity of the human race and Promanng this principle in the Decatur area through a variety of activities over a span of some 30 years.”

Among the activities cited were Race Unity Day picnics, a workshop on racism, a race unity forum, the Baha'i Youth Workshop, and a wealth of newspaper and other campaigns including distribution of the National Spiritual Assembly's statement on race unity.

It’s off to university for 13-year-old Baha’i

When college beckoned, Ramona Clark had to leave her family’s homefront pioneering post in Milford, Nebraska.

Nothing unusual about that for a young Baha‘i. Except that Ramona is 13 years old.

She entered the University of Nebraska in Lincoln as a full-time student last fall. The dormitory resident is the youngest student ever at UNL and youngest to be accepted into the university’s honors program.

Ramona also attends a weekly seminar on mathematics that is geared toward graduate students and professors. Mathematics is her major and she plans to teach college math someday—perhaps someday soon.

Ramona has always moved fast. She read before she was two, and went to kindergarten for only one day before authorities found she was already on a third-grade level. She has been schooled at home ever since.

Not that her life has been devoted solely to studies. Three years ago Ramona and her younger sister, Rebekah, started a kitten adoption service and “retirement home” for old horses and ponies.

On the back of their brochure is a quotation from the Baha’ writings: “Train your children from their earliest days to be infinitely tender and loving to animals. If an animal be sick, let the children try to heal it. If it be hungry, let them feed it. If thirsty, let them quench its thirst. If weary, let them see that it rests.”

The sisters’ business, known as Butterfly Farm, earned them a Jefferson Award for community service in February 1994. It continues in 10-year-old Rebekah’s capable hands, under the watchful eye of parents Jim and Lynn Clark.

We may be hearing a lot from Rebekah herself as she poms toward a career as an animal chiropractor. The profession doesn’t exist yet, but don’t bet ae her. Look what she and Ramona have done so far.

26

THe AMERICAN BAHA'I

Hayden fellowship is offered

Applications are invited for the 1995 Robert Hayden Fellowship in Poetry at the Louhelen Baha'i School.

The Hayden Fellowship, which provides a one- to three-week summer residency at the Louhelen Baha'i School, encourages and recognizes the creative work of poets in the early stages of their careers, irrespective of age. Applicants should have few or no published works to their credit.

The Fellowship is not intended to nurture further development of poets who have enjoyed extensive writing opportunities, publication or recognition.

Applications are evaluated by a screening committee based on overall promise of the poet suggested by the submitted work, and evidence of a serious desire to pursue poetry as an active interest after the Fellowship period.

Applicants must be Baha'is in good standing, and their poetry need not express a particular style or content to receive consideration.

The Fellowship includes room and board at Louhelen during the residency period. No other ex S.C. Baha’is form educator association

The first Conference of the South Carolina Baha'f Association of Educators was held last December 3 at the Ramada Town House Hotel in Columbia.

Twenty-five People from around the state attended this organizational meeting of the group, whose purposes are to promote racial unity, Support teachers, and share with others its interest in character development.

Dr. Anne Breneman presented the keynote address, “Why We Are Here,” after which workshops were held on a variety of academic topics. Dr. Breneman spoke again that afternoon on “The Core Curriculum.”

Also present were National Spiritual Assembly member Alberta Deas and Elizabeth Martin, who was instrumental in establishing the organization.

A message to the conference written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice read in part: “We have been asked to express to you and your co-workers its pleasure at the news of these initiatives, particutay your efforts to form the South Carolina Baha'i Association of Educators.

penses are covered. The residency must be completed between June and September of the year in which the Fellowship is awarded. No other arrangements can be made.

Complete applications should include (1) a personal statement providing the epplicanta name, address, telephone number, and a brief biographical summary that relates personal background to Fellowship goals and states how the Fellowship period would likely be used; (2) seven (7) poems (total submission not to exceed 10 pages) of any style or content; (3) suggestion of the period when the residency would be completed.

Do not place identifying information on any materials other than the first page of the personal statement.

No application materials can be returned.

App rtcations postmarked no later than May 15, should be sent to Dr. Rick Johnson, administrator, Louhelen Baha'i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; email fonreleneusenccre The Fellowship recipient will be notified by June 1.

Pictured are many of those who took part December 3 in the first Conference of the South Carolina Bahdii Association of Educators.

“You may be assured of the ardent prayers of the House of Justice in the Holy Shrines for the success of your endeavors to promote [the] application of Baha'i principles in the very important field of education.”

As a part of the conference, four students from Allen University used music and dramatic readings to present a tribute to educators.

Cambodian Baha’i’s story is now a book

The dramatic story of how a beat-up accordion saved Daran Kravanh’s life could be coming to a bookstore near you.

Mr. Kravanh, a native of Cambodia, escaped death in the killing fields during the years of Khmer Rouge tule solely Pee his playing soothed the savage breast of his captors. His parents, seven siblings, and about two million fellow Cambodians were not so fortunate.

Later, Mr. Kravanh made his way to a Thai refugee camp, where he embraced the Baha’i Faith. He emigrated to the United States in 1988 and is amember of the Spiritual Assembly of Tacoma, Washington.

The amazing story of survival—and all the awful memories—might have stayed within Mr. Kravanh forever. But one autumn day in 1992, Bree Lafreniere,

a co-worker at Tacoma’s Catholic Community Services, where Mr. Kravanh is a youth program coordinator, asked him, “How did you survive?”

It was like opening floodgates. As described by the Seattle Times ina este article on Mr. Kravanh, it began “a two-year process of question-and-answer, of remembering and purging and crying and, sometimes, a little screaming. (Ms.) Lafreniere took notes.”

Now a book manuscript she has written about his ordeal in Cambodia is in the hands of a Hiterany agent who is hopeful that it will soon be published.

“The story reminds us that we have some commonness as human beings. ...The victim gets through to the humanity of the torturer through music,” the agent, Elizabeth Wales, told the Seattle Times. “It’s not science, not law, not policy that saves us. It’s art, beauty, truth.”

Dr. Bushrui, rabbi discuss ties between Arabs, Jews

Dr. Soheil Bushrui, who occupies the Baha'i Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland, and Rabbi Robert J. Marx engaged in a “meeting of minds” last December 5 as a part of Prof. Bushrui's honors seminar, “The Spiritual Heritage of the Human Race.”

The topic of their discussion was “A Shared Heritage: The Arab-Jewish Cultural, Literary and Spiritual Experience.”

Their dialogue was preceded by opening remarks

and an introduction by former Sen. Charles H. Percy of Illinois.

The event was co-sponsored by Pax World Service; the Baha'i Chair for World Peace; the university's Center for International Development and Conflict Management (CIDCM) and department of history; its Committee on Religion and Culture; the Joseph and Rebecca Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Studies; and the university Honors Program.

