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[Page 1]

Decentralization: Guidance, details of plan Page 9

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nity in diversity of actions Teaching efforts: varied paths, same aim

By TOM MENNILLO

A “unity in diversity of actions” marks the many and varied teaching efforts being carried out around the country.

Some of these valuable pursuits have been gradually building for years. Others are fledgling efforts undertaken in realization that the end of the Three Year Plan is less than a year away and inspired by the news of successes in other areas of the country.

They represent a tapestry of teaching methods tailored to focal circumstances, each aiming for a sustainable process of growth leading to massive expansion of the Cause.

Also common to each are strong institutional guidance and support; comniunity unity of vision; and balance between proclamation, expansion and consolidation.

Magdalene Carney Baha’i Institute

The Magdalene Carney Baha'i Institute is winning an average of six to eight new souls to the Cause each week.

Just as important, the project in Lake Okeechobee, Florida, is working to wean itself from reliance on financial support from the National Teaching Committee.

In both instances the key is service.

The Institute provides much-needed Hieracy classes and programs designed to up ift area youth and children, taught mostly by Baha’ youth.

is activity has earned the Institute

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

> National Assembly studies decentralization plan 2

> Friends surpass first-quarter contributions goal by more than $50,000 5

> Association for Baha'f Studies sets 19th Conference in San Francisco 5

> Five new National Assem blies formed at Ridvan 13 > Complete listing of 1995 District Convention sites 20

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an elevated stature locally and made it easy to teach the Faith to community leaders and other residents. A fulltime teacher is in the field, aided significantly by new believers.

The Institute’s success also is attracting financial support from the friends in south Florida, along with the possi: bility of government and foundation grants for the youth programs.

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1993 - 1996

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In fact, the Institute's use of the Ruhi method for community development has caught the eye of local officials who

would like to use the techniques in youth programs at a local housing project.

Northern New Mexico

In January, four youth came back from a teaching trip to Mexico inspired

to involve everyone in their community in a teaching effort among the Indians.

The resulting project, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Paradise Hills—near Albuquerque—originally targeted residents of six pueblos in the area. The focus has since been narrowed to three pueblos.

Every Saturday, the teachers meet in the morning for prayer and consultation, then split into three teams for the 30- to 60-minute trip to the pueblos. When they return in the evening, the’

share their experiences and consult again.

Teaching in the pueblos starts with earning the friendship and trust of residents. The Baha'is learn about the Indians’ culture and share their own.

Contacts with individuals are reported to the coordinator for each team. Each is followed up in person or by letter, since many of the pueblo residents do

not have telephones.

The people are very hospitable, according to Layla Garrigues, one of the project founders. They often insist on feeding the Baha ’fs a full meal during their visit.

The teaching work is personally fulfilling as well, says Ms. Garrigues.

Counselors Jacqueline Left Hand Bull-Delahunt and Arturo Serrano have helped in the project, as have several traveling teachers in addition to local Baha'is.

More teachers are needed, especially full-time teachers who can devote weekdays to the effort. Contact project

See TEACHING page 14

Growth, universal participation transform Houston community

By TOM MENNILLO If there were any doubts among Houston-area Baha’is that largescale growth would accelerate the transformation of their communities, they have been erased by the Amatu’l-Baha Teaching Crusade.

The following items attest to the invigorating presence of well over 300 new believers:

• Pasadena, a home base of the Ku

Klux Klan, had no declarations in 15 years despite earnest proclamation of the Faith. Now, there are more than 40

new Baha'is in the community. At least 12 have attended events at the Baha’i Center, several more have been visited to aid in their consolidation, and others report they are reading the Writings and want to take an active role.

¢ A teaching team returned to its Center one night, tired and disappointed from the lack of response to its efforts that day. There, a new believer encouraged them to keep going, saying that even if nine people reject the message, the 10th might accept.

¢ A new believer showed up at a Baha'i event with newly shorn locks.

See HOUSTON page 15

gifts of love from around the world.

Outpouring of love helps 14-year-old battle brain tumor

In the April 9 issue of The American Baha’, a front-page article about 14-yearold Anne Zinke’s courageous battle witha brain tumor led to an outpouring of prayers, well-wishes and other expressions of sympathy and concern from Bahd’is in this country and around the world. We are happy to be able to publish the following letter to the friends from Anne herself. .

Thank you! I’m so glad that I am finally able to thank you all for the prayers, letters, cards, donations to the Arc Fund in my name, gifts, visits, blood and platelet donations (from those of you who were close enough to Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles), cassette tapes, thoughts and love.

Iam now out of the hospital and off almost all of my medications—thank

ou, Baha’u’lldh! My blood counts

ave been up to normal, and the doctors are telling me that I’m in remission! I know that it couldn’t have happened as well as it did without all the prayers.

Love,

Anne Zinke Cambria, California July 13, 1995

The Race Unity Conference that was scheduled to be held September 21-24 in Charleston, South Carolina, has been postponed until the spring of 1996. Further details will be published as they become available in future issues of The American Baha’t. [Page 2]THe AMERICAN BAHA'I 2

TEACHIN

Decentralization continued to be a principal topic of consultation during the National Spiritual Assembly’s meeting on July 21-23.

Since decentralization would lead to more responsibilities for local Spiritual Assemblies, means of communication with them and their ability to access relevant information at the Baha'i National Center are of immediate concern.

In this connection, the Office of Management Information Services presented to the National Spiritual Assembly a number of programs for electronically linking the senior and local institutions, keeping and accessing membership statistics, and enhancing financial analyses.

In view of the gradual maturation of local Spiritual Assemblies, the National Spiritual Assembly agreed to make their addresses available to the general public.

To add to the prestige of local Assemblies, the

National Assembly studies decentralization plan

National Assembly voted to ask the Local Spiritual Assembly Development Desk of the Community Administration and Development Office to help conduct a “recognition” ceremony whenever a Spiritual Assembly is formed in a locality for the first time.

Such events would present an opportunity to invite government officials, the press, and prominent individuals to acquaint them with the principles and institutions of the Faith.

The secretary for External Affairs reported among, other matters that the Coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Washington, D.C., has asked the associate director of the National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of External Affairs to share with a representative of Amnesty International leadership in the effort to secure Senate ratification of the United Nations Convention on Women. The National Spiritual Assembly voted to accept the request.

The National Spiritual Assembly did not meet with the National Teaching Committee during this session because the committee members were in Houston, Texas, observing and encouraging the successful teaching campaign conducted by a group of local Spiritual Assemblies in that area.

The National Spiritual Assembly discussed in detail the agenda of its August meeting with several of the Continental Counselors.

Among the matters proposed for consultation with the Counselors were decentralization, the current crisis in the National Baha’i Fund, preparations for the next Plan that will probably take the Baha’i community to the year 2000, the further development of the Indian Teaching Institute, and the baneful influence on society of groups that oppose the ideals of world order and world citizenship. (For more on decentralization, see page 11).

Latino-American Task Force begins series of conferences designed to promote entry by troops among Latinos

The Latino-American Task Force (a task force of the National Spiritual Assembly) has begun a series of working conferences in areas of the United States where Latinos live in great concentration.

The conferences are designed to promote entry by troops among Latinos and to initiate and support teaching projects targeted at specific populations with high potential for immediate growth.

The regions identified so far are the Northeast, Southern California, Texas, Florida and the Chicago area. Two conferences have been held, in the Northeast and Southern California, with the next one Planned for October 28-29 at the Baha’i Center in Austin, Texas.

The program of each conference consists of a series of workshops focused on two important aspects of growth essential for promoting entry by troops: “Grassroots Initiatives” and the development of “Strategic Visions For Growth.”

The Task Force envisions the conference as a place where friends will have the opportunity to become involved in the development of a vision for growth to be implemented in their own region.

For more information on registration and logistics phone Jorge Nosa at 512-990-0201, Alex Melendez at 303330-6122, or e-mail AlejandroM@aol.com.

Teaching Office staff is ready to help Assemblies, individuals

“The authority to direct the affairs of the Faith locate) nationally and internationally is divinely conferred on elected institutions. However, the power to accomplish the tasks of the community resides primarily in the mass of the believers. Individual initiative is a pre-eminent aspect of this power; it is therefore a major responsibility of the institutions to safeguard and stimulate it. Similarly, it is important for individuals to recognize and accept that the institutions must act as a guiding and moderating influence on the march of civilization. In this sense, the divine requirement that individuals obey the decisions of their Assemblies can clearly be seen as being indispensable to the progress of society.

“Indeed, individuals must not be abandoned entirely to their own devices with respect to the welfare of society as a whole, neither should they be stifled by the assumption of a dictatorial posture by members of the institutions.”—May 19, 1994, letter from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States

Dear Friends,

In the spirit of the letter of May 19 we would like to introduce ourselves to you so that we may be of help to each other in achieving the goals of our Three Year Plan.

Recently the National Teaching Committee was able to add to its skeleton staff so that it might accomplish more of the many tasks facing it. Our office is currently composed of:

HE AMERICAN BA\

National Spiritual Assemb! mailing offices. ISSN Number: 1062-1113

Executive Editor: Jack Bowers Associate Editor: Tom Mennillo

of the Baha'fs of the United States, 1233 Central St.,

Published every 38 days (plus one special issue) for a total of 10 a year by the ly Evanston, IL 60201. Second class postage paid at Evanston, IL and additional

The American Baha'i welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Baha’j Faith. Articles should be clear and concise; color or black-and-white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all correspondence and other materials to The Editor, The American Bahd’{, 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.

Kenneth Bowers—Secretary, National Teaching Committee

Ken oversees the day-to-day operations of the office. He implements decisions of the National Spiritual Assembly and the National Teaching Committee, covering a wide range of teaching initiatives at the regional and national levels. He also helps local Spiritual Assemblies formulate their teaching plans.

Camille Collins—Assistant to the Secretary, National Teaching Committee

Camille supports Ken in his activities. She is in charge of preparations for the upcoming Youth Conference in Dallas. She also prepares weekly teaching reports for the National Teaching Committee as well as monthly teaching reports for the National Spiritual Assembly.

Ada James—Coordinator, Special Projects

Ada oversees many areas. She is involved in American Indian Teaching and works closely with the regional American Indian Teaching Committees. She supervises the Army of Light and develops its training materials. With the Office of Pioneering she coordinates the Baha’i Youth Service Corps and homefront pioneering. She is also a liaison to the Arts Task Force.

Allegra Kazemzadeh—Coordinator, Communications and Development

Allegra’s primary duties include establishing an effective flow of teaching information (questions, suggestions, ideas, assistance) between believers across the country and the Teaching Office; writing for The American Baha'i; developing new teaching, materials—especially those appropriate for specific segments of the population; and helping the Arts Task Force in its efforts to promote teaching through the arts.

Dorita Krapf—Coordinator, National Army of Light

Dorita’s office functions somewhat like a placement service, hooking up youth with those Assemblies and groups who are interested in sponsoring a teaching project. Dorita helps develop training materials and runs training seminars for youth as well as for the regional Army of Light Coordinators.

Dr. Keyvan Nazerian—Administrator, National Projects

Keyvan works with, and helps coordinate the activities of, the State Teaching Committees and the various minority Teaching Task Forces. He keeps abreast of the local and state teaching conferences and major intercommunity teaching campaigns, and provides guidance and assistance as needed.

Oscar DeGruy—Coordinator, National Baha’i Youth Workshops

Oscar is the driving force behind the Youth Wonton: le travels around the country help to establish workshops and to help people understnad the significance behind them. The workshops’ main focus is teaching. Oscar works closely with Dorita and with others who are interesting in having workshops take part in teaching activities.

Pat Papadopulos—Assistant to the Administrator, National Projects

Pat reviews and assists in responding to the local Spiritual Assemblies’ teaching plans. She maintains and tracks information about emblies’ plans. She responds to questions about college clubs and helps in the formation of the clubs. She also responds to general questions about the Faith.

Our main function, as stated in the May 19 letter, is to help Assemblies and individual Baha’is achieve their teaching goals. We are ready to offer assi tance, support and guidance whenever needed. Please let us know how best we can work together. Keep us informed of your teaching activities— both those efforts that work and those that don’t.

Give us your ideas and suggestions. Tell us what kinds of materials would be of most use to you for teaching in your area. Together let us demonstrate our ability to work in harmony for the one thing we hold most dear, the Cause of Baha’u’llah.

With loving greetings,

The National Teaching Office September 1995

The National Spiritual Assembl would like to remind the Baha'is that itis necessary to obtain permission from the Universal House of Justice before traveling to Israel, whether for personal reasons or to visit the Baha'i Holy Places.

[Page 3]‘Izzat B.E. 152 © September 8, 1995

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TOTAL ENROLLMENTS

July isderisaisiisiuisssis 228: Year to date.. .. 736

THE FUND

(As of June 30, 1995)

YTD Goal YTD Actual

National Baha’{ Fund $2,083,334 $2,309,725* International Baha’{ Fund $668,612* Are Projects Fund $8,170,359 Continental Baha’{ Fund $42,643 Other Earmarked $65,752 Subtotal/Int’l Funds $8,947,366 Total/All Funds $11,257,091 dune’94 dune ’95

National Baha’i Fund $833,686 $1,564,490* International Baha’{ Fund $42,837 $631,177* Are Projects Fund $327,690 $6,551,202 Continental Baha'i Fund $21,076 $24,372 Other Earmarked $18,618 $40,697 Subtotal/Int’l Funds $410,221 $7,247,448 Total/All Funds $1,243,907 $8,811,938

• Includes an individual contribution of more than $1

million dividued equally between the International and National Baha’{ Funds

National Baha’i Fund: Goal & Actual $2,309,725

Where we need to be

$2,083,334

Arc Projects Fund $8,170,359

Where we were last year

$876,913

International Baha’i Fund

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| NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE

Army of Light National Youth Conference December 28 - 31, 1995 Dallas, Texas

Personal Information: Name

Street Address

City

State kk Oe ZIp Phone

Baha'i ID Number

Sex

Race/Ethnic Background

Special Assistance Required (i.e.-Wheelchair access, walking assistance, Blind Access)

VOLUNTEERS: We need volunteers. Please check your area of preference:

Ushering: Security: Registratio: As Assigned:

If you are under 18, please have your parent fill out the following:

Dp ats ee tt theparent Of EE AY ABU RS BEN Aa nirion: authorize the Baha’i Youth Conference Task Force to consent to any and all medical or surgical treatment deemed advisable by any physician or surgeon licensed under the provisions of the Medical Practice Act effective while my child is attending this event.

Date:

Signature of parent: Insurance company: Policy#:

If you are under 15, and attending without a

parent, please fill out the following:

eee ee eeees parent of , appoint

cee eens to be my:

child’s sponsor at the Baha’i National Youth

Pre-registration deadline—postmarked by November 20.

¢ Be sure to include payment with your registration form.

• Use only one form per person. Photocopies

are acceptable.

Fee for registration: $25. Fee must be included with registration form. Please make checks payable to: Bahai Youth Conference

Please note: On-site registration fee will be $35.

HOTEL: Hyatt Regency DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) 1-800-233-1234 or 214-453-1234

Rooms are $50 a night for up to four people, based on availability.

Please Note: December 10 is the final day to reserve a room at these rates. These rates are available for the nights of December 28, 29, & 30. Checkout is 12 noon on December 31.

FOOD: We have been notified that there will be no outside food allowed in the hotel. There are five restaurants on site. An optional meal plan is also available.

On-Site Registration: On-site registration begins on Thursday afternoon, December 28.

Medical Release for those under 18: Everyone under the age of 18 must have a parent fill out the medical release section on the registration form. NO EXCEPTIONS!

QUESTIONS: Any questions you may have about the conference should be directed to:

National Teaching Office 708-733-3498

Send registration form to:

Dallas Youth Conference

c/o National Teaching Office 1233 Central St.

Evanston, IL. 60201-1611

Holiday Blues?

Not this year.

The National Teaching Committee is hosting the 2nd Army of Light National Youth Conference, which will be held in Dallas, Texas, the last weekend in December.

ae Conference. The sponsor, who is of the same The conference, whose theme is “Excel[ivtere ve were ist year | $76,136 sex and over 21, will serve as a good and kindly lence in All Things,” will run from Thurs parent to my child and is fully responsible for day, December 28, to Sunday, December 31.

him/her at the conference. All nine members of the National Spiri tual Assembly are planning to attend. We Continental Bahé’{ Fund Date — hope you will be able to join us.

Signature of parent Please watch for subsequent issues of The bord Date American Bahd't for more information about $32,589 Signature of Sponsor the conference.

Y nid S

~

[Page 4]Tue AmeriCAN BAHA’ 4

PIONEERING

Part 1 in a series of articles

Local Assembly’s role in international work of the Cause

Introduction

The United States Baha‘i community has been given the privilege of being one of a few national communities to carry the greatest responsibility for assisting the growth of the Faith around the world, and pioneering continues to be the primary way in which this can be accomplished.

Each local Assembly is responsible for educating its community about the pioneering needs, whether international, national or local and to help in achieving them as their resources permit.

“These spiritual Assemblies are shinin; lamps and heavenly garcons from which the fragrances of holiness are diffused over all regions, and the lights of knowledge are shed abroad over all created things. ... They, indeed, are the potent sources of the progress of man, at all times and under all conditions.” (‘Abdu’l-Baha, quoted in God Passes By, p.332)

Assemblies are urged to keep the overseas needs ever before their communities, even as they do the national and local ones. The friends, including the children and youth, should understand the spiritual significance and importance of pioneering.

“...My primal object of this long trip was to show, by deed, to the friends of God that this is the season of teaching the Cause. Although Akkd and Haifa are the headquarters of the Cause, and I should stay there and from those Centers administer the affairs of the Cause, yet I left everything and traveled throughout the earth to herald the coming of the Kingdom of Abhd. Any person desiring to be surrounded by the confirmations of the Blessed Perfection must arise and teach the Cause. This is the Faith!” (‘Abdu’l-Bahd, “Star of the West,” Vol. IV, December 12, 1913, p. 25)

There are several concrete ways in which Assemblies can help the teaching work in addition to encouraging members in their communities to consider the possibility of offering to pioneer.

The Assembly can emphasize the need for contributions to the Deputization Fund.

“Center your energies in the propagation of the Faith of God. Whoso is worthy of so high a calling, let him arise and promote it. Whoso is unable, it is his duty to appoint him who will, in his stead, proclaim this Revelation.”

Focus children’s classes on the topic

Coming October 19-22, 1995, at Green Acre Baha‘i School:

Sensitive International Teaching Areas (SITA) Program Pioneering Institute Bahd’t Youth Service Corps Training

The Three Year Plan is drawing to a close. ...If you have ever dreamed of international pioneering, this is an opportunity to further prepare for this most meritorious service for the Cause of God. Come to beautiful Green Acre and discover how to transform that dream into a reality!

For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3508).

of pioneering and international service and channel the training and education of the members of its community in such a way that they will be well prepared to undertake this service.

“While the children are yet in their infancy feed them from the breast of heavenly grace, foster in the cradle of all excellence, rear them in the embrace of bounty. Give them the advantage of every useful kind of knowledge. ...Bring them up to work and strive and accustom them to hardship. Teach them to dedicate their lives to matters of great import and inspire them to undertake studies that will benefit mankind.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahd, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Bahd, p. 129)

“This Cause, although it embraces with equal esteem people of all ages, has a special message and mission for the youth of your generation. It is their charter for the future, their hope, their Fuarantee of better days to come.

erefore, the Guardian is especially happy that the young Baha’fs are active in pioneer work.” (Shoghi Effendi, etter his secretary, in Baha'i News, No. 161, March 1943, p. 1)

When an individual or family chooses to serve internationally, there may be concern for the depletion of the resources of the community, especially if the individual's departure will jeopardize homefront goals. While this may seem a dilemma, the Guardian has pointed out:

“..the most important service anyone can render the Faith today is to teach the Cause of God. The degree of importance of areas of service is first, pioneering in virgin areas of the Crusade, second, pioneering in one of the consolidation areas abroad, third, settling in one of the goal cities of the homefront, and finally, teaching with redoubled effort wherever a Baha’i may reside.” (From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, August 22, 1954)

In another letter the Guardian reminds us that:

“Pioneer service in these epoch-making days need not be confined to going out in foreign fields. The friends can pioneer on their assemblies in helping to bring about a keener vision

of what their duties are; they can pioneer in developing new local teaching methods, new contacts with new classes of people; indeed they can even be said to pioneer inwardly in finding new depths in their own souls and new ways in which their own God-given capacities can be put to use in serving the Faith.” (Letter written on behalf of the Guardian dated July 8, 1942)

Pioneering Office revises overseas Service Forms

The Office of Pioneering has revised its International Service Forms. These new forms will soon be mailed to all local Assemblies and should be filled out by anyone who is planning to pioneer, travel teach or enlist in the Baha’i Youth Service Corps. This packet will also contain valuable information and a listing of those countries which are in need of the abovementioned services.

Pioneer Institutes provide perspective on Baha’i service abroad

Imagine being involved in an intense weekend focused on understanding how to share the precious healing Message of Baha’u’llah with others in an environment different from your own. Is such preparation really necessary?

Imagine, on the other hand, arriving in another country and feeling lost because “these people” do not seem to act and think as “we” do.

The Universal House of Justice has encouraged all National Assemblies to “focus their energies on the spiritual preparation of the friends for this vital

For the second year, the Baha'is of Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana, took part in Shreveport's annual community service project, ‘Paint Your Heart Out,’ comprising one of 100 teams that painted homes of the elderly, poor and disabled using paint and materials donated by local merchants. The Bahd’is, wearing ‘Racism Just Undo It’ t-shirts, spent four hours painting the home of Henry Miller (standing at left), his wife (in background) and their grandson (fourth from tight). Afterward, the Baha'is held a picnic at a local park.

field of service [pioneering].” (June 30, 1993)

The Pioneering / Baha'i Youth Service Corps/SITA Institutes have been designed to provide you with an awareness of the skills and a spiritual perspective on service that will enhance your ability to be effective at your post. Your success as a pioneer will be in direct proportion to your spiritual and practical preparation.

For the friends, young and old, who have committed to serving Baha’u’llah as pioneers, we cordially invite you to

contact the Office of Pioneering about your interest in attending one of the upcoming Institutes. The next two scheduled sessions are:

October 19-22, 1995—Green Acre Baha'i School, Eliot, Maine.

January 1996—Bosch Baha'i School, Santa Cruz, California.

For more information, you can reach us at the Office of DOT Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 50091 (phone 708-733-3512; fax 708-733-3509; e-mail }

Critical need for pioneers and traveling teachers to Eastern Russia, Mongolia

The need for pioneers and travelin; teachers in Eastern Russia (Siberia) an Mongolia, as well as many other nearby countries, is critical.

The Universal House of Justice names these lands as countries in which “there are now especially fertile opportunities for the rapid spread of the Faith that must be urgently met.”

Several goal cities in the areas of Buryatia, Sakha and Yakutia in Russia,

in Mongolia, are in immediate need of pioneers and traveling teach ers. The compelling opportunities in these regions have been noted and emphasized by the International and Continental Counselors.

The Russia/Mongolia Teaching Committee, based in Alaska, is lending invaluable help to teachers and pioneers to the region and has arranged special orientation programs for them.

Whether to receive your final orientation on your way east, or to investigate the possibility of going, plan now

to attend an orientation program. The next one will be held during Thanksgiving week, November 24-26, in Anchorage, Alaska. An average of four institutes per year are expected to be offered.

We encourage you to consider giving some time to the teaching work in these vital areas. To take the first step toward going, contact your local Spiritual Assembly to consult and receive the forms for Pioneering /Baha’f Youth Service Corps or traveling teaching.

[Page 5]‘Izzat B.E. 152 » Serremoer 8,1995 5

E LIFE-BLOOD

Friends surpass first-quarter contributions goal

Figures released by the National Spiritual Assembly for the quarter ending July 31 show that we have met the first-quarter goal with more than $50,000 to spare.

This remarkable result, the best in many years, is the result of three main factors: the friends’ heartfelt response to the urging of their National Assembly to make this summer different; a deeper and wider understanding of the role of the Fund in living a Baha’{ life; and two very large gifts to the Fund from individuals.

