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[Page 1]

National Convention telecast to reach 43 cities

The followers of Bahá’u’lláh throughout the country will have a unique opportunity to connect more closely with the institution of the National Convention—and with one another—when the 88th U.S. National Convention offers an historic first.

On Saturday evening, April 26, the National Spiritual Assembly will host a live satellite telecast to selected cities across the country from the floor of the National Convention.

Designed to set the stage for a national movement in teaching as the American Bahá’í community embarks on the second year of the Four Year Plan, this event marks the first time that the friends across the country have had an opportunity to see and experience the National Convention as it happens.

To galvanize the American Bahá’í community in unity of thought and action, the program will provide clarity as to the focus of our efforts as we proceed toward our spiritual destiny.

It will assess the exciting progress made around the country in the first year of the Plan to advance the process of entry by troops; set a vision for accelerating that process in the second year; and announce the national goals that all believers will be asked to pursue to help make that vision a reality.

This National Convention will include the release of the long-anticipated Statement on Women, which will be highlighted in the Convention broadcast.

The telecast will also provide a closer look at the divine nature of the Bahá’í electoral process and the institution of the Convention itself, and will introduce to the Bahá’ís of the U.S. the newly elected National Spiritual Assembly.

The evening’s program will also present the work of the Regional Committees, established in the past year in the four areas of the country identified by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Tablets of the Divine Plan.

The telecast, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. Central time, will be about two hours long. The National Assembly has chosen 43 localities across the country as downlink sites for the teleconference. Please consult the list of downlink sites on pages 11–13 in this issue of The American Bahá’í for the location nearest you.

Those who have the capability of receiving satellite broadcasts can access the telecast via KU-band receiver SBS6, transponder 12, with a downlink frequency of 11995V. A test signal will be sent out approximately 45 minutes before the actual telecast.

THE American Bahá’í

Volume 28, Number 3 — Jalál B.E. 154 / April 9, 1997

Learning to see issues through spiritual eyes

By TOM MENNILLO

It was a delightful paradox for Bahá’ís and others who came away from the second annual conference on “Race Unity: A Prescription for the Healing of the Nation” in Charleston, South Carolina.

Here we were weighed down to sagging with theoretical information and practical models of unity absorbed during three days of talks, workshops, panels, performances and fellowship.

At the same time, we were so buoyed by the conference’s spirit that we couldn’t wait to return home and start spreading it.

Roy Jones of the sponsoring Spiritual Assembly of Charleston advised us that a “wealth of resources” would come our way during the February 6-9 conference in the hometown of the late Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory.

And the flow began immediately at an opening luncheon for local dignitaries representing such sources as government, education, religion, health care, social services and law. A new spirit was in the air, personified by the presence of Mayor Joseph P. Riley.

The city’s longtime chief executive lauded the partnership of Bahá’ís and local government in paving Desportes Court, the alley leading to the childhood home of Mr. Gregory.

The Spiritual Assembly purchased the home in 1989 and is turning it into Charleston’s first museum devoted to an African-American. The Bahá’ís funded the alley paving through “sale” of the 17,000 bricks to individuals, and city laborers put them in.

See SPIRITUAL page 15

Bhakti Larry Hough (left) and Shahin Borhanian trade addresses after Mr. Hough’s presentation on the People to People ‘models of unity’ project in Hartsville, South Carolina. Looking on is fellow panelist Anne Kilpatrick of the Medical University of South Carolina. (Photo by Tom Mennillo)

With joyful and thankful hearts we announce the successful acquisition after many years of difficult negotiations and the subsequent demolition a few days ago of the building which stood as the last obstacle to the completion of the first two terraces of the Shrine of the Báb at the foot of Mount Carmel. The Universal House of Justice March 11, 1997

Goal is to equip youth for service

On July 2–6 the National Spiritual Assembly will host a National Bahá’í Youth Training Conference at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

The conference is being organized on its behalf by the National Youth Committee.

It is being held at the beginning of the summer to help launch a nationwide campaign of youth teaching and service throughout the summer months and beyond.

The conference will provide an opportunity for young people to prepare themselves for Bahá’í service, not only by coming together for inspiration but also by deepening on the fundamental verities of the Faith and developing practical skills and spiritual insights that will help them in their endeavors.

At the end of the conference, youth goals for the summer will be announced to help unite the efforts of youth and to encourage them to work closely with Bahá’í institutions and their local communities.

Training conference

The conference will emphasize training, as the Universal House of Justice states in its Ridván B.E. 153 message to the Bahá’ís of the world that “to effect the possibilities of expansion and consolidation implied by entry by troops, a determined, worldwide effort to develop human resources must be made.”

Throughout the conference, participants will be encouraged to deepen their understanding of the basic teachings of the Faith.

Workshops will provide opportunities for focused study of the Writings, and participants will also be challenged to explore difficult and challenging questions and topics and to set in motion patterns of behavior and service that will last long after the conference.

See YOUTH page 18

Redistricting statistics show transition is going smoothly

Last October, Electoral Unit Conventions were held in 167 locations following the first complete redistricting of electoral units in more than 10 years. Feedback from the Convention reports indicates that the adjustment to the new boundaries was overwhelmingly positive.

Voting statistics indicate that the American Bahá’í community was able to adapt easily to the significant boundary changes. Overall participation across the country increased by two percent from the previous year, while in-person attendance increased by three percent.

More than one-third of the recommendations and suggestions received by the National Spiritual Assembly from the Unit Conventions focused on the implementation of the Four Year Plan at the local level.

See TRANSITION page 18

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
> More reports of Martin Luther King Day events	3
> Part 3 of series on Bahá’ís at the United Nations	10
> List of sites for National Convention teleconference	11
> Core Curriculum touches lives, transforms souls	14
> Complete listing of 1997 Summer School venues	24

[Page 2]

TEACHING

A letter from the Western Regional Committee Beloved friends residing in the Western States

In response to its letter of February 15 sent to all the friends in the Western States, several distinctly different and wonderful responses have been received by the Regional Committee.

The variety of responses confirms the rich variety of "strategic, flexible teaching plans" that are being developed in this region. These responses also reflect the mature interaction of individual initiative with institutional support at the local level.

Many of the letters include examples of specific activities that contribute directly to the process of entry by troops.

For example, the Spiritual Assembly of Benton County, Oregon, wrote about morning devotional services initiated by two members of the community that reach out to the public by honoring the world's many religions and their texts, and a series of daytime deepenings on "basic beliefs" to accommodate those whose work schedules do not allow them to attend at "ordinary" Bahá’í times.

In January, the Spiritual Assembly of Carson City, Nevada, sponsored a Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest that drew entries from more than 130 fourth and fifth-grade students with the mayor of Carson City presenting awards to the top three entrants. The Bahá’ís of Carson City are also serving as legislative chaplain in the Nevada State Legislature.

In Salt Lake City, Utah, two community members developed a presentation based on statements by the Bahá’í International Community, "The Prosperity of Humankind" and "Turning Point for All Nations," and presented it to the local chapter of the United Nations Association.

The Spiritual Assembly of San Luis Obispo County Northwest (California) outlined its goals for the Four Year Plan in detail, citing everything from Assembly development classes and Core Curriculum training to fund-raisers for the Arc, courses for new believers, an institute for the healing of racism and race unity walk, public service ads and programs on radio and TV, and a monthly clothing drive.

As we observe more and more activities that indicate that the friends are focusing their efforts on strengthening Assemblies; working toward efficient administration and prompt consolidation; strategic, flexible planning for teaching; reaching people of capacity; relating the Faith to contemporary social and humanitarian issues, and exhibiting goal-directed behavior, we are confident that this region is definitely making progress in advancing the process of entry by troops.

When these activities take place within Bahá’í communities, where there is a firm commitment to spiritual transformation, love and unity, universal participation, a balance between expansion and consolidation, and an effort to create and share a Bahá’í model with the world, exciting results can be expected.

The committee looks forward to hearing from others about the individual and institutional actions being taken in this region in response to the Ridván messages and the national plan for B.E. 153-54.

With loving greetings, Regional Committee for the Western States March 1997

Communications may be sent to the Regional Committee for the Western States, San Francisco, CA 94127-1604 (e-mail; phone 415-759-1996; fax 415-759-1991).

National Spiritual Assembly honors two who help promote racial unity

The 13th annual David Kellum Award presentation and reception was held February 15 at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

The award is presented each year by the National Spiritual Assembly in honor of the late David Kellum, a Bahá’í who as city editor of the Chicago Defender newspaper established the city's Bud Billiken Club and parade, which promote racial harmony and understanding.

This year's award recipients were David K. Braden, producer of the Po' Davy television program in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Olusegun Sijuwade, a public health educator for the Milwaukee Health Department.

Mr. Braden's show features local children and visiting celebrities who encourage young people to continue their education and to say no to drugs and alcohol.

Mr. Braden also raises funds through his not-for-profit organization to help inner-city children develop their talents, stay in school and stay away from drugs.

Mr. Sijuwade was cited for conducting "safe nights," during which young people develop violence-prevention techniques and policies while taking part in educational and spiritual activities.

The awards were presented on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly by its secretary-general, Robert C. Henderson.

Pictured are staff members at the Bahá’í National Center who were honored with lovely mementos last November by the National Spiritual Assembly for their many years of service at the Center. They included five who had served for 20 years or more and 16 who had served for at least 15 years. Three other staff members, one of whom served at the National Center for more than 40 years and two who have served for 25 years, received tokens of gratitude from the National Assembly on an earlier occasion.

THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í Published once every 38 days (plus one special issue) for a total of 10 issues a year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL and additional mailing offices. ISSN Number: 1062-1113 Executive Editor: Jack Bowers Associate Editor: Tom Mennillo

The American Bahá’í welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Bahá’í Faith. Articles should be clear and concise; color or black-and-white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all correspondence and other materials to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091-2886. Send address changes to Management Information Services, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

Copyright 1997 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

The Regional Committee for the Southern States would like to locate Bahá’ís with specific talents to assist in a variety of projects. The production of new materials, the development of new curricula, and management of special projects...all these efforts and more are in the planning stages. Can YOU help?

Please fill out the coupon below and mail it in today!

YES...I CAN HELP! YES...I CAN HELP! YES...I CAN HELP! YES...!

NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP PHONE EMAIL

My talents include... creative writing study materials development sign design and production display design radio script writing graphic design conference planning song writing cartooning audio production film/video production calligraphy curriculum development other (describe below)

DETAILS

Please send any background information that might better acquaint us with your skills and talents. Mail to: Regional Committee for the Southern States Colleyville, TX 76034-4618 [Page 3]

More reports of Martin Luther King Day observances

Accounts of successful Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative events keep rolling in from coast to coast. Here is the latest news.

Carrollton, Texas

The deeply felt strains of gospel music sent a moving message into the hearts of hundreds of listeners as black and white singers swayed together, radiant love shining from their faces, singing, “Leaning on everlasting love. ...”

This triumphant scene was the finale of the ninth annual Martin Luther King Day Conference sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Carrollton.

It was also the culmination of long months of effort for the Bahá’í community, which had worked diligently to involve two very different churches, the public schools, the local newspaper, and social service organizations in an unprecedented coalition.

Some 300 people, including about 70 Bahá’ís, attended the event. The local newspaper, The Metrocrest News, published a front-page photograph of the event and devoted the front of its Lifestyles section to several photos and a lengthy article about the conference.

The mayor of Carrollton, two City Council members, the police chief and assistant city manager also attended.

This event has grown in attendance and community involvement during the nine years since the Carrollton Bahá’ís hosted the first one in 1989. There were few Martin Luther King events in the entire Dallas area when this event began. Today, it is still one of the few of its kind in the northern suburbs.

In the Carrollton area, it is anticipated every year by residents who depend on the Bahá’ís to provide this service. The public schools now freely distribute publicity about the event every year to teachers and students alike, and some teachers have given their students extra credit for attending the conference.

One part of the story behind this year’s successful event is how the Carrollton Bahá’ís brought together a historically African-American church that had performed at previous years’ programs and a Unitarian church that had approached the Bahá’í community asking for help in bringing more diversity to its congregation.

The Bahá’í community suggested that the choirs of the two churches sing together at the Martin Luther King Day event, and worked with the two choirs as they passed through stages of resistance and mistrust into the light of friendship.

Every member of the combined choir expressed his or her feelings of joy at being part of this joining, and many audience members were moved to tears at the sight and sound of the two choirs singing in such accord.

As a result of working together for this event, the churches plan to continue their fellowship with one another and with the Bahá’ís on a regular basis.

Another part of preparing for the event was the way that the Bahá’ís worked with the local public school district to encourage an essay contest for students.

Teachers and administrators at each of the area’s two high schools organized and publicized the contest. The schools themselves chose the theme of “The Oneness of Humanity” after a recent series of talks by Bahá’í author Nathan Rutstein.

The Bahá’í community asked The Metrocrest News to help by providing cash prizes for the winning essays at each school. The newspaper readily agreed, and the prizes were presented during the conference program. The newspaper published the six winning essays along with the story and photos of the conference.

An elementary school choir also took part in the event by performing several songs about respect and tolerance. An African drum group, Primordial Soup, made up of people from various races and backgrounds, lent its ancestral rhythms to the program.

The keynote speaker was the Rev. Holsey Hickman, vice president of the Greater Dallas Community of Churches. Since 1991 he has staffed the organization’s Department of Justice and Reconciliation.

Bahá’í inspirational speaker Carrie Smith of the Dallas area spoke about her involvement in the U.S. civil rights movement and the example of Dr. King’s life of service and sacrifice.

The conference included a volunteer fair at which several social service organizations offered information to attendees before and after the program.

East Boulder County, Colorado

The Bahá’ís of Louisville, Lafayette and Boulder participated once again in the annual Martin Luther King event, a celebration of cultural diversity.

The event was initiated in 1991 by the Bahá’ís of Louisville as a cooperative effort with other local faith communities. It has since expanded to include Lafayette and surrounding communities, with increasing commitment to the event from churches and other groups.

Based on this initiative, the East Boulder County Interfaith Council was formed in 1996 to sponsor a fund-raiser for burned churches and to sponsor events such as the King Day program.

Each year the program is held in a local church and consists of prayers, scripture, dramatic presentations, dance and music.

This year and last year, the Bahá’í Youth Workshop performed, evoking an enthusiastic response. Every year, Bahá’í writings have been shared, also receiving a positive response.

Other presentations this year included a Hispanic choir, readings from other scriptures and traditions, a presentation about Dr. King, a recitation of the “I Have a Dream” speech, a bell choir and congregational singing.

Participants included the Bahá’í, Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, Jewish and Sikh communities.

Plano, Texas

Over the past several years, the Bahá’ís of Plano have steadily increased their participation in the city’s annual celebration of the Martin Luther King holiday.

This year, they were invited to co-chair the annual City Hall program during which the mayor and the City Council commemorate the occasion and residents gather to pay tribute to Dr. King.

At the event, newly elected Mayor John Longstreet gave the welcoming remarks on behalf of the City Council.

Carrie Smith then delivered the keynote speech, describing her personal experience as an African-American growing up in the North and visiting the segregated South in the 1950s. She also presented her views on racial harmony inspired by the writings of Bahá’u’lláh.

During the celebration, the Bahá’í Children’s Choir performed two songs and Michael and Cherisa ‎Aud Ard‎, Bahá’ís from McKinney, offered musical entertainment.

Mike and Cherisa Ard entertain during the Martin Luther King Day celebration at the City Hall in Plano, Texas.

The Bahá’ís were openly praised for their contributions to and efforts in coordinating the event. Because of this involvement, the Bahá’ís have been asked by the organizing committee to help develop interracial activities and improve race relations in the city. They also have been invited to hold intercultural dialogues through which high school youth can ‎addresses address‎ their prejudices.

Also during the holiday weekend, more than 60 Bahá’ís took part in the annual parade, carrying race unity banners. It was the largest contingent present.

‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ also received recognition in the annual art contest for school children. Mona Kamali and Firouzeh Kamali won first prize in their age groups, 5–8 and 12–15, respectively. Each received a trophy and a $50 savings bond. In the 9–12 age group another Bahá’í, Sara Kamali, won third prize.

Los Angeles, California

A little rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the Bahá’ís as they marched in this year’s Martin Luther King parade.

Once again led by the Bahá’í Youth Workshop performing with distinction, a number of the friends—and their friends—joined to walk the several-mile route, shouting “Happy King Day” and chanting “Unity in Diversity” to an appreciative audience lining the street.

Umbrellas sprouted to mingle with the “One Planet, One People...Please” signs being carried by the multicultural group.

As the Bahá’ís passed the reviewing stand, the commentator announced them as a group that truly represents Dr. King’s dream. And they were that: from children to senior citizens, black, white, brown and yellow—a garden of humanity.

Houston, Texas

More than 100 Houston Bahá’ís took part January 20 in the Martin Luther King Day parade along the main streets of downtown.

The Bahá’í float was spectacular. A blue earth, encased in a spherical framework showing the land masses, was surrounded by a band showing images of all the races of mankind. From the top stretched eight colored streamers attached to signs carried by some of the friends representing the principal religions of the world.

The Bahá’í Youth Workshop followed the float, dancing and chanting to the delight of the crowd lining the streets.

Many ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ handed out pamphlets and other literature. In fact, the supply ran out before the parade ended.

Spiritual Assembly of Skokie, IL, honored

On February 10, the Spiritual Assembly of Skokie, Illinois, was given an award for meritorious service by the board president of the Skokie Park District on behalf of the Illinois Commission on Parks and Recreation.

The award, which honors five or more years of service through participation in the annual Skokie Festival of Cultures, is the highest honor granted by the Park District to individuals or groups in recognition of outstanding community service.

The Festival of Cultures educates the public about the racial, ethnic and cultural diversity in Skokie, and the Bahá’í community supports the Village in all such efforts. [Page 4]

Countries and territories in need of pioneers, traveling teachers

In September 1996 the Universal House of Justice announced the international international pioneering and traveling teaching needs as defined by category.

Category 1: The following are countries and territories where the needs are especially pressing.

Africa—Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Lesotho. Australasia—Cook Islands, French Polynesia. Europe—Yugoslavia.

Category 2: The following are countries and territories where the Faith is established, but pioneers are needed to stimulate the process of growth and to help open new centers.

Africa—Benin, Botswana, Burkina, Cape Verde, Eritrea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, Namibia, Niger, Reunion, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, St. Helena (South Africa), Tanzania, Uganda. Americas—Argentina, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Chile, Chiloe Island, Dominica, East Leeward Islands, Easter Island, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Galapagos Islands, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Jamaica, Juan Fernandez Islands, Martinique, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos Islands, Venezuela, Virgin Islands, West Leeward Islands. Asia—Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Armenia, Asiatic Russia (including Sakhalin), Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Korea (South), Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Ogasawara Islands, Ryukyu Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan. Australasia—Christmas Island, Eastern Caroline Islands, Fiji Islands, Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands, Norfolk Islands, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Western Caroline Islands. Europe—Albania, Andorra, Azores, Balearic Islands, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Channel Islands, Corsica, Croatia, Cyprus (Northern), Cyprus (Southern), Czech Republic, Denmark, Elba, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macedonia, Madeira Island, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Sardinia, Sicily, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spitsbergen, Ukraine.

Category 3: The following are countries and territories where the process of expansion and consolidation has a significant momentum, but there is a need for pioneers who can undertake specific tasks, such as arousing the interest of prominent people, strengthening the communities in certain areas, or helping with social and economic development projects.

Africa—Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo Republic, Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rodrigues, South Africa, Swaziland, Togo, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Americas—Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay. Asia—Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Taiwan. Australasia—Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa. Europe—Canary Islands, Iceland.

Category 4: The following are countries and territories where pioneers are greatly needed, but entry is difficult because of restrictions on Bahá’í activity, lack of security, or other circumstances. These conditions present a need for believers who will resourcefully seek out opportunities for pioneering.

Africa—Angola, Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Liberia, Mauritania, Mozambique, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan. Americas—Cuba, Haiti, St. Pierre and Miquelon. Asia—Afghanistan, Bhutan, Brunei, Indonesia, Korea (North), Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, Tajikistan, Vietnam. Australasia—Wallis and Futuna.

Teachers should consider U.S. Information Agency's Teaching Fellow program

Excerpt from the "International Employment Hotline," March 1997.

Teachers of English as a foreign language should consider applying for the U.S. Information Agency's English Teaching Fellow Program. Each year the program places qualified English teachers in host country educational institutions for 12-month periods.

The two eligibility requirements for the program are U.S. citizenship and a master's degree in TESL/TEFL or a closely related field.

Candidates who are accepted into the program become English Teaching Fellows (ETFs), serving as full-time English teachers in any one of 25 to 30 countries. Duties typically include up to 20 hours of classroom teaching, materials and test development, and teacher training.

ETF's receive a basic stipend, which is paid in U.S. dollars, a living allowance, international round-trip transportation from U.S. residence to country of assignment, group medical/hospitalization insurance, core texts, an orientation and miscellaneous pre-departure expenses. Benefits do not cover dependents; however, they may accompany the ETF at their own expense.

If you satisfy the eligibility requirements and would like more information, contact Dr. Wendy Redlinger, School for International Training, Kipling Road, P.O. Box 676, Brattleboro, VT 05302-076 (phone 802-258-3311; fax 802-258-3210).

Seeking pen-pals

The Office of Pioneering receives many requests for international pen-pals from Bahá’ís as well as others around the world. If you enjoy writing letters and getting to know people from other countries, please contact us right away: Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-733-3508; fax 847-733-3509; e-mail).

What international travels should be reported to the Office of Pioneering?

"As you know, in principle, any believer who arises and leaves his home for the purpose of serving the Cause and settles in another place is a pioneer. Short-term pioneers are those who spend a relatively short period of time in a place, usually from six months to two years, but, under specual circumstances, as little as three months. Unlike long-term pioneers, who are often preoccupied with employment, housing and family, short-term pioneers can devote full-time service to the Faith.

Traveling teachers are, of course, those who travel from their place of residence to other localities for the purpose of promoting the interests of the Faith, individually or as participants in projects and programs. Youth-year-of-service volunteers working in the international field would fall into one or the other of the above categories, depending on their circumstances." (From a letter from the Department of the Secretariat of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, March 8, 1995)

"...In his daily activities and contacts, in all his journeys, whether for business or otherwise, on his holidays and outings, and on any mission he may be called upon to undertake, every bearer of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh should consider it not only an obligation but a privilege to scatter far and wide the seeds of His Faith, and to rest content in the abiding knowledge that whatever be the immediate response to that Message, and however inadequate the vehicle that conveyed it, the power of its Author will, as He sees fit, enable those seeds to germinate, and in circumstances which no one can foresee enrich the harvest which the labor of His followers will gather." (Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 52)

To record the achievement of the traveling teaching goals, the Office of Pioneering needs information about all international trips undertaken for the sake of promoting the interests of the Faith. This information is important whatever the level or amount of service and regardless of whether your trip was exclusively for service to the Faith or was combined with a trip for business, holiday, family, study or otherwise.

To make this easiest for you, just fill out and send the short form below by mail to: Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201, or by fax to (847) 733-3509, or by email: or call: (847) 733-3511. Please include the names of all Bahá’ís traveling, the names of each country and the one or two main localities visited, the dates of your trip, and the main purpose of your travel. We look forward to hearing from you.

International Teaching Information

Name(s): Address: Tel: ( ) I.D. #s:

DATES (FROM/TO): COUNTRIES and/or LOCALITIES: MAIN PURPOSE:

Comments:

Please return to: Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 [Page 5]‘This booklet ... is a primer on the divine nature of the local Spiritual Assembly and its principal roles in a community.’

Electing Bahá’í Assemblies

$2.50# SC (EBA)

This booklet, produced under the direction of the Office of Assembly Development and the National Teaching Committee, is a primer on the divine nature of the local Spiritual Assembly and its principal roles in a community. Developed to provide the basic information regarding this divine institution in an easy to assimilate and inspirational format, this booklet will help Assemblies educate all of the individuals in their community on these fundamental points of Bahá’í administration. Bulk priced at $2.00 each for 10 or more.

11"x8½", 16 pp., photographs

Office of Assembly Development and the National Teaching Committee

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‘This story for children is a lesson in appreciating everyone’s contribution to the world.’

Rainbow

‎Segey Sergey‎ Valdivieso-Sinyakov $5.95 SC (RAIN)

What would the world be like if there were no color? Find out when seven brothers—Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Orange, Indigo and Violet—lay down their brushes and stop painting everything we see! This story for children is a lesson in appreciating everyone’s contribution to the world.

5"x7", 18 pp., illustrations

Brilliant Books

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The Path Toward Spirituality

Sacred Duties and Practices of the Bahá’í Life Shahin Vafai $5.00 SC (PTSS)

Every Bahá’í has as his or her goal the perfection of spiritual attributes and an ever-increasing level of spirituality. Our faith in this process of change is a principal reason for our being Bahá’ís. Here in The Path Toward Spirituality is a synopsis of the steps that the Bahá’í Faith outlines as the prerequisites to that change. This book is already being used in many communities as a reference book for training institutes on the process of personal transformation and is organized specifically to instruct and train the reader in fundamental and concrete approaches to starting on the path toward spirituality. Includes practical exercises, quotations for reflection, appendices on related topics, and more.

6"x9", 149 pp., introduction, appendices, bibliography, references

Palabra Publications

‘This book is already being used in many communities as a reference book for training institutes on the process of personal transformation ...’

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PER: Áyát-i-Iláhí

Daily Readings in Persian $22.00 HC (PAIH)

Volume 2 of the popular daily readings book from Bahá’í Verlag in Germany. This handsome edition is ‎formated formatted‎ in both the Gregorian and Bahá’í calendar years. Over 300 selections from the writings are represented.

4"x5¾", 397 pp.

Bahá’í Verlag

‘Over 300 selections ...’

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‘... asks and answers the most frequent questions that many Christians will have...’

Investigate Bahá’u’lláh

J. Peter Smith $1.25 SC (IB)

In this brief booklet the author, Peter Smith, outlines the questions that framed his personal investigation of the claims of Bahá’u’lláh. As a Christian, Mr. Smith asks and answers the most frequent questions that many Christians will have in making the same determination he has: that Bahá’u’lláh is the Promised One. Deriving most of the material from the Bible and the Bahá’í sacred writings, this booklet provides ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ with the information to respond to these same questions quickly and accurately. The booklet ends with an invitation for the reader to further investigate the claims of Bahá’u’lláh.

