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[Page 1]THE American Bahá’í Volume 28, Number 6 Kamál B.E. 154 / August 1, 1997

Regional Council election to be held November 12

FROM THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

In its letter of May 30 addressed to all National Spiritual Assemblies, the Universal House of Justice said that the expansion and growing complexity of certain Bahá’í communities “have brought the Cause to a new stage in its development” and prompted a prolonged study of the entire question of the proper balance between centralization and decentralization of the Bahá’í administration.

The result of that study, it said, is “a major decision to formalize the establishment of a new institution,” to be called the Regional Bahá’í Council.

Regional Councils are to have some, but not all, of the characteristics of Spiritual Assemblies. The new institution is to provide “a level of autonomous decision-making on both teaching and administrative matters...below the National Assembly and above the local Assemblies.”

Writing to the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly about the Regional Bahá’í Councils, the House of Justice, after studying our plan for decentralization, stated that it was “profoundly impressed with the wide-ranging survey you had carried out and the thorough consideration you had devoted to this scheme before its adoption,” adding that “we believe that this concept [of Regional Bahá’í Councils] could prove...highly advantageous for your own project of decentralization which is already very similar to this new structure and can, with a few important modifications, be developed into it.”

The Supreme Body further stated, “We believe that your decision to base the regions of the United States on the areas addressed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Tablets of the Divine Plan is both wise and of profound spiritual significance.”

The initial duties and range of authority of Regional Bahá’í Councils will be determined by the National Spiritual Assembly in due course, after careful See ELECTION page 13

Crisis turned into a victory for our youth

By TOM MENNILLO

Once again, crisis has led to victory. In mid-June, the National Spiritual Assembly was forced to cancel the National Bahá’í Youth Training Conference in Knoxville, Tennessee, because of extremely low advance registration.

Enter the Spiritual Assemblies of Knoxville and Knox County. They had already planned teaching projects to follow the July 2–6 conference, and were hearing from youth around the country who still wanted to spend the weekend of the Fourth learning how to spark an advance in the process of entry by troops.

So, the two Assemblies quickly put together a teacher-training workshop for ages 12 to 30.

They did so with a lot of faith and limited resources. It’s expensive to rent a facility such as the University of Tennessee and to provide support for the activities of the hundreds of youth who might attend.

“We have arranged to unveil new teaching tools and initiatives we believe can profoundly advance the process of entry by troops throughout the planet,” the two Assemblies said in announcing the event. “With one heart and soul, we have sacrificially marshaled our re- See VICTORY page 13

Sustainability key to success of Atlanta plan

By TOM MENNILLO

The good news is that Atlantans have responded in gratifying numbers to a systematic media campaign launched there in June.

Even better news is that Atlanta-area Bahá’ís have put in place all the elements needed to continue attracting people’s attention, drawing those seekers into the loving embrace of the Bahá’í community and nurturing their spiritual development.

This emphasis on sustainability is key, say National Teaching Committee Secretary Ken Bowers and Atlanta task force member Pat Steele.

They point to a need for campaign organizers to continually refine their presentation of the message of Bahá’u’lláh—both for the populations that have responded initially and those that have not. And they underline the challenge of bringing more and more of the friends into the teaching effort.

What Atlanta learns in its campaign will help Bahá’ís in other cities across the United States assess their local circumstances and their readiness to undertake large-scale teaching efforts.

The National Spiritual Assembly sees the Atlanta project as “the opening salvo of a teaching campaign that will spread See ATLANTA page 13

Dr. Suheil Bushrui (center), holder of the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland, receives a token of the National Spiritual Assembly’s appreciation of his efforts from James Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Vice-Chairman Dorothy Nelson.

Bahá’í Chair taking root

(Editor’s note: Auxiliary Board member Mary K. Radpour recently attended the third annual Bahá’í Chair lecture and a dinner preceding it at the home of William E. Kirwan, president of the University of Maryland. This article combines her firsthand account with supplemental material compiled by Associate Editor Tom Mennillo.)

The warm and collaborative relationship between the University of Maryland and the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at that distinguished university grows ever more fruitful with the passage of time.

On the weekend of May 15–17, the University of Maryland celebrated the accomplishments of the Bahá’í Chair and its occupant, Suheil Bushrui, with a dinner hosted by the university’s president, William E. Kirwan.

This event was followed by the third annual Bahá’í Chair lecture, featuring See CHAIR page 25

U.S. publishing vision shaped at conference

By TOM MENNILLO

A proposed publishing agenda that both anticipates and responds to the need for proclamation, teaching and consolidation materials over the next two years unfolded during a Publications Conference held June 14–15 at the Bahá’í National Center.

All 16 members of the three editorial boards—Authoritative Texts, Children and Youth, and Teaching and Education—attended, as did representatives from several task forces and agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly.

In breakout sessions throughout the weekend, these groups cross-pollinated ideas for published materials. The result was a game plan for producing an exciting mix of books, pamphlets, recordings and video tapes designed to advance the process of entry by troops during the Four Year Plan. See PUBLISHING page 22

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Bahá’ís play leading role in peacemaking event	3
National Assembly stays active at United Nations	11
Study guide on individual rights and freedoms in the Bahá’í Faith: first in a series	16

The regular pilgrimage program at the Bahá’í World Center will be suspended from March 25 to May 24, ‎1988 1998‎, because of the eighth International Bahá’í Convention. No Bahá’í visitors will be allowed to come to Israel during that two-month period.

[Page 2]

Traveling teaching is high priority for Central States

In the Tablets of the Divine Plan, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá issues a call to the believers in the Central States to travel and teach, and He tells us how to prepare our souls for this blessed calling:

"Continually my ear and eye are turned toward the Central States; perchance a melody from some blessed souls may reach my ears—souls who are the dawning-places of the love of God, the stars of the horizon of sanctification and holiness—souls who will illumine this dark universe and quicken to life this dead world. The joy of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá depends upon this! I hope that you may become confirmed therein.

"Consequently, those souls who are in a condition of the utmost severance, purified from the defects of the world of nature, sanctified from attachment to this earth, vivified with the breaths of eternal life—with luminous hearts, with heavenly spirit, with attraction of consciousness, with celestial magnanimity, with eloquent tongues and with clear explanations—such souls must hasten and travel through all parts of the Central States.

"In every city and village they must occupy themselves with the diffusion of the divine exhortations and advices, guide the souls and promote the oneness of the world of humanity. They must play the melody of international conciliation with such power that every deaf one may attain hearing, every extinct person may be set aglow, every dead one may obtain new life and every indifferent soul may find ecstasy. It is certain that such will be the consummation." (TDP, p. 74)

In that same volume, the Master calls each one of us to the station of an Apostle of Bahá’u’lláh, and outlines three conditions necessary in striving to attain that high station.

"The first condition is firmness in the Covenant of God. For the power of the Covenant will protect the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh from the doubts of the people of error. It is the fortified fortress of the Cause of God and the firm pillar of the religion of God....It is evident that the axis of the oneness of the world of humanity is the power of the Covenant and nothing else....

"The second condition: love and fellowship amongst the believers. The divine friends must be attracted to and enamored of each other and ever be ready and willing to sacrifice their own lives for each other. Should one soul from amongst the believers meet another, it must be as though a thirsty one with parched lips has reached to the fountain of the water of life, or a lover has met his true beloved....

"The third condition: teachers must continually travel to all parts of the continent, nay, rather, to all parts of the world, but they must travel like ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, who journeyed throughout the cities of America. He was sanctified and free from every attachment and in the utmost severance...." (TDP, pp. 51-53)

In the hope of promoting traveling and teaching throughout the area, the Regional Committee of the Central States is pleased to announce the appointment of four traveling-teaching coordinators. Each of them will be concentrating on the movement and support of traveling teachers primarily through three states, although they anticipate close cooperation throughout the region. They are:

Pamela Bradley, La Crosse, WI 54601-3703. Phone 608-782-1998; e-mail States: Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota.

Debra Chesterman, Nebraska City, NE 68410. Phone 402-873-3450; fax 402-873-6494. States: Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota.

Jeanne Engle, Jefferson City, MO 65101-4809. Phone 573-635-9899; e-mail States: Illinois, Kansas, Missouri.

Rose Wendel, Dayton, OH 45459- 4215. Phone 937-433-1120; e-mail States: Ohio, Indiana, Michigan.

Anyone who wishes to travel or teach in the area may contact the nearest traveling-teaching coordinator with a general idea of travel plans. The coordinator will help arrange itineraries and suggest where and when one may be of service.

Descriptions of past teaching experience, including some favorite Bahá’í topics, special abilities such as speaking a foreign language, or unusual talents would be helpful.

Communities, groups or isolated Bahá’ís who wish to host traveling teachers are encouraged to analyze the needs of their community and get in touch with the coordinator in their area. The coordinator will try to arrange for a teacher and to make the communities and teachers aware of each other's capabilities.

Traveling teachers should be prepared to support themselves and not expect communities to pay their expenses. Often, however, the Bahá’ís will offer hospitality, meals, Bahá’í literature and so on to the traveling teachers. A community's ability to host the teacher should be assessed and communicated, but is not by any means a prerequisite for a visit by a traveling teacher.

A community should consider the movement of a traveling teacher through the area as an opportunity for both expansion and consolidation. A visit by a traveling teacher can be a public proclamation with newspaper, radio and television coverage, or it can be as quiet and unobtrusive as a lunch with a few friends.

As we all realize, the task before us is to reach every member of our ailing human society with the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh:

"Every stratum of society must be brought within your embrace, as you vigorously advance toward the goal of entry by troops at this time when powerful spiritual forces are at work in the hearts of the people. Receptive souls should be sought in the sophisticated circles of urban society, on the campuses of colleges and universities, in centers of industry and commerce, on the farms and villages of the mountains, plains and prairies—wherever are to be found human beings in search of the divine Truth. Neither the affluent nor the indigent should be excluded from your purview." (The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 153 message to the Bahá’ís of North America)

So, dear friends, let us be a cause of joy to the Master, and arise to travel and teach. Think of teaching as you make your travel plans this summer, and wherever you go during the course of the Four Year Plan.

If you feel that you yourself cannot travel and teach, deputize someone and "...send to those parts teachers who are severed from all else save God, sanctified and pure." (TDP, p. 16)

"There is no time to lose. There is no room left for vacillation. Multitudes hunger for the Bread of Life. The stage is set. The firm and irrevocable Promise is given. God's own Plan has been set in motion. It is gathering momentum with every passing day. The powers of heaven and earth mysteriously assist in its execution. Such an opportunity is irreplaceable. Let the doubter arise and himself verify the truth of such assertions. To try, to persevere, is to ensure ultimate and complete victory." (Shoghi Effendi, from a letter of January 28, 1939, to the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. and Canada, published in Messages to America: 1932-1946, p. 17)

UNC-Asheville's five-member Bahá’í Association compiles long list of successful activities on campus

The Bahá’í Association at the University of North Carolina-Asheville has a membership of five, three of whom are actively involved in planning its activities. But the lack of numbers has been no barrier, as the club's long list of successful activities proves.

At the beginning of the 1996-97 academic year, the club devised a four-pronged strategy that included weekly training institutes for Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís, off-campus firesides for youth, on-campus firesides for people of all ages and public events that would incorporate the help and ideas of other campus organizations.

Over the school year, the training institute focused on the Covenant. Writings studied included the Kitáb-i-Ahd, the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh.

Thirty to 45 minutes was allotted for deepening, and each meeting ended with consultation on teaching activities and plans. In the coming year, more emphasis will be placed on memorization.

About twice a month, off-campus firesides were held in the home of Amy Desautels and Radiance Hartman. The evenings were not advertised. Most people came because they were personally invited by association members, or they were friends of seekers.

Many seekers came week after week, drawn by the jovial atmosphere and excellent food. Several phone calls during the week before also helped. Attendance ranged from five or six to as many as 40.

In two years, the firesides have led to eight declarations.

On-campus firesides have not yet achieved the same attendance levels, but they have had one positive result: they have connected the students more closely to the Asheville Bahá’í community.

The students, having full academic schedules, asked the Spiritual Assembly to provide speakers for the twice-monthly campus firesides. The students, in turn, supply the location and do the advertising.

Public events have proved to be extremely successful for the club, in large part because of solid teamwork, high aspirations, involvement with like-minded campus groups, and Bahá’u’lláh's assistance. In fact, they earned the club designation as the 1996-97 Outstanding Organization of the Year award.

Some events this year included a performance by the musical group El Viento Canta; a dialogue on racism featuring the video The Color of Fear and a discussion led by Charles Egerton and Annette White; a lecture by author Gary Matthews titled "What If Christ Has Already Returned? A Bahá’í Perspective"; co-sponsorship of the Take Back the Night women's rights rally; and a live jazz concert by Doc Holladay.

The last three events were held on consecutive evenings. In all, more than 900 people learned something of the Bahá’í Faith during the three nights.

A similarly intensive schedule is planned for the fall 1997 semester. All of the events will be based on the theme "The Search for Spiritual Meaning."

Included are a Bahá’í/Jewish symposium with [Page 3]

Bahá’ís take lead at Conference on Peacemaking

Bahá’ís played a prominent role at the National Conference on Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution (NCPCR) held May 22–27 at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

NCPCR, held every two years, is the world’s largest continuing conference on conflict resolution. Bahá’ís have attended the event since 1989.

About 1,500 people from 40 countries on every continent and half a dozen aboriginal nations gathered to hear such eminent speakers as U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno; Jean Bertrand Aristide, the former president of Haiti; former U.S. Congressman Martin Luther King III; and Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton sent a video greeting to conference participants.

After receiving permission from the National Spiritual Assembly, the Bahá’í Justice Society presented Attorney General Reno copies of “The Promise of World Peace” and the National Spiritual Assembly’s statement, “The Vision of Race Unity.”

Immediately before her address, a Bahá’í read to the audience one of the Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh concerning justice.

The conference program contained 28 references to the Bahá’í Faith, while the preliminary program, sent to 22,000 professionals, government agencies, universities and other institutions all over the world, included another nine references to the Faith.

Ads with passages from the Bahá’í writings appeared in both programs, and a description of the Station of Bahá’u’lláh was printed in the final program.

About 60 Bahá’ís were present at the conference, giving 30 presentations, representing about 10 percent of those presented at the conference. The Faith was mentioned 10 times from the plenary podium.

Thanks to collaboration by the Spiritual Assemblies of Pittsburgh and nearby Monroeville with the Justice Society, billboards welcoming attendees were placed, a Bahá’í literature booth was staffed, the South Central Ohio Youth Workshop was brought to the conference, a reception was organized, and a “quiet room” stocked with Bahá’í materials was set up.

Bahá’ís served on the NCPCR’s board of directors, on local planning teams and as college student interns. A local Bahá’í, Lisa Blecker, served as arts coordinator for the entire conference.

Another local Bahá’í, Janice Auth, an officer in Pittsburgh’s Peace Links organization, was instrumental in obtaining the message of greetings from the First Lady.

The Youth Workshop performed on four occasions, tied for first place in the talent competition, and received standing ovations from attendees including 400 inner-city youth from Cleveland, Ohio, and Pittsburgh.

Ladjamaya, a well-known Bahá’í performing artist from Colorado, gave several performances in which she spoke audaciously about Bahá’u’lláh and His Station.

Other Bahá’ís taking part by presenting workshops included Nancy Rank, Jihmmye Collins and other members of the San Diego Bahá’í Institute on Healing Racism; Dwight Bashir of the Office of External Affairs; John Kolstoe, former member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska; Charlene Winger-Bearskin from New York state, and J’Lein Liese from Phoenix, Arizona.

Both before and after the conference, firesides, poetry readings and performances were sponsored by local Bahá’í communities to maximize the teaching efforts.

Afterward, Bahá’ís resolved to redouble their teaching efforts at NCPCR 1999 in Phoenix, and to make their presence felt at the sister European and Latin American conferences to be held in Northern Ireland and Chile in 1998.

To become involved in teaching at NCPCR or in using conflict resolution to teach the Cause, write to Steven Gonzales, Phoenix, AZ 85044, or phone 602-940-7594.

U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno accepts copies of the statements ‘The Promise of World Peace’ and ‘The Vision of Race Unity’ during the National Conference on Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution held May 22–27 at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The statements were presented on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly by Steven Gonzales (left), chairman of the Bahá’í Justice Society.

Denver Arts Alliance backs arts through touring musical

In December 1996 the Global Visions Arts Alliance (GVAA) was incorporated by a group of Bahá’ís in the Denver, Colorado, area as a social and economic development project to promote Bahá’í principles through the arts, especially the oneness of humankind and the elimination of prejudices.

The primary focus of GVAA is the creation and promotion of a touring musical, “Visions,” and the encouragement and promotion of the arts in general.

The two-act musical, with a cast composed primarily of youth, is to include acting, dancing, singing, mime and special audio-visual effects. Its theme will be achieving world peace through eliminating prejudice, especially race prejudice.

“Visions” has already been performed as a work in progress in Oxnard, California, and at the annual commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit in 1912 to Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

GVAA is also considering a membership organization open to anyone interested in promoting Bahá’í principles through the arts; a directory of Bahá’í artists; a newsletter listing arts ideas and activities; co-sponsorship of multicultural arts events and projects; and the establishment of a nationwide concert tour using relatively unknown Bahá’í performing artists.

For information about GVAA, e-mail

Healing racism

Los Angeles honors Bahá’ís for work in race relations

An Institute for the Healing of Racism based at the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center has been recognized by the city of Los Angeles for its work in race relations.

In a ceremony attended by more than 30 organizations at the 8th Council District Constituent Services Center near the University of Southern California campus, the institute received an official citation from city council member Mark Ridley-Thomas.

The Los Angeles Bahá’í Center also was recognized in the award presentation for its role in the pilot “Days of Dialogue” program, which the Society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution plans to launch nationally in January.

“The seeds we’ve sown together are starting to sprout,” Avis Ridley-Thomas, administrative coordinator of the city’s dispute resolution program, said in a congratulatory letter sent to the Bahá’ís of Los Angeles.

Mrs. Ridley-Thomas went on to say that the city ‎discussing is discussing‎ with the L.A. Unified School District, largest in the country, and the Community-Police Advisory Board to “...engage every elementary, middle and high school throughout Los Angeles County and every substation of the LAPD in hosting a dialogue.”

The Institute for the Healing of Racism sponsors regular dialogue meetings and seminars to address what Shoghi Effendi termed “America’s most vital and challenging issue.”

Houston’s center for healing racism labeled most effective

The Center for the Healing of Racism, a non-profit corporation sponsored by Bahá’í communities in the Houston, Texas, area, has been recognized as one of the country’s most effective agencies in the fight against racism.

The American News Service, in a nationwide search, looked into 181 organizations and identified the Center as one of 22 that are “especially effective” in combating racism and can serve as “models for others to adopt in the struggle against racism throughout our country.”

As a result, representatives from the Center have been invited to attend the 31st Race Relations Institute at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, to work on recommendations for public policy for the nation.

The Center in Houston has been in operation since 1989 when Bahá’í Cherry Steinwender and Barbara Hacker consulted with others from within and without the Bahá’í community and began to put in place an educational process known as Dialog-Racism.

The Center hosts this nine-week series free of charge to the public, and has often been featured on local and regional television and radio programs as well as in newspapers and magazines.

Bahá’í Club at UC-Davis acts in response to hate crimes

In response to a recent series of hate crimes at the University of California-Davis, the school’s Bahá’í Club hosted a workshop on “Dialogues for Healing Racism.”

The workshop was intended to provide a safe and loving environment in which students could express openly their feelings about racism while discussing possible ways to use Bahá’í principles to help overcome race discrimination and prejudice.

The club co-sponsored two sessions with other campus groups. Each one included the film “The Color of Fear” followed by a workshop and discussion on racism and its effect on students and others.

A reporter from the school newspaper, the California Aggie, attended the first session, leading to a front-page article headlined “Bahá’í Club event discusses healing racism.” [Page 4]

Countries and territories in need of pioneers, traveling teachers

In September 1996 the Universal House of Justice announced the 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, Turkmen- istan, 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, Mace donia, 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.

To follow in their footsteps...

"Unquestionably, the African-American believers are enviably poised to bring the life-giving Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh to...the peoples of sub-Saharan Africa itself, with whom they share a common ancestry. Shoghi Effendi specially encouraged black Americans to pioneer to Africa and there have been some who heeded that call, serving the Cause with great distinction and to great effect. But many more are needed."—The Universal House of Justice, letter dated February 14, 1994

"Deplore loss William R. Foster, long-standing servant Bahá’u’lláh, tireless promoter Bahá’í teachings, radiant champion Administrative Order. Apart from his extensive involvement vital activities communities United States and Hawaiian Islands, his valiant, sacrificial endeavors Africa before, during and after Ten Year Crusade ensure indelible record annals Faith, especially regarding Morocco and Liberia.

"Flame his love Shoghi Effendi, intensified by his direct contact with him while assisting with development Bahá’í World Center properties during brief period 1950s, has left enduring traces in hearts many students his classes on Guardian's writings. Extend loving sympathy members his dear family. Assure ardent prayers Holy Shrines for progress throughout divine worlds this noble soul whose association Cause Blessed Beauty extended beyond six decades."—The Universal House of Justice, May 22, 1995

Although William (Bill) Foster was the first American of African descent to respond to the Guardian's call for pioneers to teach in the African countries, he arrived in Monrovia, Liberia, on January 4, 1952, three months after Mrs. Ethel Stephens had settled in Ghana (The American Bahá’í, June 24, 1997). He and his family remained in Africa for 17 years building Bahá’í communities for nine years in Morocco and eight years in Liberia.

Mr. Foster went to the Holy Land for two months in the 1950s where he personally assisted Shoghi Effendi on various projects associated with the establishment and beautification of the Bahá’í properties.

At his passing May 18, 1995, the National Spiritual Assembly of Hawaii sent the following e-mail message to the U.S. National spiritual Assembly:

"...The descendant of African slaves, his exemplary life inspired the friends wherever he resided by his unquestioned loyalty to the Covenant, his profound attachment to the beloved Guardian, and as a champion of minority peoples everywhere. The loss of one so deeply loved, honored and respected leaves a void in our hearts as we bid farewell to one of our most illustrious Bahá’ís.