The chart elsewhere on this page indicates that contributions to the National Fund totaled $3,151,000 as of the end of July, surpassing the $3.1 million goal by $51,000.

The monthly contributions goal needed to meet the $12.5 million target for the current fiscal year is just above $1 million, while the average since May, if the two large gifts are taken out of the equation, is about $750,000 per month. The total for July,

usually one of the slower months of the year in terms of contributions, was an impressive $841,000.

Meanwhile, contributions to the Arc Projects Fund received at the Baha’f National Center through July 31 totaled more than $11 million, nearly double the amount given during all of B.E. 151 (1994-95).

The year-to-date total through July is more than eight times greater than the total for the same three-month period last year, and more than seven times the total of two years ago.

Contributions in July 1995 were 27 times higher than the amount offered for the Arc in July 1994—and even greater amounts have been pledged.

We should not forget that some 1,500 Baha'is made binding commitments to the Universal House of Justice during ‘Ali Nakhjavani’s recent visit to the U.S. that they would contribute enough to ensure that the goal of $40 million for the Arc by the end of the Three Year Plan is reached.

$3,091

$3,151,000

AtJuly 31,1995

‘Anarchy into Order’ theme of 19th annual Association for Baha’i Studies Conference

“Anarchy into Order” is the theme of the 19th annual Conference of the Association for Baha’f Studies, to be held October 12-15 at the Hyatt RegencyAirport Hotel in San Francisco, California.

The Conference will examine the processes leading to uniting the nations by exploring, in a multidisciplinary fashion, four priorities: ean rights, the advancement of women, moral development, and’global prosperity.

The 1995 Hasan Balyuzi Memorial Lecture, “Téhirih: A Portrait in Poetry,” will be delivered by Amin Banani, a Baha’i who is a professor of history at UCLA.

Others among the 16 speakers at the Conference’s general sessions include:

¢ Frank C. Newman, retired Justice of the California Supreme Court.

• Betty Reardon, director of the Peace Education

program at Columbia University in New York City.

• Ben Crow, professor of Development Studies at

INTO ORDER

Cura) LEClTy

Association for Baha’i Studies in North America ANARCHY INTO ORDER: UNITING THE NATIONS

Themes: * Human Rights * Advancement of Women

• Moral Development « Global Prosperity

Hyatt Regency Hotel at San Francisco Airport, California

the University of California-Berkeley and Stanford University.

This year, a special seminar will be presented on “Local Community Challenges” with leaders from anumber of community organizations and agencies taking part.

Special interest groups including those on the arts, agriculture, business and economics, science and technology, the study of religion, the environment, women and gender issues, race unity and education, will meet all day Thursday.

In addition, the Baha’f Justice Society will offer a training session in mediation skills, while the Baha’f Computer and Communications Association (BCCA) will also meet during the Conference.

Evening programs will focus on the arts. For Conference registration information, phone

613-233-1903 or e-mail before October 2 for discount fees.

19th Annual Conference

October 12-15 1995

Registration

‘W Hotel: Hyatt Regency at San Francisco Airport. Call 1-800-233-1234, ask for “Association for Bahd’i Studies (ABS) Conference” rates of $95/night single/double; $105 triple; $115 quad. Register early since limited rooms available at our special rates.

‘®W Airline: United Airlines (Event #589MC): 1-800-521-4041. Air Canada (Event #CV951222): 1-800-361-7585. Only these two airlines offer our special discount fares if you refer to the event number listed above.

‘& Conference: Call the ABS-Ottawa, Canada office to register to attend the conference: (613) 233-1903.

‘& Send presentation/paper proposals as soon as possible to Conference Co-Conveners: Sheila Banani: Santa Monica, CA 90402. Fax: (310) 394-6167 e-mail: or Dr. Robert Stockman: Research Office, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 Fax: (708) 733-3563 e-mail:

Consecration is...

The dictionary says that consecration means to declare something holy. The word shares the same Latin root as “sacrifice,” which Webster’s says means to dedicate something to a higher goal or to a claim that is more urgent.

In these days, the Baha’is are adding new meanings to these ancient words. Consider, for example:

¢ The couple in southern California who heard Mr. Nakhjavani speak, pledged a unit apiece for the Arc, and then, at the next meeting, fulfilled those pledges with cash and brought $9,000 for each of their children, too.

¢ The believers in many areas of the country who are working around the clock each day to bring in the troops.

¢ The family in central Illinois who pledged $9,000 and contributed $36,000.

• The woman in Washington state who thought

that their new teaching teams would need a home base, so she handed the keys to her house to the local Assembly.

• The youth who have gathered together to sew

prayer-book pouches to raise money for the Faith.

• The volunteers who provided the National Assembly with nearly $4 million in free services last

year alone.

Each of these friends has made some decisions: they have read the letters, prayed and consulted, and have done their best to determine what the Faith needs right now. Then, they have acted.

One of the things these dear friends obviously have figured out is that teaching isn’t just something you do on the odd weekend, any more than you make one contribution and then you’re done.

We didn’t know our own strength!

There’s a place in the Southeast that has great natural beauty: some rivers, some mountains, and three “county” Baha’f communities, all on the same piece of adjoining real estate.

It’s not especially rich country—in fact, much of it is too close to the vertical to do much with except admire it—and the Baha‘is there aren’t especially rich, either, at least financially.

These folks got together to raise some money: there were these buildings on a Mountain (a faraway one, not any of the homegrown ones) they wanted to help build. They thought that together, they could scrape up about $18,000 over two years.

They made a good start—$11,400 in the first year. Going into the second, they pulled out some stops and in the first three months they gave almost $30,000. And they maintained their giving to the other Funds—Peter and Paul were both provided for. Now, there are just 28 tall pert among them, so this was pretty good all around!

[Page 6]

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‘Izzat B.E. 152 © Septemper 8, 1995 9

U.S. decentralization process moves steadily forward

The three-year-old decentralization proses is rapidly coming to fruition.

he process that began with an extensive period of examination and reflection by the National Spiritual Assembly during the Holy Year now moves toward the stage of implementation with the recent request from the National Assembly for input from the community.

As the National Spiritual Assembly stated in its letter of June 21 to all local Spiritual Assemblies (reprinted in the August 1 issue of The American Baha’t) the decentralization process arose from consultations on the growth of our community and the consequent need to increase the efficacy of the national administration’s services.

Reorganization and distribution of administrative functions must take

lace on several levels: the work of the

ational Assembly itself, the Baha’i National Center, and Spiritual Assemblies. The organization and work of the Baha‘{ National Center and of local Spiritual Assemblies must evolve to prepare for the growth the community will experience.

Extensive consultations on this issue resulted in a preliminary plan for decentralization that was published in The American Baha'i on September 8, 1992. After the publication of this general plan, consultation continued on its implementation. This aspect was delayed, however, owing to the lack of necessary funds.

Discussions on this issue continued, and the additional input of the Universal House of Justice was sought to help further crystallize the best method for

implementing this decentralization.

In its reply, the House of Justice provides information on the decentralization efforts that are taking place in various other countries but does not mandate any particular approach.

Given the pressing needs of the Baha’i community and its imminent promty the National Spiritual Assem ly has decided to proceed. In its June 21 letter the National Assembly sought additional input from local Spiritual Assemblies to help refine its plans.

The letter sets forth the basic framework of self-funding Regional Teaching and Administrative Committees to be situated in the four regions designated in the Tablets of the Bivine Plan.

In addition, it solicits suggestions on what responsibilities these regional

bodies might have to better serve the friends as well as names of those to be considered for appointment to the committees. Input from individuals has also been welcomed.

The initial responses have been com iled for consultation by the National Spiritual Assembly and the Counselors, after which they will be shared with the community.

Additional consultation will be sought from those attending the District Conventions in October, and results sent to the National Assembly. All of this input will be essential in moving toward the gradual implementation of these plans and their manifestation in establishing the Regional Teaching and Administrative Committees.

House of Justice describes overseas decentralization efforts

The following letter from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly outlines decentralization approaches taken by National Spiritual Assemblies in various countries.

The letter was sent in response to questions raised bythe National Spiritual Assembly during its March 1994 visit with the Supreme Institution. These questions were posed in order to further decentralization investigations Depa by the National Assembly during the Holy Year (for more information on decentralization, please refer to the article on this

age).

in the following letter the Universal House of Justice provides principles for devising a plan of decentralization without mandating a particular course of action. Its general distribution is timed to hel, the Bahé%community, in its consultations on this issue. The National Spiritual Assembly encourages the community’s prayerful reflection and discussion of the various aspects of this historic and momentous development.

. To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd’ts of the United States

ear Baha'i Friends,

Further to its letter to you of May 19, 1994, the Universal House of Justice has asked us to conve’ the following information about the actions which have been taken by National Spiritual Assemblies in several countries to bring about a degree of decentralization of their national administration.

This information is intended to be a stimulus to you in your consultation about the approach you should adopt in your area to decentralize the administrative functions in the United States, and you should not feel constrained to follow the precise form of the approaches described here.

The approach used initially involved the establishment of State Baha’f Councils. Later, the formation of Regional Teaching and Administrative Committees was favored. The use of such committees appears more suited to your circumstances, but descriptions of the functions of both State Baha’i Councils and Regional Teaching and Administrative Committees are provided here for completeness.

State Baha’i Councils were established in India some years ago, with the explicit approval of the House of Justice, because of the vastness of the country, the large number of believers, the difficulty in communications due to the different languages used in the different states, and the need to stimulate expansion and consolidation at the grassroots.

Later, the Universal House of Justice approved the establishment of State Baha’f Councils in Sabah and Sarawak in eastern Malaysia, and Baha’f Provincial Councils in Zaire. In India, each Council is elected by the members of the local Spiritual Assemblies of the state every year on May 23. The election of the Council is confirmed by the National Spiritual Assembly as in the case of local Spiritual Assemblies.

The functions of the Council include: implementing the policies of the National Spiritual Assembly;

making decisions within the area of authority vested in it by the National Assembly; taking initiative for the promotion of the Faith in its area, within the framework of the over-all teaching plan approved by the National Assembly; supervising on behalf of the National Assembly the efficient execution of the plans and projects being carried out in the state; and dealing with administrative matters including the appointment of state committees for teaching or for other functions which are assigned by the National Assembly.

However, the Council does not have the authority to remove or restore the administrative rights of believers but may recommend such action to the National Assembly.

Furthermore, the State Council encourages support of the various funds of the Cause and acts as one of the channels for the transmission of contributions to the National Spiritual Assembly.

The Council budget is specified by the National Spiritual Assembly which may, at its discretion, provide the Council with all or part of the funds required for that budget; in the latter case, the Council is free to accept contributions from the believers to make up the sum required, with such contributions being considered as donations to the National Fund.

The aim is that, in due course, the entire budget for the State Council would be provided from the believers in the state. The National Assembly allows the Council a wide latitude for autonomous action, intervening in its work only in matters which the Assembly regards as being of major importance.

Elsewhere, such as in Brazil, the Philippines, Colombia, Bolivia and Kenya, Regional Teaching and Administrative Committees have been established, and similar committees are in the process of being formed in Russia and Canada. The main task of these committees is to devise and execute expansion and consolidation plans in close collaboration with the local Spiritual Assemblies and the believers within their area of jurisdiction.

Their goal is to create strong local Spiritual Assemblies which are the focal centers of Baha'i activity, and which are able to demonstrate their vital importance in the development of the Faith and their ability to regulate the affairs of their local communities.

These committees are allowed to develop their own programs and carry out their day-to-day work without having to obtain further approval. However, through their frequent reports and the minutes of their meetings, the National Assembly is kept informed of their activities and maintains its over-all supervision of the affairs of the Cause in the country.

Regional Committees. may also be given authority to appoint, direct and supervise the work of subsidiary area or district teaching committees, but the appointment of the membership on such subsidiary committees is confirmed by the National Spiritual Assembly.

Regional Teaching and Administrative Commit tees may also undertake some administrative tasks aside from those related directly to the teaching work. In some instances, they are asked to arrange and supervise the unit area elections of National Convention delegates. It is, of course, entirely within the purview of the National Spiritual Assembly to determine what administrative tasks may be assigned to these committees.

The Regional Committees receive an adequate budget from the National Spiritual Assembly in proportion to the size of their area of jurisdiction and the tasks and programs to be administered. They are allowed in some places to receive contributions toward their work from the friends in the area of their operation. These matters are left to the discretion of the National Assembly to decide.

The members of a Regional Committee are appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly through a process by which the National Assembly invites the local Spiritual Assemblies of the region to propose confidentially the names of the believers enor they regard as being best qualified to serve in this capacity; similar requests are made of the Auxiliary Board members who serve that region.

The National Assembly then makes its selection of the membership from the names proposed and from any other names it may wish to add. Members of the Regional Committee serve for a term of one

ear. The Regional Committees report directly to the ational Spiritual Assembly.

It has been found that to win support for the formation of such committees, it is commendable to hold a meeting with the friends of the area to discuss the needs they perceive and to consider their opinions and advice. Involvement of the Counselors in the preparations for such activities is important to the outcome and to the continuing development of the committees.

In the National Assembly’s consultation with the Counselors, it has been found useful to consider the means for the prompt and efficient exchange of information between the Auxiliary Board members and the Regional Committees, and for periodic meetings for them to consult together on the needs and opportunities in the region.

The results of the deliberations between the Auxiliary Board members and the Regional Committees are reported to the Counselors and the National Spiritual Assembly, so that appropriate decisions can be made and the necessary guidance provided to the various Baha’ bodies serving the regions.

The House of Justice trusts that the information provided here will be of value to you in your consultation on means by which you can bring about the decentralization you are seeking. It would welcome your advising it of the approach you plan to adopt, and would appreciate the opportunity to comment on the approach in due course.

With loving Baha’i greetings,

The Universal House of Justice Department of the Secretariat June 27, 1994

[Page 10]Tue AMERICAN BAHA'I 10

ACTIVITIES

Do You lklave Rocks in VYourr Feeling Boss?

by Joe Galata and Cindy Savage

Everyone has a feeling box.

You even know where it is. You can’t touch it or see it, even with an x-ray. No doctor can prove it exists, but somewhere between your heart and your belly button, right in the pit of your stomach, is a special place—your feeling box.

Have you ever been on an airplane ora roller coaster that suddenly went up or down? You felt that fear and excitement in your feeling box. Have you ever had to stand up and talk or say a prayer in front of people and got “butterflies in your stomach”? Or have you ever been mad enough that your stomach was “tied up in knots”? Have you ever loved someone so much that you felt all warm and gushy inside and you just wanted to hug yourself? Then you know exactly where your feeling box is. That's good. Because your feel-, / ings connect you to your spiritual self. And, your

You see, we teally have three parts—our body, or physical self, our brain, or mental self, and our spiritual self. Having a spiritual self is what makes people special and different from plants, minerals, and animals.

People and animals actually have lots of things in common. Do you have a puppy or kitten? You both have eyes, a nose, a tongue, etc. You both have to eat and sleep and play. You both have bodies.

If lightning and thunder crack and rumble outside, both you and your pet might be afraid and know enough to go inside. So, you both have brains.

But what about your spirit—the part that connects you to God? If you learn to play the piano, one day you might create a magnificent symphony. Your puppy can learn to roll over and sit, but we're not sure if he can ever be creative and make up his own tricks. People can love each other, have faith, hope, creativity and a sense of humor. Animals probably don’t tell jokes to each other. We don’t know if their spirit connects them to God in the same way that ours does.

‘Abdu'l-Baha loved to laugh. He told us that our spirits should be happy and our homes filled with laughter.

Sometimes things get in the way of our happiness. Each time we feel pain or fear, confusion or loneliness, it’s like putting rocks in our feeling box. They weigh us down and make us hurt. They are dirty and messy and carrying them

Special thanks to the Lansdowne family of Charlotte, North Carolina for suggesting we share this activity with everyone!

around makes us tired and unhappy.

Sometimes people try to get rid of the rocks by drinking alcohol or taking drugs. But alcohol and drugs only hide the rocks for a short time. The rocks are still there getting heavier and uglier each day. What can we do?

Prayer is the answer.

When we pray, Bahd’u'llah cleanses our spirits. He sends a stream of pure, clear water to clean the rocks and turn them into shining, sparkling gems. The gems are really beautiful feelings that make us feel beautiful and happy.

How we pray is very important. We must use our bodies, our minds, and our spirits together if we want our prayers to cleanse us.

ne A Sometimes we o pray only with Fee ( our bodies. We RS say the words, or

> read the words, or listen to the

words, but we

~ don’t really feel them.

d

Sometimes we © pray only with our brains. We might want God gy tO fix something so badly that we tush through the prayer to get to the end so that God can help us faster. But we're so sad or worried that the words get swallowed up and we don’t feel them.

Bahd‘u'llah tells us we must pray with our hearts. We must feel every word. We must pray with hope and joy, happiness, love and faith. We can’t pray just with our bodies and our brains. We must pray with our spirits connected to God.

Here are some ways we can pray so that these three parts of us—our bodies, brains and spi can connect with God.

Body: Show respect and reverence with our bodies. Sit up straight. Keep our arms, hands, legs and feet to ourselves. (Don’t lay down on the floor, watch TV or eat while you are praying, or while someone else is praying. That wouldn’t be very respectful.)

Mind: Focus your thoughts on who Baha‘u'll4h is and what you are praying about. ‘Abdu’l-Baha says we must look at the heart of every word. You could try to make pictures in your mind that are beautiful and remind you of a special holy place or a peaceful scene.

Spirit: Allow feelings of joy to fill your feeling box. Imagine that you are hugging ‘Abdu’'l-Baha or making someone happy. After your prayer, meditate (sit, think, and feel) for a little longer to really appreciate how much God loves you. *

Mlustrated by Judith Noyes-Farnsworth ©1994 Reprinted from Brilliant Star, Special Edition 1994

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Issues Available: Patterns of Hope JA 95 The Door to the Future mj 95 ‘The First Prejudice-Free Generation MA 95 Press On to Meet the Dawn jr 95 In the Darkest Hour Np 94 Putting the Vision into Action! so 94 Starship: Life of the Bab JA 94 Courage MA 94 Families jr 94 My Part of the Plan Np 9 Being Leaders so 93 Life’s Journey: Purpose of Life mj 93 From Racism to Unity MA 93 The Life of ‘Abdu'l-Baha np 92 The 1992 World Congress so 92 Bahd‘u'llah Special Edition 1991 The Covenant Special Edition 1992 The Kitdb-i-Aqdas Special Edition 1993 From Gnats to Eagles Special Edition 1994

[Page 11]‘Izzat B.E. 152 © Septemper 8, 1995,

RACE UNITY

11

Race unity celebrations blanket Indiana

Indiana Baha’is had Race Unity Day covered like a picnic blanket this June with celebrations in Bloomington, Ft. Wayne, Gary, Indianapolis and Lafayette.

One hundred people joined the Bloomington community for the wellorganized park festivities.

The choir from the largest AfricanAmerican church in Bloomington was waylaid by bus troubles, but there was a full program nonetheless.

A representative of Indiana University made a presentation. Ruth Farnsworth performed a rap she composed on the need for race unity. A medley of folk songs from around the world was performed. And the evening concluded with an enthusias Publicity helps Peoria Baha’is draw a crowd

This year’s Race Unity Day observance in Peoria, Illinois, was a great success thanks to unprecedented free publicity both before and after the June 11 event.

Asa result, more than 75 people were present to hear an address BF Reginald Newkirk, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, who has worked in the field of human rights and race relations for more than two decades.

Mr. Newkirk’s appearance was preceded by 10 days of radio spots donated by two popular local stations and four pre-program newspaper articles totaling 179 column inches.

‘Two more newspaper articles following the program added another 94 column inches for a total of 273.

Mr. Newkirk was interviewed before the program by the local CBS and NBC television stations.

He spoke on Saturday, June 10, to

RACE UNITY BRIEFS

tic set of folk dances.

Ft. Wayne Baha'is had a doubly satisfying weekend.

First they took part in the Ft. Wayne Black Expo, which usually has few white attendees.

The Indiana Dawnbreakers Baha'i Youth Workshop performed and invited people to the next day’s Race Unity Day program.

One of the most effective activities was the Workshop youth sitting with children at the Expo and blowing bubbles. Not a lot of formal teaching took place, but a positive feeling was engendered.

At 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon, the “main event” was held at the Ft.

Wayne Art Museum. Garland Borden was the Bahai rep resentative on a panel of speakers. He particularly touched the hearts of the audience with his subtle humor.

He demonstrated the Baha’i commitment to race unity by listing all of the cities in which activities were taking

place, in each case describing how

"people gathered, they shared leas...and they shared food.” After the

fifth “...and the shared food,” the au dience was in the palm of his hand.

The 90-minute program also included Filipino dancers, a children’s choir from an African-American church, poems by a representative of the Jewish community, the Unity Prayer in Spanish, and presentations by representatives of the YWCA, IU/ Purdue at Ft. Wayne, and a Department of Education training center.

students and parents of the TSTM (Tomorrow’s Scientists, Technicians and Managers) group.

Also appearing that day was the Central Illinois Baha’i Youth Workshop, “The Candles of the Covenant.”

Mayor James Maloof of Peoria declared June 11 “Race Unity Day,” setting the stage for Mr. Newkiok s address entitled “Approaching the Mil J iu Reginald Newkirk, secretary-general.of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, addresses the Race Unity Day gathering June 11 in Peoria, Illinois.

lennium: Steps Toward Racial Unity.”

Follow-up articles in the Pekin Daily Times and Peoria’s Weekly Traveler quoted Mr. Newkirk paensively onthe Baha‘i principle of racial equality and the need for spiritual values in a materialistic world.

Entertainment at the Race Unity Day event was provided by tenor Michael Hurt, a noted opera singer from Peoria.

First-ever event is success in Jackson, Tennessee

On June 10, the Baha’is of JacksonMadison County, Tennessee, were joined by isolated believers from Henderson and Decatur counties at the first-ever Race Unity gathering in the three neighboring counties.

An estimated 150-200 people took part in the event at Jackson’s Highland Park.

City Councilman Roy Morgan, representing Mayor Charles Farmer, proclaimed it Race Unity Day in Jackson.

Performers at the event included the Jackson Community Chorus, the Nashville Baha’{ Choir, the Tennessee Baha’i Youth Workshop, Korean dancer HeySuk-Reagor and TOKA Taylor, a Baha’i past vocalist/storyteller from Sa lem, Virginia.

Many seekers were in the audience to hear Baha’i speaker David Whitfield thanks to publicity on local radio and television and in the newspaper.

On June 11, Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Project Racial Harmony, in cooperation

with the Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry’s Task Force on Racism, sponsored Unity Day, a celebration of the community’s social diversity.

The celebration included story-telling, arts and crafts, face painting, ethnic dancing, quilt-making and a community picnic.

Attendees were invited to bring with them a completed 18-inch-square block of fabric to be included in a “unity quilt.” Individuals and groups were encouraged to design squares that portrayed their understanding of racial harmony.

The Bahd’is submitted several blocks, one of which—depicting an angel carrying a small child—drew the most attention. The representation was inspired by a widely publicized photograph of a fireman carrying an injured child from the remains of the bombed-out Federal Building in Oklahoma City.

Three members of the Spiritual Assembly of Tulsa serve on the TMM’s

Task Force on Racism. .

For the third year in a row, the Baha’is of greater Austin, Texas, hosted a Race Unity Day event June 11 at the city’s Waterloo Park.

Austin Metro Ministries, which includes more than 100 churches in its membership, co-sponsored the event at which 10 performing groups representing cultures from all over the world entertained throughout the afternoon.

A children’s carnival featured facepainting, crafts tables, a sponge toss, moon walk and bungee run.

Media coverage was extensive with radio and television interviews, articles in five local newspapers, and news coverage of the event on the local ABC and CBS-TV affiliates.

The mayor of Austin proclaimed “Race Unity Day” in the city. His proclamation was televised with a oneminute acceptance speech by Karen O’Brien, a Baha’i from Austin.

People stayed afterward to talk at length with the speakers and those attending, and to share food.

In Gary, 14 people—half from other faiths—came together for a celebration that built on work over the past year and a half with the Inter-Faith Alliance.

Indianapolis’s Race Unity Day picnic just beat the rain. There was plenty of food, beverages, fun and fellowship.