[Page 27]JALAL B.E. 152 © Ape9, 1995 27

Landegg grows to serve world community

Landegg Academy has entered an exciting new era in its ongoing development. With new management, new programs, and new and more affordable accommodation rates, this wellestablished institution of learning in Switzerland has taken a significant step forward toward increasing its service to the worldwide Baha'i commu nity. Ee hUehs of these developments at Landegg for 1995 include:

¢ The inauguration of several new

rograms suitable for Baha'is and tiends of the Faith on “Ethics for the New World Order.” These in-depth, high-level study programs include such topics as “International Youth Symposium on Moral Leadership and Service in a Global Society,” “International Conference on Computers and the Soul,” and “Spiritual Transformation.”

¢ The introduction of a new series of intensive, high-level Baha'i Studies programs on “Teaching the Baha'i Faith,” “The Kitdb-i-Aqdas,” and “Baha'i Spiritual Principles and Practices.”

¢ Continuation of Landegg Academy's well-known three-year certificate course in “World Order Studies” and its two-year certificate course for pre-youth, “Education for Peace.”

• A special commemorative event

honoring the 50th anniversary of the United Nations.

Artists, performers examine global role

More than 100 people from 20 countries took part December 27-January 2 in a conference on “The Role of the Aesthetic in a Global Society” at Landegg

Academy in Switzerland.

The over-all theme of the conference was “Art, the Artist, and Unity.” Guests were greeted with a packet that contained the program, a beautifully designed compilation of Baha'i writings on the arts, and a directory of young professionals from many

countries.

The keynote address on the conference theme was iven by Donald Rogers, a Counselor member of the Center in Haifa.

Mr. Rogers, a Canadian-born painter, was also

international Teachin;

candidate in aesthetic studies whose principal address was entitled “A Perspective on the Origins of the Role of the Sublime in Art and Its Relationship to the Quest

for the Sublime in the Twentieth Century.”

¢ Constance Arts Task Force.

¢ Bill George, an actor and puppeteer who presented his dramatic play, “The Kingfisher's Wing,” about the life of the young Baha'f martyr Badi’. hen, a member of the Baha'{ National

¢ Native American dancer/flute player Kevin Locke

° Pianist/|

and his dauehieh Kamimila.

lecturer Mark Ochu who, besides providing “An Evening of Music with Mark Ochu,” spoke on “Progressive Revelation—Progressive Culture and

represented by a documentary film about his work Heels Hierarchy of the Arts.” 7

entitled “Approach to a Sacred Place: The Art of Otto

Donald Rogers.”

Several Americans were among the performing

artists and panelists including:

¢ Anne Gordon Perry, a writer, artist and doctoral

¢ Focus on developing an inspiring, intensive learning environment in the comfort of an hospitable and relaxed Baha'i atmosphere. ¢ Special attention to the development of useful, in-depth, universal and Practical programs specially designed for youth and young adults but accessible to all. For example, new package rates in for youth in 1995 allow them to stay at Landegg for six nights (in cluding three meals a day) for as little as 240 Swiss francs (about $200 U.S.).

• Creating opportunities for participants to put their newly developed insights and skills in the service

of humanity, both at home and abroad.

¢ Providing simultaneous translation of most programs into German, French and English, as well as other languages.

e conference was 0} to the late poet Roger dancer Arlette peor of Scotland, singer/guitarist Conrad Lambert of t

Omid Djalili of the Czech Republic.

ned and closed with tributes hite by Mrs. Perry, Bill George,

e United Kingdom and actor

Landers Academy and its new team—administration, staff and volunteers—warmly and cordially invite Baha'is and their friends to come and, share in the beginning of this new and promising phase of the institution's growth and service.

For more information, write to Landegg, Academy, CH-9405, Wienach/ Ar, Switzerland; phone 4171-919131, or fax 41-71-914301.

Course on Faith taught by students

Last spring, Beth Stout and Ramine Yazhari, students at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, organized aa had accepted by the school administration a fullccredit course titled “Introduction to the Baha'i Faith.”

Within 24 hours of registration the class had filled its 20 vacancies, while another 10 students placed their names ona waiting list.

Students who took the course became quite interested in the Faith; one young woman even became a Baha'i.

According to the organizers, this is the first time in 20 years that such a course has been offered at a university in this country.

The class was planned as a Student Organized Seminar, run completely by students themselves under the supervision of a faculty sponsor.

If you would like help in organizing a similar course at your school, please write to Beth and Ramine (who have since married) at

Evanston, IL 60201, phone 708-4928149, or e-mail

Young Baha’i’s team

wins ‘future city’ meet

Three students from Glencoe (Illinois) Central School including Baha'i Denise Armbruster won first place in the Chicago region of the National Engineers Week Future City Competition and were in Washington, D.C., in February to compete for national honors against teams from six other cities.

Teams designed their future city on

a computer, built a model from blueprints using new and recycled materials, prepared an essay entitled “Effective Ways to Reduce Residential and Industrial Waste in Our Cities,” and presented the completed project to judges at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Miss Armbruster's father, Robert Armbruster, director of the Baha'f House of Worship restoration project, served as the team's ane volunteer adviser.

Misquote leads Baha’i to innovative program

It’s amazing what opportunities can arise from a misquote.

Carol Butler, a Baha’{ in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, was reading the December 13, 1994, issue of Family Circle magazine when she came across a quotation attributed to Baha’u’Ilah.

The quotation didn’t sound authentic to Carol’s non-Baha’f (but very well read in the Faith) husband, so she called the Office of Public Information and the National Research Office. She was told there is no record of the quotation anywhere.

Next she called Conari Press, which published the book in which the quotation first appeared. The author couldn’t EUPey a reference for the quotation, either.

While on hold, though, Carol heard a message about a program called “Random Acts of Kindness.” She called, got the starter kit, and kicked the program into gear in Ft. Wayne.

The Random Acts of Kindness event drew 230 people, the mayor proclaimed a Day of Kindness, and there was coverage by local television and radio.

Indy community gathers talent base

Most of us wish we could earn extra income in a way that would enable us to contribute more to the Funds and also spend more time with the friends.

Most of us also could use someone to cut our hair, do the taxes, landscape the yard, or type a few reports.

With that in mind, the Indianapolis, Indiana, Baha’i community is assembling a database of local Baha'is who are qualified to perform such tasks.

The hope is that the friends will call someone on the list when they need a job done, and that the recipients of this cash will send a part of the extra income to the Arc Projects Fund and other Funds.

For more information, write to Michael Dutton at Indianapolis, IN 46214.

Dr. Thomas asked

to aid neighborhoods

When the city of Detroit needed millions of dollars in federal funds to rehabilitate its ailing neighborhoods, it turned to a Baha'i, Auxiliary Board member June Thomas, for help.

Dr. Thomas, an associate professor of urban planning and urban affairs at

Michigan State University, helped write the 400-page application to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that resulted in grants for the city totaling $100 million.

Detroit was one of six cities chosen (from among 78 who filed applications) to receive the money through a federal “empowerment zone” grant. The award will be used to improve an 18.5-square-mile area of the city.

The application's three main points centered on business and economic development, restoring and upgrading neighborhoods, and providing support to area families including day care and job training programs.

Over the next year, Dr. Thomas plans to take MSU students to Detroit to help neighborhood groups with their projects.