"We beseech prayers in the Holy Shrines for the progress of his radiant soul and that he will be reunited with his beloved Guardian. Our prayers and condolences extend to all members of his devoted family, and to the friends throughout the Hawaiian Islands who mourn his passing."

Books available!

Now available: A Manual for Pioneers, an enlightening and light-hearted book written by the Hand of the Cause of God Rúhíyyih Rabbani, for $5, and Quickeners of Mankind, the only compilation of the Bahá’í Writings on pioneering to include the writings of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, the Universal House of Justice, the Hands of the Cause of God and Counsellors, for $1.50.

We encourage everyone to order these wonderful and informative publications by contacting the Office of Pioneering. Please make checks payable to Bahá’í Services Fund and send to the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

New network links Bahá’í youth in service to the world

In its Ridván 153 letter to the Bahá’ís of the world, the Universal House of Justice lauded "the outstanding contributions of youth to expansion and consolidation," noting that "youth throughout the world invested immense amounts of time, energy and zeal in the teaching work as traveling teachers within and outside their countries and as teams in collective teaching projects...[while] commitment to a year of service was more widely demonstrated."

Many youth returning from a period of service in the Bahá’í Youth Service Corps have expressed their commitment and enthusiasm for their experience by encouraging other young people to take part in this program. And since its inception in 1985, the Bahá’í Youth Service Corps has attracted increasing numbers of youth interested in giving a period of service either on the homefront or internationally.

More than ever before, Bahá’í communities, institutions and agencies around the world are asking for youth to help. However, the needs and opportunities still far outstrip the number of youth who are arising to fill them.

To address this need, the Office of Pioneering has set up a network through which Bahá’í Youth Service Corps veterans can work in their own communities or regions to:

•Promote a greater awareness of the BYSC as a vehicle for youth to give a period of full-time service to the Cause

• Facilitate a steady increase in the number of new BYSC volunteers

•Help prepare youth to be effective in their service

•Welcome, encourage and support returning BYSC volunteers

There are now 65 youth who serve the new Bahá’í Youth Service Corps Resource Network. They are available to work with Assemblies, members of the Auxiliary Board and their assistants and other agencies of the Faith in their local areas to determine specific lines of action to achieve the above goals.

In some areas of the country, Network youth have been trained to serve as training facilitators for Bahá’í Youth Service Corps orientations and institutes.

If you or your community wishes to call upon these youth resources, a current listing of the BYSC Resource Network is available on request from the Office of Pioneering.

"Blessed is he who in the prime of his youth and the heyday of his life will arise to serve the Cause of the Lord of the beginning and of the end, and adorn his heart with His love. The manifestation of such a grace is greater than the creation of the heavens and of the earth." [Page 5]

Fundamental Verities Course Series

Fundamental Verities Course Series National Bahá’í Education Task Force $7.50 FOR EACH COURSE

What are the "fundamental verities" of the Faith? How do we study them? How do we act on them? How will this contribute to advancing the process of entry by troops? A three-part cur- riculum series on the Fundamental Verities is being developed by the National Bahá’í Education Task Force for use in regional and local institutes. The materials are clear, systematic, and utilize diverse learning styles. The course works to build a sustain- able vision for study and action, and calls for action outside of the course sessions. Participants in the pilots of this program have felt that they were energized by the direct study of the Writings and by the application of the course to their real lives.

The three parts include: Part One, To Serve the Covenant (FVTSC), focuses on the human soul as a sign of God, the bounty of the Manifestations of God, and the lives and teachings of the Central Figures of our Faith, within the context of the Covenant.

Part Two Every Believer is a Teacher (FVEBT), focuses on giving partici- pants skills and practice for the teach- ing work. Bahá’ís can learn how to approach seekers, how to relate the Faith to contemporary issues, how to make friends, and gain skills in how to plan and carry out firesides.

Part Three, A New Civilization (FVNC), is being developed and will be available in the fall of 1997. Partici- pants will explore how the Bahá’í rhythm of life, the Administrative Or- der, and obedience to the laws all work together to advance the process of entry by troops and create the long- awaited new World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.

Crossing Frontiers

MIRACLE of OVERNANCE THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSIGAT CROSSING FRONTIERS PORTRAIT OF A WORLD CITIZEN HAND OF THE CAUSE OF GOD AMATEL-BAHARU HIVI KANUM

Crossing Frontiers Portrait of a World Citizen $19.95 VT (ECFN)

"This video, on the life of Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, ex- plores the frontiers she has crossed in her travels to over 185 countries."

This video, on the life of Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, explores the frontiers she has crossed in her travels to over 185 countries. In the course of her travels she has given countless lectures, met many leading dignitaries, and been interviewed on radio, television and by the press throughout the world, continually promoting the essential teachings of the Bahá’í Faith.

22 minutes Badiyan Productions

Lua Getsinger: Herald of the Covenant

'This book makes available for the first time Lua Getsinger's own voice ...'

Lua Getsinger Herald of the Covenant Velda Piff Metelmann $29.95 SC (LGHC)

When so many Bahá’ís around the world name their daughter Lua in her memory, why do we know so little about her? This intriguing question drew Velda Piff Metelmann into a fascinating journey of research into the life of this renowned believer and teacher of the Bahá’í Faith whose tireless travels from east to west in the United States, in Europe and in India attracted hundreds to the love of their Lord. This book makes available for the first time Lua Getsinger's own voice through her letters, diaries and talks between 1898 and 1916. Though fragmented by distance and time, it is a voice that can't fail to find a response in modern readers.

5½"x8", 414 pp., photographs, notes, appendix George Ronald

A Miracle of Governance

A Miracle of Governance The Local Spiritual Assembly The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís I of the United States $19.95 VT (INCLUDES WORKBOOK) (MGV)

As "Trustees of the Merci- ful," members of every local Spiritual Assembly have a critical role to play in the progress of the Cause of God. Working through the Bahá’í texts in a style the French call l'exposition, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, member of the National Spiritual Assembly and professor emeritus of history at Yale University, brings viewers to a greater understanding of the bedrock institution of the Bahá’í Faith, discussing the station of the local Spiritual Assemblies, their duties, their functioning, and their relationship with the community. Whether viewed as a whole, or analyzed sec- tion by section with the companion workbook, the program provides a valuable tool for the further maturation and development of Local Assemblies.

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

LUA GETSINGER erald of the Covenant VELDA METELMANN

Managing with the Wisdom of Love

Managing with the Wisdom of Love Uncovering Virtue in People and Organizations Dorothy Marcic $24.95 HC (MWL)

Disappointing reengineering and downsizing efforts have prompted many managers to realize that prescribed formulas and materialistic solutions are not the total answer to organizational problems. But what more is there? In Managing with the Wisdom of Love, Dorothy Marcic explores that question from a funda- mentally different perspective as she poses an intriguing question of her own: How would the workplace change if we acknowledged that spiritual values are as important in the operations of organizations as they are in the lives of the people who work there? As the author convincingly shows, love, justice, dignity, and respect are more than just traditional spiritual ideas; they are also the new management virtues needed in the contemporary workplace.

6"x9", 156 pp., endnotes, references, index Jossey-Bass

Spiritual Being: A User's Guide

Spiritual BEING A User's Guide HAPPY DOBBS

Spiritual Being A User's Guide Happy Dobbs $18.95 SC (SBUG)

Every new appliance, from a toaster to a computer, comes with an instruc- tion booklet giving information on how to use it, get the best from it, service it and fix it when it breaks down. Here's an instruction booklet for your spiritual self, containing all the information you need to know about yourself, develop your poten- tial, understand your place in the universe, prevent personal disasters and solve problems when things go wrong. Using the Bahá’í writings, stories from Bahá’í history and po- etry, Happy Dobbs helps us explore our true selves, from our purpose in life to our ultimate destiny. If you have ever asked yourself the ques- tion, "Who am I really?" then this book is for you.

6"x9", 318 pp. George Ronald

'Here's an instruc- tion booklet, containing all the information you need to know about yourself...'

Journey to the Heart of Africa

Joumey to the Heart of Africa Mary Tioman Derothy Narete Managing with the Wisdom Love Uncovering Vinde ta People and Organisations

Journey to the Heart of Africa Mary Firman $6.95 SC (JHA)

An activity book from the same author who brought us Journey Into Exile about the life of Bahá’u’lláh. Designed for children 7 to 12 years old, this book has stories, activities, and information that will engage a child and make learning fun.

114"x8", 32 pp. Brilliant Books [Page 6]

Indigenous Peoples

In the wake of Mabo edited by Dr. Kamal Puri HC $16.95 (IP)

Reconciliation between the descendants of the original aboriginal landholders and white "invaders" is one of the most critical social justice issues facing Australian society. Prominent academics and aboriginal and Bahá’í scholars focus on the progress of the process of reconciliation.

The Australian experience is worthy of study because it combines all the challenges facing developed and developing countries alike as they confront increasing demands for justice and land rights by indigenous elements of society.

200 pp., introduction, preface Bahá’í Publications Australia

Enlightened Views

compiled by Alan Bryson $9.95 SC (EV)

Alan Bryson has compiled a systematic presentation of the Bahá’í Faith from the words of its Central Figures. Covering a range of topics, Enlightened Views is one of the most comprehensive compilations to be published in years. An excellent reference work for Bahá’ís or non-Bahá’ís.

5½"x8", 364 pp., bibliography, index Sterling Publishers

In Grandfather's Barn

by William Sears SC $8.95 (IGB)

Written from the perspective of a young boy named William who lives in Green Valley, Minnesota, during the 1920s, In Grandfather's Barn is a humorous novel that recounts his adventures and misadventures growing up. Living in a small town is not always easy, but it can be the source of many hilarious lessons about life: His great crush on the beautiful Angela Raffodil; his first confession at church with Father O'Malley; his befriending Jerry Haller, the only black boy in town; and more—we always find him resolving the perplexities of life in Grandfather's barn. Relying on the practical, no-nonsense advice of his facetious grandfather, who helps him see through others' pretenses, William begins to understand what it really means to live an upstanding life with compassion.

5½"x8", 96 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust, United States

Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

‘Abdu’l-Bahá PS $3.95 (SWAP)

A compilation of passages from Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the East and West. Published to "increase the fervor" of Bahá’ís and to "add to their perception of that wondrous harmony of the human and divine" that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá exemplified.

4¼"x7", 359 pp., index, paragraph numbering Bahá’í Publishing Trust, United States

Overcoming Barriers to Unity

An Essay on Group Harmony by Steven E. Ellis SC $6.00 (OBU)

In this enlightening discourse on the dynamics of unity and disunity, the author, Steven Ellis, provides insights into creating harmonious consultative groups. Using extensive references from the Bahá’í writings, Mr. Ellis provides a very practical set of "red flags" so that we may learn to recognize when our behavior is not in accordance with the promotion of unity. This book also includes a short compilation on the subject of unity.

5½"x8", 98 pp., references The Alaska Bahá’í Bookshop

Claire Gung Mother of Africa

Adrienne Morgan $9.95 SC (CGMA)

German-born and living in England, Claire Gung at the age of 46 answered the Guardian's call for pioneers to Africa. Alone and with limited material resources, Mrs. Gung spent the remainder of her life teaching the Cause to the peoples of Africa. The story of her trials and successes over the next 34 years proved her title "Mother of Africa," given to her by the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith. This account, taken in large part from Claire Gung's own diary, is an inspiring read for all audiences.

5⅜"x8", 164 pp. The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of South Africa

Buddha Maitrya-Amitabha Has Appeared

Jamshed Fozdar $34.95 HC (BMA)

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

6"x8", 490 pp., contents, glossary, index Jamshed Fozdar

Local Spiritual Assembly Handbook

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia SC $24.95 (LSAH)

This Australian LSA Handbook is designed for ease of use by administrators and individuals who want to be fully functioning members of Bahá’í society. Bahá’ís will benefit enormously from studying and referencing this handbook, now in its third edition. The question-and-answer format and comprehensive index make the content easy to access. Also included is a study guide on consultation and a number of workshops dealing with such issues as Bahá’í marriage without consent, the appearance of drinking, a predominantly Persian community and dominant personalities.

8"x11", 451 pp., contents, foreword, index Bahá’í Publications Australia

The Ocean of His Words

A Reader's Guide to the Art of Bahá’u’lláh by John S. Hatcher SC $12.95 (OHW)

"Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye may unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that lie hid in its depths... "is Bahá’u’lláh’s exhortation to us. In his latest work, titled The Ocean of His Words, John Hatcher provides a remarkably effective set of tools for making the most of this immersion. Using the tools of literary analysis, Dr. Hatcher shows us how to apply these same techniques to unravel an ever deeper understanding of the Sacred texts. Examples are used extensively to demonstrate the application of such literary devices as examining the narrative perspective, subject, and structure of a work as well as using historical criticism, among others. His elaboration of divine revelation as a perfect form of artistic expression is genuinely fresh, and even though this book essentially is an academic exercise it is eminently readable and thoroughly enjoyable. This heightens its appeal as a text for teaching and training institutes. Before too long not only will you have read it, you will be using the tools this book offers as a means to a deeper understanding of the art of Bahá’u’lláh!

5½"x8", 388 pp., foreword, contents, preface, appendix, bibliography Bahá’í Publishing Trust, United States

Without a Net

A Sojourn in Russia by Esther Bradley-DeTally SC $9.95 (WAN)

In 1990, the Universal House of Justice stressed the importance of sharing the Faith in the Soviet Union. Without a Net is 23 stories of an American couple's emotional, physical and spiritual journey while sharing the Faith with the people of Belarus, Russia, and the Ukraine. This book is "a fascinating account of daily lives" taking first steps away from the spiritual shackles of communism towards the light of Bahá’u’lláh. Humorous, reflective essays reveal a willingness of the "ordinary human being" enamored by the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh arising to serve because the important had to be discarded for the most important.

5½"x8", 137 pp. Bahá’í Booksource International

The Bahá’í World 1995-96

HC $25.95 (BW96H) SC $13.95 (BW96S)

In addition to regular features, this year's volume includes the following highlights: coverage of Bahá’í involvement in the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing and in the events associated with the Fiftieth Anniversary of the United Nations (UN 50); a report on the December 1995 Counselor's Conference held at the Bahá’í World Center; an essay titled "Covenant and the Foundations of Civil Society"; "World Watch", written this year on values and governance in an emerging global society; Turning Point for All Nations and other major statements of the Bahá’í International Community; a profile of a Bahá’í social and economic development project in Brazil; and "The Year in Review", surveying the activities of Bahá’í communities and featuring some 30 color photographs.

6"x9", 346 pp., photographs, contents, glossary, index World Centre Publications [Page 7]

Two Wings of a Bird

Two Wings of a Bird The Equality of Women and Men GENERAL EDITION EACH $.75 10 PACK $4.50 (SWS) (SW10) 100 PACK $34.00 (SW100) PRESENTATION EDITION $9.95 (SWPE) DELUXE EDITION $29.95 (SWDE)

THE EQUALITY OF WOMEN AND MEN The National Spiritual Assembly’s statement on gender equality and the advancement of women is now available in a general edition format suitable for large-scale distribution. Due out soon are the presentation and deluxe editions.

Bahá’í Publishing Trust, United States

Women: Peacemakers, Reformers, Leaders

by Wilma Ellis SC $2.95 (WPRL)

In Women: Peacemakers, Reformers, Leaders, Dr. Wilma Ellis, an international advocate for the advancement of women, points to a "revolution" in values taking place around the world, a revolution that is sometimes quiet and other times raucous but which cannot be stopped. Women are becoming the agents of change in their home communities. They are challenging outmoded ways of thinking about peace and leadership, abandoning competitive tactics for tactics that foster unity of actions and are discovering that through consultation their effectiveness as leaders is enhanced. Women not only can change the world—they are changing it now!

54"x8", 14 pp.

Women

Extracts from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice SC $3.95 (WCOMP)

This recently reprinted compilation assembled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice is the standard source for complementing any effort to study the Faith’s perspective on the issues concerning the advancement of women and their equal station with man.

5½"x8", 59 pp.

Bahá’í Publishing Trust, United States

Dialogue and Universalism

The Bahá’í Faith Universalism in Praxis SC $9.00 (BFUP)

This special Bahá’í issue of the journal Dialogue and Universalism marks the first joint publication project of the Association of Bahá’í Studies North America and a non-Bahá’í journal. The culmination of a three-year cooperative venture with the International Society for Universalism (Warsaw), this issue features articles from the perspective of a number of different disciplines as well as position papers from the Universal House of Justice, all dealing with the concept of the universality of the Bahá’í Faith. It should appeal to a wide range of scholars and thoughtful readers looking for new ways to think about and apply an understanding of universalism to the powerful challenges presented by the contemporary world.

6"x9", 232 pp. Centre of Universalism

Lift Up Your Voices and Sing

Favorite Songs of Bahá’ís Around the World SEE PRICES BELOW

Finally! A collection of your favorite Bahá’í music! Since the early days of their Faith, Bahá’ís have enjoyed singing as a way of celebrating and communicating their belief in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. Here for the first time is a comprehensive collection for many of the best-loved and well known songs written and performed by Bahá’ís for almost a century. All are new recordings presented here for the first time. Featured artists include Dash Crofts, Dan Seals, Van Gilmer, Red Grammer, Adrienne Ewing-Roush, Ává, Paul Seaforth, Castadarrow Thompkins, and Rachael Price. Produced and arranged by Tom Price.

Individual CDs $15.95 (LU1CD, LU2CD, LU3CD) or all three for $39.95 (LUCDP)

Volume 1 (LU1CD) Soldiers in God’s Army; Look at Me, Follow Me; Ay Yad-I-Toh; Nightingale of Paradise; Have You Heard of Bahá’u’lláh; Hummingbird; The Prisoner; God Is One; The Prince of Peace; Benediction

Volume Two (LU2CD) Bahá’u’lláh’s Getting us Ready for that Great Day; Proclaim the Greatest Name; Would You Give Your Life to Bahá’u’lláh; We Will Have One World; World Citizens; Queen of Carmel; O Agyani; East of Ginger Trees; We May Never Pass this Way Again; God Sufficeth

Volume Three (LU3CD) We Are One; Windflowers; Toko Zani; Farkhundi Tayiri; One Planet, One People, Please; Advance Guards; Bahá’u’lláh; Mount Your Steeds; Oh Bahá’u’lláh; Blessed Is the Spot

Don’t miss the other volumes in this series due out beginning later this year!

The Mission of This Generation

Messages from the Universal House of Justice to Bahá’í Youth $12.95 SC (MGS)

A helpful and timely new book, containing the complete texts of 16 messages from the Universal House of Justice to young Bahá’ís, compiled by the European Bahá’í Youth Council. Also contains a section of exploratory questions on each of the messages, to aid study and deepening, plus a compilation of extracts from the messages, helpfully organized around themes and subjects of particular relevance to the Bahá’í youth of today.

54"x8", 144 pp., preface, contents, introduction, bibliography, notes, references, index

Bahá’í Publishing Trust, United Kingdom

The City and the Heart

by Arthur M. Weinberg SC $7.95 (CH)

Ismael, Lisa, Helen, Aaron and the other children from Arthur Weinberg’s story The Refuge and the Cage are back in another installment of a popular children’s tale. Picking up where the last book left off, the characters continue their adventures while they acquire spiritual understanding.

54"x8", 109 pp. Brilliant Books

Bahá’í Distribution Service 5397 Wilbanks Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37343 1-800-999-9019 Fax: 1-423-843-0836 [Page 8]

THE LIFE-BLOOD

Treasurer’s corner

The Treasurer’s Corner is devoted to helping local treasurers and others who have a 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

Earmarking contributions

Wishing to do what is best for the work of the Cause, many of the friends have expressed concern and a degree of confusion about the need for or the desirability of earmarking one’s contributions. The instructions we have from the Guardian are clear regarding the right of every believer to earmark, and the Guardian informs us that excessive earmarking can be problematic for our institutions.

In a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to Corinne True: “Both orally and in his letters Shoghi Effendi has tried to encourage the friends to contribute to the Central Fund and has made an effort to explain the advantages that we would have in having a large Central Fund and in giving regular appropriations to each of the different activities of the Cause. And yet in spite of that, Shoghi Effendi has expressly stated that the friends are not in the least required to send their contributions unlabeled but are absolutely free to state whether they wish it to go to the Central Fund or to some specific fund such as the Temple.”

In the same letter, in the Guardian’s own hand, he adds: “With regard to the National Fund, it must not be felt that the believers are required to send unlabeled contributions to the Fund but that it is only extremely desirable to do so.” (Underlining appears in the original text).

And again he tells us: “Whatever is contributed to the National Assembly for a specific purpose should be expended for that purpose only, but I would encourage the friends to send unlabeled contributions in order not to tie the hands of the National Assembly although I do not in the least require them to do so.”

National Fund goal is $27 million

The National Spiritual Assembly has set a goal for this year, 154 B.E., of $27 million. This goal represents a combination of sub-goals for each of the “senior” Funds. As the goal is met, allocations will be made as follows: 19 percent to the Arc Projects Fund up to $5 million; 7 percent to the Bahá’í International Fund up to $2 million; and 2 percent to the Continental Bahá’í Fund up to $500,000.

While this goal may seem much larger than those of recent years, it represents in fact, a 35 percent increase over the last budget year’s combined giving to all Funds and is a 25 percent decrease from the total given to all Funds in fiscal 1995–96.

If the friends in your community have specific questions about this year’s goal, the Office of the Treasurer and Development would be pleased to have the opportunity to help with those questions. Contact us at 847-733-3472 or by email:

One check please

If you choose to earmark your personal contribution, or your community has taken a decision to earmark, please do so by sending one check and listing your earmarking instructions on either the stub from a previous contribution to the National Fund or on a note enclosed with your check. The process of earmarking is greatly simplified when one check is sent.