Lalita Amos-Borden was the speaker. She challenged everyone to pair off and then spend 10 minutes praising each other.

After eating, attendees were entertained by traveling teacher/musician Matthew Levine and by Soul Speak, a poetry-music trio comprised of Brian and Debbie Wittman and Joy Sylvester.

Cnity awards bestowed in Bloomington

The fourth annual “Light of Unity” awards were presented June 10 by the + Spiritual Assembly of Bloomington, Illinois, to two individuals and an organization singled out for their contributions toward multiculturalism and the elimination of racism.

Receiving the awards were Kathryn Dean for her many activities on behalf of better race relations over the years; Savario Mungo, professor at Illinois State University, for participating on the Task Force on Multiculturalism at the College of Education and developing the classroom course Introduction to Multicultural Education; and the Coalition for Diversity and Reconciliation for its efforts to raise awareness and present models of reconciliation and appreciation of diversity.

Each recipient was given a framed batik portraying the faces of children of various races, created by Ann Rundall, a Baha’i from Rockford, and a copy of “The Vision of Race Unity: America’s Most Challenging Issue.”

In choosing nominees for the awards, the Spiritual Assembly of Bloomington asked for and received help from the Bloomington/Normal Human Relations Commission, Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University.

Keynote speaker at the ceremony was Dr. June Thomas, a Baha’i from East Lansing, Michigan, who chronicled the origins of the Faith and its principles including the Baha'i position on race unity.

The local newspaper published articles about the presentation both before and after the event.

Orlando youth perform for 60 people at picnic

About 60 people from Melbourne, Vero Beach and Orlando, Florida, attended the seventh annual Race Unity Day picnic June 10 in Melbourne.

Performing at the event was the Orlando Baha'i Youth Workshop.

An article about the gathering appeared June 12 in the Florida Today newspaper.

[Page 12]COMMUNITY NEW:

THe AmeriCAN BAHA’T

Spiritual Assembly of Oklahoma City says thanks

The Spiritual Assembly of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, issued a letter of thanks June 18 to all those who have responded to the tragic bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building that resulted in more than 200 deaths.

Dear friends,

The Oklahoma City Baha’{ community wishes to express our sincere gratitude for your loving expressions of sympathy and kindness. We were deeply touched by the outpouring of love we received from Baha’fs all over the world. The multitude of heart- and soul-stirring prayers, the beautiful

cards, the touching children’s pictures and letters, and your generous and sacrificial donations are greatly appreciated.

Through this unfortunate event, Bah4’u'llah has blessed us with the bounty of numerous teaching, Pree tunities, especially to members of the clergy, and tremendously heightened our visibility.

There are many organizations that responded to the call. The response was tremendous, and some organizations, such as the Red Cross, asked the public not to make further contributions because the disaster relief funds

had been safisfied. The Oklahoma City local Spiritual Assembly consulted on this matter and decided to send the friends’ donations to the Interfaith Disaster Recovery of Greater Oklahoma City.

This organization, in which the Baha‘i Faith is playing a highly visible role, has a mission to bring about healing by fostering unity. In fact, its mission statement, written by a Baha'i, prominently incorporates Baha’{ principles of unity.

The Interfaith Disaster Recovery of Greater Oklahoma City has provided an excellent opportunity to teach our

we

Delahunt,

Fe

Vahid Hedayati, Barbara K.V. Johnson, Linda J. Khadem, Ramin Khadem, Riaz Khadem, Thomas E. Kilpatrick, Kathy Lee,

Jack Lenz, Leota

Power, Mary K. Radpour, Christine

wel’

Directors of Amnesty International.

PLEASE PRINT NAME TELEPHONE ADDRESS STATE

city iat BSE Z I, CHILDREN NAMES AND AGES

INDICATE ANY SPECIAL NEEDS.

MAKE CHECK PAYABLE AND MAILTO: NORTH AMERICAN BAHAI CONFERENCE 1477 W. Fairbanks Avenue, Suite 200

Winter Park, FL 32789

December 21-24, 1995 «

Deputies, the legislative ming Commission of the Chamber.

aru 5 oe a0 088 The 1995 North American Baha’ Conference . on Social and Economic Development

Paths to Peace: Global Prosperity through the Advancement of Women, Human Rights, & Moral Development

With an array of internationally known speakers, workshops led by veterans of many social and } economic development projects, and guided by the powerful messages of the Universal House of | Justice, we will spend four days finding practical ways to walk these pathways to peace.

Clarion Plaza Hotel

Bee

Mr. and Mrs. Chance Mr. and Mrs. Hofman

Featuring: David S. Ruhe, Margaret K. Ruhe, Counsellors, Eloy Anello, Jacqueline Left Hand Bull Ruth panne AritecGer anon Alan D. Smith; Jeffrey M. Mondschein, Hugh C.Adamson, Tahereh Ahdieh, Eugene S. Andrews, Steve L. Bosserman, Elizabeth L_ Bowen, Kit B. Cosby, Richard T. Czerniejewski, Alberta Deas, Kathryn S. Delpak, A. Jane Faily, Steven Gonzales, Robert PR Harris, John S. Hatcher,

|. Lockman, Sovaida Ma’ani, Riaz Mazcuri, Lawrence N. McCullough, Leela C. McCullough, Richard Mellman, Linda Godwin-Nadimi, Deborah Deas-Nesmith, Reginald Newkirk, Joel S. Nizin, Vickie R. Nizin, Charles H. Nolley, Mary S. er, June Manning Thomas, Mary Walker, Helen T.Wilson,Y. Stephen Yamamoto, outstanding musicians and entertainers, & more. Groups include: Mottahedeh Development Services, Health for Humanity, Baha'f Huququ'lldh Trust, Baha’f Justice Society, European Baha'i Business Forum, Peace Education Now, Images International,

The Honorable Federal Deputy Luiz Gushiken, distinguished member of the Brazilian Chamber of of Brazil. He is a member of the External Affairs his personal efforts, a special two-hour commemoration of the Passing of Baha'u'llah was held on May 28, 1992 in the Chamber

of Deputies in Brasilia. As our special guest, Mr Gushiken accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Leonel Ferreira, will be formally recognized for his efforts on behalf of the Baha'i Faith. He

will also address the conference, as will the world-renowned expert on Human Rights, Dr: Edy Kaufman.

Dr. Kaufman, Representative to the conference for the Baha'i Chair for World Peace, is Director of the Center for International Development and Conflict Management, University of Maryland and member of the Board of

hrous

| “...1 wish this important event every success, and am sure it will enhance the ever-growing prestige of our beloved Faith in the eyes of thoughtful people of importance.” — Amatu’l-Bahé Rihfyyih Khénum

Gla Nia BN Se hd a NOS

ie EL il Mg) Adult Fee Before November 20: $99 After November 20: $iis

Children & Jr. Youth Fee (3-14 years; 8 am to Noon)

Before November 20: $35 After November 20: $45 Youth Fee

(15-20 years; attending adult sessions) Before November 20: $59 After November 20: $79

CALL FOR INFORMATION: 407-740-5415

The Rabbani Trust's Annual Award of Excellence will be presented to these potent visionaries in the field of world-wide development: Mr. Hugh Chance and Mrs. Margaret Chance; Mr. David Hofman and Mrs. Marion Hofman.Their many years at the Baha'f World Centre provided each of them with a unique perspective on the potential greatness of the human race.

• Orlando, Florida

more. ,

RATION

HOTEL/AIRLINE INFORMATION Special Bahd'i group discount rates Hotel rooms at the Clarion Plaza Hotel in Orlando: $39 per night (up to 2 persons) or $49 (up to 4 persons).

LIMITED AVAILABILITY CALL PROMPTLY Hotel Reservations: 1-800-627-8258 or 407-354-1703 Airfare discounts from American Travel Consultants 1-800-393-5050 (outside North America 407-679-6655).

Faith to the followers of other religions. For the first time, our Faith has emerged from the shadows in Oklahoma City and demonstrated to all our commitment to all humanity. ...

Again, we thank you. With warmest Baha’‘f love,

Jacquelyn Miles, Secretary Spiritual Assembly of Oklahoma City

°

Articles in The Daily Oklahoman have spotlighted the work of Interfaith Disaster Recovery for Greater Oklahoma City.

The newspaper described how the interfaith group, formed five days after the Oklahoma City bombing, brought together 40 representatives from Bahda’f, Christian, Islamic and Jewish communities to help meet the needs of bombing victims.

Bahd’fs Khalil and Valerie Dana are president and executive director, respectively, of the non-profit organization, and other Bahd’fs are active in it.

The newspaper noted that the group has made direct grants so victims’ families could purchase headstones for graves and cover insurance deductibles. It also provides family spiritual and mental health counseling and gives support and advocacy to critically injured, unemployed, and homeless people.

Another article described a multicultural “Reclaiming Our Heartland...Wiping Away Our Tears” service and candlelight procession through Oklahoma City’s downtown that was sponsored by Interfaith Disaster Recovery.

BIC develops exhibit to help Baha’is observe UN’s 50th anniversary

The National Spiritual Assembly has called on Baha’i communities in the US. to plan observances this year of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. To help them do so, the Bahd’{ International Community has developed a large exhibit de icting the relationship between the

‘aith and the UN.

A table-top version of the display is available for use by local Baha’ communities. The exhibit is three feet high by six feet wide (six panels, accordionfold). The price is $120 (to save money on additional correspondence, please include a check payable to Bahd’ts of the United States United Nations Office at the time you place your order).

To order, write to Bahd’fs of the United States, United Nations Office, 866 UN Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017-1811 (phone 212-756-3500; fax 212-756-3566; e-mail

Note: These displays are flexible and may be used at campuses, fairs, conferences and a variety of other venues. If you community is interested in ordering, please contact the U.S./UN Office as soon as possible so we can determine the number of exhibits we'll need to produce.

Telephone number for the Baha'i National Center Bulletin Board Service (BNCBBS): 708-869-0389.

[Page 13]‘Izzat B.E. 152 © Sepremaer 8, 1995

13

Five new National Assemblies are formed

Five new National Spiritual Assemblies were formed at Ridvan: in Georgia, Sicily, Armenia, Belarus and Eritrea. The Universal House of Justice was represented at each Convention, by the Hands of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Baha Rihiyyih Khanum (Georgia) and Ali-Muhammad Varga (Sicily) and by Counselors Abbas Katirai (Armenia), Hartmut Grossmann (Belarus) and Hushang Ahdieh (Eritrea). After taking part in the National Convention of Georgia, Amatu’l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum led the four official representatives of the Faith at the Summit on the Alliance Between Religions and Conservation held April 25-May 3 at Windsor Castle in Windsor, United Kingdom, and attended by, among others, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. It was the second session of a summit sponsored co-sponsored by the World Wide Fund for Nature, the Pilkington Foundation and MOA International (Mokichi Okada Association of Japan).

°

More than 800 people have enrolled in the Faith in the Department of Chuquisaca in Bolivia since the Ruhiyyih Khénum Teaching Campaign was begun there in June 1994. About 25 new localities have been opened to the Faith while 15 previously opened communities have been consolidated. Following a 12-day training workshop in August 1994, 25 people arose to form six teaching teams. Many of the members were rural youth, and special educational materials were prepared for them so they would not miss their schooling during the campaign. Teaching is done house to house by the young Baha'is after first securing permission from local authorities to do so.

.

Seventy to 80 people of Hungarian or Roma background embraced the Faith during a recent 10-day period in Tor6ékszentmiklés and Tiszapiisp6ki, Hungary. The National Spiritual Assembly is working to ensure that immediate consolidation follows expansion in the region with special atten HUQdaU'LLAH

Payments for Hugqtiqu'llah should be made to “The Baha'i Huqtqu'llah Trust” and sent to one of the Trustees:

¢ Dr. Elsie Austin, 9039 Sligo Creek Parkway, Unit 612, Silver Spring, MD 20901 (phone 301-589-8481).

¢ Dr. Amin Banani,

Santa Monica, CA 90402 (phone 310-3945449). ¢ Dr. Daryush Haghighi, Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone 216333-1506).

Inquiries regarding Huqtiqu'llah should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Baha'i Huqtqu'llah Trust,

Rocky River, OH 44116.

tion being given to regular children’s classes, especially in Tiszapiisp6ki.

e

Asa result of teaching efforts that followed a national women’s conference April 20 at the Baha’i Center in Layde, Bargo Division, Myanmar, 10 people embraced the Cause of Baha‘u’llah. More than 100 people from 13 communities attended the conference, at which U Kyaw, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Auxiliary Board member U Aung Kui, spoke, and consultation was held on the goals of the Three Year Plan and the equality of women and men.

.

In Céte d'Ivoire, the Faith was the recent topic on a popular hour-long series on national radio entitled “Myths and Mysteries.” The program has an audience estimated in the millions. At the end of the broadcast, during which two Baha‘is spoke about the Faith and responded to questions from listeners, the host invited them to take part often on the program.

.

The Baha’is of Albania have been busy on a number of fronts recently. On April 21, a new Baha'i Cultural Center was inaugurated in the main square of Tirana in connection with the celebration of the first Day of Ridvan. And on the ninth Day of Ridvan, another celebration was held at the Congress Palace with about 240 people present. Among the highlights was a Pouormence by violinist Bijan

hadem Missagh of Austria, followed by a recital by recently enrolled Baha’i actress Mrs. Xhepa, an Albanian celebrity, who read poems and some of The Hidden Words of Baha’u’llah. Mr. Missagh performed three other times during his visit to the country including a concert with Albanian pianist Lili Tafai at the main concert hall in Tirana. In May, the National Spiritual Assembly a idressed a second open letter to the people of Albania which was published in the country’s six leading newspapers. On May 25, the president od Albania’s Parliament, Pjeter Arbnori, was among the dignitaries who attended the official opening of the Baha’i Cultural Center in Tirana. Also attending were the head of UNICEF in Albania and the first secretary of the Italian Embassy. On May 30-31, in the Congress Palace, the first International Medical/Surgical Conference of Tirana was held under the auspices of Health for Humanity and the University of Tirana. More than 400 physicians from Albania attended the three-day gathering at which 38 presentations were made on surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics /gynecology and pediatrics.

.

About 2,500 young people gathered April 13-16 at Mboko City in South Kivu, Zaire, for the fourth annual Baha’i Music Festival. Many traveled

on foot, some walking as far as 300 kilometers (nearly 190 miles). The theme of the festival, at which about 40 groups sang, danced, performed skits or recited poetry inspired by the Message of Bahd’u’llah, was “Youth Can Move the World.” .

About 90 Baha’is from the Yukon, British Columbia and Alaska took part March 23-26 in an historic meeting of the three communities at the Yukon Baha’ Institute. The conference, entitled “An Eagle’s Vision,” was orsa anized by the newly formed Regional

eaching and Administrative Committee of Canada, and the program was designed so that friends from the three communities could celebrate their common interests, encourage one another’s efforts, and plan together for the future. Among those attending was Louise Profeit-LeBlanc, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

.

The National Teaching Committee of The Gambia has presented copies of “The Prosperity of Humankind” to newspaper editors and other leaders of thought in that country including the Permament Secretaries of the Ministries of Finance and Economic Affairs and of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the director of schools in the Ministry of Education.

.

Phylis Glocke, a pioneer to the Eastern Caroline Islands who teaches high school English in Pohnpei, has ob Baha’

On April 8, the Baha’i Marian Steffes Council held its seventh annual Honor Luncheon in the Hall of the Nations at the Indian Community School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Among the 80 people taking part were representatives of 10 American Indian organizations.

Robert Malouf served as emcee and later gave a fireside at which Frank Teller of the Menomonee Nation, who

Pictured are ‘Arc Walkers’ and members of their support team who undertook a threeday 50-mile journey across the island of Oahu, Hawaii, on July 7-9 to raise funds for the Arc. The walk began at Keawa'ula Bay, at the western end of the island, and ended at the resting place of the Hand of the Cause of God Martha Root (pictured). As a result of their efforts, more than $11,000 was pledged to the Arc Fund, well over half the goal of $18,000 (two units) to be raised by the Baha'is of Waianae by the end of the Three Year Plan at RidvGn 1996.

tained permission from the school’s English department and begun using the peace statement from the Universal House of Justice as a text to be studied in several of her classes. °

A Baha‘ kindergarten, registered by the government and with 15 children attending, was opened recently at the National Baha’ ue in Tuvalu.

A television series in Spain called “Adventure in Knowing” recently included a half-hour program about the Faith. Basic information was given, a report of an interreligious meeting at the National Baha’f Center was shown, and the video “Mona” was featured as part of a discussion of the persecution of Baha’is in Iran. The program was shown to an estimated audience of about 500,000, then syndicated to stations in the U.S. and South America with a potential audience of 40 million.

°

The Bahd’i community of Nicoll’s Town on the island of Andros in the Bahamas has submitted a series of articles that have appeared in the local newspaper. Each article is titled “Let's talk Boi ..... from the Baha’ perspective” with the article’s theme inserted into the title. Topics covered have included world order, happiness, love, the environment, and agriculture. Most of the text is taken from the Baha'i writings including prayers and selections from the Central Figures of the Faith. The series is being printed without cost to the Baha’i community.

i Marian Steffes Council holds 7th Honors Luncheon

had been studying the Faith with the Baha'is of Wilson/Sheboygan, declared his belief in Baha’u’llah.

At the Honor Luncheon, Jonathan Landis played violin and Thirza DeFoe sang Indian songs. After the awards were presented, Reuben Fast Horse sang an Honor Song which he said he had learned from a Baha'i named Kevin Locke.

[Page 14]

NEW

Teaching

Continued from page 1

coordinator Soo-jin Yoon at 505-265-9583. Several fund-raisers have been held to meet the project’s material needs.

Watsonville, California

The Spiritual Assemblies of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County South and Santa Cruz County North have joined forces to teach the predominantly Hispanic population of Watsonville.

wice a week teachers go door-to-door visiting the residents, most of whom are migrant workers. The majority are quite receptive, they report.

Nineteen persons have declared their belief in Bahd‘u’llah since the campaign began a month ago. Follow-up contacts are being made to nurture the new believers.

More Spanish-speaking teachers are needed.

Woodburn, Oregon

The Woodburn Baha’i Institute is opening a new chapter in its enormously successful history.

After much consultation with the founding Clackamas County NW Assembly, sponsorship has been passed to the Spiritual Assembly of Woodburn that was spawned by the project.

Clackamas County NW Fall contindé to be responsible for issues relating to the physical Center and the vehicles. Woodburn will be responsible for expansion, consolidation and administrative issues.

Richard Hutchins will serve as facilities coordinator and Marzieh Miller as consolidation coordinator. An expansion coordinator will be chosen in the near future who will be in charge of all direct teaching efforts.

For the present, the Center will be open from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, with additional hours as volunteers are found to staff it.

The target population remains the Hispanic population in the Woodburn area. Emphasis, though, will be on women, children and youth, with the Center evolving into a center for understanding where the diversity of the human race can cease to be the cause of hatred and strife.

There are no plans to provide hot meals from the Center; however, rice, beans and bread will continue to be distributed to those in need.

Classes in English as a Second Language will be added as staffing and details are worked out.

Bahd’is living near the House of Worship have organized the Corinne True Teaching Project as a means to increase support for the Mother Temple of the West.

‘Twenty-six friends met April 16 in Foundation Hall to suggest teaching activities, programs and volunteer service surrounding the “great silent teacher.”

These included a summer teaching project; youth projects; coordination and publication of area firesides; language classes at the Temple and devotional services in other languages; spiritual meetings; increased attendance by Baha’is at Sunday and Holy Day services; greater commitment to guiding; more music as a way to touch people’s hearts; and invitations to people of other faiths to visit the Temple.

The group will meet every third Sunday for devotions.

Phoenix, Arizona

A different approach is peng employed in the Phoenix area, where members of the South-Western Initiative for Teaching Christians (SWITCh) have begun an effort to engage Christians in dialogue.

Aletter was sent June 12 to 945 churches, proclaiming the Station of Bahd’u’llah and inviting recipients to investigate His claims.

Asecond letter, with the statement from the Universal House of Justice entitled Baha'u'llah enclosed, went out August 1.

Some clergy who received the original letter have asked for more information

One, a Methodist minister in North Phoenix, has been sent The Baha'i Faith: An Emerging Global Reli

Above, Army of Light teachers pose with a youngster they befriended when they spoke and performed at a recreation center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Right, the youth pause to rest and discuss their progress during door-to-door teaching in an ethnically diverse Chattanooga neighborhood. (Photos by Tom Mennillo)

ion along with a cordial handwritten note inviting

im to call if he has any questions.

Another minister has been sent Baha'u'llah and the New Era along with a small prayer book and a personal letter inviting him to call or write.

A lengthy list of questions was received from a Baptist minister. This letter has been sent to two SWITCh members for response at the request of the Spiritual Assembly of Tempe, which asked that it be kept advised of the contact.

Other clergy, however, have declined to engage in further dialogue with Bal 5

An unsigned response simply repeated the biblical passage that “no one comes unto the Father but by Me.”

Asecond unidentified minister referred the Baha'is to Acts 4:12: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Another anonymous card stated, “It frightens me incredibly to see how far your anti-Christ, satanic work has come. I admire your desire for unity but not at the cost of biblical honesty and integrity. I pray for you.”

One response, directed specifically to Auxiliar’ Board member Jose Martinez, referred to the Fait as a “cult” and offered to “save” him. Mr. Martinez has drafted a friendly reply.

At least one minister has read the entire letter to the congregation at a Sunday service.

A Baha’i in Scottsdale reported at Feast that a friend’s pastor did just that, and the friend was calling to get more information about the Faith since the pastor said he did not have any.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Chattanooga area, like many in the country, has been inspired to initiate a process leading to entry by troops.

The Spiritual Assembly of Chattanooga has approved a proposal developed by the local Teaching Committee.

It aims to double the size of the Baha’{ community and the number of Spiritual Assemblies (to four) by Ridvan. Its goal for the long term is nothing less than a community large enough and mature enough to make an indelible mark on Chattanooga’s destiny.

A launch date of November 19 has been set. That is the first anniversary of a fund-raiser for the Arc

14

THe AmericAN BAHA'I

Projects that raised almost $250,000 in contributions and pledges and, just as important, engendered an incredible community spirit borne of universal participation.

The first step leading to the launch will be for the Spiritual Assemblies, Groups, Auxiliary Board members and assistants, and the Teaching Committee to meet together.

In a series of consultations, they will decide on a unified course of action designed to proclaim the Faith far and wide, draw seekers into a warm and loving community, teach them through words and deeds, and consecrate them to a life of service.

Then, the Teaching Committee will coordinate the activities required to follow that course, with frequent reports made to the institutions through their representatives on the committee.

To administer the process, the Teaching Committee has formed teams that will report to it in the following areas:

¢ Human Resources—to recruit, train, guide and meet the logistical needs of teachers, and to aid in spiritualizing the entire community for support of the teaching effort.

¢ Finance—to establish a budget, obtain and disburse funds and track spending.

¢ Community Events—to coordinate firesides, deepenings, classes, public meetings, worship ser

[Page 15]‘Izzat B.E. 152 © Sepremoer 8, 1995 15

vices, Holy Day observances, etc., so all events carry forward a systematic and consistent program of proclamation, individual teaching and consolidation.

¢ Publicity and Materials—to provide appropriate materials for the teaching effort, communications within the Baha’i community, and advertising and public relations support including an automated Baha’i information line.

Special attention will be paid to inspiring the service of believers of all ages and backgrounds. For example, a recent Army of Light teaching experience taught the community that all of its children and youth must be involved, especially in developing a performance troupe to attract souls who can then be individually taught.

Louisville, Kentucky

A similar story is unfolding in the Louisville area, where assistants to the Auxiliary Board are collaborating with the three local Spiritual Assemblies (Louisville, Jefferson County and St. Matthews) on a teaching process for the remaining months of the Three Year Plan.

The plan was introduced to the community at an allday meeting August 6 with National Spiritual bly member Jack Mc

At the session, the friends were handed “individual pledge sheets to bring new souls to the Faith” and invited to take part in the in

for November to assess the progress made.