5¼"x8½", 20 pp.

White Mountain Publications

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Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings on Spiritual Reality

SC $3.50 (BTSR)

A long awaited follow-up to Proofs of Bahá’u’lláh’s Mission, this book is a compilation of writings dealing with spiritual reality. An excellent introduction for seekers and new Bahá’ís on the Bahá’í theology of the quest for spirituality, what it means to be spiritual, the progress of the soul, and spiritual education. An equally vital refresher as well for any Bahá’í who wishes to reacquaint himself or herself with the Sacred Text’s pronouncements on these and other corollary topics such as prayer and meditation, mastery of self, suffering, immortality, sacrifice, and an array of critical topics about which every Bahá’í should have an understanding. Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings on Spiritual Reality is an excellent opportunity for presenting the transforming Word of God to yourself or to another.

4¼"x7", 204 pp., introduction, bibliography Palabra Publications

‘An excellent introduction for seekers and new Bahá’ís on the Bahá’í theology of the quest for spirituality...’

Mystic Voice from the Realm of the Invisible

‘...exquisitely executed interplay of music and spoken word...’

Selections from the Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh recited by Lisa Janti music by Bob Alcivar CD (double) $19.95 (MVCD)

Shoghi Effendi described the Hidden Words as “dynamic spiritual leaven cast into the life of the world for the reorientation of the minds of men, the edification of their souls and the rectification of their conduct.” This recording of major portions of both the Arabic and Persian texts of the Hidden Words is presented in a unique and exquisitely executed interplay of music and spoken word. A loving companion in solitude and artful addition for group events, this beautiful and inspiring rendition of the Hidden Words makes a ‎pefect perfect‎ gift for family, friends and seekers. This CD package contains an additional disc with the New Age music score alone as a special bonus.

74 minutes A/J Productions

Twin Manifestations

‘Lessons are suitable for adaptation...’

Ruhi Institute Book 4 by the Ruhi Institute SC $8.00 (TM4)

The fourth in the series from the Ruhi Institute, this book deals directly with the Twin Manifestations, their lives, station and teachings. Also included is a section which deals with the “greatness of this day.” Carefully constructed lessons delineate the purpose, the ideas, the exercises and the practice necessary to acquire this basic set of knowledge regarding the Twin Prophet-Founders of the Bahá’í Faith. These lessons are suitable for adaptation into a wide range of age groups, from young children to adults.

8½"x11", 171 pp. Palabra Publications

A Basic Bahá’í Chronology

by Glenn Cameron with Wendi Momen $29.95 SC (BBC)

When was the greeting ‘Alláh-u-Abhá’ first used by Bahá’ís? When did Bahá’u’lláh reveal The Seven Valleys? When was the House of Worship in Panama completed? When was the International Teaching Centre established? Who was the first Puerto Rican Bahá’í? There are many times when we need to know the date of a Bahá’í event—in preparing a talk for summer school or a deepening class, when the media suddenly want an interview, in our external affairs work or just to satisfy our curiosity! Here at your fingertips are thousands of facts about the Bábí and Bahá’í Faiths, presented in the order in which they occurred and illustrated with over 300 photographs. More than 145 books and journals and hundreds of unpublished sources were meticulously researched to provide this comprehensive guide to Bahá’í history.

7"x9½", 560 pp., photographs, index George Ronald Publisher

Oneness of Humanity

$9.95 SC (BSOH)

Why is unity like a fruit salad? How does the oneness of humanity fit into the Four Year Plan? Answers to these and many other fascinating questions are in this resource book of activities, including stories and articles reprinted from the pages of Brilliant Star. Reproducible for classroom use.

8½"x11", 48 pp., illustrations, activities Brilliant Star

Divisive Barbarity or Global Civilization?

The Ethical Dimensions of Science, Art, Religion, and Politics edited by M. L. Bradbury and Suheil Bushrui $24.95 HC (DBGC)

This book presents the discussions of the Fourth International Dialogue on the Transition to a Global Society held at the University of Maryland at College Park. The foreword to these discussions was contributed by Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, who served as the keynote speaker for the proceedings, and the papers contained herein support the twin goals of the conference: To find integrative answers to the challenge of building an ethical, global civilization and to inspire purposeful action on the part of leaders in all realms of society so that the proposed solutions can be realized. Topics for discussion centered around science and technology, art and architecture, religion and human values, politics, and youth.

5¾"x9", 231 pp., contents, index University Press of Maryland

Bahá’u’lláh: His Life and Station

$9.95 SC (BSBLS)

Children will develop a deep love for Bahá’u’lláh with fun stories and activities reprinted from the pages of Brilliant Star. A quick resource for lesson planning which supports the core curriculum. Includes many popular out-of-print favorites. Reproducible for classroom use.

8½"x11", 46 pp., illustrations, activities Brilliant Star

The Origins of the Bahá’í Community of Canada, 1898-1948

by Will C. van den Hoonaard $32.95 HC (OBCC)

What binds together Louis Riel’s former secretary, a railroad inventor, a Montreal comedienne, an early proponent of Canada’s juvenile system, and a prominent Canadian architect? From 1898 to 1948, these and some 550 other individual Canadian Bahá’ís helped create a movement described as the second most widespread religion in the world. Using diaries, official reports, private correspondence, newspapers, archives and interviews, Will C. van den Hoonaard has created the first historical account of the Bahá’í Faith in Canada. This is the story of modern spiritual heroes—people who changed the lives of others through their devotion to Bahá’í ideals.

6¼"x9¾", 356 pp., photographs, contents, introduction, bibliography, index Wilfrid Laurier University Press

Translation of the French Foot-Notes from The Dawn-Breakers

translated by Emily McBride Perigord $6.95 SC (TFF)

English translations of the French footnotes found throughout The Dawn-Breakers.

6"x9", 83 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust, United States [Page 7]

Unveiling the Hidden Words

Bahá’í Studies Volume II
by Diana Malouf
SC $18.95 (UH)

The Hidden Words, that “marvelous collection of gem-like utterances” with which “Bahá’u’lláh was inspired, as He paced, wrapped in His meditations, the banks of the Tigris,” is one of the most important works in Bahá’í literature and one of the most beautiful. The translation of the Arabic and Persian verses into English befitting the eloquence of the original required a master hand. Diana Malouf’s Unveiling the Hidden Words is a study of the translation of the Arabic verses of the Hidden Words by Shoghi Effendi, designated the “interpreter” of the Bahá’í teachings, who was uniquely placed to render the words of his great-grandfather into English of outstanding beauty and charm. Dr. Malouf examines Shoghi Effendi’s translation in light of certain “norms” or objectives for the translation—for example, to render the text elegantly, to make the translation enduring and to highlight its eloquence. Additionally, Dr. Malouf examines the life of Shoghi Effendi and his preparation for his work as translator of the Bahá’í writings, considers the nature of the Hidden Words itself as a literary work, and describes the goals and challenges of translating any work from one language into another. Included in the appendix are translations by different translators of 20 Arabic Hidden Words, demonstrating Shoghi Effendi’s mastery of the art.

5½"x8¼", 230 pp., contents, introduction, bibliography, references
George Ronald

Understanding Biblical Prophecy

Preparing for a Bahá’í/Christian Dialogue, Volume 3
by Michael Sours
$19.99 SC (UBP)

This is the final volume in a three-volume study program designed to help Bahá’ís familiarize themselves with the Bible and Christian beliefs. Among this volume’s features:

• Explains Bahá’u’lláh’s key to understanding Biblical prophecy and symbolism
• Demonstrates how Christ, Muhammad and Bahá’u’lláh fulfill the central prophecies of the Bible
• Emphasizes Biblical prophecies that are documented in authoritative Bahá’í Scripture
• Examines areas of agreement between Christian and Bahá’í interpretations
• Provides Biblical evidence supporting the teachings and interpretations of Bahá’u’lláh.

6"x9¼", 238 pp., contents, bibliography, index
Oneworld Publications

Revisioning the Sacred

New Perspectives on Bahá’í Theology
Studies in the Bábí and Bahá’í Religions, Volume Eight
edited by J. A. McLean
HC $35.00 (RTSH), SC $29.95 (RTSS)

This book is the first academic volume dedicated to the serious understanding of Bahá’í theology as an area of Bahá’í studies. It is an historic first attempt to investigate Bahá’í theological teachings and the nature of Bahá’í Sacred Texts using systematic and scholarly methods. Each essay in the book is well argued and is the product of thorough research. Since the Bahá’í Faith has no clergy, the opinions of each author are only his or her own and cannot be regarded as authoritative statements of Bahá’í belief. Yet the insights that these scholars bring to bear will impel the reader to a closer, more prayerful reflection on the Bahá’í scriptures.

6"x9", 231 pp., introduction, bibliography
Kalimát Press

BACK IN PRINT!

Understanding Christian Belief, SC $19.99 (UCB)
Understanding Biblical Evidence, SC $19.99 (UBE)

A Short Introduction to the Bahá’í Faith

by Moojan Momen
$11.95 SC (SIBF)

The Bahá’í Faith is the youngest of the world religions, with social and spiritual teachings very much in tune with the concerns of the present. Yet despite being the second most widespread religion after Christianity, many people are unfamiliar with Bahá’í history and beliefs. This book offers a clear, readable and informative introduction to all aspects of this fast-growing faith, from its teachings on the spiritual development of the individual to the Bahá’í belief in the oneness of all religions and the need for world peace. Sections of the book include personal spirituality, family and community life, worship and festivals, social and theological teachings, history of the Faith and an overview the present-day worldwide Bahá’í community.

5¾"x9", 150 pp., index, bibliography
Oneworld Publications

God’s Big Instruction Book

$8.95 SC (GBIB)

Words to heal, words to comfort, words to cheer, words to guide. These gems of wisdom from the world’s sacred scriptures have transformed the lives of people all over the world for thousands of years. Celebrating all that it means to be human, from rejoicing in love to comforting the suffering, from offering forgiveness to contemplating the meaning of life, these inspirational words will guide your steps along the spiritual path. Includes quotes from the scriptures of Judaism, ‎Chritianity Christianity‎, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism, and the Bahá’í Faith on a range of topics such as the purpose of life, spiritual growth, family and community life, tests and difficulties, and life after death.

6"x4½", 248 pp.
Oneworld Publications

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Treasurer’s corner

The Treasurer’s Corner is devoted to helping local treasurers and others who have special interest in development of the Funds by offering suggestions and ideas that might be helpful in this work. If you would like to offer stories or ideas that have proven useful in your community, you are invited to share them with other communities through this column. Contact the Office of the Treasurer and Development at 847-733-3472 or e-mail

Stewardship and Development Seminars

The National Spiritual Assembly’s plans for a series of Stewardship and Development Seminars for local Spiritual Assemblies, their treasurers and treasurer’s assistants are progressing well. Friends from around the country have been trained to facilitate these gatherings and selected local Spiritual Assemblies are being asked to co-sponsor the events. At least two seminars will be held in most states shortly after the Ridván elections.

A new manual, Stewardship and Development: A Desktop Reference for Spiritual Assemblies and Their Treasurers, will serve as the centerpiece for the seminars. In April, local Spiritual Assemblies will be receiving notification of the seminar nearest them. Please make every effort to attend this important event.

Summary statements discontinued

The summary statements for total annual contributions will not be mailed this year. Discontinuing the statement, previously mailed to every believer who has made one or more contributions during the year directly to the Bahá’í National Fund, is a cost-cutting measure that should yield savings to the National Fund of approximately $3,000 in mailing costs alone.

The receipts provided as a result of each individual contribution are sufficient for filing taxes and should be saved for that purpose. Please alert the friends in your community that this action is being taken and that, should any member of your community need a duplicate receipt for any contribution, it may be requested from the Office of the Treasurer. Contact Anne Respess at 847-733-3462 or email

Summary statements for contributions made through the Automatic Contribution System will continue to be provided annually.

Annual information mailing

The secretary of your Spiritual Assembly will soon be receiving the annual Assembly Formation mailing from the Bahá’í National Center which contains many items of special importance to you, the treasurer.

You should look for the following items in particular: the Audit Form, a Budget Worksheet, the Financial Report to the National Spiritual Assembly and the Goal Sheet for 154 B.E. A reminder that the Goal Sheet, on which your Assembly reports its annual goal for the National Fund, should be returned to the Office of the Treasurer by May 15. Setting and reporting your goal in a timely manner is a service to the National Spiritual Assembly as it greatly assists the NSA’s financial planning process. The annual formation mailing is sent to large Groups as well.

Honor Roll

The Honor Roll for 153 B.E. will soon be prepared. The question is often asked, "Why isn’t my community on the Honor Roll? We even exceeded our goal." It is a wonderful victory when a community meets or exceeds its goal; however, the purpose of the Honor Roll is to encourage and recognize consistent and regular contributions by local Spiritual Assemblies and registered Groups. It is critical that contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund, and indeed to all the Funds, be made regularly, by Bahá’í month or Gregorian month, and consistently, so that the financial responsibilities of the Funds can be met.

To be listed on the Honor Roll, a community must make contributions 15 or more times during at least 12 of the 19 Bahá’í months, or take part in the Automatic Contribution System for at least 10 of the 12 Gregorian months. This year, as every year, the Honor Roll will be reported in April for March 1996 through February 1997.

Preparing one’s will has practical, spiritual value in accordance with laws of the Faith

Sometimes the laws of the Faith may seem puzzling to us, especially in this society and at this time. However, trusting in Bahá’u’lláh and knowing that His wisdom and guidance are unerring, and believing with all our hearts that every word He uttered was divinely given, we try our best to follow His laws.

There are laws that are obviously quite practical in the context of our present-day lives in this world. One of these is the directive in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas about the writing of a will:

"Unto everyone hath been enjoined the writing of a will. The testator should head this document with the adornment of the Most Great Name, bear witness therein unto the oneness of God in the Dayspring of His Revelation, and make mention, as he may wish, of that which is praiseworthy, so that it may be a testimony for him in the kingdoms of Revelation and Creation and a treasure with his Lord, the Supreme Protector, the Faithful." (Bahá’u’lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p. 59)

First, let us look at the practical benefits of following this guidance.

We can achieve much for the welfare of those who depend on us for their material well-being and for the advancement of our own souls through obedience to this law. Among the many advantages of having a will are these:

1. A will specifies who is to receive our possessions when we die. Through a will we can ensure that our property goes to those people and institutions that are most important during our lives.

2. A will can indicate the persons we wish to appoint as guardians of our children, and facilitate our desire that the children be reared as Bahá’ís.

3. A will allows us to provide financial security for our beneficiaries who have special circumstances, such as minor children, disabled or elderly relatives, and others who might be unable to manage an inheritance.

4. A will provides a way to give from our estate to the Bahá’í Faith, as well as to those charities we consider worthy of support. Without a will, there is no provision for sharing our property with the Cause since the government recognizes only relatives as legally eligible for a share of any estate.

Dying "intestate," or without a will, can be expensive and troublesome for loved ones. The taxes payable under this circumstance can also be a much larger part of the estate, and the settlement of an estate can take months, even years. Meanwhile, those who have depended on us for their material welfare may suffer from the delay and uncertainty involved.

What if we feel that we have no money or possessions of value to bequeath? Or perhaps we are young, have no family as yet, and believe that this law does not apply to us at this time? Bahá’u’lláh says that "Unto everyone hath been enjoined the writing of a will," and that means rich or poor, young or old, single or married, man or woman.

Beyond the practical aspects lies the spiritual side of this injunction. It is interesting to note that while there are all the good and practical reasons for writing a will that were mentioned above, which deal primarily with the material aspects of our lives, Bahá’u’lláh makes no reference to these in His instructions to us regarding the will. Here is the passage from the Aqdas again:

"The testator should head this document with the adornment of the Most Great Name, bear witness therein unto the oneness of God in the Dayspring of His Revelation, and make mention, as he may wish, of that which is praiseworthy, so that it may be a testimony for him in the kingdoms of Revelation and Creation and a treasure with his Lord, the Supreme Protector, the Faithful."

Earthly matters, material goods, are not the subject here. Clearly, Bahá’u’lláh considers the most important aspect of the will to be our testimony to our belief in Him and our praise of Him in whatever words and in whatever manner we wish to express them. Every believer, regardless of his or her lot in life, has the privilege and obligation of testifying to this relationship with the Lord of the Age.

Some people delay writing a will because it relates to their passing from this world, or for the reasons mentioned earlier. How much better it is for our hearts to be gladdened by the words of our Guardian, so full of promise and light:

"The execution of the provisions of the will causes the spirit of the deceased to rejoice in the Abhá Kingdom." (Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice dated August 24, 1982, to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States)

Chicago Law Bulletin summarizes lecture by Judge Dorothy Nelson

A lecture by Judge Dorothy W. Nelson of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals was summarized in the February 11 issue of the "Chicago Daily Law Bulletin."

Judge Nelson, who is vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, spoke at the Chicago-Kent College of Law on alternative dispute resolution in an address titled "ADR—Preparing for the Next Century."

The article focused on Judge Nelson’s strong belief in mediation rather than litigation as an effective means of solving many disputes, and quoted her as saying that her interest in mediation springs from her subscribing to the principles of the Bahá’í Faith, "which espouses the spiritual unity of all mankind."

Those who have a global perspective, and especially those within the Bahá’í community, she is quoted as saying, "I really believe that this earth is but one country and mankind its citizens."

HUQUQU’LLÁH

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

• Dr. Amin Banani, Santa Monica, CA 90402 (phone 310-394-5449).
• Mr. Stephen Birkland, Arden Hills, MN 55112 (phone 612-484-9518).
• Dr. Daryush Haghighi, Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone 216-333-1506).
• Mrs. Thelma Khelghati, Lunenburg, MA 01462 (phone 508-582-9216).

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

Inquiries about Huqúqu’lláh should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust, Rocky River, OH 44116. [Page 9]TOTAL ENROLLMENTS February....... 165 Total for year. 1,807

THE FUND (As of February 28, 1997)

National Bahá’í Fund YTD Goal: $12,000,000 thru Feb 97: $9,035,558 Difference: $-2,964,442

All International Funds YTD Goal: $7,500,000 thru Feb 97: $6,740,470 Difference: $-759,530

Breakdown of International Funds: International Bahá’í Fund: $485,161 (thru Feb 97) | $1,271,130 (thru Feb 96) Arc Projects Fund: $5,998,336 (thru Feb 97) | $19,657,213 (thru Feb 96) Continental Bahá’í Fund: $256,973 (thru Feb 97) | $223,949 (thru Feb 96) Other Earmarked: $403.135 (thru Feb 97) | $424,291 (thru Feb 96) Subtotal/Int'l Funds: $6,740,470 (thru Feb 97) | $21,180,142 (thru Feb 96) Total/All Funds: $16,179,163 (thru Feb 97) | $31,074,108 (thru Feb 96)

Debt Watch (Loans Outstanding) Feb 96: $0 Feb 97: $1,200,000

Early response to Fund messages cheering

Responses to recent messages about the condition of the international and national Funds keep coming in, and they are encouraging. What still remains to be seen is when the level of the response will be sufficient to meet the need.

In the case of the National Bahá’í Fund, individuals and Assemblies were asked by the National Spiritual Assembly to consider increasing their contributions by 30 percent over their regular contribution amount for each of the last four Feasts of the year. Here is what some local Spiritual Assemblies have done:

Medford, MA: Committed $1,000 immediately to reduce the national deficit, and challenged 1,499 other parties (Assemblies, individuals, groups, etc.) to make a similar commitment. Here is what they said about their decision: "First, we feel it is our duty and privilege to support our institutions. Second, we feel that a National Spiritual Assembly that is kept financially healthy through the voluntary and loving support of the American Bahá’í community will demonstrate to the nation at large our uniqueness, unity, and promise as a national community....Eliminating the deficit would be a wonderful way to conclude the first year of the Plan. Whoever you are, in a spirit of joy, fellowship and unity, we challenge you to action, and pray that you will join us."

Pittsburgh, PA: "The Spiritual Assembly of Pittsburgh consulted in its last meeting and will increase its monthly contributions by 30 percent, effective immediately....Please, be aware of how much we feel loved by our National Spiritual Assembly, how much we strive to assist you in your service to the Cause."

Kenmore, WA: "In addition to each individual believer understanding the need for the 30 percent increase of donations, the community came up with the following plan: On April 5 we will hold a community-wide garage sale. The proceeds will be divided between the National and International Funds. ...Also, contributions from this Feast will allow us to meet our annual goal of ... to the Bahá’í National Fund. Your prayers for our success are appreciated!"

Solana, CA: "We all understand the urgency of contributing, and the privilege that we have as Bahá’ís to support our Funds!....The Solana Bahá’í community assures you we are prepared to give to the Funds at any time, and we feel honored to have this bounty."

Others have sent in special contributions and have advised the National Assembly of special activities they are planning to raise more funds.

Responses to the February 4 message of the Universal House of Justice have been slower in coming, as of this writing at least. The speed and character of the responses to date, however, have served to reinforce the National Spiritual Assembly's confidence in the will and capacity of the Bahá’ís to meet every goal.

Facilitators readied for Stewardship/Development Seminars

Forty-two friends have received training at the Louhelen Bahá’í School and are prepared to offer more than 150 Stewardship and Development Seminars after Ridván.

The program of seminars, sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly and prepared by the Office of the Treasurer and Development, are primarily for local Spiritual Assemblies, their treasurers and treasurer's assistants; however, any interested community members are encouraged to attend.

The Stewardship and Development Seminars have two components. The first deals with the nuts and bolts of local treasury management including issues such as accurate accounting for contributions, proper receipting, tax deductibility and fund-raising, to name but a few.

The second component, and perhaps the most important part of the training, is a deepening on the fundamental spiritual principles of giving to the Funds. Some messages, not widely disseminated previously, particularly from the Universal House of Justice, are included for study and meditation.

Dates have been set for at least one Stewardship and Development Seminar in almost every state, and invitations from the hosting local Spiritual Assembly, if not already received, are forthcoming.

Bahá’ís in states not hosting a seminar may be able to attend one in a nearby state. Most seminars will be held in May and June.

For information on the Stewardship and Development Seminar nearest you, contact the Office of the Treasurer and Development, 847-733-3472, or e-mail

Rumor that funding for Arc has been completed is said to be completely unfounded

A rumor circulating in some parts of the country alleges that the Universal House of Justice has received all the funds necessary to complete construction of the Arc on Mt. Carmel. This rumor is completely unfounded.

The Supreme Body wrote, through its Secretariat: "As you are well aware, the major focus of attention for the past several years has been the Arc Projects Fund, with the friends summoned to provide financial support for the largest [project] ever undertaken by the worldwide Bahá’í community.

"The response of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in every part of the planet has been magnificent, resulting in a sacrificial outpouring of contributions of a magnitude far beyond that ever previously achieved. The House of Justice was pleased to be able to announce in its Ridván 1996 message the accomplishment of the Three Year Plan goal of 74 million U.S. dollars for that Fund.

"It appears that the contribution of $10 million each year until the end of the century for the Arc Projects Fund, now being made by the believers in response to the call of the House of Justice in its letter of June 20, 1995, will be sufficient to meet the needs for completion of this enterprise, although there always remains the possibility of unforeseen disturbances in the years ahead modifying this projection...."

Vanguard adds Youth Science element

The third annual Vanguard of the Dawning Conference, to be held June 19-22 in Birmingham, has added a Junior Youth science competition.

The Vanguard conferences, which focus on the unique role of the African-American community in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh and its contributions to the spiritual growth and development of the human family, are open to everyone. This year's theme is "Reflections of the Spirit."

Participants in the science competition, whose theme is "The Elimination of Racial Prejudice as a Means to World Peace," must be groups of 2-5 youth ages 11-14 or in grades 6-9 sponsored by a local Spiritual Assembly or Bahá’í Group.

Entries, which must be no larger than 3 feet high by 3 feet wide and 3 feet deep, will be judged on originality, artistic merit, relativity (how well they express the theme), and the degree to which they harmonize science and religion.

The judging panel will consist of nine youth in grades 10-12, and the grand prize will be an all-expenses-paid trip for 2-5 youth and one adult sponsor to the 1997 Bahá’í Youth Conference in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Participants must submit completed registration forms indicating their intention to compete. There is no cost, but forms must be received by May 15. For entry forms on request, phone 205-366-0567 or fax 205-758-4613.

Vanguard 1997 is co-sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Birmingham and the Regional Committee for the Southern States. [Page 10]

Bahá’ís work to refashion UN structure, process

This is the third in a year-long series of articles marking the 50th anniversary of formal Bahá’í recognition by the United Nations as a non-governmental organization.—Ed.

By LEWIS WALKER

In 1960, although the revision of the United Nations Charter had not yet begun, the National Spiritual Assembly authorized the reprinting of its statement "Proposals for Charter Revision," encouraging all Bahá’ís in the U.S. to "see that this impressive document...is placed in the hands of all local citizens actively interested in the United Nations and other organizations such as United World Federalists that are working for the principles of world federation and world law."

The National Assembly added that "the Bahá’ís should thoroughly familiarize themselves with this material" and closed its statement by saying, "This is perhaps one of our most impressive, timely and prestige-building pieces of Bahá’í literature."

In addition to using "Proposals," another process that came into use increasingly over the years was exemplified in the Bahá’í response to the UN's Genocide Convention.

In the winter of 1958-59, 26 National Spiritual Assemblies printed and disseminated a letter drawn up by the Bahá’í International Community endorsing the Convention. By April 1959, Bahá’í International Community representatives Borrah Kavelin and Mildred Mottahedeh were able to present to the President of the UN Human Rights Commission an endorsement of the Genocide Convention on behalf of all National and Regional Assemblies, representing more than 80 countries and territories.

In 1965, a series of commemorations was held in San Francisco to mark the 20th anniversary of the United Nations. Each member nation sent a delegation, and each of them received as a gift from the Bahá’í International Community a beautifully finished box, bearing on its cover the celestial and terrestrial globes of the world. Made in Italy, the box carried on its inside cover a quotation from Bahá’u’lláh.