A reminder to treasurers—please ensure that you are using the appropriate contribution slip for community contributions and your own contribution slip from a previous receipt when making your personal contribution.

“At this critical hour in the fortunes of humanity, our eyes turn with eagerness and hope to the Bahá’ís of all parts of North America, who constitute a reservoir of human and material resources unmatched elsewhere in the Bahá’í world.”—The Universal House of Justice

Producer Marcia Day (left) consults with host Tom Kavelin and guests Leo Schultz of Atlanta and National Spiritual Assembly member Jack McCants between takes of shooting a Spiritual Revolution III show. For information about the new video series, phone 800-326-1197.

‘Spiritual Revolution III’ video series to provide new proclamation tool for believers across country

By TOM MENNILLO

Another proclamation tool may be available soon to Bahá’ís: a series of 14 Spiritual Revolution III video tapes.

The half-hour shows address the questions of Christian seekers head-on. They are intended for all audiences, but are especially geared to the teaching needs of southern Bahá’ís.

Producer Marcia Day of Pavón International hopes to have the tapes—Beta for use on television and VHS for firesides and deepenings—in believers’ hands this summer.

Taping took place during mid-June in Nashville, Tennessee. Tom Kavelin and Billie Crofts co-host the programs. Guests include National Spiritual Assembly member Jack McCants and authors Gary Matthews and Michael Sours Rohani.

Also appearing in the shows are a number of Bahá’ís, many of them people of color, who tell how they found Bahá’u’lláh and what the Faith has meant in their lives.

A plea from the field

Producing a third series of Spiritual Revolution videos was not in Ms. Day’s plans a year ago. Pioneering was. But fate, and the Spiritual Assembly of Greenville, South Carolina, intervened.

Greenville has been airing the Spiritual Revolution II tapes on local television for a year and a half, according to Frances Worthington of the Greenville Assembly.

The friends there heard of the series from the Augusta, Georgia, community, which was getting great response from its Sunday morning showings of the programs.

Inspired by the efforts of Roxane Firmin of Detroit, Michigan, to get Bahá’í programs on the air, the Greenville Assembly started looking around in summer 1995 for a way to telecast videos.

All of the existing Greenville stations charged too much for airtime. But soon a new station went on the air, and a salesperson for the station was so touched by the programs that a more affordable price was negotiated.

To come up with the money—$12,000 for a year’s worth of weekly half-hour slots plus 10 commercials—the Greenville Bahá’ís approached and got commitments from area Assemblies and Groups in South Carolina and cities in western North Carolina that receive the Greenville station’s signal.

The broadcasts began last January. Telephone numbers were placed on the screen for Greenville; Asheville, North Carolina; and the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute. Respondents were sent copies of The Bahá’í magazine and either a list of events near them or a reference to their closest Bahá’í community.

After a year, there was some hesitation about renewing the contract. After all, how many times can you repeat the same 12 videos?

But after contacting Ms. Day, the Greenville Assembly was hopeful that another series would soon be on the way. And the clincher was a call from a person who had been watching the programs for months and was finally driven to inquire about the Faith.

That call and other indications in the community convinced the Assembly that the videos were helping to foster a positive perception of the Faith in Greenville. “Drip by drip wearing the rock away with television” is how Ms. Worthington puts it.

Greenville not only renewed the airtime. The Assembly agreed to put up part of the cost to make the new programs, with Ms. Day funding the rest.

Focus on minorities

Ms. Day’s initial thoughts were to make the new series much like the previous one.

But then she recalled advice given her many years before by Counselor Raul Pavón, a Bahá’í radio pioneer in Ecuador and namesake of her company. He urged her to focus on the African-American and indigenous peoples, whose spiritual destiny the Writings extol.

The shows were taped over a frantic week in the basement of a suburban home. A professional crew was engaged to shoot the programs, and an attractive set was created. Local Bahá’ís were kept busy shuttling guests to and from the airport.

Only the introduction to each show was scripted. The conversations and transitions were not, giving the shows a spontaneous feel. Quick consultation between segments charted the flow of each topic.

Soon after taping ended, post-production began.

Meanwhile, Ms. Day made plans to meet in mid-July with the Regional Committee for the Southern States, the South Carolina Coordinating Committee, and local communities to devise a strategy to use these tapes to blanket the region with the message of Bahá’u’lláh.

She believes the new series could help stimulate an advancement in the process of entry by troops akin to that experienced in the South in the late 1960s and early ’70s.

Every community, she says, could use these programs to showcase the beautiful Bahá’ís of every hue speaking from the heart but with intimate knowledge of the Bible.

If Greenville’s experience is any indicator, the people are waiting. [Page 9]

TOTAL ENROLLMENTS

June ............................ 209 Total for year ................... 369

THE FUND

(As of May 31, 1997)

All Bahá’í Funds	YTD Goal	Difference
$2,250,000	$-1,081,000

	thru May 96	thru May 97
National Bahá’í Fund	$820,000	$880,000
International Bahá’í Fund	$47,000	$64,000
Arc Projects Fund	$859,000	$192,000
Continental Bahá’í Fund	$21,000	$23,000
Other Earmarked	$120,000	$10,000
Subtotal/Int’l Funds	$927,000	$279,000
Total/All Funds	$1,868,000	$1,169,000

Debt Watch	May 96	May 97
Loans Outstanding	$0	$1,200,000

All Bahá’í Funds: Goal & Actual

• Where we are: $1,169,000
• Where we need to be: $2,250,000

All International Funds

• Where we are: $279,000
• Where we were last year: $927,000

Arc Projects Fund

• Where we are: $192,000
• Where we were last year: $859,000

International Bahá’í Fund

• Where we are: $64,000
• Where we were last year: $47,000

Continental Bahá’í Fund

• Where we are: $23,000
• Where we were last year: $21,000

Guidance on achieving our spiritual obligations in the age of automation

Bahá’í myth No. 8: giving to the Funds of the Faith is an optional activity.

Not so!! The amount a believer gives is optional, but the act of giving is a “spiritual obligation” and an “intrinsic element of the devotional life of the individual.” In fact, we are told that regularity and frequency are attributes of a mature relationship with the institution of the Fund.

Like so much else these days, meeting this “vital” spiritual obligation regularly can get lost in the sheer volume of things we have to accomplish in any given day. We go on trips in the summer; we have a crisis deadline at work and miss Feast; we haven’t seen our children in weeks; etc. But a growing number of alert, conscientious Bahá’ís have found a solution to this dilemma: automatic giving.

Two ways to give automatically

There are two ways, at present, that you can give automatically to the Fund. The first has been provided by the National Spiritual Assembly and is called the “Automatic Contribution System” or “ACS.”

Once you authorize the National Assembly to do so, each month on about the 20th of that month, the amount you choose will be deducted by the National Assembly’s bank directly from your checking account. Enrolling in this system is as easy as sending a letter to the Office of the Treasurer and Development, together with a voided check from your checking account, and indicating the amount you would like to contribute via ACS. You can also get an enrollment form from that office and, in most cases, from your local Treasurer.

The second way to give automatically is through an on-line bill-paying service. If you have a computer with a modem and your bank offers this service, you just sign up and you can create an automatic, repeating payment to the local or national Fund.

Even if your bank doesn’t have a service like this, if you buy Quicken or Microsoft Money for your computer, the box will most likely have a coupon offer with one of the companies that offers this service.

How important is automatic giving?

First, it can be important spiritually: it is a good way to ensure that a basic Bahá’í responsibility is met, at least on a basic level. Many of those who give this way set their monthly amount at the minimum they would like to give, and send an additional amount if they have more available to give or if they wish to make a special gift for some purpose.

Second, it is already extremely important to the National Spiritual Assembly. There are 2,074 individuals and 475 Assemblies and registered groups currently subscribing to ACS. Together their contributions accounted for 25–30 percent of last year’s contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund. This is money that doesn’t disappear during the summer months; it is a steady flow that makes it easier to plan the summer’s outlays and to avoid borrowing.

Please contact the Office of the Treasurer and Development or see your local Treasurer to have your questions answered or obtain help in enrolling in the ACS Program.

Survey seeks information to better assist Assemblies

All local Spiritual Assemblies have recently received a survey of their opinions and activities.

This survey, coordinated by the Office of Assembly Development at the Bahá’í National Center, contains questions from six departments/agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly: the Office of External Affairs, the Office of Assembly Development, the National Teaching Committee, the Office of Management Information Services, the National Education and Schools office, and the Office of the Treasurer and Development.

“The needs, concerns and activities of local Spiritual Assemblies, as expressed in returned surveys, will provide valuable input to the program development of agencies and committees of the National Spiritual Assembly,” says Theresa Z. Mullen of the Office of Assembly Development.

“In fact,” she adds, “information obtained in the first Assembly development survey, a year and a half ago, has already been useful to the Office of Assembly Development.”

The two major areas covered in the initial survey were evaluations of the local Spiritual Assembly development modules and the manual Developing Distinctive Bahá’í Communities: Guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies. Both the modules and the manual are under revision and the input from Assemblies has been invaluable in ensuring that revisions meet existing needs.

Questions in the Assembly development section of the current survey still pertain to the modules but have been expanded to include questions related to other areas of functioning such as committee appointment and training. The answer to these questions will help refine and develop training programs such as those offered at Assembly Development Forums currently being held around the country.

Other offices have included questions related to their areas of responsibility. They cover such items as community contribution patterns, integration of Southeast Asians, utilization of teaching plans, Assembly support for core curriculum activities, and computer equipment available to the community.

The National Spiritual Assembly is increasingly interested in obtaining concrete, objective information about the interests and activities of the community. This information will enable it and all of its agencies and offices to function more effectively.

The Universal House of Justice has long collected data in a systematic way, including its annual poll of local Spiritual Assemblies. This questionnaire, which collects basic information on Assembly functioning, was also recently sent to all local Spiritual Assemblies.

Other efforts to collect accurate data at the National level include the telephone survey which the National Teaching Committee office conducted with 300 randomly selected communities and the national phone survey of individual Bahá’ís.

To improve the usefulness of the national survey, all Assemblies have been asked to complete and return it as soon as possible. A high response rate will boost the representativeness and accuracy of the results.

The National Spiritual Assembly has asked that answers reflect the opinion of the Assembly as a whole and not just one member. To facilitate that process without unduly tying up the full Assembly for many hours, the Office of Assembly Development has suggested that each Assembly appoint a sub-group of its members to complete the survey and then have them secure approval of the full body before returning it.

The Office of Assembly Development is available for any questions at 847-733-3490 or by e-mail

Tapes on Huqúqu’lláh are available

As announced at the 88th Bahá’í National Convention, audio and video tapes on Huqúqu’lláh are available in English or Persian from Badiyan Productions in Minneapolis.

These tapes are excellent introductions to the spiritual significance and details of the sacred Law of Huqúqu’lláh and are of great value for presentation at deepening programs.

The videos include rare historical pictures and corporate segments filmed in the Holy Land with the participation of the Hands of the Cause of God Ali-Akbar Furútan and Trustee of Huqúqu’lláh Ali-Muhammad Varqá.

To order tapes, contact Badiyan Productions, Minneapolis, MN 55420 (phone 612-888-5507; fax 612-888-5250). [Page 10]

COMMUNITY NEWS

Michigan Race Unity Day event brings warm message of love

The 1996 celebration of Race Unity Day in Marquette, Michigan, brought hate mail. This year’s brought an expression of love.

Someone who saw a newspaper photograph of interracial couple Willie and Linda Maxwell wrote: “In honor of Race Unity Day, I’m writing to tell you that your partnership is a wonderful inspiration. The contrast of your skin colors shows the vibrant diversity of our world, and this is very refreshing to see here in the great north; a welcoming much like spring. Thanks for being here.”

The Marquette Bahá’í community’s celebration drew about 40 people to Presque Isle Park, where they enjoyed a picnic, games, speakers, entertainment and a tree planting at the gravesite of Chief Charlie Kawbawgam.

The event was promoted in several newspaper articles and advertisements, and the community is following up with a Healing of Racism Talking Circle at Northern Michigan University.

New Development Workshop to help local Assemblies

To help the community deepen on the station and functioning of the local Spiritual Assembly, the National Spiritual Assembly has produced a video addressing this topic.

The video, A Miracle of Governance: The Local Spiritual Assembly, covers a broad range of issues drawn from the Bahá’í Writings. To facilitate deepening with this video, the Office of Assembly Development, in cooperation with the National Teacher Training Center at Louhelen, has developed a companion workbook with complementary exercises for both Assembly and community use.

Drawing heavily upon the Bahá’í Writings and his own extensive experience with Bahá’í administration, the speaker on the video, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, presents clear insights into the unique and important role of the Spiritual Assembly.

The talk is organized into four major topic areas: “The station of the local Spiritual Assembly,” “the duties of the local Spiritual Assembly,” “the functioning of the local Spiritual Assembly” and “the relationship between the local Spiritual Assembly and the individual.”

The 43-minute video includes a pause between each of these topic areas in order to allow time for contemplation or use of the companion exercises.

Companion workbook exercises allow for a more active exploration of the topic, including the application of new insights to previous experiences. There are activities designed for either the Assembly or the community in each of the four topic areas as well as an introduction that ties in study of the Four Year Plan message as it relates to local Spiritual Assemblies and a conclusion that asks participants to develop a plan for acting upon their new insights. The workbook clearly lays out instructions for the facilitator and provides hand-outs for participants.

Local Spiritual Assemblies are encouraged to appoint their own facilitator or, if needed, to use the services of a Local Spiritual Assembly Development representative.

“The Assembly workshop for A Miracle of Governance: The Local Spiritual Assembly provides a marvelous basis for goal setting and planning early in the year,” says Theresa Z. Mullen, coordinator of the Office of Assembly Development.

“In addition,” she explains, “when used with the whole community, it will help create a greater understanding of the institution of the local Spiritual Assembly and the important role each person plays in its functioning.”

The video deepening was sent in late March to all local Spiritual Assemblies and large registered groups. It is also available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service, 1-800-999-9019.

Those communities or Institutes interested in obtaining the services of an Assembly Development representative to present the workbook exercises may contact the Office of Assembly Development, 847-733-3490.

National Committee for the Advancement of Women Talent Form

The National Committee for the Advancement of Women would like to identify individuals with specific skills to serve the Faith as needs arise. Please indicate in what ways your talents can help us to achieve greater equality both within and outside of the Bahá’í community. We want to hear from every adult and youth.

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

NAME __________________________________ PHONE _________________

ADDRESS _________________________ EMAIL _______________________

CITY ___________________________ STATE ___________ ZIP _________

My talents include...

___ creative writing	___ editing	___ film/video production
___ research	___ display design	___ public speaking
___ study materials development	___ graphic design	___ conference planning
___ curriculum development	___ audio production	___ media
___ song writing	___ computer data entry	___ workshop facilitator
___ youth and children activities	___ marriage and family counseling	___ other (describe below)

DETAILS __________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Please send any background information that can better acquaint us with your skills and talents.

Mail to: Bahá’í National Center National Committee for the Advancement of Women 1233 Central Street Evanston, Illinois 60201-1611

If you have any questions or comments please email us at __________________________ or call Cynthia Thomas, Secretary, at home (909) 624-2680 or work (310) 206-1940.

Thank you for taking part in this talent form.

Asheville

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Benjamin Levy and a local rabbi, co-sponsored by the Center for Jewish Studies; Dr. Elizabeth Bowen speaking on the advancement of women and Bahá’í activity at the fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, co-sponsored by Women Act in Liberation; a Bahá’í/Christian panel discussion, co-sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ; and a presentation on the persecution of Iranian Bahá’ís, held in conjunction with Amnesty International.

The “big gun” will be a large-scale media event titled “Rally for Race Unity.” The event, to be held outside on the Quad, will feature speeches by university professors, the pastor of a local African-American church, and a Bahá’í. Music and poetry also will be incorporated into the evening. A number of student groups are supporting the event.

HUQÚQU’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, ___________________________ Drive, Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone 216-333-1506).

• Mrs. Thelma Khelghati, ___________________________, ‎Lunenberg 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 11]

National Spiritual Assembly’s activities on UN issues

In its Ridván 1996 letter the Universal House of Justice referred to the growing arena of external affairs activities. It stated, “The Bahá’í community will expand its endeavours in...external affairs, and thus continue to collaborate directly with the forces leading toward the establishment of order in the world. ...the Bahá’í friends and institutions are urged to be alert to the importance of activities in external affairs and to give renewed attention to them.”

At the direction of the National Spiritual Assembly, local Assemblies across the country have become involved in two international issues in the external affairs arena. They have been urging their members of Congress to authorize payment of U.S. dues and arrears to the United Nations and urging their senators to ratify the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Local Bahá’í efforts are being coordinated with efforts of other national organizations such as the United Nations Association, Amnesty International U.S.A., the World Federalist Association, the League of Women Voters, and others that work in collaboration with the offices of the National Spiritual Assembly in Washington, D.C., and New York.

The National Assembly for many years has worked with other organizations to accomplish various goals. Those efforts have successfully influenced U.S. ratification of several UN human rights treaties dealing with genocide, torture, civil and political rights, and racism. They have also advanced domestically the agendas agreed upon by participating nations at UN-sponsored world conferences on the environment and development, human rights, women, social development and cities.

The recent push for CEDAW ratification by the U.S. is part of an ongoing effort co-chaired by the National Spiritual Assembly and Amnesty International U.S.A. In June the National Assembly sent information to more than 140 local Assemblies on CEDAW, asked individuals to write or visit their senators on the issue and encouraged them to engage in activities to build local awareness on the importance of CEDAW and women’s rights.

The Secretary of State recently listed CEDAW as her top priority for human rights treaty ratification by the 105th Congress. Adopted by the UN in 1979, the Convention addresses comprehensively women’s rights within political, cultural, economic, social and family life. The U.S. was instrumental in drafting language for the Convention but remains the only democracy that has not ratified it.

Without ratification the U.S. may not take part on the international committee which monitors progress in the treatment of women from the countries that have ratified the Convention. By not ratifying the Convention the U.S. cannot be a leader for the human rights of women in the international legal system.

Payment of U.S. dues and arrears to the UN has also been an issue in which the National Assembly has played an active role. Over the past several years Congress has withheld funds from the UN resulting in accumulated arrears in excess of $1 billion. The arrears threaten the solvency of the United Nations.

Last fall the National Spiritual Assembly helped draft an open letter to Congress and the Administration that called for prompt payment of U.S. dues and arrears to the UN. Endorsed by 138 organizations, the open letter was delivered to every member of Congress in February. More than 100 local Spiritual Assemblies received letters from the National Assembly urging them to form delegations with members of local chapters of the other endorsing organizations and to visit their Congressman to discuss the issues raised in the open letter.

More recently, with the encouragement of the National Spiritual Assembly, 27 local Assemblies in 10 key Congressional districts and states have become involved in grassroots activities with other organizations in their area as part of a program initiated by a group of national organizations concerned with the U.S. arrears to the UN.

The local groups are working in their communities to raise awareness of the funding issue through activities such as public meetings, meetings with editorial boards, letter-writing campaigns and visits to their members of Congress.

In early June the National Assembly, in cooperation with other faith-based organizations, wrote to Congress advocating payment of U.S. obligations to the United Nations. The letter was bound with 10 others from Jewish, Catholic and Protestant organizations and delivered to every member of Congress.

The National Assembly’s letter states, “The United Nations, like any organization, is imperfect. It must be nurtured to develop its capacities and to abandon methods and practices that have become obstacles to the fulfillment of its mission. However, without adequate funds pledged to it by international agreement and subjected to incessant negative criticism the United Nations would be in jeopardy and incapable of conducting the very reforms that would increase its effectiveness.”

The letter ends by urging prompt payment of U.S. arrears and asking that members of Congress work with their colleagues “to advance American leadership in the promotion of international cooperation and world peace through a strong and effective United Nations.”

In mid-June the Senate passed the State Department Authorization Bill which provides for payment of a large portion of U.S. arrears to the UN over three years if certain conditions are met by the UN. During debate on the bill, Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana offered an amendment that would have shortened the period of payment and eliminated the imposed conditions for payment.

The National Assembly contacted some 38 local Assemblies in 19 key states to ask them to call their senators and urge their support of the Lugar amendment. While the amendment was defeated, 25 senators voted for it, 12 from states where the Bahá’ís had called their senators. During Senate debate on the bill, the U.S.-UN relationship was discussed seriously. Some amendments were proposed to withdraw the U.S. from participation in the United Nations. Those amendments were soundly defeated.

In early June the United Nations Association (UNA-USA) held its national convention in Washington. The National Assembly is one of more than 140 organizations affiliated with UNA through its Council of Organizations. Peter Adriance, the National Assembly’s liaison with non-governmental organizations and former chairman of the UNA’s Council of Organizations in Washington, chaired the Convention Advisory Committee which helped to plan the convention.

Attendees at the conference visited members of Congress during one day of the convention to stress the issue of the importance of meeting U.S. obligations to the UN. Kit Cosby, the National Assembly’s deputy director for external affairs and a member of UNA’s National Council, was a panelist in a workshop on the UN Declaration of Human Rights’ 50th Anniversary in 1998.

Jeffery Huffines, the U.S. Bahá’í UN representative and newly-appointed member of the Council of Organizations’ executive committee in New York, also attended the convention. There were other Bahá’í participants representing UNA chapters from several states including Alaska, California, Nebraska and North Carolina.

The Convention attendees also heard addresses by U.S. and UN leaders including Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations, and Princeton Lyman, Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations.

Bahá’í communities are encouraged to consider ways in which they might work with others on the local level to raise awareness in their communities of the importance of the United Nations and the critical role that the United States has in fostering international cooperation through the UN.

Communities that would like further information on how they might support efforts for Senate ratification of CEDAW and/or for payment of U.S. arrears to the UN should contact the National Assembly’s Office of the Secretary for External Affairs in Washington (National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S., 1320 19th Street, NW, Suite 701, Washington DC 20036 (phone 202-833-8990; fax 202-833-8988; e-mail

Marching behind their colorful banner are some of the Bahá’ís and their friends who took part June 1 in the 25th annual Bronx (New York) Unity Day parade. (Photo by Eric Kreitzer) [Page 12]

Regional Committee for the Southern States—a profile

By ROSEMARIE STEVENS

I recently had a wonderful opportunity to informally visit with the members of the Regional Committee for the Southern States when they met in Dallas in June. I had been invited to share breakfast with the five members and was able to ask them questions about the nature of their service and the way in which they approach their assigned tasks.