Seattle, Washington

With more than 30 Assemblies and Groups in and around King County, the Seattle-area Bahd’is are establishing a structure similar to that of the successful greater Houston initiative for their teaching process.

As in the Houston area, the communities are being organized into InterAssembly Councils for Teaching (IACT). Each will be responsible for establishing a Center, obtaining funding, recruiting teachers, and holding activities within its region.

The area Assemblies and Groups

ether members of 26 Assemblies to lecide on a unified course of action.

An initial meeting attended by more than 300 of the friends was held in July, with another scheduled for late August.

A six-month plan is initially under consideration in which each community would designate at least one location as the hub of its teaching activity.

An October launch is expected.

Columbus, Ohio

The friends from all over central Ohio met July 29 with Auxiliary Board member June Thomas as Columbus's teaching plan for the final nine months of the Three Year Plan was introduced.

Baha’f community and individual believers to take part in service and support projects in the ity of Columbus.

• Develop and implement a forum

that allows the greater Columbus community to learn Baha'i principles and processes as effective tools/skills to effect collaborative and unific outcomes.

Mrs. Thomas helped the believers explore the significance of teaching, especially as we near the end of the century and the completion of the Arc on Mount Carmel.

Also, Louis Ma’ani of Upper Arlington shared his observations on entry by troops as it is taking place around the world.

Army of Light youth teachers perform a unity dance during the Soddy Daisy celebration. (Photos by Tom Mennillo)

~ NY, Eyl Yassi Azhdari and Joan Hampton handle inquiries during Fourth of July festivities in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee. In back of them is the Baha'i Information Center bus sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Hamilton County.

tercommunity effort. The friends were told that the Faith’s teachings on en try by troops clearly assert

that the community must foster, to the greatest extent possible, the following essential components: commitment to spiritual transformation, greater levels of love and unity, universal participation, and a proper balance between expansion and consolidation.

Then the plan was unveiled.

It lists activities that must be strong to spur enrollment: teaching activities, deepenings, Feasts, spiritual meetings, social activities, and social and economic development.

And it calls for the creation of teaching institutes, each made up of a core group of believers, that would work to meet specific goals of spiritual transformation, expansion and consolidation within a target audience.

Those audiences have been identified as African-Americans, women, other minorities (Hispanics, Asians, etc.), people of prominence, youth, those in college, and residents of Oldham County.

Firesides, they emphasize, remain the most effective method of teaching. These firesides, held in Baha’i homes, shower hospitality and love on the seekers and give them an opportunity to ask questions of concern.

The question, they say, is not how we can serve the Cause but what the Cause needs. In this case it is systematic and well-conceived plans to reach a broad strata of society. Achieving it will require individual responsibility to the collective good.

Evaluation meetings have been set

have met twice with the help of the State Teaching Committee to consult on a nine-point teaching plan. Before the second meeting, a concerted effort was made to contact members who did not attend the first meeting to ensure their participation.

Since the meetings, all of the 24 area Assemblies have met individually and approved the nine-point teaching plan.

As of mid-August, four of the five IACTs had met, as well.

Margery Keppel of I-ACT 5 writes, “We had around 42 present. There was much enthusiasm, high enerey, and attention present in the group. I want to tell you also that just getting our particular group together for the first time was a great bounty and will have long-term benefits.”

Linda Dimitroff of the same I-ACT concurs. “The meeting felt wonderful, to have a big community to pull from and work with.”

From I-ACT 3, Aaron Lewis reports, “I don’t know how I am going to get to sleep tonight. I’m filled with wonder and excitement as I ponder the prospects of the road we too are now traveling.”

The two Auxiliary Board members who serve the area have attended all planning meetings in support of the process.

Kickoff is anticipated as early as October.

Dallas, Texas

The Dallas-area friends also have a massive task at hand in bringing to The plan, devised by a teaching task force and approved by the Spiritual Assembly BCSINTRBTS} focuses on developing the Columbus community as a model of unity. Several objectives are identified toward realizing that goal:

¢ Support the growth of the Baha’i community by increasing the number of Baha’is by 19 new believers.

• Facilitate universal participation in

all areas of Baha'i community life.

¢ Assist individual Baha‘is in their understanding of the barriers to and enablers of the principle of unity.

• Provide opportunities for the

Houston

Continued from page 1

Then the friends met in break-out groups to study the plan.

As it unfolded, the friends became excited about the possibilities and be an to envision an area-wide initiative leading to entry by troops. They recognized that every community in central Ohio has members with talents and energies that could be brought together under a unified plan.

Since that meeting, the Assemblies of Westerville, Upper Arlington and Bexley have consulted and made plans for a joint meeting to explore such a longrange pattern of activity for growth.

When asked why he had cut his shoulder-length hair, he said he was being obedient to Baha’f law as stated in the Kitdb-i-Aqdas. But that law does not yet apply to western believers, he was told. No matter, he replied, “Bahdé’u’ll4h will be happier.”

¢ Other new Bahd’is are taking seriously their spare to contribute to the material progress of the Cause. One was upset at useing Feast because he believed he had lost an opportunity to give to the Funds, and he was relieved to learn that an offering still could be made. Another, having heard that a couch was needed at the Sugar Land Baha’i Center, brought his in and said the Faith needs it more than

he does. Still another donated his own bed to a home where teachers are residing and is sleeping on a sofa.

• Two members of the Spiritual Assembly of The Woodlands were leaving the Houston Baha’f Center one day

when a police officer stopped them and asked about the noticeable heightening of activity there. He told them there was never such a spirit of peacefulness in the neighborhood as he had felt in recent weeks, and he promised to visit the Center with fellow officers.

¢ Asimilar story comes out of Sugar Land, where neighbors of the Baha’i Center there commented on the area’s new life and air of peacefulness since the Center has been open.

[Page 16]16

THe American BAHA'I

THE ARC

8 y em

xts, west of the Seat of the

Universal House of Justice, the stairs and patio in front of the entrance have

been prepared in cement.

Center for Study of the Texts

Work on the Center for the Study of the Texts continues to gather momentum. As work progresses, the shape of the building is gradually emerging. Its entrance patio has now been cast, and the concrete bases for the eight marble columns of the patio have been formed.

Over the past several months, great efforts were made to increase the volume of concrete poured to

mn ,

ital le 2 , To the east of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, concrete work is being done on the perimeter foundation wall at the site of the building for the

International Teaching Center.

Vineyard o the Lord, part 10

Another precaution essential to large footings is the prevention of cold joints. To ensure this, pouring sequences were carefully planned in such a way that the operation proceeded without interruption and compaction was carried out in layers.

Landscaping lower Terraces The profile of Terraces 9 to 6 below

the Shrine of the Bab show the Kings’ Pathway paved with stone,

S| up construction of the building. Of the estimated 19,000 cubic meters (62,700 cubic feet) of concrete required for the entire compier of the Center for the itudy of the Texts, the Archives extension and parking building, more than half has been poured. This has been achieved by aiming for and hitting the optimum target of 1,000 cubic meters (3,300 cubic feet) of pour during a single month (which is equivalent to raising.op. 15 residential units). onstruction of all four levels of the Archives extension has been completed, and work is under way on its roof which is being prepared to take reinforced concrete. This will then be waterproofed, backfilled and eventually covered with plants to infer with the landscape of the gardens around the upper Arc path. The Archives extension will be connected to the existing International Archives Building Py, an underground passageway. The first section of this passage, starting from the extension building, has already been excavated. Careful on-line monitoring was undertaken during the operation to ensure that no damage would occur to the Archives Building from the vibrations generated during excavation.

International Teaching Center

About 70 percent of the foundations of the Teaching Center/Common Area have been cast. The building will be served by five lifts. Foundations of these lifts have also been poured.

Sede Aeendied

Unlike the Center for the Study of the Texts, whose foundations consist of comparatively similar footings at multiple levels, the Teaching Center has big and deep footings at a more uniform level. The casting of such footings involves careful planning of the concreting operation, where precautions must be taken to ensure proper curing of large areas during hot summer days. Because of the large mass of concrete which generates considerable heat, careful monitoring of temperature is essential to control cracks which can occur due to temperature differences within the concrete mass. So far, the

This beautiful omamental gate, recently pul in place, provides access between Terraces Eight and Nine below the Shrine of the Bab.

largest single pour that has been achieved for one of these footings consisted of 250 cubic meters (825 cubic feet) of concrete.

Special instruments known as “thermocouples” are being used during such operations. “Thermocouples” (similar to a thermometer in function) consist of a set of thin wires that are installed within the concrete at various levels, and are connected to a meter to measure temperature. When the monitoring operation is complete, the wires attached to the meter on the outside are cut off, leaving the rest of them embedded in the concrete.

flanked by young cypress trees, planter urns with red geraniums, and ornamental statuary adorning, the gate posts. Additionally, the wrought-iron gate between Terraces 8 and 9 is in place along with the stone fountain bowls special to Terrace 9. Work has now begun on landscaping the inner zone of these Terraces, and hedges have been planted on both sides of the central stairway.

In the landscape of the Terraces, hedges form a significant element of decoration; they will line the stairs between the 19 Terraces and will have scalloped tops. Visitors ascending or descending these stairs will look across their upper surface. Thus, due to their high visibility, it was essential that any plant chosen as hedge material should have certain positive characteristics—it must be dense, have full coverage from ground to top, and should shear well.

Over a period of years a variety of hedge plants were experimented with to gauge their suitability for plantin, on the Terraces. The selection focuse on Duranta repens, commonly known as “sky flower,” “golden dew cape and “pigeon berry.” Along with the above-mentioned characteristics, Duranta repens has an attractive applegreen color and can adapt to the kind of chalky, heavy soil used on the Terraces. Above all, this plant was chosen by Shoghi Effendi for hedges in the established gardens. From the time of

See VINEYARD page 17

[Page 17]

‘Izzat B.E. 152 © September 8, 1995,

On the morning g of March 31, 1995, an operation began that, in a matter of six hours, cleared the way for compie ing the lower Terraces of the

Shrine of the Bab.

The operation consi of razing several houses in the vicinity of the entrance plaza and Terraces 1 and 2 of the Shrine. “These are the same structures,” the Universal House of formed all National Spirion April 4, “to which fendi referred in a cable on October 1, 1954, to the Baha’i world stating that ‘preliminary documents have been signed in connection with the purchase from the Development Authority of the State of Israel of five houses, situated at the foot of Mount Carmel and adjoining the last terrace of the Bab’s Shrine.’...”

It is worth noting that “the action just taken with the full cooperation of the city authorities,” the Universal House of Justice continues in that same message, “harmonizes with the intention of the beloved Guardian; it clears the site for the monumental entrance to the majestic path leading from the southern end of Ben Gurion Avenue up to the central edifice of the Shrine and beyond to the crest of God’s Holy Mountain.”

Three hydraulic jackhammers were used to accomplish the demolition, whose crew worked with speed and precision to clear the site and minimize disturbance to the neighborhood. Throughout the week prior to the demolition, various departments of the Baha’i World Center coordinated efforts to disassemble usable parts from the buildings such as windows, doors, floor tiles, furniture, etc. Staff of the Haifa Power Co. and Water Department were on site to disconnect power lines from the buildings before they were demolished.

°

The contract for supplying Italian marble for the Arc buildings—the Center for the Study of the Texts and

Nothing stands in way of Terraces; contract for Italian marble i is signed

The razing of these buildings clears the way for construction of the lower

Terraces of the Shrine of the Bab.

International Teaching Center—was signed March 9.

This is one of the most significant contracts to be awarded since construction of these buildings began. It signals the opening up of an entirely new front—commencement of finishing works for the edifices of the Are.

A selection of five potentially suitable varieties of white marble was made for external stone cladding, columns, ornate window and door frames, copings, cornices, paving and stairs, and tenders were called

for.

Initial tenders ranged from $5 million to $8 million. On the basis of samples offered and price bids received, the selection focused on two alternatives—Greek Pentilicon and Italian Piastrone—offered by Margraf Spa, Divisione Marmi Vicentini (the same company that supplied the marble for the Seat of the Universal House of Justice), and Henraux (reportedly the largest marble supplier in Europe), respectively. Negotiations with these companies included extensive value engineering review to economize on the costs. Both Henraux and Margraf Spa

A sign with computer tendering of the first Terrace stands where one of the demolished buildings stood.

were asked to send their best offers for the marble, together with their value engineering proposals.

After intensive negotiations, careful study of both offers and a review of both varieties of marble, it was found that from the technical, practical and financial points of view the choice of Piastrone would be advantageous. And so, Piastrone was chosen and Henraux carried away the contract.

MOTTA Tae!

Continued from page 16

planting, the hedges will take about two years to reach design specifications—50 centimeters (1.65 feet) wide, 1 meter (3.3 feet) tall, with scalloped surface.

The upper Terraces

Terraces 15 to 18 are complete in form and structure with mechanical, electrical, plumbing and irrigation services in place. Tree planting and building of stone rockeries on the outer eastern slopes has begun, as well as work on spreading topsoil and planting on the central slopes of these Terraces.

The uppermost Terrace 19 will be connected by a tunnel to the Louis Promenade on Yefe Nof Street, built by the Municipality of Haifa. This will enable visitors strolling on the promenade to enter the line of the Terraces with ease without crossing the road which sees plenty of vehicular traffic. The construction of the tunnel has been completed. Also complete are the foundation walls of Terrace 19, along with the formwork of the walls of the storage building and irrigation room beneath this Terrace.

On the side immediately above Terrace 19, another small promenade—3 meters (almost 10 feet) wide—is being built as part of this Terrace. Running parallel to the Louis Promenade, it is supported with micropiles to expedite construction work in this area and to minimize disruption of traffic. The micropiles were drilled to a depth of 9 meters (nearly 30 feet) and filled with reinforced concrete. They are now being tied at the top with concrete beams composed of some pre-cast slabs to speed up the operation, while some are being cast on site.

On the terrace side of the promenade there will be 55 pedestals with stone ornaments, each pedestal connected to the others by designed iron railings. The fabrication of these railings has begun in the Baha’i World Cente workshop. wile the pedestals of Sajur stone are being fabricated in Noufi’s Factory. On the road side of the promenade, trees will be planted at intervals of 900 meters (3,000 feet) along its entire length to provide shade for visitors.

Videos of Arc progress spiritualize gatherings

“We had a meeting [for] Auxiliary Board members and their assistants. ...As part of the program...the video of [the] presentation at the World Con ress was shown to the participants. fhe] account of the Pro of the project, particularly the story of the purchase of the land of the Mashriqu’lAdhkar in India, was so effective that there were no dry eyes in the audience.

“That same night for the Feast, one assistant borrowed the video and shared it with the friends. At another Feast an assistant conveyed what he had experienced and how everyone had felt at the gathering. In both these Feasts contributions to the Arc Fund doubled. Most importantly, all the participants of the Auxiliary Board members’ meeting left the last session of our meeting with a firm resolution and clarity of vision and purpose to both

propagate the Faith, and to encourage the believers to contribute to all the funds, but particularly to the Arc Fund.

“Tn our community I have been sharing both the above video and ‘Vineyard of the Lord’ with the believers, and the effect has been most encouraging.”— Froma letter from

“(The) account of the progress of the project ... was so effective that there

ten following the blessed footsteps of Baha’u'llah, to capture many of the significant images of that historic city in the form of ink sketches. He managed “to bring to life 44 ink renderings.” Mr. Seyhoun _ presented his work to the Universal House of Justice, dedicating any revenue from the

a Counselor were no dry eyes in the au- project “to con. “e struction of the In the fall of | dience. buildings of the

1991 Hushang

Seyhoun, a well known Bahda’i architect and artist, spent more than two months in the Holy Land. The weather was inclement, one of the wettest spells that Israel was experiencing. Undaunted, Mr. Seyhoun continued to visit ‘Akka, of Are on Mount Carmel.”

With the generous contribution of one of the friends toward the cost of the entire publication, and the help of friends in the Holy Land and other parts of the world his work of art, along with eight pieces drawn on a

previous visit, was published under the title “Whispering Stones.” One thousand copies were produced, each priced at U.S. $1,000, with a goal of raising $1 million for the Arc Fund. A Japanese silk box was contributed to contain each copy. The collection was first exhibited at the World Congress in New York City in November 1992. “Whispering Stones” includes an introduction by Dr. David S. Ruhe, former member of the Universal House of Justice, and a preface by the artist. Each sketch is briefly described in Persian and English. As we go to print, $785,000 has already accrued to the Arc Fund as a result of this endeavor.

Copies of “Whispering Stones” may be obtained from Mount Carmel Baha’i Projects, Project Manager's Office, P.O. Box 155, Haifa 31 001, Israel.

[Page 18]ADS

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The American Baha’i are published free of charge as a service to the Baha’ 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 referred to have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exer-cise their own judgment and care in responding to them.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

AS WORK on the Arc progresses, the Baha’{ World Center has an increased need for qualified personnel. Present

nings include those for data entry

clerks—experienced with computerized data entry; document analysts—to review documents, cross-reference and synthesize information, and write abstracts; floor cleaning specialist—with at least two years experience in floor and carpet care; master gardeners—with degrees or studies in horticulture, agriculture or related fields; catalog librarian— master’s degree in library science, knowledge of at least one language besides English, experience with Library of Congress classifications and AACR2; mason/ tile setter—experience with plaster and ceramic tile installation and repair; painters—experience preparing concrete walls and woodwork, painting interior and exterior surfaces; printer—familiarity with sheet-fed and oliset printing, pre-press techniques, and some knowledge of desktop publishing, equipment maintenance and repair; darkroom technician/ photographer—sound knowledge and experience in all aspects of custom darkroom work and photography; pilgrim pee eee person with sound

nowledge of the history of the Faith, fluent in Spanish and English; plumbers—to assemble, install and maintain pipes (PVC piping), fittings and fixtures in drainage, heating, water supply and sanitary systems; researcher—mature, deepened person with ability to logically analyze large volume of information and to clearly present ideas in written English; secretaries—with all levels of secretarial skills and a strong proficiency in English; translators into English—persons with a good knowledge of Arabic, French, Persian or Spanish and an excellent command of written English to translate correspondence and other documents; translators out of English— persons with a good understanding of

inglish and an excellent command of Arabic, French, Persian or Spanish to translate correspondence and other documents; oral translators—persons with a good command of the Baha’f teachings and the ability to provide accurate oral translations from English into French or epee For more information about any of these positions, please contact Christine Stanwood, Department of Human Resources, Baha’{ National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 708-733-3429; fax 708-733-3430; e-mail

OPPORTUNITIES in China. Teaching, positions: Beijing, Chongqing, Shenyang and Tianjin (college level); Guangzhou, Beijing (kindergarten level); Guangzhou, Huizhou (primary and middle school level). Also U.S.-China Peoples Friendship Association (US-CPFA) helps educators make contact with institutions and the Ministry of Education in the PRC. The USCPFA 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 Croon, National Coordinator, Teach-in-China Program, P.O. Box 387, Union City, GA 1. For more information, please contact Ms. Gwili Pose (phone 708-733-3512; fax 708-733-3! mail ).

THE NATIONAL Treasurer's Office has openings for an accountant and accounts receivable cashier. Both are fulltime salaried positions. Candidates for accountant should have a bachelor’s degree in the field or 3-5 years relevant experience. Audit work is preferable; CPA is a plus. Must have advanced knowledge of Excel or other spreadsheet software programs and have good skills in communication and organization. The accounts receivable cashier should be a high school graduate or equivalent including courses in bookkeeping plus 3-5 years experience in cashiering or accounts receivable. Should have good number sequencing skills and the ability to work well with calculators and PCs. For information or an application, write to the Department of Human Resources, Baha‘f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3431).

FOOD SERVICES manager needed at the Bosch Baha’{ School in Santa Cruz, California. Coordinates and supervises the kitchen staff in preparing and serving a well-balanced, high quality menu with attention given to operating within assigned fiscal guidelines. Responsible for all food inventories including portion control and sanitary standards in the kitchen and dining hall. For information oran epplication, write to the Department of Human Resources, Baha’f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

EXCITING overseas opportunities. Teaching positions available in Changchun, Jilin; Huainin, Anhui; Taivuan, Shanxi; Shenyang, Liaoning; Huizhou, Saanedone Chengdu. Medical educator needed by Project Hope. For more information, please contact Ms. Gwili Posey, 708-733-3512 (fax 708-733-3509).

VOLUNTEER Year of Service opportunity: manager for Regional Baha’ Center needed in Portland, Oregon. Principal responsibilities: schedule events, ensure proper use of building and equipment, open and lock building for events (except Feasts and Holy Days), organize and help volunteer workers in cleaning and repairs. Qualifications: ability to work harmoniously within Baha’{ administration, knowledge of building maintenance, good communication skills. For information or to apply, contact the Spiritual pesenly of Portland, P.O. Box 4245, Portland, OR 97208 (phone 503-2896274).

PIONEERING (OveRSEAS)

EMPLOYMENT opportunities overseas. AFRICA: Ivory Coast—senior personnel officer needed by the UN’s International Labor Office. Tanzania—English teachers, computer teacher. AMERICAS: Jamaica—custodians for Baha’{ National Center. Panama—urgent need for two Spanish-speaking, couples to serve in the Kuna region of the San Blas Islands. ASIA: India—earn college credit for doing development internship. The Minnesota Studies in International Development-India program allows a student to earn a full year of college credit while completing a social and economic development internship in India. Japan—regional executive, Pacific, to oversee planning: organizing, coordinating etc.,

SO operations in Okinawa. Macau— teachers, Mandarin speaker urgently needed for BCC Publishing Desk. Sakhalin—teachers. AUSTRALASIA: Western Samoa—pre-school trained teacher. EUROPE: Armenia—English-language

he

instructors. Georgia—program officer to draft proposals for new programs, field coordinator to work with local government officials to implement programs, field manager to assess humanitarian needs in areas, etc. Russia—resident adviser needed by the commercial law development program of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Switzerland—volunteer with secretarial skills for the Bah4’f International Community’s UN Office in Geneva. Earn degrees by correspondence while pioneering in the CIS. The Pacific Coast University offers BA, MA and PhD degrees in business administration by correspondence to students living in the former Soviet Union. For more information about any of these positions, please contact the Office of Pi neering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3512; fax 708-733-3509; e-mail ).

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

COME TO sunny Sierra Vista, Arizona, and help us rebuild the Assembly. Sierra Vista, a mile high and surrounded by mountains, is about 75 miles southeast of Tucson and has an average temperature of between 50 and 75 degrees. Fort Huachuca, an Army post, is part of the city and is the largest employer in southern Arizona. The Baha’i community is small but active; has hosted a Race Unity Day picnic for the past 20 years and is presently sponsoring monthly “open house” or “drop-in” meetings that include Bahé’f videos, pamphlets and conversation corners. To enjoy our good weather and many activities, write to

fred Byrd, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635, or phone 502-459-6597.

THE 26-YEAR-OLD Spiritual Assembly of Downey, in Southern California, is in jeopardy and urgently needs a family or individuals to maintain Assembly status. Downey, an ethnically diverse city of 95,000 with an excellent school system, is close to several large medical and cultural centers and educational facilities with easy freeway access to jobs in nearby communities. For information, write to the op itual Assembly of Downey, P.O. Box 882, Downey, CA 90241, or Blane 310-862-4516.

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Oyster Bay, New York, is in jeopardy, having lost seven of its members within the past six months, reducing community membership to five adults. The Township of Oyster Bay, on Long Island 30 miles east of New York City, is a good place to live and raise a family. Good schools, shopping and activities for youth and senior citizens—but badly in need of homefront pioneers. If you are interested, please contact the Assembly chairman or secretary at 516-922-3962 or write to Bob/ Barbara Fox,

Oyster Bay, NY 11711-2725.

HELP IS NEEDED to establish new Assemblies by the end of the Three Year Plan on the west coast of Michigan. If you are an elderly Baha’f who wants to remain active in service to Baha’u’llah, we can use your experience, knowledge and wisdom. An assisted-care home is available to help you adjust. For information, write to the Simms, P.O. Box 112, Scottville, MI 49454, or phone 616-7573161.