Baha’is help form

new interfaith group

The Florida Baha’i Youth Workshop performed and Baha’ Fred Johnson provided the “musical/spiritual glue” at the founding convention of Congre ations United for Community Action ‘CUCA), an interfaith organization in Pinellas County, Florida.

About 500 people attended the February 6 event at Bethel Community Baptist Church in St. Petersburg.

s a result of the performance, the Youth Workshop has been invited to perform in local schools.

The event also was further evidence that influential grassroots organizations such as the Human Rights Council and the National Conference of Christians and Jews recognize the contributions of the Faith. They are increasingly seeking out Baha'is to become involved in community events.

[Page 28]THe AMERICAN BAHA'I 28

EXCELLENCE / A

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

Ricarp THomas, a Baha'i from East Lansing, Michigan, is the 1994 winner of the prestigious Wesley-Logan Prize from the American His-torical Association for his book, Life for Us Is What We Make It: Building Black Community in Detroit. Dr. Thomas, who teaches in the Department of History at Michigan State University, received the award during the AHA's annual meeting in Chicago in early December.

Baha'is Frank and Pameta Brabtey of Memphis, Tennessee, were given the 1994 Martin Luther King Jr. Peacemaker Award by the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center at its annual awards ceremony January 15. Mr. Bradley, an assistant professor of theatre at Rhodes College, and Mrs. Bradley, associate director for research and sponsored programs at LeMoyne-Owen College, are well-known for their work to help improve race relations including founding the Memphis Institute for the Healing of Racism.

Atepa Netson, a Baha'i from Boulder City, Nevada, was honored recently by the American Muslim Women of Nevada for her work in helping to improve relations among races, religions and society as a whole. Miss Nelson is past executive director of the National Conference (formerly the National Conference of Christians and Jews).

Henry Curry, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Gary, Indiana, and co-founder of the Northwest Indiana Interfaith Alliance, was honored by the Urban League of Indianapolis in February at its 14th annual Commerce and Industry luncheon for his contributions to “economic development and employment.” Mr. Curry retired in 1989 after 24 years of service with the Urban League in Illinois and Indiana.

Hamio R. Azmaracui, public information officer for the Baha'is of St. Louis, Missouri, is the recipient of the 1994 Martin Luther King Human Rights Award presented annually by local religious groups in the St. Louis area.

Nika Baoie, a young Baha'i from Argyle, Texas, won first place in the 1994 Fort Worth Music Teachers’ Association piano solo competition among seventh-grade students in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. An exceptional student, she was recognized by Duke University for her high over-all score and superior math performance on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (AT)

Dr. Farvap Acai, a Baha'i from Phoenix, Arizona, was recently named Phoenix Memotial Hospital's Doctor of the Year and honored at a large dinner gathering in Paradise Valley.

Kwauita Aoriana Garcia, a Baha'i who was born in Honduras to pioneers Jacqueline and Charles Cornell, educated at the El Alba bi-lingual school founded by the Cornells in 1976 and later at the Louhelen Res— idential College in Michigan, has been graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emporia (Kansas) State University and has returned to Honduras to teach middle and high school science at the El Alba School.

Netson Crisanto, another young Baha'i from Honduras who came to the U.S. only four years ago and began wrestling at Wenatchee (Washington) High School as a way of making friends and meeting people, having never been exposed to the sport before, has won the 1995 Washington state championship at 122 pounds. Nelson, who is even better known to schoolmates for his ever-present smile and diligent work habits, hopes to any in the U.S. to attend college and then return to Honduras to teach.

R. Jerr ANDREWS, a Bahd'f from Boulder City, Nevada, has been reappointed to a four-year term on the Nevada State Board of Chiro-practic Examiners. He presently serves as the board's president and will continue to do so.

Justin Vara Wittiams, a 12-year-old Baha'f from Teaneck, New Jersey, won a trip to Canctin, Mexico, as a recent contestant on the television game show, “Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?” The program was to be televised on PBS on January 20, April 21 and July 21, 1995. Two years ago, Justin's comments on a short story, “The Horse Snake,” were published by Prentice-Hall in its sixth-grade Language Arts Textbook.

Marcie Parker, a Baha'f who lives in Chanhassen, Minnesota, has been named a Fellow in the Gerontological Society of America for her outstanding contributions in the field of gerontology. Ms. Parker is a man-ager with United HealthCare Corporation and is completing work at the University of Minnesota toward her doctoral degree in family social science.

In January, Ebony magazine published a letter from Peacy Novotny, a Baha'f from Woodburn, Oregon, written in response to an article entitled “Black Men/White Women: What's Behind the New Furor?” that discussed attitudes among people of both races toward interracial dating and marriage among black men and white women. “Superior to any human agenda,” she wrote, “is God's plan for humanity, which is the unity of mankind and the spiritual development of the soul of humanity.”

Two Baha'is, Amper Louise Harris of Missoula, Montana, and IvANNA Yavrom of Citrus Heights, California, are listed in the latest edition of Who's Who Among American High School Students, published annually since 1967. The publication recognizes students who have a grade-point average of B or better and are involved in extracurricular activities.

Nika Badie

Ads

Continued from page 15

being able to find other single Baha'fs. We're here, and waiting to hear from you! .

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Baha‘ Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Zohreh White, Catherine M. and Virginia M. Whitmore, L.A. Whitmore, Helen L. Whitney, John P. Whitton (died Geyserville, CA, 1946), Fred Wicks, Jane Wiederlight, Mariam Wigfall and Edward Wilber. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Baha’f Archives, Baha'f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or to phone 708-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Bahd’f Archives is seeking copies of the following Baha'i prayer books in good or excellent condition: green cover, cloth, 1969, 1978, 1980, 1981; white cover, cloth, 1957, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1981. Anyone having copies they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahd'f Archives, Bahd'f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

ScHOOLS AND CONFERENCES

THE NEW ERA High School and Junior College in Panchgani, India, needs an English teacher with a degree for a year of service. To inquire, please write to the Office of Pioneering, Baha'i Na— tional Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-733-3512.

THE SOLOMON Hilton Bahd’f School in Poughkeepsie, New York, is looking for experienced chidren’s teachers for its summer session August 12-20. Core Curriculum training a plus. Contact Mary~ beth Vargha, 607-638-9016.

YourtH Activities

THE NATIONAL Teaching Committee is seeking Baha’ Youth Service Corps volunteers, ages 18-23, to fill a variety of posts in the U.S. including service op— portunities at the permant schools and institutes and opportunities in such places as Phoenix and Holbrook, AZ; Conway and Orangeburg, SC; Buncombe County, NC; Holland, MI; Los Angeles, CA; St. Paul, MN; and K. City, MO. There are also opportunities for young people who want to enroll in a college or university in a goal locality to serve as a homefront pioneer. If you would like to serve at any of these posts, or if you are interested in establishing a post in an— other locality, please contact Ada James in the National 1 hing Committee office, 708-733-3493.