To introduce the members, they are Lupita Ahangarzadeh of Colleyville, Texas; Covey Cantillo of Plantation, Florida; Robert James of Durham, North Carolina; Ahmad Mahboubi of Marietta, Georgia, and Mahyar Mofidi of Louisville, Kentucky.

Last year, four Regional Committees were appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly as part of its over-all plan to decentralize administrative responsibilities.

Naturally, every aspect of the mandate given them by the National Assembly was important; however, the Regional Committee for the Southern States focused on the encouragement given them to become unified. They realized that no goal could be met, no mandate satisfied, no progress made if they were not truly unified.

At their early meetings, the members took time to get to know one another; they talked about themselves, their families and their personal lives.

They agreed that their consultation would be open and honest, that each member would remember that an idea, once placed on the table, was no longer a personal possession. They vowed to be supportive of one another and to always encourage each other.

Those who have had the privilege of meeting with the Southern Regional Committee or attending meetings they have hosted clearly sense the love the members feel for each other. The unity of thought is strong among the committee members; they firmly believe that the southern region will blossom, that the opportunities the House of Justice mentioned in its Ridván 153 message for the significant advancement in the process of entry by troops does have its greatest potential for realization in the Southern States.

They offer two reasons for their conviction, as expressed in the Committee’s Vision Statement. First is the enthusiasm expressed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for the Southern Region. Because of its location in the temperate zone, the Master described the South as “the best and the most ideal region for the habitation of man...for in this belt the intellects and thoughts rise to the highest stage of maturity, and the capability and ability of civilization manifest themselves in full efflorescence.”

The second reason is due to the fact that in the 1970’s, large-scale growth already had taken place in the Southern Region.

To assist in the process of entry by troops, the Regional Committee has become a strong advocate for individual initiative. Its members encourage all forms of teaching. Their credo of “unlocking the power of action” is like a battle cry to release personal initiative, and they constantly work to convey the message that the friends should take “action undeterred by fear of mistakes.”

This is clearly a working group of Bahá’ís who want to get involved and encourage action at the local level.

One example of their style concerns the establishment of their goals for the regional plan. The committee had at first developed a set of numerical goals that would be assigned to the region. But after further consultation with a number of communities and extensive collaboration with members of the Auxiliary Board serving in the South, the committee set aside the first plan and created a whole new plan that was subsequently published.

The final plan has no assigned numbers, but rather encourages the individual, the institutions and the community to develop their own plan of action. The plan states that “rather than create a uniform set of goals for the region, it is essential to encourage the friends to develop a variety of grassroots responses based upon the goals and strategic elements of the national teaching plan. At the heart of these initiatives must surely be one pivotal question: Will these activities significantly advance the process of entry by troops?”

The committee believes that community involvement in goal-setting better enables the community to take ownership of the goals. The regional plan states that their decision “was made in light of the climate of urgency, the renewed impetus of spirit and enthusiasm for the teaching work, and in acknowledgment of the combination of different and unique sets of needs, resources and opportunities resident at the grassroots level. It is also a reflection of the greater level of self-motivation and independence, characteristics of a new stage of maturity in the functioning of local Bahá’í institutions.”

The committee strives to be responsive to the people it serves, and to be a link between the grassroots communities and the National Spiritual Assembly. When they meet with various communities, they share their love for the National Assembly; they encourage the friends to work with the Auxiliary Board and their assistants; and they try to help them understand that any action taken in an attempt to advance the process of entry by troops is the best action.

The following passage from the Regional Committee’s Vision Statement can help us understand why we must move:

“...It becomes clear that time is of the essence and that the process of entry by troops can, must and will accelerate again in the South. We must seize the countless opportunities for teaching made available to us by the turmoil of society before it is too late.

“Our responsibility is to look beyond our personal limitations and inhibitions, to keep ever mindful of God’s Promise of assistance and to rise to such a level that the Cause will grow, develop and spread so rapidly that it will astonish the rest of the world.”

Bahá’ís in metro Dallas area find movie theatres are effective way to influence a wider audience

During a meeting with the friends in the metro Dallas, Texas, area in June, the Regional Committee for the Southern States learned of a unique proclamation tool being used in suburban Dallas—advertising the Faith in movie theatres.

The process illustrates that projects of this nature, which often begin with individual initiative can, when coupled with the support of the institutions, produce harmonious and effective results.

The idea began when a Bahá’í couple got the idea to develop slides that would promote the principles of the Faith in local movie theatres. They recruited the talents, expertise and enthusiasm of other individual Bahá’ís from nearby communities in north Texas and developed a series of slides that are shown at the beginning of feature films in area movie theatres.

Individual believers from Flower Mound, Carrollton, Duncanville and Highland Village collaborated to take advantage of this advertising medium that reaches tens of thousands of people each week for a minimal cost.

The team worked out a theme for the program and, using the professional facilities of local Bahá’ís, created the slides. The theme of the materials, “You’ve Always Believed That!...So Do We,” targets seekers who will recognize the principles of the Faith as beliefs that they already agree with and to let them know that Bahá’ís share these beliefs.

The series of four slides focuses on the equality of women and men, the oneness of God, the oneness of humanity and religion as a force for harmony, and each slide offers a local phone number and an invitation to investigate the Faith.

Once the materials were developed, they were presented to the Spiritual Assembly of Lewisville, Texas, which approved the program enthusiastically. A six-month contract was negotiated with the local theatre complex to show the slides each day on eight screens.

The agency that manages the ad program estimates that 10–15,000 people are reached each week at a nominal cost of only $230 per month.

Bahá’ís who are interested in starting a similar campaign in their own community may contact Mark Sherrill at 972-355-1809 or via e-mail at

House of Justice establishes training institutes to help facilitate the process of entry by troops

The following is the first in a series of three articles prepared by the Regional Committee for the Southern States to assist the friends to gain a better understanding of the nature of training institutes.

In December 1995, the Universal House of Justice called upon the National Spiritual Assemblies to initiate, in close consultation with the Continental Boards of Counselors, a new type of institution to help facilitate the process of entry by troops.

These new agencies, designated “Training Institutes,” are part of a turning point in the Faith that the Universal House of Justice has identified as being of “epochal magnitude.”

As part of this turning point, the House of Justice has asked us all to first spiritually and mentally accept the possibility of entry by troops and then work toward embracing masses of new believers.

The Supreme Body wrote, “What the friends throughout the world are now being asked to do is to commit themselves, their material resources, their abilities and their time to the development of a network of training institutes on a scale never before attempted. These centers of Bahá’í learning will have as their goal one very practical outcome, namely, the raising up of large numbers of believers who are trained to foster and facilitate the process of entry by troops with efficiency and love.”

Training Institutes can and will play a part in the educational processes associated with the task of developing an ever-growing number of human resources. They are to be a permanent institution addressing these needs in a systematic way through well-designed curricula.

Although eventually institutes will have access to physical facilities, they have been encouraged at the outset to make their programs available to an appreciable segment of the extended Bahá’í community.

To this end, our National Spiritual Assembly created a regional training institute in South Texas to serve the area from Corpus Christi, San Antonio and Uvalde south to the border and, hopefully, in the fullness of time, northern Mexico. It is one of several such regional institutes established this past year.

The National Spiritual Assembly has asked the institutes to be “need driven”; that is, to be responsive to the needs of the friends and to anticipate the needs of new believers.

The newly created institute in South Texas has adopted the name of “The Mathew Kaszab Bahá’í Institute” in honor of a distinguished Knight of Bahá’u’lláh who was on his way home to New York City from his pioneering post in Nicaragua where he had offered heroic services and suffered devastating oppression.

In failing health, he rested in a hotel room in Brownsville, Texas, where he died a few days later. His grave is found in an old cemetery, marked with a large marble stone that bears the Greatest Name and an inscription from the beloved Guardian: “His services were unforgettable.”

The board of directors for the Mathew Kaszab Bahá’í Institute held its first meeting in Harlingen, Texas, in March. Studying the mandate from the National Spiritual Assembly, the Ridván 153 messages from the Universal House of Justice, and information provided by the National Teaching Com [Page 13]

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from Atlanta to Los Angeles, from Portland to Denver, from Houston and Dallas to New York and Boston until every locality in the American Bahá’í community is engaged in a unified effort to make a distinct impression on the spiritual consciousness of our nation, bringing thousands of new brothers and sisters into the Bahá’í family.

How it all began

A fundamental element of the national teaching plan formulated early in the Four Year Plan was the organization of effective teaching campaigns in areas that hold great potential for rapidly advancing the process of entry by troops.

With that in mind, the National Teaching Committee early last year began identifying metropolitan areas where such efforts might be undertaken. Areas chosen had to have large populations of people who are likely to be receptive to the Faith and an active Bahá’í community with sufficient resources to mount and sustain a large-scale growth campaign.

Greater Atlanta was tapped to lead off. It is a diverse area with about 1,000 Bahá’ís and some 30 Assemblies and Groups. Bahá’ís there have sown many seeds over the years, according to Mr. Bowers, and now it is time for a harvest.

The aim was to combine a multi-faceted proclamation campaign with sophisticated response mechanisms, a regional training institute, regular devotional gatherings, a fireside campaign, youth teaching programs, various service projects, “neighborhood teaching” among minority populations and the development of new teaching literature.

The proclamation campaign would be centered around specially crafted television broadcasts and an effective public relations strategy.

Last September, the National Teaching Committee met in Atlanta with Counselor Tod Ewing, the area’s two Auxiliary Board members, the Regional Committee for the Southern States and some assistants to the Auxiliary Board members.

Their consultation produced a strategy and a plan for implementing it. Over the next three months, a dozen meetings were held with local Spiritual Assemblies, during which the vision was shared and Assembly members gave their feedback.

From those meetings came a local coordinating task force that would work with individuals and Assemblies to put the necessary elements in place.

By May, ongoing consultation among the task force, the National Teaching Committee, the Auxiliary Board members and the local Assemblies resulted in a fully developed plan.

At this point, the body of believers was brought in. Every Saturday during May, orientation sessions were held at which the believers could volunteer for specific aspects of the campaign.

Birth of a video

The centerpiece for attracting souls was a half-hour television program, The Power of Race Unity.

This first video in a series on various topics was developed by the Satellite Initiative Development Corp. (SIDCorp) in a wonderful collaboration with Bahá’í Media Services and the appointed and elected institutions.

An exhaustive process of targeting, testing and refining was used to shape the program.

Good thing. When the initial version was shown at the Bahá’í National Convention in 1996, the response was enthusiastic. But focus groups of non-Bahá’ís were not so enamored. One complaint was that the program seemed

See ATLANTA page 22

Election

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study of the principles set forth by the Universal House of Justice and consultation with the Continental Counselors.

The transformation of our present system consisting of the four Regional Committees into Regional Bahá’í Councils will take place on the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh on Wednesday, November 12, through the election on that day of each nine-member Council.

The electors shall be the members of the local Spiritual Assemblies in each respective region. The first term ‎of of- fice of office‎ of these newly elected Regional Councils will end on May 23, 1999, to avoid having to conduct an election for the Councils in May 1998, which is the time of the National Convention that year.

This historic decision of the Universal House of Justice will help accelerate the process of entry by troops and strengthen the administrative foundation necessary to accommodate large-scale growth of the Bahá’í community.

The National Spiritual Assembly asks that each member of the Bahá’í community give praise and gratitude for the establishment of a new institutional pillar of the Kingdom of God on earth, the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.

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sources to make this the event of a lifetime for those fortunate enough to participate.”

Now all that remained was for the youth to show up. And, with the temperature approaching 100, that many young Bahá’ís arrived on July 2 to register, enjoy entertainment and get acquainted.

July 3 and 4 were devoted to keynote speakers, a panel discussion, “open mike” performances and small-group workshops.

The workshop theme the Assemblies chose was “Service for the Millennium,” reflecting “a conviction that teaching the Faith is the highest and most effective form of service to humanity.”

An exciting lineup of presenters showed the youth “how to translate this vision into practical skills for victorious day-to-day living.”

From the National Spiritual Assembly, with love, came Alberta Deas. Among others leading sessions were Auxiliary Board member Mary K. Radpour, Richard Hoff, Gary Matthews, Jack Guillebeaux, Anita Strickland, Barbara Miller and Vahid Alavian.

Topics included “Life of Service by Career Choice”; “Building Stronger Relationships”; “Teaching Through the Arts”; “Eloquent Speech”; “How to Set Up and Give Imaginative Firesides”; “Bridges from the Bible”; “Audacious and Effective Teaching”; “Campus Teaching”; “Nuts and Bolts of Field Teaching,” and “Teaching to Children.”

Mr. Hoff said he came all the way from California to give Bahá’í youth the “detailed guidance and prodding” and the confidence that will “cause them to be the dynamic teachers they were meant to be.”

And youth interviewed between sessions indicated they are ready to take up their destined role as teachers and as servants of humanity. What they need are tools.

Shawn Chesterman, a college student from Nebraska City, Nebraska, hoped to learn “how to deal with staunch Christians who are waiting for Christ to reappear in the sky. Those are the people I...have trouble teaching.”

Amir Mirheli, a Bahá’í Youth Workshop member from Asheville, North Carolina, said he is looking ahead to a year of service, and beyond that to choosing a career that puts service ahead of material pursuits.

He admits to frustration at times in teaching. “Sometimes people start asking questions and I wonder how I’m going to answer them. I’m on the spot. What am I going to say?”

On the evening of the Fourth, the youth enjoyed a local fireworks display.

Next morning they met at an inner-city park, ready to teach. After prayers and singing, one group went with the Ohio Youth Workshop. Another went with the Chattanooga-based Mobile Bahá’í Information Center, known as the Bahá’í van.

In spreading the message, the youth were equipped with their enthusiasm and newly learned skills. They also carried two brochures written by Knoxville resident and author Gary Matthews—Christianity and the Bahá’í Faith and The Glory of Christ—being tested on a mass scale for the first time.

Their efforts were rewarded when a large number of seekers showed up for that night’s fireside. The Ohio Youth Workshop performed, and a Persian-American youth told the story of his family’s persecution in Iran.

That day also marked the birth of a brand new Bahá’í Youth Workshop serving the Knoxville area. Phillip White from Asheville, North Carolina, gathered the local youth and taught them their first dance, which they performed two days later on the UT campus.

The new Workshop’s first bounty came when a seeking youth joined the troupe and declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh. A second came when the Knoxville and Asheville workshops decided to bridge the Smoky Mountains and combine forces. They’ll alternate weekend meeting sites.

For the remaining four days the youth, spurred on by Dr. Deas, taught in Knoxville and Oak Ridge and followed up with people who had signed interest cards. The incredible week was capped July 9 when they commemorated the Martyrdom of the Báb at an Oak Ridge park.

Then they were gone, spreading across the country to carry forward their mission. But the youth left Knoxville and Knox County quite a legacy.

The area now has a Bahá’í Youth Workshop and a permanent teaching team formed by the two Assemblies. A youth temporarily in the area has decided to stay for a year of service, joining one already there. And more plans are in the works.

All because two Bahá’í communities put their destiny in Bahá’u’lláh’s hands and turned crisis into victory.

Volunteers serve up a picnic lunch to youth attending the teacher training workshop in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Tom Mennillo) [Page 14]

Bosch School’s Wakeling Endowment taking proposals

The Bosch Bahá’í School’s Gwen Wakeling Endowment for the Arts will be accepting project proposals through the end of the calendar year.

The Endowment will give priority to artistic works that uplift and contribute to human progress, show awareness of current needs of society, are undertaken by proven artists or those showing great promise, have universal appeal and/or demonstrate the potential to generate additional funds for the Endowment.

A few months before his passing in January 1995, Henry J. Standigl, a Bahá’í from Los Angeles, established the Gwen Wakeling Endowment in memory of his wife, designating the Bosch School as the principal center for the ‎Edowment Endowment‎.

Mrs. Wakeling, whose professional career spanned almost half a century, was one of Hollywood’s leading costume designers, creating costumes from Biblical to modern dress for more than 100 feature productions.

In 1950, she won an Academy Award for best costume design for Cecil B. DeMille’s “Samson and Delilah.”

The National Spiritual Assembly, as chief administrator of the Wakeling Endowment, has, through its National Education and Schools Committee, appointed an art advisory council to help the Center for the Endowments carry out its activities.

The seven-member advisory council’s primary responsibility is to fulfill the purpose of the Endowment, which includes providing advice and recommendations to the Art Center director about artistic programs or projects that it deems worthy of implementation.

Artists around the world, whether Bahá’í or not, who would like to explore and reflect the creative impulse contained in the Sacred Texts are invited to take part in the Endowment’s programs. Guidelines are available on request from the Bosch School.

The Endowment has been funded in the amount of $250,000. The intention of the Arts Center is to increase this seed money through gifting resources and from profits made by projects supported by the Endowment.

Individuals and groups are invited to help the Endowment at any time, as it is a separate entity from the Bosch School and gifts are tax-deductible. More information can be obtained from the school or the National Office of the Treasurer.

The Arts Council invites artists to submit proposals for its consideration from August 1—December 31. Please contact the Bosch School for the necessary guidelines and papers. The e-mail address is Bosch@usbnc.org. You may phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.

True Justice Center

The Corinne True Justice Center BASIC MEDIATION TRAINING COURSE

August 28 - September 1, 1997

Basic Training and Certification in:

• Fundamentals of mediation
• Bargaining and negotiation skills
• Legal and court-annexed procedures
• Conflict resolution theory and practice

Nationally known faculty includes:

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

Cost: $300.00 After August 1 - $350.00

Corinne True Justice Center Registration

Basic Mediation August 28-September 1, 1997
Name	____________________________________________________________________
Organization	____________________________________________________________________
Address	____________________________________________________________________
City	_________________________________ State _________ Zip ____________
Phone	________________________ Fax ________________ Email ________________
Registration Fees: $300.00 (on or before Aug. 1) $ __________ $350.00 (after Aug. 1, 1997) $ __________	Please return this registration form to: Registrar Phoenix, AZ 85044 Classes held at Metro Denver Bahá’í Center 225 E. Bayaud, Denver, Colorado 303-744-6456
Make check or money order, in U.S. currency, payable to True Justice Center and return with this form.

Training institute draws enthusiastic response in Houston, Texas

Rapid growth of the Bahá’í communities in greater Houston, Texas, during the Three Year Plan sharply focused the friends’ attention on the need to systematically educate a large number of believers, new and old, in the fundamental verities of the Faith.

So when the Universal House of Justice asked in the Four Year Plan for permanent training institutes to be established, the Houston-area community responded enthusiastically. The Spiritual Assembly of Houston appointed a committee of believers from the city and nearby communities and adopted a curriculum being developed at the University of Maryland by the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace.

The committee studied the curriculum in depth, made the necessary modifications, and arranged for the institute to be established every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Houston Bahá’í Center concurrent with children’s classes being held in an adjoining facility.

Suheil Bushrui, holder of the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace, was invited to conduct a training session for facilitators and to deepen the friends’ understanding of the institute process.

On the day the institute was to be inaugurated, the Center was filled with about 300 supporters from all over the area. After prayers and songs, remarks were made by Assembly representatives and Auxiliary Board member Karen Kazemzadeh.

Since then, the institute has been regularly attended by 100 to 150 Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís. It has generated strong bonds of love and unity among participants, and is already inducing qualitative changes in the patterns of community behavior.

In addition, a sense of belonging to the community has been strengthened in all participants. Most important, the community has started to grow again. Fifteen new believers have enrolled during the past two months, and most of them are attending the institute. [Page 15]

CARTA A LOS AMIGOS

De la Comisión de Trabajo Latinoamericana

A letter to the friends from the Latin American Task Force

Dear and Esteemed Friends,

As we had promised you, we return with more news about our activities and plans. We also wish to share with you some of the teaching efforts and initiatives that are being developed in various parts of the country for teaching the Faith among our Spanish-speaking brethren.

This Task Force, like many other national committees and task forces, was present during the National Convention. We had our table with photographs about our work, literature in Spanish, and so on. Many of those who came to our table expressed an interest in becoming involved in teaching the Latin American population, and gave us their names and addresses to keep us in touch, something we try to do as far as possible.

Many thanks to all of the friends; in truth, it was quite gratifying to see you and speak with you about your “adventures” in the pathway of teaching.

There was also good response to the workshop presented by the Task Force in the form of a television news program about advancing the process of entry by troops.

On May 30, we met at the Bahá’í Center in Dade County (Miami), Florida, with a group of Bahá’ís who are strongly committed to the work of the Cause.

The purpose was to begin laying the foundation for a great teaching campaign directed to the Spanish-speaking population in south Florida. This area is one of the key sectors identified by the National Teaching Committee as ready to begin the process of entry by troops within the Hispanic population.

The Task Force will meet again in Florida the weekend of August 9 at the Magdalene Carney Institute to consult with the friends in that area about the specific details of the campaign that is to be carried out during the next three years.

Our previous “letter to the friends” has awakened so much joy that our e-mail box has been receiving many expressions of appreciation and encouraging news about the efforts being made on behalf of teaching.

For example, in Escondido, California, the “Project of the Friends,” to be held August 2–10, proposes “to spread the fragrances of Bahá’u’lláh to the Hispanic brothers and sisters.”

The Spiritual Assembly of Harlingen, Texas, tells us that it has available 13 radio programs about the Faith, in Spanish, called “Encounter with Bahá’u’lláh.”

From Radio Bahá’í in Panama and from the Dominican Republic we have received tapes of music and of radio programs that could be adapted to teaching groups. We have also received a good number of offers of help and collaboration: from Puerto Rico, from Maryland, Oklahoma, Michigan, Florida. ...