As part of the commemorative meetings, a Festival of Faiths was held at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, with Arthur L. Dahl, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, representing the Bahá’ís of the U.S.

In San Diego, California

Shoghi Effendi wrote, in his statement of June 25, 1947, entitled "The Challenging Requirements of the Present Hour," of two closely related global processes, and related the United Nations to one of them. Referring to the first process as dating to "the revelation of those stupendous Tablets constituting the Charter of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan," he said it "serves directly the interest of the Administrative Order of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh," and associated it with the mission of the American Bahá’í community.

The second process, beginning with the outbreak of World War I, he described as being associated with the destiny of America, saying it is one that "promotes indirectly the institutions that are to be associated with the establishment of His [Bahá’u’lláh’s] World Order."

The Guardian traced its development through the Fourteen Points of President Woodrow Wilson, the experience of the League of Nations, the second World War and the Atlantic Charter, and then wrote: "It assumed a definite outline through the birth of the United Nations....It acquired added significance through the choice of the City of the Covenant itself as the seat of the newly-born organization," and stated that the process "must, however long and tortuous the way, lead, through a series of victories and reverses, to the political unification of the Eastern and Western hemispheres, to the emergence of a world government and the establishment of the Lesser Peace."

A statement by Mrs. Mottahedeh, the international NGO representative to the United Nations, in the October 1965 issue of Bahá’í News connected those two processes, in her own way. "We are deeply grateful to the United Nations," she wrote, "for the role it played in establishing and maintaining comparative peace in that country [Israel] so that our World Center can function and fulfill its purpose."

Her nearly 20 years as international NGO representative had continued past the formation of the Universal House of Justice in 1963, until the historic statement of October 17, 1967, by the House of Justice, saying that it would formally assume direct representation with the UN, operating through its Bahá’í International Community office, which had been given a permanent home in the UN Plaza building in 1965.

Mrs. Mottahedeh asked to be relieved of her duties because the growing responsibility required full-time service. In response, the House of Justice appointed Dr. Victor de Araujo to the position now described as the International Observer to the United Nations of the Bahá’í International Community.

The House of Justice went on to state, "The United States National Spiritual Assembly, as delegate for the Guardian, the Hands of the Cause and the Universal House of Justice, continues its own national representation with the United Nations non-governmental organization through the UN Department of Public Relations."

The New York office, consisting of "two small but attractive rooms," housed not only the national and international Bahá’í UN representatives but the office of the National Spiritual Assembly's UN Committee as well.

Within nine months of the Universal House of Justice's statement of October 17, 1967, Dr. de Araujo was appointed to membership on the executive committee of the Non-Governmental Organizations committee of the UN.

The climax of the collaborative work between his office and the World Center was the initiation of that third stage in the Bahá’í-UN relationship referred to by the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly in 1948, and was conveyed to the Bahá’í world by cable on May 29, 1970:

"Joyfully announce Bahá’í world attainment consultative status United Nations Economic and Social Council thereby fulfilling long-cherished hope beloved Guardian and World Center goal Nine Year Plan. Sustained persistent efforts more than 20 years accredited representatives Bahá’í International Community United Nations devoted support Bahá’í communities throughout world finally rewarded. Significant achievement adds prestige influence recognition ever-advancing Faith Bahá’u’lláh. Offering prayers gratitude Holy Shrines."

When the UN's annual Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations was held at UN headquarters in 1972, Dr. de Araujo presided as chairman.

The Bahá’í office's encouragement of international Bahá’í-UN related observances was increased, and soon began supplanting in the pages of Bahá’í News reports of earlier activities within the U.S.

In 1972 the UN Office of Public Information wrote to the Bahá’í International Community praising it for the scope of Bahá’í commemorative activities.

16th Community Service Awards presented to advocates for youth

The Bahá’ís of San Jose, California, held their 16th annual Community Service Awards banquet February 1 at the Holiday Inn. This year's theme was "Advocacy for the Development of Youth."

The audience of 150, which included many prominent local dignitaries, was welcomed by the vice-mayor San Jose. The program included dinner, a classical performance of Chinese harp music, and a keynote address by Robert Ahdieh, a Bahá’í who is a student at the Yale University law school and founder and president of Peace Partners International.

The award recipients were:

• Rigo Chacon, a Bay Area television reporter and founder of the Abrazos (Hugs) & Books program, which provides funds for college scholarships to young people of all ethnic backgrounds.

• City Year San Jose, which enlists young adults ages 17-23 from diverse backgrounds for a demanding year of full-time community service, leadership development and civic engagement.

• Kids in Common, which develops community partnerships to promote and protect the development of children and youth, involving itself in such fields as infant immunization, teen pregnancy prevention and mother support while serving as a nonpartisan advocacy coalition that seeks to influence public policy on behalf of children and their families.

Pictured are recipients of the 16th annual Community Service Awards presented February 1 by the Bahá’ís of San Jose, California. Vern Allie (third from left), a Bahá’í who designed the award, is holding one of them. [Page 11]

NATIONAL CONVENTION

JALÁL B.E. 154 APRIL 9, 1997

Bahá’í National Convention telecast

Region, community: WESTERN

No.	Community	Venue site	Contact person or institution
1	Seattle, WA	Green River Community College, Auburn, WA, 400 seats (not confirmed)	Spiritual Assembly of Seattle, Cleve Tyson, 206-728-6463 W, 206-723-3015 H
2	Sacramento, CA	Cosumnes River College	Spiritual Assembly of Sacramento, Debbie Reeves, 916-392-2821
3	San Francisco, CA	SF Bahá’í Center	Spiritual Assembly of San Francisco, Kathleen Kelly, 415-333-2157 H, 415-431-9990 W
4	Los Angeles, CA	Los Angeles Bahá’í Center, 2:30-6:30 p.m.	Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles, Randolph Dobbs, 818-908-1020 H, 213-933-8291 W
5	Eureka, CA	College of Redwoods, 50 seats (not confirmed)	Brian Jenung, 707-441-1995, Rebecca Simmons, 707-445-7398
6	Boise, ID	Boise State University, Jordan Hall, 100 seats	Mahvash Azadegan Avaregen, 208-385-7979 H, 208-232-1905 fax
7	Phoenix, AZ	Phoenix College, 602-285-7418, 250 seats, 3:30-7:30 p.m.	she teamownidos amino acurar, Dr. William Maxwell Jr.
8	Salt Lake City, UT	Salt Lake Community College, Redwood Road Campus, 801-957-4199, 3:30-7:30 p.m., 300 seats	Shahab Saeed, 801-582-3135 H, 801-534-5974 W
9	Denver, CO	Red Rock Community College, 303-988-6160, 13300 W. 6th Avenue, Lakewood, CO	Spiritual Assembly of Denver, Ken Rice, 303-329-0985
10	Spokane, WA	Spokane Falls Community College, Building No. 2, Library, 300 seats, 3 rooms, 2:30-6:30 p.m.	David N. Gregory, 509-327-2801 H, 509-403-5660 W
11	Albuquerque, NM	University of New Mexico, 200 seats, 2:30-6:30 p.m.	Kambiz Victory, 505-291-9442 H, 505-344-5589 W
12	Missoula, MT	University of Montana-Missoula, 100 seats, 4:30-8:30 p.m.	Dianna Geiger, 406-248-7000 H, 406-245-9340 W
13	Davenport, IA	No site identified	Sharon Hendren, 319-391-4571
14	Las Vegas, NV	No site identified	Spiritual Assembly of Las Vegas, Houman Assassai, 702-254-3477 H, 702-739-1489 W, 702-739-6125 fax
15	Portland, OR	Portland Bahá’í Center	Loie Mead, 503-281-2955 H

[Page 12]

NATIONAL CONVENTION

16 San Diego, CA University of California-San Diego 619-534-7666 485 seats Spiritual Assembly of San Diego Susan Jean Collins 619-262-8462 H

CENTRAL

17 Oklahoma City, OK 18 Minneapolis, MN Oklahoma City Community College 405-682-7583 285 seats 5:30-9:30 p.m. Hennepin Technical College 612-944-2222 more than 200 seats Spiritual Assembly of Oklahoma City Lona G. Ostema 405-789-8218 H 405-842-8880 W and fax Spiritual Assembly of Minneapolis David Ingham 612-823-9074 H 612-830-4881 W

19 20 20 21 21 222 22 25 23 24 24 25 25 Chicago, IL Detroit, MI Cleveland, OH Cincinnati, OH Indianapolis, IN Sioux Falls, SD Milwaukee, WI

26 St. Louis, MO National Convention site Holiday Inn/O'Hare Rosemont, IL Henry Ford Community College 313-845-9698 150 seats plus overflow room Baldwin-Wallace College 216-826-2150 200 seats University of Cincinnati- Ray Walters Community College 513-745-5700 117 seats Indiana University-Purdue 317-274-3196 100 seats Sioux Falls Technical Institute 605-367-7624 150 seats Milwaukee Area Technical College 414-297-6469 7000 W. State St. Student Center, Room 1020 University of St. Louis 140 seats Winnifred White 313-521-2930 H Spiritual Assembly of Cleveland Angela Maldonado 216-631-7856 H 216-961-8050 fax Gertrude Wich 513-891-0641 H Spiritual Assembly of Indianapolis Carol Niss 317-547-3691 H Manucher Ranjbar 317-823-1664 Farzad Ziai 605-945-2526 H 206-548-6729 W Spiritual Assembly of Milwaukee Sandra Egerer 414-263-0925 Loren Ritacca 414-967-0633 fax Rita Marie Csapo 314-645-629

SOUTHERN

27 Tampa, FL 28 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 29 29 Atlanta, GA 30 Nashville, TN Hillsborough Community College 813-253-7275 300 seats 6:30-10:30 p.m. Broward Community College 175 seats (not confirmed) Spelman College (not confirmed) 6:30-10:30 p.m. Middle Tennessee State University 400 seats 6:30-10:30 p.m. Norma Youngworth Hemmati 813-632-8615 H Spiritual Assembly of Ft. Lauderdale Fern McBride 954-651-2965 954-761-2489 W Spiritual Assembly of Atlanta Marvin Peck 770-939-3985 H 404-727-0244 W Spiritual Assembly of Nashville Kathy Bishop 615-367-2774H 615-367-0737 W [Page 13]

NATIONAL CONVENTION

JALÁL B.E. 154 APRIL 9, 1997

31 Houston, TX Lee College

32 Austin, TX UT-Austin Room 106, Burdine

33 33 Washington, DC No site identified

34 Dallas, TX University of Texas-Dallas 300 seats, 2 rooms

35 36 Charlotte, NC

36 Charleston, SC UNC-Charlotte Cameron Center College of Charleston Lightsey Convention Center 200 seats

37 New Orleans, LA Tulane University 200 seats

Harold Barton 713-802-9079

Spiritual Assembly of Austin John Conkling 512-467-0645 H

Spiritual Assembly of Washington Cornelia Rutledge 202-966-2356 H

Spiritual Assembly of Dallas Susan M. Rauscher 214-821-3455 H

Dell N. Campbell 704-567-9767H 704-532-1992 W

Spiritual Assembly of Charleston Dr. Roy Jones 803-937-6338 H 803-727-1486 voice mail

Spiritual Assembly of New Orleans Parviz Mojgani 504-822-9048 H 504-837-6326 W

NORTHEAST

38 Rochester, NY

39 Philadelphia, PA

40 New York City, NY

Monroe Community College 716-292-2000 200 seats; building 5, room 300 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Drexel University 215-895-2000 150 seats 6:30-10:30 p.m.

No site identified

Spiritual Assembly of Rochester Deborah Rosenfeld 716-442-0292 H 716-244-9373 W

Spiritual Assembly of Philadelphia Mary Ann Best 215-473-3975 H

Spiritual Assembly of New York City Hilary Ioas Chapman 718-729-7577 H 212-674-8998 W

41 Springfield/ Holyoke, MA

42 Boston, MA

43 33 Portsmouth, NH

44 Trenton, NJ

Holyoke Community College 413-538-7000 200 seats 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Bridgewater State College 508-279-6145 Mockly Center; 180 seats 6:30-10:30 p.m.

University of NH-Durham 603-862-1234 Horton Hall; 243 seats 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Ryder University 300 seats, 2 lecture halls

Spiritual Assembly of Springfield Shirin Selph 413-783-5899 H

Hazim Elheadi 617-254-4703 H

Dr. Pariz Khavari 603-431-8566

Spiritual Assembly of Lawrenceville Rhonda Maguire 609-921-6784 Brett Smith 908-576-3520 W 609-275-7497 H Spud Grammer, technician 609-888-0118 [Page 14]

Core Curriculum

The aim is to touch lives, transform souls, teach Cause

To touch lives. To transform souls. To teach the message of Bahá’u’lláh. These are goals proclaimed 470 times by the 240 teacher trainers, 113 race unity trainers, 90 parent facilitators and 27 marriage and family life trainers who have embarked upon the Core Curriculum journey.

Each training team departs from the National Teacher Training Center at Louhelen Bahá’í School with a mission to share the Writings and empower community members to embrace the principles of Bahá’u’lláh in their daily lives, uplifting families and spiritually educating children to become consecrated teachers of the Faith. Their prayers are being answered.

In February the Spiritual Assembly of Albuquerque, New Mexico, wrote, "Since this [Children's Feast] Task Force has been working on integrating children and youth into the Feast, following the principles of the Core Curriculum, the Feasts in Albuquerque have improved greatly. One of the main features of the integration is a 'quiet activities table' for the younger children. The table enables the children to be busy and yet listening to the business of the community and the consultation."

dren in spiritual, social, educational and administrative activities; and their engagement in local plans of teaching and development." (The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 153)

• A systematic approach to community growth and consolidation
• based upon the Sacred Writings
• ever-changing
• use learning model of Knowledge, Wisdom, Spiritual Perception, Eloquent Speech
• use art, music, drama as well as lecture
• support transformation, self-reflection, immersion in the Writings
• encourage prayer, seeking divine assistance
• emphasize love
• education results in service

This model engages both the mind and the heart to go beyond factual knowledge, gain deeper understandings, and express learning through service and action.

The National Spiritual Assembly and its National Bahá’í Education Task Force have conceived of the Core Curriculum more as a process for spiritual education than as a set of educational materials. It is for this reason that Core Curriculum materials are available through participation in Core Curriculum training programs offered locally by training teams. These training programs make possible the efficient and fruitful use of the material to foster the development of both individuals and Bahá’í communities.

Marriage and Family Life trainers prepare to offer two workshops: one for married couples, one for youth and adults preparing for marriage. Each course contains five segments approximately four hours in length, for a total of 20 hours:

• Know Your Own Self: The Foundation for Marriage
• Consultation
• Preparing a Fortress for Well-Being
• Marriage: The Divinely Ordained Institution
• Family Life

Trainers are provided a trainer's manual and reproduceable materials.

Parenting Sessions help parents create a spiritual environment in the home, guide the spiritual education of their children, foster a loving and disciplined home life, and promote the principle of oneness through home and community life.

The structure of this program is flexible to meet individual community needs and can be offered in nine 3-to 4-hour sessions or for two or more weekends. Additional sessions are available to meet unique community needs. Facilitators are given a facilitator's manual and reproduceable materials. It is suggested that participants receive Foundations for a Spiritual Education.

Teacher Training includes close examination of the spiritual reality of the child/youth; the role and station of the teacher; child-development centered communities; and hands-on practice using curriculum materials to create learning activities. Each of the four modules is approximately eight hours; trainings are commonly presented over two weekend sessions. Trainers are given a trainer's manual and reproduceable materials. It is suggested that each participant receive Foundations for a Spiritual Education, Summary of the Core Curriculum, and three of the currently available curriculum booklets: The Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Additional support materials are available.

The 'core' of the Core Curriculum is the Sacred Writings. While this core is unchanging, all other aspects of the program continuously evolve in response to its gradual growth and development, the changing needs of the friends, and a feedback system of regular assessment and evaluation.

The National Bahá’í Education Task Force has conceived of the Core Curriculum more as a process for spiritual education than as a set of educational materials. It is for this reason that Core Curriculum materials are available through participation in Core Curriculum training programs offered locally by training teams. These training programs make possible the efficient and fruitful use of the material to foster the development of both individuals and Bahá’í communities.

"I would also like to tell you how my life has changed since I took the first [teacher] training here in Charlotte last September," an individual writes. "The way I now present new ideas to my family has changed for the better; the way I communicate with my local Spiritual Assembly and fellow Bahá’ís has improved; I feel joyful that my love of beauty and lovely presentation has been encouraged; my ability to work with the pre-youth in our community at Bahá’í School has improved a thousand-fold, and I could go on and on.

"I teach a pre-school (4- and 5-year-olds) at a private nursery school and the difference in my classroom this year has been noticed by my director, fellow teachers and the council president. My students and their parents have responded so well and eagerly to my offerings and other teachers are starting to model what I'm doing. It's been very exciting for me.

"I believe that the training is an invaluable tool for every Bahá’í—I got so much out of the training that I will use in my everyday life whether or not I ever teach another children's class. I could imagine using what I learned were I an office worker or a physician or a farmer. It's just too good to pass up."

Each of the Core Curriculum components teaching, parenting, race unity, and marriage and family life offers something "too good to pass up." The National Bahá’í Education Task Force, under the direction of our National Spiritual Assembly, has been developing a spiritual education program for children and families over the past 10 years.

The "core" of the Core Curriculum is the Sacred Writings. While this core is unchanging, all other aspects of the program continuously evolve in response to its gradual growth and development, the changing needs of the friends, and a feedback system of regular assessment and evaluation.

Trainers can joyfully identify program strengths that have evolved through 11 teacher trainer, seven race unity trainer, seven parent facilitator and one marriage and family life trainer trainings.

National Teacher Training Center programs

Community building depends on "the integration of the component elements—adults, youth and children in spiritual, social, educational and administrative activities; and their engagement in local plans of teaching and development." (The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 153)

Race Unity Workshops are specially designed to help parents, teachers and other community members who desire that our children become a new, prejudice-free race. Workshops may be offered as a comprehensive 32 hours (eight hours for each of four modules) or as a 20-hour workshop that includes key activities from each of the four modules. Trainers are provided a trainer's manual and reproduceable materials. It is suggested that each participant receive Foundations for a Spiritual Education and the curriculum booklet "Principle of Oneness/Race Unity."

Core Curriculum trainer training programs are offered regularly at the National Teacher Training Center at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Davison, Michigan. These trainings are open to all Bahá’ís who desire to serve in the field of spiritual education under the sponsorship of their local or national Institutions. Current plans include a special international training session in the summer of 1997.

Other curriculum programs supported by the National Teacher Training Center

We Are Bahá’ís: from New Believers to New Teachers in the Cause of God (commonly referred to as the New Believer's Course) was sent to all local Spiritual Assemblies this summer. Designed for presentation in eight or more hours, this can easily be offered as an eight-hour session or a series of four- or two-hour sessions. Each assembly has a reproduceable Facilitator's Handbook and Participant's Handbook for this course, which contains four parts:

• The Magnificence of this Day of God
• The Verities of the Faith
• The Twin Duties: A Prescription for this Age
• Moving to Action

It is suggested that Core Curriculum-trained teachers be considered as presenters. Excellent for all youth and adults in the community. Additional facilitator books w/audio cassette are available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service for $3 each. Participant books $1.50.

Fundamental Verities of the Faith, Part One is in the final stages of development with a target availability goal of March 1997. It will be offered to all Regional Committees and other interested individuals, with a format of reproduceable Facilitator and Participant Handbooks. Available through BDS for a modest charge, price to be announced.

Whatever programs you choose, beware. They are designed to touch lives. To transform souls. To teach the message of Bahá’u’lláh. [Page 15]

Spiritual

Continued from page 1

...place. Mayor Riley said it is essential for “a city so proud of its history” to help “heighten everyone’s appreciation of the extraordinarily rich and diverse contributions by people in our community.”

He added, “Only when all roles are recognized and all contributions celebrated are we truly presenting our heritage.”

The mayor thanked the Bahá’ís for their leadership in race unity efforts, and ended by reading a proclamation declaring February 3-9 Race Unity Week in Charleston in recognition of the conference and the contributions of its native son, Mr. Gregory.

Spiritual solutions

Tod Ewing, a member of the Continental Board of Counselors, then framed the challenge of building true models of unity, not superficiality, where we live.

Achieving this, he said, will take the best of all religious traditions. We must recognize that racism is a spiritual issue and, drawing on our personal convictions, begin to define ourselves in terms of civilization’s growing maturity rather than its long and stormy adolescence.

He called adolescence a time of search for independence and identity, a time in which we react emotionally and impulsively to the world around us. At that age, he said, we tend to frame relationships in adversarial terms of superiority-inferiority and in-out.

The U.S. has experienced a prolonged adolescence, said Mr. Ewing. We spent 350 years learning prejudice and have started to do something about it only in the past 50 years.

But today, he said, even people of good will are feeling overwhelmed. They’ve been backed into a corner where they can’t say anything without someone taking offense, and many are ready to give up.

In such an emotional environment, we must transcend ourselves, he said, by recognizing that unity is part of God’s plan for this day and that if we set forces in motion we will come together.

Mr. Ewing told of encountering at a workplace diversity seminar a man who said he was “sick and tired of white males being blamed for everything.” After listening to the man vent his frustrations, Mr. Ewing proceeded to list continuing racial biases that equally frustrate him.

Then he told the man they had two choices. They could walk away and continue to talk about each other, or they could converse further and attempt to reach some level of mutual understanding.

The two men chose the latter and left having built a bridge, however rickety. That wouldn’t’ve happened had they chosen to react on an emotional, adolescent plane, he said.

We must find unity in everyone, Mr. Ewing concluded. We’re interdependent, like the members of the human body. In society as in the body, unity is life and disunity is death. When we act out of spiritual principle, God will stand behind us.

Practical skills

That afternoon, some early-arriving conferees were taken by van to Mr. Gregory’s childhood home in historic downtown Charleston to see the completed alley paving and to say prayers for progress on the museum project. The home’s exterior sparkles, but interior work awaits $30,000 to $40,000 in further contributions.

On the way back, we stopped off at the Avery Research Center for African-American History and Culture, a part of the College of Charleston. The former Avery Normal School gave Mr. Gregory and many other African-Americans a boost into the professions.

The formal conference opened in the evening with a talk on the conference theme by Shahin Borhanian and a much-anticipated return appearance by local entertainers Afrika West Productions.

(Left photo) The friends visiting the childhood home of Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory stand in the newly paved alleyway and prepare to recite prayers for the speedy completion of the museum project. (Right photo) There’s something about the Afrika West Productions dance troupe that gets everyone up on their feet to join in. (Photos by Tom Mennillo)

Mr. Borhanian, a lawyer, carried forward Mr. Ewing’s thoughts on the necessity for spiritual solutions to racial division.

From the nation’s beginnings, he said, its charters have enshrined the superiority of people descended from Europeans. Legal protection for human rights has been circumvented or, at best, applied unevenly. Further judicial gains are possible, but without changes in heart they will never have lasting impact.

Divine law, by contrast, is immutable, said Mr. Borhanian. The Bahá’í Faith has brought new laws to safeguard interests, promote harmony, and foster love and unity.

Indeed, he said, universal fellowship is imperative at this time in which universal, not personal, salvation is sought.

Our ‎teachings’ teachings‎ pivot around the oneness of humankind does not mean, however, that the Bahá’ís are free of prejudice, said Mr. Borhanian. What distinguishes us is a willingness to strive toward race unity, guided continually by the Writings and our Administrative Order.

He noted the stimulus for race unity activity provided during this community’s history, starting with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s participation in the fourth annual national convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 1912 and Bahá’í sponsorship of race amity conferences beginning in 1921.

Now we must work to change hearts and minds, he said. That means helping others’ efforts without partisanship and resisting the temptation to withdraw into what is familiar and comfortable. This we can do on both the formal and informal levels—in our homes, in hours of leisure, at work, and anywhere children interact.

Mr. Borhanian noted the Master’s urging of whites to give up their superior, patronizing attitudes and to master their impatience, and His urging of blacks to show warmth of response and to erase suspicion.

All people, he said, must go the extra mile to love unconditionally, without expecting instant gratification. And take heart in the knowledge that we have a single destiny.

Models of unity

The evening closed in dance and song with a performance by Afrika West Productions. The appreciative audience was taken through a spiritual journey starting with a call on the ancestors, continuing with a salute to the Motherland Africa, and ending with a plea that “everybody live together” so there’s a future for the children.

Friday’s morning and afternoon sessions spotlighted models of unity from around South Carolina. The representatives spoke in a panel, then broke out into workshops.

Lee Harter of Project Hope in Orangeburg described his city as a litmus test for race relations in the state, marked by “undeclared war” between the predominantly black public schools and the almost entirely white private schools.

It was in this environment that discussions began in 1992 about promoting understanding and finding a way to deal with issues before they became crises. The format as it has evolved comprises monthly meetings with a sponsored meal and a program focusing on an issue such as character education or health.

Mr. Harter, a newspaper editor, said some of the noisiest encounters have been the most enlightening because attendees “really got down to talking about things.”

Jim Sultan, also representing Project Hope, related his experiences as a black entrepreneur who learned to contain his bitterness and work with everyone no matter their personal feelings toward him.

He is convinced that one’s education must be put to use in helping people who are less fortunate, and he said there’s no end to what can be accomplished when you don’t mind who gets the credit.

Human resources specialist Anne...

See SPIRITUAL page 16 [Page 16]

Spiritual

Continued from page 15

Kilpatrick talked about efforts at the Medical University of South Carolina to translate personal values into a healthy workplace for all employees.

She said she deals with diversity by using mediation and other techniques to turn uncertainty into trust. Noting that fear and mistrust underlie racism and sexism, she called for better training of supervisors.

The direct approach

Bhakti Larry Hough traced the People to People program in Hartsville from its formation four years ago to its present vibrancy, as recognized last fall with the Ambassador of Peace Award from the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute.

People to People started out with informal monthly sessions in which residents talked about their concerns. In-common issues were chosen such as the dropout rate and underserved school children. The hope was that closeness would bring about understanding and foster relationships.