CALLING all Baha'i Youth Workshops! We need YOUth for the “Color Me Human” conference July 1-3 in Salt Lake City, Utah. There will be a Workshop gathering with performances, ser— vice projects and nightly proclamations for nine days before the conference. The energy of Youth Workshops patecins for a week prior to the conference will serve as an excellent proclamation of the Faith in this area. The Little America Hotel (800-453-9450) is hosting the event with special rates for Workshop participants. Each evening, Workshops will perform in the hotel's Grand Ballroom. If your Workshop is interested in taking part, or would like more information,

lease phone 801-582-3135 or 801-582026.

ATTENTION YOUTH: the Nightin

gale Circle Baha'i Correspondence Club is forming, a branch for young people around the world. If you enjoy writin; letters and getting to ow your Baha’ family around the world and would like more information on how to go about doing so, please contact Toni Isaac,

Alpine, TX 79830, or phone 915-837-5916.

DIVERSITY Dance Workshop has ongoing immediate openings for fulltime dancers and performing artists ages 18-25. DDW addresses such issues as violence, racism, poverty, drug and alcohol abuse, intolerance and gender inequality. Professional artistic training and personal enrichment are also provided. Youth of all ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Also needed: a full-time road manager to coordinate DDW tours. Must be a well: i adult with good communication skills. Tour experience and office skills a plus. Write to DDW, P.O. Box 803, Bellevue, WA 98009, or phone 206-391-3303.

LV [ert nWN elt)

A CELEBRATION is planned at Ridvan to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Spiritual As— sembly of Emporia, Kansas, and everyone who has hel grow and spread the Message u'lldh is invited. If you can't v: pel son, please write, send an audio tape or even a video of you and what you've been up to. For more information, phone Peggy Keating-Bolm, 316-343-8471.

ONE-THIRD of all Baha'i pioneers from the U.S. earn their living teaching, English as a second language. To learn more about this growing field and to communicate with Baha'is who are ESL teachers, join the ESL Teachers Network. Write to Joy Allchin, .

Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

ATTENTION: Lincoln, Nebraska, is planning during the summer of 1996 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the formation of its Assembly. All former members of the Baha’f community of Lincoln who would like to be kept informed of the plans and hope to attend are asked to send their name, address and phone number to the Spiritual As— sembly of Lincoln, Box 80601, Lincoln, NE 68501. The number of responses will help guide and encourage the planners.

BAHA'{ WOMEN who are textile artists are invited to take part in a worldwide campaign to exhibit the works of Baha'{f women at the fourth World Conference on Women to be held in Beijing, China, in 1995. The project is being coordinated by Vicki Hu Poirier on behalf of the Baha'i International Community Office for the Advancement of Women. Works can include weaving, embroidery (small pieces), batik, surface painting, shisha work, appliqué, lace work or any other art form that uses fabric. Individual works from Baha'i women around the world will be put together into a tapestry by Mrs. Poirier. Artists are asked to send their contributions to Mrs. Poirier at Las Cruces, NM 88001. (Note: works must be received by the end of February 1995.)

ATTENTION all former Nashville (Tennessee) Baha'is—the Spiritual Assembly of Nashville celebrates its 60th anniversary in 1995. We are one of the many communities in the South that were brought into being through the efforts of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory. Plans are under wa for a summer “homecoming” celebration, and we are look-ing for anyone and everyone who has ever been a part of the Baha'i community of Nashville. Let us know where you are! We want to record your Nashville experiences and to invite you to attend this special celebration. For more information, contact Joyce Jackson,

_ Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 (phone 615-758-3336).

[Page 29]LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

JALAL B.E. 152 © Apri 9, 1995 29

Our material investment can help Faith grow, too

To the Editor:

I feel that now is the time for the American Baha'i community to examine more closely the spiritual application of Baha'i humanitarianism in attracting large numbers of receptive souls to the Cause of Baha'u'llah.

This has to do with a powerful tool that we American Baha'is have had in abundance for many years now. Most of our Baha'i brothers and sisters around the world have not had this bounty, at least not at our levels. It is material wealth, or, in simple terms, money.

It is, of course, imperative that we must expend more than generous amounts of the wealth God has given us to erect His holy Arc on Mount Carmel. It is also appropriate that (pending completion of the Arc) the American Baha'is wholeheartedly act on the humanitarian principles that are at the very core of our belief as Baha'is: to “serve mankind.”

It seems resolutely true that we must soon reveal this aspect of Baha’u'llah's plan to the world at large. At this time we must push to the limit our material and spiritual resources to help promote “entry by troops” throughout the world.

We must teach as we have never taught before, and humanitarian acts by the Baha'i community should be considered an essential part of our teaching ppenen:

‘Abdu’l-Baha says, referring to Assemblies, “Discussions must all be confined to spiritual matters that pertain to the training of souls, the instruction of children, the relief of the poor, the help of the feeble throughout all classes in the world, kindness to all peoples, the diffusion of the fragrances of God, and the ex altation of His Holy Word. Should they endeavor to fulfill these conditions the Grace of the Holy Spirit shall be vouchsafed unto them, and that Assembly shall become the center of the Divine blessings, the host of Divine confirmation shall come to their aid and they shall day by day receive a new effusion of Spirit.” (Principles of Baha'i Administration, p. 43)

In this passage by the Master concerning Assemblies, we see that humanitarian efforts are a prerequisite to receiving Divine assistance, and of course, in teaching the Cause of God, Divine assistance is essential.

So the example of humanitarian efforts we put forth should play a crucial if not predominant role in the development of the Cause, as it pertains to effective teaching.

As we have no model organization or religious group in society to emulate, we must create, based on the Teachings of Bahd'u'll4h, new standards of human affairs; and we must far surpass in design and execution all previous standards. Our efforts must reach and exceed magnanimous levels of generosity and justice.

le have moved through the stages of infancy, consolidation and emergence. Now, perhaps with the turn of this century, the Faith will be entering a stage of maturation—and with maturity comes a wisdom that allows responsibilities to increase, benefiting our souls, our Faith, our fellow humans, and our world. Surely we are now coming of age.

“Take the cup of the Testament in thy hand; leap and dance with ecstasy in the triumphal procession of the Covenant!”— ‘Abdu’l-Bahé, Baha'i World Bek 351

Kevin Anglin Brenham, Texas

Study of angels is revealing

To the Editor:

Several months ago I took up the study of angelology so as to better teach people who are into that. I found many eeeatng things, and have begun compiling them for those who are interested.

For instance, we Baha'is pray to be assisted “with the hosts of Thy supreme angels. ...” (Baha'i Prayers, p. 140), and the Tablet of Carmel bids us “circumambulate the City of God... round which have circled in adoration the favored of God, the pure in heart, and a company of the most exalted angels.”

Not only will angels help us “scatter abroad the fragrance of the words” but we are the angels, ‘Abdu’l-Baha says, “...if your feet be firm, your spirits rejoiced, your secret thoughts pure, your eyes consoled, your ears opened, your breasts dilated with joy, and your souls gladdened, and if you arise to assist the Covenant, to resist dissension and to be attracted to the Effulgence.” (Baha'i World Faith, p. 360)

One of the greatest Archangels is Michael, who is associated with Baha'u'llah in Thief in the Night. He has many functions such as guarding the nation of Israel, defeating the

Umayyad dragon (Rev. 12), and knowing the secret name of God. Alll of these point to Baha'u'llah.

Another great angel is Metatron, a Greek name meaning “behind the throne.” If the phrase sounds familiar, it can be found in the Kitdb-i-[qan (p. 79), in which it appears that the Imam Sadiq may have referred to the Shi'ihs with tongue in cheek. If Baha'u'llah is Metatron, He and His followers could not be called Shi'ih (partisans).

Two other great angels from Islamic lore are Israfil, the Angel of Resurrection, and Izra'il, the Angel of Death. ‘Abdu’l-Bahi, in Daily Lessons Received at ‘Akké (pp. 43-44), says these are not angels but the forces of composition and decomposition.

Another important angel for Baha'is is Ridvan, an entity believed to guard the Treasure or the ancient Paradise. Now we have the place and event of Ridvan, and Baha'u llah has flung wide the gates of the ancient Paradise.

In fact, He is the Tree of Life that was punted in Genesis by a cherub and a

flaming sword, but would be intro duced again in Revelation in the City of God.

Mark Townsend

Portland, Oregon

LETTERS POLICY

“The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions.”

—Abdu’l-Baha

The American Baha'iwelcomes letters to the editor on any topic of general interest. The purpose of the “letters” column is to allow a free and open exchange of ideas and opinions, never to denigrate another's views or to attack anyone personally. Opinions expressed in these columns are those of the writers, and are not necessarily those of the National Spiritual Assembly or the editors.

Letters should be as brief as possible (a 250word maximum is suggested) and are subject to editing for length and style. Please address all letters to The Editor, The American Baha't, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Racial theories fatally flawed

To the Editor:

Here's some ammunition to help us in our battle against color prejudice. Jonathon Ranks) a professor of anthro at Yale University, writes in an article titled “Black, White, Other” (Natural History magazine, December 1994) that there is no biological support for the idea of different human races.

There is nothing, he proposes, in genetics, skin color or facial features that can be used to group humankind into subspecies or races.

Mr. Marks further writes: “...By the 1960s, most anthropologists realized they could not defend any classification of Homo sapiens into biological subspecies or races that could be considered reasonably objective. They therefore stopped doing it, and stopped identiying the endeavor as a central goal of the field. ...”

For biologists, there is one race, one people. For anthropologists to understand differences in humanity, they look at cultures, or populations, not “races,” since there is no such thing.

“Of course, there are biological differences between people, and between populations,” Mr. Marks writes. “The question is: how are those differences

itterned? And the answer seems to Ee not zacially. Populations are the only readily identifiable units of humans, and even they are fluid, biologically similar to populations nearby, and biologically different from populations far away. ...

“In other words, the message of con temporary anthropology is: you may group humans into a small number of races if you want to, but you are denied biology as a support for it.”

Considering the disturbing attention that the media has recently given to “the Bell Curve,” which claims that one's 1.Q. is based on genetics and therefore race, and goes on to attribute lower I.Q.s to those with darker skin, it is especially important that we understand how false such a theory is.

Ina Tablet by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, answering an invitation to visit America, He wrote that “the union and harmony of the friends” was the “magnetic power” that would draw Him to our shores, and He revealed a prayer for the removal of prejudice, asking God to grant that through the promulgation of the “oneness of mankind” by the Baha'is “the perilous darkness of ignorant prejudice may vanish through the light of the Sun of ‘Truth, this dreary world may become illumined, this material realm may absorb the rays of the world of spirit, these different colors may merge into one color and the melody of praise may rise to the kingdom of Thy sanctity. ...” (Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Bahd, pp. 105106)

“Ignorant prejudice” is a killing disease, as we can see in our distressed society, and we can use science in conjunction with our own intuition that tells us we are one garden, one sea, one

sky, to battle it. Janet Ruhe

Beacon, New York

Faith is hope for poor, homeless

To the Editor: I was happy to see the articles about the Odyssey P ject in Tennessee and the

Woodburn (Oregon) Baha'i Center's soup kitchen (The American Bahi'i, November 23). It was good to see such a positive response [by Baha'is] to people who are poor or homeless.

I believe they represent another minority in our midst, a minority that is large in number and certainly repre sents many races, religions, national origins and age groups.

I also believe that the poor and homeless would be quite receptive to the message of Baha'u'llah, as it is a message of hope, and that is one of the big things they need.

ce again, thank you for giving attention to this subject.

Donna Kiser

West St. Paul, Minnesota

[Page 30]THe AMERICAN BAHA’i 30

EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS

GREEN ACRE STIRRING Up TEACHING

Green Acre has been active in working with the Auxiliary Board members in the Northeast to hold meetings that will assist the friends in the teaching work. It has also held a recent pilot of the new believers course to prepare new believers for their lives in the Faith of Baha’u’llah.

UpcomIna PROGRAMS

Memorial Day Weekend... May 26 - 29

Learn from the experts! Join popular speaker Bob Harris and Trish Swanson, the National Spiritual Assembly’s Public Information Officer, to discuss “Projecting the Baha’f Faith into Society.” This will be a “hands on, how to do it workshop” for Public Information Representatives, Baha’is with high visibility in the non-Baha’i community, and those embarking on a teaching campaign. Topics will include concepts of effective planning, engaging the media in an ongoing relationship, understanding the needs of society from a global perspective, anddeveloping strategies for becoming active, visible and vocal in community groups.

June 2-3

The first in a series of regional conferences sponsored by the Latin American Teaching Task Force will be held at Green Acre. Counselor Arturo Serrano will speak on “The Spiritual Destiny of the United States and the Urgency of Individual Initiative in the Three Year Plan.” The session will be held in Spanish. The Latin American Teaching Task Force envisions this session beginning a series of consultations where the friends will focus on aspects of growth, including developing vision and strategies.

SUMMER AT GREEN ACRE

Anexciting schedule of programs include 5-day family sessions throughout July and August

The Annual Youth Institute — July 9-15

Choral Institute with Tom Price -- July 30 - August 4

SPRING PROGRAMS AT LOUHELEN

This spring at Louhelen there will be a variety of programs designed to empower and inspire the friends of all ages to actively teach and devotedly serve the Cause during the final year of the Three Year Plan.

Youth

Youth Eagle Institute April 14-16 (Ages 14-18) with Rebequa and Marshall Murphy, and Junior Youth Institute April 28-30 (Ages 1115) with John Mangum and Charlotte Joyner.

Families

The highly popular annual Parent and Child Conference willbe held May 12-14. Thelma Khelghatiand Kathy Grammer will focus on spiritualizing the home and creating age-integrated experiences for famiies.

Local Spiritual

Assemblies

are invited to send several representatives to the second isa Development Weekend held May 26-28. Facilitated by Auxiliary Board members Dr. June Thomas and Dr. Curt Russell, this weekend is a wonderful opportunity for Assemblies to develop ‘their final plans towards the successful completion of the Three Year Plan.