The Spiritual Assembly of McAllen, Texas, is carrying out a teaching program in the Rio Grande Valley, on both sides of the border, from July 12–August 3.

We have received a number of phone calls seeking help in the form of literature in Spanish, recorded music, radio programs, etc. We try as far as possible to help meet those needs. At times it is difficult, given that we still do not have sufficient funds to complete some projects related to the printing of materials.

Nevertheless, in collaboration with other agencies of the Faith, the work of translating “So Great an Honor,” “Electing Bahá’í Assemblies” and “We Are Bahá’ís” is going forward, and a proposal has been made to translate into Spanish the Core Curriculum materials. All of this while we hasten to prepare ourselves for the entry by troops that surely and inevitably will become a reality.

The present moment, dear friends, is extraordinarily important and vital for the future of the Faith. Nothing can detain us or delay our sincere commitment in our promise to help spread the seeds of the Faith.

With the recent creation of the Regional Bahá’í Councils [see The American Bahá’í, June 24], the Universal House of Justice has told us clearly and unequivocally that the Faith has entered a new and remarkable stage in its development.

The creation of this new administrative entity signifies, without a doubt, that the moment is approaching when the masses will come knocking at our door.

The success of our efforts and of the struggle of our dear institutions to propagate this marvelous Faith depends on each one of us. Although the resources at times are scarce, the important thing is not to allow these efforts to die.

We can do it. Let us unite around our local Assemblies and support or propose activities intended to bring unity, joy and many new Hispanic Bahá’ís.

In the words of our Supreme Body, the Universal House of Justice: “The efforts of the Bahá’ís should be to teach not only as intensively as possible but also as well as possible. “Every individual believer—man, woman, youth and child—is summoned to this field of action; for it is on the initiative, the resolute will of the individual to teach and serve, that the success of the entire community depends. “The key to the conversion of the people to the Faith is the action of the individual Bahá’í conveying the spark of the Faith to individual seekers, answering their questions and deepening their understanding of the teachings.”

If you would like to contact us by e-mail, our address is or you may write to our secretary at the following address: Mrs. Vera Berrio Breton, Vienna, VA 22181.

If you use e-mail, we ask that you please include your e-mail address; in this way, we will be sure of receiving that address and will be able to respond promptly.

Latin American Task Force July 1997

Queridos y estimados amigos en la Causa de Bahá’u’lláh,

Tal como les habíamos prometido, volvemos ahora con más noticias sobre nuestras actividades y planes. También queremos compartir con ustedes algunos de los esfuerzos de enseñanza e iniciativas que se están desarrollando en diferentes partes del país, con miras a la enseñanza de la Fe entre nuestros hermanos de habla hispana.

Esta Comisión, igual que otros comités y comisiones nacionales, estuvo presente durante la Convención Nacional. Tuvimos nuestra mesa con fotografías acerca de ‎nuestra trabajo nuestro trabajo‎, literatura en Español, etc. Muchos de los amigos que se acercaron a nuestra mesa, ‎expreseraron expresaron‎ su interés por envolverse en la labor de enseñanza orientada hacia la población latinoamericana, y nos dieron sus nombres y direcciones para mantenernos en contacto, cosa que tratamos de hacer en lo posible.

Muchísimas gracias a todos los buenos amigos, en verdad fue muy grato verles y hablar con todos sobre sus “aventuras” en el camino de la enseñanza.

Muy buena ‎acoqida acogida‎ tuvo igualmente el taller presentado por la Comisión a manera de tele-noticiero, sobre el avance del proceso de la entrada en tropas.

El día 30 de Mayo, nos reunimos en el Centro Bahá’í de Dade County, en Miami, con un buen grupo de Bahá’ís fuertemente comprometidos en el trabajo de la Causa. ...

El propósito de esta reunión fue el de comenzar a sentar las bases para una gran campaña de enseñanza dirigida a la población de habla hispana del sur de la Florida. Esta área, como seguramente ya lo sabrán los amigos, es uno de los sectores “claves” señalados por el Comité Nacional de Enseñanza para la entrada en tropas dentro de la población hispana.

Tanta alegría ha despertado esta “carta a los amigos,” que nuestro buzón de correo electrónico ha estado recibiendo muchas manifestaciones de aprecio y noticias alentadoras sobre los esfuerzos que se vienen realizando en pro de la enseñanza.

Por ejemplo, en Escondido, California, el “Proyecto de los Amigos,” de 2 al 10 de Agosto, propone “esparcir las ‎fragrancias fragancias‎ de Bahá’u’lláh a los hermanos hispanos.” ...La Asamblea Espiritual de Harlingen, Texas, nos dice que tiene a la disposición trece programas radiales sobre la Fe, en Español, llamados “Encounter with Bahá’u’lláh.” ...

De Radio Bahá’í de Panamá y de la República Dominicana, hemos recibido cintas de música y de programación de radio que podrían adaptarse a la enseñanza de grupos.

También hemos recibido un buen número de ofertas de ayuda y colaboración: de Puerto Rico, de Maryland, de Oklahoma, de Michigan, de la Florida. ...La Asamblea Espiritual de McAllen, Texas, tiene un programa de enseñanza en el Valle de Río Grande, a ambos lados de la frontera, de Julio 12 a agosto 3.

Hemos recibido un buen número de llamadas en busca de ayuda en la forma de literatura en Español, música grabada, programas para radio, etc. Tratamos en lo posible de ayudar a solucionar tales necesidades. Es difícil a veces, dado que aún no contamos con los fondos suficientes para completar algunos proyectos relacionados con la impresión de materiales.

Sin embargo, en colaboración con otras agencias de la Fe, actualmente se adelantan los trabajos de traducción de “So Great an Honor,” “Electing Bahá’í Assemblies,” “We Are Bahá’ís,” y se ha propuesto la traducción de los materiales del “Core Curriculum.”

Todo esto mientras nos apresuramos a prepararnos para la entrada en tropas que segura e inevitablemente se hará realidad.

El momento presente, queridos amigos, es extraordinariamente importante y vital para el futuro de la Fe. Nada puede detenernos ni demorar nuestro compromiso sincero con nuestra promesa de ayudar a esparcir la semilla de la Fe.

Con la reciente creación de los Concilios Bahá’ís Regionales (ver The American Bahá’í, 24 de Junio), la Casa Universal de Justicia nos ha dicho, clara e inequívocamente, que la Fe ha entrado en una nueva y extraordinaria etapa en su proceso evolutivo. La creación de esta nueva entidad administrativa significa, sin lugar a dudas, que se acerca el momento en el cual las muchedumbres vendrán a tocar a nuestra puerta.

De cada uno de nosotros depende al éxito de los esfuerzos y de la lucha de nuestras queridas instituciones por la propagación de esta maravillosa Fe. Aunque los recursos a veces sean escasos, lo importante es no dejar morir los esfuerzos.

Todos podemos, Unámonos a nuestras Asambleas locales y apoyemos o propongamos actividades encaminadas a traer unidad, alegría y muchos nuevos Bahá’ís hispanos.

En las palabras de nuestra Institución Suprema, la Casa Universal de Justicia: “El esfuerzo de los Bahá’ís debe encaminarse a enseñar no sólo lo más intensamente posible sino también lo mejor posible. “A cada creyente individual, hombre, mujer, joven y niño, se le convoca a este campo de acción, pues el éxito de la comunidad entera depende de la iniciativa, de la voluntad decidida del individuo de enseñar y servir. “La llave a la conversión de la gente a la Fe es la acción del creyente individual llevando la chispa de la Fe a buscadores individuales, respondiendo a sus preguntas y profundizando su comprensión de las enseñanzas.”

Si desean comunicarse con nosotros por correo electrónico, nuestra dirección es —o pueden escribir a nuestra secretaria a la siguiente dirección: Mrs. Vera Berrio Breton, Vienna, VA 22181.

Si utilizan el correo electrónico, les pedimos el favor de incluir su dirección de correo electrónico como parte de su mensaje, de este modo, estaremos seguros de recibirla y podremos responder prontamente.

La Comisión de Trabajo de Latinoamericana Julio de 1997 [Page 16]

Individual Rights and Freedoms in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh

Text and commentary: part 1

This is the first in a series of commentaries written on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly in response to a letter from the Universal House of Justice to the American Bahá’í community dated December 29, 1988, entitled "Individual Rights and Freedoms in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh."-Ed.

To the Followers of Bahá’u’lláh in the United States of America

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

We have noticed with concern evidences of a confusion of attitudes among some of the friends when they encounter difficulties in applying Bahá’í principles to questions of the day. On the one hand, they acknowledge their belief in Bahá’u’lláh and His teachings; on the other, they invoke Western liberal democratic practices when actions of Bahá’í institutions or some of their fellow Bahá’ís do not accord with their expectations. At the heart of this confusion are misconceptions of such fundamental issues as individual rights and freedom of expression in the Bahá’í community. The source of the potential difficulties of the situation appears to us to be an inadequacy of Bahá’í perspective on the part of both individual believers and their institutions.

Recognizing the immense challenge you face to resolve such confusion, we pause to reflect with you on these issues in search of a context in which relevant fundamental questions may be discussed and understood in the community.

The extraordinary capacities of the American nation, as well as the superb stewardship of the Bahá’í community within it, have repeatedly been extolled in the writings of our Faith. In His Tablets and utterances, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Center of the Covenant, projected a compelling vision of the world-embracing prospects of that richly endowed country. "The American nation," He averred, "is equipped and empowered to accomplish that which will adorn the pages of history, to become the envy of the world, and be blest in both the East and the West for the triumph of its people." In another assertion addressed to the Bahá’í community itself, He uttered words of transcendent importance: "...your mission," He affirmed, "is unspeakably glorious. Should success crown your enterprise, America will assuredly evolve into a center from which waves of spiritual power will emanate, and the throne of the Kingdom of God will, in the plenitude of its majesty and glory, be firmly established."

Shoghi Effendi, in various statements, celebrated the remarkable achievements and potential glories of that specially blessed community, but was moved to issue, in The Advent of Divine Justice, a profound warning that is essential to a proper understanding of the relation of that Bahá’í community to the nation from which it has sprung. "The glowing tributes," he solemnly wrote, "so repeatedly and deservedly paid to the capacity, the spirit, the conduct, and the high rank, of the American believers, both individually and as an organic community, must, under no circumstances, be confounded with the characteristics and nature of the people from which God has raised them up. A sharp distinction between that community and that people must be made, and resolutely and fearlessly upheld, if we wish to give due recognition to the transmuting power of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, in its impact on the lives and standards of those who have chosen to enlist under His banner. Otherwise, the supreme and distinguishing function of His Revelation, which is none other than the calling into being of a new race of men, will remain wholly unrecognized and completely obscured." It is the far-reaching, transformative implications of this distinction that we especially invite you to contemplate.

The vantage point that gives us perspective and is the foundation of our belief and actions rests on our recognition of the sovereignty of God and our submission to His will as revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, His supreme Manifestation for this promised Day. To accept the Prophet of God in His time and to abide by His bidding are the two essential, inseparable duties which each soul was created to fulfill. One exercises these twin duties by one’s own choice, an act constituting the highest expression of the free will with which every human being has been endowed by an all-loving Creator.

The vehicle in this resplendent Age for the practical fulfillment of these duties is the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh; it is, indeed, the potent instrument by which individual belief in Him is translated into constructive deeds. The Covenant comprises divinely conceived arrangements necessary to preserve the organic unity of the Cause. It therefore engenders a motivating power which, as the

Comments and questions

1. The Universal House of Justice begins by noting a confusion of attitudes over applying the principles of the Faith to the questions of the day. What sorts of questions could arise? Here are a few possibilities:

• If a Bahá’í disagrees with a decision of a Bahá’í institution, to what extent does he or she have the right to express disagreement or dissent?

•If a Bahá’í believes a new or different action should be implemented by the Bahá’í community, what mechanisms exist through which he or she can make suggestions?

•If a Bahá’í believes there are fundamental problems with the Bahá’í community, what are the appropriate ways of expressing one's concern?

2. At a theoretical level, the letter challenges the reader to compare the checks and balances essential to most Western political systems to those in the Bahá’í Administrative Order and to consider how the differences in underlying philosophies alter the types of checks and balances.

3. For many, the Western system of thought has been the basis on which they accepted the Faith; even though it is difficult, it is critical to examine the differences between the system of values that allowed an individual to embrace the Faith and the principles of the Faith itself.

4. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá mentions many countries in His tablets; however, the futures of Iran (the Cradle of the Faith) and America (the Cradle of the Administrative Order) are described in glorious terms.

5. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá revealed the following prayer for America:

"O God! Let this American democracy become glorious in spiritual degrees even as it has aspired to material degrees, and render this just government victorious. Confirm this revered nation to upraise the standard of the oneness of humanity, to promulgate the Most Great Peace, to become thereby most glorious and praiseworthy among all the nations of the world." (Bahá’í Prayers, 25)

‘Abdu’l-Bahá set out three tasks for America in this prayer and in other passages, namely: to become glorious in spiritual degrees; to upraise the standard of the oneness of humanity; and to promulgate the Most Great Peace (see The Promulgation of Universal Peace, 36, 446-47). How can the American Bahá’í community foster achievement of these three tasks?

6. Although ‘Abdu’l-Bahá extolled a number of features of American democracy, such as "political liberty," "liberty of thought and speech, religious liberty, and personal liberty," and equated these freedoms with the inevitability of the "greatest progress," this praise should not be construed as a categorical endorsement of the American way, since He also pointed to some of the deficiencies of the system, particularly the lack of "divine civilization." (The Promulgation of Universal Peace, 390, 197, 104)

Shoghi Effendi noted:

"It is precisely by reason of the patent evils which, notwithstanding its other admittedly great characteristics and achievements, an excessive and binding materialism has unfortunately engendered within it [the United States of America] that the Author of their Faith and the Center of His Covenant have singled it out to become the standard-bearer of the new World Order envisaged in their writings." (The Advent of Divine Justice, 19)

Shoghi Effendi went on to state:

"It is by such means as this that Bahá’u’lláh can best demonstrate to a heedless generation His almighty power to raise up from the very midst of a people, immersed in a sea of materialism, a prey to one of the most virulent and longstanding forms of racial prejudice, and notorious for its political corruption, lawlessness and laxity in moral standards, men and women who, as time goes by, will increasingly exemplify those essential virtues of self-renunciation, of moral rectitude, of chastity, of indiscriminating fellowship, of holy discipline, and of spiritual insight...." (The Advent of Divine Justice, 19)

What does Shoghi Effendi mean by "the calling into being of a new race of men"? (The Advent of Divine Justice, 16, 31, 85) Could this new race of men be distinguished by the adoption of the "essential virtues" listed above?

Based on Shoghi Effendi's statements above, what characteristics of the American people, and of the American Bahá’í community, must be clearly distinguished from the attributes of American society as a whole?

7. How can the American Bahá’ís internalize and manifest the principles of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, as distinct from the characteristics they have acquired from American culture and society?

8. Why are the twin duties—that is, acceptance of the Prophet of God and obeying His laws—inseparable?

If a person truly accepts a Manifestation of God, how can he pick and choose from His teachings? Rejecting some of the teachings denies the station of the Manifestation. [Page 17]

DEEPENING / COMMENTARY

beloved Master tells us, "like unto the artery, beats and pulsates in the body of the world." "It is indubitably clear," He asserts, "that the pivot of the oneness of mankind is nothing else but the power of the Covenant." Through it the meaning of the Word, both in theory and practice, is made evident in the life and work of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the appointed Interpreter, the perfect Exemplar, the Center of the Covenant. Through it the processes of the Administrative Order—"this unique, this wondrous System"—are made to operate.

In emphasizing its distinctiveness, Shoghi Effendi has pointed out that "this Administrative Order is fundamentally different from anything that any Prophet has previously established, inasmuch as Bahá’u’lláh has Himself revealed its principles, established its institutions, appointed the person to interpret His Word and conferred the necessary authority on the body designed to supplement and apply His legislative ordinances." In another statement, he maintains that "It would be utterly misleading to attempt a comparison between this unique, divinely conceived Order and any of the diverse systems which the minds of men, at various points of their history, have contrived for the government of human institutions." "Such an attempt," he felt, "would in itself betray a lack of complete appreciation of the excellence of the handiwork of its great Author."

The lack of such appreciation will detract from the perspective of anyone who measures Bahá’í administrative processes against practices prevalent in today's society. For notwithstanding its inclination to democratic methods in the administration of its affairs, and regardless of the resemblance of some of its features to those of other systems, the Administrative Order is not to be viewed merely as an improvement on past and existing systems; it represents a departure both in origin and in concept. "This newborn Administrative Order," as Shoghi Effendi has explained, "incorporates within its structure certain elements which are to be found in each of the three recognized forms of secular government, without being in any sense a mere replica of any one of them, and without introducing within its machinery any of the objectionable features which they inherently possess. It blends and harmonizes, as no government fashioned by mortal hands has as yet accomplished, the salutary truths which each of these systems undoubtedly contains without vitiating the integrity of those God-given verities on which it is ultimately founded."

You are, no doubt, conversant with the Guardian's expatiations on this theme. Why, then, this insistent emphasis? Why this repeated review of fundamentals? This emphasis, this review, is to sound an appeal for solid thinking, for the attainment of correct perspectives, for the adoption of proper attitudes. And these are impossible without a deep appreciation of Bahá’í fundamentals.

The great emphasis on the distinctiveness of the Order of Bahá’u’lláh is not meant to belittle existing systems of government. Indeed, they are to be recognized as the fruit of a vast period of social evolution, representing an advanced stage in the development of social organization. What motivates us is the knowledge that the supreme mission of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, the Bearer of that Order, is, as Shoghi Effendi pointed out, "none other but the achievement of this organic and spiritual unity of the whole body of nations," indicating the "coming of age of the entire human race." The astounding implication of this is the near prospect of attaining an age-old hope, now made possible at long last by the coming of Bahá’u’lláh. In practical terms, His mission signals the advent of "an organic change in the structure of present-day society, a change such as the world has not yet experienced." It is a fresh manifestation of the direct involvement of God in history, a reassurance that His children have not been left to drift, a sign of the outpouring of a heavenly grace that will enable all humanity to be free at last from conflict and contention to ascend the heights of world peace and divine civilization. Beyond all else, it is a demonstration of that love for His children, which He knew in the depth of His "immemorial being" and in the "ancient eternity" of His Essence, and which caused Him to create us all. In the noblest sense, then, attention to the requirements of His World Order is a reciprocation of that love.

Manifestation. Is one of the faults of those raised in Western societies their failure to strive to incorporate into their every action their alleged beliefs in a Manifestation of God?

9. How can the "highest expression of free will" be submission to the Will of God?

God gave human beings the capacity to recognize or turn away from His Manifestation. The voluntary recognition of the Manifestations of God and the observance of their ordinances preserves the dignity of the human station (Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, 25) and gives rise to an abiding sense of happiness through understanding the purpose of the divine will and service to God and humanity.

10. Why did God decide to give us the choice whether or not to accept His Manifestations? Couldn't God have made such acceptance unavoidable or automatic?

Bahá’u’lláh has written that "were the Eternal Essence to manifest all that is latent within Him, were He to shine in the plenitude of His glory, none would be found to question His power or repudiate His truth. Nay, all created things would be so dazzled and thunderstruck by the evidences of His light as to be reduced to utter nothingness." (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, 71-72) Therefore, God placed a veil between His glory and humanity "to enable the pure in spirit and the detached in heart to ascend, by virtue of their own innate powers, unto the shores of the Most Great Ocean, that thereby they who seek the Beauty of the All-Glorious may be distinguished and separated from the wayward and perverse." (Gleanings, 71)

11. What do we mean by "the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh"?

The Universal House of Justice describes the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh in its letter as the "divinely conceived arrangements necessary to preserve the organic unity of the Cause."

Could this mean that the Covenant comprises all of the principles of Bahá’u’lláh's Revelation that maintain and guarantee the unity of the Bahá’í Faith?

12. What is the relationship between the Covenant and the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá?

13. How does the Covenant serve as the vehicle for the "practical fulfillment" of the individual's duties to God?

14. In what ways does the Covenant serve as the "pivot of the oneness of mankind"?

Does the Covenant not include both the principles and the means of resolving differences among people and establishing justice?

15. How does the Covenant make the processes of the Administrative Order work?

16. What constitutes the "organic unity of the Cause"?

17. Shoghi Effendi has listed four ways in which the Administrative Order is different from the organizational systems of all previous religions: Bahá’u’lláh has revealed the Administrative Order's principles; established its institutions; appointed the person (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) to interpret His word; and authorized a body (the Universal House of Justice) to supplement and apply His legislative ordinances.

How has the lack of these four factors affected other religions? Other religious institutions?

18. What strengths of the three systems of secular government can you identify that the Administrative Order incorporates?

See Shoghi Effendi, "The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh," in The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 152-54, for a discussion of various systems of government and the elements incorporated by the Bahá’í Administrative Order.

19. What weaknesses of the three forms of secular government can you identify that the Administrative Order avoids?

Again, see Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 152-54, for a discussion of various systems of government and the objectionable elements avoided by the Bahá’í Administrative Order.

20. What misunderstandings of the Administrative Order can result if one dwells only on its democratic aspects?

One might think that elections should include campaigning and nominations, that elected representatives in the Faith should be responsible to the will of the electorate, and that even decisions of the Universal House of Justice should be congruent with the opinions and beliefs of the Bahá’í community.

21. What are the "Bahá’í fundamentals"?

22. What "organic change in the structure of present-day society" does Bahá’u’lláh's Revelation call for? [Page 18]

THE ARC: Vineyard of the Lord, part 21

Work proceeds on level 7 of the International Teaching Center.

Upper Terraces

The momentous projects under way on the slopes of Mount Carmel, now in their seventh year of development, are no exception to the process of alternating crisis and victory that has characterized the pages of Bahá’í history from its inception.

The construction of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb and the edifices on the Arc has had its fair share of challenges and difficulties. But the projects have managed to overcome them and seen rapid progress, by the grace of the Lord of Hosts.