Some success was achieved in bringing people together, said Mr. Hough, a communications consultant. But the meetings also brought out those on the extremes—people who seemed determined that unity would not be.

So People to People has begun to take a more direct approach, using the Bahá’í Faith and the statewide Palmetto Project (see below) as models. The tough issues are being tackled, he said, with a goal of finding common ground but with the knowledge that not everyone will come away pleased.

Mr. Hough said this open and frank challenge of people’s long-held beliefs has taken many forms. A video on bigotry was shown as a reminder that we must never forget the need for harmony. And issues presented have gone beyond black-white to ethnic, religious and class divisions.

The highly visible Palmetto Project was represented at the conference by Steve Skardon, its executive director, who also lauded the Bahá’ís for their leadership by example.

Mr. Skardon described how the Palmetto Project was created 12 years ago to find innovative solutions to state residents’ problems, including health care, voter registration, schools and race.

It was soon found that race runs through all issues, threatening to paralyze the discourse. In response, the Palmetto Project has worked to foster an environment in which people of all backgrounds feel free to tell their story and listen to others’.

From this experience, Mr. Skardon sees four needs developing among South Carolinians: to achieve a sense of community, through recognition that our fate as a society is linked; to feel affirmed, despite generational and other differences; to bear witness—there’s a power in white people standing up to talk about the evils of racism; and to have the youth perspective heard at all times, because it is their future that is being shaped.

Bahá’í Faith’s role

Elizabeth Woods, the final speaker, introduced conferees to the activities of the South Carolina Bahá’í Race Unity Task Force.

Ms. Woods held up the Bahá’í community itself as a model of unity. Reciting the words of the children’s song God Is One, she said young Bahá’ís grow up learning about our organic unity and are comfortable with diversity.

Soon, she said, they move beyond words to deeds and action, creating models of unity around the world within the Bahá’í community and through their classes, Bahá’í Youth Workshops, and all types of events.

Their charter has been provided by the Bahá’í Writings and the Faith’s institutions. Their example is the century of activities, such as this conference, that the American community has carried on in a spirit of openness and cooperation.

Ms. Woods pointed to the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute as a living laboratory. And now the South Carolina Bahá’í Race Unity Task Force is promoting this world-embracing vision throughout the state, transcending all differences to forge real relationships and bring about the first prejudice-free generation.

Other lines of action, she said, include Calling All Colors conferences, Race Unity Day activities, social and economic development projects, and assistance to individuals and groups working for race unity.

The promise is taking place right before us, she concluded. Race unity is like an onion you have to keep peeling, and when you get to a layer that’s tough you look to others for help in getting past it. That helper role is the Bahá’ís’ to play.

CYCLE OF RACIAL POLARIZATION/FRAGMENTATION

1. Belief in racial superiority/some races are better than others. Mistrust of whites: seen as historical enemy/oppressor.

2. Education/socialization in values, myths, theories of racial superiority.

3. Application of values/theories of racial superiority to specific racial groups.

4. Racial discrimination in housing/jobs, racial isolation inner city/suburbs.

5. Increased poverty of minorities. Social pathology: family/community breakdown, crime/violence.

6. White fear of black crime/violence. Black bitterness toward whites.

7. White flight/avoidance of racial minorities. Racial minority avoidance of whites/(when possible) social isolation.

8. Avoidance/flight fuels racial polarization/fragmentation, riots/conflicts.

NEW WORLD ASSOCIATES INC.

Figure 1

Two members of the Philippine Cultural Society perform an elegant dance. (Photo by Tom Mennillo)

Recalling Mr. Gregory

No better example of living that role than the beloved Hand of the Cause Mr. Gregory can be found in this country. Adrienne Reeves and Anne Breneman regaled attendees Friday night with a glimpse into his life.

Dr. Breneman outlined the background facts, then Dr. Reeves took us through several typical scenes.

One was a wearying day in 1919 filled with speeches, receptions and firesides. The opportunity to meet receptive souls kept Mr. Gregory going, and his sparkling eyes locked onto those of each person he met.

Another was the first race amity conference in 1921, with more than 2,000 people attending in the only Washington, D.C., hotel that would allow it.

Then, fast-forwarding to 1943, Dr. Reeves described a simple, but clear and eloquent, talk that won over a white college audience in Mississippi. And she noted Mr. Gregory’s dual “missionary” role to society and to the Bahá’ís, who had to unlearn their own prejudices and timidity concerning race.

The evening ended with delightful performances by the Philippine Cultural Society of Charleston, with its costumes from various islands and its astonishing bamboo dance, and the disciplined but innovative Burke High School “Blue Notes” choir, back for a second year.

A ‘revolutionary’ paradigm

Conference attendees’ cups “runneth over” already. But ahead on Saturday was an entire morning of exploration into a working model for race unity, with Richard Thomas showing the way.

The Michigan State University professor of history and urban affairs first briefed the searchers on the “revolutionary” race unity paradigm for racial relations. [Page 17]

RACE UNITY

CYCLE OF RACIAL UNITY/HARMONY

1. Recognition of the oneness of the human family. 2. Education in principles/values of oneness. 3. Application of principles/values of oneness to problems of racial polarization/fragmentation. 4. Increase of multiracial residential communities. 5. Interracial efforts to solve problems. 6. Transformation of racial conflict/polarization energy into synergistic/cooperative efforts to reduce poverty/crime, tap talents of minorities. 7. Tremendous social/economic/spiritual growth throughout the entire society as all people see each other as members of one universal family.

NEW WORLD ASSOCIATES INC.

Figure 2

As we look at our society’s future, three courses are possible, said Dr. Thomas: continued polarization/crisis management; racial pluralism/tolerance; and race unity/social and economic justice.

He traced the historical process [Figure 1] that has led to the present polarization. It does no good, he said, to blame family breakdown and other ills on the victims, when the problem is structural.

Various social intervention strategies have been tried, he said. But no intervention will work if it doesn’t have a way to bring people together. So we must commit to a broader picture beyond tribal interests and take a quantum leap to a new cycle, one of race unity and harmony [Figure 2].

Dr. Thomas said the first step in that cycle is a recognition of the oneness of the human family, that all people are like members of one body and all play a vital role in how well that body functions.

To achieve that recognition, he said, we must get to the roots of racial tension and conflict: superiority and inferiority complexes, distrust, pain, anger, blame, denial, and fear of rejection.

How? Through open and honest consultation such as that used in Bahá’í communities by people from all backgrounds to solve age-old problems and reconcile differences.

Developing a shared vision

That process, he said, requires developing a shared vision. It starts with individual visions and leads to collective awareness of our unity in diversity. He gave an example of organic linkage: It is in all Americans’ interest that minorities and women contribute fully in the economy so social security programs remain solvent.

Dr. Thomas said many people are working together toward race unity. We need to recognize and document their efforts, he said, and we must develop a network of race unity workers who can emerge from their comfort zones and strive within their circles of influence to promote and sustain progress in the larger society.

The professor’s own Multi-Racial Unity Project at Michigan State models several of the different levels of discourse possible.

Focus on professions, churches

Race unity and the role of various professions gained the spotlight in a series of Saturday afternoon workshops. Panelists from the fields of government, media, health delivery systems, law and education examined the barriers to race unity and opportunities to surmount them.

More models of unity, in the form of religious leadership, were discussed Saturday night by an interfaith panel. Moderating the lively discourse was the 1994 Ambassador of Peace award winner, Carl D. Evans, director of graduate religious studies at the University of South Carolina and director of the Partners in Dialogue interfaith network.

Dr. Evans, a Methodist minister, opened by stating that all religious traditions teach there should be unity in the human family. Assembled leaders from the Unitarian Universalist, Roman Catholic, Hindu, African Methodist Episcopal, Unity, Muslim and Bahá’í faith communities echoed those sentiments.

But the frustration shared by many religious leaders found a voice in the comments of Sister Susan Shorsten of the Catholic Diocese. She noted that while Jesus Christ was a revolutionary, we are often afraid to follow the same path because we may have to pay a price.

She said priests who try to spur their parishioners into taking action for race unity often are met with silence or even hostility. And she concluded, “Racism will only disappear when it disappears from our hearts.”

It was apparent from the various leaders’ comments that individual religious communities are taking steps to fight racial division and alleviate the suffering of its victims. But as Dr. Evans asked in closing, “Why don’t we more often do these things together?”

He called on the Spiritual Assembly of Charleston to form a permanent interfaith, intercultural organization made up of people who share the vision. Through this, he said, the critical mass can be reached that will move race unity forward in the face of any obstacle.

Dr. Jones promised that the Spiritual Assembly would follow up on his challenge.

The hour was growing late, but there was more to come. Carolyn White and the Hunah Chillun singers served up in story and song a tasty stew of Low Country Gullah, the language spoken by slaves from the Ivory Coast region.

S. Gonzales

What is justice?

The conference’s final morning was kicked off in fine style by the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Gospel Choir, under the direction of Eric Dozier. Old favorites and new pieces alike had the audience on its feet screaming for more. Charles Bullock and Rose McCoy offered up soaring solos.

In the same spirit, attorney and law educator Steven Gonzales gave attendees food for thought about our role in bringing about justice.

The contemporary approach to remedying injustice is through the courts, said Mr. Gonzales. But by then it’s too late. A way must be found to resolve conflict much sooner.

That’s especially true because the judicial system is one of the structures of society that is disintegrating as the old world order collapses, he said.

So what can we do to fill the gap?

Mr. Gonzales urged Bahá’ís and their allies to develop the skills to bring people together in love and reconciliation—in particular, the skill of mediation. This approach to conflict resolution is non-partisan and can be practiced on many levels, from peer mediation in the schools to alternative dispute resolution in the community.

Bahá’ís in the Denver area are doing just that through the Corinne True Justice Center, founded by the local Spiritual Assembly and the Bahá’í Justice Society. He called it the seed for a center that will train Bahá’ís to be the leaven for unity through their deeds, just as in a radically different future society a city’s House of Worship and dependencies will replace the financial or governmental center as its hub.

Conflict will never entirely disappear, Mr. Gonzales acknowledged. But that’s not a bad thing. Tests and difficulties, even at the societal level, help us grow. The need is to resolve conflict peacefully.

In mediation, no third party such as a legislature or court imposes its will on disputants. They are empowered, instead, to make decisions that are mutually beneficial and enforceable.

That’s what happened at a Phoenix high school where rioting had nearly broken out among “Anglo,” black and Hispanic students. Mr. Gonzales described how the students were led over the course of an academic term to find common ground on a set of principles for conduct. Had the same principles been handed down by school authorities, they likely would have been rejected out of hand.

The same process can be used in the community, he said, if the Bahá’ís build alliances with people who want to do good. And he said there’s room within the Bahá’í community itself for much growth in recognition of justice.

Mr. Gonzales said power belongs to God and His institutions, not us. We’re here to heal rather than judge. That’s why we teach (educate the soul), not proselytize (convert).

Unlocking the power of action

The morning continued with an emotional appeal from Robert James, chairman of the Regional Committee for the Southern States, for area Bahá’ís to pick up where entry by troops left off in the early 1970s.

To the whoops and cheers of conferees, Mr. James outlined the Regional Committee’s mission to help “unlock the power of action” by individuals, communities and institutions.

Dr. Jones, in closing the conference, added a call to action for local Bahá’ís and their allies.

He again recalled Mr. Gregory, who gave up his career and risked life itself to become a champion of race unity, armed only with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s admonition to rely on God.

We have a special obligation to make Mr. Gregory happy, he concluded, by using the conference as a springboard to change Charleston’s legacy from slave port to port of unity for the entire world.

To the strains of the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Gospel Choir, attendees filed from the hall eager to do just that. [Page 18]

Russian visitor to U.S. has wish fulfilled, meets ‘real’ American Indian in person of Jack Thorpe

Yuli Ioannesian (standing) of St. Petersburg, Russia, presents Jack Thorpe (seated) with a copy of Teaching: The Crown of Immortal Glory during a luncheon at the home of Fuad Khavari in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Parvaneh Anvari of Cape Town, South Africa, is at left.

Yuli Ioannesian, meet Jack Thorpe.

Mr. Ioannesian was on a four-week tour of American Bahá’í communities when the St. Petersburg, Russia, resident remarked he’d like to talk with a “real Indian.”

Enter Fuad Khavari of Shawnee, Oklahoma. He quickly arranged a luncheon January 6 at which Mr. Ioannesian, a professor of Middle Eastern languages, got acquainted with Mr. Thorpe, son of the legendary athlete Jim Thorpe.

Mr. Thorpe, a former chief of the Sac and Fox tribes and a Bahá’í for nearly two years, showed Mr. Ioannesian his native regalia and spoke at length about American Indian history and spirituality.

Parvaneh Anvari of Cape Town, South Africa, also was visiting at the time and attended the luncheon.

Before Mr. Ioannesian left town, he was interviewed by Gwen E. King of The Shawnee Sun. The result was a front-page feature story with a photograph of Mr. Ioannesian receiving a key to the city from Vice Mayor Bob Downing as Mr. Khavari looked on.

Ms. King has since declared her faith in Bahá’u’lláh. The seed was planted last year when she interviewed visiting Bahá’í author Michael Sours, and it blossomed with the visit of Mr. Ioannesian.

Bahá’í Development Conference adds Art Track to proceedings

Responding to the need to expand the role of the arts in social and economic development projects, the 1997 Bahá’í Conference on Socio-Economic Development in the Americas, to be held in December, has added Art Track to the seminar and conference proceedings.

The coordinators are seeking models of successful Bahá’í-inspired art entities to present to the community: performance groups, production companies, record companies, foundations, urban projects, art academies and schools, publications, managers and agents, and any others with emphasis on:

(1) the role of art in service to humanity, and (2) the Bahá’í understanding that arts, crafts, sciences and professions are the foundation of society.

The plan is to establish a network of Bahá’í arts projects, enabling us to interact more fully as artists and more effectively as collaborators in endeavors to uplift and edify the peoples of the world.

Any and all comments and inquiries are welcome. Please respond to Joseph Houseal, Chicago, IL 60626 (phone 773-262-3287; e-mail ).

Youth

Continued from page 1

behavior in their lives that will draw them ever closer to Bahá’u’lláh.

At the same time, they will have opportunities to develop practical skills to help them in their Bahá’í service. Workshops will cover such areas as consultation, teaching, meditation, resolving differences, using the arts to serve the Cause, overcoming doubts and fears, and deepening one’s love for Bahá’u’lláh.

Surveying youth

As a first step in planning the conference, the National Youth Committee surveyed young people from around the country to gain their impressions of past conferences and their suggestions for the upcoming event.

Among the elements of conferences that youth felt have been positive were:

• the opportunity to meet other Bahá’í youth, to realize that “I’m not alone”
• the demonstration of the diversity of Bahá’í youth through artistic performances
• the opportunity to meet with and hear from the National Spiritual Assembly
• the chance to feel more inspired and get “re-charged”

Suggestions for ways to improve the conferences included:

• creating opportunities for young people when they return home, so their inspiration doesn’t go unchanneled
• designing workshop topics that help youth develop skills and enable them to deal with the challenges of and barriers to living a Bahá’í life
• providing ways to meet more people so that ‎cliquies cliques‎ don’t form at the conference
• providing an organized program for parents

The organization and planning of the conference has, whenever possible, incorporated these and other suggestions made in the survey.

Conference structure

The themes of the conference will mirror those of the Four Year Plan: the individual, the institutions and the community. Each full day at the conference will be centered on one of these areas.

Each day will begin with small group devotional gatherings to set the spiritual tone for the day and provide opportunities to meet new people.

After a short morning plenary session to introduce the day’s theme, participants will attend workshops in the late morning and throughout the afternoon that explore various aspects of the daily theme.

In the evening, they will reconvene at a plenary session to reflect upon the theme and activities associated with it.

In addition to workshops and speakers, there will be a range of diverse artistic performances, contests to help participants vie with one another in deepening on the Bahá’í writings and teachings, a Bahá’í Youth Gallery to showcase artwork by young Bahá’ís from around the country, and opportunities for recreation and socializing.

While youth attend workshops during the day, the National Education Task Force plans to present a program for parents and adult chaperones who attend the conference.

Preparing for the conference

The National Youth Committee is planning the conference as a springboard for a summer of youth teaching and service to the Cause.

To assure that the conference serves its purpose, individuals and communities are being asked to prepare themselves in this spirit.

The individual can prepare himself or herself by viewing the conference as an opportunity to begin a personal campaign of service and teaching this summer.

Individuals are being asked to add to the spiritual nature of the conference not only by cultivating their own attitude of spiritual discipline, but by praying for the conference’s success.

Local Spiritual Assemblies and local communities can prepare for the conference in two ways: first, by playing a key role in encouraging individuals to bring with them an attitude of spiritual discipline and to use the conference as the starting point for a summer of Bahá’í service; and second, by creating opportunities for young people to teach and serve the Cause once they return home from the conference.

In a number of places, communities are hosting “pre-conferences” and small gatherings as a prelude to the national conference.

The National Youth Committee will provide a great gift to local Bahá’í communities: thousands of young Bahá’ís, at the beginning of the summer, inspired, focused, mobilized and ready to exploit opportunities to teach and serve the Cause.

At the conference itself, youth will be encouraged to work closely with institutions and communities in planning their summer activities.

How to register

Registration information and a registration form can be found on the Youth Page in this issue of The American Bahá’í.

Brochures and other conference information will be mailed to individuals and communities in the coming weeks.

Transition

Continued from page 1

ventions were related to teaching, which is perhaps indicative of the community’s understanding of the urgency of this period.

The National Assembly received 139 recommendations (requiring a vote of approval from the Convention floor) and 99 suggestions (offered by Convention delegates but not voted on) from the Unit Conventions.

Many of these recommendations and suggestions have already been implemented by the National Assembly, while appropriate agencies are assessing the feasibility of other comments on its behalf.

Seventy percent of those who took part in the Conventions voted in person; 30 percent voted absentee.

The ratio of male delegates to female is 3 to 1.

The highest percentage of those voting was in Electoral Unit 134 (north San Diego County), where 55 percent of eligible voters cast ballots.

The range of participation among believers with known addresses varied from that 55 percent to only 1 percent, with an average of 28 percent voting.

Eleven Units reported participation of 45 percent or more, while 11 Units had participation of less than 5 percent of adults with known addresses.

More than half of the delegates who will serve at this year’s Bahá’í National Convention are new this year.

The change, while significant, is part of the normal process of Bahá’í administration. The figures do not include delegates who may have served in previous years but were not delegates to last year’s Convention.

Children’s programs at the local level will receive a boost this year with introduction at National Convention of a new set of materials prepared by the Office of Education and Schools and Brilliant Star magazine. [Page 19]

NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í YOUTH TRAINING CONFERENCE NEWS

Knoxville, Tennessee July 2-6, 1997

«step up to the challenge»

Everyone will have a chance to contribute their work and skills at the National Bahá’í Youth Training Conference in Knoxville, Tennessee, from July 2-6, 1997. Enter your work in the Bahá’í Youth Gallery or sign up for the college club Bahá’í Jeopardy.

BAHÁ’Í YOUTH GALLERY

A call to all youth! We want you to share your talents, ideas and work! The Gallery is the spot to display your essays, poems, photographs and artwork as well as a place for high school and college Bahá’í clubs to present their activities. To reserve your spot in the Gallery, send us your entry information and contribution by May 26, 1997.

TO ARTISTS AND WRITERS: We want to feature your work! You can submit work that you have already created or written, or you can submit work on one of the following themes: 1. Unity; 2. Any one of the Hidden Words, proclamations, or presentation of the Bahá’í Faith to people of capacity.

GALLERY ENTRY AND GUIDELINES: Your entry information and submission of work must be postmarked by May 26, 1997. To submit work, send us a photo of your work including a note on its life-size dimensions. Then bring the original work when you come to Tennessee. Tell us your name, address, phone, email, age, and what you would like to contribute to the Gallery. Submit essays, poems, and high school/college club resumés via postal mail to the National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201. Maximum of 500 words for essays and poems.

TO HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE BAHÁ’Í CLUBS: Submit your club’s resumé, activities report, scrapbook and/or pictures so that other youth and clubs can learn from your approach, and collect ideas for their own activities. You can include, for example: the goals of your club, web page URL and description, number of members, diversity of club, cooperation with other campus organizations, experience working with the media, dealing with opposition, successful

COLLEGE CLUB BAHÁ’Í JEOPARDY

Root for your favorite Bahá’í club team as they go head to head against other schools. Top teams will compete live on stage in Knoxville! Clubs may enter as many teams as they wish and may recruit non-club members and alumni.

JEOPARDY ENTRY: To reserve your spot to compete, have your entry information postmarked by May 5, 1997. Tell us your name, street address, phone, age and email address. Email information to ______________ or send a letter to the National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201.

*calendar of events*

Do you have an upcoming conference in your area? Will your area be involved in a teaching project? Share it with others! Submit your youth activities for the Calendar of Events in the Youth Page. Send them to ______________ or to the National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201.

WHAT: Project Furutan SAY WHAT?: Teaching Bahá’í facts in universities WHERE: Monterrey, Mexico WHEN: Ongoing MORE! MORE!: Email

WHAT: Bahá’í Youth Conference SAY WHAT?: Guests include Counselor Alejandra Miller and Auxiliary Board Member Karen Kazemzadeh. Activities include direct teaching WHERE: Uvalde, Texas WHEN: March 8-10, 1997 MORE! MORE!: Call Henry Cantu at (210) 278-1668

WHAT: Regional Pre-Conference SAY WHAT?: A regional pre-conference to the National Bahá’í Youth Training Conference in Knoxville, Tennessee. WHERE: The Minneapolis, Minnesota metropolitan area. WHEN: May 23-26, 1997 MORE! MORE!: Adib Birkland Arden Hills, MN 55112 email: ______________

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

Send this form to: UT Conferences, P.O. Box 2648 Knoxville, TN 37901 by June 16, 1997.

The registration deadline is June 16. Please send one registration form per person. Individuals who will be sharing rooms should send their forms in together along with their payment. Registration forms without payment included cannot be processed. Roommate requests can be processed only if each roommate’s form is enclosed.

Name: __________________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________

Telephone: _____________________________________________________________________

Email address: _________________________________________________________________

Gender: ☐ FEMALE ☐ MALE Age: _______

I consider my ethnicity to be: _________________________________________________

☐ Please check here if you are a parent or adult chaperone and wish to participate in the parents’ program.

YOUTH UNDER 18 Youth under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a same-sex parent or same-sex adult sponsor 21 or older. Please have your parent or legal guardian fill out the following information:

I, _____________________________________________________________________________, the parent of __________________________________________________________________, appoint ________________________________________________________________________, to be my child’s sponsor at the Bahá’í National Youth Training Conference in Knoxville, Tennessee. The sponsor, who is the same sex as my child and is over 21 years of age, will serve as a good and kindly parent to my child and is fully responsible for him/her at the conference. I also authorize, effective while my child is attending this event, the sponsor to consent to any and all medical or surgical treatment deemed advisable by any physician or surgeon licensed under the provisions of the Medical Practice Act.

Signed, ________________________________________________________________________

Signature of Parent/Guardian _________________________________ Date _________

Signature of Sponsor _________________________________________ Date _________

LODGING REQUEST I would like to share a room with: (LIMIT TO THREE PEOPLE. PAYMENT MUST BE INCLUDED TOGETHER.) ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ (Dorms: women’s, men’s, and mixed-gender dorm for parents with children under 12 only)

PAYMENT OPTIONS Check: AMOUNT ENCLOSED $ ___________ Credit Card: ☐ VISA ☐ MASTERCARD ☐ DISCOVER CARD NUMBER: ____________________________________ EXP. DATE: ________________ CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE: _________________________________________________________

JEOPARDY & GALLERY ENTRY FORM

Send this form to: National Youth Committee 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201-1611

Deadlines: May 5 for College Club Bahá’í Jeopardy and May 26 for the Bahá’í Youth Gallery. For informational inquiries email to ______________

Name: __________________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone: _____________________________________________________________________

Email address: _________________________________________________________________

Area of participation: ☐ College Club Bahá’í Jeopardy ☐ Bahá’í Youth Gallery

¡send pictures!

Have you attended a meeting lately? Thrown a birthday party? Gone to a fireside? Taken a walk in the park? Taken part in a teaching project? Hung out at a cafe? We want pictures! The National Youth Committee is collecting pictures of you and your activities for use in a future project.

Please send them to: National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201. [Page 20]

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The American Bahá’í are published free of charge as a service to the Bahá’í community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial ads can be accepted for publication. The opportunities referred to have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exercise their own judgment and care in responding to them.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

THE DEPARTMENT of Human Resources at the Bahá’í National Center is looking for a benefits and recruiting administrator. Primary responsibilities are hands-on administration of the benefits program, serving as contact on benefits issues, handling communications including FMLA, COBRA, STD, LTD, and coordinating employee presentations. Also responsible for recruiting for the National Center and Bahá’í schools in the U.S. The ideal candidate would be a computer-literate college graduate with at least two years proven background in all phases of Human Resources. This is a highly visible position and requires someone with service-oriented focus and superior interpersonal and intuitive skills. If interested, please send a resumé to Christine Stanwood, Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611, or fax 847-733-3430.

EXCITING opportunities in China. Mechanics are needed for a joint venture auto service company. Numerous openings for teachers of English or English as a second language. China/Europe International Business School is recruiting students for MBA and EMBA programs, taught entirely in English. For more information contact Ms. Gwili Posey, 847-733-3512 (fax 847-733-3509; e-mail).