AN INVITATION to homefront pioneers from Florence, Colorado, where one of the community’s two Baha'is is able to offer a rent-free apartment (gas and electricity shared 50/50, pioneer to supply and pay for own telephone). The Bahd‘f who is offering the apartment is producing a television series, “Universal and Personal Perspectives for Peace” that is to be carried on PBS station KTSC in Pueblo and Colorado Spree: Boy ment ibilities exist nearby in Canon City, Fort Carson, Colorado prings and Pueblo. If interested, please phone Des

18

THe AmericAN BAHA'

samary Black, 719-784-6748, or write to her at 113 N. Maple, P.O. Box 338, Florence, CO 81226.

ALTOONA, Pennsylvania, needs you! Weare a national goal city and need an Assembly in this picturesque city of 50,000 by the end of the Three Year Plan. Altoona, nestled in a valley among the Allegheny Mountains, has four lovely seasons and a slow-moving, small-town sense of community, almost no viole1 crime and one of the lowest cost-of-living, indexes in the country. A great place to raise a family. Come serve the Faith in Altoona. For information, phone April at 814-944-7027 or Tiffini at 814-942-9833.

URGENT need for homefront pioneers in four communities of more than 50,000 ‘in 30 minutes of Cleveland, Ohio, that need to establish Assemblies by next Ridvén. Of the four, Lorain hasn’t yet been opened to the Faith; Elyria has some active teaching but no community; Parma has at least one Baha‘ resident; and Lakewood, a large and active group, hopes soon to form its Assembly. Isolated believers and nearby group: formed “Westside Wildfire,” iving birth to teaching institutes and ac aimed at Lakewood, Elyria and Lorain, while Parma has been adopted as a goal by the Spiritual Assembly of Cleveland. Lorain (a multi-cultural city) and Elyria especially need active resident Bahd’fs to help their growth. For information about these commun and/or help, please contact Jean Yousefi, 216226-2175; Sue Coates, 216-891-1516; or the Spiritual Assembly of Cleveland, c/o Angela Maldonado, 216-631-7856.

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahd‘i Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: George S. Woolley, Lee and Margot Worley, Charles A Wragg, B. Wrenick, E. Martha Wright, Gertrude Danforth Wright, Martha Wright (died New York City, 1955), Olivia Wyndham, Bryon Yager, Hilda Yen, Charles Aaron Young and Edward H. Young (died Washington, DC, 1944). Anyone knowing, family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bah4’f Archives, Baha’ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or to phone 708-8699039.

THE NATIONAL Bahd‘f Archives is pean) hotographs of local Spiritual Assemblies, local communities and local activities, especially early pictures. Please identify the photographs, if possible, with the name of locality and the date. Anyone having photographs they could donate is asked to send them to the National Baha’f Archives, Baha’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WANTED

COMMUNITY needs Star of the West (original) Vols. 1 (1910-11), 3 (1912-13) and 11 (1920-21) to complete set. Please send condition and price to Mae Brodhead, Plantsville, CT 06479.

“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, sponsored 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 toward scholarship funds to enable more children to attend Baha'i schools. Please send your name, age, address and telephone number with a cassette recording of your song(s)—

[Page 19]ADS

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).

SOLICITING manuscripts for a collection of essays, Satori Stories: Bahda’t Moments of Profound Insight, to be used in teaching the Faith. Your English-language essay should relate to the Baha’ principles and teach about the causes and effects of your satori (Japanese for moment of insight) whether you are a new or veteran Baha‘, raised in the Faith, a pioneer, American, from other lands, etc. Essays (5-15 pages typed and doublespaced) received by December 1 will be edited for literary merit, then submitted as a collection to the Literature Review Office. Please mail your manuscript and a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Virginia Ording, Calumet City, IL 60409 (phone 708-730-3371).

NEEDED: Spiritual Assemblies in— terested in hosting a Youth Year of Service volunteer to focus full-time on teaching the Faith. Please contact the National Teaching Committee Office, 708-869-9039, ext. 361.

NEEDED by the North Family Community School, a South Carolina social and economic development project devoted to family literacy: volunteers, literacy teachers, traveling teachers or pioneers; books and other teaching materials; computers with color monitors; and funding information for monetary grants. Contact Sandy Sigmon, North Family Community School, P.O. Box 309, North, SC 29112 (phone 803-247-5377).

WANTED: The Mona Baha’f School is seeking to expand its materials for classes and is looking for back issues of Brilliant Star and Child's Way, Baha'{ school lesson plans, the Baha'i Teaching Guide, and Baha'{ books for children. Please send to Carri Smith,

Spanaway, WA 98387-7005, or phone her at 206-847-4885. The Mona Bahd'f School can pay for postage.

THE GROWTH of the Faith in the area around the Louis G. Gregory Bahd’{ Institute in South Carolina has led to an increased need for personnel and materials. There is a need for (1) four Youth Service Corps volunteers; (2) homefront pioneers (there are few Persians in South Carolina); (3) traveling teachers; (4) support services volunteers in construction, maintenance, food services and housekeeping; (5) full-time teachers (short- and long-term); (6) programmers, techi and broadcasters for WLGI Rad (7) funds for construc! deputize program participant: mation, phone the Gregory Institute at 803-558-5093 or the National Teaching Committee.

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

Des Moines, IA 50317, or phone 515-263-2778 (daytime answering machine) or 515-961-0605 (evening answering machine).

YoutH Activities

THE BORDER Teaching Task Force (BTTF), a regional Bahd’{ institute based in El Paso, Texas, is recruiting youth Year of Service candidates and other traveling teachers for medium (3-6 month) and short-term (1-4 week) time periods to euE mes permanent teaching teams.

F is implementing a plan for entry by troops in this tri-state (West Texas, northern Chihuahua, southern New Mexico) area. The climate is hot and dry in summer, mild in winter. Knowledge of

Spanish is desirable, but preparation and commitment to teaching are most essential. Ruhi Institute training in English and Spanish is available. Being deputized or able to take care of one’s own needs is preferred, but lodging can be arranged. Please contact Joe Herbig,

El Paso, TX 79924 (phone 915-757-0463).

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 opportunities 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 Kansas 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 another locality, please contact Ada James in the National Teaching Committee office, 708-733-3493.

WANTED: enthusiastic, dedicated workshop coordinator(s) in Gainesville, “the best city in Florida” (according to Money magazine, 1994). A Baha'i individual or couple (deepened, mature, selfsupporting, 25 years or older) is needed to coordinate Gainesville’s chapter of the Florida Bahd’i Youth Workshop. Excellent communication, organizational and leadership skills are required with a desire to work with youth and coordinate their activities in collaboration with parents and other adults in the community. Please submit a letter of interest, two references, and a résumé to the Spiritual Assembly of Gainesville, P.O. Box 149, Gainesville, FL 32602. For more information, contact Margaret Mattinson (e-mail

MUSICIANS, dancers, writers, artists: is your calling to teach the Faith full-time through the arts? Would you like to form a collective and help start a Creativity and Healing Institute for suffering souls? I would like to network with you in the hope of establishing a project to express love and spirit that will transform and heal hearts and lives. I am also interested in pioneering new styles of music and art, especially the New Age genre. I play electric guitar, and my musical influences are classical, rock, jazz, New Age and avant-garde. Anyone who is interested in supporting such a project is invited to contact Bob Charnes,

Voorhees, NJ 08043 (phone 609-772-2195; e-mail ).

GET YOUR NEWS ON THE Al

Radio Baha’, North America's first Baha'i radio station, now has a weekly news broadcast. This unique news service covers U.S. and international Baha'f events and achievements.

Now we need your help to put the efforts of individual friends and your community “on the air.” Put Radio Baha'f on the mailing list for your local newsletter today.

Your community is working hard for this beloved Cause. Now, let the whole world know about it!

Post your local newsletter to: Radio Baha'i

Route 2, Box 69

Hemingway, SC 29554

‘Izzat B.E. 152 © Septemper 8, 1995,

19

Nancy Mirza and her daughter, Michelle, are pictured just before their depar

Slaughter)

ture from Santa Fe, New Mexico, as pioneers to Honduras. (Photo by Paul

Once an ‘ostrich,’ Mom pioneers with her daughter to Honduras

By PAUL SLAUGHTER

On a windy March afternoon three years ago Nancy Mirza was browsing in the Santa Fe, New Mexico, public library when J.E. Esslemont’s book, Baha’u’lldh and the New Era, caught her eye.

She found the name Baha‘u’ll4h intriguing, as her father was Persian, born in Baghdad and a member of the Assyrian Christian faith.

“T had never heard of the Baha’f Faith,” Nancy said later. “I must have been an ostrich!”

By the end of March she had declared her belief in Baha’u’llah and become a member of the Baha’i community of Santa Fe. A few months later she was pioneering.

In May 1993 Nancy, a registered nurse, and her 10-year-old daughter, Michelle, traveled to Honduras to work at Hospital Bayan, a Bahd’{ service project founded in 1986.

Later, in 1994, at the request of

eople in the remote village of Nueva jerusalem, a three-hour ride by motorized dugout canoe (the only form of transportation in the area), Nancy set up the Clinica de un Solo Mundo (One World Clinic). After a year there, she had to return to the States for medical treatment.

Last May, Nancy and Michelle sold their home in Santa Fe and left once again to serve at the Clinica de un Solo

undo.

“Michelle was excited about her return to Honduras,” Nancy said, “and is extremely helpful, She travels by canoe to Hospital Baydn to purchase medical supplies, cooks, and lends a hand in emergencies. Sometimes that means simply holding a kerosene lantern for light to attend patients at night.”

As there is no electricity in the villages, kerosene is used for lighting and

cooking. For schooling, Michelle is completing a home-study course from the U.S.

This time around Nancy plans to build a small house on land donated by a local Baha’ and dig a well for water. The lack of proper water facilities is the main cause of illness in the region.

The clinic that Nancy established serves a population of 1,000 and treats an average of 30 patients a week. The staff consists of Nancy; Liria Eden, an auxiliary nurse from the village; and Michelle.

Home visits are common, with nurses having to walk three to five miles by footpath or along the beach to reach patients. Emergencies are handled on a 24-hour-a-day basis in the clinic or at homes in the villages.

In extreme emergencies the clinic has a Marine radio to contact physicians at Hospital Bayan. There is also collaboration with the Ministry of Health in Honduras, especially in dealing with malaria control, well-child programs and pre-natal care.

Clinica de un Solo Mundo was built on land rented from dofia Sara Eden, a devoted Baha’f who has brought many people to the Faith through her constant service to and prayers for the people of Nueva Jerusalem.

The clinic recently received a $4,000 donation to underwrite a year’s expenses for a three-year village health promotion program. Nancy will train two people from outlying villages in basic first-aid care and public health.

Before Nancy and Michelle left for Honduras, the Santa Fe community had a fund-raising evening featurin; an “Italian” dinner prepared by Judi Carinhas, a Baha'i who is a professional chef.

At the dinner, $600 was raised to pa for a “cayuco,” a dugout canoe wi outboard motor desperately needed by the clinic to visit patients.

[Page 20]DISTRICT CONVENTIO

THe AMERICAN BAHA

Complete listing of 1995 District Convention sites

“It is expressly recorded in ‘Abdu'l-Bahd's Writings that these National Assemblies must be indirectly elected by the friends; that is, ihe friends in every country must elect a certain number of delegates, who in their turn will elect from among all the friends in that country the members of the National Spiritual Assembly. ...” (Shoghi Effendi, Baha'i Administration, pp. 39 “The strength and progress of the Baha'i community depend upon the election of pure, faithful and active souls. .. (Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi and published in The Compilation of Compilations, p. 31

“The electors...must prayerfully and devotedly and after meditation and reflection elect faithful, sincere, experienced, capable and competent souls who are worthy of membership. ...” (Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi and published in The Compilation of Compilations, p. 317).

In October, Baha’is around the country will be taking part in District Conventions to elect the delegates who will, in turn, travel to Wilmette, Illinois, next April and elect the next National Spiritual Assembly. Please plan now to attend the District Convention in your area. The following list of District Convention sites includes dates, times, an address to which absentee ballots may be sent and a telephone number to call for more information. If you do not know your electoral Unit number, contact your local Spiritual Assembly or call the Office of the Secretary at the Baha’i National Center (708-733-3529).

If you are unable to attend your District Convention, please be sure to vote by absentee ballot. Ballots will be sent from the Baha’i National Center to all adult Baha’is in good standing. To vote by mail, write on the ballot the name of the person for whom you wish to vote. Vote for just one delegate (except where noted in the list below). Insert your completed ballot into a small envelope (marked “ballot”) and seal it. Do not put your name or other identifying, mark on it. Put the ballot envelope into a larger envelope, seal it, and write your name in the upper left-hand corner. Mail it to the “mail ballot” address listed below for your unit (not to the Baha’f National Center) so that it is received before the election, or have a friend bring it to the Convention for you.

If you do not receive your voting materials from the Baha’i National Center, you may still vote following the above instructions, using blank paper and envelopes. We suggest that if you do not receive your voting materials, that you contact the National Center to verify that your address information is current.

Unit 1. Alabama, Northern

Holiday Inn-Redmont, 2101 5th Ave. N., Birmingham; Oct. 1, 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35222. Phone: 205-836-3798.

Unit 2. Alabama, S/Florida, NW

Troy State U., Dothan, 3601 U.S. Hwy 231, North Dothan; Oct. 1, 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Montgomery, c/o Blalock, Black, AL 36314. Phone: 334-393-4012.

Unit 3. Arkansas

South East Apts., Multi-Purpose Educational Facility, 1100 East 36th Ave., Pine Bluff; Oct. 1, 9:30am4pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of North Little Rock, North Little Rock, AR 72118. Phone: 501-771-0906.

Unit 4. Arizona, Northern-A

Du Bois Conference Center, Northern Arizona U., Flagstaff; Oct. 1, 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Flagstaff, P.O. Box 2533, Flagstaff, AZ 86003. Phone: 520-527-9448.

Unit 5. Arizona, Northern-B

Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler; Oct. 1, 1lam-4pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Scottsdale, P.O. Box 5441, Scottsdale, AZ 85261. Phone: 602-451-8778 or 265-2200.

Unit 6. Arizona, Northern-C

Agua Fria High School Cafeteria, 530 E. Riley at rt, Avondale; Oct. 1, 9am-1:30pm (Reg.: 8:30am).

ail ballots: LSA of Avondale, P.O. Box 507,

Avondale, AZ 85323. Phone: 602-877-8357.

Unit 7. Arizona, Southern

Pima County. Medical Society Aud., 5199 E. Farness, Tucson; Sat., Sept. 30, 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of East Pima County, P.O. Box 40368, Tucson, AZ 85717. Phone: 520-749-5956.

Unit 8. California, Central No. 1-A

San Francisco Baha’i Center, 170 Valencia St., San Francisco; Oct. 1, 9:30am-12:30pm (Reg.: 8:45am). Mail ballots: LSA of Redwood City, P.O. Box 2361, Redwood City, CA 94064. Phone: 415-369-9809.

Unit 9. California, Central No. 1-B

Walnut Creek Marriott, 2355 N. Main St., Walnut Creek; Oct. 1, (times tentative) 10am-2pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Danville, P.O. Box 1124, Danville, CA 94526. Phone: 510-736-2399.

Unit 10. California, Central No. 1-C

Kaiser Permanente, 1950 Franklin St., Oakland; Oct. 1, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of San Leandro, P.O. Box 515, San Leandro, CA 94577. Phone: 510/352-5457.

Unit 11. California, Central No. 1-D

Bosch Baha’i School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz; Oct. 1, 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Santa Cruz Co. S., P.O. Box 1647, Aptos, CA 95001. Phone: 408-426-6469.

Unit 12. California, Central No. 1-E

Strawberry Park School, 730 Camino Escuele, San Jose; Oct. 1. Mail ballots: LSA of Santa Clara, 3500. Granada Ave. #166, Santa Clara, CA 75051. Phone: 408-241-6142.

Unit 13/14. California, Central No. 1-F

Monterey Youth Center, 777 Pearl St., Monterey; Oct. 1, 10:30am-12:30pm (Reg.: 10am). Mail ballots: LSA of Monterey, P.O. Box 1131, Monterey, CA 93942. Phone: 408-899-3570 or 393-7641.

Unit 15. California, Central No. 2

(NOTE: Unit elects 2 delegates.) U. of the Pacific, Raymond Great Hall, Stadium Dr., Stockton; Oct. 1, 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Stockton, P.O. Box 7231, Stockton, CA 95267. Phone: 209473-3138.

Unit 16. California, Northern No. 1-A

Champion Mines School, 400 Hoover Lane, Nevada City; Oct. 1, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Grass Valley JD, P.O. Box 213, Rough & Ready, CA 95975. Phone: 916-273-6340 or 477-7017.

Unit 17. California, Northern No. 1-B Indian Creek School, 6701 Green Valley Rd., Placerville; Oct. 22, 9:30am-1pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of El Dorado Co. SE, c/o Placerville, CA 95667. Phone: 916-621-2123.

Unit 18. California, Northern No. 2

Veteran’s Memorial Building, 1100 Main St., Ferndale; Sept. 30-Oct. 1, Sat. 2pm-6pm; Sun. 9am1pm (Reg.: ae 12noon). Mail Ballots: LSA of Eureka, P.O. Box 584, Eureka, CA 95502. Phone: 707786-4708 or 443-4044.

Unit 19. California, Southern No. 1-A La Canada Youth House, 4469 Chevy Chase Dr., La Canada; Oct. 1, 10:30am (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Glendale, c/o Cramer, Glendale, CA 91208. Phone: 818-243-6886.

Unit 20. California, Southern No. 1-B

Veteran’s Memorial Bldg., 4117 Overland Ave., Culver City; Oct. 1, Ipm-5pm (Reg.: 12noon). Mail ballots: LSA of Santa Monica, P.O. Box 1066, Santa Monica, CA 90406. Phone: 310/394-5449.

Unit 21. California, Southern No. 1-C

(NOTE: Unit elects 4 delegates.) L.A. Baha’i Center, 5755 Rodeo Rd., Los Angeles; Oct. 1, 2:30pm-5pm (Reg.: 2pm). Mail ballots: LSA of Los Angeles, Attn: District Convention, 5755 Rodeo Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90016. Phone: 213-939-8423.

Unit 22. California, Southern No. 1-D

365 Campus Dr, Arcadia; Oct. 1, (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Arcadia, P.O. Box 660153, Arcadia, CA 91066. Phone: 818-446-6020.

Unit 23. California, Southern No. 1-E Hesse Park Community Rm., 29301 Hawthorne

Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes; Oct. 1, 1lam-2pm (Reg.: 10am). Mail ballots: LSA of Rancho Palos Verdes, PO. Box 3801, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90274. Phone: 310-541-3541.

Unit 24. California, Southern No. 1-F

Parnell Park Rec. Rm., 10711 Scott Ave., Whittier; Oct. 1, 2pm-5pm (Reg.: Ipm). Mail ballots: LSA of Whittier, c/o Arman, Whittier, CA 90605. Phone: 310-943-4640.

Unit 25. California, Southern No. 2-A

Multi-Purpose Center, Ontario City Hall, 303 E. “B’ St., Ontario; Oct. 8, 10am-2pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Ontario, P.O. Box 607, Ontario, CA 91762. Phone: 909-735-1509.

Unit 26. California, Southern No. 2-B

Titan Theater in Titan Pavilion, Calif. State Univ./ Fullerton, State College Blvd., Fullerton; Oct. 1, 10am-3:30pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Fullerton, P.O. Box 6031, Fullerton, CA 92634. Phone: 714-879-3143.

Unit 27. California, Southern No. 2-C

U.C. Irvine Student Ctr., U. of California-Irvine; Oct. 1, 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Irvine, P.O. Box 17254, Irvine, CA 92713. Phone: 714551-0879.

Unit 28. California, Southern No. 3

Luis Oasis, 420 Soares, Orcutt; Oct. 1, lam-4pm (Reg.: 10am). Mail ballots: LSA of Santa Maria, c/o Moore, Santa Maria, CA 93455. Phone: 805-934-3194.

Unit 29. California, Southern No. 4-A

Carlsbad Senior Ctr., 7999 Pine Ave., Carlsbad; Oct. 1, 9am-12noon (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Oceanside, P.O. Box 2035, Oceanside, CA 92051. Phone: 619-433-4447.

Unit 30. California, Southern No. 4-B

La Mesa Comm. Ctr., 4975 Memorial Dr., La Mesa; Oct. 1, Ipm-4pm (Reg.: 12noon). Mail ballots: LSA of El Cajon J.D., P.O. Box 20327, El Cajon, CA 92021. Phone: 619-440-3630.

Unit 31. California, Southern No. 4-C

Baha'i Center, 6545 Alcala Knolls Dr., San Diego; Oct. 1, Ipm-3pm (Reg.: 12:30pm). Mail ballots: LSA of San Diego, c/o Collins, San Diego, CA 92105. Phone: 619-268-3999.

Unit 32. Colorado, Northeast Metro Denver Baha’j Center, 225 E. Boyaud, Denver; Oct. 1, 9am-5pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Douglas Co., c/o R. Smith Lange, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126. Phone: 303-470

7562.

Unit 33. Colorado, Southeast U. of Southern Colorado, Occiato Ctr., 2200 Bonforte Blvd., Pueblo; Oct. 1, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9:15am). Mail ballots: LSA of Pueblo, c/o Pueblo, CO 81004. Phone: 719-485-3430 or 719-546-9656.

Unit 34. Colorado, Western

Garfield Co. Public Library, 413 Ninth St., Glenwood Springs; Sat., Sept. 30, Ipm-5pm (Reg.: 12noo0n). Mail ballots: LSA of Glenwood Springs, c/ ° Glenwood Springs, CO 81602. Phone: 970845-0999.

Unit 35. Connecticut

Manchester Comm. Tech. College, 60 Bidwell St., Manchester; Oct. 1. Mail ballots: LSA of Manchester,c/o Manchester, CT 06040. Phone: 203-643-9877.

Unit 36. DelMarVa Holiday Inn, Route 13, Dover; Oct. 8, 9am (convention followed by dinner barbeque) (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Dover, c/o Peterson, Dover, DE 19904. Phone: 302-674-5221.

Unit 37. Florida, Central

U. of Central Fla., Student Ctr., 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando; Oct. 8, 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Orange Co. East, c/o Orlando, FL 32825. Phone: 407-277-2896.

Unit 38. Florida, Northern Jacksonville Baha’f Ctr., 2140 St. John Bluff Rd.,

[Page 21]‘Izzat BE. 152 © Septemoer 8, 1995 21

ICT CONVENTION

Jacksonville; Oct. 1, 9:30am-3:30pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Jacksonville, c/o Nadji,

Jacksonville, FL 32246. Phone: 904221-4212.

Unit 39. Florida, Southeast-A

(NOTE: Unit elects 3 delegates.) Holiday Inn Hotel, 1301 Belvedere Rd., West Palm Beach; Oct. 1, 9am-1pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Palm Beach Co. North, P.O. Box 9472, Riviera Beach, FL 33419. Phone: 407-845-1919.

Unit 40. Florida, Southeast-B

Heritage Park, The Fountains Room, Peters Rd. & Figtree Ln., Plantation (Note: Park charges minimal entry fee.); Oct. 1, 10am-1pm, followed by lunch in Pavilion No. 5. (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Plantation, Plantation, FL 33322. Phone: 305-581-4513.

Unit 41. Florida, Southeast-C

Red Barn Picnic Area, Florida Power & Light Turkey Point Plant, 9700 SW 344 St., Florida City; Oct. 1, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Dade Co. South, Miami, FL 33157. Phone: 305-252-3294.

Unit 42. Florida, Southwest

Newtown Comm. Ctr., 1845 34th St., Sarasota; Oct. 1, 9:15am-4pm (Reg.: 8:15am). Mail ballots: LSA of Sarasota Co. N., Sarasota, FL 34232. Phone: 941-755-4768.

Unit 43. Georgia, Northeast

Young Farmers’ Bldg., 313-A N. Alexander Ave., Washington; Oct. 1, 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Richmond Co., P.O. Box 14031, Augusta, GA 30919. Phone: 706-738-3104 or 736-1702.

Unit 44. Georgia, Northwest-A (Tentative) W.P. Jones Park Bldg., 3770 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth; Oct. 1, 9am-3pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Duluth, c/o Bentley, Duluth, GA 30136. Phone: 404-476-8012 (Kathy).

Unit 45. Georgia, Northwest-B

Life Chiropractic College, 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta; Oct. 1, 9am-5pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Rail ballots: LSA of Atlanta, 430 Lindbergh Dr. No. M6, Atlanta, GA 30305. Phone: 404-264-9591 or 842-8246.

Unit 46. Georgia, Northwest-C

Baha’i Unity Ctr.,2370 Wesley Chapel Rd., Decatur; Oct. 1. Mail ballots: LSA of De Kalb Co. South, 2370 Wesley Chapel Rd., Baha’f Unity Ctr, Decatur, GA 30035. Phone: 404-981-0525.

Unit 47. Georgia, Southern-A.

Old Byron Elem. School, Main St., Byron; Oct. 8, 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Peach Ft. Valley, GA 31030. Phone:

Co., 912-825-1465. Unit 48. Georgia, Southern-B Goodyear School, 3001 Glynn Ave. (Rte. 17), Brunswick; Oct. 1, 10am-2:30pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Glynn Co., P.O. Box 20561, St. Simons Isl., GA 31522. Phone: 912-634-8689.

Unit 49. Georgia, Southern-C Ella Young residence, Oct. 1, lpm-3pm (Reg.: 11am; lunch before convention). Mail ballots: LSA of Albany, Albany, GA 31707. Phone: 912-888-0878 or 912-430-6880.

Unit 50. lowa

Towa State U., Ames; Sat. Sept. 30, 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 7am). Mail ballots: LSA of Ames, P.O. Box 1278, Ames, IA 50014. Phone: 515-232-8848.

Unit 51. Idaho, N/Washington, E

West Central Comm. Ctr., 1603 N. Belt, Spokane; Oct. 1, 9:30am-3:30pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Spokane, P. Po. Box 9018, Spokane, WA 99209. Phone: 509-536-5104.

Unit 52. Idaho, Southern

Burley Inn, 800 N. Overland Ave., Burley; Oct. 1, 10am-4pm (Reg,.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Idaho Falls, Idaho Falls, ID 83404. Phone: 208-524-0859.

Unit 53. Illinois, Northern No. 1

Timber Lake Club House, 1600 Colorado, Aurora; Oct. 1, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Glen Ellyn, c/o Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. Phone: 708-469-4807.

Albany;

Unit 54. Illinois, Northern No. 2-A

Holiday Inn Express, 1550 E. Dundee Rd., Palatine; Oct. 1, 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Arlington Hts., P.O. Box 4402, Arlington Hts., IL 60006. Phone: 708-577-8196 or 244-8196.

Unit 55. Illinois, Northern No. 2-B

Bah4’i House of Worship, Wilmette; Oct. 1, 10am4pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Skokie, P.O. Box 572, Skokie, IL 60077. Phone: 708-568-0314 or 733-3494.

Unit 56. Illinois, Northern No. 2-C

Chicago Baha’f Center, 3321 S. Calumet Ave., Chicago; Oct. 1. Mail ballots: LSA of Chicago, 3321 S. Calumet Ave., Chicago, IL 60616. Phone: 312-225-1919.

Unit 57. Illinois, Southern-A.

Illinois Central College, No. 1 College Dr., East Peoria; Oct. 1, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Peoria, c/o Peoria, IL 61614. Phone: 309-691-2855.

Unit 58. Illinois, Southern-B

Comfort Inn, 3080 S. State, Route 157, Edwardsville; Oct. 1, 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Edwardsville, P.O. Box 545, Edwardsville, IL 62025. Phone: 618-692-6171.

Unit 59. Indiana

Martinsville, High School, 1360 Gray Rd., Martinsville; Sat., Oct. 7, (times tentative) 9Yam-4pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Bloomington, PO? Box 1004, Bloomington, IN 47402. Phone: 317831-3160.

Unit 60. Kansas

Wichita State U., Campus Activities Ctr., 2nd Floor, Commons Rm., Wichita; Oct. 1, 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Wichita, P.O. Box 1979, Wichita, KS 67201. Phone: 316-686-7299.

Unit 61. Kentucky

Western Hills High School, 100 Doctors Dr., Frankfort; Oct. 1, 10am-5pm (Reg,.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Frankfort, c/o Frankfort, KY 40601. Phone: 502-695-5213.

Unit 62. Louisiana

New Orleans Bahd’f Ctr., 1001 Howard Ave., Suite 500, New Orleans; Oct. 1, 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of East Jefferson Parish, P.O. Box 9176, Metairie, LA 70055. Phone: 504-832-0088.

Unit 63. Massachusetts-A

._ Northampton High School, Route 9, Northampton;

Sat., Oct. 7, 9am- saa (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Springfield, P.O. Box 104, Springfield, MA 01101. Phone: 413-567-7566.

Unit 64. Massachusetts-B

Masconomet Regional School, 20 Endicott Rd., Topsfield; Oct. 1, 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Salem, c/o 11 Church St., #302, Salem, MA 01970. Phone: 508-744-3401.

Unit 65. Massachusetts-C

Boston Baha’f Ctr, 595 Albany St., Boston; Oct. 1, 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Boston, P.O. Box 1207, Boston, MA 02104. Phone: 617-262-4672.

Unit 66. Maryland, W/D. C.

Rockville Sr. Citizen Ctr, 1150 Carnation Dr, Rockville; Oct. 1, 2pm-7pm (Reg.: 1pm). Mail ballots: LSA of Montgomery Co. South, P.O. Box 34119, Bethesda, MD 20827. Phone: 301-365-8252.

Unit 67. Maryland, Central

(Tentative) Riverhill High School, 12101 Route 108, Clarksville; Oct. 1. Mail ballots: LSA of Howard Co., P.O. Box 488, Columbia, MD 21045. Phone: 410-7306540 (voice mail box 6005 for final location & time).

Unit 68. Maine U. of Southern Maine, Bailey Hall, Gorham; Oct. 1, 9am-4pm. Mail ballots: LSA of Augusta, c/o Augusta, ME 04330. Phone: 207-622-2406.

Unit 69. Michigan, Mainland-A Louhelen Baha’ School, 3208 S. State Rd., Davison; Oct 1. Mail ballots: LSA of Ypsilanti Twp., Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Phone: 313/572-9191 or 5720450.

Unit 70. Michigan, Mainland-B

Muskegon Comm. College, 221 S. Quarterline Rd., Muskegon; Oct. 1; 9am-3:30pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Muskegon, P.O. Box 92, Muskegon, MI 49441. Phone: 616, -3308.

Unit 71. Michigan, Mainland-C

Detroit Baha’f Ctr., 17215 James Couzens Dr., Detroit; Oct. 1; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Detroit, P.O. Box 14487, Detroit, MI 48214. Phone: 313-884-5670.

Unit 72. Minnesota, Northern College of St. Scholastica, Somers Hall, 1200 Kenwood Ave., Duluth; Oct. 1, 1lam-3pm (Reg.: 10am). Mail ballots: LSA of Duluth, c/o Duluth, MN 55811. Phone: 218-722-8072.

Unit 73. Minnesota, Southern Olmsted County 4-H Bldg., Corner of 16th St. SE & 3rd Ave. SE, Rochester; Oct. 1, 12noon-5pm (Reg.: Tam). Mail ballots: LSA of Rochester, c/o Rochester, MN 55904. Phone: 507-289-4682.

Unit 74. Missouri-A

U. of Missouri, Univ. Center East, Rolla; Oct. 1, 9am-3pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Phelps County, c/o Rolla, MO. 65401. Phone: 314-364-0845.

Unit 75. Missouri-B Tegeler Hall at St. Louis U., 3550 Lindell, St. Louis; t. 1, 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of St Louis, P. Po. Box 15771, St. Louis, MO 63163. Phone: 314-776-4727. Unit 76. Mississippi Wilson Inn (I-55 & High St.), 310 Greymont Ave., Jackson; Oct. 8, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Jackson, P.O. Box 1489, Jackson, MS 39215. Phone: 601-982-0709.

Unit 77. Montana

Park Plaza Hotel, 22 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena; Oct. 1, 9am-3pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Lewis & Clark Co., c/o Kendell, . Helena, MT 59601. Phone: 406-458-8155.

Unit 78. Navajo-Hopi Sage Cafe, Ganado; Oct. 1, 9am-4:30pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Gallup, c/o Bright, Gallup, NM 87301. Phone: 505-7220039.

Unit 79. North Carolina, Central-A New Garden Friends Mtg., 801 New Garden Rd., Greensboro; Sat. Sept. 30, 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Greensboro, c/o Greensboro, NC 27455. Phone: 910282-3294.

Unit 80. North Carolina, Central-B

Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St., Wilmington; Oct. 1, 10:30am-3pm (Reg.: 10am). Mail ballots: LSA of Wilmington, c/o Wilmington, NC 28401. Phone: 910-452-9914.

Unit 81. North Carolina, Eastern-A

Glen Eden Comm. Ctr., 1500 Glen Eden Dr., Raleigh; Sat. Sept. 30, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Cary, P.O. Box 4053, Cary, NC 27519. Phone: 919-380-9673.

Unit 82. North Carolina, Eastern-B Mail ballots: Baha'is of Greenville, c/o M. Crisp, Greenville, NC 28734. Phone: 919-752-2638.

Unit 83. North Carolina, Western-A

WNC Baha‘ Center, 5 Ravenscroft Dr., Asheville; Oct. 1, 9:30am-2:30pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Buncombe County, P.O. Box 7242, Asheville, NC 28802. Phone: 704-253-9489.

Unit 84. North Carolina, Western-B For information, call the Baha’f National Center, Office of the Secretary, 708-733-3529.

Unit 85. North Dakota

Carnegie Arts Ctr., 105 2nd Ave. SE, Minot; Oct. 1, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Minot, c/o Minot, ND 58703. Phone: 701-839-1015 or 857-2402.

Unit 86. Nebraska

Riverside Inn Motel, Hwy 34 & Locust St., Grand Island; Oct. 1, 10am-4pm (Reg: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Grand Island, c/o Grand Island, NE 68801. Phone: 308-381-2789.

Unit 87. New Hampshire

New England College, New Science Bldg., Henniker; Oct. 1, 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8:15am). Mail ballots: LSA of Nashua, P.O. Box 139, Nashua, NH 03061. Phone: 603-883-6891.

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DISTRICT CONVENTIO

Conventions

Continued from page 21

Unit 88. New Jersey-A

Wilhelm Baha’f Properties (“The Cabin”), 126 Evergreen Place, Teaneck; Oct. 1, 12:30pm-5pm (Reg.: 11:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of | Bloomfield, P.O. Box 1798, Bloomfield, NJ 07003. Phone: 201-338-0724.

Unit 89. New Jersey-B

Grice Middle School, 901 Whitehorse, Hamilton Sq. Rd., Hamilton; Oct. 1, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Hamilton Twp., P.O. Box 2529, Hamilton, NJ 08620. Phone: 609-586-2931.

Unit 90. New Mexico, Northern

UNM Continuing Education Bldg., Rooms C, D & I, 1634 University NE, y Adbuguergite: Oct. 1,9am-4pm. (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Paradise Hills,

Albuquerque, NM 87114. Phone:

505-268-3045.

Unit 91. New Mexico, S./Texas, West-A

Dona Ana Branch Comm. College, Rm 129 & 131, Espina & Gregg, Las Cruces; Oct. 1, 9am-12noon (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Las Cruces, P.O. Box 1491, Las Cruces, NM 88004. Phone: 505-5225976 or 526-0450.

Unit 92. New Mexico, S./Texas, West-B

Ramada Inn, 501 N. Marland Blvd., Hobbs; Oct. 1, 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Hobbs, P.O. Box 5161, Hobbs, NM 88240. Phone: 505-3973092 or 234-8745.

Unit 93. New Mexico, S./Texas, West-C

El Paso Baha’f Ctr, El Paso; Oct. 1, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of El Paso, El Paso, TX 79924. Phone: 915-751-6388.

Unit 94. Nevada, Northern

YWCA of Reno- Sparks, 1301 Valley Rd., Reno; Oct. 1, 9:30am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Sp athe? P.O. Box 505° Sparks, NV 89432. Phone: 702 ta 95; 5, Nevada, Southern

Paradise Comm. Ctr., 4770S. Harrison, Las Vegas; Oct. 1, 1lam-3pm (Reg.: 10am). Mail ballots: LSA of Paradise Twp., c/o Marzoline, Las Vegas, NV 89121. Phone: 702-458-5152.

Unit 96. New York, Eastern-A. Oakwood School, Spackenkill Rd. & Rte 9D,

• Poughkeepsie; Oct. 1, 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail

ballots: LSA of Beacon, c/o Ruhe, Beacon, NY 12508. Phone: 914-831-7567 or 838-1277.

Unit 97. New York, Eastern-B

(NOTE: Unit elects 2 delegates.) NYC Baha’f Center, 53 E. 11th St., New York; Oct. 1, lpm-5Spm (Reg.: 12:30pm). Mail ballots: LSA of White Plains, c/o Washburn, White Plains, NY 10601. Phone: 914-949-8286.

Unit 98. New York, Eastern-C

Roslyn Comm. Ctr., 53 Orchard St., Roslyn Hts.; Oct. 1, 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of North Hempstead Twp., c/o Great Neck, NY 11021. Phone: 516-627-1919.

Unit 99. New York, Western-A Buffalo State College, Classroom Bldg., 1300 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo; Oct. 1, 8:45am-5pm (Reg..: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Buffalo, c/o Buffalo, NY 14214. Phone: 716-837-9152 or 8514333.

Unit 100. New York, Western-B

Cornell Cooperative Extension, Tompkin County Education Ctr., 615 Willow Ave., Ithaca; Oct. 1 (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Ithaca, P.O. Box 5: Ithaca, NY 14851. Phone: 607-272-5320.

Unit 101. Ohio, Northern-A

Comfort Inn, Rte 30 & Trimble Rd. exit, Mansfield; Oct. 1, 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Mansfield, c/o Van Buren, Mansfield, OH 44902. Phone: 419-526-3726.

Unit 102. Ohio, Northern-B

Baker Hall, Case Western Reserve U., 10950 Euclid Ave., Cleveland; Oct. 1, 9am-5pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Cleveland Hts., P.O. Box 18092,

Cleveland Hts., Oh 44118. Phone: 216-291-2512.

Unit 103. Ohio, Southern Lohrey Ctr., 2366 Glenarm Ave., Dayton; Oct. 1,

9:45am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Dayton, P.O. Box 1881, Dayton, OH 45401. Phone: 513294-6869.

Unit 104. Oklahoma, Eastern Mail ballots: LSA of Stillwater, c/o Brawley, Stillwater, OK 74079. Phone: 405-6245465.

Unit 105. Oklahoma, Western Oklahoma City Baha’f Ctr., 1201 S. Blackwelder, Oklahoma City; Oct. 1, 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Edmond, c/o P. Koskie, Edmond, OK 73013. Phone: 405-359-7013.

Unit 106. Oregon, Eastern

Hermiston Comm. Ctr., SE 2nd, Hwy 395, Hermiston; Sat., Oct. 7, Ipm-5pm (Reg.: 12noon). Mail ballots: LSA of Pendleton, c/o Pendleton, OR 97801. Phone: 503-276-1868.

Unit 107. Oregon, Western-A

Tigard Senior Ctr., 8815 SW O'Mara St., Tigard; Oct. 8, 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Beaverton, c/o . Beaverton, OR 97008. Phone: 503-690-1910.

Unit 108. Oregon, Western-B

Regional Baha’f Ctr., 8720 N. Ivanhoe, Portland; Oct. 1, 2pm-5pm (Reg.: 1:30pm). Mail ballots: LSA of Portland, P.O. Box 4245, Portland, OR 97208. Phone: 503-281-2955 or 225-0255.

Unit 109. Oregon, Western-C

YWCA of Salem, 768 State St., Salem; Oct. 1, 9am4pm (Reg.: 8:15am). Mail ballots: LSA of Salem, P.O. Box 403, Salem, OR 97308. Phone: 503-581-4926 or 371-8633.

Unit 110. Oregon, Western-D Umpqua Comm. College Campus Ctr., 1140 College Rd., Roseburg; Oct. 1, 10am-4:30pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Douglas Co., c/o Dighton, Oakland, OR 97462. Phone: 503

459-9763.

Unit 111. Pennsylvania, Eastern

West Chester U., Main Hall on High St., West Chester; Oct. 1, 9:30am- apa (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Philadelphia, Baha’i Center,

- Philadelphia, PA 19131. Phone: 215879-8866.

Unit 112. Pennsylvania, Western

Carlow College, Kresge Auditorium (theater), 5th flr., 3333 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh; Sat., Oct. 14, 10am4pm (Reg: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Pittsburgh, P.O. Box 5566, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Phone: 412-8640499.

Unit 113. Rhode Island Community Ctr., Beach St., Town Beach, North Kingstown; Oct. 1, 9:45am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Providence, c/o Keiser, Providence, RI 02909. Phone: 401-943-3013.

Unit 114/115. South Carolina, Central-AB

(NOTE: Unit elects 2 delegates.) Columbia Jr. College, 3810 Main St., Columbia; Oct. 1, 10am-1pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Richland Co. North, P.O. Box 210351, Columbia, SC 29221. Phone: 803798-7116.

Unit 116/117. South Carolina, Central-CD (NOTE: Unit elects 2 delegates.) Sunlight Comm. Ctr, Orangeburg; Oct. 8, 10am5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Grtr. Orangeburg, c/o Orangeburg, SC 29115. Phone: 803-533-0018.

Unit 118-121. South Carolina, East No. 1A-D

(NOTE: Unit elects 3 delegates.) The Canterbury house, Hartsville; Oct. 1, 10:30am-4pm (Reg,.: 10am). Mail ballots: LSA of Society Ave.,c/o Hartsville, SC 29550. Phone: 803-332-6436.

Unit 122-125. South Carolina, East No. 1E-H (NOTE: Unit elects 3 delegates.) Florence Baha’i Ctr, Florence; Oct. 1. Mail ballots: LSA of Florence, c/o Florence Baha’f Ctr., Florence, SC 29501. Phone: 803-667-1540.

Unit 126-129. South Carolina, East No. 2A-D (NOTE: Unit elects 3 delegates.) 2601 Fourth Ave.,

Conway; Oct. 1, 2pm. Mail ballots: LSA of Conway P.O. Box 348, Conway, SC 29526. Phone: 803-2¢ 8820.

Unit 130. South Carolina, East No. 2E

Home of Nancy Jones, Kingstree; Oct. 1, 10am-4pm. Mail ballots: LSA of Kingstree, c/o Kingstree, SC 29556. Phone: 803-354-7121.

Unit 131. South Carolina, East No. 2F

J.J. Mitcheom Ctr, Hwy 261 W., Hemingway; Oct. 15, 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Donnelly, PO. Box 544, Hemingway, SC 29554. Phone: 803-558-3695.

Unit 132. South Carolina, East No. 2G

Louis Gregory Baha‘f Inst., Williams Hill Rd., Hemingway (date & time TBA). Mail ballots: LSA of Williams Hill, c/o Louis Gregory Baha'i Inst., RR 2, Box 71, Hemingway, SC 29554. Phone: 803-5585093.

Unit 133. South Carolina, North-A

Unit 134. South Carolina, North-B

(Joint convention.) Old Armory, Forturne Springs Park, Park St., Winnsboro; Oct. 1, 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots for Unit #133: LSA of Spartanburg Co., c/o Spartanburg, SC 29303. Mail ballots for Unit #134: LSA of Rock Hill, c/o Thomas, Rock Hill, SC 29730. Phone: 803-877-0563.

Unit 135. South Carolina, South No. 1A

Reeves’ Residence, - Summerville; Oct. 1, Llam-3pm (Reg.: 10am). Mail ballots: LSA of Summerville, c/o Utley, Summerville, SC 29483. Phone: 803-871-9026 or 871-6375.

Unit 136. South Carolina, South No. 1B

Burke Fine Arts Auditorium, 244 President St., Charleston; Oct. 1, 9:30am-3:30pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Charleston, P.O. Box 21887, Charleston, SC 29413. Phone: 803-763-3843.

Unit 137/138. South Carolina, South No. 1-C/D (NOTE: Unit elects 2 delegates.) Bernard residence, Beaufort; Oct. 1, 9am-1pm. Mail ballots: LSA of St. Helena Is:, P-O.:Box 429;|StsHelena Isl., SC 29920. Phone: 803-986-0916.

Unit 139. South Carolina, Western Mail ballots: LSA of Pickens Co., c/o Six Mile, SC 29682. Phone: 803-868-9470.

Unit 140. South Dakota-A

Custer Comm. Ctr., 440 Crook, Custer; Oct. 1, 9am4pm. Mail ballots: LSA of Custer, P.O. Box 502, Custer, SD 57730. Phone: 605-673-5116.

Unit 141. South Dakota-B

State Library, 800 Governors Dr., Pierre; Oct. 1, 10am-3pm. Mail ballots: LSA of Pierre, P.O. Box 214, Pierre, SD 57501. Phone: 605-224-1273.

Unit 142. Tennessee, Eastern

Ramada Inn-Cedar Bluff, 323 N. Cedar Bluff Rd. (I-40 exit 378, Cedar Bluff exit) Knoxville; Oct. 1, 9am4:30pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Knoxville, c/o Knoxville, TN 37914. Phone: 615-521-7829.

Unit 143. Tennessee, Western

Recreation Lodge at Natchez Trace State Park, Wildersville; Oct. 8, 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Memphis, P.O. Box 111101, Memphis, TN 38111. Phone: 901-423-2035.

Unit 144. Texas, Central-A

Round Rock Comm. Ctr., 215 E. Main St., Round Rock; Oct. 1, 9am-Ipm (Reg.: 8:15am). Mail ballots: LSA of Williamson Co., Georgetown, TX 78628. Phone: 512-930-5403 or 255-3612.

Unit 145. Texas, Central-B

LBJ Student Ctr., Southwest Texas State U., 601 University Dr., San Marcos; Oct. 1, 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of San Marcos, P.O. Box a, San Marcos, TX 78667. Phone: 512-392-9816 or 353-3339.

Unit 146. Texas, Eastern No. 1-A

Conference Ctr., Collin County Comm. College, 2800 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano; Oct. 1, 12:30pm5pm (Reg.: 12noon). Mail ballots: LSA of Plano, P.O. Box 260031, Plano, TX 76026. Phone: 214-424-7010.

Unit 147. Texas, Eastern No. 1-B Baha’ Faith Ctr., Tyler; Oct. 1, 10am-2pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of

[Page 23]‘Izzat B.E. 152 © Sepremeer 8, 1995 23

DISTRICT CONVENTIONS

Tyler, 903-561-3904.

Unit 148. Texas, Eastern No. 1-C

Tarrant County Baha’f Ctr., 723 E. Border, Arlington; Oct. 1. Mail ballots: LSA of Ft. Worth, P.O. Box 11696, Ft. Worth, TX 76110. Phone: 817-921-2627 or 332-5437.

Unit 149. Texas, Eastern No. 1-D

Radisson Hotel Central, 6060 N. Central Expressway, Dallas; Oct. 1, 9am (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Duncanville, P.O. Box 381653, Duncanville, TX 75137. Phone: 214-780-1667.

Unit 150. Texas, Eastern No. 2-A The Northwoods Unitarian, 1370 N. Millbend Dr., The Woodlands; Sat., Oct. 7, 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of The Woodlands, The Woodlands, TX 77381. Phone: 713-363-1417.

Unit 151. Texas, Eastern No. 2-B

Houston Bahd’f Ctr., 2121 Oakdale, Houston; Oct. 1, 9am-1pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Harris Co. NW, c/o Spring, TX 77379. Phone: 713-376-1903.

Unit 152. Texas, Northern/Central

Haynes Bldg., 812-B. West 8th, Plainview; Oct. 1, 9:30am-3:30pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Amarillo, P: Po, Box 50214, Amarillo, TX 79159. Phone: 806-359-6505.

Unit 153. Texas, Southern

South Texas High School, San Benito Campus, Helen Moore Rd., San Benito; Oct. 8, 10am-3:45pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Harlingen, P.O. Box 830, Harlingen, TX 78551. Phone: 210-425-7675 or 544-8292.