While the progress graph shows no dramatic dip, at one point during the past few months it appeared that progress would be seriously hampered, especially on Hatzionut Avenue, by inclement weather. The second lane at the new elevation could not be compacted earlier due to heavy rains at intermittent intervals, and almost three months were lost.

To make the situation even more exacting, the main contractor in charge of this part of the Hatzionut project and the Upper Terraces stopped work due to serious financial and internal complications within his organization, and the contract had to be terminated.

The Mount Carmel Projects office called for new tenders, considered various options, and finally decided to take construction management upon itself, subcontracting smaller parcels of work and purchasing and supplying materials directly.

This has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Not only have more fronts been opened, providing more flexibility in the program and better quality control, but the projects also stand to gain economically, and we have the opportunity to make up for the delays.

The work on Hatzionut Avenue is quite complicated. On the one hand, the lowering of the street and the construction of the pedestrian tunnel and bridge have to be carried out with the constant flow of traffic, complicated by tight and careful safety precautions. On the other, six service lines must be approved by the relevant authorities and executed in full coordination with them before work can continue.

A stonecutter shapes a piece destined for one of the upper terraces.

Most of the connections, combining the old and new systems, have been carried out. The second lowered lane has been asphalted, and downhill traffic has been directed to the new elevation.

Work has begun on the north side near the Shrine of the Báb. In a matter of a few months serious and intense work on the bridge over Hatzionut Avenue will also begin.

The months ahead will see the continuation of stone work on the double-storied structure of Terrace 19. Of the 1,100 square meters of Tubzeh stone required for this Terrace and the tunnel connecting it to Louis Promenade on Panorama Street, about 500 square meters have been installed.

As well, the balustrades on the contour walls and first level balcony are being put into place. The outer areas on the east side have been graded, received topsoil, and are now being prepared for landscaping.

On Terraces 18 to 16, work on balustrades, Debish walls and stairs is being carried out.

Work is in full swing on Terraces 14 and 13. Eighty percent of the construction of the rubble concrete wall, which will support Terrace 14, is complete. This triangular-shaped wall is 40 meters (132 feet) long, 10 meters (33 feet) high, six meters (19.8 feet) wide at the bottom and 60 centimeters (two feet) at the top. The area on both sides of this wall is being backfilled to reach the roof of the Center for the Study of the Texts' parking building.

On Terrace 13, with the rubble concrete walls in place on either side to support the curved stairways, work is proceeding on forming the concrete stairs on the east side.

Center for the Study of the Texts

The circular roof above the entrance portico of the Center for the Study of the Texts has been completed. Waterproofed and covered with protective screed, it is ready to receive the wood battens that will hold the glazed tiles. [Page 19]

THE ARC

The completion of the facade of the Center for the Study of the Texts takes us a step closer to the realization of the Arc on the Mountain of God.

Iron railings are being installed around the circular opening in the entrance portico of the Center for the Study of the Texts.

The green tiles are similar to the ones on the roof of the International Archives Building and the Seat of the Universal House of Justice. They were imported from the same source in the U.S., and the entire consignment was to arrive on site by the end of June. The roof above the rest of the building has also been finished and covered with topsoil, preparing it for eventual landscaping.

The removal of the large crane from the center of the entrance portico will enable the installation of the ornamental fountain bowl, carved in Italy, in the basement, the marble on the floor of the portico and the radial stairs leading up to it. This work will begin shortly. Also to begin is the installation of windows, a major part of external finishing work.

Internal marble work is also proceeding rapidly with corridors, stairs, walls and floors almost completed. Alongside, the remaining areas are being covered with local stone. Millwork in the library, situated in the basement of the Center for the Study of the Texts, has begun with the arrival of a team of carpenters from Canada.

The installation of clear laminated glass around the patio in the basement has also begun, through which will be seen the garden and fountain area. This glass has been specially prepared with a plastic film sandwiched between two layers of glass to eliminate 99 percent of the sun's ultraviolet rays. This will prevent the fading of fabric, carpet and books that are displayed in the library.

Structural work is in progress on Terrace 13 above the Shrine of the Báb.

International Teaching Center

A concerted effort is being made to complete structurally the six levels of the common area of the International Teaching Center. To boost this effort, the number of workers at the site has been increased by 50 percent to accelerate concrete pour and allow marble work to begin later this year.

At the same time, work is proceeding with walls and columns for level 7 while internally, drywall construction, mechanical duct work, plumbing and electrical wiring have progressed to level 3.

The electrical design of the buildings on the Arc consists of an integrated system composed of several elements: power distribution, lighting and low-voltage lighting control, voice and data, fire alarm and security. A significant component of this design is that the installations constitute elements that make what is generally described as "intelligent buildings."

Lighting control in the Teaching Center, the Center for the Study of the Texts, the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb and the building under Terrace 11 will be effected through low-voltage switches or occupancy sensors wired to various lighting automation panels. The lighting control computers will be interlinked so that lighting in one building can be controlled from any of the others.

Access to these buildings will be controlled by card reader-operated door electric strikes, magnetic door monitors, window break glass detectors and closed-circuit television monitoring. These systems are connected via the Arc Service Tunnel, an underground corridor linking the buildings of the Arc, with security stations in each building and the main control center situated in the building under Terrace 11. Most of the light fittings and lighting automation panels have been delivered for installation.

Irrigation specialist needed

Applications are invited from irrigation specialists who will be able to prepare and initiate a program for the maintenance of the extensive network of pipes and irrigation system for the Arc gardens and Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb.

The applicant should have a sound understanding of pipe networks and mechanical systems such as pumps, valves, filters, sensors and automatic controllers, as well as working experience with irrigation plumbing accessories such as compression fittings, sprayers, sprinklers and drippers. Computer knowledge and a willingness to learn Autocad and Motorola Irrinet control software would be an added advantage.

Please write to Mount Carmel Bahá’í Projects, Project Manager's Office, P.O. Box 155, 31 001 Haifa, Israel, phone 972(04)8358237, fax 972(04)8358437, or

State of the international funds of the Faith

"With the Four Year Plan successfully launched and the believers in all parts of the world engaged in the energetic pursuit of its objectives, the Universal House of Justice has decided that it is timely to inform you of the state of the international funds of the Faith....

"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 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 set out 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. The planning and execution of the vast undertaking on Mount Carmel is being carried out with careful attention to economy, without compromising the high standards of construction befitting the edifices and terraces on the Mountain of God...." (Letter dated February 4, 1997, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice) [Page 20]

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

RAY JOHNSON, a Bahá’í who is assistant professor of educational administration and counseling at Fort Hays (Kansas) State University, has received the school's Outstanding Mediated Classroom Teacher Award for February from a faculty program recognition committee. Dr. Johnson, a former principal of the Maxwell International Bahá’í School in British Columbia, Canada, has been actively involved in teaching interactive television courses and adapting courses for video tape at Fort Hays State, and recently created the university's first full Internet delivery of a course, which is called "School Law."

MAUREEN PETERSON, a Bahá’í from Council Bluffs, Iowa, has been named top reservation salesperson of 1996 by Radisson Hotels, winning a five-day, all-expenses-paid trip to Jamaica for her and her husband.

REBECCA MCNAIR, a 16-year-old Bahá’í from Long Island, New York, received the grand prize award in a competition sponsored by the Holocaust Memorial and Educational Center of Nassau County for her 5x20-foot mural in charcoal depicting the horrors of the persecution of Jews during World War II. She represented her high school in competing with hundreds of students from more than 30 schools in the all-Long Island visual arts contest whose goal was to educate young and old alike about the horror and consequences of hatred.

DAVID L. CHARLES, who was enrolled as a Bahá’í on April 20, is valedictorian of the 1997 graduating class at Valley Christian Academy in Burton, Michigan, and president of the school's chapter of the National Honor Society. During the past two years he has been dual-enrolled at Mott Community College in Flint where he has earned 33 credits in math, English and electronics. A second team all-district soccer player and team captain, he also played varsity baseball and basketball for two years.

David L. Charles

KRISTINA KIRTLEY, a 20-year-old Bahá’í from Norman, Oklahoma, has been accepted as one of 50 scholars from Stanford University to study at Oxford University in the fall. Kristina, a junior English major, has been active in Bahá’í Club, Model UN and the school orchestra.

MARIE TOMARELLI, a Bahá’í from Carroll County, Maryland, has accepted a partial athletic scholarship from the University of Maryland at College Park where she plans to study mathematics in the honors program while swimming for UM's women's varsity team. She also received academic aid thanks to her 4.0 grade-point average and score of 1340 on the Scholastic Assessment Test.

BADI SHEFFEY, a 12-year-old Bahá’í who lives in Miami, Florida, was among the winners in a recent 10-school classical Latin Language and Culture competition. Badi placed first in the pentathlon, which tested students' knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, derivatives, mythology, customs and history. His accomplishment was the more remarkable because he has only been in an English-speaking U.S. school for a year, having been born and raised and Mexico.

LEAH SPRECHER, a 15-year-old Bahá’í who is an 11th-grade student at Big Bear High School in San Bernardino County, California, is one of nine teen-agers in the county (and 500 statewide) chosen as 1997 California Arts Scholars. Selected for dance, she joined the others for summer sessions at Cal/Arts in Valencia.

SUZANNE MOUM, a Bahá’í who is an eighth-grade student at Aldrich Middle School in Beloit, Wisconsin, was honored in February as the school's Treble Clef Student Showcase winner for her "outstanding achievements in music scholarship and citizenship." A pianist and singer, she has a perfect 4.0 grade-point average, is involved in the Quiz Bowl, Knowledge Master and Literary Journal.

Suzanne Moum

ANITA JAFARI, an 18-year-old Bahá’í from Aloha, Oregon, was graduated with honors this year, having earned a 3.93 GPA during high school. Anita, a member of the National Honor Society, has been accepted at Portland State University and is eligible for the Presidential Scholarship, offered only to top graduates across the country. She was a member of the Bahá’í Youth Workshop in 1993-94, and volunteers her time twice a week teaching elementary school children to read.

JEFF VINJE, a 14-year-old Bahá’í from Sartell, Minnesota, was honored in August at the Minnesota Academic Excellence Foundation's Gathering of Champions as one of the state's Academic All-Stars.

W. JAMES PANDELIS, an 11-year-old Bahá’í from Hueytown, Alabama, had a leading role in January in Birmingham-Southern College's theatre production, "Medea," portraying the son of the title character. James, who is also an artist, had his artwork, "4 Seasons," chosen for display in March at the annual Youth Art Exhibition at the Birmingham Museum of Art. On May 16 he received the Outstanding Art Student Award at Hueytown Elementary School.

Indian ceremonial grounds, burial site dedicated in Seminole County, OK

Pictured (left to right) at the dedication May 2-4 of the Punkin Center Indian ceremonial and burial grounds are Jack Thorpe (Sac and Fox), Peggy Bowman (Cherokee), Vernon Longie (Ojibwa) and John Kionut (Caddo).

On May 2-3 the ancient Indian ceremonial grounds and burial site at Punkin Center in Seminole County, Oklahoma, were dedicated with Bahá’í activities.

About 80 people from four states took part in the ceremony, during which the Sacred Fire was rekindled by Jack Thorpe, a Sac and Fox believer. Prayers were offered by members of the Caddo, Dakota Sioux, Osage and Cherokee Nations.

The land on which the sacred grounds are located, which was used for Indian ceremonies and stomp dances several decades ago, is now owned by Bahá’ís and has been opened in service to the Cause on the condition that the sacred sites will be treated with respect.

Returning pioneers help residents on S. Dakota's Cheyenne River Reservation with garden planting

Sandy Frazier adds moisture to a compost pile as other workshop participants look on.

Several residents of the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota spent two days in June learning how to garden amid stacks of tires.

The workshop was taught by Oscar and Winnie Merritt, former pioneers to Barbados who now live in High Point, North Carolina, at the invitation of Sandy Frazier of Eagle Butte, South Dakota.

Participants learned various methods of composting kitchen garbage, grasses and manures for use as natural fertilizers. By adjusting the height of tires, they created gardens that can be tended by the elderly and those in wheelchairs.

Encouragement was gained from a photo display of successful gardens at the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina, and on islands with both wet and dry climates in the Caribbean.

The hands-on workshop ensured that each participant can now show others how to produce their own food, even under difficult circumstances.

The Merritts told workshop attendees that the urgent purpose for their project was found in Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablet to the World, in which He states that "special regard must be paid to agriculture" as the basis for the reconstruction of the world.

Continuing their trip to include prayers at Bear Butte, Crazy Horse and Wounded Knee, the Merritts met many American Indians who were eager to hear the Message of Bahá’u’lláh as it relates to the indigenous peoples of North America. [Page 21]

Three-month 'plan' in Azerbaijan leads to 50 enrollments

A three-month-long "Action Plan," most of whose participants were youth, was planned last December-February in Azerbaijan by a member of the Continental Board of Counselors, Auxiliary Board members and the National Teaching Committee. Activities included 46 teaching trips to a dozen towns and villages including visits to libraries, schools, hospitals and cultural centers, post offices and a carpet factory. More than 500 pamphlets, statements and books were given out, 72 firesides were held, and an article about the Faith was published in a local newspaper. As a result of these efforts, 50 people were enrolled under the banner of the Blessed Beauty.

Twenty-five members of 11 Bahá’í youth workshops gathered for a three-week training course in Ecuador before embarking on a nationwide teaching campaign last February 15-March 1. The friends used the arts to proclaim the Faith in seven communities, performing 22 times in public schools, visiting a home for senior citizens and a correctional home for young people. The Bahá’ís were interviewed by reporters from four television and 18 radio stations. As a result of these activities, 14 youth were enrolled in the Faith. The campaign also led 56 other Bahá’í youth to join one of the pre-existing youth workshops or one of the four that were established as a result of the campaign.

Mrs. Parvine Djoneydi, a member of the Continental Board of Counselors, along with her husband and a member of the National Teaching Committee of Niger, traveled last January to Doutchi to support the Moussa Boukari teaching campaign in that area. The three paid courtesy calls on administrative and traditional authorities, and took part in firesides at 10 local secondary schools at which 10 students embraced the Faith and literature was offered to headmasters, supervisors and teachers.

"We are celebrating the glad news from Decamare of the enrollment of five adults and 10 youth," reads a recent message to the World Center from Eritrea. "Decamare has for years been considered hopeless. We...pray for continued success in our efforts so that the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh may guide us to bring light to the remote corners of our country and beyond."

The National Teaching Committee of Paraguay worked intensely last summer, planning regional teaching conferences and campaigns targeted at four geographically diverse areas: Pedro Juan Caballero, Alto Parana, Encarnación and Chaco. The campaign included media interviews, classes on moral leadership, direct teaching, fire sides and deepenings. As a result of these efforts, in which youth joined adults including members of the Auxiliary Board, 12 people were enrolled in the Faith.

Toba youth in Chaco Province, Argentina, recently presented an adaptation of the play "Drama of the Kingdom," the theme of which was devised by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The play was translated into the Toba language and first performed at a primary school where it met with great success including the enrollment of five young people.

Following a successful teaching campaign held last November in the Province of Florida, Uruguay, the focus of teaching has spread to a number of other area. In Durazno, the local newspaper published an article about the Faith last December. The friends decided to follow up, and a teaching campaign was held from January 12-16 with five Bahá’ís taking part. As a result, two people accepted the Cause. Meanwhile, 10 Bahá’ís targeted San José for a teaching campaign, also in January, which led to firesides, articles in two newspapers, radio and television interviews, and the enrollment of one new believer. In February, the Bahá’ís taught in Cuidad de la Costa, with 24 friends taking part in direct teaching. There was one newspaper article, a cable TV interview, and two declarations of faith in Bahá’u’lláh.

In the Netherlands, two Bahá’ís talk about the Faith with a resident of Eersel during a day-long teaching campaign held last March 8 in honor of International Women's Day.

About 80 Bahá’ís from many areas of Thailand including a good number of Karen Bahá’ís from Omgoi attended the winter school held last February 1-2 in Chiengmai. Also taking part was Counselor Vicente Samaniego. One participant was enrolled as a Bahá’í during the school session.

In February, the Nura Parsa Institute was inaugurated in Montalbano Jonico, Matera, Italy, to develop human resources in agriculture. The new entity, a branch of the National Ugo Giachery Institute, will work to "promote divine civilization" in this highly specific field. Inspired by the Continental Board of Counselors and in cooperation with the local Spiritual Assemblies of Potenza, Reggio Calabria and Rende, the Institute has a two-fold mission. First, it is to focus on teaching the Faith to farmers; second, it is to deepen people on topics pertaining to spiritual and material development in the area of agriculture.

His excellency Lord Waddington, the governor of Bermuda, attended an Intercalary Days party last February 26 hosted by the Bahá’í community of Hamilton Parish. The governor and his aide-de-camp stayed for more than two hours during which a dinner was served, slides of the Mount Carmel projects were shown, and entertainment was provided by several local Bahá’ís.

One hundred participants from 25 communities in Cameroon took an active part in a highly spirited National Teaching Conference last March 27-30 in Bamenda, Northwest Province. Among those present were a member of the Continental Board of Counselors, four Auxiliary Board members, five members of the National Spiritual Assembly, six members of the National Teaching and Consolidation Committee, and members of several provincial and regional Teaching Committees. The conference was focused on the central theme of the Four Year Plan, "a significant advance in the process of entry by troops." Twenty inquirers attended a public talk at the Regional Bahá’í Center, asking interesting questions and promising to return to learn more about the Faith.

The Canadian First Nations team that is traveling to teach in New Zealand recently visited Horowhenua for three days during which the friends were interviewed on local radio and by a reporter from the local newspaper, leading to significant interest in the Faith. Firesides were held in nearby Shannon and Foxton with as many as 25 people attending each evening. Among these were members of the local Maori population, whom the visitors had especially wished to meet.

In March, Gen. Chaovalit Yongchaiyut, the prime minister of Thailand, was guest of honor at a ceremony held to open Emeral Hotel in Yasothon. The Bahá’ís were invited to send representatives to the event, and three of them did so. After the ceremony, they presented the prime minister a copy of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, which was accepted with courtesy. After speaking with them for several minutes, he invited the friends to have their photograph taken with him.

The Diversity Dance Workshop Europe performed last February 23-March 12 in Velika Gorica, Ljubljana and other localities in Croatia and Slovenia as a part of its Year of Service project. The group is composed of 13 young Bahá’ís from Brazil, Canada, Germany, Panama, Slovakia, Turkey, the U.S. and Zimbabwe who are touring the continent to teach the Faith through the performing arts. A report from Croatia says the group "packed the auditorium" in Velika Gorica when it performed there on February 28. In Slovenia, the youth gave three public performances and made presentations in four secondary schools in Ljubljana and one in nearby Kranji (a goal town). About 1,500 people saw the shows. During the last three days, the dance group held firesides that were attended each evening by more than 30 young people, most of whom promised to return after the group had left.

Bahá’ís took part last March 18 in an interreligious meeting in Limpertsberg, Luxembourg, held as part of the Festival of Immigration. Its theme was "Meeting God in Each of Us-Different and the Same." The program was introduced by a representative of Pax Christi, who included references to and quotations from the Bahá’í writings in his talk. A newspaper article about the meeting mentioned the Faith, and a copy of The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh was on display throughout.

In February, a second Native Council was hosted by the National Spiritual Assembly of Panama, offering indigenous Bahá’ís an opportunity to share important aspects of their cultures, express ideas, analyze concerns in light of the Bahá’í teachings, and consult about possible solutions to problems. The gathering, which was held at the Guaymi Cultural Center in Chiriqui, was attended by an average of 800 people representing 30 communities in six countries. Included were devotions, gift exchanges, speeches, workshops, songs, drama and dance. The concluding session dealt with ways in which to put good ideas into practice. Three groups were formed to consult about spiritual transformation, the development of human resources, and expansion and consolidation of the Faith. [Page 22]

Atlanta

Continued from page 13

to assume prior knowledge of Bahá’í principles.

Five rounds of focus groups later, the video reached its present—but perhaps not final—form.

It consists of five segments punctuated by brief synopses of the Bahá’í teachings and information on how to obtain—by telephone or through the Atlanta Web site—copies of The Vision of Race Unity statement and “The Bahá’ís” magazine.

The segments feature:

• Fourteen-year-old Anisa Kintz and the Calling All Colors conferences
• Country singer Dan Seals explaining the genesis of his We Are One song and video and describing cooperative efforts to restore the Rock Castle Slave Cemetery on his land
• The Building Bridges program led by Professor Richard Thomas at Michigan State University to help college students appreciate other cultures
• Perspectives on personal transformation and the rise of a new race of men, with Elsie Austin.

From June 2–15, the program aired twice daily on several area cable channels. Drawing attention to it were commercial segments produced by Bahá’í Media Services that ran 244 times; newspaper advertisements; and a coordinated public information campaign that netted significant media coverage. The area’s Race Unity Day celebration in an Atlanta park also took place during this period.

Response is gratifying

This two-week airing garnered more than 500 responses. These include people who called the phone number on the screen, those who visited the Web site, and Atlantans who attended a Bahá’í event for the first time.

Demographically, 80 percent of ‎the those those‎ attracted are African-American, with most of them women. The other 20 percent are Caucasian, also primarily women. Respondents in both groups tend to live in the suburbs, are relatively affluent (as gleaned from zip code information) and well-educated. Age-wise, they mostly fall into the Baby Boomer generation.

None of this surprised the National Teaching Committee. In fact, the results mirrored interest shown among people involved in the focus group studies.

The response did settle once and for all the question of whether Americans are receptive to the message of Bahá’u’lláh. Waiting souls are indeed out there, and they’re our neighbors—mainstream Americans.

The campaign also has shown that a thoughtful process of audience identification and the crafting, testing and refinement of our message is worthwhile.

And the project has provided a vivid demonstration of the effects of collaboration and unity.

Challenges remain, however, according to Mr. Bowers.

Although the response has been respectable, there’s room to refine our approach to the populations who’ve responded favorably. Further testing will allow campaign organizers to reach a target audience with greater response per dollar invested. For example, a second round of showings on an interfaith channel has gotten wider response.