EMPLOYMENT opportunities at the Bahá’í National Center. Human Resources assistant, Human Resources Department—must have ability to maintain highly confidential information with some experience in HR work. Must be highly proficient in the use of personal computers and have the ability to produce professional-looking documents. In-depth experience with MS Word, Print Shop Deluxe, Excel and desktop publishing is desirable. Program coordinator, Office of the Treasurer's Development Department—must be well-grounded in the fundamental verities of the Faith, have exceptional written and oral communication skills, ability to coordinate many tasks simultaneously. Prefer a minimum of a B.S. in human services-related field with experience in program design and management. Assembly Development assistant, Department of Administration and Development—full-time position for someone who has served on a local Spiritual Assembly, has experience in writing correspondence, knowledge of a variety of software programs including word processing, database and spread sheet applications. Must be skilled in information-gathering and analysis with strong interpersonal skills. For information about any of these positions, please phone Christine Stanwood, 847-733-3429, or send a resumé to the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

EDITOR NEEDED

The National Spiritual Assembly is seeking qualified applicants for the key position of editor of The American Bahá’í. Candidates should have experience in newspaper writing, editing and design, a good command of PageMaker desktop publishing software, and the proven ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing, to manage people, work well in groups and handle deadline pressures. Some experience in photography would be helpful. For more information, please phone 847-733-3429, or send a resumé and other relevant informaton to the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

THE GREEN ACRE Bahá’í School is seeking a couple to serve as facilities manager and assistant cook/housekeeper. The facilities manager develops the facilities management program, conducts inspections, performs preventive and routine maintenance, and coordinates repairs on the exterior and interior of buildings on the campus and other properties. Must have knowledge of and experience in housekeeping, building and equipment maintenance, vehicle and grounds maintenance, and custodial work with at least five years experience in facility management including at least three years of supervising three or more persons. The housekeeping coordinator/assistant cook plans, supervises and helps with housekeeping in all facilities, trains and supervises Youth Year of Service volunteers, and cooks some meals for guests and staff. Must have at least two years experience in either housekeeping or food service. The couple will live in an apartment on campus and serve as dorm parents for the youth. Minority candidates are encouraged to apply. Please contact Christine Stanwood, Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-733-3429; fax 847-733-3430).

A VOLUNTEER is needed to run the new Bahá’í Information Center in sunny Tucson, Arizona. Wonderful teaching opportunities—the Center is sponsored by six local communities that surround it. Duties include library work, answering phones, sales, coordinating volunteers and developing new outreach programs. To respond, write to 529 N. 4th Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85705, phone the Information Center at 520-623-4090 and leave a message for Sahba Ma'ani, or e-mail.

THE BOSCH Bahá’í School has immediate openings for the following positions: hospitality/housekeeping coordinator (may be funded after May 1, 1997); children's classroom teacher (may be funded after May 1, 1997). Interested persons are asked to write to the school, Attention: Mark/Linda Bedford, co-administrators, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564; e-mail).

COME and join a dedicated and enthusiastic staff at Green Acre Bahá’í School this summer to mark the 85th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to this historic and blessed spot. There are openings for spiritually mature youth who are at least 17 years old and have graduated from high school to serve in a variety of roles during the summer program from June 20-September 2 (children's program teachers should be able to arrive by June 17). These include positions as recreation leader, children's teachers, hospitality/housekeeping and food service helpers, maintenance and groundskeepers, bookstore/cafe personnel, librarian and office assistants. Shorter periods of service may be available in some cases, but preference will be given to those who can serve for the entire summer. There are also some year-long positions available as members of the Youth Service Corps. The most important qualifications are a sincere desire to serve the Cause and the ability to work with people of all ages and backgrounds, showing friendliness, exemplary behavior, perseverance and flexibility. While full-time volunteer service in exchange for room and board is most desirable, a limited number of stipends is available. For information or application forms, please contact Christine Stanwood, Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-733-3429; fax 847-733-3430).

THE NATIONAL Youth Committee is looking for a Youth Services assistant. The candidate must be a strong communicator who is PC-literate. Secretarial skills a plus. At least two years of college preferred. Please send a resumé and letter of interest to Christine Stanwood, Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 or fax 847-733-3430. This is a full-time position at the National Center.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

EMPLOYMENT opportunities 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: Ethiopia—self-supporting volunteer to help the National Assembly secretary and to train a replacement. Tanzania—teachers. Zambia—teachers. AMERICAS: Alaska—general practitioner. ASIA: India—volunteers and teachers to teach moral education at a Montessori school; the Bahá’í Academy needs an assistant coordinator with management and teaching abilities, library assistant, assistant for the department of research and study of contemporary issues with teaching ability, maintenance assistant, experienced cook, and someone to take charge of preparing and disseminating deepening bulletins and self-study materials, with teaching ability. Japan—teachers of conversational English. Korea—ESL instructors. Taiwan—teachers needed to teach English. Thailand—preschool teachers, volunteers to help with kindergarten, nursery classes, teach English, help with maintenance and building work. AUSTRALASIA: American Samoa—U.S.-trained physicians. Western Caroline Islands—self-supporting assistant to the National Assembly secretary. EUROPE: Germany—international business analysts. MULTI-REGIONAL: Regional Health Officer to provide ongoing support and follow-up to six South Asia Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies in their health programs. The American Council of Teachers of Russian/American Council for Collaboration in Education and Language Study (ACTR/ACCELS) has entry-level and professional positions open. Urgent need for self-supporting pioneers to the Bahamas, Bosnia, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Hungary, Macedonia, Serbia, Turks & Caicos and Venezuela. URGENT—the National Spiritual Assembly of Belarus needs a fluent Russian-English secretarial assistant with good interpersonal and computer skills. Brazil—the National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil needs a volunteer to help set up its computer system; the School of Nations needs teachers. Cyprus has an URGENT NEED for self-supporting pioneers to save the jeopardized local Assembly of Limassol. French Guiana—needs a self-supporting Institute coordinator who is familiar with Bahá’í administration. Honduras—need for elementary and secondary school teachers. Macau—the School of Nations needs qualified kindergarten, primary and secondary teachers. Peru—a Spanish-speaking couple needed to serve as caretakers of the Bahá’í Center of Arequipa. Romania—needs self-supporting caretakers for local Bahá’í Center in Iasi. Solomon Islands—self-supporting couple to serve as custodians of the Bahá’í Center in Honiara; volunteer to train National Center office staff. The Peace Corps is recruiting for South Africa: agriculturalists, educators, health professionals, skilled trades professionals, environmental workers, businesspeople, math, science & engineering majors; associate Peace Corps directors for Africa and other regions. For application information, phone 800-424-8580 or write to: Peace Corps, 1990 K St. NW, Room 8500, Washington, DC 20526. For more information about any of these positions, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 847-733-3512; fax 847-733-3509; e-mail).

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Pearl Berk, Herbert A. Berman, Annie Berridge (died Duluth, MN, 1960), Pinkie Bevan, Mildred Blackett, William T. Bidwell, Louise Bielfelt (died Peoria, IL, 1966), Adrill Bippart, Edith E. Birchard and George A. Birdsall. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611, or to phone 847-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking historical photographs of Bahá’ís, Bahá’í communities and institutions, and national Bahá’í events for its photograph collection. Please identify the photograph(s) if possible with the name of the person, event or locality, and date or year. Anyone having photographs they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Sedona, Arizona (pop. about 12,000), is seeking homefront pioneers to strengthen the fledgling community. Sedona, founded in 1906, elevation 4,500 feet, a two-hour drive north of Phoenix, is predominantly a tourist attraction and artists' community. The Bahá’ís of Sedona are presently planning for their annual statewide campout and unity Feast in August. For more information, phone 520-282-1451, or write to the Spiritual Assembly of Sedona, P.O. Box 2692, Sedona, AZ 86336.

POCOMOKE CITY, on Maryland's eastern shore, needs a loving Bahá’í family to help preserve its Assembly, which soon will be in jeopardy. Pocomoke City is near the beach, has good public schools and a two colleges nearby. Would make a good retirement location. For information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Pocomoke, c/o Glen Blackburn, secretary, Pocomoke City, MD 21851, or phone Mary Springle, 410-957-2740, or Glen and Nikki Blackburn, 410-957-0996.

WITH MOUNTAINS, valleys, meadows, the sea (the Pacific Ocean is less than an hour away), East Lane County, Oregon, has almost everything mentioned in "Blessed Is the Spot"—we're not sure about the caves. In addition, this lovely rural area has clear rivers, forests, a large reservoir, a mild climate, skiing [Page 21]

Ads

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close by, and proximity to an urban area of 200,000 with a community college and a university. What East Lane County needs is more Bahá’ís to help maintain its Assembly. Phone Mary Anderson, 541-937-3901, Phyllis Howlett, 541-895-2285, e-mail or write to P.O. Box 653, Creswell, OR 97426.

Wanted

SEEKING film, video, photographs, slides and stories about the Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga for a video on his life. Although it has been my intention for the past 10 years to produce such a video that would share his noble station with Bahá’ís and the public, there may be enough material to write a book as well. If you have any stories, whether humorous or serious, photographs, slides or film (he may have appeared on a television program in your country), please respond by May 15 to Joyce Olinga, P.O. Box 8121, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 847-256-1772; e-mail ).

WANTED: out-of-print book, From Copper to Gold: The Life of Dorothy Baker, by Dorothy Freeman, published by George Ronald, 1984, in excellent condition. Needed for a teaching project, to be presented as a gift to the Northfield Mt. Hermon school where Dorothy Baker was a student. Will pay for the book and cost of shipping. Please contact Bill or Martha Schmidt, Newfane, VT 05345 (phone 802-365-7603 or e-mail ).

MISCELLANEOUS

BAHÁ’ÍS in the Beaufort, South Carolina, area want to develop several Bahá’í communities by visiting regularly to hold Feasts and other gatherings. Please consider what you can do to help. The Beaufort area includes the resort community of Hilton Head Island, which offers a variety of immediate employment and educational opportunities including a position for a commercial horticulture extension agent with the Cooperative Extension Service. The school system is excellent, and the climate is great for Bahá’í families or singles. If interested, please contact Annette Reynolds, P.O. Box 189, Beaufort, SC 29901, or phone 803-838-9742 for more information.

BAHÁ’ÍS who are currently operating, or who might be interested in operating, foster/custodial/assisted living/inter-generational homes for the elderly are invited to contact the Bahá’í Home Advisory Group, 401 Greenleaf Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 847-251-7001; fax 847-251-6540; e-mail ). The information gathered is important to help in long-range strategic planning consultations.

In our next issue

Complete coverage of the 88th Bahá’í National Convention

Bahá’ís in southern Wisconsin raise $3,000 for Arc; Medford, MA, issues bold challenge

The goal was $2,000 to help relieve the $1.5 million Bahá’í National Fund deficit. That in itself would have been quite an accomplishment for the small Bahá’í communities of southern Wisconsin.

When all was said and done, $3,000 was raised from advance contributions and an Ayyám-i-Há fund raiser.

The response overwhelmed organizers. After all, the fund total had hovered around $500 for weeks. They wondered how many of the rented hall’s 150 seats would be filled for the March 1 party.

But the day arrived and so did the friends, some from hours away.

Many communities were represented including Fort Atkinson, Whitefish Bay, Germantown, East Troy, Wauwatosa, West Allis, New Berlin, Brookfield, Waukesha, Milwaukee, Glendale, Greenfield, Cedarburg, Mukwonago, Oconomowoc, the town and village of Pewaukee, Delafield and North Prairie.

Baked goods and rummage items were sold at the event, and a silent auction was held. Entertainment abounded.

The day ended with a Unity Feast, at which the letter from the National Spiritual Assembly was read and the friends, after consultation, set up deepenings during the Fast to study the Covenant.

• * *

It is in that same spirit of love and devotion that the Spiritual Assembly of Medford, Massachusetts, presented a challenge to the American Bahá’í community in a letter e-mailed across the country on March 4.

The text reads:

Dear American Bahá’í Friends,

Greetings from Medford, Massachusetts, a town of 60,000 people with a lovely Bahá’í community of 20!

As you may know, the Bahá’í National Fund is facing an estimated deficit of $1,500,000 (one and a half million dollars). After consulting about this crisis, our Assembly set a goal of contributing $1,000 to the National Bahá’í Fund between now and Ridván 1997 OVER AND ABOVE our intended annual contribution to the Fund.

We plan to do this by Ridván by focusing on doubling regular participation in Medford’s local fund in the coming months (in keeping with the national goal for the first year of the Four Year Plan: doubling the active core).

We have done this for two reasons. First, we feel it is our duty and privilege to support our institutions. Second, we feel that a National Spiritual Assembly that is kept financially healthy through the voluntary and loving support of the American Bahá’í community will demonstrate to the nation at large our uniqueness, unity and promise as a national community.

And now for the real exciting part! We are asking you to JOIN US in rallying around our National Assembly and Fund. If 1,499 other Assemblies, Groups, e-mail lists, college clubs, institutes, or individuals pledge themselves to contribute AN ADDITIONAL $1,000 (or more!) to the National Fund, we can together send 1,500 additional contributions of $1,000 to the National Fund by Ridván 1997, eliminating the estimated $1.5 million deficit.

Eliminating the deficit would be a wonderful way to end the first year of the Plan. Whoever you are, in a spirit of joy, fellowship and unity, we challenge you to action, and pray that you will join us.

In closing, we wish to share with you a relevant quote from the beloved Guardian, cited by the Universal House of Justice in its most recent Ridván message to North America (paragraph 7):

“I hope to see the friends at all times, in every land, and of every shade of thought and character, voluntarily and joyously rallying round their local and in particular their national centers of activity, upholding and promoting their interests with complete unanimity and contentment, with perfect understanding, genuine enthusiasm, and sustained vigor. This indeed is the one joy and yearning of my life, for it is the fountainhead from which all future blessings will flow, the broad foundation upon which the security of the Divine Edifice must ultimately rest.”

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Medford, Massachusetts

Local Spiritual Assembly Development representatives now trained and available

An initial group of 30 individuals recently completed training to be local Spiritual Assembly Development representatives. Starting after Ridván they will be available to help Assemblies with their development through offering local Spiritual Assembly development modules and other training courses.

Assemblies who have training and development needs may now use their services in addition to those of the Auxiliary Board members and assistants in their area.

These individuals represent all four areas of the country and 18 states. Selection of representatives was done based upon suggestions made by local Spiritual Assemblies and Auxiliary Board members for similar positions in the past.

“We are very pleased by the maturity, depth of knowledge and training skills offered by the new representatives,” says Theresa Mullen of the Office of Assembly Development. “With their help, more Assemblies will now be able to receive personalized assistance in achieving their development goals.”

Spiritual Assemblies who would like such assistance should contact the Office of Assembly Development, 847-733-3490, or e-mail. The needs of the Assembly and available resources will be discussed.

If it is agreed that a representative would be helpful, the Office of Assembly Development will determine if there is a representative able to serve that area, and, if one is available, will have him or her follow up with the Assembly directly.

Kenosha, WI, to mark 100th anniversary of its Assembly

Kenosha, Wisconsin, which was the second community in the U.S. to form a local Spiritual Assembly, is observing the 100th anniversary of that historic event this year with several celebrations planned from April through September.

If you are interested in taking part in planning these events, or would like to perform in or attend any of them, please contact the Bahá’í Group of Kenosha c/o Denise Behm-Rattigan, 414-657-7413, or Paul Voelz, 414-654-7814.

Clarification

In an article about the Heartland Bahá’í School (The American Bahá’í, February 7), mention was made of the enrollment of 50 new Bahá’ís last year “near Alton” (Illinois). The enrollments took place in Edwardsville at the home of Patty and Roger Lutley who have led the teaching efforts in that area.

Vera Deats, a member of the Bahá’í community of the Town of Cortlandt, New York, celebrated her 100th birthday with a party February 22 at the Cortlandt Nursing Home. Mrs. Deats, who was born February 25, 1897, in Yonkers, New York, became a Bahá’í in 1934 and served on the Spiritual Assemblies of Yonkers, Mount Vernon, the Town of Cortlandt and White Plains for a total of 54 years. She has two daughters, Janet Washburn, who is secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of White Plains, and Audrey Marcus, who pioneered with her husband, Leslie, to Luxembourg for 14 years and served at the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa for 21 years. [Page 22]

WORLD CENTER

Hmong children enthusiastically pore over their English lessons during a recent session at the homework center in San Diego, California.

Bahá’ís rush to aid Hmong homework center in San Diego

About three years ago a young Hmong teacher in San Diego, California, started an after-school homework center at the Linda Vista Public Library, which is near the Bahá’í Center in San Diego.

When Laurian Harris, a Bahá’í who is a long-time teacher of children and adults, heard about the effort to help the Hmong children learn English—especially reading skills—she immediately volunteered to become active in the program.

After attending the homework center regularly for some time, most of the children, who range in age from 4–14, have raised their reading level while some are able to complete their homework with minimal supervision.

Whenever time allows, the tutors help the Hmong mothers sharpen their skills in English.

As the number of children coming to the center has grown, other Bahá’ís have joined Ms. Harris as volunteers. Also, some students from San Diego high schools, young Hmong and Vietnamese women and men, contribute their time and serve as excellent role models for the children.

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

Anisa Kintz, a 14-year-old Bahá’í from Conway, South Carolina, has won another national award for her inspiring race unity efforts. Miss Kintz, who founded Calling All Colors, an international race unity conference for children in grades 3–8, received a Take Action Award from React magazine and the New World Foundation at a March 13 luncheon in New York co-hosted by former U.S. Sen. Bill Bradley of New Jersey and reigning Miss America Tara Holland. She previously was designated a United Way State Hero and a White House Point of Light, and has received the Prudential Spirit of the Community Award. The Take Action Award includes a $20,000 college scholarship, a trophy, and $25,000 worth of merchandise that will be distributed to needy children in her hometown. One of five teenagers chosen from more than 700 applicants, Miss Kintz was recognized for her unrelenting commitment to promoting racial harmony.

William McCants, a Bahá’í who attends Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina, is one of 60 college students across the country named to the 1997 All-U.S.A. College Academic Teams. The winners were chosen from among 1,253 young scholars nominated by their schools in a rigorous three-step process in which grades, academic awards, leadership and public service were considered. Mr. McCants, a history major with a 4.0 GPA, was cited for having organized a Dialogue on Race Unity to promote understanding among students at Lander.

In February, Carrie F. Vazquez, a 26-year-old Bahá’í from Seneca Falls, New York, received a Volunteer of the Year award for outstanding community service from the United Way of Seneca County. Mrs. Vazquez, a mother of two and student at Finger Lakes Community College, completed more than 117 hours of service with the Cayuga/Seneca Falls County Community Action Agency, which works to help raise the self-esteem of its clients and supports their efforts to become productive citizens.

Michael Bryan, treasurer of the Spiritual Assembly of Walla Walla, Washington, received the 1996 Exterior Home Renovation Award from the Walla Walla Association of Realtors. Mr. Bryan, who renovated an historic residence in the city, was honored during the Association’s annual banquet in February for the quality of that work.

Patrice Wakeham, a Bahá’í who is a senior at Canyon High School in Canyon, Texas, has been named a finalist in the 1997 National Merit Scholarship program. The Merit Scholarship Corporation recognizes the highest-scoring students in each state, representing about one-half of one percent of all high school seniors.

Nima Nematollahi, a 10-year-old Bahá’í who is in fifth grade in Charlotte, North Carolina, won first prize for his artwork in the school system’s 1997 Martin Luther King Art Contest. As a result, his winning entry was displayed during February, Black History Month, at the Afro-American Cultural Center in Charlotte.

Nima Nematollahi

Religious leaders take part in race unity seminar planned by Assembly in NYC

On March 9, leaders of New York City’s diverse religious communities came together to discuss America’s “most challenging issue” at a public seminar on race unity sponsored by the Bahá’ís of New York City.

Muslims, Jews, Christians, Buddhists and Bahá’ís set aside their differences to speak openly and honestly about the role of religion in bringing about closer racial unity.

The idea for the seminar, which was organized by the Spiritual Assembly of New York’s external affairs committee, was developed in response to a letter from the National Spiritual Assembly condemning the racially motivated church burnings in the South and asking for action on the part of local Bahá’í communities.

By bringing together clergy from various religious backgrounds, the program organizers sought to catalyze joint action by people of faith to promote race unity in New York City.

“We see our [Bahá’í] Faith as a workshop, not a showplace of racial unity,” program moderator Dr. Wilma Ellis, a member of the Continental Board of Counselors, said in her opening remarks, “and we have invited these people today to participate in our workshop.”

The racially mixed panel represented the Brotherhood Synagogue, St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Harlem, Judson Memorial Church, the Admiral Family Circle Islamic Community, The Brick Church, the New York Buddhist Church, St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery, and the Church of the Holy Trinity.

Dr. Ellis, a member of President Clinton’s Advisory Committee for Religious Freedom Abroad, gave the panelists a number of difficult questions to answer.

“We know that more than 30 churches have been burned,” she said. “We know that certain groups are alienated and working against unity. What can we do? How can we hear and respond to the wake-up call?”

Each clergyman was given five minutes in which to tell the audience of about 200—Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís—how his congregation was dealing with the issue of racism, after which Dr. Ellis posed questions to each of them.

The panelists responded with inspirational, if not necessarily action-oriented, answers.

“Bigotry [in the church] is not going to be changed,” said the Rev. Paul Williams of the Church of the Holy Trinity, “until we learn to love ourselves.”

Unity, said Shaykh Abd’allah Latif Ali of the Admiral Family Circle Islamic Community, does not mean ignoring differences.

“I believe we will end up with operational unity—that is, diverse groups working together [for the common good],” he said.

Among those attending the seminar were city officials, foundation representatives and other prominent persons from the tri-state area.

Two declare belief at House of Worship

Two visitors declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh during the monthly “Be Thou Assured” workshop February 9 at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

At least 125 people took part including Auxiliary Board members William Smits and Bill Wieties; Ramine Yazhari, representing the National Youth Committee; and Dr. Keyvan Nazerian of the National Teaching Office.

About 40 youth attended the event at which two workshops, the Peacemakers and Chicago Bahá’í Youth Workshop, were represented. [Page 23]

1,000 new believers enrolled in Bangladesh campaign

Bahá’ís visited and taught in 26 local Spiritual Assembly areas in Bangladesh last November as part of a two-week teaching/deepening campaign sponsored by the Regional Teaching Committee of Rajshahi. The teaching and consolidation trip was a follow-up to last year’s highly successful campaign in the region during which more than 10,000 new believers accepted the Faith. In some areas, the friends hired a loudspeaker and erected makeshift stages to bring Bahá’u’lláh’s message of love and unity to hundreds of people. After two weeks of teaching, about 1,000 people had embraced the Cause.

The ‎Williams William‎ Sears Teaching Campaign in Gabu, Guinea-Bissau, which began with a conference on June 10, 1995, entered its second year last June. During the first 15 months of the campaign 721 people embraced the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh and four new local Spiritual Assemblies were formed. The friends also strengthened and consolidated existing Bahá’í communities.

A teaching campaign that started last October in Trivandrum, India, has enlisted more than 280 people under the Banner of the Cause. Follow-up activities, especially training the newly enrolled believers, have been undertaken by the State Bahá’í Council of Kerala through its regional training institute. It was the first teaching campaign jointly launched by the Spiritual Assembly of Trivandrum, Auxiliary Board members and the State Bahá’í Council.

Also in India, 15 new believers declared their faith in Bahá’u’lláh following visits to Dhaleswar and Khurda Town last September by two teaching teams formed at a women’s conference organized by the Bahá’í Institute for Women’s Development. The teaching teams, composed entirely of women, conducted classes for children on moral values and organized various activities for women in the villages.

A teaching campaign held last November 1–December 15 in Georgia led to the enrollment of about 250 new believers and the formation of 12 new local Spiritual Assemblies. Fourteen local Bahá’ís arose as traveling teachers to take the Message to the masses; they also visited and consolidated communities with existing Assemblies to help them grow and enhance their capacity to administer their local Bahá’í activities. The Spiritual Assembly of Tschinvali was formed on November 17, and the recently conducted Bahá’í Institute course helped strengthen the faith of the local believers, many of whom have expressed a willingness to take part in teaching the Cause.

Pictured in a photograph taken in January 1997 is the soon-to-be-completed National Bahá’í Center in Kathmandu, Nepal. Much of the work is being done by Bahá’ís and their friends under the supervision of pioneer David Walker, who serves with his wife, Penny, on the National Spiritual Assembly of Nepal. The photo was taken by Keith de Folo who pioneered to Nepal from 1968–72 and recently returned for a visit. There are about 4,000 Bahá’ís in Nepal (some 60 in Kathmandu) and 53 local Spiritual Assemblies.

In Guinea, members of the French-speaking Bahá’í Light of Unity campaign visited 13 localities in a three-week period last September and October. As a result, 170 new believers were enrolled and two new local Spiritual Assemblies were formed. As it was during the rainy season and roads were impassable, the Bahá’í teachers traveled almost entirely on foot, singing aloud as they made their way through the Guinean forest. From Guinea, the group moved on to Senegal, where they spent a month, and then to Mali, the last country on its itinerary.

A teaching campaign was held last November 18–24 in the city of Florida, Uruguay, with three main meetings organized by the Bahá’í community. The first of these gatherings was centered on the role of women in establishing peace, the second focused on the arts and ecology, while the third was a “Feast of Unity.” A reporter from the local newspaper interviewed the friends, and an article appeared the following day. The friends were also interviewed on behalf of the journal El Heraldo and by a local television crew. As a result of these and other efforts, six new believers were enrolled.

Three Bahá’ís, two of them residents, were interviewed recently by Faroese Television at the new Bahá’í Center in Tórshavn, Iceland. As a result, the Faith was mentioned in news headlines and a three-minute report, the first of its kind, was broadcast during the evening news. The commentator noted that the Faith had been introduced to the Islands by Eskil Ljungberg in 1954, asked about the purpose of the Center, and explained that Bahá’ís see no religious conflict between the Faith and Christianity, as all religions spring from the same Source and are one in reality.

Seven Bahá’ís from five countries were among the more than 400 young people who took part last November 25–29 in the second World Youth Forum of the United Nations System which was held in Vienna, Austria. Of the seven Bahá’í participants, four represented Bahá’í agencies (two from the Bahá’í International Community, two from the European Bahá’í Youth Council) while three represented other entities (the World Conference on Religion and Peace, Youth for Habitat Organization, and the State of Zaire). Miss Dilara Sezgin represented the European Bahá’í Youth Council in the Youth and Human Settlements working group, while a three-page report on “Youth and Global Governance” prepared by the Bahá’í International Community was distributed to participants in the Youth Participation and Youth Rights working group.