Unit 154. Utah Mail ballots: LSA of Salt Lake County, P.O. Box 57775, Salt Lake City, UT 84157. Phone: 801-486-3670.

Tyler, TX 75707. Phone:

Spiritual Assembly of San Jose, California, hosts dinner

Unit 155. Virginia, Northern-A

Lord Fairfax Comm. College, Alson H. Smith Technology Ctr., Special Event Ctr., Route 11, Middletown; Oct. 1, Ipm-S5pm (Reg: 12noon). Mail ballots: LSA of Fairfax Co. Central South, P.O. Box 10514, Burke, VA 22009. Phone: 703-250-6855 or 5532452.

Unit 156. Virginia, Northern-B

The Colonies Condominium Clubhouse, 7700 Provincial Dr., McLean; Oct. 1, 9:30am-1pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Alexandria, c/o Alexandria, VA 22301. Phone: 703-836-2475 or 3080476.

Unit 157. Virginia, Southeast Camp Skimino, 448 Fenton Mill Rd., Williamsburg; Oct. 8, 10:30am-4pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Newport News, c/o Smith, Newport News, VA 23602. Phone: 804-874-1033.

Unit 158. Virginia, Southwest

Salem Senior Citizens Ctr., 110 Union St., Salem; Oct. 1, 10am-3:30pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Albemarle Co., P.O. Box 7055, Charlottesville, VA 22906. Phone: 804-979-5589.

Unit 159. Vermont

Highrise, N. Hollow Rd., RR No. 1, Box 46, Rochester; Oct. 1, 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Brattleboro, P.O. Box 221, Brattleboro, VT 05302. Phone: 802-254-2115.

Unit 160. Washington, Northwest-A

Skagut Valley College, 2405 E. College Way, Mt. Vernon; Oct. 1, 9:30am-4pm Reg 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Mt. Vernon, P.O. Box 2096, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273. Phone: 360-428-8071.

Unit 161. Washington, Northwest-B Visitation Retreat, 3200 SW Dash Point Rd., Federal Way; Oct. 1, 9:30am-4:30pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail

ballots: LSA of Federal Way, P.O. Box 3935, Federal Way, WA 98063. Phone: 206-874-6136 or 874-8507.

Unit 162. Washington, Northwest-C

Sunset Elementary School, 4229 180th SE, Issaquah; Oct. 8, 2pm-' pa (Reg.: 1:30pm). Mail ballots: LSA of King Co. East Ctrl. Dist. No. 12, P.O. Box 722, Issaquah, WA 98027. Phone: 206-641-7012 or 455-1515.

Unit 163. Washington, Southwest

Brighton Creek Conference Grounds, 4516 State Hwy 702, McKenna; Oct. 1, 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Bremerton, c/o Bremerton, WA 98312. Phone: 360-377-1977.

Unit 164. Wisconsin, N/Mich., Penin.

UW-GB Ecumenical Ctr., 2420 Nicolet Dr., Green Bay; Sat., Sept. 30, 10am-4:30pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail pallies LSA of DePere, c/o DePere, WI 54115. Phone: 414-337-0948.

Unit 165. Wisconsin, Southern-A.

DeForest Comm. Ctr., 505 N. Main, DeForest; Oct. 1, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Sun Prairie, c/o Sun Prairie, WI 53590. Phone: 608-846-9819.

Unit 166. Wisconsin, Southern-B Mail ballots: LSA of Milwaukee, c/o Milwaukee, WI 53209. Phone: 414-774-6643. Unit 167. West Virginia Mountainlair, West Virginia U., Morgantown; Oct.

1. Mail ballots: LSA of Morgantown, Morgantown, WV 26505. Phone: 304-291-3496 or 293-4692. Unit 168. Wyoming

Laramie Inn, 421 Boswell Dr., Laramie; Oct. 8, 9am- _ 4pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: Baha’is of Laramie, c/o Hutton,

Phone: 307-742-4833.

Laramie, WY 82070.

for more than 30 television personnel from China

On May 21, the Spiritual Assembly of San Jose, California, hosted a dinner for more than 30 members of Tianjin Television Station—actors, actresses and writers—from the Peoples Republic of China.

he Tianjin television crew were in San Jose to produce a mini-series on the life of Patrick Chang, a ChineseAmerican student at Stanford Univer

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 orlentation program. Volunteers and those requiring further information should contact the South Carolina Coordinating Committee, 800-7354445, or Administration at the Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute, 803-5585093, Route 2 Box 71, Hemingway, SC 29554.

sity who is about to receive his PhD in economics.

About Mr. Chang, the San Jose Mercury News wrote: “If Patrick Chang’s life reads like a movie script, that’s because it is. Paralyzed from the chest down in a diving accident when he was 13, Chang overcame his disability to graduate from Stanford University at 19 and is closing in on a doctorate at only 21.

“And to top it off, he donated his $200,000 trust fund to set up a scholarship program in his father’s hometown in China.”

Thanks to the hospitality and love they received from Baha’fs Poova Murday and his wife, Lu (managers of the hotel where the cast and crew stayed), the group and Chang family accepted the local Spiritual Assembly’s invitation to attend a farewell banquet in their honor.

The event, at the Arena Hotel, was put together in a short time through the efforts of many Baha‘is.

After words of welcome and dinner, entertainment was provided by a wellknown Chinese harp player.

The lead actress in the TV series and another member of the crew offered more songs, after which a cake was served with the inscription “Uniting the Hearts, from San Jose to China.”

The director of the mini-series was recognized and presented a framed certificate of appreciation and a folder containing copies of “Tomorrow Belongs to the Children,” “World Citizen,” “The Prosperity of Humankind” in English and “One Country” in Chinese.

Other guests received their own copies, and they in turn presented the Assembly members and hotel managers gifts from China.

Pictured at a special ‘Teacher Appreciation Tea’ held April 2 and sponsored by

Wilson.

Denver Baha

A’i

the Denver area's Gemstone Baha'i School are teachers Don Budy and Betty Budy with young Bahd’is (left to right) Alyce Wilson, Paul Burnham and Alex

is honor children’s teachers

with ‘appreciation tea’ at Baha’i Center

On April 2, a special “Teacher Appreciation Tea,” sponsored by the Gemstone Bahd’f School, was held at the Metro Denver (Colorado) Baha’f Center to recognize public school teachers of local Baha'i youth and children.

After welcoming teachers and giving them a tour of the recently acquired Metro Denver Center, Gemstone teachers and students presented a program centered around the sacred Writings pertaining to teachers and education.

The teachers, who came from nearby cities including Arvada, Aurora, Cherry Creek, Highlands Ranch and Westminster, were introduced by the student who invited them and givena carnation boutonnier.

At the end of the : Brogan each was given a quotation by Baha’u'llah set in a handsome brass frame.

Teachers were then invited to share refreshments which included a cake with a message of thanks to them.

[Page 24]Tue American Bani = 24

EXCELLENCE IN ALLTHINGS...

Auicia Avsers Wricu, a Baha’{ from Oakland, California, is one of only 10 medical students in California to be chosen for a 1995 Family Medicine Preceptorship by the California Academy of Family Physicians Foundation. The award carries a $1,000 stipend for a four-week internship with a community family physician. Mrs. Wright attends medical school at the University of San Francisco.

Dr. Davin A. Brown, a Baha’{ from Custer, South Dakota, is the recipient of the 1994 Dissertation Award from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) section on Pediatrics. In June, Dr. Brown was invited to present an address at the World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT) in Washington, D.C. Dr. Brown, a board-certified physical therapist, works part-time with students with disabilities in Custer schools and is fulltime director of physical therapy at the South Dakota Developmental Center in Custer.

Keyvan Nazerian, a Baha'i who retired last year asa veterinary medical officer at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and now works at the Baha’f National Center, has been honored by the USDA for his work in developing two genetically engineered vaccines to protect poultry health and in transferring the technology for commercialization. One of the vaccines protects against Marek’s disease, a highly contagious form of cancer in chickens; the other protects chickens and turkeys from the tumor-causing reticuloendotheliosis virus.

Tony Jaynes, a Baha'i from Omaha, Nebraska, has been chosen from among nominees submitted by more than 200 Goodwill agencies around the world as 1995 Goodwill Industries International Graduate of the Year. Despite suffering from Marfan syndrome, which causes visual impairment and heart problems, Mr. Jaynes completed a Goodwill training program and works as a computer programmer /analyst for U.S. West Communications.

Lisa Scurewer, a Bahd’i from Santa Barbara, California, was recently honored by her em Oe Digital Sound Corporation, with its President’s Quality First Award which recom izes outstanding employees. The award consists of a plaque and $5,000 bonus check.

Eric C. JouNson, an 18-year-old Baha’f from Enterprise, Alabama, was graduated this year as valedictorian of his high school class and received a number of honors including a four-year scholarship worth $28,900 to Louisiana State University where he plans to major in computer engineeering.

Tueresa Fox, a young Bahd’i from Peoria, Illinois, has been accepted into the Honors College at Michigan State University where she plans to major in advertising. At Peoria High, she was a member of Quill and Scroll, editor of the school newspaper, a member of the National Honor Society and of the Speech Team that was judged best in Improvisational Speaking at the state Speech Tournament.

Jennirer McNair, a young Baha’f from Long Island, New York, was graduated as valedictorian of her 1995 high school class. Among her other honors were the Outstanding Young Achiever Award from NatWest Bank, the American Chemical Society’s award for Outstanding Achievement in High School Chemistry, and the first Henry Viscardi Scholarship. An active Baha'i, Jennifer coordinated two regional Baha'i youth conferences on Long Island and was instrumental in arranging for Bahd’fs to deliver the invocation and benediction at both junior and senior high school commencements at her school this year. She will attend St. Joseph’s college on a full four-year academic scholarship.

Neva Jam, a young Baha’i from San Jose, California, was awarded the Girl Scout Gold Prize, a Hewlett-Packard educational scholarship and two others on graduating this year from Pioneer High School. While there she was a member of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation, was editor of the school yearbook and was ranked fourth ina class of 225. After serving this summer at the Bosch Baha’f School, she plans to attend the University of California-Davis.

Benvamin Pavorr, a Baha’{ from Margate, New Jersey, was honored at a White House ceremony in June as one of 141 U.S. high school seniors who were designated 1995 Presidential Scholars. Mr. Paloff received his honor for poetry, one of only 20 students recognized for their contributions in fine arts. Also honored (for the second time) as a “distinguished teacher” was Peter Murpny, Mr. Paloff’s mentor at Atlantic City High School, who is also a Baha’i.

No less than three young Baha’is from Encinitas, California, were named valedictorian of their respective elementary school graduating classes this

ear. They are Aria Bruss (La Costa Elementary), Carmet Batra (Flora ista Elementary) and Leta Seraoy (Del Mar Pines Elementary).

Wituiam McCants, a Baha'i from Greenwood, South Carolina, who is a ee at Lander University, has been chosen as one of 14 Presidential Ambassadors for the 1995-96 academic year. The Ambassadors serve as campus tour guides and hosts at events where alumni, faculty, parents, guests or Data students are in attendance. Mr. McCants, history major, ended his freshman year on the dean’s list with an all-A average.

FI Eric C. Johnson

¢ ; Bruce Butler makes a presentation at the fourth annual Southeast Asian Round table Discussion with the help of Auxiliary Board member Marsha Gilpatrick and translator Dr. Chue Chang.

Bahda’is of Merced, California, host fourth Southeast Asian Roundtable Discussion

The Baha’i community of Merced, California, was host June 23-25 to the fourth annual Southeast Asian Roundtable Discussion.

Taking part in the conference were nearly 80 adults and youth from American, Cambodian, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Persian and Vietnamese cultures.

Participants traveled from Florida, Illinois, Oregon, Washington and all over California to support Southeast Asian teaching and consolidation in the U.S.

Close collaboration between Auxiliary Board member Marsha Gilpatrick and a number of local Spiritual Assemblies helped make the event a wonderful success.

In the planning stages, teachers and Southeast Asian Baha’i community leaders agreed that the conference should focus on the present needs of the Southeast Asian community, namely (1) involvement of parents in the schools of their children and youth, (2) family life, and (3) social and economic development.

Significant topics addressed included “The Relationship Between the Teachings of the Faith and Traditional Hmong Beliefs,” “The Importance of Family Unity,” and “Parent Involvement with Children’s Education.”

Three panel discussions examined answers from the Baha’i writings to such relevant issues as “The Role in the Baha'i Family” of Southeast Asian Baha’i women, men and youth.

Dr. Marian Davis-Lawyer, a pioneer to Laos, told stories of moral education through hand puppets and displayed many pertinent books, while an activity that involved some of the participants in acting out “What It Is Like to Be a Newcomer” was humbling for all.

The final session was devoted to an evaluation of goals set at last year’s conference and suggestions about where the group would like to go in the areas of youth activity, the empowerment of women, travel teaching, proposals for grants, Baha’i children’s classes, unity Feasts, and local Baha'i Centers.

Baha’is in Round Rock, Texas, host second annual

Appreciation Teas for teachers of Baha’i students

For the second year, the Baha'i community of Round Rock, Texas, has hosted Teacher Appreciation Teas for all teachers of Baha students in the community.

This year three teas were held during “Teacher Appreciation Week” at Baha’i homes capable of seating up to 40 teachers at a time.

Teachers were given invitations by their Baha’i students, who then too! part in the programs through music, reciting Baha'i passages on education, or speeches related to the program theme.

Many of their parents also attended the teas.

Eighteen teachers attended the first tea, another dozen attended the second, and 17 attended the third. Each event included a printed program of Baha'i quotations a teachers to keep.

The main purposes of the programs were to extend Baha’t hospitality and honor and recognize the hard-working teachers.

The local paper ran an article about the events, and teachers were invited to attend Baha'i firesides.

‘Divine Plan’ theme of 22nd Conference of Nur

“My Role in the Divine Plan” was the theme of the 22nd annual Conference of Nur held May 26-28 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

The conference site was filled to capacity by 240 Bahd’is and their guests from a nine-state area who attended sessions and workshops, with special programs for children and youth.

Among the speakers who enlightened the friends were Mohabat Ahdiyyeh (“Transformation of the Individual”), Haideh Yazdoni (“Uniting

the Baha’i Community”) and Dr. Soheil Bushrui (“O God, Make Me a Hollow Reed”).

Highlights included the auctioning ofa evel afghan made especially for the occasion by Lillian Leonard shortly before her passing. Thanks in part to her inspirational example, more than $10,300 was raised for the Arc Fund.

The Conference of Nur is sponsored each year by the Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg.

[Page 25]

ERS TO THE EDITOR

‘Izzat B.E. 152 ¢ Septemeer 8, 1995 25

Hopi prophecy inspires this homefront pioneer

To the Editor:

In light of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s statement that “you must attach great importance to the Indians, the original inhabitants of America,” and that “when the Indian people learn this new teaching there can be no doubt that through the Holy Message of the new Messenger they will have sucha great light in their hearts that the whole earth will be illumined,” I would like to share a most beautiful Hopi prophecy that so inspired my heart that I have become a homefront pioneer among the American Indian people. Perhaps it may touch others as well.

To verify its accuracy, I have taken the information from the book The Voice of the Great Spirit by Rudolf Kaiser. The Hopi prophecy follows:

“KA great Chieftain of the Bow clan had two sons. It was to these brothers that a set of sacred stone tablets was given, and both were instructed to carry them to a place the Great Spirit had instructed them. The older brother was to go to the east, to the rising sun, and upon reaching his destination to start back looking for his younger brother who would remain in the land of the Great Spirit.

“His mission was to help his younger brother bring about the day of purification when the wrong-doers would be punished, after which real

eace and brotherhood would be

rought about.

“Both brothers were told that a ‘great white star’ would appear in the sky. The older brother may, after man years, change in color of skin, whic! may become white, but his hair will remain black. He will have the ability to write things down and will be the only one to read the sacred Stone Tablets.

“Once he returns to the younger brother, the tablets will be placed side by side to show the world they are true brothers. He will help his younger brother bring about real justice.

“When the true white brother comes, he will be powerful, wear a red cloak, have a cloth on his head, and belon; tono religion but his very own. He wi bring the sacred Stone Tablet and none will be able to stand against him. All power in this world will be placed in

‘is hand.

“With him (the older brother) there will be two great ones, both very powerful. The third one, the second of the two helpers to our true white brother, will have a sign of a symbol of the sun. The three will lay out a new life plan. The earth will become new as it was from the beginning.

“After the great shaking of the earth those who are saved will share everything equally. They will recognize the Great Spirit and they may intermarry and speak one tongue. A new religion will be set if the people desire it.

“The white brother will come with the people of the sun from across the great salt water with the missing tablet and establish a new and universal brotherhood of man. The elder white brother is referred to as Pahana (alternative spellings are Bahana, Bohana or Bahanna).”

Similar prophecies can be found in Mary Summer Rain’s book, Phoenix Rising, as given to her by her mentor, No Eyes. She, No Eyes, speaks of the tablets and the coming of the Golden Age of mankind, and the white brother with the cloth on his head.

I was astonished by the description of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd in His turban and reddish robe, just as in the picture I have of Him. It was all so wonderfully obvious that the prophecy has been fulfilled in every way that my heart was directed to sell all that I had and go to share the glad tidings with these beautiful people.

Your prayers for divine guidance and assistance would be deeply appreciated.

Loni Smith Aurora, Colorado

Indians have much to share

To the Editor:

Several years ago our family (of French-Canadian and Choctaw descent) began hosting native inipi or sweat lodge ceremonies for Baha'is and non-Bahd'is.

The sweat lodge has been a vital element for prayer and purification among native peoples for hundreds of years. Tradition says that other races once had sweat lodges too but have since forgotten these ways.

All races, native and non-native, have come to our humble lodge to hear and take part in the teachings and songs of the inipi.

Though the lodge is but a way-point for many in their search for understanding, we have been honored by the declarations of nine new Baha'fs since January 1994, one of whom is pioneering in Africa with the Peace Corps.

le have been blessed with many gifts of friendship as the lodge has attracted up to 30 people each month to share with one another and pray.

As Baha'u'llah has taught us about the revelations of old, the social teachings will change but the spiritual message endures. Even in the inipi ceremony, which may be a part of the oldest religion in North America, the subtle blending of the “old” and “new” is powerful. There is no conflict.

It is the spirit and its manifestations that touch all who come near. We are enjoined to consort with those of other religions, and our family is continually enriched by the understandings of those who would come and share with us.

Baha'is and Native Americans share similar traditions of hardship, sacrifice and unwarranted death. Our stories are related. Our destiny is beyond our dreams.

We are worthy of one another. May we come together and learn from one another.

Mike Harris Seattle, Washington

LETTERS POLICY

opi

and opinions, or to attack

Letters shoi

forth only after the clash of differing —‘Abdu’l-Baha

The American Baha'i welcomes 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

pressed in these columns are those of the writers, and are not necessarily those of the National Spiritual Assembly or the editors.

word maximum is suggested) and are subject to editing for length and style. Please address all letters to The Editor, The American Baha'i, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

The shining spark of truth cometh

inions.”

never to denigrate another's views anyone personally. Opinions ex uld be as brief as possible (a 250

To the Editor:

When a person passes through a certain invisible age barrier it becomes easy to think, “Now someone else can take my place in the Baha'i community. I've served for years...my powers are failing. Someone younger and with more energy can take my place.

“No more record-keeping, typing, telephoning for me...no more cooking for a crowd. Someone with fresh enthusiasm can take over. No longer do I have the responsibility toward my community that I used to feel so strongly.

“Besides, the community expects me to become increasingly inactive. .. They know I'm getting tired. Well, now I'm free to do as I please, even sit and do nothing. How wonderful!

And with the sense of freedom such thoughts may generate comes a certain sadness: “I'm no longer needed. I'm old!”

Of course, as we age our energy level decreases and our physical strength lessens—but our love for Baha’u'Iléh and His community can continue to grow, and our service to the Faith can become a great example.

There is an exciting fact that doesn't seem to have been internalized by us Baha'is: in terms of service to the Cause of God, there is no retirement age. You are very much needed, physical impairments and all. Simply figure out what it is your community needs that you can do—and do it!

For example, nowadays many coun

There is no ‘retirement age’ _ for our service to the Cause

tries have closed their doors to foreigners; they don’t want strangers taking jobs their own people need. But many of them welcome older persons who no longer need or desire employment.

Have you given serious thought to pioneering? Why not? You would be amazed by how easy it is to enter a country if (a) you bring in money, and (b) you don't intend to work. You'd be welcomed!

There are countries (such as Cyprus, whose Baha'f community desperately needs pioneers) that have opened their arms to thousands of ordinary (that is, non-Bahda’f) retirees from many countries. They've come as young as possible to enjo life on a Mediterranean island wit! a mild climate, brilliant sun, gorgeous flowers, miles of beaches and woodlands, and a relatively crimefree society.

It is strange to me that the ready-toretire Baha'i can't see that it would be no sacrifice to move here. With direct flights and e-mail to most anywhere in the world, we're practically in our own backyard. And oh, how the Faith of Baha'u'llah is needed in countries like this!

Consider this letter an invitation from a busy, happy, arthritic 75-yearold in her eighth year of pioneering who sends you warm and confident prayers that the love of Baha'u'llah may always encircle you.

Ruth Hampson Cyprus

Remember, ‘Allahumma’ is prayer

To the Editor:

Tam sure that the majority of Baha’is in the community share my appreciation for the overwhelmingly beautiful “Allahumma” prayer.

Unfortunately, I feel that many of the friends are unaware that it is in fact a

prayer, not merely a song.

May I please take this opportunity to encourage the friends to maintain an appropriate demonstration of respect during the chanting of “Allahumma.”

Reja Sabet New York, New York

[Page 26]26

THe American BAHA’i

DUCATION. AND SCHOOLS

Heartland (Illinois) Baha’i School

During July 19 - 23 at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, more than 200 adults, children, and youth gathered for the annual Heartland Baha‘i School Summer Session. As directed by the National Spiritual Assembly, the Illinois Regional School Committee had adopted the theme, “The Destiny of America,” and presented many inspiring and deep seminars on different aspects of this theme, including several sessions with Auxiliary Board Member, Curtis Russell, such as “Our Destiny and How We Will Achieve It” and “Writings and Documents Related to Our Destiny.” In addition, Jane Russell presented an informative and provocative talk, “Gender Relationships: Spiritual Vertigo at the Edge of the New World Order.”

In the spirit of bringing the friends closer together, increasing their feeling of “family,” the school committee tried an experiment to create inter-generational “villages.” The villages were created by randomly assigning each individual as they registered to a separate village. Each village, named after a Baha’{ month, consisted of 10-15 people, of varying ages, with many children participating independently of their parents. A village “elder” was assigned before the school began, taking the responsibility for initiating getacquainted activities, reviewing orientation materials, and guiding the consultations. Villages met after lunch every day for about 45 minutes, consulting about the programs they had attended, deciding on who and how each Village would participate in the morning devotional program and offering an artistic creation following consultations on specific quotations assigned to them relating to the theme, “The Destiny of America.”

Another wonderful event at the school was an archival exhibit prepared by Aden Lauchner entitled, “A Response to The Tablets of the Divine Plan in the Heartland of America.”

September

5-17: Green Lake 22-24: Oklahoma Baha’ { School; November 3-5: Wisconsin Bahd’{ School; 23-26: December

Regional Schools Fall Schedule

Bahd’{ Conference, Wisconsin; call 1-800-558-8898

contact David Gainey at 405/622-2655

contact Lisa Riemer at 414/338-3023 Florida Winter School; contact Christina Lowcock at 813/688-8162

This exhibit was an unfolding story of the sacrifices, struggles and victories of the Heartland Baha’is in their love and response to the call of ‘Abdu’lBah to establish the Baha’{ Faith within the heart of America and then to spread it throughout the world. Many unique archival materials were shared, such as a collection of Shoghi

Effendi’s communications with the Heartland, papers relating to the development of several central Illin Baha‘f communities, ‘Abdu‘l-Baha’s early Tablets to Countess Aurelia Bethlen, who passed through central Illinois in the 1930s, many artifacts of noted photographer Arthur Killian, who often photographed ‘Abdu’lBaha, and paper and photographs of Ken Francisco, a pioneer from Springfield, Illinois, to Panama and a member of the first National Spiritual Assembly of Panama. Individuals who were able to investigate this exhibit were very aware of the archivist’s observation, “The Baha’i archival gems deposited within the prairies of this vast nation are unfolding a history which is becoming more astonishing and spectacular with each passing year.”