Ways must be found also to connect with other population segments. What themes can be crafted that will appeal to them? Tapes on such topics as spiritual transformation, worship, and gender equality are being considered.

Finally, community involvement in the campaign needs to be stimulated.

On this point, the Atlanta task force is succeeding, says Mrs. Steele. The initial core of about 175 Bahá’ís involved in some aspect of the effort has been augmented as believers arise to fulfill goals of 900 firesides in homes by summer’s end, 100 local traveling teachers, and having Bahá’ís bring seekers to others’ firesides. Mrs. Steele says a 19-day teaching project was to start July 6.

On July 5, the friends in Atlanta were galvanized by an inspirational talk from Glenford Mitchell, a member of the Universal House of Justice who was visiting the U.S. and traveled to Atlanta for first-hand information about the campaign.

The learning process extends to meeting the needs of seekers, says Mrs. Steele. She has personally spoken with 98 percent of people who left their telephone number to gauge what step they next want to take: request literature, attend firesides, participate in Sunday morning services, etc.

Next, she will ask people who received materials to comment on their effectiveness, and she will send them news of upcoming events.

Replicating Atlanta

What has been learned from the opening campaign will be put to good use as efforts gear up in other cities.

The National Teaching Committee is working with the friends in Los Angeles on a campaign suited to that city’s circumstances and resources. The Latin American Task Force has begun work in Dade County, Florida.

Similarly, the Regional Committees are organizing campaigns in several areas: Dallas, Raleigh/Durham and Broward County (Florida) in the South; Rochester (New York) and Boston in the Northeast; Denver and Portland (Oregon) in the West; and Milwaukee in the Central States.

More areas will follow including San Francisco, St. Louis, Minneapolis and Columbus (Ohio). And several cities have asked for help with their own plans.

How can others around the country get involved? Mr. Bowers urges communities to engage in a process of assessment leading to action (putting the necessary elements in place), evaluation and refinement.

A detailed analysis of the Atlanta campaign will be available soon from the National Teaching Office. The SIDCorp video series also will be sold as part of a package of orientation sessions and supplementary materials.

But no videotape is the “magic pill” that will spark entry by troops, Mr. Bowers cautions. The key to any effort is sustainability, with the friends taking a long-term rather than an event-oriented view.

That means making a tremendous commitment in terms of time, effort, and resources, Mr. Bowers says. Communities must be unified and have the willingness to sacrifice to further the Cause that will reflect the principles of the Faith and attract the confirmations of Bahá’u’lláh.

The National Spiritual Assembly believes that unity and willingness to sacrifice are there, as its investment in this effort attests.

Publishing

Continued from page 1

Proceedings opened with a reminder from Dale Spenner, coordinator of Bahá’í Publications, that the conference theme was to be “Charting the Future of Bahá’í Publishing in the United States.”

If that weren’t daunting enough, Ken Bowers, secretary of the National Teaching Committee, put the publishing effort into perspective as part of the evolution of the national Bahá’í administration.

Mr. Bowers exhorted the editorial boards to develop materials that will meet the needs seekers express and will help the friends develop the skills and insights needed to attract and nurture souls.

He noted that those who serve the National Spiritual Assembly face a big challenge in dealing with the “logistics of unity.” They must find efficient ways to work with each other over great distances, foster the freedom to experiment, and share what they learn.

Mr. Spenner echoed those thoughts. The power of an idea communicated effectively can exert enormous spiritual influence, he noted. So how can we make these thoughts available to the world in a way that will change it?

Before breaking for lunch, conferees heard reports from the Publishing Committee, the editorial boards and several agencies about their publishing activities and plans.

That led perfectly into the afternoon session.

First, members of the editorial boards spread out to learn how they could assist the literature needs of four populations: American Indians, Latin Americans, Persian Americans and African-Americans.

Then they met with representatives of the National Youth Committee, the Treasurer’s Office, Education and Schools Office and National Committee for the Advancement of Women, all of which have publishing needs.

When conferees reassembled, Mr. Spenner challenged them to synthesize the themes they had heard to effectively serve the believers.

That evening, an inspirational example of just that was provided. Artis Mebane, facilities manager of Bahá’í Media Services, electrified conferees by showing The Power of Race Unity, the half-hour television program aired recently in Atlanta (see related article on page 1).

This first in a series was developed by the Satellite Initiative Development Corp. in collaboration with Media Services and the appointed and elected institutions of the Faith.

What has set this project apart from others, according to Mr. Mebane and Mr. Bowers, is its spirit of experimentation.

The race unity video went through five focus groups before reaching its present—and not necessarily final—form. Organizers continue to learn how best to place the broadcasts and respond to those attracted by them.

Mr. Bowers said that process of targeting, testing and refinement holds great implications for literature development and holds true in all media.

He made two additional observations:

• Literature should generate a desire to investigate the Faith further through personal contact with Bahá’ís.
• We must learn how much of the Word to include and how best to proclaim the name and Station of Bahá’u’lláh.

Conferees heard next from Ford Bowers, manager of the Bahá’í Distribution Service, who recently attended a conference of religious publishers and sellers.

What sells in this burgeoning market?

Mr. Bowers said people, especially those of the Baby Boomer generation, are seeking deeper meaning in their lives. But they are eschewing doctrinal works in favor of materials that bolster their personal philosophy.

He said hot topics include prayer, spirituality, inspiration, God’s purpose, virtues, interfaith issues, social service, millennialism, death and dying, and getting control of one’s life.

If we are to sell to the general public, he said, we must publish what they want to read. That means packaging our books more attractively, promoting them expertly, and developing a broad line of materials to offer.

Saturday evening closed with a look at developments in new media—specifically, the World Wide Web.

Charles Cooper from the Management Information Services team took conferees through several official and individually maintained Bahá’í sites.

Then he demonstrated the potential for blending text, audio, video and graphics effectively by taking them into the ABC News site.

Conferees were thrilled to learn that ABC’s lead item that day was President Clinton’s speech terming race the “most challenging issue” facing Americans. What an affirmation of the themes running as a thread through the conference!

Sunday morning the conference closed with the editorial boards reporting on their proposed agendas, themes and wish lists. This summer, those strategies will be reviewed by the Publishing Committee and integrated for consideration by the National Spiritual Assembly.

The result will be an approved national publishing agenda for the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States (watch The American Bahá’í for details). The editorial boards will develop books and other materials fitting within that framework. Some authors will be sought out to work on projects, but unsolicited proposals and manuscripts also are invited. [Page 23]

YOUTH NEWS

This ‎a is a‎ working list to inform you of teaching and service projects for youth on the grassroots, national and international levels. There may be other regional projects not listed. Please send information about other activities to the National Youth Committee, us- or to Shelley Rastall in the Teaching Office of the Bahá’í National Center, (810) 6 5 3 - 5033.

TEACHING PROJECTS - U.S.

Semi-professional music group Agents of Change eagerly seeks opportunities to teach, serve and give firesides. This nine-member ensemble has been together for four years performing a musical blend of reggae, rap, funk and jazz suitable for many audiences. Contact Roddy Khadem, (617) 738-9465,

North Little Rock, AR - Youth deepenings and firesides. Bahá’í family living off Interstate 40 (Exit 142, Morgan/Maumelle) invite youth traveling to other places to stay at their house and participate in ongoing youth activities. Can house eight to ten youth for a night or two if needed; can accommodate more with advance notice. Contact Lisa and Jim Armstrong, (501) 851-6608.

San Jose, CA - July 19 - 26. Bahá’í Youth Workshop teaching project and unity Feast. The San Jose Bahá’í Youth Workshop will be performing at a series of community centers throughout San Jose. Contact Shahriar Jam,

Atlanta, GA - The Atlanta Bahá’í community needs youth during the summer to help deepen fellow youth in the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith. Leadership and facilitating skills are a must. Contact Amanda Green, (770) 447-6976.

Chicago, IL - August 9. Support Bahá’í participation in the nation’s largest African-American parade. The 68th Annual Bud Billiken parade, originally founded by prominent African-American Bahá’í David Kellum, will include a Bahá’í float and the Chicago Bahá’í Youth Workshop. Participate in all-day teaching along the parade route and in Washington Park afterwards. Contact the Bahá’í Center, (773) 225-1919,

Kansas City, MO - August 21 - 24. A regional Bahá’í youth conference for ages 15 and up. This conference will train effective teaching teams for the Mabel Taylor Teaching Project. Youth and/or adults will form teaching teams of seven and consult with their LSA before coming. During the conference each team will receive intensive and focused training. Recreational activities included. Contact Louis Anderson, PO Box 920280, Kansas City, MO 64137, (816) 765-5673. Registration deadline is July 21; registration fee is $100.

Rio Grande Valley, TX - July 13 - August 3. Youth teaching project in English and Spanish. Area LSA collaboration. Hospitality provided. Teaching on both sides of the border with an expected 1,000 declarations. Contact Jorge Ramirez, (210) 631-8786.

Rochester, VT - Vermont summer camp High Rise, owned by Don and Carolyn Cruikshank, is available for youth gatherings. A group of Vermont youth invite northeastern regional youth to meet at the summer camp to help establish a future youth training and pioneer institute. Contact Peter Schmidt,

Neah Bay, WA - August 14 - 17. Spiritual Gathering Council Fire at Makah Reservation, featuring keynote speakers, performers and cultural sharing. All lodging is on campgrounds. Contact Gianna Tyler, (360) 645-2774.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE - U.S.

Atlanta, GA - The Family Unity Institute in Atlanta, Georgia is always looking for youth to assist with a variety of programs, such as after-school tutoring and mentoring, typing and data entry for the Atlanta Arts Institute, and looking for volunteers to be trained to be teachers of the Bahá’í Faith. Contact Rich Pellegrino, (770) 808-5980.

Chicago, IL - The Bahá’í House of Worship needs youth volunteers for summer hours as ushers, tour guides, and garden teachers. Must provide room and board. Contact House of Worship Activities Office, (847) 853-2300.

Eliot, ME - Green Acre Bahá’í School needs volunteers for a youth year of service. Contact Jim Sacco, (207) 439-7200.

Kittery, ME - One magazine is seeking youth to assist in the creation and distribution of this Bahá’í youth publication. Sales representatives, writers, artists and reporters wanted. No experience necessary. Email access is a must. Contact One magazine, (207) 438 9034.

Hemingway, SC - Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute needs volunteers, preferably 22 and older, for educational program support, agriculture, and radio station help. Contact LGI, (803) 558-5093.

INSTITUTES & SCHOOLS - U.S.

Houck, AZ - Native American Bahá’í Institute, July 31 - August 1, youth conference. Cost $50.00, includes pow-wow. Contact NABI, (520) 587-7599,

Houck, AZ - Native American Bahá’í Institute, August 2 - 3, Third Annual Traditional NABI Pow-Wow and 5K Run. Gathering to celebrate unity in diversity. Contact NABI, (520) 587-7599,

Santa Cruz, CA - Bosch Bahá’í School, July 26 - 31, Youth Institute, preferably grades ten to 12. Cost $325.00. Contact Bosch, (408) 423-3387,

Santa Cruz, CA - Bosch Bahá’í School, August 2-7, Junior Youth Institute, grades 7 - 9. Cost $325.00. Contact Bosch, (408) 423-3387,

Eliot, ME - Green Acre Bahá’í School, July 18 - 23, Youth Institute, grades nine to 12. Cost $275.00. Contact Green Acre, (207) 439-7200,

Eliot, ME - Green Acre Bahá’í School, July 25 - August 6, two-week Youth Institute, grades nine to 12. Cost is $490.00. Contact Green Acre, (207) 439-7200,

Davison, MI - Louhelen Bahá’í School, August 8 - 13, Youth Eagle Institute: Every Believer is a Teacher. Cost $250.00. Contact Louhelen, (810) 653-5033.

Hemingway, SC - Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, July 13 - August 2, Junior Youth Academy II. Cost $375.00. Contact LGI, (803) 558-5093,

Hemingway, SC - Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, July 13 - August 2, Youth Academy. Cost $375.00. Contact LGI, (803) 558-5093.

Hemingway, SC - Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, August 29 - September 2, Youth Service Corps Training Program sponsored by the National Pioneering Office. Prepares youth to pioneer. Contact LGI, (803) 558-5093,

Hemingway, SC - Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, September 20 - 21, Individual and Teaching. Cost is $35.00 with $10.00 pre-registration fee. Contact LGI, (803) 558-5093,

Hemingway, SC - Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, October 10 - 12, College Club Weekend. Cost is $50.00 with $5.00 pre-registration fee. Contact LGI, (803) 558-5093,

TEACHING PROJECTS, CONFERENCES & SCHOOLS - INTERNATIONAL

Australia - All summer. Heart of Australia Global Village gathering of Indigenous believers in Townsville. Contact Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, (847) 733-3511,

Bulgaria - July 24 - August 31. Teaching projects in Haskovo, Shoumen, and Vratsa. Contact Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, (847) 733-3511,

Canada - July 26 - 27. Spirit Labrador Conference in conjunction with North West River Beach Festival. Contact Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, (847) 733-3511,

Canada - August 30 and September 6, 13, 20. Service projects in Toronto. Contact Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, (847) 733-3511,

Chile - January 1998. First Latin American Bahá’í Youth Congress. This congress will mark an important stage in the history of Latin American Youth. Contact Web site http://www.nur.edu/chile98.

Dominican Republic - July 12 - 13. International Youth Conference for Teaching in Barahona. Contact Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, (847) 733-3511,

England - September 25. Conference in London in support of the Global Platform for Action. Concentrating on themes: Women and the Environment, Violence against Women, Increase in Women’s Poverty and Women’s Access to Employment. Contact

Hungary - August 2 - 8. Lake Velence Summer School. Low cost. Contact Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, (847) 733-3511,

Ireland - August 2 - 10. Waterford Summer School in Letterkenny, co. Donegal. Contact Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, (847) 733-3511,

Korea - Ongoing throughout year. A pioneer is teaching English to Korean children from the ages of 11 to 16, and is seeking Bahá’í youth to become penpals. Contact Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, (847) 733-3511,

Mongolia - July 25 - August 20. Teaching Project and summer school. Contact Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, (847) 733-3511,

Panama - July 19 - August 3. 25th Anniversary Celebration of the House of Worship of Latin America in Panama City. Contact Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, (847) 733-3511,

Panama - August 3. Teaching Project. Following 25th Anniversary of Dedication of House of Worship. Contact Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, (847) 733-3511,

Portugal - August 2 - 8. Mountains of Monchique Summer School, celebrating 100th anniversary of the birth of Shoghi Effendi. Contact Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, (847) 733-3511,

Romania - Month of August. Queen Marie Teaching Project followed by summer school. Contact Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, (847) 733-3511,

Slovak Republic - July 24 - 30. Summer school in Trencin. Low cost. Contact Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, (847) 733-3511,

Slovenia and Croatia - Ongoing throughout year. Slovenia and Croatia Project 2000. Contact Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, (847) 733-3511,

Spain - July 24 - July 27. Celebrating 50th Anniversary of the Bahá’í Community at Spain International Congress. Contact Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, (847) 733-3511,

Spain - Month of August. Teaching project following Bahá’í Community of Spain’s 50th Anniversary Congress (from July 24-27). Contact Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, (847) 733-3511,

Sweden - July 21 - 27. Swedish summer school in Munkfors, “Living the Life, from Words to Deeds.” Contact Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, (847) 733-3511,

Tonga - Ongoing throughout year. Deepening programs (1-2 per month) and week-long village-to-village teaching projects. Contact Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, (847) 733-3511,

United Kingdom - August 1 - 9. Bahá’í Academy for the Arts, sessions for ages eleven to 14 and ages 15 - adult. Contact Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, (847) 733-3511,

Uzbekistan - Through August 30. Teaching project to increase number of LSAs. Contact Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, (847) 733-3511,

COLLEGE CLUB WEEKENDS

PLAN AHEAD TO ATTEND THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMITTEE-SPONSORED COLLEGE CLUB WEEKENDS:

• Make your college club part of a united network of Bahá’í college students in your region and across the country.
• Mobilize and learn fresh approaches to teaching and serving on your campus.
• Make new friendships and find out about other college club activities.
• Learn more about the special part you play in the Four Year Plan.

Green Acre Bahá’í School & Louhelen Bahá’í School: SEPTEMBER 26 - 28, 1997

Bosch Bahá’í School & Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute: OCTOBER 10 - 12, 1997

For more information, contact the NYC at us- or watch the youth page of The American Bahá’í for upcoming details. [Page 24]

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

OPPORTUNITIES to serve at the Bahá’í National Center. Conservation coordinator, Bahá’í House of Worship. Manages staff and projects, conducts inspections and training, prepares design and construction documents, oversees construction, assures complete record-keeping, coordinates with maintenance, custodial, grounds and activities departments so that all work performed on the building, its furnishings and site fosters the preservation of the Temple. Must have at least 10 years of responsible experience in building design and construction including at least six years supervising projects and staff. Must have outstanding communication skills and superbly developed powers of observation, especially with regard to architectural finishes and details. Must be well-organized, thorough and patient, cooperative, consultative and flexible. Preference for and ability to operate in teams. Prior preservation experience desirable. Assistant director, Southeast Asian program, U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office. Assists the Refugee Coordinator in executing the work of the department. Primarily responsible for Southeast Asian teaching and consolidation activities. Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must demonstrate an attitude of service, have proven ability to produce high-quality letters and articles in English, type 40-plus wpm, work well under pressure, have strong organizational skills, proven ability to regard information as confidential, and pay close attention to details. 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 B.S. in human services-related field with experience in program design and management. Administrative assistant, Office of the Treasurer. Coordinates the administrative affairs of the office to include relieving department heads of routine administrative functions. Helps coordinate projects assigned to the office by the National Spiritual Assembly. Exercises leadership in streamlining the administrative work of the office. Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Advanced knowledge of office technology and computer software such as WordPerfect 5.1, Microsoft Word, Excel, Windows and presentation software. Mainframe computer knowledge helpful. Benefits and recruiting administrator, Department of Human Resources. Primary responsibilities include 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. Project manager, conservation, Bahá’í House of Worship. Manages major repair, improvement and development projects. Must have at least eight years of responsible experience in project management and have a proven record as an effective administrator. Must have the personal qualities necessary to interact with members of the project team. Professional training and previous positions in project management with private developers or corporations is desirable. Concrete laborer, Bahá’í House of Worship. To help concrete/stone conservator in the ongoing conservation of the Temple's interior and exterior and its surroundings. Must have experience as a laborer/helper in the construction industry. Experience in masonry preferred. Prior experience in conservation, preservation heritage restoration an asset. Must have valid driver's license, ability to communicate in English; should be organized and methodical, cooperative and flexible, able to interact with the public in a pleasant, friendly manner. Youth services assistant, National Youth Committee. Must be a strong communicator who is PC-literate. Secretarial skills a plus. At least two years of college preferred. Program coordinator, Office of Persian/American Affairs. Must have good written and oral communication skills, a firm understanding of Bahá’í teachings, laws and principles as practiced in Iran and the U.S. Must be familiar with Iranian culture and able to type in English and Persian. Should be creative in program development, able to translate program-related documents and letters into and from Persian. Prepares and produces publications including the Persian pages in The American Bahá’í. For information, please contact Christine Stanwood, Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, Illinois 60201-1611, or phone 847-733-3429.

TECHNICAL services manager, Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute. Responsible for ensuring the continuity of technical and computer services for the Institute and WLGI Radio by providing planning and technical leadership, FCC, FAA and OSHA compliance, and project coordination to assure delivery of a quality on-air signal and technical services. Should have experience in Bahá’í teaching and administration, a bachelor's degree in broadcast engineering, related field or its equivalent, certification by the Society of Broadcast Engineers, experience as a broadcast engineer, and strong interpersonal skills. For information or an application, phone Christine Stanwood, 847-733-3429.

EXCITING opportunities in China. 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

IMMEDIATE openings for the 1997-98 volunteer Year of Service program at the Maxwell Bahá’í School in British Columbia, Canada. Administrative services: office receptionist, office assistant, computer services instructor, computer services technician. Finance and personal services: Year of Service coordinator, finance and personnel clerk, Max Shop (uniform and sales assistant). Student services: four dormitory assistants, food services assistant, health center assistant. Academic services: curriculum development coordinator, academic office assistant, teaching assistants, library assistant, teaching assistant: languages. Facilities: custodial, maintenance, grounds, laundry, security, bus drivers (class 5, 4 or 2). Volunteers receive room, board and a monthly stipend of $60. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-733-3512; fax 847-733-3509; e-mail

ADMINISTRATIVE coordinator, Bosch Bahá’í School. Knowledge of computer programs, specifically Word, My List, Meeting Pro, Publisher, PageMaker, Quicken, CCMail and Pro-Cite desired. Communication skills including the ability to generate written correspondence, accounting and bookkeeping experience, typing skills and knowledge of most office business machines required. Some college required, bachelor's degree preferred. Candidates should be knowledgeable about the spiritual, administrative and historical precepts of the Faith. Experience on a local Assembly or other administrative committees is highly desirable. Please send resumés to Mark Bedford, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-7564. 9615, phone 408-423-3387, or fax 408-423-

MANAGER wanted for Bahá’í Center in Portland, Oregon. The Center, in the quaint St. Johns neighborhood near the Willamette River, is being remodeled. The job requires knowledge of construction, building maintenance and repairs, and communication skills are needed in working with city planners and inspectors. There are many opportunities for teaching the Faith and facilitating the efforts of Bahá’ís in the metro Portland area. For information, phone the Assembly secretary, 503-281-2955, or write to the Spiritual Assembly of Portland, P.O. Box 83297, Portland, OR 97283.

CUSTOMER service representative is needed at the Bahá’í Distribution Service in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to facilitate the distribution of Bahá’í literature and other products; respond to requests for information about accounts, publications and other materials; investigate and resolve customer queries and complaints; provide feedback to management, marketing and the Bahá’í Publishing Trust on trends and concerns in the community, and provide guidance to customers on the use and content of all distributed materials. Should be able to represent the National Spiritual Assembly in a consistent and dignified manner. Must have knowledge of the authoritative texts, literature and international plans for expansion and consolidation; a desire to promote the distribution and use of Bahá’í literature, and at least one year's experience in customer service, taking orders, resolving complaints and servicing accounts. For information or an application, contact Christine Stanwood, 847-733-3429.