Parent Facilitator Workshop

Among the many exciting sessions held in February was a Parent Facilitator Workshop offered through the National Teacher Training Center at Louhelen. Two new trainin; modules were introduce during the weekend, one fo cusing on raising a generation of ean free from prejudice and one addressing discipline. Developed by the National Baha’i Education Task Force under the direction of the National Spiritual Assembly, the course trains facilitators who then return to their local communities to conduct parenting workshops.

SUMMER AT LOUHELEN

Women’s Conference June 2-4

Ruhi Tutor Training June 9-14

Louhelen Youth Institute June 9-17

Camp Louhelen June 18-24

Persian Baha’i Studies June 30-July 4

REGIONAL SCHOOLS ACROSS THE CouNTRY

Mississippi

June 2-4. Featured teacher: Jack McCants. Contact: John Smith, (601) 636-8628. South Carolina

June 9-11, at Louis Gregory Baha’t Institute. North Carolina

June 30 - July 3. Contact: Sandra Miles, (910) 767-6888. Colorado East

July 1-4. Contact: John Bolz, (303) 666-9275. Nebraska

July 14-17. Contact: Billie Kay Bodie, (402) 865-4335. Four Corners

July 19-23. Contact: Carole Hitti, (303) 565-7910. Southern California

July 21-24, Teachers will include Counselor Wilma Ellis. Contact: Edye York, (909) 9831022. Montana

July 30-August 8. Contact: Marjorie Williams, (406) 6533034 lowa

August 11-15. Contact: Diane Findlay, (515) 992-3388. Green Lake

Conference

September 15-17. For lodging reservations, call 1-800-5588898

Bana’ i CHILDREN'S CLASS TEACHERS

Would you like to receive training in the Core Curriculum for the Spiritual Education of Children? Would you like to assist your community in becoming a Child Development Centered community? May 26-29 is your opportunity for Teacher Training in the Core Curriculum. Call the National Teacher Traini Center at Louhelen for details.

MakIna SUMMER PLANS?

Think about attending Baha’f school. Write or call the permanent schools and institutes or the National Education and Schools Office for brochures and other information. [Page 31]The spirit was really moving and so were all hands and feet as 140 participants gathered for music, study and sharing during the Black History Celebration in February. A lovely cross-section of many cultures and peoples of the world were represented at this special session. The program emphasized the recognition of contributions made by the Black community in the unfolding of world peace, as well as study of the Writings about the continued achievements they will accomplish. Several exhilarating performances were given by the Los Angeles Baha‘i Gospel Choir, and before long the session achieved the most marvelous blend of study intermixed with music ofevery sort. The children who attended learned about the spiritual nobility of the Black African community prior to slavery, and how this nobility continues to shine within the

RESEARCH, STUDY AT EXTENSIVE LIBRARY

Boschis inviting serious students of the Baha’i Faith to come to research and study on its quiet and beautiful campus

» any time. The school is proud to offer the country’s most extensive Baha'i research library available for general study, which includes the David Hofman, Marzieh Gail and Rabbani Trust collections, among others. With a quick phone call or fax, the school will assure that the library is made available and overnight accommodations will be lovingly prepared. Costis $45 per day, which includes meals and accommodations.

Black communities throughout the U.S. today.

Four Declare as Part of Seekers Weekend

The success of one of the newest concepts in programming - the Seekers Weekend is very exciting. The first-ever program designed specially for seekers, held during the weekend of February 3-5, was a huge success. The highlight of the weekend was four declarations of Faith! The program combined aspects of serious study of the Writings with the upliftment of art and music. It seems to be just what the Baha’is want, as they bring their seekers to a lovely retreat for an in-depth look at what the Faith has to offer. Special

rice for the v end - only $50 for seekers; if a Bahd’i brings a seeker, they also pay only $50. It pays to teach!

SUMMER AT Boscu

The LSA Team Development weekends

May 5-7 & June 9-11

A Marriage Enrichment Retreat weekend —- May 26-29 -- features Carrie and Terry Kneisler as facilitators. For adults only, with a romantic candle-lit dinner on the last evening.

Kicking offthe summer programs -- June 24 - July 1--is an exciting one-week Choral Camp directed by Tom Price. The goal is to put together a performing choir to teach the Faith through song. The s: sion willculminate withatleast one public performance. Applications are required to attend. Mustbe 12 years or older.

JALAL Be. 152 / Apri 9, 1995 31

EDUCATION AND SCHOO

Boscu CELEBRATES BLACK History Montu

TEACHING VICTORIES IN SouTH CAROLINA

The Louis Gregory Baha’i Institute and Radio Baha’i WLGI continue to be instrumental to the teaching work in South Carolina. During the Fast, a special teaching project inthe area wasinitiated. Auxiliary Board member Trudy White facilitated a three-day institute in preparation forthis teaching, which took as its mission sending out a minimum of 19 teachers daily for each of the 19 days of the Fast.

Dozens of people have come to the Faith as a result of this special emphasis on teaching.

Some have become Baha'is after being touched by a performance of the youth workshop, which inspired them to ask for more information. Others remembered coming to the Institute many years ago, as children, and are now embracing the Faith as adults. Still

others have been reached after being visited at their homes by Baha'is.

In addition to the teaching work which is centered at the Institute, there are active children and pre-youth classes which meet three times per week. Recently, 26 youth who were all new believers, including the class facilitators, met to discuss chastity.

A three-day program on developing youth as leaders was also recently held. The focus of the program was on developing a strong Baha’i identity and developing leadership skills which will be applicable in all areas of life. With an eye to the future, the youth program intends to assist youth to become better Baha’i teachers, administrators, and servants.

Bosch

Green Acre

Louhelen

500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-9677 (408) 423-3387 fax: (408) 423-7564 Internet: 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903 (207) 439-7200 fax: (207) 439-7202 Internet:

3208 South State Rd., Davison, MI 48423 (810) 653-5033 fax: (810) 653-7181 Internet: Louis Gregory Baha’i Institute Rt. 2, Box 71, Hemingway, SC 29554 (803) 558-5093 fax: (803) 558-2921 Internet: Native American Baha'i Institute P.O. Box 3167, Houck, AZ 86506 (602) 521-1064 fax: (602) 521-1063 Internet: National Education and Schools Office Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (708) 733-3492 fax (708) 733-3502 Internet:

NEXT ISSUE OF The American Baha

NABI WELCOMES New ADMINISTRA-~ TORS!

The most notable change at the Native American Baha’i Institute is the April 1 arrival of Esther and Joel Orona to serve, with Brad Rishel, as administrators of the Institute.

Esther and Joel Orona bring an extensive background in education, program development, and administration. Together with their family members, they comprise the performing group INKA, which has utilized the Baha’i Sacred Writings and native traditions in directly teaching the Faith. Esther has worked for the past several years at the Baha’i National Center in the Office of the Treasurer, while Joel has been the director of the Blackhawk Native American Education Extension in Chicago for the last two years.

The Oronas will join Brad Rishel, whohasserved at NABI for several years. Mr. Rishel will offer financial and communications leadership, allowing the Oronas to focus on teaching and thedevelopment of community programs. This new administrative team will begin a new era at this important post.

— Special section detailing the calendars for the permanent and regional schools this summer.

[Page 32]32

THe AMERICAN BAHA'I

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[Page 35]JALAL B.E. 152 © Apri 9, 1995 35

IN MEMORIAM

Expecting 30 people at a Baha'{ meeting and having 100-125 show up is something the Baha'is of Corpus Christi have often imagined and laughed about—but last November 20, the image became a reality as the friends took part in an Interf. Tour hosted by the National Conference.

The purpose of the Interfaith Tour is to acquaint the participants with the various religions in the Corpus Christi area. The group generally visits four religious groups, with the last providing refreshments.

The Baha'is eagerly accepted an invitation to take part in the tour, and asked that they be the last stop so that they might provide refreshments and fellowship.

Thirty people had signed up for the tour last year, and that is about how many the Baha'is were expecting. But two days before the event, they were told to expect 90 or more.

The friends were well-prepared.

Corpus Christi Baha’ is ‘overwhelmed’ by interfaith tour

Bahd'is in Corpus Christi, Texas, explain some tenets of the Faith to an audience of more than 90 who took part November 20 in an Interfaith Tour sponsored by the National Conference.

They had enough food, enough standing room in the home of the Baha'i family where the meeting was to be held, and enough volunteer help to serve the food and make everyone feel welcome.

The interfaith group displayed a keen interest in a brief general presentation on the Faith, and asked a number of relevant questions.

The director of the National Conference explained the Baha'i concept of

deepening toa local television reporter ile the cameraman photographed the event, parts of which were later broadcast on the evening news.

Two Baha'is from Corpus Christi serve on the National Conference board, while a young Baha'i is the leader of its youth group.

Homefront

Continued from page 2

If you are one of the valiant warriors of Bahd'u'llah who yearns to step forward into the arena of service, the hour is now!

“Let us join in deep and silent communion with the ever-watching spirit of our beloved ‘Abdu’I-Baha, and with humility and earnestness supplicate for guidance that will enable us to fulfill the task which is now committed to our charge.” (Shoghi Effendi, in Baha'i Administration)

Following is a listing of cities of more than 50,000 in Los Angeles County with the number of adults (in parentheses) needed to form their Assemblies based on preliminary contacts made by the Auxiliary Board:

Alhambra (6), Baldwin Park (8), Bellflower (7), Carson (7), Cerritos (1), Compton (6), El Monte (8), Huntington Park (9), Lynwood (9), Montebello (6), Monterey Park (8), Pico Rivera (9),

Rosemead (8), South Gate (6), West Covina (9).

Two Assemblies in Los Angeles County are jeopardized and need homefront pioneers to maintain Assembly status. They are Sierra Madre (1) and Temple City (2).

In addition to these goal areas and jeopardized Assemblies, there are a number of smaller communities who need homefront pioneers to help establish their Assemblies. They include:

Azuza (4), Compton JD (5), Duarte (2), Gardena (4), Hacienda Heights (1), Lawndale (2), La Mirada (5), La Puente (6), Rolling Hills (6), San Fernando (5), San Gabriel (4), Walnut (4).

Dear friends, pioneering, whether on the homefront or overseas, is, in the words of the Guardian, “the most important task an individual can perform today.”

If you would like more information about goal cities, or smaller cities that need homefront pioneers, please contact the National Teaching Committee office, 708-733-3494, or (for California) Auxiliary Board member for propagation Angelica Huerta, 213-386-3776.

Tony Carter, pioneer to Bolivia for over 20 years, is killed in automobile accident at the age of 49

William Anthony (Tony) Carter, a pioneer for more than 20 years in Bolivia, was killed in an automobile accidentat his post in February at the age of 49.

Mr. Carter, as a young man of 24 and a Baha‘i of less than a year, left Fort Worth, Texas, for Bolivia in April 1970 just me to fill a goal of the Nine Year Plan. He served four years in remote areas of the country, helping with mass teaching projects, and helped to form the first Assembly of Cobija.

To be with his seriously ill father, Mr. Carter returned to Fort Worth in April 1974 with his Bolivian wife, Noemi. His hope to return to Bolivia was fulfilled when he found a job in a company witha branch in that country and was able to return to his post in July

1977.

Upon his sudden untimely death, the National Assembly of Bolivia wrote that Mr. Carter had served “with devotion and sacrifice” and that his death marked a “great loss for the community of Bolivia.” Responding to the news of his death, the Universal House of Justice sent the following cable to the National Spiritual Assembly of Bolivia:

“Saddened news death devoted longtime pioneer William Anthony Carter. His steadfast sacrificial services warmly recalled. Assure fervent prayers Holy Shrines for progress his soul in realms on high. Kindly extend loving condolences to his family and many friends.”

Conway Bahda’is are visiting each believer’s home

As part of the consolidation process in Conway, South Carolina, the local Spiritual Assembly is scheduling visits to each believer’s home.

The visits are designed to “see if there is anything we can do to help” and to “assist each other in our neverending attempts to learn more about the Baha’i Faith and to better understand our responsibilities as Baha’is.”

The Assembly sees building a strong and active Baha’i community as one of the most important goals in its teaching plan.

Without a growing and energetic community, the Assembly believes, the Baha’is will not be able to effectively help their neighbors “as we all struggle with a world that is sick and getting sicker with each passing day.”

Memorial service held for teacher, writer, pioneer Jeanne Janus

On January 22, more than 50 people gathered at the Cultural Center in Mal— den, Massachusetts, to honor the memory of Jeanne Janus, a Baha'i teacher, writer and pioneer who died January 16 at age 91.

After becoming Baha'is in the earl 1950s, Mrs. Janus and her husband, Nicholas, served on the Spiritual Assembly of Ipswich, traveled and taught in French-speaking Canada, and in 1971 pioneered to Belgium and Luxembourg where their teachin; ng helped establish the first National Spiritual Assembly of Belgium.

After her husband's death in 1977, Mrs. Janus returned to the U.S. where,

in spite of physical disabilities brought on by diabetes, she wrote to more than 100 well-known authors to acquaint them with the Faith.

Her own book, A New Look at Unity, a compilation of her commentaries on the Writings of Baha'u'llah, was accepted by the Universal House of Justice for the World Center library.

Mrs. Janus continued to serve on the Spiritual Assemblies of Ipswich and Malden, and until 1994 her articles continued to appear in the Belgian Baha'i News. Her final months in a nursing, home were spent teaching the Cause to residents and staff.

IN MEMORIAM

Shirin Amiri Montecito, CA November 27, 1994 W. Anthony Carter Bolivia

March 1995

Sara G. Clark Silver City, NM November 3, 1994 Grace Davis

New Port Richey, FL November 1994

Richard Hildreth

Rita A. Keippela Crystal Falls, MI December 21, 1994

Jean Koerner Milwaukee, WI February 7, 1995

Helen L. Lindstrom Atlantic Mine, MI February 23, 1995 Glenn Lissner Bahamas December 24, 1994

Hans Magnusson

St. Louis, MO Peoria, IL September 16, 1994 January 19, 1995 Dorothy Hugus Robert McKown

Holiday, FL October 20, 1994

Niagara Falls, NY December 9, 1994

Ahmad Mohajeri Woodbury, MN February 19, 1995

Beth Newport Providence, RI February 1, 1995 Callie Reimer Oshkosh, WI February 17, 1995

Oramel Shreeve Boulder City, NV January 16, 1995 Paul Somerhalder Brentwood, CA November 8, 1994

Geneva M. Taylor Slidell, LA February 27, 1995

Mrs. Ka Vang, Sacramento, CA January 9, 1995

Roy Webb Chicago, IL February 9, 1995 Mary Wolter Chelsea, MI February 1, 1995

William Yengel Jr. Cortez, CO January 21, 1995

[Page 36]THe AMERICAN BAHA'I 36

CALENDAR

i Pre a bial aa 3 ¥ i \ On February 4, the Bahd'is of Savannah, Georgia, began their celebration of Black History Month with a jazz concert at Savannah State College with special guest Jay Corre (left), a tenor saxophonist and Baha'i from Hollywood, Florida, who has performed with such legendary jazz musicians as Dizzy Gillespie and Buddy Rich. Also pictured (left to right) are pianist Keith Williams, trombonist Teddy Adams, bass guitarist Phil Morrison and drummer Steve Silverstein who were joined on some numbers by vocalist Priscilla Albergotti. About 50 people enjoyed the concert, the Baha’ literature table, and a talk by Khani Morgan that included a brief overview of the Faith and a history of how African-Americans created the art form known as jazz. Besides Mr. Corre, Baha'i musicians were Mr. Williams and Mi

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JALAL B.E. 152 / Apri 9, 1995

APRIL,

13-16: Spring Break Session, Gender Issues, Bosch Baha'i School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

13-16: Women's Awakening, a special program for women, Bosch Baha’t School. Husbands will take part in children's classes or be invited to perform other services. For information, write to the Bosch School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, phone 408-423-3387, or fax 408-423-7564.

14-16: Youth Institute and Eagle Youth Institute, Louhelen Baha'i School. For information, phone 810-653-5033.

14-16: Alabama/ Northwest Florida Baha'i Summer School, Camp Sumatanga, Gallant, Alabama (about 20 miles from Gadsden). For information, contact the registrar, Peggy Scott, P.O. Box 36205, Birmingham, AL 35236-6205, or phone 205-979-1199.

21-27: Elderhostel with three challenging seminars for seniors, Bosch Baha'{ School. For information, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.

25-26: Ridvan fireside /fund-raiser for the Arc, Indianapolis, Indiana. Hospitality provided for those traveling to the National Convention. For information, phone Aleta Seifu, 317-322-1085, or Carol Niss, 317-547-3691.

29: Ridvan celebration, Louhelen Baha'i School. For information, phone 810653-5033.

MAY

ssembly Team Development Weekend (for Assemblies only), Bosch ‘hool. For information, write to the Bosch School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, phone 408-423-3387, or fax 408-423-7564.

12-14: Parent and Child Conference, Louhelen Baha'{ School. For information, phone 810-653-5033.

12-14: Rendezvous of the Soul weekend /Computer Networking, Bosch Baha'f School. For information, write to the Bosch School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, phone 408-423-3387, or fax 408-423-7564.

19-21: San Jose Retreat weekend, Bosch Baha'{ School, with Dr. Khalil and Mrs. Sue Khavari. For information, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564.

19-21: National Convention delegates’ report, Louhelen Baha'f School. For in— formation, phone 810-653-5033.

20: Second annual “Model of Racial Unity” Conference, Cobo Hall, Detroit, Michigan. Co-sponsored by the Baha’{ community of greater Detroit, the Catholic Youth Organization, and others. Early registration for the day-long conference including banquet lunch is expected to be $15. For information, write to Model of Racial Unity Task Force, P.O. Box 25174, Detroit, MI 48225, or phone 313-927-8158.

26-28: Local Spiritual Assembly Development Weekend, Louhelen Baha’ School. For information, phone 810-653-5033.

26-28: 22nd annual Conference of Nur, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Theme: “My Role in the Divine Plan.” Cost: $70 for adults, $35 for 4-8 year olds. Registration deadline: May 1. Pre-registration is a must; no walk-i limited to 420. For information, phone 717-390-1988 after 5 p.m. (

26-29: Ninth annual Marriage Enrichment Retreat, Bosch Baha’ ‘hool. For information, write to the Bosch School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, phone 408-423-3387, or fax 408- 7564.

26-29: Core Curriculum Teacher Training, Louhelen Baha'i School. For in— formation, phone 810-653-5033.

26-29: Memorial Day weekend program, “Projecting the Baha’{ Faith into Society” and hands-on workshop for Public Information Representatives (with Robert Harris and Trish Swanson), Green Acre Baha’{ School. For information, phone 207-439-7200.

27-29: Vision Quest Youth Conference, Purdue University, W. Lafayette, Indiana. Theme: “To Build a New World Is No Easy Task.” For information, phone Al Black (317-742-4140), Jo Akhavan (317-769-3579), or e-mail

. Attendance is

27-30: Marriage Enrichment Retreat, ninth annual Memorial Day weekend session for couples, Bosch Baha'i School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

JUNE

2-4: Northeastern Latino Conference, “Promoting Entry by Troops Among Latinos,” Green Acre Baha’{ School (in Spanish). For information, phone 207439-7200.

2-4: Mississippi Baha’i School, Wilson Inn, Jackson. Contact John Smith,

Vicksburg, MS 39180-5249 (phone 601-636-8628).

8-13: SITA/Bah4'i Youth Service Corps/Pioneering Institute, Baha'i National Center. For information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3512; fax 708-733-3509).

9-11: South Carolina Baha’ School, Louis Gregory Baha'i Institute, Heming— way.

Oi: Assembly Team Development Weekend (for Assemblies only), Bosch Baha'i School. For information, write to the Bosch School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, phone 408-423-3387, or fax 408-423-7564.

16-18: Hemlock Haven Baha’i School, Hungry Mother State Park, Marion, Virginia. Concurrent youth retreat June 151-18. For information: Sarah Jane Lee, P.O. Box 2165, Lebanon, VA 24266 (703-889-0445) or Clint Dye (703-873-6754).

17: First Northwest Baha'i Educators' Conference, Yakima County, Washington. Addressing areas of concern to professional Baha'i educators in the work—

lace and at Baha'{ schools. For information, phone Randie Gottlieb, 509-4542, or e-mail Rhett Diessner,

18: “Operation Patchwork,” Race Unity Day festival, lowa State Fairgrounds.

For information, phone 515-263-2778 or 515-961-0605 (leave message if neces

sary).

Z-july 1: Choral Training Session with Tom Price, Bosch Baha'i School. Applications required for attendance. Choir will present a public performance on June 30. No activities for smaller children. Write to the Bosch School, 500 Com— stock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, phone 408-423-3387, or fax 408-423-7564.