Two thousand, five hundred people from 26 states in India and 46 other countries attended a celebration last December 23–25 marking the 10th anniversary of the dedication of the Bahá’í House of Worship in New Delhi. Among those taking part were four members of the Continental Board of Counselors in Asia. The three-day event included prayer services, performances by English and Hindi choirs, visits to the Temple archives, speakers, and programs dedicated to the theme of entry by troops. Eight cable and network television stations covered the event, and on the first day, Doordarshan—the national television station of India—broadcast the half-hour program Jewel in the Lotus during the evening’s prime time period.

In Brazil, the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, appearing as honored guest, addresses a special session last August 14 of the Brazilian Federal Chamber of Deputies. The session was called to mark the 75th anniversary of the introduction of the Faith in Brazil.

The third ASEAN Bahá’í Youth Conference was held last December 6 at Nongkhai, Thailand, with 250 participants from 16 countries present, of whom 45 were not Bahá’ís. The theme of the conference was “Arts Can Better Awaken,” and its purpose was to explore ways in which the arts can spread the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh. Among those taking part were Counsellor Vicente Samaniego, eight Auxiliary Board members, and members of the National Spiritual ‎Asssembly Assembly‎ of Thailand.

The second Bahá’í Arts Concert took place last November 28 at Frank Collymore Hall in Bridgetown, Barbados, with more than 100 people attending including about 25 Bahá’ís. The concert was offered as a gift of love from the Bahá’í community to the people of Barbados on the occasion of the country’s 30th anniversary of independence. The program consisted of performances by six Bahá’í musicians and the reading of three passages from the Writings about music and the arts.

A new Bahá’í Center was opened last November in Imafin, in the middle of the bush area of Tanna Island, Vanuatu. At least 500 Bahá’ís attended the ceremony, which included a custom feast and much singing and dancing. The evening’s highlight was the placing of a copy of the Kitab-i-Aqdas in the Center.

A group of young Bahá’ís gave a presentation about the Faith last October 7 at the Hebron College of Education in Pretoria, South Africa. About 600 people attended the event, which consisted of a unity dance, two songs and some inspirational talks. Each person was given a program that included a prayer and quotation from the Bahá’í Writings. [Page 24]

1997 Regional School Summer schedule

CALIFORNIA (Southern) Dates: June 27–29 Program: Enhancing the Process of Entry by Troops. Key speakers: Auxiliary Board members Gary Bulkin and Blanche Grant, with two of her assistants, who will talk on the Covenant and its relationship to the Institutions. Youth classes will be taught by Frank and Amy Vahid, and children’s classes will be taught by Core Curriculum-trained teachers. Location: Pilgrim Pines Oak Glen, behind Yucaipa, CA, in the San Bernardino Mountains. Facilities: Cabins with showers, and room for 1–2 families in each cabin, dormitory space for handicapped participants, main dining hall. Recreation: Volleyball, pool, hiking. Rates: Adults, $95; ages 10–15, $82; ages 4–9, $55; ages 3 and under free. New Bahá’ís and those who register before May 23 get a 5% discount. Day rates are: Saturday, $30 and Sunday, $20. Mandatory advance registration deadline is June 20. Registrar: Edye York, [Address redacted], Ontario, CA 91764. For information call 909-983-1022; 909-735-1509; 909-987-7129.

COLORADO (East) Dates: June 13–17 Location: Camp Jackson (Pueblo County YMCA) near Rye, Colorado. Registration deadline: June 1. Registrar: Don Brayton, [Address redacted], Woodland Park, CO 80863; 719-687-3351; e-mail [redacted].

FOUR CORNERS (Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah corners) Dates: July 21–25 Program: Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops, will include participation in “villages” named after the Bahá’í months. Travel teaching after the school in the Navajo Nation is also an option. Location: Camp Kiwanis, Vanderwagen, New Mexico. Facilities: Dorm rooms, tent and RV sites, group meals in dining hall, picnic tables, chapel. Recreation: Playground, volleyball, baseball, horseshoes, basketball, hiking in Ponderosa. Rates: Adults ages 19 and above, $65; Youth ages 15–18, $55; Junior Youth ages 11–14, $40; Children ages 7–10, $25; Children ages 3–6, $20; Infants, free. Day students ages 13 and above, $3 per day, $3 per meal; Day students under 12, $2 per day, $2 per meal. Advance Registration: July 14. Registrar: Bill Bright, [Address redacted], Gallup, NM 87301; 505-722-0039.

FLORIDA Southern Flame Bahá’í School Dates: July 2–7 Location: Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne. A dynamic program is planned, including music and notable special guests! For more information contact Karen Pritchard, 954-587-1863.

ILLINOIS (Heartland) Dates: July 23–27 Program: The Covenant. Location: Knox College, Galesburg. Facilities: Handicapped accessible dorms and college cafeteria with restaurants and motels nearby. Recreation: Pool, tennis, track. Registrar: Carl Clingenpeel, [Address redacted], Aurora, IL 60504; 708-898-6385.

IOWA Dates: July 18–22 Location: Grinnell College, Grinnell. Theme: Citizenship in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh Accommodations for meals and lodging: air-conditioned rooms, 3 cafeteria meals per day. Classroom facilities: College classrooms, auditoriums, all handicapped accessible. Recreation facilities: pool, outdoor courtyards. Rates: Approximately $125 for one adult, less for youth and children. Approximately $475 for family of four (two adults, two children). Registrar: Rita Landers, [Address redacted], Davenport, IA 52802-2603; day phone 319-323-1717, evening phone 319-323-8242.

KANSAS Dates: May 25–26 (Memorial Day weekend) Program: “Developing a Thriving Bahá’í Community.” Location: Camp Aldrich, 10 miles west of Great Bend. Registrar: Gray Bishop, phone 316-788-5378 or e-mail [redacted].

KENTUCKY Dates: August 29–September 1 (Labor Day weekend) Theme: “The Bahá’í Faith: A Family Affair.” Key Teachers: Robert C. Henderson, Secretary-General, NSA (invited). Location: Kentucky Leadership Center, Lake Cumberland, Faubush. Facilities: Lodge (linen and towels provided) or dormitory style cabins on same property (linen and towels not provided), cafeteria at lodge, (vegetarian meals available), classrooms for infant, toddler, children and youth. Recreation: Hiking, boating, swimming, ropes course, volleyball, tennis, baseball and basketball. Rates: School Fee: $10, Family Rate (3 or more): $30. Meals: Adults and Youth, $16.50/day. Children, $8.25/day, Infants, free. Housing: Adults, $6–26/night, Youth and below, $6–17.50/night, Advance Registration Deadline: August 22. Children must be pre-registered. Registrar: Floyd Donley, [Address redacted], Gilbertsville, KY 42044; 502-362-4228; e-mail [redacted].

MARYLAND/VIRGINIA Dayspring Bahá’í School Dates: July 31–Aug. 3 Program: Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops: Working with Bahá’í Institutions. Location: Frostburg State University, Frostburg. Facilities: Air-conditioned dorms, meals on campus, large ‎perfoming performing‎ arts center, college classrooms. Recreation: Indoor pool, tennis, gym. Advance Registration: July 3. Registration info at: http://www.clark.net/pub/olson/dayspring Registrar: Ingrid Olson, [Address redacted], Herndon, VA 20170; 703-481-8393; e-mail [redacted].

MINNESOTA William Sears Great North Woods Bahá’í School Dates: August 13–17 Advance Registration Deadline: July 30. Program: “Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops: A New State of Mind.” Key Teachers include Auxiliary Board member Diane Bohannon Letzer, member of the National Teaching Committee Jena Khadem Khodadad, and Robert Malouf. Location: Camp Onomia, Onamia. Facilities: Dorm rooms, camping, full dining hall, classrooms for adults and children. Recreation: Pool, lake, boating and organized recreation. Registrar: Ali Mahabadi, [Address redacted], Plymouth, MN 55441; 612-557-6039.

MISSISSIPPI Dates: June 6–8 Program: Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops; The Institutions. Key Teachers: Auxiliary Board member Jeannette Hedayati, representative of Huqúqu’lláh Vahid Hedayati, Denise Hakimi, Manuchihr Hakimi (youth classes). Location: Duncan M. Gray Episcopal Conference Center, Canton. Recreation: Fishing, volleyball, singing, hiking. Rates: School fee, meals and housing: $112.50, children under 4 free. Advance Registration: May 16. Registrar: Alma I. Smith, [Address redacted], Vicksburg, MS 39180; 601-636-8628.

MONTANA John H. Wilcott Bahá’í School Dates: July 27–August 1 Topic: The Four Year Plan. Location: Luccock Park Camp, Livingston. Facilities: Rustic cabins nestled in a valley surrounded by the Three Sisters mountains. The camp is 25 miles from the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park situated in the picturesque Gallatin Valley. Our school will use the village process in furthering community development. Cost: Pre-registration costs are: 18 and over—$140; 7–17—$120; 4–6—$85; 3 or younger—$25. Late Fee for adults 18 and over will be $160. Registrar: Sandi Marisdotter, [Address redacted], Helena, MT 59601; 406-442-7526.

NEBRASKA (Great Plains Bahá’í School) Dates: June 19–22 Key teachers: National Spiritual Assembly member Jack McCants, Marie Scheffer, Ernie Dumas. Location: University of Nebraska at Kearney. Facilities: Classes and dining rooms will be in student union, dormitory housing. Recreation: Basketball, tennis courts, swimming pool, picnic shelter. Rates: (our rates are daily) Adults: Thursday, $17.00; Friday, $29.00; Saturday, $29.00; Sunday, $10.00; Total: $85.00 includes room and meal (rate is per person double occupancy). Children 10 and under: Thursday, $14.00; Friday, $20.50; Saturday, $20.50; Sunday, $4.00; Total, $59.00. Day students: Friday, $15.00; Saturday, $15.00; Sunday, $10.00; Total: $40.00 (for meals only). Children 10 and under, or on a sleeping bag in a double room: Thursday, $6.50; Friday, $6.50; Saturday, $4.00; Sunday, $17.00. Children 3 and under, no charge. (Rates are based on room charges of $14.00 per person double, and meal rates of breakfast $3.25, lunch $4.25 and dinner $5.25). Advance registration deadline: May 15. Late registration fee of $5.00 per person and $10.00 per family. Registrar: Colin Taylor, [Address redacted], North Platte, NE 69101; 308-534-4939; e-mail [redacted].

NEW YORK Solomon Hilton Bahá’í School Dates: August 15–24 Location: Oakwood School, Poughkeepsie. Program: “Advancing the Process of Entry By Troops!” Accommodations: dormitory. Contact: Stephanie Jaczko at 914-566-7864 or [redacted].

NORTH CAROLINA Dates: June 26–29 Program: Focus on the institutions and race unity. The session is dedicated to the life and work of Dr. Jean Scales, former member of the Auxiliary Board. Key teachers: Counselor Tod Ewing, Dr. Jean Scales. Location: Lenoir-Rhyne College, Hickory. Registrar: Sandra Miles, [Address redacted], Winston-Salem, NC 27105; voice: 910-767-6888; fax: 910-767-7033; email: [redacted].

WESTERN OREGON (Badasht) Dates: August 13–17 Program: Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops. This school offers Bahá’í education classes for pre-youth, youth and adults. Location: Camp Myrtlewood, near Bridge, 50 miles west of Roseburg. Facilities: Meals served in dining hall; lodging varies with need of individual persons/families where possible. Cabins, tent space, some RV space (no hook-ups). Classrooms mostly outdoors, weather permitting, or in rustic cabins or dining hall. Recreation: Swimming, field sports, nature hikes, music, Bahá’í library. Rates: Adults, $77.00; Ages 9–20, $65.00; Ages 2–8, $50.00 Maximum Family Rate $250.00, under age 2 no charge. A few scholarships available for kitchen help or based on financial need. Advance Registration Deadline: July 20. Registrar: c/o Lynn Nesbit, [Address redacted]. [Page 25]

Schools

Continued from page 28

Portland, OR 97211; 503-335-0703; e-mail

WESTERN OREGON (Camp Carmel) Dates: Session I, July 25–27; Session II July 27–August 1 Program: Provide deepening, focused and designed to meet the needs of adults and older youth. To prepare youth counselors who will serve the second session school. Session II is oriented toward children and youth, using camp counselors (about age 15–21) to serve the children. Location: Camp Angelos, a short drive east from Portland, near airport. Facilities: Meals served in dining hall. All lodging in dormitory-style cabins, no RV or tents. Recreation: Swimming, volleyball, basketball court, Bahá’í library. Advance Registration Deadline: July 1. Registrar: Lynn Nesbit, Portland, OR 97211; 503-335-0703; e-mail

TENNESSEE Dates: August 29–Sept. 1 Key Teachers: Joy DeGruy-Leary and Mojan Khadem (invited). Location: DuBose Conference Center, Monteagle. Recreation: Volleyball, swimming, walking paths. Advance Registration: August 15. Registrar: Kaihan Strain, Hixson, TN 37343; 423-842-1750.

E. WASHINGTON/N. IDAHO Sheltering Branch School Dates: June 28–July 4 Program: Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops. Excellent programs from nursery through adult. This is a totally family-oriented school, attendance is 50% children/50% adults. Large youth group. Key Teachers: Auxiliary Board members Todd Kutches and Celia Johnson; Fred Delgado. Location: Camp Wooten Environmental Learning Center in SE Washington about 30 miles from the town of Pomeroy & Walla Walla. Facilities: Participants are housed in cabins of 12. Children 8 and over are housed in cabins with dorm parent. Arrangements can be made for families to share cabins. Spaces available for tents, RV’s. Recreation: Heated indoor pool, basketball, volleyball, hiking & spectacular nature trails, river, fishing, roller skating, canoeing, tennis courts. Additional Information: Everyone attending takes turns as cabin parents, assisting in kitchen, camp clean-up. This is a working school. Rates: Ages 60-plus, $105; Adults 19 and up, $160; Youth 15-18, $105; Pre-youth 11-14, $95; children ages 6–10, $80; toddlers 2–5, $50; infants 0–1, $30; Sponsored Children, $120; Family Rate, $500 (parents with minor children). Registration Deadline: June 14 Registrar: Shannon McConnell, Richland, WA 99352, 509-943-1236.

VIRGINIA Hemlock Haven Bahá’í School Dates: June 13–15 Location: Marion. Program: “Entry By Troops: Inviting the World to God’s Table.” Programs for adults, youth and children. Contact: Sara Jane Lee, P.O. Box 2156, Lebanon, VA 24266 (540-889-0445), or Clint Dye (540-873-6754).

VIRGINIA Massanetta Springs School Contact the Education and Schools Office at 847-733-3492 for more information.

UTAH Dates: May 23–26 Program: “Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops; Balancing Family, Career and the Faith; The Covenant and the Verities; Developing Artistic Capacities in the Community” Key Teachers: Auxiliary Board member Brent Poirier, tapestry artist Vickie Hu Poirier, musicians Dave and Helene Van Manen. Location: Chateau Apres, Park City. Registration Deadline: May 1 Registrar: Karen Anne Webb, Bountiful, UT, 84010.

WISCONSIN Dates: July 14–18 Program: Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops. Location: Byron Center, Brownsville. Facilities: On-site accommodations, meals, separate children’s program. Recreation: Volleyball, hiking, swimming. Advance registration deadline: July 1. Registrar: Lisa Riemer, West Bend, WI 53095; 414-338-3023.

WISCONSIN Green Lake Bahá’í Conference Dates: September 12–14 Theme: The Institutions: Channels of God’s Grace. Key teachers: Auxiliary Board member Dr. Michael Penn; National Bahá’í Education Task Force member Kathy Penn; Dr. Dwight Allen; Virtues Project creators Daniel and Linda Kavelin Popov. Location: American Baptist Assembly, Green Lake. Lodging and Meals: Call the ABA at 800-555-8898 for room rates and arrangements. Conference Fees: Adult (15 years & up) $20.00 per person; Children (2 through 14) $10.00 per person; Children 2 and under are free; Family rate: $40.00 for immediate family members only, includes children through age 14. Additional charge: the ABA $3.50 per person (regardless of age) facility fee. Registration: register for rooms directly with the site, 800-555-8898.

Bosch Bahá’í school summer schedule

June 5–8—Pacific Islander Conference. Share the culture of the people and learn about teaching experiences and travel teaching in the Pacific. Organized by George Halahola and facilitated by Juana Conrad, Poova Murday, Sharon and Jerry Johnson, Derek Cockshut, Juliana Johnson, Sue and Khalil Khavari, the programs will also focus on the heritage and spiritual contributions of the South Pacific Islanders. Programs for children and youth included in the three-day session. For details, phone George Halahola, 415-596-9635.

Week 1: June 22–29—3rd annual Choral School and Children’s Music Camp, conducted by Tom Price and Victor Wong. Please be sure to bring your favorite musical instruments. The two sessions will be held the same week and will offer participants intergenerational and individualized classes and activities. Children must be at least seven years old to attend, and all children ages 7–9 must be accompanied by a participating parent. Children ages 10 and older may come alone. All participants should exhibit some degree of musical talent and interest.

Week 2: July 3–6—Bay Area Bahá’í Social Group Retreat. Come for the fun of socializing and relaxing...no classes, no structure; just swimming, basketball, volleyball, ping pong, walking, talking and eating. Join the Bay area Bahá’ís for a fun-filled vacation that beats the crowds and costs at Yosemite. Bring the family and unwind. The library and bookshop will be open for your enjoyment.

Week 3: July 8–13—Teachers on the March Training Institute. A unique opportunity to study, work and practice techniques critical to becoming an effective teacher of the Cause to help the process of entry by troops. Facilitated by Ed Diliberto, Margie Bulkin and Auxiliary Board member Gary Bulkin, this session will prepare youth and adults to travel teach, join summer teaching projects, and/or pioneer. Classes will consist of research, lecture and experiential formats complemented by prayer and service. Please come prepared with work clothes and sturdy shoes for forestry and agriculture.

Week 3: July 8–13—College Institute. The annual institute for students and those who are of college age (18–30) is a program of serious study, service and transformation designed to fulfill the mandate of the Universal House of Justice in its Ridván letter encouraging Bahá’ís to study the fundamental verities of the Faith. For those who are unable to attend the Wilmette Institute, this is a wonderful alternative. Facilitated by Sean Lurie.

July 14–17—Summer Children’s Academy. For children going into the 4th, 5th or 6th grades. Provides training in the various disciplines of Bahá’í life. Participants are encouraged to see themselves as catalysts for change in their family, school and community. A rigorous course of study, exercise, service, prayer and moral training, all based on the Sacred Writings, is taught using Core Curriculum methods and teachers. Each child is housed with four other children and an adult cabin counselor. Adult supervision at all times. Sports, swimming, hiking, campfires and a car wash are all part of the fun of the Summer Academy experience.

Week 4: July 19–24—General Session. National Spiritual Assembly member Jack McCants will join us for this family week, offering an in-depth course on prayer. Also, Gary Matthews will facilitate discussions about his book, Bridges from the Bible, and Christian Rayner will conduct classes on spiritual transformation. Youth and children’s classes will use the special edition of Brilliant Star magazine to focus on the maturation of the institutions.

Week 4: July 19–24—Art Camp. The Gwen Wakeling arts endowment council is proud to offer Bosch’s first-ever Art Camp. Facilitated by artists Diane Habell-Jower and Kenji Konishi, it is designed for persons 15 years and up who love to create with their hands. If you’ve never tried fine arts before but have always wanted to do so, this is the perfect opportunity. The hands-on program will use the Sacred Writings to inspire creativity. Please feel free to bring your favorite art supplies; some will be provided at no cost, while an additional limited selection will be available for purchase at the school. Register early, as enrollment is limited.

Week 5: July 26–31—Youth Institute. The annual summer High School Institute is for students in or entering the 10th, 11th or 12th grades. Classes will consist of research, lecture and experiential format complemented by prayer and service. Cabin counselors will be provided for each cabin, and excellent trained teachers will conduct daily classes. Please register early, as this session fills up fast.

Week 6: August 2–7—Junior Youth Institute No. 1.

Week 7: August 9–14—Junior Youth Institute No. 2. The annual summer Junior Youth Institutes are for students in or entering the 7th, 8th or 9th grades. Classes consist of research, lecture and experiential format complemented by prayer and service. Cabin counselors will be provided for each cabin, and excellent trained teachers will conduct the classes. Please register early.

Week 8: August 16–21—General Session. Dr. Michael Penn, an Auxiliary Board member from Pennsylvania, is the guest presenter for this family session, centered on the fundamental verities of the Faith. In addition, Derek Cockshut will facilitate a course of in-depth study of the Sacred Writings. Youth and children’s classes will use the special edition of Brilliant Star magazine to study the maturation of the institutions.

Week 9: August 23–28—General Session. Joel and Esther Orona, administrators of the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Arizona, will facilitate classes on the maturation of the institutions and offer their cultural gifts as artists-in-residence for the week. Habib Riazati, well known for his scholarly work on the Sacred Writings, will also be present. Youth and children’s classes will use the special edition of Brilliant Star magazine to study the maturation of the institutions.

August 29–September 1—Arts and Teaching Weekend. The popular weekend session is hosted this year by the Gwen Wakeling Arts Endowment Council who will offer a program of various presentations and experiential classes by artists from around the country. Find out how you can plan a practical approach to using the arts in your community and in your teaching events. The session fills up early, so register soon. [Page 26]

Green Acre spring/summer program schedule

May 9–11—Unique views of the African-American experience inspired by The Pupil of the Eye. Photographer Don Camp will contrast the life and example of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory with current media stereotyping of African-Americans, particularly black males. He will also offer an evening lecture at the opening reception for the exhibit of his photographic images of black men titled “Dust-Shaped Hearts,” on Saturday, May 10, at 7:30 p.m. The weekend also features historic preservationist Valerie Cunningham, who has compiled an extensive history of the presence of African-Americans in the Green Acre area, sharing 300 years of regional black history, including stories of Louis Gregory’s Portsmouth, N.H. years. The weekend program fee is $110/adult, $60/ages 3-14 and $30/commuter. A discount rate of $85/person is offered for communities that send three or more people.

May 23–26—The Institute for AIDS, Sexuality and Addiction (IASA) will offer a conference designed to help individuals, Bahá’í institutions and health professionals explore Bahá’í principles as they relate to HIV/AIDS, human sexuality and addictions, and to issues of abuse and violence. The IASA weekend will open Friday evening, May 23, with a special all-ages concert by musician Red Grammer as fund-raiser for the Green Acre Scholarship Fund. Call Green Acre for ticket information. Special segment for youth ages 15 and up. Program fee is $145/adult, $80 ages 3-14 and $45/commuter.

May 30–June 1—Couples are invited to celebrate their spiritual fortress for well-being in a Marriage Enrichment Weekend Retreat to be conducted by marriage-and-family therapist Farzaneh Guillebeaux and her husband Jack, a frequent and popular teacher at Bahá’í schools. Program fee is $200 per couple.

June 13–15—A local Spiritual Assembly Development forum, directed toward Assembly members in the New England area, to explore the Assemblies’ role in the Four Year Plan. The forum is offered by the Office of Assembly Development and representatives of the Auxiliary Board, the National Teaching Committee and the Office of the Treasurer. Special workshops will address officers’ duties as well as consultation, acting on principle, implementing teaching plans, stewardship of the Funds and external affairs work. Fees: $110/adult, $60/ages 3-14 and $30/commuter. A special discount rate of $85/person is offered for communities that send three or more members.

June 20–23—Camp Green Acre: Eric & Barbara Nelson coordinate 4 fun-filled days of study, outings, crafts and service for third- to sixth-graders (ages 8-12).

June 27–July 2—Discover “The Spiritual Significance of the Institutions: Assembly as Loving Parent,” with Auxiliary Board member Farah Rosenburg, and pursue “Developing Genius” with John Kolstoe.

July 4–9—“The Golden Example of Louis Gregory.” Arise to address the Most Challenging Issue with Jane Faily and explore requisites for race unity in America with Leonard Smith.

July 11–16—“Physical and Spiritual Wellness” with Dr. Kerry McCord and discover “Bahá’í Community as Workshop for Transformation” with Peter & Pepper Oldziey. Also, Junior Youth Institute for grades 6-8.

July 18–23—“Investigate Reality” in your personal life and the world around you with members of the Foundation for the Science of Reality. Also, Youth Institute for grades 9-12.

July 25–30—Learn to do business with “Bahá’í Principles of Organization and Economics” with Larry Miller, get a “Welcome to the Human Family” from Carole Miller, and encounter “The Power of Love” with Adrienne Reeves.

July 25–Aug. 6—Two-week Youth Institute for grades 9-12.

Aug. 1–6—Discover “Consultation: Power of the New Age” with Bob Harris, delve into “Diversity: Beyond Color and Culture” with Barbara Harris and Rodney and Janet Richards, and seek “A Woman’s Voice” with Artist-in-Residence Mary Davis.

Aug. 8–13—Presenters include Mary K. Radpour and Mona and Richard Grieser on “Two Wings: Advancement of Women in Partnership with Men.”

Aug. 16–23—1912: Special 85th anniversary sessions celebrate ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit.

Aug. 15–20—Probe the Tablets of the Divine Plan with Habib Riazati and explore the talks of “Promulgation of Universal Peace” with Ann Schoonmaker.

Aug. 20–22—Special session with Robert Henderson includes commemorative Unity Feast.

Aug. 22–27—“Refresh and Gladden Your Spirit” with Dorothy and James Nelson, and study “The Rapid Growth of Bahá’í Development” with Hassan Sabri.

Labor Day weekend—Auxiliary Board member Eugene Andrews presents “Advancing The Process: The Role of the Individual, the Institutions and the Community.”

Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St. Eliot, Maine 03903. Phone 207-439-7200, Fax 207-439-7202; e-mail

RATES: Full week rates (Friday dinner through Wednesday lunch inclusive): Adult—$275; Youth (12-17)—$175; Child (6-11)—$150; Preschool (3-5)—$125. Weekend Rates (Friday dinner through Sunday lunch): Adult—$120; Youth—$80; Child—$60 (add $5 materials fee per child ages 3–14). Ask about Ole Bull Cottage and campground rates.

Native American Bahá’í Institute spring/summer schedule of events

ONGOING—Children’s Outreach Program. Outreach programs consist of storytelling, song and dancing to reach children with messages of racial unity, obedience, courtesy, etc. based on Bahá’í Writings and principles. The outreach programs are scheduled every Tuesday; inquirers should contact Selena Orona, 520-587-7599.

April 11–13—Bahá’í College Clubs Service Learning. The program will consist of information on personal transformation, how to reach American Indian students, Bahá’í teachings from an American Indian viewpoint, as well as social time and cultural exchanges.

May 3–4—Community Development and Spiritual Principles. The curriculum will cover all aspects of community development beginning from the individual, family, extended family, children, socio-economics, and community health and well-being based on the Covenant of the Faith.

May 24–25—Pioneering on the Reservation Workshop. “How To” workshop to develop collaborative initiatives to help Bahá’ís on the reservation with service projects to advance the teaching work through socio-economic development projects.

June 7—Spring Work & Evening Campfire/Picnic. Spring painting, clean-up and general maintenance will be rounded off with an evening campfire for teaching and picnic dinner. Seekers are welcome.

August 2–3—Third annual NABI Pow-Wow & Workshops. The NABI pow-wow is a gathering of social, cultural, educational and spiritual elements integrated into a powerful weekend. The unity pow-wow consists of workshops, a 5k run, drums, and dancers in full regalia.

For more information contact the Native American Bahá’í Institute, P.O. Box 3167, Houck, AZ 86505 (phone 520-521-1063).

Louhelen summer program schedule

June 6–8—Fostering the Advancement of Women with Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi, Gwendolyn Watson, Penny Schmicker. This weekend session for both women and men includes study of the Writings that describe the processes that lead to equality and unity, study of the lives of heroines of the Bahá’í Faith, consultation, fellowship and the contributions of cellist and vocalist Gwendolyn Watson.

June 6–11—Bahá’í Studies for College Youth with Dr. Rick Johnson and Connie Chen. This session explores the foundations of human and spiritual advancement through study, research, consultation and opportunities for fellowship. Special emphasis on the integration of science and religion.

June 22–27—Camp Louhelen with Joannie Yuille, Rona Schechter, Angie Blachsherer, Susan Modarai, George Wilson and Mary Wilson. Varied, stimulating and fun activities include classroom learning, devotional periods, music, art, games and sports, overnight camping and more for children ages 8–12.

July 4–9—Persian-American Bahá’í Studies with Dr. Tahereh Ahdieh, Shokouh Rezai, Habib Riazati and others. Full children’s program offered. Topics include Advancing the Process of Entry By Troops through the Institutions and the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

July 11–16—Institute for Youth and Jr. Youth with Larry and Tracy Gholar and Cam and Elizabeth Herth. This institute for youth ages 12–16 fosters devotion, study, consultation, skill development and recreation. Special topic: Advancing the Process of Entry By Troops.

July 18–23—Education Seminar with Dr. Terry Kneisler, members of the Bahá’í Education Task Force, and Ladan Doorandish-Vance. Advancing the process of entry by troops through the implementation of Bahá’í principles in public schools and other academic settings. For teachers, administrators and parents who wish to influence the educational process. Full children’s program offered.

July 18–23—Family and Friends Session I: “For Love of the Institutions” with Dr. Michael Penn and Kathy Penn. Full children’s program offered.

July 25–30—Family and Friends Session II with Dr. June Thomas: “Shoghi Effendi: The Planner.” Also, “Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops,” with faculty to be announced. Full children’s program offered.

August 1–6—Family and Friends Session III with Habib Riazati: The Kitáb-i-Aqdas. A detailed study of the Most Holy Book, including consideration of advancing the process of entry by troops. Full children’s program offered.

August 8–13—Youth Eagle Institute for youth ages 15 and up with Liz Dwyer, other members of the National Youth Committee (invited) and Russell Ballew. The Eagle Institute fosters the capacity of youth to arise and serve by developing their spiritual, intellectual and physical capacities. This integrated program includes varied classroom activities, devotional programs, service projects and recreation.

August 15–17—Multicultural Family Camp with Dr. Joel Orona and Esther Orona. This program is designed to help parents and teachers raise up a generation of children firmly grounded in the principle of oneness to appreciate diversity and promote unity. Full children’s program offered.

August 29–September 1—Homecoming with David and Margaret Ruhe. The Louhelen Homecoming welcomes all friends and members of the Louhelen family to a weekend of deepening, consultation, fellowship and performing arts activities. Full children’s program offered.

Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 South State Road, Davison, MI 48423. Phone 810-653-5033; fax 810/653-7181; e-mail

Fee and Discount Information:

Camp Louhelen—$285.00 per child. Weekend Sessions—Adult or youth: $100.00. Child: $50.00 Homecoming—Adult or youth, $150.00. Child, $75.00. Five Day Sessions—Adult or youth, $250.00. Child, $100.00 Special Rates: Families with three or more members (parents with dependent children) receive a 15 percent discount. The second child from the same family attending camp or youth sessions receives a 20 percent discount. Friends attending Louhelen for the first time since 1990 receive a 50 percent discount. [Page 27]

NABI takes part in Martin Luther King Day celebration

Members of the Native American Bahá’í Institute were invited to take part in the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Day Celebration in Gallup, New Mexico. The National Indian Youth Leadership Program (NIYLP) sponsored the event and invited NABI co-administrator Dr. Joel Orona to present a talk on the concept of Unity and Diversity.

The day-long celebration, which began early in the morning with special prayers for peace and unity, was attended by more than 100 people of many diverse cultures.

At the forefront of the promotion of the concept of unity in diversity was the Bahá’í Youth Year of Service volunteers. Their presence at the celebration was a constant reminder of people of such diverse backgrounds coming together for the betterment of humankind.

All of the Bahá’í youth volunteers took part in several workshops and in the process made new and lasting friendships. Their willingness to be a part of the festivities attracted the hearts of those attending.

Throughout the day, the youth were able to share the message of the Faith and introduce NABI as an institute dedicated to help in building strong communities of indigenous peoples and as a center of learning addressing social and economic development projects.

Also attending this year’s program were members of the Bahá’í communities of Houck, Arizona, and Gallup, New Mexico. The Native American Bahá’í Institute has established a strong relationship with members of the National Indian Youth Leadership Program as NABI has assisted in contributing to many of its programs and hopes to continue to be a part of future projects.

NABI youth take part in on-campus program to develop attributes

Bahá’í Youth Year of Service volunteers from the Native American Bahá’í Institute (NABI) recently took part in an on-campus service program. The youth focused on developing personal attributes and characteristics that they felt could be improved upon while on their year of service.

The evening’s program featured the youth in the role of presenters, facilitators and hosts. Those in attendance were inspired by talks given on the spiritual transformation of becoming a Bahá’í with reenactments of personal developmental opportunities that have made a difference in their lives while on their year of service. Others dedicated their time to displaying their passion of teaching through the arts with several dramatic readings and historical portrayals.

The Youth Developmental Program is a featured presentation every month at the Native American Bahá’í Institute. The program has enkindled in the youth the awareness of their own special talents, the confidence to play a part in the development of their own community, and the opportunity to develop their skills as teachers of the Faith.

Pictured at right are many of the young people who took part last November 1–3 in a Bahá’í Youth Retreat in Grand Island, Nebraska. They are posing with the more than 300 food items that were collected in a little over 45 minutes for the local food pantry. Thirty Bahá’ís and four guests attended the retreat which included classes on the Báb, meditation techniques, art projects, entertainment and fellowship.

Students from Houston’s Rice University visit NABI

As part of the Native American Bahá’í Institute’s Service Learning Project, a group of non-Bahá’í students from Rice University in Houston, Texas, is visiting during alternative spring break.

The 18-member group consists of nine girls, six boys, a faculty member from the anthropology department, her son and niece. The diverse group includes five Asian students.

The group arrived March 2, and after sharing supper with the NABI staff and getting to know one another, they met for a brief orientation that included an introduction to the Faith.

While at NABI the students will act as ambassadors for the Institute and the community by doing volunteer work. One of the planned projects calls a trip to Navajo, New Mexico, with Selena Orona, NABI administrative assistant, where they will paint a building at a child-care center and help care for the children.

In January, the Bahá’ís of Scottsdale, Arizona, took part in the city’s annual Parada del Sol, the largest horse-drawn parade in the world. This year’s theme was ‘Mankind Is One.’ The Bahá’í float (pictured at left) included human figures of many colors with the motto ‘Color Me Human—Bahá’í Faith.’ It was escorted along its route by a step dance performed by members of the Eternal Flame Bahá’í Youth Workshop. The friends also gave to parade-goers 600 roses accompanied by a quotation from Bahá’u’lláh, ‘In the garden of thy heart plant naught but the rose of love.’

Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute Academies

Basic Academy: Youth, junior youth and children’s academies are conducted on the campus of the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute. The Bahá’í Academy is an intensive residential summer ‎exprience experience‎ designed to train and empower youth and children to fulfill their destined roles as servants and teachers of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. Sessions may last for two or three weeks.

Field Academy: The field academies are held off-campus in established Bahá’í communities and offer the opportunity for the knowledge and experience ‎gaind gained‎ from the Basic Academy to be put into practice. Prerequisite: Must have attended a Basic Academy.

June 15–July 12—Field Academy

June 22–July 12—Jr. Youth Academy I

July 13–August 2—Jr. Youth Academy II

June 22–July 5—Children’s Academy

July 13–August 2—Youth Academy

Louis G. Gregory ‎Baha’i Bahá’í‎ Institute, 1209 Williams Hill Rd, Hemingway, SC 29554. Phone 803-558-5093; e-mail [Page 28]

هفتمین کنفرانس انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی

FRIENDS OF PERSIAN CULTURE CONFERENCE

چنانکه در شماره‌های پیشین این نشریه به آگاهی دوستان رسید، هفتمین کنفرانس سالانه دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی از ۲۳ تا ۲۵ می سال ۱۹۹۷ در هتل هیلتن شیکاگو Chicago Hilton and Towers تشکیل خواهد شد.

این کنفرانس شامل برنامه‌های همزمان فارسی و انگلیسی خواهد بود و بخشی از برنامه آن به بزرگداشت حیات و آثار و خدمات ایادی عزیز امرالله جناب ابوالقاسم فیضی اختصاص خواهد داشت.

برای نونهالان بهائی نیز برنامه‌های ویژه‌ای در نظر گرفته شده است.

دوستان می‌توانند برای رزرو کردن اتاق مستقیماً با هتل تماس حاصل نمایند و ذکر فرمایند که برای شرکت در Bahá’í Arts Festival اتاق لازم دارند. نرخ مخصوص کنفرانس که از ۲۲ تا ۲۵ می سال ۱۹۹۷ معتبر خواهد بود برای هر اتاق شبی ۸۹ دلار است. این مبلغ فقط برای کرایه اتاق است و شامل مخارج خوراک و نام نویسی نمی‌شود.

شماره تلفن هتل: 1-800-Hiltons

نام‌نویسی از بعد از ظهر روز پنجشنبه ۲۲ می آغاز خواهد شد. عصر آن روز جلسه‌ای برای بزرگداشت اظهار امر حضرت اعلی در مشرق‌الاذکار تشکیل خواهد شد. شروع جلسات کنفرانس ساعت ۹ صبح روز جمعه و خاتمه آن ساعت ۱۱ شب یکشنبه ۲۵ می خواهد بود.

هیئت اجرائی از دوستانی که مایل به شرکت در این کنفرانس باشند تقاضا می‌کند که هر چه زودتر برای نام‌نویسی اقدام فرمایند و حداکثر تا ۲۱ اپریل برگه نام‌نویسی را ارسال فرمایند. وجه ثبت نام عزیزانی که برگه نام‌نویسی را بعد از تاریخ فوق ارسال دارند به ۴۰ دلار افزایش خواهد یافت.

از علاقه مندان دعوت می‌شود برای نام‌نویسی در کنفرانس برگه ثبت نام را تکمیل فرمایند و آن را همراه با حق نام‌نویسی به نشانی زیر ارسال دارند.

Persian/American Affairs Office ‎Baha'i National Cernter Bahá’í National Center‎ 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL. 60201

برای دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر می‌توان با دفتر انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی تماس حاصل نمود. تلفن: ۳۵۲۸-۷۳۳ (۸۴۷) فکس: ۰۲۲۷-۸۶۹ (۸۴۷) e-mail:

خردسال نمونه

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

نیما نعمت‌اللهی یک خردسال ۱۰ ساله بهائی است که در شهر شارلت Charlotte در ایالت کرولاینای شمالی زندگی می‌کند. امسال این نونهال عزیز بهائی در مسابقه هنری مارتین لوترکینگ مدرسه‌اش جایزه اول را برد. در نتیجه، اثری که نیمای عزیز آفریده در ماه فبروری سال جاری که ماه ویژه تاریخ سیاهپوستان آمریکا بود در "مرکز فرهنگی سیاهپوستان آمریکائی" Afro-American Cultural Center شهر شارلت به نمایش گذاشته شد.

از میان نامه‌ها

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

یکی از دوستان نامه‌ای به زبان انگلیسی به سردبیر این نشریه نوشته است. چون نامه را جالب یافتیم ترجمه آزاد و کوتاه شدهٔ آن را در زیر برای آگاهی دوستان درج می‌کنیم:

در اکتبر سال ۱۹۹۵ به جانب شرقی کوه اورست سفری کردم. مانند بسیاری دیگر از بهائیان از صحبت کردن درباره امر با غریبه‌ها ابا داشتم مخصوصاً با مسافران غربی که همراهم بودند.

هر چه بیشتر از کوه بالا می‌رفتم با راهنما و گاوسوارهای تبتی (که قافله‌سالار مسافران بودند) ارتباط نزدیک‌تری حس می‌کردم. اینها مردمی فقیر بودند اما من بیشتر اوقاتم را با آنها می‌گذراندم تا با دیگر مسافران.

آنها هم با توجه به این که با دیگر مسافران خارجی فرق داشتم علت این موضوع را از من پرسیدند. من هم نفس عمیقی کشیدم و تا جایی که می‌توانستم با کمک مترجم تبتی با ۱۲ نفر از همراهان تبتی درباره امر بهائی صحبت کردم.

بعد از اینکه تبت را ترک کردم به هندوستان رفتم و در مشرق‌الاذکار هندوستان جزوه‌هائی به زبان تبتی دیدم. چند تا از آنها را به راهنمای تبتی فرستادم در حالی که واقعاً نمی‌دانستم چه بر سر آن جزوه‌ها خواهد آمد.

دیروز نامه‌ای از دوست تبتی‌ام به دستم رسید. از فحوای نامه برمی‌آمد که همه جزوه‌ها را مردم از او قرض کرده‌اند. نوشته بود برادرش یک نسخه برای خودش نگه داشته تا بتواند احکام امر را رعایت کند! دیگران هم دائماً سراغ نسخه‌های دیگری را برای خودشان می‌گیرند.

حتی دوستانی که در چین دارد، بعد از اینکه از طریق نامه راجع به امر مبارک اطلاعاتی به آنها داده، می‌خواهند بدانند که آیا آن جزوات به زبان چینی هم وجود دارد یا نه.

می‌بینید؟ نباید نگران باشیم که زمینی که در آن بذر امر بهائی را می‌کاریم حاصل‌خیز است یا نه. ما باید کار خودمان را بکنیم. حضرت بهاءالله ترتیب رسیدن نور و باران را به آن زمین خواهند داد.

رجا ثابت

اطلاعات بیشتر دربارهٔ برنامهٔ خردسالان

کنفرانس هفتم انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ و هنر ایرانی در هتل هیلتن شیکاگو برگزار خواهد شد. از آنجا که هتل مذکور یکی از بزرگ‌ترین هتل‌های شیکاگو است و در زمان تشکیل کنفرانس هزاران نفر دیگر نیز در این هتل رفت و آمد خواهند داشت، مصلحت نخواهد بود که نونهالان بهائی به حال خود رها شوند. بدین جهت تأکید می‌شود که شرکت‌کنندگان حتماً ترتیب نام‌نویسی خردسالان و نوجوانان را در کلاس‌های ویژه آنان فراهم سازند.

برای شرکت خردسالان بهائی در کنفرانس موارد و شرایطی در نظر گرفته شده است که خلاصه آن در زیر درج می‌گردد:

۱- در طول کنفرانس همه خردسالان ۳ تا ۱۲ ساله باید در قسمت خردسالان نام‌نویسی کنند. ناگفته پیداست که انتظار می‌رود نونهالان عزیز رفتار و اخلاق و شؤون بهائی را رعایت نمایند.

۲- نونهالانی که در رابطه با فرهنگ ایران مایل به اجرای برنامه هنری باشند، باید والدینشان از قبل با هیئت برگزاری کنفرانس تماس حاصل نمایند.

۳- معلمانی که برای بخش خردسالان انتخاب شده‌اند همگی از افراد باتجربه و حرفه‌ای و متخصص آموزش و پرورش خردسالانند.

۴- کنفرانس خردسالان شامل بخش‌های آموزشی، تربیتی، هنری و ورزشی خواهد بود.

۵- حق نام‌نویسی کودکان برای سه روز کنفرانس نفری ۵۰ دلار است. در صورتی که دوستان مایل باشند که اطفالشان را روزانه نام‌نویسی کنند مبلغ نام‌نویسی روزی ۲۰ دلار خواهد بود.

۶- برای نام‌نویسی خردسالان باید دوستان برگه زیر را به همراه چک قبل از ۲۱ اپریل سال جاری به نشانی دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی ارسال دارند. چک ارسالی باید در وجه Bahá’í Services Fund صادر شود.

۷- برای دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر می‌توان با خانم آتی‌سا آذر در دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی تماس حاصل نمود. شماره تلفن: ۳۵۲۸-۷۳۳ (۸۴۷)

برگه نام‌نویسی برای کنفرانس خردسالان

نام ........................................................................
نام خانوادگی............................................................
سن ........................................................................
نام و نام خانوادگی مادر............................................
نام و نام خانوادگی پدر..............................................
نشانی......................................................................
شماره تلفن	شماره چک
مبلغ چک

[Page 29]

توضیحی درباره امنای حقوق‌الله

HUQUQU’LLÁH

در تاریخ ۱۳ نوامبر ۱۹۹۶ هیئت امنای حقوق‌الله در امریکا اعلام نمود که دو نفس نفیس بر عدۀ اعضاء، هیئت افزوده گردیده است. امنای جدید جناب استیون بیرکلند Stephen P Birkland عضو محترم هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای و خانم تلما خلقی Thelma Khelghati هستند. همچنین خانم دکتر السی آستین به علت کسالت، از دریافت وجوه حقوق‌الله عذر خواسته‌اند.

دوستان عزیز می‌توانند تقدیمی‌های حقوق‌الله را در وجه Bahá’í Huququ’lláh Trust و به نشانی یکی از امنای حقوق‌الله ارسال فرمایند.

Mrs. Thelma Khelghati Lunenburgh, MA. 01462-2125

Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA 90402-3154

Mr. Stephen Birkland Arden Hills, MN. 5511-3756

Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH 44116-1124

بهداشت بشر

HEALTH FOR HUMANITY

سازمان بهداشت بشر به تازگی فعالیت‌های بسیاری از کامرون گرفته تا آلبانی و لوس آنجلس داشته است.

"بهداشت بشر" در پاسخ به درخواست سازمان جهانی بهداشت دو نماینده به کامرون فرستاد که برنامه‌ای برای مبارزه با یک بیماری که از عوارض آن کوری است و بر اثر نیش یک پشۀ سیاه عارض می‌شود طرح ریختند.

در آلبانی ۲۵ هزار دلار به صندوق یکی از برنامه‌های "بهداشت بشر" اهداء شد و سازمان مذکور با کمک پرارزش "سازمان جهانی بهداشت چشم" وسائل لازم را برای یک درمانگاه چشم خرید.

در لوس آنجلس نیز شبکۀ بهداشت بشر در جنوب کالیفرنیا برنامه‌ای برای آموزش و پرورش کودکان تهیه کرده که قرار است موادی در مورد کشاورزی و محیط زیست نیز در آن گنجانده شود.

همچنین نمایندگان سازمان بهداشت بشر در چندین کنفرانس بین‌المللی توسعه و بهداشت و تغذیه شرکت داشته‌اند.

انتشارات جدید

NEW PUBLICATIONS

اطلاعیه مؤسسه معارف بهائی در کانادا "نفحات فضل ۵" که اخیراً توسط مؤسسه معارف بهائی تهیه و چاپ و منتشر شده مجموعۀ بی‌نظیری از آثار مبارکۀ حضرت بهاءالله و متضمن سه لوح مخصوص ایام هاء، نُه لوح مربوط به ایام صیام و چهار لوح ویژۀ عید نوروز است که همگی با نهایت دقت اعراب شده و برای اینکه یاران فارسی زبان مفهوم و معنای آثار مبارکه را به خوبی دریابند علاوه بر اینکه مضمون بیانات مبارکه به فارسی مرقوم گردیده، لغات مشکل آن نیز در کتابچۀ لغت-معنی ضمیمه نوشته شده و ضمناً متن الواح در دو نوار صوتی تلاوت و ضبط گردیده که خواندن صحیح آن آثار را تسهیل می‌نماید.

یاران عزیز می‌توانند این جزوه را از کتابفروشی‌های بهائی خریداری فرمایند و یا مستقیماً به مؤسسه معارف بهائی سفارش دهند و آن را دریافت دارند.

شماره تلفن: (۹۰۵) ۶۲۸-۳۰۴۰

خوشه‌هائی از خرمن ادب و هنر

مجلد هفتم "خوشه‌هائی از خرمن ادب و هنر" به تازگی منتشر شده است. در این مجلد برخی از الواح مبارکه به اعزاز مورخ و شاعر و مبلغ بهائی جناب نبیل زرندی درج شده و مقالات متعددی دربارۀ سوانح ایام حیات و اشعار و خدمات ایشان آمده است.

همچنین در این شماره مقالات تحقیقی متعدد در زمینۀ تاریخ و مبادی امر بهائی و ادب و فرهنگ و هنر ایران چاپ شده و نیز مشروح مبحث میزگردی تحت عنوان "فلسفۀ تاریخ از نظر امر بهائی" با شرکت پنج تن از استادان سرشناس بهائی درج شده است.

جلد هفتم "خوشه‌ها" در ۳۲۰ صفحه با جلد چهار رنگ و تصویر نبیل زرندی و نمونه‌های خوش‌نویسی رنگی خارج از متن در کلیۀ فروشگاه‌های کتب امری در دسترس دوستان است.

مجلدات هفتگانۀ "خوشه‌ها" شامل مقالات اندیشمندان و پژوهشگران بهائی است؛ مطالعۀ آنها را صمیمانه به همۀ یاران توصیه می‌کنیم.

دوستان مقیم ایالات متحده می‌توانند با شمارۀ رایگان زیر تماس گرفته، "خوشه‌ها" را سفارش دهند.

(۸۰۰) ۴۷۰-۴۵۲۵

اخبار امری

NEWS

بنگلادش در ماه نوامبر سال ۱۹۹۶ عده‌ای از احباء در ۲۶ نقطه در بنگلادش به تبلیغ امر مبارک پرداختند. سال گذشته بیش از ۱۰ هزار نفر به اهل ایمان پیوستند و تشکیلات برای تحکیم اساس ایمانی تازه‌تصدیقان به تشکیل کلاس‌های تزیید معلومات پرداخته‌اند که در پایان آن، کوشش تبلیغی ماه نوامبر رخ داد. در این برنامۀ جدید پس از دو هفته نزدیک به ۱۰۰۰ نفر به امر مبارک اقبال کردند.

گینۀ بیسائو برنامۀ تبلیغی ویلیام سیرز در ماه جون سال ۱۹۹۵ در گینۀ بیسائو Guinea-Bissau آغاز شد. ۱۵ ماه بعد از شروع اجرای این نقشه ۷۲۱ نفر امر مبارک را تصدیق کرده‌اند و ۴ محفل روحانی محلی نیز تأسیس شده است.

هندوستان بر اثر یک برنامۀ تبلیغی که در ماه اکتبر سال ۱۹۹۶ در Trivandrum هندوستان اجرا شد بیش از ۲۸۰ نفر در ظل امر مبارک درآمدند. در پی این اقبال کلی برنامه‌های تزیید معلوماتی گوناگونی برای تازه‌تصدیقان در نظر گرفته شده است.

همچنین در سپتامبر سال گذشته در دو شهر دیگر هندوستان ۱۵ نفر به همت دو گروه تبلیغی به امر مبارک اقبال کردند.

همچنین از ۲۳ تا ۲۵ دیسمبر سال گذشته ۲۵۰۰ نفر از ۴۶ کشور جهان و ۲۶ ایالت هندوستان در مراسم بزرگداشت دهمین سال افتتاح مشرق‌الاذکار دهلی شرکت کردند. اعضای هیئت مشاورین قارۀ آسیا از جمله شرکت کنندگان در این مراسم بودند. شرح این بزرگداشت از ۸ شبکۀ تلویزیونی پخش شد.

گرجستان از اول ‎نوبر نوامبر‎ تا ۱۵ دیسمبر سال ۱۹۹۶ به همت ۱۵ نفر از احباء یک برنامۀ تبلیغی در گرجستان اجرا شد که به تصدیق حدود ۲۵۰ نفر و تأسیس ۱۲ محفل روحانی محلی انجامید.

گینه اعضای فرانسوی زبان جامعۀ امری گینه Guinea برای اجرای یک طرح تبلیغی به مدت سه هفته در سپتامبر و اکتبر سال گذشته از ۱۳ نقطه دیدار کردند. در اثر این فعالیت‌ها ۱۷۰ نفر به امر مبارک ایمان آوردند و دو محفل روحانی محلی تأسیس شد.

اروگوئه از ۱۸ تا ۲۴ نوامبر سال ۱۹۹۶ یک برنامۀ تبلیغی در شهر فلوریدا در کشور اروگوئه به اجرا درآمد. در جلساتی که گرفته شد سه موضوع مورد تأکید قرار گرفت: سهم زنان در برقراری صلح، هنرها و محیط زیست، الفت و اتحاد. یکی از خبرنگاران روزنامۀ محل با دوستان مصاحبه کرد و مقاله‌ای دربارۀ امر مبارک در روزنامه درج شد. در اثر این مساعی ۶ نفر به امر مبارک اقبال کردند.

آیسلند یکی از ایستگاه‌های تلویزیونی آیسلند با سه تن از احباء در حظیرةالقدس Torshavn مصاحبه‌ای ترتیب داد. در نتیجه در برنامۀ اخبار بعد از ظهر ذکری از امر مبارک به میان آمد و یک گزارش سه دقیقه‌ای پخش شد و اطلاعاتی دربارۀ تاریخ فتح روحانی آیسلند و هدف از تأسیس حظیرةالقدس و اعتقاد بهائی به وحدت ادیان به آگاهی بینندگان رسید.

جلسات تبلیغی جوانان

YOUTH FIRESIDES

۱۸ ماه پیش ۵ نفر از جوانان بهائی منطقۀ دالاس/فورت ورت Dallas-Fort Worth در ایالت تگزاس گرد هم آمدند و تصمیم گرفتند در مرکز بهائی محل هر هفته جلسۀ تبلیغی تشکیل دهند. بدین ترتیب این ۵ جوان نمونه (جولی افصحی و مارک کاظم‌زاده و حامد یظهری و شادی کورش و مایکل هوگ) عصر روزهای شنبه را به تشکیل هیئت تبلیغی اختصاص دادند و همت بر آن گماردند که جلسات مذکور با توفیق همراه باشد و به پاداش این تلاش شرکت جوانان بهائی و غیربهائی در جلساتشان افزایش یافته است.

این عزیزان برای اینکه رونق جلسات همچنان بر دوام بماند شنبه‌های آخر ماه جلسات را به صورت غیررسمی‌تری تشکیل می‌دهند و در آن از موسیقی و شعرخوانی و دیگر هنرها سود می‌جویند و البته تأکید اصلی دربارۀ امر مبارک است. [Page 30]

پیام بیت العدل اعظم الهی

خطاب به عموم محافل روحانی ملی که در تاریخ ۱۱ مارچ ۱۹۹۷ با وسائل الکترونیک مخابره شده است

Persian Translation of the Electronic Message of the Universal House of Justice Dated March 11, 1997 to All National Spiritual Assemblies

پس از مذاکرات دشوار چندین ساله اکنون با قلوبی سرشار از سرور و سپاس تملک موفقیت آمیز و متعاقباً تخریب ساختمانی که آخرین مانع در راه تکمیل ساختمان دو طبقه تحتانی از طبقات حدائق مقام اعلی در دامنه کوه کرمل بود اعلام میداریم.

بیت العدل اعظم

سواد: حضرات ایادی امرالله دارالتبلیغ بین المللی اعضاء هیئت‌های مشاورین قاره‌ای

دفتر اطلاعاتی فینیکس

PHOENIX BAHÁ’Í OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION

دو سال است که تحت اشراف محفل روحانی پردایز ولی Paradise Valley یک دفتر اطلاعاتی بهائی در فینیکس آریزونا تأسیس شده است که مسؤولیت روابط عمومی جامعهٔ امری و انتشار اخبار مربوط به فعالیت‌های امری را بر عهده دارد.

صورت برخی از فعالیت‌های این دفتر اطلاعاتی در زیر درج می‌شود:

ارتباط با جراید و نشر اطلاعات مربوط به فعالیتهای امری

هر دو هفته یک بار اطلاعات مربوط به فعالیت‌های امری به ۱۴ روزنامه محلی برای درج در بخش مربوط به "تقویم رویدادهای جامعه" فرستاده می‌شود.

در نتیجه در دو سال گذشته فعالیت‌های امری احبای فینیکس و حومه آن در روزنامه The Arizona Republic درج شده است. این روزنامه پرتیراژترین روزنامه ایالت آریزونا است با تیراژ حدود ۴۰۰ هزار خواننده است.

بدین ترتیب ‎ترتیب ترتیب ترتیب‎ تماس‌های تلفنی برای دریافت اطلاعات درباره امر الهی و نیز تعداد شرکت کنندگان در جلسات امری افزایش یافته و از جنیوری سال ۱۹۹۵ تا کنون بیش از ۲۵ مقاله و مصاحبه دربارهٔ امر مبارک در جراید منتشر شده است.

دستاورد دیگر نیز این بوده که از یکی از اعضاء دفتر اطلاعاتی دعوت شده است که به عضویت در یک هیئت مشاوره بین‌الادیان که تعداد اعضاء آن ۱۳ نفر است درآید.

تلفن اطلاعات بهائی

حدود یک سال است که شماره تلفن ویژه‌ای (۶۰۲) ۹۲۲-۱۹۱۹ برای دریافت اطلاعات راجع به امر بهائی و فعالیت‌های امری منطقه دائر شده است. این شماره شامل voice mail نیز هست که امکان ضبط پیغام‌های تلفنی علاقه مندان به دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر را فراهم می‌سازد.

در هر هفته ۲ تا ۳ پیغام در voice mail برای کسب اطلاعات دربارهٔ امر مبارک گذاشته می‌شود. انتشارات امری به همه کسانی که مایل به دریافت آن باشند فرستاده می‌شود و افراد مذکور به محفل روحانی محل خود ارجاع می‌شوند. در عین حال محافل روحانی نیز از وجود مبتدیان آگاه می‌گردند و ترتیب دعوت آنان به جلسات بهائی فراهم می‌شود.

کتاب‌های امری در هتل‌ها

سه هتل از هتل‌های منطقه فینیکس موافقت کرده‌اند که در همهٔ اتاق‌هایشان کتاب‌های بهائی گذاشته شود.

در نتیجه ترتیب قرار دادن ۳۰۰ نسخه از "کلمات مکنونه" در اتاق‌ها فراهم شده است. در جوف هر نسخه اطلاعاتی مربوط به تماس با دفتر محفل ملی و تلفن ویژه اطلاعاتی قرار دارد.

در حال حاضر هیئتی تشکیل شده است که با دیگر هتل‌های آن ناحیه تماس بگیرد و موافقت آنها را برای قرار دادن کتاب‌های امری در اتاق‌هایشان جلب کند.

معمولاً در اتاق‌های هتل‌ها راهنماهای تلفنی برای دریافت اطلاعات کلی و نیز راهنمای کلیساها گذاشته می‌شود. یکی دیگر از کوشش‌های هیئت مذکور این است که شماره تلفن اطلاعاتی بهائی در همهٔ آن راهنماهای تلفنی درج شود.

پخش اطلاعات امری از تلویزیون

شرکت تلویزیونی Cox Cable در یکی از کانال‌های ویژه اطلاعاتی (public access television) ۴۰ ساعت مجانی وقت در اختیار جامعهٔ بهائی گذاشته است.

بدین ترتیب چند نوار ویدیوئی امری در این کانال به نمایش گذاشته شده و در نظر است نوارهای بیشتری که به بهترین کیفیت تهیه شده است خریده و به نمایش گذاشته شود.

کتابچه راهنمای بهائی

هیئت مذکور دست‌اندرکار تهیهٔ کتابچهٔ جالب و مختصر و آموزنده ای است که حاوی اطلاعات کلی دربارهٔ امر بهائی برای اهداء به ارباب جراید و رهبران دولتی و اجتماعی خواهد بود.

آگهی در سینماها

در سینماهای منطقه فینیکس پیش از نمایش فیلم اصلی آگهی‌هایی به صورت سلاید پخش می‌شود.

هیئت دست‌اندرکار تهیهٔ سلایدهایی حاوی اطلاعاتی دربارهٔ امر مبارک و اصول و مبانی آن است که در سینماها به نمایش گذاشته شود.

"اعلان عمومی ۲۰۰۰" در رادیو و تلویزیون

یکی از مهم ترین کارهای این دفتر اطلاعاتی پخش آگهی های رادیوئی به مدت ۶۰ ثانیه با کیفیت بسیار عالی با عنوان "اعلان عمومی ۲۰۰۰" است.

آگهی های مذکور را شرکتی به نام Aurastan Music Designs Inc. تهیه کرده و هزینه آن حدود ۱۵ هزار دلار ‎بود است بوده است‎ است.

این آگهی ها به مدت ۴ تا ۶ هفته از اول مارچ سال جاری در رادیوهای منطقه فینیکس در ۷۵ نوبت پخش می شود و امید می رود که پس از ۶ تا ۸ ماه پخش آنها تکرار گردد و به دنبال آن چندین آگهی ۳۰ ثانیه ای تلویزیونی نیز تهیه شود.

علاوه بر برنامه‌هایی که کلیات آن در بالا به آگاهی دوستان رسید، نقشه‌های دیگری نیز در دست تهیه است که امیدواریم گزارش آن را در آینده نزدیک به آگاهی خوانندگان گرامی برسانیم.

ابتکار جالب احبای فینیکس می‌تواند مانند الگوئی برای دیگر جوامع امری جهت ابلاغ کلام الهی به همه مردم مورد استفاده قرار گیرد. همت والای آن یاران و همهٔ دوستان پاینده باد و پاینده‌تر!

کانونشن‌های واحدهای انتخاباتی

ELECTORAL UNIT CONVENTIONS

به دنبال تغییر حوزه‌های انتخاباتی کانونشن‌های واحدهای انتخابی در اکتبر سال ۱۹۹۶ در ۱۶۷ نقطه تشکیل شد و گزارش‌های رسیده حاکی از آن است که بازتاب این تغییر با توفیق همراه بوده است.

همراه با این تغییر به طور کلی شرکت در فعالیت ها ۲ درصد و شرکت افراد ۳ درصد بالا رفته است.

بیش از یک سوم پیشنهادهایی که از کانونشن‌های مذکور به دفتر محفل ملی رسیده راجع به امور تبلیغی بوده که خود حاکی از این است که احباء به اهمیت زمان حاضر آگاهی دارند.

محفل روحانی ملی ۱۳۹ فقره پیشنهاد که مستلزم تصویب کانونشن بود دریافت داشت. ۹۹ پیشنهاد دیگر نیز از جانب نمایندگان کانونشن‌ها واصل شد که دربارهٔ آن رأی گرفته نشده بود. بسیاری از این پیشنهادها به موقع اجرا گذاشته شده است و سایر آنها تحت بررسی دوائر مربوطه قرار گرفته است.

۷۰ درصد شرکت کنندگان در کانونشن‌ها شخصاً رأی دادند و ۳۰ درصد غیابی. نسبت نمایندگان زن به مرد ۳ به یک بود.

درصد شرکت احبائی که نشانیشان معلوم است در نواحی گوناگون از یک تا ۵۵ بود و میانگین شرکت ۲۸ درصد. شرکت احباء در ۱۱ واحد انتخاباتی بیش از ۴۵ درصد و در ۱۱ واحد دیگر کمتر از ۵ درصد بود.

بیش از نیمی از نمایندگانی که در کانونشن ملی شرکت خواهند کرد در مقایسه با سال گذشته نمایندگان جدیدند. این تغییر هر چند چشمگیر است اما در تشکیلات بهائی عادی به شمار می‌رود. [Page 31]

Dr. Hamilton Niss, community activist, dies at 73

Dr. Hamilton F. Niss, a well-known Bahá’í teacher and administrator who served for 34 years on the Spiritual Assembly of Indianapolis, Indiana, died February 13 in Indianapolis. He was 73 years old.

Dr. Niss, a microbiologist by profession, was active in a number of community interfaith and service organizations, having served as president of the United Neighborhoods Coalition of Indianapolis and the Indiana Inter-religious Commission on Human Equality (IICHE).

In addition, he was chairman of the Interfaith Alliance Indianapolis, served on the advisory board of the Wheelers Unit of Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis, and was active for several years with the Indianapolis Peace and Justice Center.

As a Bahá’í, Dr. Niss was instrumental in obtaining passage of a law making Bahá’í marriages legal in Indiana.

He served as community librarian for many years, taught classes at the Louhelen Bahá’í School, was an assistant to the Auxiliary Board for propagation, and undertook teaching trips to such far-flung areas as India, Nigeria, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mexico and Bermuda. He visited China twice, in 1992 and 1994.

Dr. Niss was elected many times as a delegate from Indiana to the Bahá’í National Convention in Wilmette, and was the author of a manual on community development that was used by many local Spiritual Assemblies including one in South America.

Gerald Boisclair, who pioneered to three countries

‎Gerard Gerald‎ Boisclair, a former pioneer to Chile, Botswana and Czechoslovakia, died January 23 in Escondido, California.

Born in 1939, Jerry Boisclair declared his belief in Bahá’u’lláh in 1971. He served on several California Assemblies and settled as a homefront pioneer near the San Diego area.

In May 1975, he and his wife Patty pioneered to Chile, then in 1982 to Botswana. They returned to the States in November 1983, but continued to work toward another pioneering post. By 1990, they had decided to pioneer to (then) Czechoslovakia.

Mr. Boisclair served on the first National Spiritual Assembly of Czechoslovakia, as well as on the first local Assemblies of Kosice and Medzev. When the country was divided into the Czech and Slovak Republics, Mr. and Mrs. Boisclair were the first pioneers in eastern Slovakia and the “spiritual parents” or “grandparents” of almost all those who accepted the Faith in that region. They were especially successful in their work with the local Romany people.

Their plans to stay in Slovakia indefinitely were unexpectedly changed when Mrs. Boisclair was diagnosed with leukemia, necessitating a hurried return to the States for medical treatment. She passed away in June 1996.

Mr. Boisclair’s death came after two heart attacks. He was buried on the Pala Indian Reservation in California where he had lived for years and served as Tribal Chairman before pioneering to Eastern Europe.

Olivia Blackwell, former U.S. representative to UN, dies at 86 in New Orleans

Olivia “Lee” Blackwell, who served the Faith in many capacities over a 50-year span, died January 25 in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was 86 years old.

Mrs. Blackwell declared in 1943 and was immediately elected to serve on the newly formed local Spiritual Assembly in New Orleans. She served at various times as treasurer, chairman and secretary of the Assembly there. She also served the Faith in Dallas and New York.

Mrs. Blackwell represented the U.S. Bahá’í community at the UN for many years during the 1950s and ’60s, and was instrumental in dealing with the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Morocco.

She returned to New Orleans in 1965 and continued her services there. Most of the Bahá’ís in New Orleans remember her as the efficient and loving secretary of the Assembly for many years, until her health kept her from this service only a few years ago.

Upon learning of her passing, the Universal House of Justice sent an e-mail to the New Orleans Assembly that says in part:

“The Universal House of Justice was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Olivia H. Blackwell, whose life was distinguished by several decades of devoted service to the Cause of God, in various capacities and in different parts of the United States, very notably in New York City, where she contributed to the work of the Bahá’í International Community at the United Nations. Be assured of its ardent prayers at the Sacred Threshold for the progress of her radiant soul in the Abhá Kingdom.”

Mrs. Iran Avaregan, who was imprisoned for two years in Shiraz, succumbs to cancer

Mrs. Iran Avaregan, who was imprisoned for 690 days in Shiraz, Iran, in 1982–84 before she was released and allowed to leave the country, died last October 11 in Columbus, Ohio.

Shortly after arriving in the U.S. she was diagnosed as having an inoperable brain cancer, to which she ultimately succumbed.

Mrs. Avaregan was loved by everyone who met her, and the Bahá’ís of Columbus plan to dedicate a teaching campaign in her honor.

In a letter to the Spiritual Assembly of Columbus, the Universal House of Justice wrote that it was “saddened to learn...of the passing of Mrs. Iran Avaregan, whose example of heroic fortitude under trial is surely a source of encouragement to all of the friends who knew her.”

The U.S. National Assembly added, in a cable to the local Assembly, that “her life, committed to the service of Bahá’u’lláh, was an inspiring example of dedication, humility and selflessness [that] enriches the annals of the Iranian and American Bahá’í communities.”

Robert H. Dutton, former pioneer to Tonga, dies at home in Wells, Maine

Robert H. Dutton, a former pioneer to the Pacific island of Tonga, died last October 11 in Wells, Maine.

Born in 1928, Mr. Dutton became a Bahá’í in his middle years, in 1968. Within the same year he served in the Boston area on the local Teaching Committee, and within a few years was serving as teacher and lecturer for the National Teaching Committee.

In 1971 he began to work toward filling an international pioneering goal, corresponding persistently with many National Assemblies until a possibility for employment opened up in Tonga. He arrived in Tonga in October 1972, intending to stay for two years.

Mr. Dutton was elected to serve on the National Spiritual Assembly of Tonga and the Cook Islands, serving as its secretary from 1975–78. In 1980, after seven years in Tonga, he returned home to Wells.

Bahá’í who fled Iran shot to death at store in Montgomery, AL

‎Habib’u’llah Habib’u’lláh‎ Kayfan, a 57-year-old Bahá’í who had sought political asylum in the U.S. following Iran’s Islamic Revolution in 1979, was shot to death when he opened the door of his grocery store in Montgomery, Alabama, to admit two young men shortly before dawn last December 20.

Mr. Kayfan, who declared his faith in Bahá’u’lláh at age 15 in Tehran, served for 22 years in the Iranian Air Force, earning the rank of full colonel. He was sent to Montgomery in 1978 for further training in aeronautical sciences but was discharged by the Islamic government the following year for being a Bahá’í.

Mr. Kayfan, who had donated a Bahá’í Center in Birmingham and served on the Spiritual Assemblies of Mountain Brook and Montgomery, planned to retire in April 1997 to apply with his wife, the former Mahfarid Naeimi, for service at the World Center in Haifa, Israel.

The Kayfans have four children, all of whom are physicians serving in various parts of the U.S.

Mr. Kayfan’s murder, for which robbery was the motive, remains unsolved.

Muhammad Khorvash, a Bahá’í who twice escaped execution for his beliefs while in Iran, died in February in Lancaster, California. He was 105 years old. As a lawyer in Iran, he supported his fellow Bahá’ís under oppressive conditions, three times being deprived of his wealth and possessions as a result of intrusions by anti-Bahá’í mobs. Although physically weak in his last months, he remained mentally alert and spent much time reciting Tablets, some of which were addressed to him by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian.

In Memoriam
Tuba Babai Riverside, CA November 24, 1996	Laura Gubrud Eugene, OR January 21, 1997	Donald Nichols Gallup, NM January 24, 1997	Lynn Sherwood Olympia, WA October 30, 1996
John Behrens Clearwater, FL November 2, 1996	Kathleen Javid Mukilteo, WA January 16, 1997	Eleanor Nichols Pawcatuck, CT January 2, 1997	Eleanor Shields Grand Haven, MI January 1997
Amanda Billington Hoboken, NJ December 23, 1996	Karl Kough Waterloo, IA January 31, 1997	Kathryn Pavlin Kirkland, WA December 1996	Lorna B. Tasker Glover, VT June 24, 1996
Zelma Colflesh Oakland, CA January 14, 1997	Artis P. Mebane St. Louis, MO February 19, 1997	Kouchek Roshanian Bethesda, MD April 26, 1996	Abe Tobis Grass Valley, CA September 30, 1996
Robert Foster Williamsburg, VA February 14, 1997	Yvonne Merritt Takoma Park, MD November 14, 1996	Ethel Sherwood Olympia, WA January 5, 1997	Deborah Wiley Lexington, KY January 24, 1997
Robert Giles Asheville, NC January 1, 1997	Eleanor Metz W. Hollywood, CA February 15, 1997

[Page 32]Sahar Samali (seated second from left), a 20-year-old Bahá’í from Clifton, New Jersey, is pictured with some of the friends and guests at a fireside in Honduras, where she has been carrying out her Year of Service since June 1996. Besides initiating teaching projects in a number of areas, she has helped start a youth workshop in Tegucigalpa (among whose nine members are three non-Bahá’ís). The workshop has given at least 14 performances, been interviewed on radio, met with a representative of the United Nations, performed at the Bahá’í winter school in El Salvador, and helped organize an annual AIDS Day program.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

For information about events sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly or its agencies at the Bahá’í National Center, please phone 847-869-9039 and ask for the relevant department. The numbers for the permanent Bahá’í schools and institutes are as follows: Bosch Bahá’í School, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564; e-mail                                  Green Acre Bahá’í School, phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-439-7202; e-mail                                  Louhelen Bahá’í School, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail                                  Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, phone 803-558-5093; fax 803-558-9114; e-mail                                  American Bahá’í Institute, phone/fax 520-521-1063; e-mail

APRIL

17–20: Women’s Awakening Retreat, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone Melissa Whitaker, 408-730-8463.

18–20: Renewing the Spirit of the Fortress for Well-Being, Part III, Bosch Bahá’í School.

19–20: Community Development: Race Unity, training session, Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute. Pre-registration is required.

MAY

1–4: Youth Workshop gathering, Becoming Teachers of the Cause, with extra day added for teaching in a nearby city, Bosch Bahá’í School.

2–4: Institute for Junior Youth (ages 12–16) with Russell Balew and well-known musician Susan Engle, Louhelen Bahá’í School.

2–4: Core Curriculum Parent Training, facilitated by Cindy Savage and Linda Bedford, Bosch Bahá’í School. Also, Seekers/New Believers Weekend.

3–4: Sessions on Community Development and Spiritual Principles, Native American Bahá’í Institute.

3–4: “The Four Year Plan—Transformation and Change,” conference sponsored by the William Sears Teaching Institute of Northeastern Minnesota, Duluth. For registration information, write to Jorge ‎Pena-Duren Peña-Duren‎, Chisholm, MN 55719, phone 218-254-3101, or e-mail

9–11: Parent/Child Weekend with Lily Ayman and Marie Scheffer, Louhelen Bahá’í School. Full children’s program offered.

9–11: Views of the African-American experience with photographer Don Camp, Green Acre Bahá’í School.

9–11: Core Curriculum Race Unity Training, facilitated by Farzin Behroozi and Barbara Gholar, Bosch Bahá’í School. Also, Assembly Team Development Weekend with Auxiliary Board members.

16–18: “The Travels of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America,” with Mohi Sobhani and Dr. Jena Khodadad, Louhelen Bahá’í School.

16–18: Teacher Training Institute Workshop, facilitated by Sue and Khalil Khavari, Bosch Bahá’í School. Also, San Jose, CA, Weekend at Bosch.

23–25: 24th annual Conference of Nur, Elizabethtown (PA) College, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg. Theme: “The Power of Unity: The Beauty and Purpose of Diversity.” Speakers, 10 workshops, programs for children and youth. For more information or to register, write to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Basso, Harrisburg, PA 17110, phone 717-599-5939 between 8–10 p.m. eastern time, or e-mail Registration deadline: May 1. There will be no walk-ins!

23–25: Institute for Local Spiritual Assembly Development with Auxiliary Board member Hoda Mahmoudi, Louhelen Bahá’í School.

23–26: 11th annual Marriage Enrichment Weekend, facilitated by Leslie and Kurt Asplund, Bosch Bahá’í School.

23–26: Utah Bahá’í Summer School, Chateau ‎Apres Après‎, Park City, with emphasis on advancing the processes of entry by troops. Also, “Balancing Family, Career and the Faith,” “The Covenant and the Verities,” and “Developing Artistic Capacities in the Community.” Classes for children and adults. Registrar: Karen Anne Webb, Bountiful, UT 84010.

23–26: Conference sponsored by the Institute for AIDS, Sexuality and Addiction (IASA), Green Acre Bahá’í School.

24–25: Workshop, Pioneering on the Reservation, Native American Bahá’í Institute.

24–25: Conference in English, “Persian Roots: Ancient to Today,” sponsored by the Friends of Persian Culture Association, Chicago Hilton and Towers. Speakers to include Dr. Frank Lewis, Dr. Susan Maneck, Dr. Kambiz Mahmoudi, Dr. Ahang Rabbani, Gretchen Peters McAllister, Dr. Mana Stockman, Dr. Amin Banani, Dr. Jaleh Khadem and others. For more information or conference registration, phone 847-733-3526.

30–June 1: 8th annual Southeast Asian Leadership Roundtable, planned and facilitated by the National Bahá’í Refugee Office, Bosch Bahá’í School.

30–June 1: Marriage Enrichment weekend retreat, Green Acre Bahá’í School.

JUNE

5–8: Pioneer/BYSC/SITA Training session, Wilmette, Illinois. For information, contact the Office of Pioneering, 847-733-3508 (fax 847-733-3509; e-mail ).

6–8: Second annual Pacific Islander Training conference, Bosch Bahá’í School.

6–8: Summer School, Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. Theme: “Unlocking the Power of Action.”

6–8: Fostering the Advancement of Women with Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi, Penny Schmicker and Gwendolyn Watson, Louhelen Bahá’í School.

6–11: Bahá’í Studies for College Youth with Dr. Rick Johnson and Connie Chen, Louhelen Bahá’í School.

7: Spring Work & Evening Campfire/Picnic, Native American Bahá’í Institute.

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS	To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving The American Bahá’í, send all family members’ names, new address and mailing label to: Management Information Services, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. If acquiring a Post Office box, your residence address (c) must be filled in. Please allow three weeks for processing. (This also updates the National Center’s data base.)
A. NAME(S) 1. __________________________________________________________________________________ 2. __________________________________________________________________________________     I.D. # __________________________________________________________________________ 3. __________________________________________________________________________________     I.D. # __________________________________________________________________________ 4. __________________________________________________________________________________     I.D. # __________________________________________________________________________
B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS __________________________________________________ Street address __________________________________________________ Apartment # (if applicable) __________________________________________________ City ______________________________    ________________ State                              Zip code	C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS __________________________________________________ P.O. Box or other mailing address __________________________________________________ Apartment # (if applicable) __________________________________________________ City ______________________________    ________________ State                              Zip code
D. NEW COMMUNITY ________________________    _______________________ Name of new Bahá’í community    Moving date	E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER __________ ____________ ____________________________ Area code   Phone number    Name
F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S) __________ ____________ ____________________________    __________ ____________ ____________________________ Area code   Phone number    Name                       Area code   Phone number    Name
G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: [ ] we do not have the same last name. We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and I.D. number(s) listed above. [ ] the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match. We have listed above the full names of family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.	H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY [ ] Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, I.D. number and address above.

Bahá’í National Center 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201-1611

JALÁL B.E. 154 • APRIL 9, 1997