THE LOUHELEN Bahá’í School has an immediate and urgent need for more Year of Service volunteers, either adults or mature youth. Room and board are provided. Volunteers must supply all other needed financial support and have personal health insurance. A wide variety of skills and interests can possibly be accommodated, depending on circumstances at the time of application. Louhelen is a permanent national center of Bahá’í education sponsored by the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly. Please send application materials to Rick Johnson, administrator, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 810-653-5033; e-mail

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, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa is seeking a deputy executive secretary, D-2, and a chief for conference and general services. Tanzania-teachers. Zambia-teachers. AMERICAS: Belize caretakers for Belmopan Bahá’í Center, receptionist for National Center. Grenada-manager of small bed and breakfast. Honduras-teachers. Turks & Caicos-government doctor. Venezuela-computer outlet store for sale. ASIA: Afghanistan-information/education/communication person to develop peace/world citizenship curriculum and/or train teachers. India-volunteers and teachers to teach moral education at a Montessori school. Macau-teachers. Sakhalin-teachers. AUSTRALASIA: Mariana Islands-physician at a health center on Rota. Western Caroline Islands self-supporting assistant to the National Assembly secretary. EUROPE: Czech Republic-primary and secondary school teachers in mathematics, science, humanities, Spanish, English as a Secondary Language. Italy-controller for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (UN). Belize-urgent need for caretakers for the Bahá’í Center in Belmopan; the Office of the Secretariat needs a self-supporting person to man the visitors' center and maybe serve as caretaker. Honduras-elementary and secondary school teachers. Lithuania-Kaunas Medical Academy accepts foreign students and has programs in therapy, dentistry and surgery in English. Kaunas University of Technology has engineering and business administration in English. Macau-the School of Nations needs qualified kindergarten, primary and secondary teachers. Solomon Islands-self-supporting couple to serve as custodians of the Bahá’í Center in Honiara; volunteer to train National Center office staff. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 847-733-3512; fax 847-733-3509; e-mail

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

ARE YOU a retired Bahá’í and golfer? If so, then Florence, Alabama, may be the place for you. For $200/year you can play golf as often as you wish five days a week on a lovely and challenging 18-hole course along the scenic Tennessee River; and what's more, the weather lets you play almost all year round. At the same time, you could help save an active Assembly in a great college town with many activities. Living costs are relatively low. For more information, write to Norm LaRoy, Florence, AL 35630, or phone 205-766-6656.

OCCUPATIONAL therapists are needed for faculty positions in a developing OTR program at Winston-Salem State University, an historically black university in North Carolina. Prefer someone with a master's degree and some clinical or academic experience. Please contact Mike Hillis, program coordinator, 919-291-1187, or the Spiritual Assembly of Winston-Salem, 910-767-3899.

THE THREE-MEMBER Bahá’í Group in Horizon City, Texas, would like to reach Assembly status by the end of the Four Year Plan and needs your help to do so. Horizon City (pop. 5,000) is four miles from El Paso (the Sun City). The 25-year-old community, just off I-10 East, is virtually crime-free, has schools, a golf and country club, and relatively inexpensive housing. The University of Texas-El Paso is nearby, as well as a community college with four campuses, one of which is being built only 10 minutes from Horizon City. Also in the area are Ft. Bliss, a major military installation [Page 25]

ADS

with commissary and exchange; Beaumont Hospital for military retirees, and a number of other large medical facilities. The climate is ideal with low humidity and mild winters, warm summers with at least 350 days of sunshine each year. Employment is available in medical-related fields, sales and services. There are more than 100 Bahá’ís in El Paso, which has a newly purchased Bahá’í Center. Please phone or write for more information. Accommodations for those who would like to visit may be arranged with local friends. Write to Jim and Mehtap Taylor, Horizon City, TX 79927-6434, or phone 915-852-2172.

THE BAHÁ’ÍS of Westford, Massachusetts, a lovely town northwest of Boston with fresh air, clean water and excellent public schools, would like to form an Assembly by Ridván 1998. If you are thinking of moving to the Boston area, please get in touch with the group’s secretary, Kerri Moyer, Westford, MA 01886, phone 508-692-5258, or 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: Amelie W. Bodmer (died Pasadena, CA, 1955), Gladys Bodmer (died Pacific Grove, CA, 1972), Richard W. Boettcher, Walter Bohanan (died Kenosha, WI, 1958), F.G. Bohlmann, David H. Bokhof and Doris Bolibaugh. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611, or to phone 847-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking written or taped accounts by American Indian Bahá’ís of their Bahá’í life and activities. Anyone having accounts they would like to share is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

WANTED

WANTED: study guides, outlines or study aids for The Advent of Divine Justice. To help meet the goal of studying the fundamental verities of the Faith and to further plans of the National Youth Committee, the Bahá’í Publishing Trust’s Authoritative Texts editorial board is planning a study guide on The Advent of Divine Justice. If you have such materials or know of someone who does, please e-mail Johanna Merritt, or phone Betty Fisher, 847-853-1335.

PACIFIC Islanders in Southern California are forming a committee to plan the third annual Pacific Islander Conference, which begins July 4, 1998, at Bosch Bahá’í School. Pacific Islanders in that region who would like to help plan the conference are asked to contact Tupou Fakava of Rialto, California, at 909-421-0199 or 909-350-3763 or Lolohea Martin of Simi Valley, California, at 805-526-5752.

LONG ISLAND Bahá’í History Project is seeking information about the early believers and their activities in Long Island, New York. If you have lived on Long Island, are the descendant of a Bahá’í or Bahá’ís who lived there, or have any relevant information, please phone John McNair at 516-289-6619 or e-mail

DENTIST wanted to supervise clinic on Indian reservation in California. Quiet, rural location, staff assembled and ready to go. Bahá’í is able to share land, tent camp to help you get settled. Contact M. Bird, P.O. Box 834, Covelo, CA 95428

Chair

Continued from page 1

Techeste Ahderom, principal United Nations representative for the Bahá’í International Community.

In their remarks at the dinner, Dr. Kirwan and Irwin Goldstein, dean of the college that is home to the Bahá’í Chair, paid unreserved tribute to the Chair.

They spoke of the developments of the Chair, its growing influence in academic circles, and of their own life-transforming experiences from association with the Bahá’í Faith.

Last year, the Friends of the Bahá’í Chair helped complete fund raising for the Chair’s $1.5 million endowment. This sacrificial outpouring of support, which ensured the Chair’s continuing influence, did not go unnoticed by the university community.

In hailing the achievement, Dr. Goldstein wrote last December, “In the years since you joined the faculty, the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace has become a central element of the Center for International Development and Conflict Management and a point of pride to the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. ...Despite limited resources, your program has consistently maintained high visibility and been extraordinarily productive.”

That visibility and productivity goes well beyond classroom activities and the annual lecture. It includes participation in many international dialogues and conferences and the publication of several books.

Madame Rúhíyyih Rabbani (the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum) was the lecturer in 1996 at the second annual Bahá’í Chair lecture. During her visit to the United States at that time, she became acquainted with President Kirwan and Dean Goldstein.

In January, Dr. Kirwan and Dr. Goldstein were the dinner guests of Madame Rabbani at the home of the Master in Haifa, Israel, as well as guests of the Universal House of Justice at its Seat.

Their enthusiastic and respectful awareness of the honor given them by this visit was quite touching to the Bahá’í guests at the president’s dinner.

They spoke of their education at the hand of Madame Rabbani concerning the history of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s home and His life. They shared their amazement over the Arc Project and its implications for both the Bahá’í Faith and for the people of Haifa and Israel. They described their visit to the World Center as life-transforming.

In remarks prefacing the annual lecture, significant tributes gave evidence of the respect with which the Bahá’í Faith is regarded at the university.

Dr. Bushrui jointly teaches with Miles L. Bradbury a course titled “The Spiritual Heritage of the Human Race.” This course has been so well received at the university that it is now one of the required core courses for a degree in the college; its content is causing the topic of religion and moral development to obtain widespread influence.

In granting the course an extraordinary five-year renewal, the faculty reviewing team commented, “This is clearly a remarkable course, taught by a man of passion and learning to students who respond with respect and admiration. This seems to be more than just an almost ideal general education course; it seems also to offer the campus a model for how to move toward the campus goal of celebrating, not just tolerating, difference.”

Student evaluations of the course are similarly glowing.

One remarked, “They say that in college one professor will especially touch you and reach you. I have found that professor. He is a truly great man.”

Another noted, “This course was an important part of intellectual growth as it promoted awareness and understanding of various beliefs and integrated them as a common whole. Such a course is necessary to build a more balanced individual.”

Dr. Bushrui’s role as teacher was recently celebrated in the student newspaper, The Diamondback.

His photo adorned the front page of the paper and the article was filled with tributes from students who indicated that their course with Dr. Bushrui was the first time in which they had come to understand the meaning of education.

The students who took part in the proceedings of the fourth annual Dialogue on Transition to Global Society were present at the lecture. Several spoke of the transforming influence of those events upon their own lives and of their recognition that they had a mission to promote world citizenship and the spiritual heritage that we all share.

Judge Dorothy Nelson and Judge James Nelson, members of the National Spiritual Assembly and faithful supporters of the work of the Chair, were present as well. On behalf of the National Assembly, they presented to Dr. Bushrui an etched-glass replica of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette.

This brief recitation of these events conveys only a little of the atmosphere of love and encouragement that enveloped this public event.

Mr. Ahderom’s remarks as lecturer of the third annual Bahá’í Chair Lecture will be available this year as one of the publications of the Bahá’í Chair. It must be said, however, that this lecture was extraordinary in its vision and depth.

His remarks addressed the question of reorganization facing the United Nations under new Secretary-General Kofi Annan, formerly a member of the UN High Commission on Human Rights.

More than 16 proposals for the reorganization of the UN have been put forth by various international organizations and commissions, among them the Bahá’í International Community’s own Turning Point for All Nations.

Mr. Ahderom called for a more extensive dialogue on the ‎misson mission‎ of the United Nations, pointing out that the original mission, which was to ensure the security of nations, has now been superseded by more urgent agendas. Whereas once nations were insecure, now it is nations that are secure, but peoples (that is, ethnic, religious or racial groups) in those nations who are insecure.

To organize the UN without recognizing this and other critical situations, such as the increasing disparity between the rich and the poor, the staggering cost of engaging in international dialogue without an international auxiliary language, and the increasing economic globalization of the planet, is to organize a UN without clarity about its purposes.

Mr. Ahderom’s thoughtful remarks were well-received, and many in the audience remarked subsequently that they now were aware of concerns that they had never encountered in any newspaper or broadcast.

Iowa training institute growing like wildfire

A training institute has grown like wildfire in Ames, Iowa, from the efforts of two Bahá’ís who, reading the Four Year Plan messages, realized the importance of at least beginning some sort of educational effort in the community.

They developed a simple Bahá’í family school, aptly named Wildfire Bahá’í School. Basic concepts were covered, looking at the lives and the histories of the Central Figures.

As awareness of the potential scope and importance of training institutes grew, Wildfire Bahá’í School asked the Local Assembly for permission to become a training institute.

For guidance on the development of training institutes, the Four Year Plan messages were studied in depth. Auxiliary Board members and a representative of the Regional Committee were consulted.

After the Bahá’í school, the first program added was a “distance education” component. Bahá’ís locally or from other communities who would like to attend Bahá’í school (or other institute activities) but were unable to do so could ask for materials to study at home individually or with friends.

Occasionally, these friends have then joined the others at the last class of a series of three or four on a given topic.

It soon became apparent that the Bahá’í school format on Sunday mornings did not meet the needs of “all believers, new and veteran.” So, a knowledge and skills component was added.

The first course was a set of evening classes on teaching, as requested by individuals in the community. The Core Curriculum parenting program was added on a series of Saturdays. And most recently, the specific needs of new believers were addressed with plans for using the National Assembly’s We Are Bahá’í program, complemented by a one-on-one tutorial program.

Wildfire is developing as understanding of the guidance and needs of the community evolves. Materials used are locally developed or adapted from the various programs of the National Assembly. Courses will continue to be added and modified as needed. Classes at this point are being held on the local college campus or in various believers’ homes.

As the institute’s vision statement says, “The purpose of Wildfire Bahá’í Institute is to ‘endow ever-growing contingents of believers with the spiritual insights, the knowledge, and the skills’ needed to become Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh.” [Page 26]

Green Acre plans diverse, colorful summer sessions

The Green Acre Bahá’í School’s summer sessions continue with a multifaceted session Aug. 1–6.

• “Encounter Consultation: Power of the New Age” with Robert Harris. The consultative process Bahá’u’lláh has mandated alters power structures and calls humanity to a new level of maturity. Mr. Harris looks at consultation as a unity-producing tool that demands the acquisition of new and elegant skills of expression and dissent.

• “Delve into Diversity: Beyond Color and Culture” with Barbara Harris and Rodney and Janet Richards, who will offer hands-on, interactive exploration of contemporary concepts of intelligence styles and human capabilities and how these relate to improving our teaching methods and community development. Participants will leave with ideas and activities to apply in their own communities.

• “Listen for a Woman’s Voice” with artist-in-residence Mary Davis, who weaves song, story and the Bahá’í Writings to explore the unique contributions women can bring to balance a lopsided world, as well as what it means to nurture the emergence of the feminine on our lives and the world around us.

• Mary Davis will also be the featured performer at Green Acre’s next Concert-Picnic on the Piscataqua Aug. 3 from 12:30–4:30 p.m. The event will also offer lunch. Admission is $3 per person (maximum $10 per family). All are welcome to attend, bring or buy a picnic lunch, and enjoy an afternoon of music, fellowship and fun at Green Acre.

Featured at the Aug. 8–13 sessions:

• “Toward a Bahá’í Psychology of Spirituality,” presented by Mary K. Radpour, who will examine how Bahá’í teachings regarding the nature of the human soul merge and ‎divege diverge‎ from psychological theories on personality, cognition and learning. Find out how dynamics of spiritual growth relate to individual emotional health, successful family and marital relationships, as well as healthy Bahá’í communities and development in the world at large.

• Learn how to develop programs in gender equality with Mona and Richard Grieser in “Approaching an Equitable New World Community: Gender Training in the Faith.” Hands-on training demonstrates how to select an activity, increase consultation through use of theater and other means, and ground it all in the Sacred Writings, as well as in current gender literature and experience derived from projects all over the world. This training aims to bring about behavior change for individuals and communities. Materials fee: $5. Also, the documents “Traditional Media as Change Agent” and the Compilation on Trustworthiness will be used and can be purchased.

Future sessions include:

• A celebration of the 85th anniversary of the week of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit, Aug. 15–20. Probe the Tablets of the Divine Plan and their role in advancing the process of entry by troops and winning the goals of the Four Year Plan with presenter Habib Riazati. Study the talks by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in The Promulgation of Universal Peace (especially those delivered at Green Acre) with Ann Schoonmaker to discover how the Master shared the message of Bahá’u’lláh depending on the needs, concerns and interests of His audience. Also, learn how He taught the Faith in word and deed.

• “Refresh and Gladden Your Spirit” with James and Dorothy Nelson, Aug. 22–27. Reflect on how to apply Bahá’í standards to all aspects of your everyday life. Learn how the power of the Covenant can keep us growing in the path of spiritual transformation. On the same program is “A Greater Manifestation of Faith in Action” with Hassan Sabri. Valiant Bahá’í pioneers, under the leadership of Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice, built the worldwide administrative foundation for social and economic development taking place today. Find out how individuals and institutions are “applying more systematically the principles of the Faith to upraising the quality of human life.”

• Green Acre’s Labor Day Weekend program Aug. 29–Sept. 1 addresses “Advancing the Process: The Individual, the Institutions and the Community.” All have a special part to play in the divinely ordained process of entry by troops that will transform and redeem the fortunes of humankind. Join Auxiliary Board member Gene Andrews for an exploration of what this means in the closing years of the “Century of Light.”

For more information, phone the Green Acre Bahá’í School, 207-439-7200, e-mail or use Green Acre’s new fax number, 207-438-9940.

NABI hosts Science and Virtues camp for children

As a part of its mission and dedication to building strong communities of indigenous peoples, the Native American Bahá’í Institute held a Science and Virtues camp in June for children ages 6–10. In a two-week span, NABI hosted 20 children from the surrounding area.

In consultation with Charles Riley, principal of the Pine Springs Boarding School, NABI offered the camp as a way for children to increase their understanding of science and the importance of virtues.

Dr. Hala Jarrah-Jarrar, a NABI summer volunteer from Rockville, Maryland, was the instructor at the two-week-long camp. She not only brought new and exciting projects for the children but also stressed the importance of Bahá’í virtues.

The children were made aware of the need for unity, respect, courtesy and consideration. For most of the children and their parents, the camp served as first-hand exposure to the teachings of the Faith and the workings of the Bahá’í Institute.

At the end of each camp a small graduation ceremony was held on the NABI campus where the children were honored for successfully completing the program. The ceremonies were well attended by parents and other family members.

At the conclusion, parents and children were invited to return to NABI to attend a Bahá’í Unity Feast held in the prayer hogan.

Great Falls, Virginia, Assembly responds to National Assembly’s request to attend tours, talks

The Spiritual Assembly of Great Falls, Virginia, was quick to respond last fall when the National Spiritual Assembly invited Bahá’í communities to attend a program of tours, talks and presentations at the Bahá’í National Center.

Six members of the Great Falls Assembly and 10 others, mostly spouses and children, joined an Assembly from Ohio and other Groups and individuals for the weekend visit March 28-29.

The day-and-a-half program included two devotional events at the Bahá’í House of Worship, three meetings with individual members of the National Spiritual Assembly, and visits to such offices as the Secretariat, Archives, Management Information Services, Human Resources, Education and Schools, Bahá’í Publications, Persian/American Affairs, Travel, Pioneering and the Office of the Treasurer.

A presentation also was given on the House of Worship restoration program, and the visitors were able to visit the Cornerstone Room of the Temple.

Each visitor has special individual memories of the weekend, but common to all was a profound impression of the dedication, hard work and professionalism of the National Center staff, the humility and openness of individual members of the National Spiritual Assembly, and the leadership capacity and loving care of the National Assembly itself, working according to the vision and guidance of the Universal House of Justice and the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh.

The Great Falls Bahá’í’s strongly recommend that other Local Assemblies consider applying to take part in this program to refresh the spirit of love and unity and otherwise prepare to carry out great responsibilities for achieving the goals of the Four Year Plan.

Thirteen-year-old Bao Trinh, wearing his Atlanta Bahá’í Gospel Choir robe, is pictured with fellow Bahá’í Elizabeth Donnelly during a recent teaching event in suburban Chamblee, Georgia. Bao, who was born in Vietnam and came to this country four years ago, convinced his Buddhist father last January to allow him to enroll in the Faith. Since then Bao has attended many Bahá’í classes and events, has joined the Atlanta Gospel Choir, and has served as a translator during two teaching weekends in Chamblee.

Gregory Institute seeking youth

The Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute is looking for young volunteers to help with general program support, agriculture, educational programs and the radio station, among other things. Please spread the word and have anyone who is interested in serving in this capacity contact the Institute. All prospective volunteers must go through an application process. LGI is especially looking for youth ages 22 years and older.

True Justice Center sets first conflict resolution training program in August

The Corinne True Justice Center (TJC) has scheduled its first conflict resolution training program for August 28–September 1 at the Bahá’í Center in Denver, Colorado.

Participants in the day-long sessions will receive training in mediation from a faculty that includes lawyer mediators Steven Gonzales, chairman of the Bahá’í Justice Society, and Nancy Rank; professional mediation trainer Margaret Leeds, and Stephanie Fielding, coordinator of the Regional Committee for the Western States.

The TJC is a joint social and economic development project of the Spiritual Assembly of Denver and the Bahá’í Justice Society, which is an agency of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Its purpose is to train both Bahá’ís and the general public in conflict resolution. Skilled practitioners can then serve their community, schools and businesses in helping to create social unity.

For information about the training seminar, contact the registrar, Phoenix, AZ 85044, or phone 602-940-7594. [Page 27]

Bosch School hosts eighth annual S.E. Asian Roundtable

By MICHAEL RYMER

About 150 Bahá’ís and seekers gathered May 30–June 1 at the Bosch Bahá’í School in Santa Cruz, California, for the eighth annual Southeast Asian Roundtable Conference.

The conference was the largest and, by all accounts, the most successful of those held to date.

The opening session began with the reading of two messages from the National Spiritual Assembly.

The first, addressed to all participants, said in part, “The steady increase of new believers among the Southeast Asians now settled in the United States is a testament to the success of your efforts this past year,” and noted further that “to sustain rapid expansion and consolidation in the coming years will require that ‘far greater numbers of dedicated and committed souls arise.’”

A special treat was the appearance that weekend of nearly 50 Hmong youth from the Fresno area who wanted to come and perform, raised the funds necessary to attend, and shaped their performances with the help of two adult Bahá’ís, Liana Fields and Barbara Sellers.

These young people are involved in a literacy program taught by Bee Yang, a Hmong Bahá’í in Fresno who has been doing this for the past 10 years.

Several young people from Sacramento and Modesto also took part in the Roundtable. Those from Sacramento have formed a high school club, sponsored by a Bahá’í, Sara Platz, who teaches at the school.

The Bahá’í club has grown to become one of the largest groups on campus.

On the opening day of the conference, more than 60 youth and children left Martha Root Hall after devotions and walked toward Bosch’s two classrooms to take part in a concurrent conference led by Farshid Sabet Sharghi, Shannon Agnew and Greg Weiler.

Mr. Sharghi’s opening question to the young people, where would they like to be in the year 2037, set the tone for the reflective weekend.

Two older youth visited the class and talked about what drew them to the Faith. They also taught a class using rap lyrics such as “Courage and audacity/see through thine own eyes/radiant faces/perseverance.”

In the afternoon, