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BAHA

DECEMBER 31, 1997

SHARAF/HONOR BAHAY ERA 154

VOLUME 28, NO. 10

Visit our upcoming Web site + http://tab.usbnc.org

A new level of dedication

Regional Baha’i Councils launched with love, enthusiasm

“The joy of a new kind of servi —James Nelson, National Spiritual Assembly chairman

“The birth of an institution which is the fruit of [the Divine] Plan.” —Robert C. Henderson, National

Spiritual Assembly secretary-general

“... that we may become the destroyers of differences and the apostles of

unity, like ‘Abdu’l-Bal

Counselor Wilma

BY JAMES HUMPHREY

FOUR REGIONS, four Councils, four roads leading to one glorious spirtual destiny.

Four assemblages of souls gathered Dec. 12-14 at the House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, ushering in a new chapter of the continuing unfoldment of the Divine Plan.

‘The four Regional Baha’s Counc: proclaimed in May by the Univ House of Justice and elected by bel ers nationwide on the annivers: the birth of Baha’u’llah—took their first steps forward at a weekend orientation ion, under the wing of the National Spiritual Assembly and in the presence of the Continental Board of Counselors.

y of

‘The Councils’ job was described as no less than helping galvanize the Baha’is across America to reach new

levels of love, unity and action, inci ing the teaching momentum, and fosfering development of strong, united Local Spiritual Assemblies.

The reading of a special e-mail mes

SEE NEW LEVEL OF DEDICATION, PAGE 23

A call for leadership on race

‘A statement by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States to the American Baha'i Community

December 17, 1997 Beloved Friends, The followers of Ba

Wu'llah have a central role in the nation’s struggle for racial justice tiny of Ami are tightly

nd unity. Here the des

The

manent needs a model of interracial love and unity, based on the principle of the one nation

ness of humanity, to restore confidence that race unity is possible and to give rise to new approaches to the organiza

Above: Joel Nizin (right) of the Northeastern States Regional Baha’i Council accepts

a rose from National Spi

itual Assembly member Juana Conrad as he and other

Council members arrive at the House of Worship Dec. 12. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

tion of community life.

Some Baha’i communities are now in the forefront of America’s struggle for race unity. They are doing heroic work in public schools and colleges, police departments and community organizations, governments and_neighborhoods. Nevertheless, much remains to be done to achieve ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s standard of interracial unity and love within the Baha’i_ community itself, and to

become a guiding force for our nation.

The Baha’i Writings assign our community the mission to “demonstrate to our countrymen the ennobling reality of a power that shall weld a disrupted world.” The growth and influence of the Baha’i Faith are tied directly to the

Left: The 36 Regional Council members gather with the National Assembly, seven Counselors, the National Teaching Committee and Baha’i National Center staff on the steps of the House of Worship Dec. 13.

Photo by Ken Duszynski

unity

manner in which Bahé’is carry out, among ourselves and in the larger society, “those high standards of interracial amity so widely proclaimed and so fearlessly exemplified to the American people by ‘Abdu’l-Bah.”

‘ace prejudice is the “hallmark of Baha’i character” and the “supreme injunction of Baha’u’llih.” Sustained action to eliminate prejudice

Freedom

a true

and build race unity will surely attract the blessings of Baha’u’llah, invoke a spiritual atmosphere, and stimulate the release of heavenly forces that will stir the growth of the Bahé’i community, and “change the direction of human

SEE RACE UNITY, PAGE 31

NATIONAL TEACHING CAMPAIGN

SPECIAL PULLOUT * PAGES 17-20 The upcoming broadcasts, the media/public relations materials, the part you can play

mind, However acute, can ever hope to unravel.”

. -Baha’u’llah

[Page 2]

LETTER TO

ing thi

graphic presentation of the paper.

Ever mindful of economy, we have found ways of doing this while maintaining or even reducing costs.

These efforts at this crucial time in the development of the Faith in America are part of an overarching vision fi enumerated by the beloved Guardian, for the national news organ of the Baha’i community to “combine the al qualities of accuracy, reliability, thoroughn: promoting understanding, providstimulating interest,

. upholding and safeguarding the institutions of the Cause.” (Bahd’i Administration, Page 82)

In keeping with these goals, we hope:

• Not only to inform the Baha’is of happenings at the

National Center, around the country and around the

esse dignity and wisdom ...

ing information on Baha’ activity, ...

globe, but also:

• to inspire,
• to help unify the community, and

• to point the way toward a continuing Baha’i education.

‘To make these services even more immediate to many readers, we are proud to announce the planned end-ofDecember launch of The American Baba’i Online on the +

JERRY BLUE, a Baha’{ from Minneapolis, Minnesota, was recently honored as a recipient of the Minneapolis Award given to people who have contributed outstanding volunteer service. For many years, Mr. Blue has served as a storyteller for children’s and adults’ programs, promoting respect for cultural differences and strong family ties.

LYNN EDWARDS, a Baha'i from West Cobb County, Georgia, was recently selected by the county to participate in its Outstanding Leadership Program. She is assistant city manager for Powder Springs, Georgia, responsible for economic development initiatives.

VICTOR C. ELARDE, a 17-year-old Baha'i from Skokie, Illinois, is one of only five students at Niles North High School this year to be designated a semifinalist for a National Merit Scholarship.

‘Two Baha'f students, SHAHNAZ KINTZ, 11, and NURIN WILLIS, 10, tied for the Outstanding Service Award at South Conway Elementary School in Conway, South Carolina. Both served on the Student Council Executive Committee, were peer tutors for the special needs program, served as Special Olympics coaches, and taught a lesson on appreciation of diversity to

SWAHNAZ KINTZ

NuRIN WiLLis

S you see in the appearance of The American AD then sue, are in an effort to effectiveness of this newspaper—to make it inviting to more readers and to reach the heart as well as the mind. As our new editorial team establishes itself, we have added color and upgraded the photos and the general

FROM THE EDITORS OF THE AMERICAN BAHA’i

id noti ing deadlines.

crease the

tion that inc

when you:

your project.

the school's first- and second-grade classes. Both have been recognized for their high grades, and Nurin—daughter of Bill and Margene Willis—was the school's champion speller, while Shahnaz—daughter of Greg and Ginny Kintz—was the top reader in the accelerated reading program.

JUSTIN MANNERS, son of James and ‘Sue Manners, longtime U.S. pioneers in Taiwan, was admitted to Boys’ Senior High School in Taitung City, after being the first foreign student ever to take the national high school entrance examination. He and his brother ZACHARY were the first foreign students ever to graduate from their primary schools in Taitung City.

DEANNA LEA MORGAN, a Baha'i from Orange, California, was crowned Miss Orange 1998 at an August pageant,

DEANNA MORGAN (CENTER)

winning a $2,000 scholarship. Her platform for the pageant, “A Productive Mind is the Foundation to a Suc Future,” was grounded in the writings of the Faith. Ms. Morgan won the pageant’s talent award with her singing, and her talent is an integral part of presentations she is giving as Miss Orange on the importance of education and

World Wide Web (http://tab.usbne.org). With this strument we often can share stories, photos, statements of upcoming events without waiting for print With the worldwide Baha’i community approaching the midpoint of the Four Year Plan and the end of the 20th century nearly upon us, the sense of urgency and destiny grows day by day for the Baha’is of the United States. Moreover, we have just seen the beginnings of momentous change in the administration of the Faith in this country with the election of four Regional Baha’f Councils. The need has never been greater for loving communicaintimacy among the Baha‘ts,

Please help us continue to become a more effective vessel for this communication. It becomes a two-way current

• Send us stories and photos showing your efforts and

successes in service to the Faith of Baha'u'llah. We in turn can share those examples for the inspiration of the friends across the country.

• Tell us about exciting events you have planned in

future. We might be able to discuss in advance how you can make the most of The American Baha’ before and after

We look forward to being ever-closer partners with our co-workers in service to our Lord.

With loving Baha’s greetings, ‘THE EDITORS OF THE AMERICAN BAHA’T

ALL THINGS

hard work. The Chapman University music student is the first AfricanAmerican awarded the title. She will compete for Miss California in July.

AFSHIN JUSTIN SABET-PEYMAN, a 14-year-old Baha'i from San Jose, California, received several awards on his graduation from Bret Harte

| Middle School, including the President's Award for Educational Excellence and a medal for straight A's throughout middle school. He also placed first in his school in the California Math League Contest.

ARSHIN JUSTIN SABET-PEYMAN

A doctoral dissertation on "Loss in the Lives of Southeast Asian Elders" by CAROLYN L. MAZLOOMI, a Baha’i from Cincinnati, Ohio, has won the 1997 Governors Award for excellence in the visual arts, and the NAACP Image Makers Award. Work by Dr. Mazloomiy, an artist and art historian, can be found in significant museum, corporate and private collections.

THE AMERICAN

1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 Tel/ 847.853.2352 Fax/ 847.256.1372

E-mail/ http://tab.usbne.org PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’is OF THE UNITED STATES }——~—- 2

Managing Editor / Editorial Content James Humphrey

Managing Editor / Art Director Amethel Parel-Sewell

Associate Editor Tom Mennillo

Production Support Ramzia Duszynski

Allegra Kazemzadeh

Ken Parel-Sewell Boyd Staszewski

Contributors Ken Duszynski Vladimir Shilov Oxford Eagle Newspaper Unit.E

ONCE EVERY 38 DAYS

one special issue) for a total of 10

per year by the National Spiritual if the United

60201-1611. Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL and additional mailing offices.

SeND ADDRESS CHANGES to Management Information , 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

ISSN Number: 1062-1113

SUBMITTING ARTICLES AND PHOTOS ‘Tite American Band’{ welcomes news, letters bonothes items of interest from individtitutions of the

Stories may be edited for length. ‘*Puorocrarns may be color or black-andwhite prints or slides. Please submit photos that are well composed and in focus and identify people in photos when possible. If returned, include a selfd envelope.

rs for upcoming issues:

January 2 for the issue dated February 7 January 28 for the issue dated March 2

Pease appress aut rreMs for possible pubto Managing Editors, The American , Evanston, IL

©1997 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States. World rights reserved, Printed in the U.S.A.

page 2

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * EXCELLENCE

December 31, 1997 [Page 3]

Web lets Baha’is build new worldwide window on Faith

BY TOM MENNILLO

n often-repeated advertising slo gan for computer software asks,

“Where do you want to go today?”

That applies just as well to Baha'is who wish to navigate the Internet’s World Wide Web. There are almost as many directions to go in as there are thanks to the proliferation of oriented “home pages” placed on the Web by institutions, individuals, and even businesses.

Do you seek news of Bahs’i How about teaching Ss? Authoritative texts? Photographs of the Arc Projects on Mount Carmel? Sunrise/sunset times for the Fast? Selfhelp support? Or just a place you can direct seekers for more information?

All this and more is available. And the

Ctiviti

resou!

best place to start is one of several index sites. Just remember: No site is comprehensive and some links they provide might be out of date.

One exhaustive index is located at www.beca.org/~glittle/pOL.html and is the labor of love of Surrey, British ‘olumbia, Baha’i Glen Little. It lists resources and links to other Web sites on several topics:

• General inwoductions to the Baha’i

‘Tae American Band’ is coming to the Internet! In fact, as you read this, our World Wide Web. site may already be up—check http://tab.usbne.org (you will need to log in with your Baha’i ID number to access the site).

{ International Community, Spiritual Assemblies, Local Spiritual Assemblies and other institutions.

• Bahd’i groups, organizations and

schools.

• Dozens upon dozens of individua

• Businesses owned by Baha'is.
• Music and arts, including lots of

downloadable graphics.

• Miscellaneous and software, such

programs designed to help you se the Writings and sites whe:

you can calculate sunrise/sunset times.

¢ Baha’{ information 2

Another is the brainchild of Casper Voogt of Atlanta, Georgia. His site, www.BCCA.Org/~cvoogt, contains resources in 22 other languages and links to sites in 21 topi

Also available at this site

other sites.

a “chat”

area, a discussion forum, the text of The Dawn-Breakers, a game called Baha'i Word Unity, and a search engine for locating sites by topic.

A third index is called Baha’f Resources on the Internet. This summary of resources, at www.beca.org/services/srb/resources.html is organized into:

• Introductory material.

• Sacred Scriptures and other texts.

• Baha’i-related images.

• Regular Net events.

• Baha’s organizations.

Once you’ve surfed these three index sites, be sure to bookmark them so you ain. Now

can come back again and 3 you're ready to try out as many or as few of the Web's Ba related sites as you have time for.

You can click on any of the links contained in the index sites, and you'll be transported tly to the pa The number and variety of sites a staggering. Not to serendipity factor know ou’ll encounter, for example, at an

$0

ge desired.

mention the

you never

al’s hom

page. ou can go courtesy of the Bah

for a cruise

i Ring. As is

SEE WORLDWIDE WINDOW, PAGE 31

West Virginia community progresses through difficulty

¢ Baha’i Faith is alive in Huntington, West Virginia, despite the Covenant-breaking

that led to dissolution of the Local Spiritual Assembly earlier this year.

In fact, the Baha’is of Huntington and Charleston have turned up the heat of their activity for the Cause—in quite a public we ind at declarations hav resulted — in Huntington.

‘The most visible prese s at the UNITE (Uniting Neighbors in Truth and Equality) Rally on Sept. 27 in Huntington.

he rally was planned as a response to a Ku Klux Klan gathering the same Four Baha'is from Charleston drove to Huntington every week for a month to help plan the event.

Turning to nearby resources, the Baha'is obtained Auxiliary Board member Michael Penn as a speaker and got the Washington (D. Youth Workshop to perform.

But also at the center of attention was the Peace Queen—a character played by Loraine Menking, who draws youngsters of all ages into her “court” to talk about their aspirations for peace and promise to be “junior peace ambassadors” to the world.

‘The Peace Queen had her own pavi ion, with performances throughout the day. She also organized the Charleston Baha'i Youth Workshop and they put on a dramatic two-act play in which an appearance by the Peace Queen gets the locals of “Niceville” to become loving, caring individuals.

contacts for the community. Local photo

‘The Workshop's stage debut was a hit, covered extensively by local media. The rally narrator, in closing the performance, invited attendees to visit the pavilion, “right next to the Bahai booth,” and commented that “the Baha’is seem to be trying the hardest to have unity among themselves and with other people, regardless of the color of their skin, differences of background, and differences of religion.”

About 50 Baha'is came to help out at the event and were busy teaching until dark. Two attendees declared their belief in Baha’u’llah, and many serious contacts were recorded.

is in Huntington, West Virginia, greet visitors to their display at September's ig Neighbors in Truth and Equality rally, one of several events that gained new

The Peace Queen also an attraction at two other recent gatherings in Charleston and Huntington.

At one of them, Charleston’s seventh annual Multifest in August on the State Capitol grounds, the Huntington friends played a significant part.

‘The Baha’i booth was busy all weekend and the Washington Baha’i Youth Workshop was featured as well.

Another event was Baha’f participation in the Huntington YWCA’s “Eliminating Racism & Hate Crimes” program Oct. 24, where Brandy Watson, a Baha’i from Ohio, was keynote speaker.

Enrollments

October ‘97. sb 99 November ‘97....s+sesssssssse0e92 Total since May 1 ‘97......1043

THE FUND

May 1 - November 30, 1997

Contributions received by National Treasurer

eee eer he a)

of goal has been met

of fiscal yea has passed

58%

A

November 30, 1997 | April 30, 1998

Allocations to other funds

Arc Projects Fund

RD kel ROP

16% of contributions received National Assembly (goal is 19%)

International Baha’i Fund NY ee

17% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 7%)

OOeonele Tbe matte

$1,765,555

2% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 2%)

Total Revenues and Expenses at Baha’i National Center May 1 - October 30, 1997

(latest available)

Ny

Revenues @

$10,008,630

Expenses ¥

Resulting Deficit: $1,854,903 @ Includes contributions plus revenues from Bahé’i Publishing ‘Trust, Baha’

Home, permanent schools, etc.

A

Y Operating and capital expenses, not including depreciation.

‘Mail contributions to:

National Baha’i Fund

112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091-2800 Please write Baha’i ID # on check

December 31, 1997

THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * THE SECOND FRONT

page 3 [Page 4]

Assembly Development ls more widespread

group of 29 dedicated believers At the country recently

completed an orientation to serve as Assembly Development representatives, joining the 29 representatives in place since April.

All 58 are available to offer Assembly Development modules and other training courses. Assemblies with training and development needs may call on the representatives for help, as well as the Auxiliary Board members and assistants in their area.

Representatives are drawn from 28 states in all four regions of the country. Selection was based on past suggestions made by Local Spiritual Assemblies and Auxiliary Board members, as well as on recommendations from existing representatives.

“Like the first group, these representatives exhibit an outstanding array of experiences, common sense and facilitation skills which promise to benefit Assemblies in their development process,” states Theresa Z. Mullen of the Office of Assembly Development. “We are pleased that we will now be able to offer this personalized assistance to a wider number of Assemblies.”

The office hopes to have additional representatives appointed in future to ensure every Assembly has at least one representative available to assist them.

Spiritual Assemblies desiring this assistance should contact the Office of Assembly Development.

A representative, if available, then will contact the Assembly to find out its needs and determine what resources

AssEmBty DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTATIVES

might be most useful. For example,

they might agree to schedule a workshop or other training effort for the If your Local Spiritual Asembly, Assembly would like the ae oa of i Assembly aes of the Office of evelopment also offers more general guidance, referring Assemblies | Assembly Development, or if to development programs and mate- it wishes to recommend a rials offered through a number of believer to be trained as a offices, agencies and institutions. _ development representaLocal Spiritual Assemblies may tive, contact the office at suggest people to be considered in the Baha’ National Center, the future as representatives. ‘The map above shows where current representatives live. There is a particular need for individuals willing to be representatives in the states not yet served.

Joy radiates from letter on friend’s provision in will

Often with payments of Huqtiqu’llah come messages that are moving examples of spiritual growth. From time to time it is good to share some of these to inspire us with the joy and radiance that comes with obeying the law of Hugqtqu’llah. Here is a recent one slightly paraphrased:

“In compliance with the great law of Huqtqu’llah I have computed my obligation as my final transaction on this earthly plane. I will be winging my flight to the Abha Kingdom very soon as cancer is bringing my time with you to a close. I have been joyfully experiencing this transition and am overjoyed to remember this privilege and wanted the spiritual satisfaction of paying it. As Baha’u’llah states, itis ‘a bounty which shall remain with every soul in every world of the worlds of God, the All-Possessing, the All-Bountiful.”

A frequently asked question: How do we make provisions in our will for the payment of Huqiqu’llah?

In guidance from the Universal House of Justice we are reminded that Huqtqu’llth is law to live with, not to die for.-In other words, if we begin to observe this law as early in our Baha’i lives as we can, we shall have the spiritual bounty and relief of knowing at the end of our life that we have already “purified” our possessions.

But, of course, for some of us in higher age brackets and special circumstances it may be necessary to provide for the unpaid Huqtqu’llah in our wills. In such cases the executor should be directed to pay the specified Huqiqu’llah to the Trustees in care of the National Spiritual Assembly, of the Baha’fs of the United States.

Answering questions on Huqaqu’llah

Payments to Huqtiqu’llah should be made to “The Baht Huqiqu’lléh Trust” (please write your Baha'i identification number on your check) and sent to one of the Trustees:

¢ Dr. Amin Banani,

Monica, CA 90402 (phone 310-394-5449)

• Mr. Stephen Birk

Arden Hills, MN 55112 (phone 612-484-9518)

¢ Dr. Haghighi,

Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone 216-333-1506)

• ¢ Mrs. Thelma Khelghati, 383 Page St.,

Lunenburg, MA 01462 (phone 508-582-9216)

Due to a recurrent illness, Trustee Dr. Elsie Austin is unable to receive payments for Huqiqu’lléh at this time.

Inquiries about Huqiqu’llsh ‘should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Baha'i Huqiqu’llah Trust,

Rocky River, OH 44116.

Santa

Helpful Hint: Please include your full name and address as legibly as possible on the envelopes. Receipts with only initials do not carry the same legal weight as with full names.

‘Tie ‘TrEAsuRER’s CorNER

The Treasurer's Corner is devoted to helping local treasurers, and others who have special interest in development of the Funds, with suggestions and ideas. If you would like to offer stories or ideas that have increased your community’s understanding of and participation in the Fund, you are invited to share them with other communities through this column. Contact the Office of the Treasurer and Development (phone 847-733-3472, e-mail

Informing new believers; Dallas’ approach The Universal House of Justice tells us: “Contributing to the Baha’i fund constitutes an act of spiritual discipline which is an intrinsic element of the devotional life of the individual. No believer should be unaware of the privilege of contributing to the advancement of the Cause of God, irrespective of his material circumstances.”

The Local Spiritual Assembly of Dallas, ‘Texas, meets with all new believers to welcome them to their Bahé’i family and to present each with a gift. Recently the Assembly decided to include information about the Funds in this welcome. They share with each new believer that giving to the Funds is a privilege and honor, and provide information on how to give to the local and national funds.

Deepening attracts contributors

The Local Spiritual Assembly of Nashville, ‘Tennessee, has introduced a short deepening on the Fund at each Feast. As a result, the trea‘surer reports, participation in the local fund has increased to 60 percent from 30-35 percent, and the dollar amount of contributions has increased by a third. At the 10-minute deepenings, the treasurer shares the information gained and spirit derived from his attendance at one of the Stewardship and Development seminars last summer.

For information on sponsoring a local Stewardship and Development Seminar, please contact the Office of the Treasurer and Development (phone and e-mail above).

New Fund manual

Stewardship and Development: A Desktop Reference for Spiritual Assemblies and Treasurers, a new manual compiled by the Office of the ‘Treasurer and Development, is available through the Baha’i Distribution Service, 800999-9019. The manual is an excellent source of information and references for deepening on the Funds, and includes invaluable information for the Spiritual Assembly's management of the local treasury.

Yearly summaries discontinued

As the end of the calendar year approaches, please be reminded that the summary statements of each donor's contributions for the year, previously provided by the Treasurer’s Office, have been discontinued. The estimated savings to the National Fund is about $3000 in mailing costs alone. Receipts mailed during the year for each contribution are proof, for tax purposes, of each contribution made. Summary statements for contributions made through the Automatic Contribution System will continue to be provided annually.

“He who is the Eternal Truth—exalted be His glory—hath made the fulfillment of every undertaking on earth dependent on material means.”

—Baha’u'llah

page4 THE AMERICAN BAHA’‘i ¢

ADMINISTERING THE CAUSE

December 31,1997 [Page 5]RULE RO TASER TONER APR DRIER EE

GIVING AND VOLUNTEERING IN THE U.S.: HOW DO WE MEASURE UP?

BY THE TREASURER’S OFFICE

Baha’fs like to say we are different from the general population. In some respects there is no doubt that we are; in others, the differences may not be as clear as we might like them to be.

Let's take a look at giving and volunteering in the United States at large. The reader is free to make her or his own comparisons to answer the question: “How do we measure up?”

rhe statistics cover 1996 and come from “( ving and Volunteering in the United States,” a study done every two years by Independent Sector, one of the best-known agencies that tracks the notfor-profit sector in the United States. The accompanying chart shows some of the major findings.

One significant finding indicates that those who volunteered their time gave nearly twice as generously as those who did little or no volunteer work. suggests that as Local Spiritual Assemblies become more adept at e ing the support of the members of their communities, they should see increased giving.

Feast attendance also may be an important factor in giving and volunteering, as Baha’is long have suspected.

In the survey, 38 percent of respondents said they attended religiou: vices at least weekly. Of those, 83 percent contributed and 64 percent volunteered

Those regular attendees gave 66 percent of all contributions and gave 3.4 percent of their household’s income. On the other hand, those who attended services just a few times a year gave 1.4 percent.

Unfortunately, a strengthening economy doesn’t improve giving and volunteering the way we might hope. In the Independent Sector results, giving did not increase despite a growing sense that people in general had as much or more money left over after paying their bills.

In fact, the same number of survey respondents as the previous year (74 percent) said they worried about having enough money in the future; this group contributed 2 percent of their household income. The 24 percent who said they were not worried about money gave 2.8 percent.

In terms of volunteering, 70 precent of those who didn’t worry about money contributed and 53 percent volunteered. Among those who worried about having enough money, however, just 52 percent gave and 36 precent volunteered.

r

Are you a member of a Local Spiritual Assembly who wonders what factors affect the friends’ willingness to give their time and money? Here are a few idea:

Most people learn about volunteer activities by being asked, not by reading about a need in a newsletter. More than half of the people who volunteered were enlisted by a friend, while about 30 percent were asked by someone from a church and 18 percent by a family member. Of those who are asked to volunteer, nearly 85 percent actually did so.

• Contributions follow the same principle. Seventy-two percent of those who

were asked to give by someone they knew well did so; 61 percent gave because they were volunteering for the organization, 59 percent gave because a clergyperson asked them to, and 43 percent gave because they read a news story.

In the Faith, we don’t generally ask individuals to give, so these statistics are not meant to suggest we all start soliciting our friends! Still, the Local Spiritual Assembly is free to communicate the Fund's needs with general appeals at the Feast and through the newsletter.

• How are the youth in your commu

SEE GIVING, PAGE 31

Young folks use hands, hearts, brains to help National Fund

When it comes to responding to the needs of the Cause, sometimes the children are the leaders.

Here are two shining examples of young people using their minds, hands and resources to meet the material needs of the Faith ata time when the National Fund is burdened by a deficit:

• A stack of checks totaling $508.30

arrived in the National Treasurer's office recently from East Brunswick, N.J. The accompanying letter said the funds were raised from sale of crafts at their Unit Convention.

A group of children, ages 6 to 11, had worked since April to make the items that were sold. They had set the goal of raising what seemed like an impossibly big amount—$500—for the National Baha’{ Fund, according to a report from the local Assembly.

“So [a] core group of five children came together and made decorative frames with Baha’ prayers inside, decorative and covered boxes for family or community fund boxes, colored rocks that could be used as paper weights, napkin rings, and a few wreaths,” the report states. “They decided to also make some baked goods the day before covention to have a bake sale with it.”

Thus began monthly get-togethers where children worked on their products in between snack breaks. “They were very energetic and spirited. They consulted about everything!” the report states.

One decision from that consultation showed trust in the influence of the spirit—as well as great intelligence. Rather than setting fixed prices for the baked

Working on gifts that later would be sold at a successful fund-raiser are East Brunswick, NJ. youngsters (eft to right) Roya Yazhar, Yasmin Poustchi, David Saunders, Briana Saunders and Shirin Poustchi. (Local photo)

goods, “they agreed that the best strategy was to let each buyer decide what price was best for him or her. ... [I]f people knew it was a fund raiser they would give accordingly.”

Eager and enthusiastic at the Convention, the children made a presentation to the adults on their enterprise. Their fund-raising goal was surpassed.

• Two brothers in Herndon, Virginia,

Dana and Ian Olson, saw last issue’s article in The American Babd’é about the deficit in the National Fund during their local Baha’i school class.

Once their father explained a deficit to them—“when someone needs a certain amount of money and does not have it,” their letter to the National Treasurer said—they started wondering what would happen if every Baha’ kid did just

a little to help out.

“Please tell all the Baha’i kids in the United States about this idea,” their letter said. “If 15,000 kids gave a dollar every Baha’i month, that would be $15,000 a month. We looked at the Baha’ calendar and there are nine Baha’i months left in the Baha’{ year. We used the calculator and multiplied 15,000 times 9 and got $135,000 for the rest of the Baha’ year.”

The brothers pledged to do their part, starting with contributions that accompanied their letter and hoping to give more from their future allowances and odd jobs.

So how quickly could the Fund’s balance be restored with regular participation by those who can give more than a dollar? Maybe you can do the math.

MESSAGE ON DEFICIT DRAWS HEARTWARMING RESPONSES

ithin days of the Feast of

Qudrat (Power) and

the national Treasurer's

announcement of a $1.8 million deficit in the National Baha’i Fund through October, responses began arriving at the Baha’i National Center from all over the country:

• “This is a love offering to

Bahd’u'llah for blessings I enjoy: ~ Ist—fairly good health 91. years old; for this wonderful Faith—I found it 40 yrs ago; for a home which is open to the friends; wonderful loyal friends; enough money to live on; peace and contentment in this stressful world.”

• “The enclosed check is our

LSA’s response to the recent letter indicating the National Fund was in dire need of contributions. We are also increasing our usual monthly contribution by 25%...”

• “..our group decided to contribute nearly the entire amountin —

our newly established local Fund in support of the National Fund, — We hope that many other communities have responded similarly and we pray that the current seri ous deficit will soon be eliminated.”

° ‘Tam enclosing cash for this contribution. My hours at work — have been cut, and I am recovering from an injury, so I an unable to search for another job. I cannot afford a money order at this time _ and I pray to Bahs’u'llsh that this money will be ‘protected’ on its journey to you.”

• “We are a retired couple on a

fixed income. We have been saving some money towards our first annual payment for the installation of a sewer system in our section of the city ... The Blessed Beauty came to save the whole world and this is all-important. We are enclosing a contribution — now to help in reducing the current deficit of the National Baha’i Fund, confident that He will pro- — vide what we need at a later time.”

The deficit is still there, but the gap has begun to narrow through the dedication of the Baha’is. The National Spiritual Assembly’s offices and agencies are working | to make a minimum 20% cut in their costs for the rest of the — year—a difficult proposition given | the vital nature of the tasks required right now. Ana

The National _ Spiritual Assembly deeply appreciates the spirit of devotion reflected in recent weeks by so many of friends in giving to support all Funds of the Faith.

December 31, 1997

TAB © ADMINISTERING THE CAUSE _ page 5 [Page 6]

Cai McNaughton, age 5, holds Baha’i children’s books as her brother Duncan, 8, reads a quote by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, during a Nov. 12 ceremony for donation of the books to the public library in Oxford, Mississippi.

(Photo courtesy of The Oxford Eagle; reprinted by permission)

Churches in three counties receive news of Revelation

ommunities in three eastern Pennsylvania counties have sent letters proclaiming the mission

1,000

i’u’llah to more than nth LY oe this i

part of the country,” one of the ot of the project called the Chri 4’ Initiative.

Letters were sent also to nearly 150 college faculty members in dep: ments of religious studies, philosophy and theology, as well as local newspapers.

As _ expected,

said ‘Shidan Lotfi,

few churches have responded directly, and about half the responses have been in opposition, Mr. Lotfi

But the letter has sparked some willingness

to communicate, and two churches have even arranged meeti | Spiritual Assemblies in their

ter County church group, pted an invitation to a east and fireside. » the response seems small, Mr. Lotfi said, “we felt something like this was so fundamental to the development of the Faith ... [the effort] was worth it by itself. Baha’w'llah and ’Abduw’l-Bahé took steps to inform the leaders of religion

about the new Revelation, Mr. Lotfi said. But the life and efforts of George ‘Townsend to communicate with Christians of his time v particular inspiration for this project.

Sent over the course of four months by the Baha’f communities in Berks, Lebanon and Lancaster counties, west and northwest of Philadelphia, the let

e of the “in a spirit

ter offers to share the me: promised Return of Chri of love, humility and respe

It goes on to touch briefly on a few significant biblical prophecies regarding the Return and how they are congruent with the life and Revelation of Baha’u’llah.

“{O}ut of a deep sense of spiritual responsibility, we have written you to express our sincere hope that you will give this matter a the letter say:

After a just invest | of the validity of this solely yours to make. Our ponsibility is to offer you the necessary means to examine this matter.”

The letter offers books and literature about the faith on request, or follow-up meetings with Baha’is.

Anyone wishing more information about the initiative may contact Shidan Lotfi, West Lawn,

PA 19609 (e-mail .

Library gifts gain press notice for small Mississippi communities

ette Cece ined significant local newspaper notice as they arranged ceremonies for donation of 19 books to the public and university libraries on the Anniversary of the Birth of Baha’u’llah.

Oxford has one Baha’ resident. One Baha’i family lives in Lafayette County, and they may move when a family member graduates from the unive

“We're only going to be here a short time, so we’ve got to make a lot of noise!” wrote Lafayette County Baha’ Peggy McNaughton in a report on the events. The newspaper coverage already has generated response.

A Nov. 12 ceremony at the University of Mississippi, attended by the dean of the library, the dean of students and a senior professor from the Philosophy and Religion Department, was covered with a 500-word article on the front page of the student newspaper two days later.

The article noted the donation of seven books—including three books of the writings of Baha’u'llah, Some Answered Questions and others—was the university library's first acquisition of Baha’s books since the 1940s. ed summaries of some Baha’

Tt includ

and paraphrased quotations from the

The head librarian at Oxford's public library received 12 Bah: pired children’s books at another ceremony the

A 5-by-7-inch photo on the

rout greater San Fran :

The troupe’s last performance under his 2-year tutelage brought to its feet a crowd of nearly 2,000 men at Stanford University. One of the first-year students was “first daughter” Chelsea Clinton, accompa ied by two U.S. Secret Service agents.

Tears were seen in many eyes after the Workshop’s dance portraying how racism is passed down from parents to children. Dancers for the number were Emonne Abadini, Marcos Lewis, Katie Mox, Joanna Portillo, Justin Portillo, and Shamim Samadi.

The Bahdé’i performance was the only one at the Faces of the Community orientation program by an outside group. It followed and perfectly illustrated a moving talk by senior Shahla Maghzi, a Baha’i from

second front page” of the Oxford Ei er on Nov. 13 showed 5-y i McNaughton holding the books as her 8-year-old brother Duncan read a te from ’Abdu’l-Baha.

The local friends raised part of the

San Francisco who is

self é i areapoan Lae

Ms. Maghzi was instrumental in getting the Workshop invited to

inford. Before leaving for a summer in China, she gave a videotape of the group to a dean at the college. Now the dean hopes to have the Workshop return to perform ina leas. formal setting.

In her speech, Ms. Maghzi challenged students to expand their vision of community to the global level and described how the Stanford Baha’i Association contributes to diversity on campus.

“The school asked that I speak about growing up in a biracial family, and being a Baha'i,” Ms. Maghzi explained later.

“The speech touched on what it meant to grow up in a PersianEuropean/ American household, and how the Baha'i teachings, by emphasizing allegiance to a larger world

ae eae ity to these

money for the books by selling buttons at a regional Baha’s gathering prepared for the ceremonies b:

appointments with the appropriate people and distributing a press release to local media.

two identities,” she said. “The theme of the talk was ‘Where does our community begin and end?’”

After the program, students returned to their dormitories and classrooms to consult on their orientation experience. According to participants, many mentioned the Baha‘is and what they are trying to promote.

The following Friday, the school asked that Ms. Maghzi’s speech and three others be presented for the alumni reunion. After the speeches were over, the audience engaged in a dialogue with the presenters. During this discussion, one woman got up and said, “Since I graduated until now, so much has changed!”

“Understanding our differences and finding unity is becoming of greater importance,” Ms. Maghzi observed. “It seems the Bahd’is are really focusing on this.”

page 6

THE AMERICAN BANA‘i ¢ SPREADING THE TEACHINGS

December 31, 1997 [Page 7]

Office of Pioneering reorganizes to handle info requests efficiently

BY THE OFFICE OF PIONEERING

With goals of 4,500 traveling teachers and 1,200 pioneers for the Four Year Plan, the Office of Pioneering embarked on a critical evaluation of how it would be able to serve thousands, rather than hundreds, of prospective pioneers and traveling teachers. Clearly, we had to consider what we were doing, what we hoped to do and the means by which we could accomplish our goal. Many hours of consultation resulted in a

new plan. The logical step, in anticipation of the election of the Regional Baha’i

Councils, was to divide the service ar of the staff by the regions of the country designated by ’Abdu’l-Baha in the Tablets of the Divine Plan.

iS

Newspaper features Faith all through section

he cover story and several

other articles in the WellBeing

section of the Bradenton (Florida) Herald on Oct. 18 detailed the beliefs and activities of the Baha’is in Manatee County.

Readers were drawn into the tabloidsize weekly section by a full-cover illustration titled “In search of unity” and subtitled “Local Bahd’is worship in a world where reason and wisdom rule.”

Inside, a short introductory article by section editor Kim Atamian greeted them. It outlined Baha’{ principles and concluded, “Local Baha’i s don’t trumpet their religion across the community.

. But their mission deserves to be shouted out loud, so that people of all faiths can join in.”

On Page 4 was a “local voices”column by Bradenton Baha’f Allan Wunsch that was an abridged version of the National Spiritual Assembly’s The Vision of Race Unity statement.

That was followed on Pages 8-10 by the cover story, “Baha’is striving for world peace.” Several area Baha’is were quoted in the article, as were Pamela Zivari, director of the Baha’i Office of Public Information in New York, and religion professor Danny L. Jorgensen of the University of South Florida.

A pronunciation guide of important Baha’{ terms was included, as was a “Facts about their faith” sidebar. The lead full-color photograph showed longtime Baha’is Ray and Edna Fechtner with a beautiful mosaic tile representation of a nine-pointed star.

Also in the section were a smaller article on Baha'is’ race unity efforts and a calendar listing for a Baha’{-sponsored commemoration of United Nations Day.

The Church & Worship Directory graphic on the back page even included a nine-pointed star and listed a weekly fireside in the area.

With only three international

ae with the friends on every type of

consultants and four OFFICE OF PIONEERING STAFF ANDTHE ©} international serregions, we analyzed REGION(S) OF EACH CONSULTANT'S: vice: traveling the number — of RESPONSIBILITY: 3 teaching, pioinquiries we Northeast and Centr: ang, and received from the Blakeson (phone 847-733-3511, | Bahi’i Youth various regions and Sh Service Corps.

decided that one : Amanda Respess Additionally, to consultant could ae |-733-3507, e-mail fulfill the manserve the Northeast date outlined in and Central States, i the Ridvén 153 one the Southern, (eons 847.733.55 reesrea letter to the and one the believers in Western States. In North America— addition, we have a specifically, callconsultant who is ing Africanresponsible for the Sensitive Americans to Africa, Hispanic friends to

International ‘Teaching Areas (SIT). All these consultants will be working

Latin America and Native Americans to the circumpolar areas—each international

consultant will assume responsibility for developing reference materials for one of the three areas of concentration.

Now we are asking you, our beloved community, to assist us in our task. When you contact the Office of Pioneering, whether by phone, fax, email or letter, please tell us where you live so we may expedite our response to you.

The consultants are listed at left; any inquiry also can be sent to: Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-7333509, e-mail

It is our sincere hope that these changes will steer us toward ever greater success in helping the friends fulfill their desire to serve internationally.

A view from Front Street in Issaquah, Washington, of the local Baha’i Faith Information Center. The center has been open for more than a year asa Seattle-area intercommunity project.

Local photo

Collaboration puts big Baha’i presence in small town

n out-of-the-ordinary project to bring the Faith to the forefront of people’s attention in western

Washington has passed a year of operation with the enthusiastic support of

The Baha’i on Front Street in downtown Issaquah was opened in September 1996 as a project an inter-assembly committee for teaching, one of five formed in the Seattle area during 1995.

‘aith Information Center

Among major projects of the committees has been the opening of four information centers. Unlike Baha’i commuthese are dedicated to a ence for the Faith, focusi on teaching and proclamation ac

“Tt helps us create unity among the surrounding communities. | The Assemblies are very much together on this,” said Saba Mahanian, Issaquah Spiritual Assembly secretary. Five Assemblies are represented on the committee overseeing the Issaquah center.

That center is distinguished in its location, an older 1,500-square-foot brick building in the center of a small

town east of Seattle. A core of about 24 believers have pitched in to keep it open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Since its opening, organizers report, the center has been closed only a few days due to holidays or snow.

Volunteers at all the information centers make it a point to enhance all the Seattle-area teaching activities by referring visitors to the Baha’i communities in or near their own localities.

Public activities held in the Issaquah center include firesides and other public talks, musical events, prayer mee! singles activities, youth and chil gatherings and charity fund-raisers.

A recent two-day “World Music Concert Series” featured performances by established music acts including Tapestry, Connie and Steven King, Phil Lucas, B-Stir and Cloud 9, plus traditional music and dance by members of the Snoqualmie Tribe.

It coincided with the town’s annual Salmon Days celebration, which draws as many as 1 million people to Front Street, Mr. Mahanian said.

On approaching the building, the first thing a passer-by sees through the picture windows is a series of hinged panels that present teachings and principles of the Faith, with brief prayers and passages from the Writings.

‘The panels were set up in 1996 to shield the public from ing to view the mess of renovation inside the building. But after sprucing-up was complete, the panels were left in the windows because workers noticed they had attracted attention from people on the busy sidewalk—so they hired professionals to upgrade the display, a local report states.

Inside the visitor is greeted by comfortable seating, with stands nearby displaying free brochures and magazines. Further back are a children’s playroom, a lending library, a reference library, office space, and a banquet and activity area.

“Many people involved commented that the work to create the center helped them to mature in the administrative process, in working together and in raising money,” the local report says.

December 31, 1997

THE AMERICAN BAHA’i

© SPREADING THE TEACHINGS page 7 [Page 8]

New choir has firm foundation for creating musical acts of worship

“A wondrous melody is wings for the spirit and maketh the soul to tremble for joy.”

—‘Abdu’l-Baha

steps toward building

• { House of Worship

Music Department have been

Tahiri, music director, who has the above quotation her profe: motto and the basis for developing the department.

The newly re-formed House of Worship Choir made its debut performance at evening devotional services on the Day of the Covenant. Although small in number, the choir filled the auditorium with “a shimmering, wellblended sound,” Ms. Tahiri said.

With a goal of being as inclusive as possible in choir membership, the

sulted about how to do this wl a high standard of excels to permit particg to abide by the

For the friends who live too far from Wilmette, Il to participate every week, the committee developed a way of allowing them to sing occasionally in Sunday devotions and other events.

“Visiting members” of the choir must audition, must let the music director know when they will be attending, and then be responsible for learning the music on their own. They are expected to attend scheduled rehearsals while in the Wilmette area in order to present a polished act of worship.

Ms. ‘ahiri pointed out that Baha’u’llah considered music so important in this Dispensation, He devoted a paragraph to it in the Kitab-i-Aqdas to

ensure that Baha’is approach it with the proper attitude. Further, He elevated performance of music to the station of

“Learning a piece is much more than just learning what words go with what notes. We do extensive work on blending and balancing the sound and on artistic interpretation—the tangibles and intangibles that bring a piece to life and make it a ‘wondrous melody’ that will cause souls to ‘tremble for joy.’” —Kathy Tahiri, House of Worship music director —<$ $s an act of worship and exhorted us to acquire knowledge and excellence in all arts and sciences.

Basic training and certification in:

Nationally known faculty includes:

‘THE CORINNE TRUE JUSTICE CENTER BASIC MEDIATION TRAINING COURSE

February 12-16, 1998

¢ Fundamentals of mediation Bargaining and negotiation skills ¢ Legal and court-annexed procedures

• Conflict resolution theory and practice

¢ Attorneys ¢ Professional mediators from Colorado, Arizona, California and Nevada ¢ Former Colorado judge ¢ Business and professional executives

Cost: $300 ¢ After January 14: $350

CORINNE ‘TRUE JUSTICE CENTER REGISTRATION

Basic Mediation February 12-16, 1998

Name

Organization

Address

City State Zip Phone Fax E-mail

Registration fees: $300 (on or before Jan. 14) §. $350 (after Jan. 14) $.

Fee covers tuition and materials only. Classes start at noon on February 12.

Make check or money order in U.S. currency, payable to ‘True Justice Center, and return it with this form.

Please return this registration form to:

Registrar

Phoenix, AZ 85044 Classes held at Metro Denver Baha’i Center 225 E. Bayaud, Denver, Colorado For information call 602-940-7594, fax 602-412-7043

Regular choir membei tioning for proper expected to attend all whether they are

ng, ba production. “Learning a pi

e work on blendin; ancing the sound and on pretation—the tangibles and inta that bring a piece to life and m: ‘wondrous melody’ that will ¢: to ‘tremble for joy.’

“All this makes for long rehearsals and slow progr result is well worth the eff

For a copy of choir policies in detail, contact Ms. Tahiri (phone 847-8532328, e-mail and stay “tuned” for news as the Music Department evolves.

coos

MEDIA BRIEFS

YOUTHS RAISE SPARKS

‘he activities and diversity of the

Eternal Flame Bahé’i Youth Workshop attracted the attention of The Tribune newspaper in Mesa, Arizona, which featured the group in its Oct. 25 religion section.

In a lengthy article titled “Baha’i youth strike spark for racial harmony,” writer Lois McFarland interviewed several Workshop members and advisers about service to others as “way of life.”

They talked to her about their many and varied performances, their weekly practices, and how they carry their beliefs into everyday life.

Full-color photographs showed the group consulting and practicing.

A brief description of the Baha’i Faith and its teachings rounded out the article.

ON THE MOVE IN FLORIDA ‘he “Victory 2000” media campaign in South Florida is following up on

its $50,000 fund-raising meeting with efforts to place radio ads on the Faith. Preparations include research on the advertising rates of various radio stations and market tests on a number of recorded spots.

With a Jan. 1 target date for airing the announcements, the intercommunity campaign is forming task forces for follow-up, to plan not only continued media and public relations efforts but also teaching, public worship events, training/deepening and social and economic development.

‘The campaign is being conducted as a cooperative effort among several Local Spiritual Assemblies in and near Broward County.

page 8 THE AMERICAN BAHA'I * SPREADING THE TEACHINGS December 31,1997 [Page 9]

‘Two Wings of a Bird ‘The Equality of Women

and Men

Nati

Bah:

$7.95 SC (SWMPE)

The National Spiritual Assembly's statement on gender equality and the advancement of women is now ible for

presentation to public offi other leaders of thought cover features handsome binding with silver metallic embossed title. 7” x9”, 1S pp.

Baha'i Publishing Trust, U.S.

“.. now available in an edition suitable for presentation.’

‘This book addresses some of the barriers that keep us from achieving a deeper understanding of

Baha’u’'llah’s Writings and presents a process that includes preparing, reading, reflecting, and acting

on the Creative Word.’ —_,

Vv Reading Bahd’w'llah’s Word A Guide to Melanie Sarachman Smith and William Diehl $10.00 SC (RBW)

eading and Understanding the Writings of Baha’u’llah

Sometimes when people first read the Writings of Baha’u’llah, they find the words beautiful and powerful, but difficult to understand. This book addresses some of the barriers that keep us from achieving a deeper understanding of Baha’u’lléh’s Writings and presents a process that includes preparing, reading, reflecting, and acting on the Creative Word.

8%” x 11”, 150pp. Palabra Press

TO BE A MOTHER ¥

‘compiled by Wendi Momen

‘To Be a Mother

compiled by Wendy Momen $11.95 SC (TBM)

“Tt is in the spirit of both revering motherhood and valuing the contribution women can make to the wider community that this little book of verses from the [Bah and] other holy scriptures, poets and thinkers is offered.” The conOn the Birth of a Mentors; MothMothers and Their Famiies; Mothers, Bringers of Peace. 44” x 6%", 178 pp.

George Ronald, Publisher

“.. revering motherhood and valuing the contribution of women.’

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Scripture & Revelation

Baha’i Studies Volume IL

edited by Moojan Momen

$26.95 SC (SR)

is third volume in the Baha’i Studies series focuses on. the theme of scripture and revelation. Papers presented at the first and second Irfan Colloquia in 1993 and 1994 discuss subjects of value to serious students of the Baha’i Faith and to those teaching courses on it.

54” x 84”, 369 pp.

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ee

‘for anyone searching fora He opqip

source of inspi- | MASTER |

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The Wisdom of

the Master

‘The Spiritual Teachings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha

edited by Steven Scholl $17.00 HC (WM) Discover The Wisdon of the Master, a new collection of the sayings and writings of ’Abdu’l-Baha, including eyewitness accounts of incidents in His life. Enjoy a number of new and corrected translations provided by the Baha’f World Center for this volume. This compilation is intended for anyone searching for a source of inspiration and personal healing.

6” x 8”, LL1 pp., photographs, introduction, endnotes, bibliography.

Kalimat Press

‘

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ae annotated bib- = =

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A Resource Guide for the Scholarly Study of the Baha’i Faith

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This comprehensive research an lucational tool for the student or teacher of the Baha’i Faith provides guidance on including the Baha’ Faith in college and university courses. It contains carefully prepared curriculum

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Research Office of the Baha’i National

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‘.. delightful prescriptions for living the Baha’i life with a freshness and spirit that is both profound and childlike.’

How to Live Sideways

A Guide for Baha’i Kids

Michael Fitzgerald

illustrated by John Burns

$14.95 HC (HTLS)

This whimsical compilation of the Baha’i Sacred Writings is certain to amuse and fascinate any child. The author offers his delightful prescriptions for living the Baha’i life with a freshness and spirit that is both profound and childlike. Build Baha’ identity and introduce your children to the Baha’i teachings on prayer, unity, faithfulness, service, and contentment.

6%” x 6A", 40 pp.

Kalimat Press

December 31, 1997

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i ¢ BAHA'I DISTRIBUTION SERVICE _ page 9

[Page 10]

Messages to the Antipodes

Communications from Shoghi Effendi to the Baha’i Communities of Australasia

Shoghi Effendi

$29.95 HC (MAH)

This volume brings together, for the first time, the communications addressed to the followers of Baha’u'llih in the Australasian area by Shoghi Effendi during the period of his ministry, from 1921 to 1957, as Guardian of the Baha’{ Faith. More than torical record, the book conveys a painfully re: portrait of the development of the Australasian Baha’i community.

ic

526 pp., introduction, preface, glossary, footnotes, index. Baha'i Publishing Trust, Australia

Racism — Unraveling the Fear

by Nathan Rutstein $16.95 SC (RUF)

Racism-Unraveling the Fear not only expose

feel is insoluble. This is Mr. Rutstein’s most challenging book, one that deals directly with the most challenging issue facing our society. Any reader will benefit from the years of experience and the rational voice reflected in this work.

9” x 6”, 238 pp., notes, bibliography ‘The Global Classroom

Lilly and Peggy

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A beautiful and touching story of a young girl, her dog and the answer to her prayers. Find out what happens when one Naw-Riz, Lilly, aided by her dog, Peggy, throws a bottle with a message into the river. A charming true story for young children,

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The sixth in the Jewels series presents extracts from the writings and utterances of ‘Abdu’lBaha on forgiveness, to help orient and instruct us.

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Stories of the Greatest Holy Leaf

compiled by Jacqueline Mehrabi

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These delightful stories, each one conveying a moving, amusing or inspiring incident from the life of the Greatest Holy Leaf, offer children of all ages a glimpse of the love, dignity and insight which characterized “the outstanding heroine of the Bi Dispensation.”

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Lights of Fortitude by Barron Harper

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Hare are unique pen portraits of the 50 Hands of the Cause ief Stewards of embryonic World Commonwealth.” Drawn from many sources, including accounts by Hands themselves, nating of this individuals tory and who, sed widely the grances, declared His Proofs, proclaimed , published abroad His Law, detached themrom all things but Him, stood for righteousness Fire of the Love of God

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Selections from

the Writings

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“Abdu’l-Baha

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33 y This video, on the life of Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’lBaha Ruhfyyih Khénum, explores the frontiers she has d in her travels to over

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cros:

SANPOF Fit CALS OF COW

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22 minutes Badiyan Productions

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‘The Pride of Martyrs

by Ivan Lloyd

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This edition in English and Persian tells the story of one of the most courageous early believers. It includes full-color reproductions of original artwork by Ivan Lloyd, the author and an accomplished artist. 8%” x 11”, 16 pp., color illustrations

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page 10

THE AMERICAN BAHA’i ¢ BANA’ DISTRIBUTION SERVICE = December 31, 1997 [Page 11]

Hisn-i Hasin-i Shari’t-u’ lah

Citadel of Faith

Shoghi Effendi

$26. ey HC ee $20.00 SC (PCFS)

slation of written by or on behalf of the Guardian of the Baha’ pounding upon the r of the Baha’fs of the United States and reminding the their spiritual primacy as trustees and executors of ‘Abdu’lBaha’s Divine Plan.

6%” x 8%”, 267 pp.

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of

Baha’i Weekly Planner

A Baha’i Weekly Planner suitable for use as a day planner. Contains a 12-Gregorianmonth calendar with Baha’{ months and days noted. All Baha’i holy days and festivals are noted as well as federal holidays. Other features include a schedule of sunrises and sunsets in various latitudes for observing the Fast, frequently used e-mail addresses, statistical information on the Faith and selected communities, and a fund contribution record.

SIZES AND COLORS SMALL (3'4” X 64”) BLACK (BWPSB) $6.50 SMALL (3” X 64”) FOREST GREEN (BWPSG) $6.50 SMALL (3%” X 6%”) BURGUNDY (BWPSBU) $6.50 LARGE (5'” X 84”) BLACK (BWPLB) $10.50 LARGE (5'4” X 8%”) FOREST GREEN (BWPLG) $10.50 LARGE (5%4” X 84”) BURGUNDY (BWPLBU) $10.50 The Call of Carmel by Taraneh Ra’fati and Shidan Toloui-Wallace

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A selection of Baha’i prayers and poems chanted and sung in Persian, recorded in the Holy Land and dedicated to the friends who serve there.

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A Spanish edition of one of the most popular teaching and proclamation pieces ever published. A magazine format and colorful presentation give the reader a concise and informative overview of the Baha’i Faith. This edition was developed specifically for the Latino audience.

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Editorial Bahs’i de Espafia

Chartreuse Blues

by Chris Ruhe

$15.95 CD (CBCD), $10.95 CS (CBCAS)

Chris Ruhe brings together elements of bluegrass, folk and pop to create a brand of blues that is “made up of many hues.” A lively, entertaining and reflective look into one musician’s ability to translate life into music.

47 minutes

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Spiritual Revolution 3 produced by Marcia Day

$60.00 FOR 3 TAPE SET OF 12 SHOWS, VT (ESR3N)

Spiritual Revolution 3 is a dynamic television series designed to reac soul and particularly helps C! derstand the relationship between Christ and Baha'u'llah. An invaluable teaching tool now made affordable for everyone — only $5.00 per show! — these tapes can be , Sunday brunches, college campuses, library gifts, deepening classes and Baha’i schools. Guests include Dr. Jack McCants, Eric Dozier, Michael Sours, and Sylvester Scott among others. Hosted by Billie Crofts and Tommy Kavelin.

12 shows, 30 minutes per show

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The first Windows 95 and Windows 3.1 version of MARS is available! MARS gives you very easy access to 50 books of Baha’u’llah, the Bab, ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, and Shoghi Effendi. ‘The program’s look and feel has to be tried to be appreciated. Now you can perform any kind of search, bookmark your favorite passages, write notes, go directly to a page in a book, and use your mouse, too! The Windows environment makes selecting books and authors for searching a snap, and it’s easier than ever to paste to the clipboard. You won’t believe how easy it is to use the Multiple Author REFER System!

Crimson Publications

Lawh-i-Aqdas

(The Most Holy Tablet)

by Baha'u'llah

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This edition of the “Tablet to the Christians” is affordably priced to facilitate its use in teaching and as a resource for study.

5%” x 84”, 18 pp.

Erich Reich Enterprises

Buddha Maitrya-Amitabha Has Appeared

Jamshed Fozdar $34.95 HC (BMA)

This book is not just another thesis on Buddhism. It is an invitation to people everywhere, particularly our Buddhist brethren, to accompany the author in quest of that greatest of all phenomena—the advent of the Buddha Avatar—the divine manifestation, whose rare pet appearance has been the only source of spiritual upliftment throughout humanity’s long and checkered history and for whose recurrence we stand once more in such dire need in this travailing age. Mr. Fozdar conclusively proves from the great wealth of Buddhist prophecies that this momentous event which will usher in a golden age has occurred and is identical to the Return awaited by Hindus, Jews, Zoroastrians, Christians and Muslims.

6” x 84”, 490 pp., contents, glossary, index

Jamshed Fozdar

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December 31, 1997

THE AMERICAN BAHA’‘i ¢ BAHA‘i DISTRIBUTION SERVICE _ page II [Page 12]

© MESSAGE FROM YOUR NATIONAL YOUTH COMMITTEE

3)

THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMITTEE IS EAGER TO HEAR FROM YOU! We invite any news, hopes, suggestions, questions and concerns. Please also send any artistic work and pictures of highlights taking place in your community. Information about service projects and opportunities is also welcomed. Please contact the National Youth Committee Office.

6 TOP 10 TEACHING LIST )

IN THE RIDVAN 153 MESSAGE, the Universal House of Justice quotes Shoghi Effendi in explaining that the individual's duty is to “consider every avenue of approach which he might utilize in his personal attempts to capture the attention, maintain the interest, and deepen the faith, of those whom he seeks to bring into the fold of his Faith” (The Advent of Divine Justice, Page 51). In light of this, we challenge you to send us your favorite teaching ideas. In the upcoming issue of The American Baha'i, we will create a Top 10 list of ideas!

@ YOUTH HIGHLIGHTS } WYOMING YOUTH TASK FORCE FORMED!

On August 13, youth from towns all around Wyoming—Gillette, Rawlins, Green River, Riverton and Lander—gathered in what is believed to be the state's largest assemblage of Baha'i youth. Their purposes were to socialize and to plan events for the year. The result was a Youth Task Force, which showed eagerness, ambition, and enthusiasm in setting goals and creating a vision for teaching and service in Wyoming. Great job, Wyoming youth!

COLLEGE CLUB WEEKENDS!

On Sept. 26-28 and Oct. 10-12, Baha'i college club representatives from all over the United States came together at Louhelen, Green Acre and Bosch Baha'i schools for a weekend of deepening, planning and fun. The Bosch Baha'i School college club weekend was from Oct. 10-12. Fifty-five Baha'i youth from five states, and about 22 college clubs came together to consult, network and have fun together. The weekend was honored by the presence of the Member of the Auxiliary Board for protection Mr. Farhad Sabetan, who shared a wealth of information. Participants networked with other college club students, made personal teaching plans, pulled weeds in the garden at Bosch as a service project and came up with unanimous actions that all the weekend participants would do. All the participating Baha'i clubs agreed to give out lollipops, cupcakes or bookmarks on campus for U.N. Day, Oct. 24. Also, all the campuses agreed to pray for one hour for the formation of the new Regional Councils at midnight on the commemoration of the Birth of Baha'u'llah.

CHICAGO BYW PROCLAIMS THE FAITH TO eee IN THE BUD BILLIKEN PARADE! In conjunction with the local Baha'i community, the Chicago Baha'i Youth Workshop participated in the Bud Billiken parade on Aug. 8. This marked the second year in a row that the workshop proclaimed the Faith to the thousands of spectators along the parade route. The Bud Billiken parade is the largest African-American parade in the country. In addition, the television broadcast is viewed by more than 1 million people. Founded 68 years ago by prominent African-American journalist and Chicago Baha’i David Kellum, the parade came from Kellum’s popular Bud Billiken Club, where children were taught to recognize and nurture the virtues of honesty, trustworthiness, obedience and respect. “Billiken” is the name of a mythical Chinese deity who represents “Things as they should be,” and “Bud” is short for buddy. Kellum’s intention was to bridge the gap between the races by helping children to come together around a common, universal identity. In addition to devoting time to designing and building the Chicago - community float, and serving on the community task force for the parade, workshop members practiced for hours outside of their normal Sunday meeting time to prepare the step and dance routines performed in the parade. Members also created a new T-shirt. The front featured the principles of the Faith, and on the back was the phrase “Raising the First Prejudice-Free Generation.” Every time the float stopped along the parade route, workshop members Elarryo Bolden and Akwanza Mangum would engage the crowd using the African-American tradition of call and response, urging spectators to shout “peace on the streets.” As the workshop danced, one side of the street was urged to call out “peace” and the other “unity.” As is the custom, the Baha'is joined numerous families and organizations in Chicago's Washington Park after the parade for a community picnic celebration. Workshop members were able to share the Faith, and made several new friends and contacts in the park. The most memorable aspect of the event, according to Bolden, was the “spirit which galvanized the diverse members of the community” to prepare for, participate in, and organize follow up activities after the event. The workshop plans to participate with the Chicago community again next year, living up to Kellum’s legacy of service to the African-American community. All are invited to participate in next year’s parade which is traditionally held on the first Saturday of August.

CONTACT THE NAT Sateen

al St, Evanston,

@ ACTIVITIES & SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES )

COLLEGE CLUB WEEKEND at Louis Gregory Baha’ Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. From Jan. 30-Feb. 1, the National Youth Committee will host a college club weekend. Please register by contacting the Louis Gregory Institute (phone 803558-5093, e-mail Registration deadline is Jan. 16. This will be a weekend of serious planning, community building and devotion to spiritual transformation. College club weekends are an excellent way to bond with other college-age youth and to share, learn, and strategize ways in which to take advantage of these fertile fields.

THE WILMETTE INSTITUTE is searching for a youth year of service or other volunteer who can serve as Office Manager beginning in January 1997. The position involves writing letters, responding to e-mails, managing financial information in Quickbooks, maintaining files, and explaining the Wilmette Institute’s programs. Excellent organizational and telephone skills are required. The person should be able to work in both an independent and team environment. Depending on the person's skills, he/she may also be asked to grade homework assignments or write and edit curricular and publicity materials. Contact Robert Stockman at 847-733-3425 or Lisa Roy at 847-733-3415.

FIRST LATIN AMERICAN Baha'i Youth Congress, Chile, January 1998. This congress will mark an important stage in the history of Latin American youth. Please contact the Office of Pioneering at 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847733-3508, e-mail The Web site for the event is http://www.nur.edu/chile98

QO QUESTION OF THE MONTH

STATE ONE WAY in which Baha'i administration is similar to a democracy and one way in which it is different. Do the same for autocratic (single leader, such as a monarch) and aristocratic (leadership from special classes) governments.

(Answers to appear in the upcoming issue of The American Baha'i.)

NEW PUBLICATION FOR COLLEGE CLUBS

If you are part of a high school, college or university, and have formed or want to form a Baha'i club on campus, the “Fertile Field” newsletter is for you! “Fertile Field,” a monthly newsletter of the National Youth Committee, serves to foster communication between campus clubs around the country. To receive your personal copy, please contact the National Youth Committee.

page 12. THE AMERICAN BAHA’i « YourH December 31, 1997 [Page 13]friends to overcome.”

precisely these weaknesses be wishes the

—Shoghi Effendi,

quoted in the Ridvan 153 Message to the Baha’is of the World

BY TOM MENNILLO

s Anita Strickland sees it, starting A: Toastmasters Club is a nobrainer for Bal mmunities. Individual believers develop skills and f-confidence. The Faith gains more

ind public nd non

sel eloquent teachers, sp information representatives. Baha’i members of the club

rs

exposed

to consultation and other elements of

Baha’ life.

Strickland is living proof. Once extremely uncomfortable in front of an audience, she saw an opportunity to change that when the Bahai Unie Center pened in South DeKalb County, € with an emphasis on outreach.

‘H-started thinking about what skills wer led,” aid. “We rarely think about leadership as one.”

But Strickland was thinking about it, and when she found there was no ‘Toastmasters Club in South DeKalb she and about 10 other B; is formed one themselves, called Daw:

The chartering process easy, she discovered. The organization someone to help and it suppl manuals participants ne:

Through public ser ments—one has run for 18 months, thanks to a media friend of the Faith— and other contacts, the word got out to Adantans. ‘Today, there are about 69 people in the club, a gain of 45 in one year.

Only six membe all the officers this year are non-Bah: But having the Bal start the club made a diff e, Strickland said.

She said club members voted right away to make the atmosphere non-competitive, and non-Baha’i members talk

jeorg

she

sends I the

ice announce

• A short business session.

provi ! “Ki of eis ad fhe ming ay + pre,

glowingly of the spirit, joy, a in Dawn-Breaker:

No wonder this ‘Toastmasters chapter is ranked 74th in the world in growth and the attainments of its members.

But that hasn’t been the only accomplishment.

Last year, Stricl week Youth L ages 10-18. They drew well from the surrounding community and received

nd ran six

adership Institutes for

pants were Afr American young men from urant agement program offered by Our ‘Table, an Atlanta catering business. These youth, in an Atlanta Journal Constitution. story, credited astmasters with giving them the ng and interviewing skills they'll need to get a leg up in the job 1

Out of the leadership program have come four Toastmasters-affiliated youth speaking groups, called Gavel Clubs. The Ewing/Deas Gavel Club meets at the Unity Center. Three others were formed at middle and high s

Now a second set of Bab ‘Toastmasters and Gavel clut in the area, sponsored by the County Spiritual Assembly. Strickland recommends that Toastmasters and Gavel clubs meet at the same time to get the whole family involved.

More Baha’ participation overall is on Ss and’s wi . The time is now to develop our skills and capacities, she said, and ‘Toastmasters “is a cheap way to

feature

et.

is forming t Cobb

get it.”

She said youth, especially, need ways to bring out their knowledge of the Faith. String together the answers to

Angie Ubosi (top photo, center), a Nigerian native, talks on the theme “Know Thyself,” while Abdul Bashir (second photo) delivers a speech titled “The Impossible Dream” at the Dec. 6 meeting of the Dawn-Breakers Toastmasters Club at the Baha’i Unity Center in DeKalb County, Georgia. Beside the speaker’s dais is a banner showing off the ribbons the Dawn Breakers Club has won in its short history. Photo by Tom Mennillo

DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES ON PEACE

The United Nations International Peace Day celebration See 21 in Lawrence, Kansas, featured speakers Charles Bebb, Graciela AngelMarion, Robert Bassett and Louis Anderson, s| akin about peace on the personal, social, consultative and levels. The Kansas Baha'i Youth erator, and a traditional Native American dancers performed, and Baha'i, Christian and Buddhist writings were recited. Local photo

December 31, 1997

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i

CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES page 13 [Page 14]

LOUHELEN FOCUSES ON DEVELOPMENT

ouhelen Baha’i School continues

| to focus on achieving a significant

advance in the process of entry by

troops during the precious years of the Four Year Plan.

The goal i the friends everywhere to arise to the call of the Universal House of Justice to “commit s to the work of the Cause liberated from any doubts, ‘sitations which may have impeded you in the past.”

Programs at Louhelen, near Davison, Michigan, empha the development

toa

of the individual believer, of the institucommunity. months

tions, and of the loc: Those in the include:

upcoming

• Core Curriculum training

two weekends each, on teacher training (jan. 16-19, May 29-31), facilitating the Parenting Program (Jan. 16-19, May 29-31), Race Unity training (Feb. 20-23, May 15-17) and Marriage and Family Life training (Feb. 20-23, May 15-17).

Coordinated by the National Teacher ‘Training Center at Louhelen, these courses are part of a growing movement to help Baha’is help each other toward making the hings a reality in our liv

• “Music and Teaching” with Tom

Price and Barbara Baumgartner, Jan. 23-25. A unique and festive music-filled session, this is designed for choir members and others who wish to experience choral singing.

• “Spiritual Solutions to Social

Problems” with Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi, Auxiliary Board member, Jan. 23-25. Designed for mature youth and adults, this session addresses the equality of

women and men, race unity, the role of science and religion, te environment,

ans” “with Dr. Feb. 6-8. Participants

Hugh Motlagh, will be better-prepared, through discus

By

Dr.

ry Skills” with Dwight Allen, Feb. 6-8. This session can help develop skills in opening and s

conversations on the subject of the Faith, and inviting seekers to be Baha’is.

• Married couple retreat with Kathy

Penn and Dr. Michael Penn, Feb. 13-15. This celebrates the institution of marriage while exploring the Writings on strengthening marital and family relationships.

• “Chinese History and C ‘ultu

Charles Pau, Feb. 13-15 t Baha’is who. are interested in sharing the message of Baha’u'llah with the Chinese people. Chinese friends who would like to explore how the Baha’{ teachings relate to their own background are especially invited to participate.

A special evening with Kevin Los celebrating the oneness of humanity, is also planned at Louhelen Jan. 19, starting with dinner at 6 p.m.

Last November the friends had a chance to spend a weekend immersed in Baha’u'llah’s Sacred Writings and love at the Pen of Glory Conference. Facilitated by David and Margaret Ruhe, the session brought to life the character and events of Bahd’u’llah and His life’s work. A full children’s program guided youngsters toward “falling. in

Wilmette Institute programs still have room for more students

Focus on the Baha’i Community and Its Governance

¢ Wilmette Institute’s three programs still have room for more students.

The correspondence course on the Revelation of Baha’u’llah, 1853-68, is filling fast. It begins Jan. 1 and continues until early May. Students will receive weekly reading assignments and a variety of study exercises. They also can participate in an e-mai server or conference calls. tion is $200 ($160 per person when part of a local study group of three or more).

Registration for the 1998-99 “Spiritual Foundations” program has just begun. The year will focus on the Baha’i community and its governance, in the context of human communities in general. It will also include classes on Shoghi Effendi; study of the Kitabi-Ahdi, the Will and Testament of ’Abdu’l-Baha and The World Order of Baha'u'llah; seminars on consultation and other Assembly-related skills; and workshops on teaching the Faith.

Students will attend three weeks of intensive classes in Wilmette, Illinois, July 18-Aug. 9, and complete two periods of home study (May 1-July 15, 1998, and Sept. 1, 1998, to April 30, 1999). Tuition is $825.

A series of minicourses on world religion and philosophy begins at Bosch Baha’i School Jan. 9-11 with a weekend on Hinduism and Buddhism. Students must register two weeks in advance with Bosch (phone 408-423-3387, e-mail

and pay $75 tuition (or $100 if you register at the door). Each minicourse includes some prestudy and poststudy work.

For registration information about the correspondence course or the Spiritual Foundations program, contact the Wilmette Institute (phone 847- 733-3415; e-mail

The Institute also has a 24-hour automated information line: 847-733-3595.

Larry Crason (center right), one of the U.S. Baha’i Refugee Office’s helpers who works with Hmong people in Sacramento, California, poses with children who attend the local Baha’i School classes he teaches.

Local photo courtsey U.S. Baha'i Refugee Office

love with Baha’u'lléh.” An ev of Caroline Mackay from Bri

In another fall program, “The Covenant and Community Transformation,” the primacy of the Covenant was used to explore practical skills, illumined by community development projects on two First Nations reservations in Canada. The presenters, Danielle Woodward of Saskatchewan and Mr. Dale Peterson of British Columbia, presented stories of struggle, success, and transformation throughout Canada and the United States. Louhelen plans to hold a follow-up session next fall.

The role and service of youth also were in the spotlight, with the National Youth Committee hosting a College Club session in September to help create a network of Baha’i students dedicated to mobilizing fresh approaches to serving on campus.

A special Institute for young women ages 12-17, facilitated by Dr. Mahmoudi, focused on the role of maidservants in promoting the equality of women and men, while the Youth Eagle Institute in November helped unify youth in the Central States teaching work.

nuing arts program included the heavenly harp music Colum

EE U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY Administrative Web Site

News headlines and announcements. Your window to what's happening in the U.S. Baha’i community.

Descriptions of the departments and agencies that serve the National Assembly along with answers to questions they are most frequently asked by the friends.

‘The most current letters from the National Assembly as well as the Universal House of Justice.

Using the Real Audio Player you can now hear audio Feast messages and other programs on your computer!

page 14 THE AMERICAN BAHA'I * CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES

December 31, 1997 [Page 15]

Green Acre looks at spiritual search, social challenges

inter and spring programs at Green Acre Baha’i School in Eliot, Maine, continue with

a variety of weekend sessions:

Jan. 23-25: “Propelled by Mysterious Spiritual Forces.” Millions have acknowledged their search for the spiritual meaning Baha'u'llah has brought. A national television-media campaign is about to invite them to investigate “The Power of Race Unity” and other aspects of Baha’{ teachings. Seeking

souls will be asking, “Where are the Baha'is, and what are they doing to establish unity in America?” Presenters William Smith and Phyllis Ring will discuss our readiness to welcome them,

reality of tests in a process of crisis and victory that unfailingly advances both our own growth and that of the Faith of God. Presenter Brian Kurzius compiled Fire & Gold: Benefiting from Life’s Tests, a sourcebook for discovering the value of tests and meeting them effectively.

March 6-8: Annual Spiritual Retreat for the Fast, for those age 15 and older, will offer ample time for prayer, reflection and retreat, as well as sessions focused on The Hidden Words.

There will be a choice of two programs March 27-29:

e“Laying the Foundation of the Fortress,” an intensive limited-enrollment course on preparation for marriage cy aul and youth 3 and older,

Wolf . Habib Riazati leads study of this work; participants are asked to bring a copy of the book, have read the text and come equipped with any questions they may have.

‘There are two programs April 24-26:

¢ “The Fortress and the Family.” Facilitators Mary Lou and Michael McLaughlin lead the session on fostering loving marriages and strengthening family life. Enrollment is limited.

¢ “The Spirit of Children”: a conference on children’s literature and art. This interactive workshop explores materials that stimulate children’s spiritual development. Representatives from Brilliant Star and ONE magazines and the Baha’{ Publishing Trust will be invited.

Day of God.

db. 13-16: Sexuality and Conference. This to help indiv:

Institute for AIDS, Addiction (1

’i institutions pply Baha'i generated by

issues. Feb. 20-22: “Gleaming in the Fire: The Role of Joy and Pain” explores the

ed.

April 10-12: Epistle to the Son of the

Preregistration is required for all programs. Housing in Green e (formerly the available year-round, with tions (for those 12 and olde: ture private baths. Ask about ra r, or for further information grams and fees, contact Green Acre (phone 207-439-7200, fax 207438-9940, e-mail

Bosch to feature training sessions, study of religions

successful series of fall programs at Bosch Baha’s A hool_ was highlighted by a well-attended Latino

_ nference, “Developing the Human Resources of the Hispanic Community,” planned and hosted by the national Latin-American Task Force, and a spectacular celebration of the Birth of Baha’w’llah and fund-raising weekend with music and a fund-raising auction.

Meanwhile, winter sessions maintain the momemtum, with the Wilmette Institute presenting a class on Hinduism and Buddhism taught by Dann May. Also that weekend will be a course on ‘Transformational Mediation with Phyllis Bernard May, Margaret Leeds and Trip Barthel.

In other upcoming programs:

• The Office of Pioneering is hosting a Pioneer/SITA/

BYSC training session Jan. 16-19 for prospective participants in international service.

• Space is still available for

Assemblies to join in the Assembly Team Development weekend, Jan. 16-18. The activities help Assembly members develop a greater understanding and spirit of cooperation.

¢ “Turning on the Light,” Jan. 30-Feb. 1 and Feb. 20-22, is a twopart workshop on creating and sustaining a conscious marriage with Diane and Bill Rockloff and Nasrin and Mehran Bashiri.

• Also Jan. 30-Feb.1, a study retreat will discuss the

Kitab-i-Iqan; facilitated by Derek Cockshut.

• The Association for Baha’{ Studies is holding its annual regional conference, “Profound Faith and Freedom of

Thought: Developing Baha'i Scholarship,” Feb. 6-8. Subjects will include arts, business ethics, moral education, science and religion, etc.

¢ A Seekers Weekend Feb. 6-8—“Behold the Blessed Beauty,” with National Spiritual Assembly member Bill Davis and Jan and Lorrie Faulkner—will provide an opportunity to share love and fellowship, music and inspiration, knowledge and understanding of the Faith.

• Black Heritage Weekend, Feb. 13-16, will explore “The

Role of African Americans in the History of the Faith.” It is

“...Children had fun while learning to see themselves as catalysts for change in their family, school and community.”

hoped friends from all ethnic backgrounds will come together in love and unity.

• Feb. 20-22 the Wilmette Institute will present another

class by Dann May, on Taoism and Confucianism.

• March 6-12 Bosch will host an Elderhostel Senior seminar program focusing on the arts, with Kenji Konishi leading a class titled “Freeing the Artistic Spirit through Oil

Painting.” Also in the program is “The Baha’i Fai Making a Difference Around the Globe.” If you are 55 or older, join us for a program that is both intellectually stimulating and hands-on.

The fund-raising weekend Nov. 15-16 featured a Saturday evening concert, following a Chez Bosch candlelight dinner. The outstanding talent included Narges, Adrienne Ewing-Roush, Mary Eiland, Phyllis Ruocco and Jamie Findlay. Baha’fs and their guests enjoyed the Persian, gospel, operatie/musical show and jazz selections.

The auction featured Terry Kneisler as auctioneer, and generous donations by the friends for the Bosch Bookshop/Cafe Expansion Fund.

Winter ions began with a Children’s Academy Dec. 20-23 for fourth- through sixth-graders. This rigorous course of study, exercise, service, prayer and moral training based on the Sacred Writings used Core Curriculum-trained teachers and methods. Children had fun while learning to see themselves as catalysts for change in their family, school and community.

Winter School General Session, Dec. 26-Jan. 1, brought a divexsity of interesting topics. Jeffery Huffines, U.S. Baha’ representative to the United Nations, discussed how Baha’fs can support U.N. activities. Christine Rayner, businesswoman and educator, returned to Bosch to share her years of experience in “Baha’{ Family Life.” J. Richard Hoff, retired salesman, and his wife Pauline, both active teachers of the Cause, shared stories, techniques and tips for success in teaching, enrollment and consolidation of new believers. Participants had many opporunities to roleplay direct teaching.

Native Baha’ Institute to reach out to

community with its ¢ the anniversary of the | Bab.

Held Oct. 20 at the Houck, Arizona, the ration attracted 25 visi

in many activities at the insti and encouraged their se take part in the numerous NABI programs and children’s classes, oy

Building on the numerous friendships and events established’ by NABI over the past few years, this encouraging response is helping the institute assess important community factors as it creates a, training program for the friends on the Navajo-Hopi reservations, so the friendship and interest of ive American seekers can be s ned.

At the Holy Day event, an introduction on the life and station of — the Bab was presented in English and in the Navajo (Dine’) language. Invited to offer prayers near the end of the prograi many participants prayed in. grati tude for the kindness, assistance and work of the NABI staff.

At the same time, a children’ class reintroduced the student all from non-Baha’t famili the reading and memorizati Baha’i children’s prayers and cated them on the ii importance prayer and the significance of t Holy Day. All the children’s 5 class participants were given prints Baha’ prayers to share with their families.

For some who avendeds th Holy Day celebration was the first | exposure to the teachings of the | Faith and the work of the insti-tute, and they asked many questions. Much information. al x the Faith, consequently, was shared during the social por with the tirst-time visitors, many asked to be put on the mailing list to be inform activities and programs.

Bosch Baha’i School, 408-423-3387 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Green Acre Baha’i School, 207-439-7200, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903

Louhelen Baha’ School, 810-653-5033 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423

Louis Gregory Baha’ Institute, 803-558-9131 Route 2, Box 71, Hemingway, SC 29554

NABI, 520-587-7594 Box 3167, Houck, AZ 86506

December 31, 1997

THE AMERICAN BAHA'I ¢ CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES page I5 [Page 16]

ENGLISH

Latinos in Action in South Florida: An International Evening

BY THE LATINO TEACHING COMMITTEE OF SOUTH FLORIDA

outh Florida offers tropical weather, crystal-clear Caribbean waters, a diverse sample of humanity, a large Latin-American population, and above all an energetic Baha’i community. The beginning

Last August the Latin American Task Force appointed the Latino Teaching Committee of South Florida. This. working group includes Baha’is from many countries: Indonesia, the United States, Cuba, Colombia, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

The committee, as diverse as the area it serves, went to work immediately. It decided to support the existing teaching activities among the Latinos in the area that had been initiated by individuals. The first steps were to support the biweekly firesides and continue a proclamation picnic in a Hialeah Park.

The committee needed funds, especially to fulfill our vision of a large-scale teaching campaign. Aware of the needs of our National Fund, our unanimous comment was: “We are not going to ask for funds from the National Teaching Committee.” A self-supporting teaching effort was always our watchword.

But where and how to get the funds? International, not just Latin

The words of Counselor Arturo Serrano were still fresh in our ears from his talk to Spanish speaking believers on a warm August evening in the Broward Baha'i Center, urging “that we (Latinos) become bridges among all races; may this be our glorious contribution to the Cause.”

The first idea for the fund-raising event was to have “Una Noche Latina,” a Latin Evening with Latin food and entertainment. We all agreed.

Weeks later we realized it was better to expand the scope of this event. Our Indonesian committee member wanted to do a folk dance from that country, which made us think. We looked around our communities and saw Anglos, Persians, Asians and AfricanAmericans. The sound of “..that we become bridges among all races...” was still in the air.

Thus the Latin Evening concept evolved into “An _ International Evening.”

An evening of joy and diversity

Baha’is and non-Baha’is were asked to participate in the program. Soon the International Evening began to take shape much as does the sculpture under

the sculptor’s chisel.

‘The food, an essential part of the evening, had to be truly international. Dishes from Cuba and the Dominican Republic, a variety of arroz con pollo (rice with chicken), and an array of Persian rice dishes were brought by excellent cooks from nearby Baha’i communities.

‘The entertainment and performances were true to the International E theme and exceeded our expectations The program included a folk dance from Venezuela performed by Baha'i youth, French opera music, an Indonesian Candle Dance, La Comparsita, an Argentinean tango, a Persian dance in which a good portion of the audience joined the performer, a Nicaraguan folk dance performed by a 14-year-old non-Baha’i girl, and a folk dance presented by two Costa Ricans. Also the audience was delighted by two country songs, Baha’i songs and popular South American songs presented by several singers and guitarists.

‘The program ran smoothly and the performers surprised the audience with their talent and diversity. By the time the program ended with a dance, the room was full of joyful spirit and unity. The International Evening was a success.

It had been organized as a fund-raising and teaching event, with the believers encouraged to bring their nonBaha’i friends. We are pleased to announce that around 160 came that evening and around 20 were nonBaha'is.

‘The main victory that evening was the spiritual and joyful atmosphere during the whole event. Contributions totaled $1541, thanks to the generosity and unity of the believers. The Committee decided to send $500 to the National Fund as our contribution to help alleviate the fund cri All remaining funds will be used in the promotion of the Cause in South Florida.

We feel impelled to state our role within the Baha’i community. We, the Latino Baha’is, are first and foremost Baha’fs focused on building bridges among people of all races and nationalities. Our activities are open to everybody. Do not let language or cultural barriers prevent you from joining our activities. We love to share our festive spirits, celebrate diversity and above all share our love of Baha’u’llah with all of you. And we are eager to work closely with all Local Spiritual Assemblies in our area.

e e e e ° e ° e e e ° e e ° e

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Latinos en accion en el sur de la Florida: Una Noche Internacional

POR EL COMITE DE ENSENANZA DEL SUR DE LA FLORIDA

1 sur de la Florida ofrece clima tropical, aguas caribes cristalinas, una diversa muestra de la humanidad, una extensa poblacién latina y sobre todo una dinamica comu

El pasado agosto la Comisién Latinoamericana nombré al Comité de E nza del Sur de la Florida. Este grupo de trabajo incluye Baha'is de muchos paises: Indonesia, los Estados Unidos, Cuba, Colombia, Nicaragua y Costa Rica. El comité, tan diverso como el area a la cual sirve, empezé a trabajar de inmediato. Decidié apoyar las ya existentes actividades de ensefanza entre los latinos del area, iniciadas por esfuerzo individual. Apoyar la reunién hogarefia quincenal y continuar con un picnic-proclamacién en un parque de Hialeah, fueron los primeros pasos dados.

El Comité necesitaba fondos, especialmente para realizar la visién de una campafia de ensefianza en gran escala. Conscientes de la necesidad del Fondo Nacional nuestro comentario unénime fue: “no pediremos fondos al Comité Nacional de Ensefianza.” Ser autosuficientes con nuestros fondos fue siempre nuestra consigna pero, ¢de donde y como conseguirlos?

Una noche no solamente latino

Estaban todavia frescas en nuestros oidos las palabras del Consejero Arturo Serrano, pronunciadas en su charla en espafiol, en una calurosa noche de agosto, en el Centro Baha’f de Broward, instando “gue nosotros (los latinos) seamos puentes entre todas las razas, que sea esta nuestra gloriosa contribucion a la Causa.” La primera idea para reunir fondos fue el de hacer Una Noche Latina con comida y presentaciones _ tipica Semanas mis tarde nos dimos cuenta que era mejor ampliar el concepto de este evento. Nuestro miembro del comité de indonesia queria presentar una danza de su pais y esto nos hizo reflexionar. Miramos a nuestras comunidades y vimos amigos anglos, persas, asidticos y negros. El sonido de ”...gue seamos puentes entre todas las razas” quedaba todavia en el aire. Asi la Noche Latina convirtié6 en una Noche Internacional.

Una noche de alegria y diversidad

A Baha’is y a no-Baha’is se les solicité, participar en el programa. De repente Ja Noche Internacional empezé a tomar forma igual que una escultura bajo el cincel del escultor. La comida, una parte esencial del evento, tenia que ser

Comité de

realmente internacional. Platos de Cuba, la Republica Dominicana, asi como una variedad de arroz con pollo y varios arroces persas fueron trafdos por excelentes cocineros de las comunidades Baha'is del area.

Las presentaciones y los presentadores fueron fieles al tema de la Noche Internacional y sobrepasaron nuestras expectativas. El programa incluia una danza folclérica venezolana ejecutada por jévenes Baha'is, musica de opera francesa, una danza de velas de Indonesia, La Comparsita, un tango argentino, un baile persa en el cual buena parte de los participantes terminaron la pieza bailando, una danza folclorica de Nicaragua bailada por una joven no-Baha’{ de 14 afios, y una danza folclérica presentada por dos costarricenses. La audiencia se deleit6 con dos canciones country-Western en inglés. ‘También canciones Baha’is asi como conocidas canciones suramericanas fueron presentadas por varios cantantes y guitarristas.

El programa corria fluidamente, los presentadores sorprendieron a la audiencia con su talento y su diversidad. Al culminar el programa con un baile, el local estaba Ileno de alegria y unidad. La Noche Internacional fue un éxito.

Habja sido organizada como actividad para reunir fondos y a la vez evento de ensefianza. A los creyentes se les. estimulé para traer a sus amigos noBaha’is. Estamos muy contentos de anunciar que mas de 160 participantes asistieron y alrededor de 20 fueron invitados no-Baha

La victoria principal de esa noche fue la atmésfera espiritual y alegre presente durante todo el evento. Las contribuciones Iegaron a $1541, gracias a la generosidad de los creyentes. El i6 enviar $500 al Fondo Nacional como nuestra contribucién para ayudar a aliviar la crisis actual en ese Fondo. Todos los fondos restantes. serin usados en la promocién de la a en el Sur de la Florida s sentimos animados a expresar nuestro papel en la comunidad Baha’i. Nosotros, los Baha’is latinos, primero que todo, somos Baha'is concentrados en construir puentes entre gente de todas las razas y nacionalidades. Nuestras actividades son abiertas. No dejen que barreras de idioma o culturales les impidan participar en nuestras actividades. Nos encanta compartir con todos ustedes nuestro espiritu festivo, celebrar la diversidad y ante todo compartir nuestro amor hacia Baha’u’llih. Y estamos deseosos de trabajar estrechamente con todas las asambleas locales de nuestra area.

CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES

December 31

[Page 17]TO THE

INGDOM oF

BY THE NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE

Summon THE PEOPLE OD

The Power of Race Unity, a half-hour television show piloted in Atlanta last June, will air nationally at the end of

March and in early April on the Odyssey channel and at least one

other national cable network. The video is the first in a series being produced

by SIDCorp of New York. This will be the first national broadcast of a Baha’ production.

‘To prepare for the broadcast we will carry out a systematic national public relations campaign to increase both awareness of the Faith and of the broadcast itself. (See Page 20 in this pullout section.) In addition, WLGI radio is preparing material for the same purpose. (See Page 18.)

Why are we doing this? For several reasons:

Opportunities: 7 find the opportunities the House of Justice refers to in its Ridvan 153 message to this continent: “In North America, there are opportunities for the advancement of entry by troops, the like of which presently exist in no other place on the earth.”

How could we get the most out of this country’s growing interest in spirituality and religion?

First, we conducted a survey of the Baha'i community to determine our own demographics. We followed with research on the U.S. population at large to see who and where the seek

We have done countless proclamations, but this is the first time, on a national level, that we are providing a means for people to let us know who and where they are so we can reach them.

For the first time, through surveys we conducted and from the independent research we studied, we determined our non-Baha’f audience. Then, also for the first time, we tested our product, The Power of Race Unity, with non-Baha’i audiences, for content and presentation. The focus groups we selected were chosen from our determined audience, at random, by phone.

Through testing we realized that many of the ways we present ourselves can be confusing, or even threatening, to those who do not understand the Faith. Based on audience recommendations we modified the video so it would relay our mes ers were. Clips from The Power of sage positively.

We discovered that there are millions of people, demographic mirror-images of ourselves, who consider themselves “active seekers.” Not only are they out there, they live in the communities where our Baha'i presence is strongest.

We realized we should develop a communications strategy and begin producing materials to reach these people since they are highly likely to be receptive to the Faith.

Providing for response: 7 develop materials that would reach those who are seeking AND TO GIVE THE SEEKERS A WAY TO RESPOND TO US SO WE KNOW WHERE THEY ARE.

Race Unity video

Once we have reached the seekers, however, we must be sure to have materials, activities, firesides and deepenings available for them. We must be sure to follow up with every person who inquires and to foster the contact.

Teaching catalyst: We wanted to provide a vebicle that communities could use to complement and inspire their own in-depth teaching activities.

A national broadcast is a critical element in our overall teaching structure. However, it is not the only one. (See Page 19.) The broadcast gives us access to people interested in the Faith, but once we have their attention we need to cultivate

SEE SUMMON THE PEOPLE, PAGE 20

December 31,1997 THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * SUMMON THE PEOPLE TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD

page 17 [Page 18]

HEADWAY FOR THE FAITH IN THE ATLANTA AREA

BY TOM MENNILLO

The first Local Spiritual Assembly of Forsyth County, Georgia,

is expected to be established this Ridvan thanks to the teaching plan

The multifaceted Atlanta media campaign began with cable television broadcasts of The Power of Race Unity, related newspaper articles and radio spots. The support for these events is ongoing: a network of devotional meetings, firesides, training institutes, and other means of nurturing the spiritual search of interested residents.

Among those who inquired about the Baha’{ Faith early in the campaign were Deborah and James T. Jordan of Forsyth County, Georgia.

Debbie had investigated the Faith some years earlier in the Houston area. In a writers group, she met an author who was a Baha’i. This author would “drop” wonderful quotations from the Baha’i Writings during conversation, and Debbie’s interest was piqued.

Debbie read Gloria Faizi’s introduction to the Baha’i Faith and found herself agreeing with everything in it. Still, she and Jim were leery.

Fast forward to the early 1990s. Jim’s work as an architectural draftsman took him to the Adianta area. He looked at a home in Forsyth County, but the county’s reputation concerned Debbie.

She recalled national coverage of a massive civil rights march there in 1987, when only one AfricanAmerican lived in the county. Would the Jordans, who are white, be targeted for abuse because of their belief in equality? She finally agreed to the move, on the condition that someday they sell the house to a family of color.

As the Jordans got to know their neighbors, they realized that change was in the wind. The rapidly growing county was being transformed from rural to bedroom suburban.

Few residents, it turned out, agreed with those who want to keep it a buffer against black movement into the rural counties to the north. Even the local government was taking steps to foster racial amity. Black Forsyth County residents now number about 50.

The couple also realized something about themselves. They were starved spiritually. Debbie's physical debilitation from lupus was draining their energy. Debbie even set aside the book she was writing until they could move to a warmer, drier clime.

launched last spring in metropolitan Atlanta.

James T. and Deborah Jordan pose in front of the new county administration building in Forsyth County, Georgia, with a sculpture honoring the poultry industry. Photo by Tom Mennillo

‘Then the Faith re-entered their lives. Debbie read in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution a guest column by Fulton County Baha’i Dick Hauck about the upcoming Race Unity Day celebration in Atlanta’s Grant Park.

One paragraph of the story encapsulated the Baha’i Faith and its beliefs for Debbie. She read the passage

Radio spots produced to help local community efforts

LGI Radio Baha’i is enlisting an impor Wi ally for teaching work nationwide: the power of radio.

The station at Louis Gregory Baha’i Institute in

Hemingway, South Carolina, is working on two

major radio projects, aimed mainly at African om Sl eal an me

co cool “

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The voice of Ernest Hilton, WLGI program director, is on the radio spots. Photo by Greg kintz

American listeners, for communities to use locally.

Two “spot” ads are in the works, to be provided to any local community that wishes them.

The first, focusing on the oneness of humanity and race unity, is designed to increase awareness of the Baha'i Faith and its approach to unity. It will be available through the Baha’i Distribution Service in time for communities to air them in February.

The second will be a promotional spot for the television broadcast and should run a few weeks before the program’s debut.

WLGI also hopes, funds permitting, to provide the first in a series of radio programs that will discuss issues that concern the African-American community, from the perspective of the Baha’i Faith. Expected to be available for a small cost, it will include interviews, music, commentary and quotations from the Writings.

Since the program will be produced in modular format, local information can be inserted—such as interviews with local residents or news about Baha’i service projects and activities. This will permit each Baha'i community to deliver a show that is truly relevant to the listeners in its area.

several times before excitedly pointing it out to Jim. She knew finally the Faith was just what they were looking for.

Jim and Debbie immediately set about calling every Bahé’t community they could find in the phone book. They were sent literature, told of Baha’i sites on the Internet and invited to firesides.

At such a gathering in the Fulton County North home of Larry and Carole Miller, they viewed The Power of Race Unity. They also met Steve Parker of Forsyth County. He informed them there were four Baha’is in the county and that a Baha’f group had just been registered there.

On Aug. 9, the Jordans declared their belief in Baha’ullah. In their living room, surrounded by Forsyth’s Baha’is, they asked pointed questions about ith and about how the Baha’is live it. Were the is “good fruit,” as Matthew wrote about in the seventh chapter of his Gospel? Satisfied with the answers, and the Baha’i ed their cards.

Everything since has been like a whirlwind. Their declaration, combined with a marriage in the commuof another Baha’{ couple into the area, has given Forsyth County nine adult Baha’is. At Ridvan, the first Local Spiritual Assembly will be elected.

Personally, the Jordans have been energized. Along with a change in diet, the Faith has blessed Debbie with the purpose to help the Baha’i Group organize and to begin writing a series of essays on Baha'i con‘versations with Christians. Jim has been moved to find ways to use his avocation of wildlife painting for the advancement of the Faith.

Arizona, that warmer, drier clime they’ve been seeking, is still in the Jordans’ future. Only their move won’t happen so soon. There’s work to be done in Forsyth County.

“In our previous experience, we always felt we were doing something because we felt we had to,” Debbie said. “Now we’re doing it because we want to. We’re having so much fun. The Faith is feeding all aspects of our minds and souls.”

ee to have a pamphlet you when you tell someone oe the Faith? Know someone ‘be too shy to ask about the it who would like information? your friend our new toll-free number. number, which will be advertised the broadcast and on our Web will be linked to local communities the country. Each call will be ford automatically to the community the caller. Jink your communnity with this line (the cost is $20 to start up, ith, plus the cost of incoming se contact the National Office at 847-733-3493.

page 18

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * SUMMON THE PEOPLE TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD

December 31, 1997 [Page 19]

PERSONAL ACT

ION GO HAND-IN-HAND

Thirty Local Spiritual Assemblies in the Atlanta metropolitan area have been involved in teaching efforts surrounding the television broadcast

of The Power of Race Unity starting in spring 1997.

Here are observations of two members of the teaching campaign

We focused on developing a spiritual atmosphere. Individuals and communi ties got together to pray both before and during the broadcast. We rallied around the video. We developed as many activities as we could around the program, using it not as an end in itself bu launching pad for strong teaching efforts.

One major activity was to develop our own audiences. We invited friends, relatives and neighbors to our homes to watch the broadcast. Instead of showing them slides or a video we were able to turn on the TV and show them a real program. It was very exciting.

After the broadcast we had discussions about it, and about the Faith. We printed a list of follow-up firesides all around the Adanta area so that seekers could come back and learn more. This

USING THE

The TV broadcast was a great rallying point for us. It helped bring the community together and got us excited about, and interested in, being involved in teaching.

While our Assembly didn’t start out with a year-long plan, we came to realize the importance of planning ahead. Once you get people’s interest you have to have activities and events in which to include them.

We've found that some people enjoyed the program but weren’t ready to explore the Faith. However, they did want to be part of the unity-building profiled in the program (such as Calling All Colors, the Cemetery restoration project, Baha’i Youth Workshop etc). Some even wanted to spearhead iatives and have the Baha’is help.

The spirit of service

This made us realize the importance of the service projects in which we are involved. They show the community that we really believe in what we say. Our particiation helps those people who are not active seekers learn about the Faith.

We initiated a number of activities that continue the momentum gained from the broadcast. At the Unity Center in southern DeKalb County there is Basketball Night. The young men from the area come to hang out, play ball, have refreshments, and talk about issues that are important to them. While we don’t push the Faith, we do

task force on what has worked best. BY PAT STEELE

list was also available for anyone who called our toll-free number.

‘There were many activities surrounding the broadcast. We held a Race Unity Festival in Grant Park. The event was advertised in the newspaper. It drew about 600 people plus others who were in the park already and stopped by to see what was going on. [The Festival was featured in the September Baha’s Newsreel.] We hosted devotional meetings, held youth activitie: is the first step, but without 's being able to reach out and touch a Baha’f you don’t have teaching, you just have proclamation.

What we learned

Supporting the video with many regular firesides, public events for inviting seekers, and with individuals who will take seekers under their wing for fol

low-ups are crucial.

We need to do things on an even bigger scale, to make even more people aware of the broadcast and bring even more people to the activities surrounding the broadcast. When people call in for information, send them literature, but also invite them to activities such as a concert.

Publicize more: Send out nice fliers to friends, to your children’s schools, to local churches, to whatever organiz tions you belong. Use radio. Advertise on public-access cable. Get the word out however you can.

Then make sure you have a strong follow-up structure in place. Get feedabout the broad ind about our at they would ike to see or how they would like to be contacted.

ENERGY TO BUILD UNITY

BY WALTER CANADY

add our perspective and try to integrate Baha’i concepts into the discussions.

The Unity Center is one of the few places where young people are really listened to, and where their opi! are validated. What's interesting is that parents, who at first weren’t happy about their kids hanging out at the center, now want to know what this is all about. They see the positive effects on their children and want to know more.

The downtown Atlanta center hosts, on alternate Saturdays, the Half-Light Café. It’s a coffeehouse-style atmosphere for college-age youth. It’s a safe environment where Baha’i youth can bring their friends. Seekers are now bringing their friends along.

‘The coffeehouse features an open microphone so anyone in the audience can get up and sing, play music, talk, whatever. The only restriction is that the subject must be positive and uplifting. We ask people to check their negativity at the door. Baha’s volunteers serve coffee, tea and dessert.

From victory to victory

‘The Café has been so successful that on the Saturdays when the coffeehouse doesn’t operate, the center holds Halflight Insights, which is more in the vein of a fireside. Youth from the coffeehouse who are interested in the Faith participate.

We decided to host a tribute to women. We wanted to collaborate with various other groups so we asked a

ns.

number of corporations as well as the mayor's office to become involved.

We invited Muhtadia Rice from Los Angeles to present her one-woman show on Tahirih. Invitations were sent out on mayor's office stationery, and certificates of achievement in the field of gender equality, also on the mayor’s stationery, were given out.

We now have two mayoral proclamations, one for race unity and one for women. It’s really exciting.

Community strength

It’s really important to work on community-building while you’re working on teaching. When seekers come into the Faith they want to have a commuity that’s different from what they’re used to seeing. They want to be part of real family where people know and love each other.

We've done some really creative things with Feast, such as brunches when Feast falls on a Sunday, or programs that include music and dance. Other times we’ll have community dinners. All of these are ways to make Feast more exciting and to make worshiping together rejuvenating.

We also realized that in addition to large gatherings we needed to have small events where there really was a lot of one-on-one attention given to seekers. College clubs in our area sponsored a variety of “dialogues” where people could get together and talk. We we’re working on other activities that will help nurture individuals.

Clips from The Power of Race Unity video

December 31, 1997

‘THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i ¢ SUMMON THE PEOPLE TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD page 19 [Page 20]

Public Relations: you can do it, we can help

ublic relations is the way individuP= or organizations handle their

reputations. As such, we all use “public relations” whether we think about it or not. Our Faith’s reputation is based on the way we live out and act on what we believe. *

Broadcasting The Power of Race Unity is one way to show what Baha’is believe about eliminating prejudice. It is a public relations effort as well as a teaching effort.

Alone, the broadcasts will attract only the audience that happens to be watching television at show time. But if the broadcasts are complemented by local

public relations efforts, their effectiveness can be increased many times over.

A strong public relations campaign can make the difference between a few people watching the show and multitudes being exposed to the Faith and its principle of racial unity.

For that reason, the National Spiritual Assembly has prepared a resource package to help your community plan local advertising and activities that focus attention on your community and the video.

Included on this page are some suggestions contained in the package. But don’t feel limited to these. They are simply springboards for your imagination. If

SUMMON THE PEOPLE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

them. To do this communities

you have other ideas, let us know! The form provided below invites you to share your ideas with your Baha'i family. Fill it out and send it to: MEDIA CAMPAIGN, c/o National Teaching Committe, Baha’i National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 so that we can share your thoughts with other Baha’is throughout the country. Later this month, your Assembly or group will recieve a letter from the National Spiritual Assembly asking your community to appoint a public relations coordinator for the campaign. We heartily encourage you to bring this up at the next Feast or to contact an

Assembly member and offer your suggestions for a public relations coordinator.

The coordinator could be your public information representative, someone in your community with professional public relations experience, or simply someone with good managerial skills.

The public relations coordinators will have assistance if they wish it! The resource package comes with a list of public relations advisers throughout the country who will be available to assist communities which plan special events.

So who needs public relations? We all do!

WLGI.

need to have the following in place:

¢ Firesides—as many as possible, as often as possible, as consistently as _ possible. Firesides are one of the best ways to teach because you can tailor the program to the individual seeker’s needs.

• Devotional gatherings—

so seekers can feel the spirit of the Faith.

¢ Long-range activities—to —_ keep

teaching the

momentum going and ensure that seekers can be invited to events on a continuing basis.

• Public relations plans—

Local news coverage is a pow. erful way to increase our vi bility. It also can be a springboard to more activiti

• Deepening activities—

New believers need the opportunity to become confirmed in their fa

ig institutes—to develop the resources needed to sustain these programs.

Since viewer response to The Power of Race Unity and community follow-up of seekers are of paramount importance, we are providing several means for easy communication between seekers and communities.

• A toll-free phone line that

will connect callers to the Baha'i community _ nearest them.

• A Web site that will include

general information about the Faith, links to Baha’ literature and to other Baha’i Web sites, a

National Baha’i Web Site for Public Available in February

Yet another way to create awareness of the Faith and to eleicit responses from seekers is the public World Wide Web site that will be on line in February.

‘The site will include:

• An introduction to the Faith.
• A section for news items

and events.

• A page devoted to The

Power of Race Unity video pro gram with a link to the Race Unity statement.

• An area for requesting more

information.

¢ An order blank for the video. ¢ A link to Baha'i literature including the Tivo Wings of a Bird statement.

• Links to local sites.

° A link to a database with information on Baha’i communities across the country.

‘The site will be advertised during the broadcast. In addition, local communities can advertise the site however they wish: in press releases, as part of the press packet on the broadcast, to all one’s friends, neighbors and relations, at school or work, wherever one can.

The more people see the site the more are likely to contact us.

“These souls are the armies of God and the conquerors of the East and the West. Should one of them turn his face toward some direction and summon the people to the Kingdom of God, all the ideal forces and lordly confirmations will rush to his support and reinforcement. He will behold all the doors open and all the strong fortifications and impregnable castles razed to the ground. Singly and alone he will attack the armies of the world, defeat the right and left wings of the hosts of all the countries, break through the lines of the legions of all the nations and carry his attack to the very center of the powers of the earth.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahd: Tablets of the Divine Plan, Pages 49-50

list of Baha’f phone numbers in various areas, a “coupon” for requesting literature and for ordering the video, and possibly actual audio and video clips.

• Special ads and a special

radio program produced by

• A media/press kit prepared

by the Office of Public Information.

All of the above contain information allowing viewers and listeners to contact us.

TELL US YOUR PLANS

WORKING FOR RACE UNITY

‘To be a part of the national campaign, We/I commit that We/I will: (choose one, or many, or make up your own)

__ memorize a passage from the Baha’{ Writings devoted to the importance of eliminating prejudice.

_. write what race unity means to me in my own words and memorize it

___ schedule time in my day to support a race unity event —— invite people to my house to watch The Power of Race Unity —— invite seekers to a community center to watch the video and eat potluck dinner—price of admission: one idea for creating racial harmony

___ host an awards banquet or panel discussion about race unity—we'll give the speakers complimentary copies of the video and the race unity statement

___ sponsor a race unity art contest

__ sponsor a 5K race unity run, a “human race”

_— invite prominent people and media to a special showing of the video, featuring a performance by a local Baha'i youth workshop

SPECIAL SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUTH

_— invite local community youth groups to send representatives to a “youth rap on race unity”—we'll show the video and give the speakers complimentary copies

_— sponsor an essay contest in local schools entitled “youth rap on race unity”—we'll submit winning essays to local papers and offer the winning writers $50 savings bonds prizes and copies of the video

_— sponsor a race unity dance

Write your own ideas in the space provided below.

Your or your community's name:

MEDIA CAMPAIGN

c/o National Teaching Committe Baha'i National Center

1233 Central St.

Evanston, IL 60201

Clip and mail to:

page 20 THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * SUMMON THE PEOPLE TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD

December 31, 1997 [Page 21]

TEACHING

© Nepal: A long-term teaching project in this Himalayan nation’s far western region bore bountiful fruit recently, as the campaign of firesides, deepenings and Baha’i schools had helped raise 55 communities—26 of which had formed Assemblies by the end of Ridvan.

Women’s classes at some of the new communities have resulted in creation of a women’s literacy program in four villages. Ten of the new Assemblies. already are contributing regularly to the National Fund, and several are organizing children’s classes.

“Since so many of these people have already been to (the Baha’i House of Worship in India) ... and know of the Baha'i teachings, it becomes much easier for them to accept when they return,” a report from the National Spiritual Assembly of Nepal states. © In About 50 volunteers swept Tripura state, ern India, in a nin day teaching project that resulted 2,479 residents accepting the Faith, including doctors, teachers, professors and others of capacity.

‘The teachers, with the prayers and

assent of nine Local Spiritual Assemblies, divided into Ll groups who contacted 5,000 people “without worrying about food and shelter or the terrorist activities, but armed with the knowledge that the Universal House of Justice had prayed for the state,” according to a report provided by the Continental Board of Counselors.

• Seychelles: The silver anniversary

celebration of the National Spiritual ‘Assembly in this Indian Ocean island nation was the occasion for a 10-day teaching campaign that drew 100 hearts to Baha'u'llah.

Exhibitions on the local history of the Faith and a public conference on “Progressive Revelation and the Baha’i Faith” were a rallying point for activities such as street teaching, firesides and follow-up visits number of localities. Several newspapers covered the public events in Victoria, the capital.

EDUCATION

¢ Papua New Guinea: ‘Two Baha'i chiefs, “old men who remember the customary ways of the past,” turned a gift-giving tradition into a way of offering the Bal community model to neighboring villages.

This effort inspired by a nine-day

course the chiefs attended at the newly opened Kunaia Permanent Institute. It has been customary for a chief to visit another to initiate a ceremonial exchange of gifts, and acceptance indi cates willingness to consider a more important matter. Knowing their real gift to be the Message of Baha’u’lléh, the Baha'i chiefs refused material gifts and talked to their counterparts about the how the Faith had made changes in their villages, increasi unity, commitment and dedication within the communities.

“Four times they have had such wonderful teaching success, and chiefs from eight non-Baha’i villages ... agreed to attend the the official opening of the Kunaia Permanent Institute,” a Continental Board of Counselors’ report says. Plans are to continue their travel and throughout their entire area.

‘is from Payiiesviies Liberia, gather outside the community’s new Baha’i Center| which voce were building with local materials. (Baha’i International News Service)

• Portugal: A summer school dedicated

to the beloved Guardian drew more than 200 participants at Monchique in the Algarve region. Professor Suheil Bushrui, holder of the Baha’f Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland, was principal speaker, and the program included music, dance, the

ater and poetry from many cultures. One of the main events was the launching of summer teaching projects, organized by the National Teaching and Youth committees. The national television station shot footage at the school for use in a half-hour program for broadcast in November, as well as a series of shorter programs.

• Chile: A new school curriculum on

the Baha’f Faith, approved by the Ministry of Education, was the focus of the sixth Meeting of Baha’{ Teachers in mid-September at Talca. The curriculum was seen as a way of reaching not only students, but al;so educational authorities, teachers and parents with the Message.

© Malaysia: A joint meeting between the National Spiritual Assembly and the state Bahai Councils of Sabah and Sarawak was held in August to prepare for the election of two National Assemblies in the regions where the two Councils are located.

“This decentralization of the admini tration is a step forward to accelerate the teaching activities in the three regions,” a report from the Sept. 8 Feast newsletter said.

Issues discussed included legal standing, communications and acquiring properties for the infant Assemblies.

• Papua New Guinea: An aid post for

basic medical assistance was opened in Malagae on Bali Island as a result of two years’ planning by the Local Spiritual Assembly of Kimbe. The government opened the project after the Baha'is agreed to purchase a prefabricated building. An opening ceremony last spring for the post was attended by nearly 2,000 spectators.

• South America: Two major gatherings of National Spiritual Assemblies

advanced the spirit of unity and collaboration across borders over the summer.

The second annual meeting of National Assemblies in southern Latin

America in Buenos Aires, Argentina, drew representatives from Bra Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and the host country, as well as Counselor Isabel de Sanchez. Consultations covered training institutes, Youth Year of Service programs, sharing of publications and educational materials, and the general maturation of the institutions.

In Georgetown, Guyana, the host National Spiritual Assembly gathered with members from French Guiana and Suriname, and recommendations included a youth exchange, development of institutes, new translation efforts and holding of a a major conference in 1998.

SPECIAL EVENTS

¢ Luxembourg: Some 230 friends from Belgium, France, Germany and the host country gathered Aug. 18 to honor the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’lBaha Ruhiyyih Khinum.

In her address to the gathering, the Hand “reminded the friends of the vital importance of sharing the Message of Bahi’u'llsh with every person we meet and urged them to make increased efforts to teach the principles of the th,” a report from the Nationa Spiritual Assembly of Luxembourg stated.

Al gg were Counselor Hénuzet and members of the National Assembly and the Auxiliary Board ns were conducted Luxembourgish, English and Persian. ¢ Italy: Hundreds of the friends had the opportunity to hear addr on the

Sacred Law of Huqiqu'llsh by the Hand of the Cause of God ’AliMuhammad Varga in Verona,

Florence and Acuto. “All the meetings were joyful and the presence of Dr. Varga greatly inspired the friends to improve their efforts in reaching all the goals of the Four Year Plan,” a report stated.

¢ Jamaica: The National Spiritual Assembly hosted Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke in an evening characterized as “a wonderful success” in October. Counselor Tod Ewing presented a message on the need to help youth become involved, and the governor-general—describing himself as a seeker of truth—challenged the Baha’is not only to pray and be righteous, but also to sharpen their focus on service.

¢ Albania: With the Baha’f community asked by a television network to give a message of condolence on the passing of Mother Teresa, the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly arranged for an interview with the head of an eye surgery hospital, Dr. Suleyman Zhugli. The television reporter was amazed that such a prominent person was a Baha’i, a report said, and the program prompted many viewers to call and express their

appreciation for the Baha’i message.

ARTS

¢ Baltic States: Photo and art exhibitions, as well as a play performed by youth, “Double-Edged Sword of Truth,” were all part of the Baha’f Arts

Festival in Klaipeda, Lithuania, Aug. 28-31.

The first such festival organized n the Baltics, it was welln advance. About 15 jours attended the news conference on the opening day, and organizers local television station planned to put together a program about the festival.

¢ Asia: Four Baha’{ musicians now living in Europe-Jinus and Kianoush Kouchekzadeh, Masud Mazgani and Kamal Mazlumi-traveled in a group to Kyrgyzstan and ‘Tajikistan to proclaim the Faith with Persian music over the summer. They were the subject of a radio interview in Kyrgyzstan and seven television and six radio interviews in

© Asia: An eight-nation tour of the

Voices of Baha choir was hailed as the most successful ever for the choir, which

“was assembled from 16 countries and

territories.

“We survived a typhoon in Hong Kong, lived through an earthquake in Tokyo Japan], and learned to sing in Chinese, Malay and Korean,” a report on the July-August tour states.

“Several communities reported that the concert was the largest teaching event in the history of the Faith in their country.” They sang for crowds of up to 1,000 in Malaysia and Singapore, and of up to 800 in the Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea and Macau. ¢ Virgin Islands: Ann Marie Danet, the first native Virgin Islands Baha’i of French descent, received a 1997 Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts. The longtime Baha’ is noted for her short stories, poetry, ballads edito ieces on the culture and hi: ry of the Virgin Islands minority who trace their roots to the French Antilles.

YOUTH

¢ Australia: Youths and children in the small southeastern community of Cardinia made a s effort to work with “like-minded organizations” in service projects such as a fund-raiser for the Red Cross, a nature area cleanup, volunteering at a Salvation Army store, and other projects that “have opened doors for teaching and friendship.”

• ¢ Malawi: Youths in Mulanje have

begun selling carved wooden boxes to raise funds for, among other things, food for 400 people at a Local Spiritual Assembly-sponsored rally. The youths also have visited the sick, built shelters for elderly people, and taught the Faith through drama and dance.

December 31, 1997

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * INTERNATIONAL NEWS

page 21 [Page 22]

Elections: a sweep of spirit in action

SUN SET Tuesday, Nov. Ey believers around the cou gan to gather to commemorate the anniversary of the Birth of Baha’u’ll4h. After the celebrations, members of 1,006 Local Spiritual Assemblies gathered in private rooms to cast votes for the Regional Baha’i Councils.

Above and right: Tellers from the Northeastern States count and tabulate some of the 2,477 ballots submitted by Local Spiritual Assembly members in the Regional Baha’i Council election. Far right: After completing the ballot counting, tellers for the Western States express their joy. Local photos

Friends throughout the country met for dinners, prayers, devotions and fellowship. Love, excitement, unity, peace, joy, reverence, and anticipation permeated the atmosphere at these events, according to reports from around the country:

• “Our elections were held

tonight and spirits and enthusiasm were high. We are all anticipating the blessings that this new institution will bring in coordinating our resources and energizing our efforts,” said a report from Prunedale, California.

• In Dallas a crew of volunteers

came to the Baha’i Center to make it beautiful for the evening election meeting. After the commemoration of the Holy Day and the election meeting, a number of believers returned to plant flowers.

• A gathering in New Rochelle,

New York, included six Local Assemblies and attracted 70 people from suburban New York and Connecticut for a special presentation and dinner. After a special talk

on the life of Baha’u’llah, the devotional spirit of the voting was bolstered by a photographic image of the gardens at Bahji projected on the wall.

• In Chicago the friends decided

they wanted to make it a very special occasion. They contributed generously to allow the Assembly to host a

catered dinner at the Baha’i Center for all to enjoy.

© At 1:30 p.m. Nov. 12, 70 people gathered at Green Acre’s Fellowship House in Eliot, Maine, in a spirit of joy and reverence to celebrate with prayers and music the anniversary of the Birth of Baha’u'llah and witness the birth of the Regional Baha’i Councils.

¢ In the early morning hours of Noy. 12, Heather and River Brandon of Kittery, Maine, were blessed with their first child. She was named Council Redpath Brandon in commemoration of the birth of the Regional Councils. Noting that the Latin root of the word “council” means “to call together,” her parents hope this young child will grow up to be a unifier and teacher of the Faith, and that she will be firm in the Covenant.

These reports are only examples of the excitement and happiness that attended these historic events around our nation. The National Spiritual Assembly praises the

American Baha’f community for their enthusiastic participation in the establishment of the institution of the Regional Baha’i Councils.

By midnight on Nov. 13, thousands of ballots were on their way to the tellers. In Springfield, Massachusetts; Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina; St. Louis, Missouri; and Santa Clara, California, tellers conducted their work in the same spirit of love and unity that permeated the election meetings.

One of the nine tellers for the Northeastern States, in fact, was designated to read the Tablet of the Holy Mariner while the others

counted the ballots.

By Sunday, Nov. 23, the tellers had completed reports for each region.

The National Spiritual Assembly commends the heroic efforts of the tellers and the personal sacrifice of time given freely by each of them and their families.

The environment that attended the counting of the ballots is reflected in the following report from the Central Region:

“At the level of the sac bowed our heads in humility and gratitude, in awe and supplication. The times we prayed together, especially at the opening of our work and at the closing after we knew who had been chosen, transported us to a realm of light and glory. We wept openly, keenly feeling the presence of the Concourse

_ on High. We knew the power of

Baha'u'llah and prostrated ourselves at the threshold of His Might.”

The tellers who provided this selfless service are:

Northeastern Region: Juan Caban Jr., Massachusetts; Dennis Cline, Maine; Carolyn Cruikshank, Vermont; Rhea Howard-Harmsen, Pennsylvania; Mara Khavari, New Hampshire; Camm Maguire, Jr., New Jersey; Virginia McDevitt,

Rhode Island; Deborah Rosenfeld, New York; and Raymond Thomas, Connecticut.

Central Region: Vicki Abel, Towa; Garland Borden II, Indiana; Eunice Braun, Illinois; William Gitchell, Kansas; Ruth Hansen, Nebraska; Patricia Kubala, Wisconsin; Vernon Longie Sr., North Dakota; Billie Mayo, Missouri; Payam Samadani;

igan; Ohio; and Shiva Kadem 2 South Dakota.

Southern Region: Florence Avis, Maryland; Richard Allen Be: North Carolina; Judith Bedard,

Delaware; Pamela Boltz, Virginia; Vicentee Ferguson, Florida; Ajit Giani, Texas; L. Anthony Greene, Georgia; Fereydoun Jalali, Georgia; Sarah O'Neill Lee, Kentucky; Cyn Massey, South Carolina; Parviz Mojgani, Louisiana; Jacqueline Osborne, Alabama; Fr: Rhine, Oklahoma; Behro: Carolina; Jean S Carolina; Andre:

Kamran Talebi, Arkansas; and Elinor Walker, Florida.

Western Region; Carol Brooks, Colorado; Janetta Camm,

Wyoming; Leon Davis, California; Martin Dibble, Idaho; Sohrab Gandomi, Arizona; Carolyn Hensley, Nevada; John Hutton, Wyoming; Shannon Javid, Washington; Nelson LeDuc, Utah; Kay Maloney, Montana; Martin McCloskey, Colorado; Joan McBride, Montana; Roger Nesbit, Oregon; Christian Norleen, Washington; Victoria Poirier, New Mexico; Peggy Schlesinger, Arizona; Shaida Talebreza, Utah; Shidan Taslimi, California; Peter Vaughn, Idaho; Charles White, Nevada; Linda Wilson, New Mexico; and David Young, Oregon.

page 22 THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i ¢ REGIONAL BAHA’i COUNCILS — December 31, 1997 [Page 23]

A NEW LEVEL OF DEDICATION, coxrmueo From pace 1

Pee e reece cree cccsccccescce secs sees secs s sess sees sees seeseseseseeseeees

sage from the Universal House of Justice the first morning riveted the gathering, as they heard the words “heartfelt, best wishes “acute urgency of advancing the process of entry by troops ...” “... high expectations aroused in the American. believers. ...”

Judge Nelson, chairman of the gathering, joked at the outset about the Council members being “traumatized” by being thrust into such a crucial role. Many a true word is spoken in jest.

“Walking into this meeting, that was how I felt. I was not sure how to even think about is,” said Carol Brooks, a member of the Regional Baha’i Council for the Western States, echoing the doubts, perhaps, of anyone contemplating his or her worthiness to serve ’i institution.

But catching a glimpse of the reality of “living your life for the love of Baha’w'llah ... gives you the strength to lift yourself up another notch.” Over the weekend, she said, she basked in love and support—from the National Assembly, from visiting Counselors, from members of all the Councils—buoying her heart and her resolve.

WELCOMED BY COUNSELOR ELLIS, each Council heard a reminder of ‘Abdu’lBaha’s words from the Tablets of the Divine Plan on the qualities of each region:

• The Northeastern States: “The divine

Gardener passed by that holy ground and scattered pure seeds from the lordly teachings in that field,” the Master wrote. The Counselor added, “Now it is up to the Northeastern Baha’fs to cultivate and irrigate that ground.”

• The Central States: ‘Abdu’l-Baha said they

are “... like unto the heart of America, and the heart is connected with all the organs and parts of man.” Ms. Ellis added, “It is here that so many spiritual deeds were instigated. ... Learn your history. Learn it well.”

• The Southern States: The Master stated

that “unquestionably the divine teachings must reveal themselves with a brighter effulgence” in this region, and urged the Baha’fs to spread the gs “with a firm resolution, a pure heart, -d spirit, and an eloquent tongue. ..

• The Western States: A ‘Tablet expresses the

hope that “the friends of God ... may become the secret cause of the illumination of the hearts of humanity. ...”. The Counselor noted the Western friends have a history of traveling to remote regions in service to the Ca

“Carry the laws and healing process of this Faith to all men,” she urged the four Councils.

WITH GIFTS OF ROSES, the National Spiritual Assembly welcomed the members of each Council on arrival at the ‘Temple door Friday morning. ‘The program, as it did each day, began with prayers, readings and choral music in the House of Worship auditorium.

Gift-giving was evident throughout the weekend. Friday, each member received a signed prayer book from the Assembly commemorating the occasion. The Counselors presented signed copies of Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1963-1986: The Third Epoch of the Formative Age. A flower arrangement from the Local Spi mbly of Dallas, Texas, adorned a piano. The Western Council worked late one night, crafting dozens of scented fabric roses to give away hours later.

‘Then came the most precious material symbol of the occasion: framed replicas of four original Tablets of the Divine Plan, displayed each day on the stage at Foundation Hall.

‘Tears flowed and embraces were exchanged freely, then, as each Council was given the replica of its region’s Tablet to keep Sunday morning. The gathering burst into song several times, and emotions swelled when the

Northeastern Council led singing of: “Soon will all that dwell on earth Be enlisted under these banners. Ya Baha-u’l-Abha ..

LARGELY, THE COUNCILS worked for a definition: What Regional Baha’i Council?

Frequent question-and-answer _ sessions brought out clear concerns—Where is the best balance between teaching and administrating? Is it proper for Council members to continue their often high-profile service in other Baha’i agencies? Will the Councils soon assume responsibility for all the projects begun by their predecessors, the Regional Committees?

Often the answers amounted to this: Ez Council will be dynamic, sensitive to the conditions of its region in promoting teaching work. The answers ultimately were theirs to decide.

Judge Nelson likened the prospect before them to “a gigantic table of opportunities”: they had a choice of many roles, but in the words of mothers everywhere, “don’t let your eyes get bigger than your stomach.”

So five times each Council met in private,

sometimes with National Assembly members, sometimes with Counselors. During their first consultation alone, an illuminated Tablet of the ¢ Plan for t region, signed by the ter, was displayed in the room. They became acquainted, elected officers, consulted on their mandates from the Universal House of Justice and the National Spiritual Assembly, laid plans for the immediate future, and called on the unseen Hosts for assistance.

One response was unanimous. “With urgency and fearlessness,” a joint message from the Councils to the House of Justice read, “we will, arm in arm with the Baha’is of America, advance the process of entry by troops.”

M

THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY not only provided places for its guests to eat, laugh and dream together, it set the information foundation for construction of the Councils. All nine Assembly members were on hand that weekend, as were the National ‘Teaching Committee and observers from Baha’i National Center staff.

Assuring the friends that “our love will build the Kingdom even if our ideas fall short”—an idea grounded in the Tablets of the Divine Plan—Dr. Henderson nevertheless showed the Assembly and its agencies are prepared when it comes to ideas.

Saturday, he shared U.S. survey results showing that Bahd’is are incré gly prayerful and active, and that millions of Americans identify themselves as religious seekers.

‘The next wave of work for the Faith will focus on race unity and gender equality, he said.

The national teaching plan now getting under way provides a framework for the Councils’ plans and projects, he said, and help is available from the 16 regional training institutes, the National ing Committee and the agencies of the Baha’i National Center.

“Bear in mind the Baha’i Administration is not an end in itself but ... an instrument for the spirit of the Faith to flow to every heart, to save every soul,” he said.

Firuz Kazemzadeh, in a historical review, concluded the Regional Councils are unquestionably divine institutions founded on the bedrock of God’s purpose—even if not specifically devised by the Master or the Guardian and different in function from Spiritual Assemblies.

“They are an expression of the will of the [Universal] House of Justice, which is guaranteed to be the will of the Divine,” he said.

In his role as National Spiritual Assembly

‘SEE NEXT PAGE

——— MEMBERS OF THE FIRST REGIONAL BAHA’! COUNCILS

Central States: (L-R, front row) Morris Taylor Jr.; Jena Khodadad; Lisa Smits; (back row) L. Caswell Ellis, chairman; Lynn Wieties, corresponding secretary; J. Curtis Russell; Richard Thomas; Paul Jacobi, recording secretary. Photo by Theresa Z. Mullen

Northeastern States: (L-R, front row) Nina Dini; Rebequa Murphy, vice chairman; Neal McBride, acting treasurer; John Joyce; (back row) William Roberts, chairman; Joel Nizin, acting secretary; Nathan Rutstein; William Smith; Robert P. Harris. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

Southern States: (L-R, front row) Carole Miller; Lupita Ahangarzadeh; Karen Pritchard, secretary; (back row) James Sturdivant; Mahyar Mofidi, assistant secretary; Robert James Jr., chairman; Ahmad Mahboubi; Covey Cantville Jr., treasurer; A. Jack

L-R, front row) Carol Brooks; Fereshteh Bethel; A. had Afsahi, treasurer; (back row) Derek Cockshut; Charleen Masha secretary; Erica Toussaint; Elahe Young, vice chairman; Shannon Javid, chairman. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

December 31, 1997

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * REGIONAL BAHA’i COUNCILS _ page 23 [Page 24]REGIONAL*BAHA’I*COUNCILS

Top left: the gathering in Foundation Hall at the House of Worship. Top right: Counselor Tod Ewing at the dais. Center right: Jena Khodadad, Central States Council member. Above: Caswell Ellis and Lisa Smits of the Central States Coun and External Affairs coordi nator Kit Cosby. Right Robert Henderson, National Assembly secretary-general, in a presentation on national teaching plans. Photos by Ken Duszynski and Vladimir Shilov

ATHERING AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Above: National Spiritual Assembly members Patricia Locke and Dorothy Nelson (bottom center) share joy and the Illinois chill with Regional Council members as they prepare for a formal group picture. Photo by Ken Duszynski

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

secretary for ex

work. “I’m sure these contacts will grow as the weight of the Baha’ community within each state grows,” he said.

Juana Conrad, assi of the Assembly, urged the C s Sunday to get to know the Local Spiritual A‘ : burdened, who are getting messages from every sector of Baha’{ society. ... Communica y.”

The National Assembly has “been working to create trust, intimacy and love with the friends,” she said. “Help us. Help us achieve this intin and trust.”

She urged them to help Assemblies develop the potential of women within the Faith, even to the point of asking men during consultation “to listen to women the same way they would to men.”

William Davis, national treasurer, shared lessons learned from national fund development. One significant lesson: Development of Feasts brings the best long-term results for the life-blood of the Cause.

SEVEN CONTINENTAL Counselors encouraged

the red assistance and wisdom.

Tod Ewing exhorted the Councils Saturday to be “frank and loving” in their contact with local communities. “There’s got to be a spirit people feel to connect them to the work,” he said, adding that with a vitalized sense of mission and purpose, “I think we can energize the friends around the possibilities.”

‘Abdu’l-Missagh Ghadirian urged fortification of Baha’i loyalty with renewed study of the Covenant, especially the Will and ‘Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Baha. “We should make sure that every Baha’i house has a copy of this and that they study it well,” he said.

Other counselors circulated among the members— Stephen Birkland, Jacqueline Left Hand Bull, Arturo Serrano and David Smith, along with Ms. Ellis. Mr. Smith told the gathering Sunday of his “joy to see this community of the United States of Ameri its responsibilities. ... I have been in the prese: trusted ones of the Merciful all this weekend.”

IN AN ATMOSPHERE that deflated self-importance, the surest way to get a laugh was with the welltimed phrase “On this historic and momentous oc

sion ...” Many a jest is spoken in true words. Yet the

very real sense of history in the making infused determination into the gathering as it prepared to disperse:

• Northeastern States: Via Chairman William

Roberts, the Council pledged action to mobilize communities and believers for race unity dialogues— “every Baha’ household, every community.”

• Southern States: The Council has adopted

unity development materials created by the Southe: States Regional Committee, and is ready to share them with all the regions, Chairman Robert James said.

° Western Stat The Council intends to put forward plans for expansion and consolidation that rely on “intensified individual effort, intensified teaching,” said Chairman Shannon Javid.

• Central States: Clear communication and collaboration, love and unity will be the priorities 2

region develops its plans, said Chairman Ellis.

The focus on the work ahead harked back to a remark by Judge Nelson: “Yours will be the joy of new kind of service, not without being encompa by some kinds of difficulties—but it is a glorious thing to be in service to Baha’w’llah.”

page 24

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * REGIONAL BAHA'I COUNCILS

December 31, 1997 [Page 25]

MESSAGES OF JOY

From THE NATIONAL SprriTuAL AssEMBLY TO THE UniversaL House oF JusTICE NoveMBER 23, 1997

Esteemed and dearly loved Friends,

With profound gratitude to the Blessed Beauty and immense hope and excitement we received the news in your May 30, 1997 letter announcing “a new element of Baha’i administration, between the local and national levels, comprising institutions of a special kind, to be designated as ‘Regional Baha’f Councils”.

This year’s commemorations of the anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llih on November 12, 1997 were unique in history as they witnessed the transformation of our current system of Regional Committees into Regional Baha'i Councils.

With joyous hearts the National Spiritual Assembly is pleased to announce the results of the first elections held for the membership of the Regional Baha’f Councils. The reports from across the country conveyed the spiritual character of each of these historic events for which we offer prayers of praise and thanksgiving.

Deep happiness attends the National Spiritual Assembly's presenting of the following reports of the Tellers from each of the regions:

Northeastern Region:

‘There are 115 Local Spiritual Assemblies in the region and 107 hosted election meetings. A total of 995 believers were eligible to vote as members of a Local Spiritual Assembly. Of these, 716 cast their ballots at one of the meetings and 81 sent absentee ballots. A total of 797 believers voted. The following individuals comprise the first Regional Baha’{ Council for the Northeastern States: John Joyce-113 votes, William H. Smith-86 votes, Nina Dini-83 votes, William L. Roberts-83 votes, Nathan Rutstein-80 votes, Neal McBride-75 votes, Robert P. Harris-72 votes, Joel Nizin-69 votes, and Rebequa Murphy-66 votes.

Southern Region:

‘There are 387 Local Spiritual Assemblies in the region and 312 hosted election meetings. A total of 3,379 believers were eligible to vote as members of a Local Spiritual Assembly. Of these 2,199 cast their ballots at one of the meetings and 277 sent absentee ballots. A total of 2,477 believers voted. The following individuals comprise the first Regional Baha’f Council for the Southern States: Robert James, Jr.—-293, Lupita Ahangarzadeh- 269, Carole Miller-230, Mahyar Mofidi-204, Covey Cantville, Jr-185, Ahmad Mahboubi-178, Karen Pritchard—144, A. Jack Guillebeaux-141, and James Sturdivant-127.

Central Region:

There are 200 Local Spiritual Assemblies in the region and 182 hosted election meetings. A total of 1,762 believers were eligible to vote as members of a Local Spiritual Assembly. Of these, 1,241 cast their ballots at one of the meetings and 128 sent absentee ballots. A total of 1,369 believers voted. The following individuals comprise the first Regional Baha'i Council for the Central States: Lynn Wieties-213, Paul Jacobi-179, L. Caswell Ellis-168, J. Curtis Russell-133, Morris Taylor, Jr.—127, June Thomas-105, Richard Thomas-97, Jena Khodadad-95, and Lisa Smits-91.

Western Region:

There are 470 Local Spiritual Assemblies in the region and 405 hosted election meetings. A total of 4101 believers were eligible to vote as members of a Local Spiritual Assembly. Of these 2825 cast their ballots at one of the meetings and 283 sent absentee ballots. A total of 3108 believers voted. The following individuals comprise the first Regional Baha’i Council for the Western. States: Erica Toussaint-297, Derek Cockshut-244, Charleen Maghzi-228, Elahe Young-152, Shad Afsahi-151, A. Habib Riazati-146, Carol Brooks-145, Shannon Javid—137, and Fereshteh Bethel-127.

‘The National Spiritual Assembly in informing these dear friends of the spiritual significance of the service before them, has invited them to an orientation at the Baha’f National Center the weekend of December 12-14, 1997.

We beseech your prayers on behalf of our National Assembly bers of the Councils in your prayers that the All-powerful Spi His divine blessings upon this community as the American Bal to “carry forward, with increased vigor, the propagation of the C The Council members were encouraged, as are we all, to pra into this ne “By God, verily the Lord of Hosts is your support, the angels of heaven your assistance, the Holy Spirit your companion and the Center of the Covenant your helper. Be not idle, but active and fear not.”

‘Tue Nationa Spirrrua OF THE Band’fs or THE Unirep §

From THE Unrversat House oF Justice. To THE Nationa SpiriruaL ASSEMBLY NoveMser 26, 1997

Dear Baha’i Friends, ‘The Universal House of Justice was delighted with the success of your establishment of Regional Baha’{ Councils in the United States, as reported in your email of 23 November 1997. We have been asked to convey its loving appreciation and to assure you of its ardent prayers at the Holy Threshold that your community may experience an unprecedented thrust in its progress as a result of this notable development. Wiru Loving BanA’f GREETINGS, DePARTMENT OF THE SECRETARIAT

From THe Universat House or Justice — _ To THE REGIONAL BaHd’f Councits DECEMBER 12, 1997

We are very happy to know that the members of the four Regional Baha’i Councils, together with the Continental Counsellors and the National Spiritual Assembly, are gathering at the heart of the community this weekend for a launching of the important functions of these newly formed Councils. In view of the acute urgency of advancing the process of entry by troops and the shortness of the time remaining to the Four Year Plan, we take this opportunity to express our heartfelt, best wishes and particularly to urge the members of the Regional Councils to press forward quickly in effecting sound action that will boost the thrust in the expansion and consolidation of the community, so that there will be no slackening of the momentum already achieved, but rather a greater upsurge in activity than has as yet been evident. We appeal to them at this crucial moment not to expend too much time on formulating new procedures or refining the mechanics of their operations. Their accumulated knowledge of Baha’f administration and the assistance in advice and in practical terms that they will receive from the Counsellors and the National Assembly will enable them to get on with their vital tasks without any delay. Rest assured of our fervent prayers in the Holy Shrines that the high expectations aroused in the American believers through the formation of these Councils may be magnificently realized through the unceasing confirmations of the Blessed Beauty.

Universat House or Justice

From THE REGIONAL BAHA’f CounciLs TO THE Unriversat House oF JusTIcE DECEMBER 14, 1997

We extend our most heartfelt greetings to the Universal House of Justice!

The family of Baha'i institutions lovingly embraced and welcomed the newly-formed Regional Baha’{ Councils of the United States, through luminous consultation and exhortation, and through exquisite hospitality.

In the holiest House of Worship, we received a true Baha’i embrace from seven Continental Counselors, our beloved National Spiritual Assembly, our stalwart National Teaching Committee, and the dear souls serving at our National Center.

Your urgent and compelling message guided our consultation every step of the way. Surrounded by the origin: blets of the Divine Plan, we pledge not to be distracted from our goal: to present to the Universal House of Justice a complete and total victory in the Four Year Plan.

We are firm in our resolve. With urgency and fearlessness we will, arm in arm with the Baha'is of America, advance the process of entry by troops.

We are supported and emboldened by your love and prayers to ta work with serenity and confid We ified, joyous, and focused in our resolve to lay our hearts at the feet of Bal

TONAL Band’ C or THE Unrrep St

‘THe

December 31, 1997

THE AMERICAN BANA’‘i * REGIONAL BAHA’i COUNCILS page 25 [Page 26]

ABS conference views rights as key to peace

BY TOM MENNILLO

Thélot

lofty standard of human rights and responsibilities is grounded in all the world’s

religions, but only recently has it been raised in the international arena.

Before that backdrop of history, an

mpressive parade of exper

holars and

artists took the stage at the 21st annual conference of the Association for Baha’i

Studies, Nov. 14-16 in Washington, D.C.

Just as in any procession, they appealed to onlookers’ hearts and minds alike—in this case, on the theme of “Fostering Human Rights: Developing Pathways to Peace.”

Then, through sterling workshops and performances, participants were given tools to help shape the transformation of individuals and society. And they were challenged to courageously use those newfound capacities.

AUGUSTO LOPEZ-CLAROS: PARALYSIS AND OPPORTUNITY

A senior economist with the International Monetary Fund, Dr. Lopez-Claros opened the conference with a sketch of the global situation.

Since World War II, he said, leaders have sought to avert similar conflicts in an increasingly interdependent world.

In this quest, they have faced a paradox.

On one hand, national institutions are less able than ever to deal

with problems, challenges, and opportunities. That has led to paralysis in government coinciding with people’s growing expectations.

On the other, people and cultures are coming closer. That has fostered a notion of global citizenship.

But a more integrated world can be brought about, Dr. Lopez-Claros concluded, only with universal acceptance of human rights.

JOHN W. McDONALD: HUMAN RIGHTS AND POLITICS

The former ambassador traced the growth of human rights policy in the United States and the United Nations.

The chairman of the Institute for Multi- Track Diplomacy in Washington has seen a dramatic shift since 1976 in our government’s stance toward human rights. Legislation enacted that year required the State Department to file an annual human rights report on each nation and to create a bureau of humanitarian affairs. Both mechanisms are now highly respected and influential.

But America’s record on ratifying

human rights treaties is less distinguished, Mr. McDonald observed. U.N. progress has been likewise uneven. He called the world body's n rights apparatus highly politi

e bright spots, though, he . Effective human rights work is ing done at the U.N. subcommi level. The Security Council h: in stature by serving notice that al sovereignty no longer will b human rights action. And NGOs are increasingly flexing their muscles.

Mr. McDonald concluded with a plea to exert pressure on governments to respect and use the legal instruments that have been put in place, so the 21st century will become known as the human rights century.

LESTER R. BROWN: AN ENVIRONMENT UNDER STRESS

he topic shifted to the — environment when Mr. Brown, president of the Worldwatch Institute, hopped to the lectern in his bow tie and sneakers.

‘The popular author and activist painted a grim picture of a world that tries to accommodate 80 million more people a year and soaring economic expansion within an ecosystem that hasn’t grown.

He ticked off a list of woes such as overgrazing, overfishing, excess timbering, soil erosion, water scarcity, an enormous CO) buildup, global warming, and loss of species.

It’s a simple case of capa demand, Mr. Brown said, that can’t continue. Just putting a “car in every garage” in China would require more oil and other resources than the Earth has available, he said.

Mr. Brown called on leaders to think about restructuring economies and stabilizing population. That means investing more in education, especially that of girls in developing areas; moving from a throwaway to a reusable economy; expansion of public transport; and shifting taxation away from constructive activities, such as personal saving, and toward activities that are destructive to the ecosystem.

We must restore balance between us and the Earth, he concluded, but time is running out.

Kit CosBy: BUILDING A NEW CULTURE

The coordinator of the Office of External Affairs of the National Spiritual Assembly connected the labors of human rights ed cators with a Baha’i community striving to apply the teachings of Baha'u'llah.

The textbook for the “school” of human rights education, she said, comprises the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the U.N. in 1948, and the more than 200 treaties and covenants elaborating on its articles.

But knowledge alone will not change people’s behavior or thinking, Mrs. Cosby said. We all have a role to play in building a culture that breeds freedom, full development of personality, equality, friendship among nations and peoples,

and universal participation.

We can do this, she said, both as individuals and through non-governmental organizations. She said NGOs have emerged from recent global summits as jointly responsible with governments for implementing plans of action.

She gave as an example efforts in San Francisco to mark the 50th year of the Universal Declaration, starting Dec. 10. Organizers have linked each of the declaration’s provisions to a holiday. Other ideas can be gleaned from the Web site www.udhrS0.org or by contacting the National Assembly's U.N. office.

Baha'is are perfectly positioned to work for unity and justice, Mrs. Cosby said. Our principles give us a unique vision. But the principles must be taught and, eventually, enacted and enforced, she said. People must be so spiritually transformed that a concern for all is demonstrated in their daily actions.

U.S. REP. JOHN EDWARD PORTER: MAKING RIGHTS REAL

An optimistic note was sounded by Rep. Porter (R-Illinois), a longtime _congressional champion of the beleaguered Iranian Baha’i_ community.

The founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus acknowledged that the end of the Cold War reignited hidden hatreds. But he si also allowed bottled-up energies to be focused on human right:

Rep. Porter said we global comity are caring more and making progress. Democracy and the rule of law have emerged dominant, and he said where people are gaining ¢ nomic freedom, such as in China, political freedom is sure to follow.

What can the world’s parliaments do to foster human rights? human rights caucus

second-largest. Now is the time, he said, to establish similar bodies around the world and organize them into an effective international body.

Next, he said, information shedding. light on abuses must be made accessible, perhaps through the Internet.

Also, legislators must interface better with human rights organizations; make economic measures the linchpin of pressure on governments; exert greater influence on our own government, so human rights is agenda item and ensure that such multinational bodi s the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund make human rights an essential part of their aid equation.

He termed unfortunate Ameri wish to retreat into a domestic focus now that the Cold War is over. Taking up the challenge to shape the world’s future would reap dividends at home, too, he said. And we must support the United Nations, which more than ever foster our values.

The process of d tegration and int gration central to the Baha'i writings was examined Dr. Kazemzadeh, secretary for external affairs of the ional — Spiritual mbly, lent a his torian’s perspec! the discussion of human rights education.

Dr. Kazemzadeh looked first at our perception of conflict. He noted that the United States was built on an assumption that conflicting forces had to be balanced. Marxism-Leninism was predicated on violent class struggle. Social Darwinism says all evolution has come about through conflict.

These philosophies have found a paradoxical counterpart in emerging globalism, he said. An early example was the International Postal Union,

which ensured that a stamped letter from one country would be delivered nywhere else in the world. Another s the oil concession Britain forged Iran, which ensured mutual

emzadeh, trading and political blocs—indeed, the UN. If—all rebuff the supposition that people can’t get together. English has become the de facto language of commerce, entertainment, aviation, etc.

ear remains a powerful force, of course. People fear their loss of identity in such areas as ethnicity, religion, and nationality, and they react viscerally. Hitler is dead but his principles live on, visibly or subtly, said Dr. Kazemzadeh. uch divisions should not be accepted as a normal way to treat people, he said, or they will spread to an But we should expect society to bend, even break, before its rebirth is forged through the realization that peace is possible only through unification.

page 26

THE AMERICAN BANA‘ * PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES December 31

1997 [Page 27]

DOROTHY W. NELSON: NATIONAL LAW, GLOBAL VISION

The vice-chairman of the National Sputugl Assembly and senior judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, emphasized action in delivering the Hasan Baly Memorial Lectur

Judge Nelson issued a bold call to place national law within international setting, argu that a broad potential exists for U. judges to augment constitutional law

in deciding cases.

She acknowledged that legislatures must remain primary lawmakers, but she argued that judges can function as political conscience of the community by correcting gaps in law and policy. le judicial or leg © support exists, she said, for direct application of human rights standards to U.S. law. This country has not even ratified many U.N. treaties, and those that have been rat fied cannot bind courts unless they are “self-executing” or are accompanied by enabling legislation.

That leaves indirect application of

Nelson said. Judges are free to correct legal ambiguity using human rights norms as guidelines, such as in immigration cases. American legal education needs to do a much better job of preparig lawyers and judges to use international law, she said. The public also needs a primer on human rights norms, at all levels of school and through emerging justice organizations.

Echoing earlier speakers, Mrs. Nelson

said human rights education is essential to genuine global change. Remember, she'said, Baha’u’llah taught that all individuals are part of one corporeal form,

with international human rights norms

customary international law, Judge

and injury to one causes injury to all.

Panel Discussion: The Future of Human Rights

Sunday morning’s panel on human rights past, present, and future was the final word of the conference.

Sitting on the panel were Techeste Ahderom, principal representative to the United Nations of the Baha'i International Community; Shulamith Koenig, executive director of the Organizing Committee for the People’s Decade of Human Rights Education; and Susie Clay, foreign service education officer at the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Mr. Ahderom traced the suce Universal Declaration of Human Rights implementation.

He lamented the lost opportu of the 1950s through °70s, when the Cold War paralyzed the U.N. system and no leader or government was brought to task. The ’80s brought some life to the declaration.

By the early ’90s, no one could hide behind the facade of national sovereignty, even though the U.N. in truth is a private club of sovereign states, Mr. Ahderom said. Great human rights violations still occur, to be sure, and the U.N. many times acts too slowly. But a fresh wind has coursed over the discussion of human rights in all its aspects.

As Dr. Bushrui the previous day, Mr. Ahderom warned that a group of nations is trying to put the brakes on this momentum in the name of cultural diversity. There are lots of cultural practices we should emulate, he said, but those that deprive people of their rights—particularly women and children—are unacceptable.

Mr. Ahderom said these dissenters all i Declaration, yet they now claim the document contains a Judeo-Christian bias and is selectively enforced. On the first point, he said, the common stance of all faiths is well documented. On the second, the solution to perceived selectivity is not to end human rights monitoring but to widen the process so all countries are monitored.

nd failures in 50 years of

igned the Unive:

WORKSHOPS, HANDS-ON SESSIONS AND

imultancous sessions interspersed

throughout the conference pro vided forums to explore issues in depth. Also wedged between plenary sessions were scintillating and thought-provoking performances by Baha’ artists.

In the 90-minute simultaneous sessions, attendees could interact in small groups with experts from within and outside the Faith.

Some workshops might be seen as esoteric, such “Faith — and

Computer — and

ociation

with their work A hands-on 50th Annivei

lines about pos: lation: the document mi

John Woodall (left) and John McDonald chat with workshop attendees after an ABS conference session. Photo by Tom Mennillo

Ms. Koenig, paraphrasing Jewish Scripture, declared human rights amount to the right to be human—all else is interpretation.

The next big conflict, she said, will be between the haves and the have-nots. If people lack basics such as health, jo! food, education and shelter, democracy cannot suc Capitalism, she said, has used democracy not for delivery of human rights but for opening markets.

She lauded the Baha’i Faith as the only world religion not to forget half—the female half—of the population. But she challenged Baha'is to become “political,” not in the sense of engaging in partisan activity but in taking our principles to all arenas of public discourse and action.

We were given a true gift in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, considering that its signatories are all perpetrators of rights violations, s id. Now we must hold all the

Suheil Bushrui: A Worldwide Moral Order

The somber overtones of the first day led perfectly to the Saturday's focus on the society that will emerge. On hand to define the basis for our commonality was Dr. Bushrui, holder of the Baha'i C for World Peace at the University of Maryland.

Dr. Bushrui said a foundation of glo! moral order is in place, having evolved over the centuri Its spiritual basis has been recognized ncreasingly in secular thought, he said. Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence called rights sacred. Goethe, Schiller and others wrote of a humanity seeking understanding. Now human rights standards have been codified, in the form of the Univer Declaration of Human Rights.

But these rights were not granted by governments, he said. They are central to all the world’s religions. Witness the Golden Rule, in all its forms. Witness Baha’u'llah’s teaching that religion is the means for order; without it, hope is extinguished.

Dr. Bushrui said the study of comparative religion is increasing, but it must take the next step of examining how, as Bahd’u’llah taught, each Revelation is the fulfillment of the one before and herald of the next, how each is a greater exposition of truth but the message conveyed is one.

If that is done, he said, it will promote the conditions through which each religion can work in harmony, through which we can benefit in our spiritual journey from a shared vision. And it will come, he said, at a time humanity is shrugging off this century’s loss of faith and again is reaching for the infin

and Committee for the Advancement of ry Women acquainted conference-goers

n, “ ry of the Universal Declaration of Human Right participants peruse newspaper headle human rights viond consult on which articles of ht come into play.

SEE PANEL DISCUSSION, PAGE 31 PERFORMANCES

ries of personal transformation from the times of slavery to the present evoked a highly emotional response.

• For Mercy, a D. a_alternative-progressive band, with its h

ig, up-to-date them ¢ Ekaterina Krame ally award-winning teen who studies in Cologne, Germany.

• A medley of poetry juxtaposed

with visual images. Anne Gordon Perry read works of the late Roger White and the absent Michael

Communications the National

lebrating the

Architecture.”

Others were highly personal, such as “Woman-Centered Childbirth.”

Academics sought out such sessions as “Seeking the Fruit of the Tree of Knowledge: Can Baha’ Scholarship in a Secular Academic Setting?”

Special interest groups affiliated with ABS. held workshops: The Baha’i Institute for the Arts, the Agriculture group, the Religious Studies section, and Love, Equality, and the Institution of Marriage. Also, the Bahai

“Alternative Dispute Resolution and Global Peacemak ntroduced the steps taken in mediating a dispute, and even had a mock mediation.

Performers included:

• ¢ Mark Ochu, an internationally

renowned concert pianist and found member of an international forum on the role of music in a changing world.

• Mary K. Makoski and Vickie Nizin,

presenting excerpts from a readers’ theater piece called Amazing Grace written by Mrs. Makoski and Thelma Khelghati. Over two nights these sto

Fiwgerald. Baha’is Janet Bixby, Donna Di and Mahmehr Golestaneh presented their own poems.

• The Washington (D.C.) Bah

Youth Workshop, performing “Choices,” the poignant story of a youth’s victory over drugs and alcohol.

• The Aurora Jazz Ensemble, with

Chris Keller at the keyboard and Whitt Williams on saxophone.

¢ Ava, a Persian-American Baha’i recording artist.

The Association for Baha'i Studies was founded in 1975 asa cooperative effort of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Canada, Alaska, and the United States to stimulate, coordinate, and present original research on the Baha’i Faith. Membership is opentoall,

the Association for Baha'i Studies at 34 Copernicus St., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada KIN.

December 31, 1997

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i ¢ PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES

page 27 [Page 28]

Projects for advancement of women are ushered forward Program trains speakers, workshop leaders

OneVoice Campaign works through colleges

Attention all Baha’i College Clubs: Have you received a letter about the OneVoice Campaign for Gender Equality? This project, initiated by the National Committee for the Advancement of Women, consists of a major, unified mobilization on college campuses throughout the United States during the first week of the Fast, March 2-6, 1998.

The effort aims for all campus

groups to recite and distribute the prayer on Page 100 of the U.S.-published Baha’i Prayers; to present the statement Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men to the head of their institution and to as wide an audience as possible; and to publish all or parts of the statement

in their campus newspapers.

College clubs also are urged to initiate actions appropriate for their unique campus circumstances, such as holding a fireside or symposium, setting up a display on the issue of equality, and/or collaborating with

other organizations.

The possibilities from such a unified action by college youth across the country are truly exciting, and could provide a striking opportunity to spread Baha’u’llah’s healing message to a society in need.

For the OneVoice Project, please contact

more information on

The NCAW looks forward to hearing from you!

Cece ccc ececcrccee cece seeecesceccceesceeeeeseeees

The National Committee for the

Advancement of Women has launched

a series of workshops geared to train- ing individuals to speak, facilitate and teach gender equality programs to Baha’is and the community at large. At the first such workshop Dec. 5-7, close to 50 participants were given practical lessons on speaking in public, leading workshops and guiding discussions toward ideas to help bring society closer to the Baha’f ideal. ‘The women and men, gathered

from a variety of places across the country, shared stories of local successes and pointed each other toward leadership development opportunities.

Meanwhile, the committee is continuing to gain ideas and acquaint Baha’is in many localities with its goals

Baha’i views on equality draw attention, admiration

BY VALERIE RUTSTEIN AND JANICE SMITH

n Oct. 29, 1997, two Baha'is Orv: happily surrounded by 40

lively, curious people from all over the world seeking to understand the Baha’f perspective on equality.

The audience, guests of the International Hospitality Committee of the National Council of Women, the majority of whom were affiliated with United Nations diplomatic community, listened attentively to the presentation by Rachel Huffine:

Mrs. Huffi presentation drew heavily from Two Wings of a Bir Equality of Women and Men, the statement by the National 1 Assembly, and included a review of worldwide activities initiated by Bah: to promote equality.

The name of Baha’u’llah was mentioned only twice during the talk, yet the first question from the audience was a request for more information about Him and His Teachings. All

Lodi reaches out,

The Baha’i group of Lodi, California, still hoping to achieve Assembly strength by Ridvan, has gained local recognition through its outreach to the community.

‘To promote the U.N. International Day of Peace in September, the Lodi group presented a proclamation that was signed by Mayor Phillip A. Pennino, who was given a packet of materials including The Promise of World Peace, The Power of Race Unity, Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of

attendees received copies of the statement.

Mildred Mottahedeh, who for 19 years was U.S. Baha’{ representative to the U.N., further enhanced the atmosphere with her famous humor and wealth of experience.

Committee chair June Weldon later thanked the Baha’is and noted that the meeting gave everyone a view of the

opportunity to reach people of y and influence was no accident. Earlier that month, the New York 'y Local Spiritual Assembly’s Office of External Affairs had mailed 75 copie: of Two Wings to selected organization: with an offer to send a speaker to d cuss the statement and Baha’i teachings on equality.

The President of the National Council of Women, Vera Rivers, responded immediately. She was familiar with the Faith through the active participation over the years of several Baha’is in the organization, including a representative of the National Spiritual

Assembly. Mrs. Huffines is one of three Baha’is on the executive committee of the National Council of Women.

The House of Justice in its 153 B.E. Ridvan message to the Baha’is in North America cites such contacts among the three unique characteristics of the U.S. Baha’i_ community which create “opportunities for the advancement of the process of entry by troops, the like of which presently exist in no other place on earth.” Among them is “the positive impression of the Faith which has been conveyed, not only to the generality of the population, but also to leaders of thought and people of influnC a4

s the Universal House of referring to the years of service you have contributed to your PTA, your Rotary Club, your Service League, your local NAACP chapter, ociation. Perhaps e created a positive impression of the Faith—and an opportunity to share the Teachings. —submitted by the Local Spiritual Assembly of New York City

gains recognition for U.N. support

Women and Men and The Bahd’is magazine.

A lengthy newspaper article highlighting the Baha’s interest in promoting the occasion drew the attention of a local churchwoman who had previous contact with a Baha’i, and the group was invited to participate in the Church Women United Annual Meeting on Nov. 17, to read a prayer at the conclusion and to host a table set with finger foods and a wide variety of literature. The opportunity was taken

to distribute copies of the Two Wings statement.

Other local activities involving the Lodi Baha’fs include the local ministerial association and an interfaith task force for planning Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities.

Lodi also drew local newspaper coverage with an August event promoting race unity that included performances by the Monterey Bay Baha’i Youth Workshop and talks by accomplished Baha’fs from nearby communities.

through consultative meetings with groups of Local Spiritual Assemblies.

The second such meeting, in the Adanta area in October, dealt with the issue of helping the U.S. Baha’i community fulfill its destiny to become an example of the full equality of the sexes.

The gathering prompted Assembly members to come up with a number of creative and practical grass-roots steps that the Assemblies now are taking under consideration. on committee

the Committee for the Advancement of

For information

activiti National

contact Women, c/o Baha’i National Center, 1233 Central St. IL, 60201-1611 (e-mail

Evanston,

What Are You Doing to Encourage the Equality of Women and Men?

‘The National Committee for the Advancement of Women would like to hear stories from YOU about activities that you or your community are engaged in that promote the equality of women and men. Please contact us with your exciting news!

Do You Have a Talent or Skill That Can be Used to Promote the Equality of Women and Men?

We are anxious to hear from individuals who are willing to lend their skills to the advancement of the principle of equality. Don't be shy! We want to hear from every woman, man, youth and child with a talent to offer. We are interested in developing a database of individuals who can serve as resources to individuals and communities. A wide range of skills is needed. Artistic, literary, public speaking and professional skills are ae

Contact National Committee for the Advancement of Women, c/o Baha’{ National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (e-mail

the

page 28 THE AMERICAN BANA‘i ¢ PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES

December 31, 1997

[Page 29]

aha’i support for the United Nations and the Be= e of sustainable development w: i

as the Alliance for U.N. Su Development Programs hosted Bill Richardson, U.S. permanent representative to the U.N., at a National Press Club luncheon Oct. 24.

The National § Assembly became a charter member of the alliance last spring. It was formed by a diverse group of organizations sharing a belief in the importance of U.N. programs that promote environmentally sound economic and social development.

At the luncheon, held in observance of ed Nations Day, Mr. Richardson addr tatives of non-governmental organ: cies and the press on the importance of s development and the key role of U.N. agencies in advancing it.

He praised the 1992 Earth Summit for advancing the concept of sustainable development to include economic development, social development and environmental protection.

“If we hope to live in a stable world marked by democracy and the free flow of goods and services, then sustainable development programs that provide a brighter future and a cleaner environment for millions

BRIEFS

REFUGEE OFFICE MEETS PUBLIC

Staff members of the U.S. Baha’i Refugee Office

participated in Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar's Refugee

Week with a public display Oct. 19-25 at the

James R. Thompson Center in Chicago.

| The display, attended by Refugee Offi outlined the office’s roles and responsibilities

| proclaimed principles of the Bahé’{ Faith that

_ animate its activities, which include fostering the integration of Baha’i refugees of Iranian and Southeast Asian origin into local communities. _ The display was aimed at educating the public about the refugee community as well as high _ lighting the Baha’i model for such integration. _ Staff at the Baha'i Refugee Office also attended a reception for recognition of outstanding Chicago-area refugee agencies and volunteers, hosted by the Jewish Federation of

Metropolitan Chicago.

| For more information about the work of

‘the U.S. Bahai Refugee office, please call 847-733-3547.

U.N. DAY IN ILLINOIS

‘The Baha’is of the Champaign/Urbana area in Illinois teamed with the local League of Women Voters chapter and the local United Nations Association to arrange an internationally flavored gathering Oct. 23 in observance of United ‘Nations Day.

Drawing about 90 people, the event in Urbana featured a keynote speech on “Building a Sustainable Future” by Prof. Don Crummey, and a well-received talk on “Eliminating Land Mines” by Munirih Quinlan, a 12-year-old Baha

Entertainment included dancers from Zimbabwe, Mexico and Honduras. Displays included characteristic dress and information

_ from many countries in Asia and Europe, as well as a variety of U.N.-related materials. - The local United Nations Association was reactivated in 1995 through the effort of

- area Baha’is.

Ambassador Bill Richardson, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, is greeted at a luncheon by Peter Adriance, NGO liaison for the National Spiritual Assembly and steering committee member of the newly formed Alliance for U.N. Sustainable Development Programs. Photo courtesy of Baha'i Office of External Affairs

around the globe, must be at the center of America’s foreign policy agenda,” Mr. Richardson said.

Peter Adriance, the National ritual Assembly's liaison with non-governmental organizations, helped

found the alliance and is a member ofits national steering committee.

nce has identified its role as threefold,” Mr. . “It monitors and evaluates the work of U.N. agencies in advancing sustainable development, it undertakes activities to widen public understanding of sustainable development, and it serves as a vehicle through which members can express their concerns and views on U.N. sustainable development initiative:

to policymakers in Washington, both in the admin tration and Congress.”

‘The alliance will focus analysis and support on more than a dozen agencies including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the U.N. Development~ Fund for Women and the U.N. Development Program.

‘Those programs, alliance members believe, provide a framework for many activi that enhance U.S. national security and well-being, including:

• Poverty reduction and food security.

• Jobs and sustainable livelihood:

• Environmental protection and s

• Advancement of women.

uality of opportunity. ‘mpowerment of peoples.

ainable energy.

Institute for Baha’i Studies adds Faith’s voice to American Academy of Religion conference

he Institute for Baha’ Studies helped make the

Baha’i viewpoint heard at the recent annual

meeting of the American Academy of Religion and Society for Biblical Literature, coordinating scholarly presentations and distributing publications by the hundreds.

‘The conference, held in San Francisco Nov. 22-25, brought in nearly 8000 professors of biblical and religious studies to hear about 1000 professional talks, tour hundreds of publishers’ exhibits and attend scores of receptions.

Sunday evening, the Baha’ Studies Colloquy offered the only Baha'i talks at the conference. Dr. Susan Maneck spoke on “Entry By Troops: A Survey of Mass Teaching Efforts within the Baha’f Faith and a Comparison with Conversion Movements within Other Religions,” a talk that related Baha’i teaching endeavors to similar efforts by Christians, Muslims and Hindus.

She was followed by Paul Dodenhoff, a student at Drew University, who spoke on “Buddy, Can You Spare a Paradigm? The Baha’i Faith and the New Age Movement.” He noted the similarities and differences

between the Baha’f Faith and various new age movements.

‘The evening closed with an unscheduled, informal, and lively presentation by two Stanford University students on the dilemmas of preserving one’s faith while living in an intellectual university environment dominated by rationality.

‘The Institute for Baha’i Studies also staffed an exhibit of Baha’f literature in the American Academy of Religion’s book display area. Most of the conference attendees came through the display area to view its 100-200 exhibits, some very large and expensive.

Personnel at the exhibit gave away almost 200 copies of The Baha’is magazine and 30 copies of the Research Office’s new Resource Guide. They also answered many questions from professors who include the Baha’f Faith in their world religion courses.

Next year’s AAR/SBL annual meeting will be in Orlando. Those interested in speaking or attending programs at the Baha’f Studies Colloquy should contact the Institute for Baha’{ Studies at the Baha’i National Center (phone 847-733-3425, e-mail

Summer school makes the most of its invitation to neighbors

e theme of the small summer school in

| the southwestern Virginia mountains

was “Entry by Troops: Inviting the World to God’s Table.”

At the Hemlock Haven Baha’i School, they practiced what they preached. Before the session ended, 10 newly invited guests had embraced the Faith.

Late one afternoon, with most of the regular school sessions finished for the day, several attendees along with members of visiting music group El Viento Canta went to a Hispanic community near the site of the school, Hungry Mother State Park, to invite residents to an evening program. Nine responded.

“We all felt that there was a different spirit in the room” once the program began

with a Rumanian dance and Peruvian music by El Viento Canta, a report from the school said. A keynote address in Spanish by Mehrdad Badiian, with interpretation in English by Jay Bender, spoke of the unifying power of Baha’u’llah and the New Age He had ushered in.

Before the evening was over, all nine of those who had been invited that afternoon, along with one other guest, declared their faith in Baha’u’llah. “Comments by our new brothers were ‘This Faith is a great light’ and ‘This makes sense, I have been searching for something like this,” the report said.

Some of the new believers returned for the rest of the summer school session, and work and study with them has continued.

December 31, 1997

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES _ page 29 [Page 30]

Classified notices in The American Babi

are published free of charge to the Baha'i community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no rsonal or commercial ads are accepted. Some of the oppor? have not i approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the freinds should exercise judgment and care in responding.

‘AT THE BAHA’E NATIONAL CENTER Program Coordinator Il, Office Office of the Treasurer and Development. Will help formulate and execute strategies for increasing participation, regularity and levels of donations to the Funds, particularly the National Baha’{ Fund. Mainly responsible for education of children and youth in the spiritual nature and practical aspects of giving to the Funds; conducts presentations/training sessions at conferences and summer schools; designs Funded educational programs/materials dren and youth; produces articles for The American Baha’, Brilliant Star and other publications. Will help educate the community, especially local treasurers and Assembly members, on the principles underlying contributions and help them apply these principles. Must be wellgrounded in the fundamental verities of the Faith, exceptionally skilled in written and oral communication, and able to coordinate many Prefer at leas: bachelor’s degree in a human servi field with experience in program design and management.

Rereaire Specialist, Department of Human Resources. \denufies the Human Resources staffing needs of the National Baha’{ administrative offices and agencies; ensures that those needs are quickly and efficiently filled with personnel who meet the technical/professional requirements of the positions and the organizational standards for spirit and manner in which the work is accomplished. Needs exceptional interpersonal skills including courtesy, warmth, hospitality, tact, diplomacy in relaying sensitive information. Must be multi-tasked, extremely flexible, and able to respond to constant change with a kind and loving attitude. Background in recruiting desirable. Able to use WordPerfect and Word for Windows. For information or applica~ tions for either position, please contact Human Resources, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-7333427, fax 847-733-3430).

AT THE LOUIS GREGORY BAHA'I INSTITUTE Coordinator needed at Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina. Responsible for planning, implementation and evaluation of all teaching and education programs at the Institute. Four years’ administrative/management experience and a graduate degree in education, management or a comparable field desired. Maintenance

er also needed. Should have some knowledge of building construction and repair, For information or applications, please contact Human Resources, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

‘AT THE BOSCH BAHA’i SCHOOL Facilities Manager sought for Bosch Baha’i School, Santa Cruz, California. Responsible for maintenance of buildings, grounds, equipment and vehicles for Bosch; directs the work of all maintenance emplo ees and volunteers. Supervises all renovation, repair, restoration and new construction projects. Must have knowledge and skills in building and equipment maintenance, plumbing, electrical, carpent , roofing, painting, masonry, etc. trongly prefer applicant

Critical Needs at the Baha'i World Center. |

eel | THE MOUNT CARMEL PROJECTS, constructing the buildings and terraces of

t HVAC maintenance.

ing drainage, fittings, etc.

| Hordicadveres oe erpealiiierorraliear ice sree

general horticulture preferred.

informal gardens.

To apply, please mail or fax your résumé to Mount Carmel Projects, 1’s Office, P.O. Box 155, 31 001 Haifa, Israel §

Project

• Professional plumber. Needs experience in all aspects of

__ © Professional gardener. Asch pis bales ep ago

| the Are in Haifa, Eee es ne a et \ @ Industrial/commercial electrician. Needs

__ lighting distribution systems, general lighting cont

i IEE Ee Mechanical/electrical technician. Needs experience i

ce in outdoor power and | and maintenance. — is highly desirable. petbecranon and

trade, includ

and

(phone 972 (4) ook fax 972 (4) 835-8437, e-mail

with five years’ experience in facility

management (hotel, motel, school, conjum, light industrial p| at least three years or more worker:

ing three ic computer literacy eet, word processing) AD experience desiration and consultation

contractor experience ble. For further information,

School, 500

s nta Cruz, CA 95060. (phone 408. 423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, e-mail

A Customer Service Representative is needed at the Baha’i Distribution Service in Chattanooga, ‘Tennessee. The representative will facilitate the distribution of Bah4’{ literature and other products by tiny te entry of telephone, fax and mail orders; respond to requests for information about accounts, publications and other materials; investigate and resolve customer complaints in a timely manner; and prepare timely correspondence. Ability to accurately pack up to several hundred orders per ee is essential. For information or an application, contact Human Resources, 847-7333427.

AT THE NATIVE AMERICAN BAHA’i SCHOOL Maintenance Worker needed at the Native American Baha’{ Institute. Should have some knowledge of building construction and repair. Please send resumé to Joel Orona at NABI, Box 3167, Houck, AZ 86506 (phone 520-587-7599, fax 520-521-1063) and a resumé to Human Resources, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (fax 847-733-3430).

China: Help build bridges of friendship and service in a land of rapid development. For information on job and service opportunities, contact Susan Senchuk (phone 847-733-3506, e-mail

PIONEERING OVERSEAS

Although the Office of Pioneering tries to help by providing information on employment opportunities that come to its attention, it does not have the resources for actual job placement. AFRICA: Bthiopia—Self= “supporting volunteer to help the Nora Assembly secretary and to train a re rites Fatah Teachers ‘AMERICAS Honduras—Teachers. Turks & Caicos— Government doctor. Venezuela— Computer outlet store for sale. ASIA: India—Vice-principal for the New Era

High Ree aches Sakhalin—Teachers. AUSTRALASIA: Mariana Islands—Physician at a health center on Rota. Solomon I Custodians at the Baha'i C Caroline I

recruiting instructors to teach project management methodology, product ment, global project manageinformation technology, scheduling, risk management, contracting or project initiation and recovery. G Mlobal Classroom Inc. offers free placement assistance to English as a second/foreign language (ESL/EFL) professionals seeking overseas employment. All require a minimum of an ES} tificate or one year ESL/EFL teaching experience. They have openings for instructors in Korea and Taiwan. URGENT NEEDS: HONDURAS— Need for elementary and secondary school teachers. INDIA—Urgent need experienced, qualified vicepal for the New Era High School. MACAU—The School of Nations needs qualified kindergarten, primary and secondary teachers. SOLOMON ISLANDS—Self-supporting couple to serve as custodians of the Baha’{ Center in Honiara. Volunteer to train National Center office staff. For additional information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’{ National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail

PIONEERING HOMEFRONT

‘The first-ever Local Spiritual Assembly in Elkbart County, Indiana, was formed at Ridvan. Since then, two adults have transferred out, leaving us with only seven members. We're few, but mighty! Booming diverse economy, extremely affordable housing and an excellent school syste ithin 45 minutes of South Bend (it’s not just football, it’s Notre Dame football) and 3 hours from Chicago. Contact the Spiritual Assembly of Concord ‘Township, c/o Ann Kronemyer, secretary,

Elkhart, IN 46516-5810 (phone 291-522-0044).

Prospective Graduate students: Combine study and service to the Faith—consider the possibilities for free tuition at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. The Baha’i community and the Baha’i club are small and need the support of homefront pioneers.

The cost of living is relatively low in Morgantown, population 60,000. With an enrollment of 23,000, WVU hires 1500 graduate students as graduate assistants each year in 75 de; rograms. Three local Baha’is poet the universi’s Department of Foreign Languages. ‘or information about Mor town, contact the Spiritual Assembly of Morgantown c/o Nancy Joy Allchin, Morgantown, WV 26505 For informa\duate study at WVU, call 1 or consult the Web site

(e-mail tion about 800-344-' (www.wvu.edu).

Citrus County, Florida, an excellent location for a retired couple located in the rolling hills of Central Florida between the Withlacoochee River and the Gulf of Mexico, is in jeopardy of losing its 12-year-old Local Spiritual Assembly. The Assembly has strong community involvement in the Interfaith Council and the Institute for Healing 1, and celebrates an annual “Color Me Human” festival and race unity . Within a two-hour drive of the ind Orlando airports, the area perate winters, superior health care facilities, numerous opportunities munity service, and great shing and other outdoor activities available. For information, contact Ruth Thorpe, Assembly Homos:

(phone 352-795-4482).

Babé’i Parents! Please spare five minutes of your time to fill out a survey for my senior honors thesis. I am examining cultural differences in parenting styles within the American Baha’i community. Please send me your name and address and I will mail you a survey. Contact Teresa Phelps at NY 14534 (e-mail

This project has the approval and blessing of the Spiritual Assembly of Pittsford, New York. Tell all your Baha’f friends, too! Thank you!

GWEn ART Council (Gwen Wakeling Endowment for the Arts) is accepting ant applications for project proposals.

f you are interested in applying, contact Marsha Gilpatrick, Endowment Director, at Bosch Baha’i School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, e-mail

for an application form.

ARCHIVES

The National Babd’i Archives is seeking original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: R. Broda, Stanlay G. Brogon, Ruth B. Bronson, Bessie Brooke, May and Russell Brooker, Flora Brooks and Louise Brooks. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these Guardian's letters is asked to contact the National Baha’s Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-869-9039).

A series of biographical sketches of prominent African-American, Native American, Hispanic and Asian Baha’is has been prepared by the National Baha’ Archives for the use of local communities in Black History month, Race Unity Day and other special events. Any local community Sukine a set of these sketches is asked to send a request with a mailing address to the National Baha’s Archives, 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 602011611 (phone 847-869-9039).

page 30 THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * CLASSIFIEDS

December 31,1997 [Page 31]

RACE U N ITY, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

affairs throughout the planet.” : Shoghi Effendi warned that should we neglect this duty, we will “not merely be failing in what is our most vital and conspicuous obligation, but thereby retarding the flow of those quickening energies which alone can insure the vigorous and speedy development of God’s struggling Faith.”

‘The President of the United States has appointed a on on Race. His aim is to s nal camcussion of the means to establish racial justice and unity. The campaign has gotten off to a slow start, raising doubts that meaningful action will result. ism is fueled by America’s long history of advance and retreat on racial matters. Over time failed initiatives have caused a steady erosion of public confidence that America will sustain her commitment to eliminate the ingrained racism that cripples the freedom of all its people and jeopardizes the internal order

C

and national security of the nation as a whole. Equally troubling is the prospect that the Commission may reach oft repeated conclusions, diag

nosing the problem of racism asa deficit of rights and privileges. While the legal and material requirements to eradicate racis e well known, its spiritual requirements have been persistently neglected. The Baha’i Teachings state that America should be the first

GIVI NG, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

nity doing? Do they have the chance to give and volunteer inde the Fund bless parents and A; would want to be sure that the

nation to proclaim the oneness of the human family, ~

but the principle of oneness is not yet the force driving the struggle of uniting the races. America has not done enough to demonstrate her commitment to the equality and unity of the races, to the dignity of all human beings whatever their color, and to the moral imperative of extending love and respect to the entire human family.

Soon, as you have read in The American Bahd’t, the National Spiritual Assembly will launch a nationwide television proclamation of the Baha’f Teachings on race unity. The program will air repeatedly on over 1000 stations and will be the center point of a national campaign of teaching. Its aim is to invite people of ry race and background to investigate the Baha’i Faith in their local communities. We must prepare ourselves to be living witnesses to the truths ‘Abdu’lBaha tirelessly championed.

The National Spiritual Assembly calls upon every Baha’s to rededicate himself or herself to the glorious k of eliminating the last traces of prejudice and ion among the races within the Baha’i commuand to spare no effort to bring the healing me sage of reconciliation and love to our fellow Americans of all races and religions. Our community, which is already interracial and diversified, should

s and protects us, as

mbly members we actions.

forces of society to account for their

eee examine itself to see how far we have come and what we must now do. American Baha’is, “now but a tiny nucleus of the Baha’i Commonwealth of the future” LY be at spirit of universal love nds of their a the vision of that fiGies City of God which the almighty arm of Baha’u’llah can alone e:

We appeal to every Local Spiritual Assembly, individual B: and community to assert leadership in

Baha’i center hold public gatherings for open discussion of the requirements of race unity. Baha’i comities without centers should make arrangements to use facilities where public meetings may be pee Moreover, isolated believers and groups should their neighbors to their homes to pate in this important di: ion. Our hope is to initiate thousands of meetings, hosted by Baha’is, between now and Race Unity Day, June 14, 1998, and help America advance toward her God-ordained de: to be the first nation to proclaim the onene: human family.

National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States

PANEL DISCUSSION, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

world unity. Third was the willingness of Baha’is to address problems that

pendently of their parents? This might be a good thing: the survey dicates there is a direct relationship between giving and volunteering as a youth, and generosity as adults.

Former members of youth groups, young volunteers, those who saw people they admired helping others,

youth in our area have the best opportunity possible.

And our worries about money? Here is what the Guardian said: “We must be like the fountain or spring that is continually emptying itself of all that it has and is continually being refilled from an invisible

Dr. Clay had the bounty of summing up what she had heard during a weekend of rich experiences.

Several common themes ran through the speeches and workshops, she said.

First was the power of the individual to bring about change. A

remain within our own community. We’re coming to grips with our shortcomings and even seeing them as the opportunities they are.

Fourth was the realization that we have the tools in hand to effect the changes contained

those who had wanted to make changes in society—substanti majorities of all generally carried their patterns of giving and volunteering well into adulthood. Because we believe that giving to

source. To be continually giving out 1 for the good of our fellows undeterred by fear of poverty and reliant on the unfailing bounty of the Source of all wealth and all good— this is the secret of right

Second

Pee e ee rcccesseccecccccsccccceseccceeees

ving.”

WORLDWIDE WINDOW, continueD FROM PAGE 3

challenge was sounded, she to summon the courage of act to apply the Baha’f teachings to self, community and society.

was the move toward globalization and

id, in the other three themes. In our pursuit of applying the Baha'i teachings, we hold the seeds of social and economic development projects at all levels, she said.

inexorable

explained at its home page, www.geocities.com/RainForest/1049/ring. html, “The ring can be navigated sequentially by ones or twos, a list of the next five sites can be displayed, or you can just pop someplace at random.”

‘To start your ride, just go to the ring’s home page and click on the Baha’i Ring symbol. Or, look for the symbol at the site you're currently visiting and click on it

What are some of the Web’s most useful Bah: related sites? Tastes vary, of course, but some sites are sure bets for any American Baha’.

First is www.bahai.org, the Baha’i World Center's site. This extremely informative and lushly graphical set of pages comes in English, French, and Spanish versions and deals with every aspect of Baha’{ belief and life.

Next is the National Spiritual Assembly’s administrative Web site, www.usbne.org. Have your name and U.S. Baha’i identification number handy to enter this area.

Once in, you can choose from such content areas as National Assembly departments and agencies; news of upcoming events and from around the world; correspondence such as current letters from the Universal

House of Justice, the National Assembly, : and an online resource for Baha’ adr ies that is under construction.

As this was written, the “what's new” section included the current Feast message (with links to audio versions if your computer has proper software), information on Regional Baha’i Councils, recent administrative actions, the latest from the Baha’{ International News Service, Baha’i Distribution Service information, a repository of Office of Public Information documents, an Auxiliary Board member finder and a list of current opportunities for service to the National Assembly.

The site also gives its visitors a chance to communicate by e-mail to the National Assembly and _ its departments and to the site’s webmaster.

‘To keep up with Baha’ development work around the world, try www.onecountry.org, online home of One Country, the newsletter of the Baha’i International Community. The institution’s statement archive is at another site, www.bic-un.bahai.org.

Looking for an online way to search the Baha’i Writings? Try the True Seeker Home Page, sunsite.unc.edu/Bahai/TrueSeeker. The site contains two search forms, simple (to specify a search word and

ind agencies; trative bod

perhaps also the author) and detailed (to specify the book or books to search, or to refine your search by specifying another word in proximity).

Baha'is interested in participating in Internet Relay Chat (IRC) activities such as deepening can find out how from the site www.dimensional.com/~meflin.ire.html.

Finally, no Net trek is complete without stopping by the Baha’i Newsroom. Found at www.pagecreator.com/~newsroom, this site serves two audien: “surfing Baha’is in search of ’new news’and those Baha’is who report the news (i.e., public information representatives, newsletter editors, and the special project publicist).”

Angelo Cerchione, the proprietor/editor, has been plying the public relations trade for 35 years. His site functions as a combined news magazine and how-to guide. Want to read a feature story? Curious about what's coming up in the Baha’i world? Need to book an artist for your next Baha’ event? Searching for sample press releases? You’ve come to the right place, and the information is timely up to the nanosecond.

Coming soon: Baha'is communicating and teaching on line; using Web pages to spread the Teachings.

December 31, 1997

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i ¢ CONTINUED pasa [Page 32]

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page 34 THE AMERICAN BAHA’i ¢ PERSIAN

December 31, 1997 [Page 35]

Cora Oliver helped open Panama

Knight of Bahé’u’llih Cora Oliver passed from this earthly plane on Oct. 24, 1997.

By the time Cora Oliver was named a Knight of Baha’u’llah in 1953, she had already served the Faith for 23 years. She became a Baha’ in Binghamton, New York, on May 4, 1930.

Cora’s service on the homefront was marked by her steadfast devotion to the I utions of the Faith and a deep desire for the progress of the Cause. From 1934 to 1938, shortly before she left for Panama, she was on the Local Spiritual Assembly of Washington, D.C.

Then, on Oct. 6, 1939, she embarked on a journey that would forever change and challenge her. She and Louis

Caswell became the first resident pioneers in Panama.

She served there from 1939 to 1953, when in response to the call to open the world to the Faith, Cora moved to British Honduras (now Belize) on Sept. 15, 1953. Her activities included the establishment of many local Assemblies, and she served on the National Spiritual Assembly from the date of its inception in 1967 until 1973, when she returned to the United States after a short stay in Guatemala.

Cora’s travels during her time in Belize included almost every Central American country in addition to Cuba, Brazil, Colombia, and of course Panama.

CORA OLIVER

Frances Hunter served World, National centers

Frances Freeman Hunter, who served for more than a decade at the Baha’f World Center, passed away Sept. 28, 1997, in Mocksville, North Carolina.

FRANCES FREEMAN HUNTER

She served at the U.S. Baha’f Publishing Trust from 1971-1974. Then she served as an administrative assistant at the Baha’i World Center, at

the Research Department from 1974-1976 and at the International Teaching Center from 1980-1985. Through the years she also served on several local Spiritual Assemblies in North Carolina and Florida.

Part of a letter from the National Spiritual Assembly to the family said:

“Her commitment to the Faith of Baha'u'llah was reflected in her dedicated services at the United States Baha’i Publishing Trust and at the Baha’i World Center in Haifa, Israel. Her most important legacy is the spiritual foundation she provided her children, all of whom have become devoted adherents of the Baha’i Faith as have their children.”

Survivors include three children, William Hunter Jr. of Mocksville, North Carolina; Anne Hunter Respess

and Frances Hunter Eury, both of Evanston, Illinois; nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Baha'i services were held Oct. 1 in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she was buried beside her beloved husband, William Pharr Hunter Sr. There were nine pallbearers, all female. This break from tradition, and the requirements for Baha’f burial, interested the funeral directors in asking about the Faith, and they requested a Baha’{ burial kit so they would be prepared in the future.

“All of this would have made my mother quite excited because she loved to teach and she was an advocate for the uplifting of the women’s status,” Mrs. Respess said. “She also loved ice cream, especially banana splits, so we had a family banana split party in her honor.”

Margaret Quance served Faith here, abroad

Margaret Quance ascended to the Abha Kingdom on May 26, 1997, after a lifetime devoted to serving the Cause of God both here and abroad.

Shortly after her declaration in 1954, Margaret began her journey of service. She moved to Durham, North Carolina, to help homefront pioneers with the teaching work. In the following years, she served on the homefront, assisting in the establishment of the first Local

Meredith Dawes

Meredith “Bud” Dawes had retired from work to begin a new life in another country. In 1991, at the age of 65 and only slightly familiar with Spanish, Bud departed the United States to pioneer to Uruguay.

Forty-one years earlier, in 1950, Bud declared his faith in Baha’u’lléh. Since then, his utmost joy was when he was with the friends. He visited the rural areas of his adopted home and was characterized by his loving attention to all.

In November 1997, Bud ascended from this earthly plane.

With saddened hearts, prayers for the progress of his soul have been offered here and in Uruguay.

Spiritual Assembly of Raleigh, North Carolina. From there, she joined the efforts of the friends in South Carolina.

In 1970, at age 61, Margaret departed for her pioneer post in the Philippines. She spent 7 years serving that community with devotion and love.

On her return to the States, she set tled where she could continue her homefront services, in Gulfport, Mississippi. She attended night school and at 71 years old she earned her degree in library science.

She will be remembered by many here and abroad for her efforts on behalf of the teaching work of our beloved Faith.

Warren Rodgers an early stalwart of Faith in Alaska

Warren H. “Rod” Rodgers, a founding member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska and a teacher of the Faith in several areas of the world, passed away Oct. 26, 1997, in Gore, Oklahoma.

AUS. government employee specializing in work with power plants, the Oklahoma-born Mr. Rodgers was living in Fairbanks, Alaska, when he declared his faith in Baha’u’llih in February 1954.

He was elected to the National Assembly twice, beginning when it was formed at Ridvan 1957. During 1958 Mr. Rodgers pioneered with his wife, Kathy, and their daughter, Ginger, to Nome, Alaska.

Later his work allowed the family to pioneer internationally in Morocco for three years and Cuba for two years; finally, they settled for 10 years in Rota, Spain.

The teaching work continued throughout the family’s travels, with seven people declaring their faith during one memorable day in Spain.

Mr. Rodgers retired in 1976, and he and his wife toured the United States in motor homes for 18 years as itinerant Baha’ teachers.

‘They owned property in Gore—the town of Mr. Rodgers’ birth—on which they built an informal “Baha’i center,” which for years was used often as a guest house for Baha’i and non-Baha’i travelers. The couple settled there in 1994.

Janet McCutchan

Beloved maidservant Janet McCutchan passed away in January 1997 in California.

In 1968, she had joined pioneers Beverlee and Ed Miller in Grenada, West Indies, while her husband remained in California.

Her stay was abbreviated by her need to return to her home in California.

Maude Barnes Nashville, TN August 14, 1997

Ismael Beauchamp Ensenada, Puerto Rico September 27, 1997

Carolee Erickson Billings, MT October 8, 1997

Tevita Fe’ao East Palo Alto, CA June 23, 1997

IN MEMORIAM

John Harrison Bernalillo County, NM September 15, 1997

Carl R. Hughes Mitchell, IN Cc October 8, 1997

Eric Bruns Marlana Fowler Benjamin Kahn Nisa Panapa Florestine Rhoden Chicago, IL Midland, TX Mariana Lake, NM Oxnard, CA Sierra Vista, AZ October 24, 1997 Sept. 25, 1997 October 12, 1997 October 13, 1997 October 20, 1997 Samuel S. Crayton Geraldyne Gaffney Davoud Mahtafar Azra Parsi Warren H. Rodgers Lowell, MA Oakland, CA San Diego, CA Walnut Creek, CA Gore, OK July 15, 1997 Oct. 25, 1997 October 11, 1997 October 7, 1997 October 26, 1997 Kathryn Deme Monireh Mobine Ingeborg E. Zivari New York, NY o~ San Diego, CA Cw Newtown, PA June 8, 1997 October 19, 1997 October 15, 1997

Douglas L. Olson ‘Tempe, AZ February 1, 1997 Susan O'Neill

November 11, 1997

Margaret K. Porte Lantana, FL October 22, 1997

Richard Pratt Hemingway, SC October 21, 1997

harlton, MA.

December 31, 1997

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘’ie IN MEMORIAM _page-35 [Page 36]OLRM TP SP PALE EU ENA TENN

ALENDAR*OF*E V1

one’s

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly or its agencies at the Baha’i National Center, please phone 847-8699039 and ask for the relevant department. The numbers for the permanent Baha’ schools and institutes are as follows: Bosch Baha’i School, phone 408

803-558-9114; e-mail

School, phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail Louhelen Baha’s School, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Institute, phone 803-558-5093; fax

Native American Baha’i Institute, phone

423-3387; fax 408-423-7564; e-mail Green Acre Baha’i §20-587-7599; fax 520-521-1063; e-mail w ys % NU: FEBRUARY Or [ve 9-11: Two progra Bosch Baha'i School: 6-8: Association for Baha'i Studies regional confer- 6-8: Ai Spiritual\Retreat for the Fast, Green “Transformational Mediation,” presented by Phyllis ence: “Profound Faith and Freedom of Thought: Acre Baha’i Schoo!

Bernard May, Margaret Leeds and ‘Trip Barthel; also, a course on Hinduism and Buddhism presented by Dann May for the Wilmette Institute, course credit offered. Contact Robert Stockman for information on the series of courses on religions; phone 847-733-3425. Baha'i Winter School, Barclay stes Park Center, Estes Park, Colorado. Registrar: Don Brayton,

Woodland Park, CO 80863 (phone 719-6873351, e-m

16-18: Bosch Baha’ Bosch to r

uorum of da dance.

16-19: Two Core Curriculum sessions at Louhelen Baha’i School: Teacher ‘Trainer Workshop and Parent Folintoy workshop. Both courses continue May

9-31

16-19: Pioneering/BYSC/SITA training, Bosch Baha’ School.

19: An evening with Kevin Locke in celeb Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Louhelen Baha’

23-25: Two sessions at Louhelen Baha’i School: “Music and Teaching,” with Tom Price and Barbara Baumgartner; “ al Solutions to Social Problems,” with Dr. Hoda oul

embly ‘Team Development Weekend, school. Please call Marsha Gilpatrick at er your Assembly for the weekend; a Assembly or more is required for atten

23-25; “Propelled by Mysterious Spiritual Forces,” presented by William Smith and Phyllis Ring, Green Acre Baha'i School.

29-Feb, 1: Kirib-i-fqin study group facilitated by Derek Cockshut, Bosch Baha’

30-Feb. 1, Feb. 20-22: Two programs at Bosch Baha’ School: “Turning on the Light,” workshop on marriage, presented by Diane and Bill Rockloff and Nasrin and Mehran Bashiri. Participants must attend both sessions.

developing Baha’ Scholarship,” at Bosch Baha School.

6-8: “Behold the Blessed Beauty,” seekers weekend ited by William Davis, member of the National

sions at Louhelen Baha’{ School:

“Teaching Christians,” with Dr. Hugh Motlagh;

“Entry by Troops—Acquiring Necessary Skills, Dr. Dwight All

13-15; ‘Two s

.” with

Louhelen Baha’i School: i Penn and Kathy Penn; “Chinese History and Culture,” with Charles Pau.

13-16: “Black Heritage Within the Baha’{ Faith,” presented by Carol and ‘Tom Butler and LeNise Weiss 0 Black Men’s Gathering (western edition) ou Sisters’ Gathering; Bosch Bal that f School. a

13-16: Institute for AIDS, Sexuality and Addiction (IASA) Conference, Green Acre Baha’f School.

20-22: “Gleaming in the Fire: The Role of Joy and

Pain,” presented by Brian Kurzius, Green Acre Baha’ School.

Imette Institute course on Taoism and m at Bosch Bah: ‘ool presented by Dann May, course credit offered; discount for registration two wi in advance. Ce ct Robert Stockman for information on the series (phone 847733-3425).

20-23: Two Core Curriculum sessions at Louhelen Baha’i School: Race Unity ‘Training (continued May 15-17), and Marriage and Fanuily Life ‘Iraining (continued May 15-17).

27-March 1: “Islam and the Baha’ Faith” with Dr. Nader Saiedi, Louhelen Baha’i School.

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Iderhostel pert at Bosch

chool, for those 55 and older: “Freeing the ic Spirit Through Oil Painting,” presented by Kenji Konishi, and “the Baha Faithe Making a

Difference Around the Globe.

20-22: “Pilgrimage in the Days of the Guardian,” with Dr. Amin Banani and Sh te Banani, Li ouhelen ‘chool. Music by John Ebata, Ben Koen and

ams. he Physician’s Challenge” with Dr. David Ruhe and Dr. Beth Bowen, Louhelen Baha’i School.

27-29: North Dakota Baha'i School at Mayville University, Mayville, North Dakota.

27-29: Two programs at Green Acre Baha’i School: Foundation of the Fortress,” on preparaage, facilitated by Claudine and rie Meredith-Goujon; also, Persian-American We: facilitated by Dr. Talat Bassari. Persian- and E: Satake language sessions.

3-5: Institute for Young Women, presented by Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi and Nasim ently Louhelen Baha’i School.

10-12: Epistle to the Son of the Wolf , presented by Habib i, Green Acre Baha’i School.

10-12: Two programs at Louhelen Baha’i School: Youth Eagle Institute presented by Sarah Johnson, Dr. Kirk Johnson and Dr. William Smits; and “Spiritual ‘Transformation,” presented by Jennifer Wilson.

24-26: Two programs at Green Acre Baha’s School: “The Fortress and the Family” facilitated by Mary

Lou and Michael McLaughlin ; “The Spirit of Children,” conference on children’s literature and art.

members’ names, new address and 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL filled in. Please allow three weeks

fellow Regional Baha’i re member ports for processin, faylor (upper left), Lisa

Smits (left) and chara BONED) Thomas (right) between L sessions at the Regional irre Baha’i Councils orientation Been at Dec. 13 at the House of 1s, Worship. 3 — Photo by Ken Duszynski a wy,

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BAHA’i NATIONAL CENTER 112 LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

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page 36 THE AMERICAN BAHA'I * CALENDAR

December 31, 1997