29-31: Illinois BahA’{ School; contact Car] Clingenpeel at 708/898-6385,

Southern Flame (Florida) Baha’i Summer School

Over 500 hundred folks, including at least 75 children and 100 youth, representing all walks of life, gathered June 30-July 4 at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida, to glorify the Name of Bahd’u’ll4h, both through their study sessions and their teaching projects.

The Southern Flame Regional School Committee established the goal of creating an awareness of the importance of promoting the Cause of the Blessed Beauty as the most meritorious deed, which is both an obligation and a privilege. They were intent on involving everyone (whether child, youth, or adult) in some aspect of the teaching process to expose the people of Melbourne to the beauty of the spirit and teachings of the Baha'i Faith.

In addition to hearing inspiring presentations by National Spiritual Assembly member Jack McCants, as well as Bob Harris, Joy Cross, and Dr. Behrouz Sabet, the friends were actively involved in teaching the Faith to the Melbourne community. The Florida Baha’i Youth Workshop performed, a public presentation was made about the Faith at the Melbourne Library, and invitations were distributed to community members to attend any one of several events being held during the school. The Florida Baha‘f Gospel Choir was an integral part of the Baha’f Worship program held in the All Faith Center on Sunday and ap proximately 75 seekers and visitors, including the mayor of Palm Bay, attended the Fireside on Saturday night.

The Southern Flame School Committee had also planned several fund raising events, including a “Run for the Fund” and a “Fund Ball,” raising over $45,000 for the Funds.

The entertainment this summer was incredible, from the rousing songs about Earthkeeping, Warm Fuzzies, and Not Whining from Dave and Helene Van Manen to the soothing, spiritually uplifting selections from Narges Fani, Phyllis Ruocco, Carla Baker, and the Florida Baha’{ Gospel Choir, to the earth-shaking performance by the Florida Baha’f Youth Workshop, the uplifting power of music was felt by all

One particular highlight of this school was the guided tour through the Historical Pavilion created by Zabine Linkins. Ms. Linkins has collected Baha’{ artifacts from around the world, including dust from the gravesites of many heroes and heroines of the Faith and from Fort Tabarsi, photographs of many of the early believers and most of the Hands of the Cause of God, a book from the first Parliament of World Religions, and a hand-written prayer book from Southeast Asia. .

L.G.B.I. National Academy Service at N.A.B.I. Impacts All Involved

“It is difficult to write and convey the activities and che of what we are

doing here at Native American Baha’i Institute. Baha’u’ one of us what we need in our lives right now.

lah is teaching each One of the most inportant

lessons is that we are simply instruments for Bahd‘u'llah’s use.” “Ibelieve that the meeting between these two regions is of the utmost importance. If you have not been to Native American Bahd’{ Institute, please do not rest until you do.” “We have learned many lessons, including patience, opening ourselves to a new way of teaching, and many, many others.”

These excery

ts from letters written by the Louis Gregory Baha’ Institute

National Academy youth begin to tell the story of the transforming experience their service at Native American Baha'i Institute was for both them and the Native American Baha‘i Institute youth they worked with. As the photograph shows, this gathering of youth from many different walks of life was a very

important step for between the two i

em to 9 Ne, setting the stage for future sharing events

N.A.B.I. youth offer beautifully crafted Sage Bundles as friendship pieces to members of the L.G.B.I. National Academy during the parting ceremony held at the close of their period of service.

[Page 27]EDUCATION AND SCHOO

North Carolina Baha’iSchool

Over 130 folks participated ina very special, family-oriented school held June 30 - July 3 in Mount Olive, North Carolina. The North Carolina Regional School Committee set the goal to build a Baha’f family/community model similar to the one we all must strive toward to fulfil our spiritual destiny. B By all accounts, they made good Zs progress toward achieving their goal. PAr aie: # Aj

Fun, fun, fun at Southern Flame Baha'i School!

Using an inter-generational format, the friends gathered together to study “The Destiny of America” and to honor former Counselor Member of the International Teaching Center, Dr. Sarah Martin Pereira. As the weekend progressed, hearts were touched, spiritual awareness was deepened, and a real sense of community and family began to develop.

The memorial to Dr. Pereira included a moving tribute to her life, emphasizing what a powerful role model she was for the Baha’i community. After the memorial was held, everyone was divided into Family Groups to discuss the role models in their lives and to choose a particular attribute of their role model to celebrate that night. Each Family Group then prepared a parade entry to celebrate their attribute, such as a song, rap, dance, or poster. After singing “The ABCs of You” by Red Grammer, entertainment was provided by each Family Group.

4h small Summer School is always a time to renew old friendships.

To Do at the Fireside:

1. Each member of the family should participate, either by reading, telling a story, singing or acting out a part of the message which has been chosen to share. Plan well so everyone can do something they like.

2. Doa fun activity about the message with the guests, such as learna song, create posters, play a game, or decorate an attribute tree.

3. Give every guest a small gift to take home, using the memory verse as a part of it so they can remember the message and share it with others.

Another highlight of the North Carolina Baha‘i School was the class provided on Creating Family Firesides. The goal of this class was to encourage whole families to prepare and give firesides to whole families by showing them just how easy it is to do. The step-by-step plan includes the following suggestions, which help every person in the family use his or her talents to give every member of another family a better understanding of Bahd’u’llah’s Message:

Green Lake Baha’i Conference—Sept. 15-17

Please note that the Conference begins at 2:00 pm Friday, with a Special Conference Opening by National Spiritual Assembly member Firuz Kazemzadeh.

To Prepare:

1. Choose a family that might like to learn a little about the Baha'i Faith, then invite them to a Family Fireside.

2. Choose one part of Baha’u’llah’s Teachings to learn more about, such as race unity, courtesy, spiritual courage, or the power of prayer.

3. Find out what Baha’u’ll4h and ‘Abdu’l-Baha said about this message. <

4. Choose a short Baha'i verse to memorize, making } MSS? the memorization a family activity. (AAO 5. Use the verse and family talents to make beautiful things to hang up, wear, or share at the Fireside.

re

All ankind ate v

flowers & the same Se, garden Bi) _ ————ASS i

7 = Everyone m Be about 4 Bahd'ullah rn ae ¢ \ramily Fireside.

‘Izzat B.E. 152 / Sepremaer 8, 1995 27,

Fall Schedules at the Permanent Schools and Institutes

Bosch (408/423-3387) in October

12-15: Assoc. for Baha’i Studies Conference 13-15: Youth Deepening Weekend

20-22: L.S.As. Team Development

27-29: Star Trek Teaching Weekend November

3-5: L.S.A. Team Development

10-12: ARC Fund-raiser Weekend

17-19: Rendezvous of the Soul; Ruhi Training of Tutors

24-26: Law and Justice; The Glorious Journey December

1-3: L.S.A.Team Development

8-10: Rendezvous of the Soul; Seekers and New Believers Weekend

22-Jan. 1: Advanced Academy

22-26: Health and Healing Symposium 28-Jan. 1: Dedication/David Hofman Library

January 5-7: College Club Symposium

Green Acre (207/439-7200) in October

6-8: Marriage Retreat

19-20: Pioneering Institute; Youth Service Corps Training

November

3-5: College Club Symposium “ 10-12: Life of Baha’u’llah and the Holy Family

Louhelen (810/653-5033) in October

6-9: Teacher Trainer and Parent Facilitator Workshop

13-15: Conflict Resolution

20-22: Professional Development Seminar 20-22: College Club Symposium

27-29: Baha‘f Institute on Aids, Sexuality, and Addictions Conference

November

10-12: Youth Conference

December

8-10: Teacher Trainer and Race Unity Trainer Workshop

27-Jan. 1: Winter School

L.G.B.I. (803/558-5093) in October 17:Institute Founder’s Day Celebration 20-22: Youth Leadership Weekend November

3-5: Children’s Weekend

10-12: Women’s Conference

December

1-3: Junior Youth Leadership Weekend 8-10: Community Development Weekend

N.A.B.I. (520/521-1064) in October

1-3: Artist-in-Residence Program/Phoenix

7-8: LSA Maturation Models

19-24: Artist-in-Residence Program/Navajoland

25-Nov. 1: Artist-in-Residence Program/Los Angeles

November

11-17: Artist-in-Residence/Santa Clara, CA 20-30: Artist-in-Residence/Northern Arizona December

1-15: Artist-in-Residence/Northern Arizona 18-30: Artist-in-Residence/Southern Arizona

National Education and Schools Office 1233 Central Street Evanston, IL 60201-1611

Office: 708/733-3492 FAX: 708/733-3502; e-mail:

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[Page 31]‘Izzat B.E. 152 © Septemper 8, 1995.

31

IN MEMORIAM

Women and peace: toward a lasting partnership

The following article is reprinted from the April-June 1995 issue of One Country, a quarterly publication of the Office f Public Information of the Baha'i International Community.

°

When the history of how humanity finally achieved a lasting peace and global prosperity is ultimately written, it is quite likely that scholars will pinpoint the decade of the 1990s as among the most fruitful periods in laying the foundations for such a new world.

The end of the Cold War, of course, stands as a pivotal episode in the emergence of international peace, and that event might be said to have occurred in the late 1980s. But the end of the Cold War only signalized the end of an old era; it did not necessarily establish the basis for a new one.

In the 1990s, however, the United Nations has sponsored an unprecedented series of world conferences, starting with the Children’s Summit in New York in 1990, and continuing with the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna in 1993, the International Conference on Population and

Development in Cairo in 1994, and the Social Summit in Copenhagen in 1995. Some say that such meetings merely roduce much talk and little substance. ut whatever their shortcomings in terms of concrete commitments, a thoughtful reading of the collective documents—including NGO statements—that have emerged from each conference shows that a remarkable degree of international agreement has been reached on the norms and values needed to construct a just, peaceful and sustainable world civilization.

In September, the next gathering in this series will take place in Beijing. And the fourth World Conference on Women, likewise, promises to bring to the world’s consciousness another essential element in the creation of global peace and prosperity: the achievement of full equality between women and men.

When one considers the entire series of conferences, it can be seen that the increasing presence and growing influence of the world’s women—which the Beijing conference promises to showcase—will have been one of the most important factors in helping the world to see exactly which values and principles can contribute most to the peace

Europe's first Irfan Colloquium (in Persian) is held at Baha’i Permanent Teaching Institute in Acuto, Italy

Europe’s first Irfan Colloquium (in Persian) was held in June at the recently established Baha’i Permanent Teaching Institute in Acuto, Italy.

Irfan Colloquia, sponsored by the Haj Mehdi Arjmand Memorial Fund,

Mobarek Anderson, 83, who was named by ‘Abdu’!-Baha

Mobarek Anderson, a Baha’i who as

achild was given her name by ‘Abdu’lBaha’t, died July 12 in Baltimore, Maryland. She was 83 years old. Anderson was born March 30, 1912, in Washington, D.C., shortly before ‘Abdu’l-Baha arrived in that city during His historic 239-day visit to North America.

Her father, Alan A. Anderson Sr., was aclose friend of Louis Gregory and his wife, Louise, who were responsible for bringing him into the Faith.

Mrs. Anderson promised her husband that he would be the one to name the baby. When he spoke to his friend Louis Gregory about it, Mr. Gregory suggested that ‘Abdu’l-Baha be asked to name the child.

The Master gave His consent, and on April 23, 1912, at the home of Agnes

Parsons, Abdu’l-Baha’s interpreter, Dr. Ali-Kuli Kahn, handed Mr. Anderson a piece of paper on which was written “Mobarek” [Mubarak], the Persian word for “blessed.”

are devoted mainly to scriptural studies and conducted separately in English and Persian.

In North America, the Colloquia are held in cooperation with the Institute for Baha'i Studies and the National Assembly's Office of Persian/American Affairs.

The gathering in Acuto was privileged to have as a participant Houshmand Fatheazam, a member of the Universal House of Justice, who addressed the audience and conducted a discussion session.

Those presenting scholarly papers were Dr. Manuchehr Salmanpour, Dr. Badi’ Panahi, Dr. Daryush Ma’ani, Dr. Houshang Mehrasa, Dr. Kamran Ekbal and Dr. Vahid Behmardi.

A special session was devoted to a panel discussion of issues and questions related to the Kitdb-i-Aqdas that need to be researched.

Text of the papers will be published in the proceedings of Irfan Colloquia in Persian.

The next Colloquium in Persian in North America is to be held September 8-10 at the Louhelen Baha’i School. The ninth and 10th Colloquia (in English) will be held December 8-10 in Newcastle, England, and March 29-31, 1996, in Wilmette, Illinois.

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and well-being of all humanity.

Women’s advocacy over the last few years has changed dramatically the way the world looks at international economics, sustainable development, and human rights. The changes women have promoted in these areas are critical elements in the foundation for peace and prosperity.

In Rio, women brought to the attention of the world’s leaders the degree to which they, as small farmers and household decision-makers, hold the key to sustainable development.

In Vienna, women helped the world see that human rights must be extended across all boundaries, whether of race, ethnicity, nationality or gender, if peace and justice are to be attained. Their status as the oppressed major ity—women compose more than half of the world’s population--eave no small amount of moral impetus to the conference.

In Cairo, women argued successfully that the education and empowerment of women are the best ways to bring, down population pon and to promote fruitful development. Their role as mothers gave unassailable credibility to their views.

And in Copenhagen, women were instrumental in analyzing and calling attention to the impact of old world economic systems on the poor, most of whom are women, and in helping to project new ideas for alternative models of social development. (Women, of course, have been in the vanguard of social development; their value as experts is only now becoming recognized.)

While there are some who would still seek to marginalize the contributions of women, and who perhaps tend therefore to devalue the importance of the Beijing conference, we are of the view that it is in many ways one of the most important gatherings of the decade.

Members of the Baha’f Faith, who today compose a worldwide community of more than five million in some 232 countries and territories, are united in the view that men and women everywhere must begin to forge a new and equal partne Doris Anderson Dexter, OR June 24, 1995 Mobarek Anderson Baltimore, MD July 12, 1995 Norman Atlas N. Miami Beach, FL July 24, 1995 Jeffrey A. Barnes Los Angeles, CA

Linda Diefenbaugh North Bend, OR February 1995

Douglas L. Emling, Mt. Prospect, IL July 24, 1995

Paul D. Fletcher Santa Fe, NM June 22, 1995 Annie Flute Lower Brule, SD

September 26, 1994 June 22, 1995 Laurice Beachum Howard B. Fogg, Marshallville, GA Thermal, CA

June 19, 1995 June 2, 1995

Ida Sue Burgess _ Robert Grotyohann Salters, SC Shirley, NY January 1995 June 1995

Clara Conyers Lili Hafezi-Dutton Salters, Lauderdale, FL. April 1995 January 5, 1995 James Densmore Rebecca A. Huff Luck, WI Macedonia, OH

June 24, 1995 May 3, 1995

ip. This is not only

a matter of justice but the key to the realization of the age-old dream of universal peace and prosperity.

More than 80 years ago, ‘Abdu’lBaha, the son of the Founder of the Baha’f Faith, said: “When all mankind shall receive the same opportunity of education and the equality of men and women be realized, the foundations of war will be utterly destroyed.” In another passage, he continued: “...until this equality is established, true progress and attainment for the human race will not be facilitated.”

‘Abdu’l-Bahaé, whose words Baha’fs revere, also indicated that such a peace would be realized because of the essential qualities that women, when equality is achieved, can bring to all spheres of life.

“The world in the past has been ruled by force, and man has dominated over woman by reason of his more forceful and aggressive qualities both of body and mind,” he said.

“But the balance is already shifting— force is losing its weight and mental alertness, intuition, and the spiritual qualities of love and service, in which woman is strong, are gaining ascendancy. Hence the new age will be an age less masculine, and more perme-' ated with the feminine ideals—or, to speak more exactly, will be an age in which the masculine and feminine elements of civilization will be more evenly balanced.”

Seen in the light of such inevitable

rogress toward a new partnership

etween women and men, the Beijing conference is already a success. The ideas and networking and connections that have been made by women around the world in advance of the event, and their influence in the preceding United Nations conferences, has had an incalculable effect.

The peace that comes as a result of the new values and norms that have been recognized and fortified by the work of these conferences will be established in no small measure thanks to the efforts of the world’s women. To whatever degree the world at large further heeds the voices of the women who gather in Beijing, it will only gain.

Ella J. Harnish

Andrew Shippee Fontana, CA

Sterling, CT

April 1995 July 141995 Ruth S. James Ernestine Shirley Jessup, MD The Bronx, NY June 28, 1995 June 10, 1995 Nida I. Kern Jon Strickland

Oak Park, IL Port Jefferson, NY

July 17, 1995 July 1995 William Lathon Sr. Phyllis Thompson Louisville, KY Dallas, TX

July 14, 1995 July 2, 1995 Adelaide Marino Willie Thompson Davie, FL Elloree, SC

May 24, 1995 April 4, 1995 Eugenia McClain _Virginia Uebner Bethesda, MD Quincy, IL

May 17, 1995 July 22, 1995 Helen Nowakowski Edna Uhrick Summerville, SC Fort Wayne, IN May 18, 1995 July 3, 1995

Vincent Pleasant San Francisco, CA June 5, 1995

[Page 32]32

Tue American BAHA'

CALENDAR

More than 50 people visited the new BahG' library and bookstore in Hemet, California, at its grand opening February 10 during which the ceremonial ribbon was cut by Chick Connor. The facility is a joint venture of the Baha'is of Hemet and San Jacinto J.D. who wanted to open a Bahai Center but found

that it requires a conditional use permit (cost: $2,000) and must be accessible

to the handicapped with on-site parking, whereas a library/bookstore needs

only business and occupancy permits. Before it was opened, area Baha'is do nated furniture and books and spent many hours cataloguing more than 190 Bahdii books, 100 books of general interest, videos and children's books.

To avoid utinecessary delays in receiving The American Bahd't, oa mesttanty aes ha ce caesar Manage coereaaen seven barca TLL USYOUR | UonTa "neem enor nemags tarde ra Sate box, your residence address (c) must be filled in. Please allow 3 Tale cg Spungen ata) A. NAME(S): L —— 2 aie 3. le sot Sia eda Ton Ti 4.

B, NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: (C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS:

Sureet address P.O, Box ox Other malling adress “Apartment # (If applicable) “Apartment # (applicable)

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State Zip code ‘State Zip code

D. NEW COMMUNITY: E, HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER:

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Name of new Bahai Community Moving date ‘Area code Phone number ‘Name | F: WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S): | ‘Area code Phone number Name ‘Area code Phone number Name

| G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE:

| Ee we do not have the same last name. [7] the last names and addresses on our Wedomtwatestncopessopicse Ll) suessielsdootmach We hae

| cancel te copy forthe pesca() tod LD. itedaboe he fullnames ofall mc sender) hed above ber tiny shuld epee on sonal

| records, their LD. numbers, and the correc:

Sons hat wo wil ei ely en copy

H. 1 WOULD LIKE A COPY: [7 Omrhousehotdreceivesonly one copy The American Baha. 1 wish to

receive my own copy. Ihave listed my name, LD. number and address above,

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BAHA'f NATIONAL CENTER

112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091

‘Izzat 8.£. 152 / Sepremaer 8, 1995

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SEPTEMBER

15-17: Green Lake (Wisconsin) Baha’{ Conference. For lodging reservations, phone 800-558-8898.

15-17: Seekers Weekend, Bosch Bahd’{ School. For information, phone 408423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

21-24: “A Reunion of the Human Family,” race unity conference, Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, Charleston, South Carolina. Also, tours of the Louis G. Gregory Museum. For information, contact Marvin (Doc) Holladay, 803-8819599.

22-24: Building Bridges within the Americas/Construyendo Puentes de Cooperacién para la Ensefianza de la Fe las Americas, a bilingual conference with Counselor Arturo Serrano, Bosch Baha’{ School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

OCTOBER

6-8: Parent Facilitator Workshop, Louhelen Baha’f School. For information, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181.

6-8: Marriage Retreat for married couples, Green Acre Baha’{ School. To register, phone 207-439-7200 or fax 207-439-7202.

6-9: Teacher-Trainer Workshop, Louhelen Bahé'{ School. For information, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181.

12-15: “Anarchy Into Order: Uniting the Nations, “19th annual Conference of the Association for Baha’{ Studies, Hyatt Regency Hotel at the San Francisco, California, Airport. For information, phone the ABS at 613-233-1903.

13-15: Youth Deepening Weekend, Bosch Baha’{ School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

14: “In the Spirit: An Affirmation of Women,” Women’s Conference, Live Oaks Vocational School, Milford, Ohio. Keynote speaker: Dr. Jane Faily. For information, phone Carolyn Mazloomi, 513-825-5707, or Rita Williams, 513-8311684

15-17: Fourth International Dialogue on the Transition to a Global Society, University of Maryland, College Park. Keynote speaker: The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahé Ruhiyyih Khanum. Theme: “Divisive Barbarity or Global Civilization.” For information, contact: Baha’i Chair for World Peace, Center for International Development and Conflict Management, University of Maryland, 0145 Tydings Hall, College Park, MD 20742-7231. Phone 301-314-7714; fax 301314-9256.

19-22: SITA/Baha'i Youth Service Corps/Pioneer Institute, Green Acre Baha'i School, Eliot, Maine. For information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3506; fax 708-733-3509).

20-22: Assembly Team Development Weekend, Bosch Baha’f School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

23-28: Annual meeting of the International Society for Agriculture and Rural Development (ISARD), Acuto, Italy. For lodging and reservations, contact J. Varjavandi, telephone/fax :39-775-56061. To register, discuss papers or topics of panel discussions, contact I. Poostchi, Henley-on-Thames, UK RG9 1LP (phone 0491 574959).

27-29: “Star Trek” Teaching Weekend, Bosch Baha’f School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

NOVEMBER

3-5: Assembly Team Development Weekend, Bosch Baha’f School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

3-5: College Club Symposium, Green Acre Baha’{ School. To register, phone 207-439-7200 or fax 207-439-7202.

10-12: “The Life of Bahd’u'llah and the Holy Family,” Green Acre Baha’i School. To register, phone 207-439-7200 or fax 207-439-7202.

10-13: “Celebrating Our Glorious Privilege,” special weekend dedicated to the memory of the martyrs, the Birthday of Bahd’u'lléh, and fund-raising for the Arc. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

11: Atlanta Gospel Choir Extravaganza, 7:30 p.m., Baha’i Unity Center, Decatur, Georgia. Featuring choirs from Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington D.C. and elsewhere. For information, phone Paulette Trail, 404-426-7713.

17-19: Seekers/New Believers Weekend, Bosch Baha'i School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

23-26: Desert Rose Baha'i School, Tucson, Arizona. Teachers to include Dr. Dan Popov, Dr. William Saunders, Poova Murday. For information, phone 520297-3106.

23-26: 12th annual D.C. Thanksgiving Youth Conference, College Park, Maryland. Theme: “Back to the Basics: Reviving Our Souls from the Ground Up.” Speakers to include Dr. Elsie Austin, Robert Harris, Dr. Tahereh Ahdieh. For registration forms, write to Thanksgiving Conference,

Dunn Loring, VA 22027 (phone 703-573-6364; e-mail )

24-26: After-Thanksgiving Session, “Law and Justice,” Bosch Baha’i School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

DECEMBER

1-3: Assembly Team Development Weekend, Bosch Baha’s School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

8-10: “Rendezvous of the Soul,” Special Session on Relationships (geared for singles), Bosch Baha’{ School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-4237564, or e-mail

21-24: 1995 North American Baha'f Conference on Social and Economic Development, Clarion Plaza Hotel, Orlando, Florida. Theme: “Paths to Peace: Global Prosperity Through the Advancement of Women, Human Rights & Moral Development.” Honoring Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Chance and Mr. and Mrs. David Hofman. For hotel reservations, phone 800-627-8258 or 407-354-1703; airline discount reservations, phone 800-393-5050; general information, phone 407-740-5415.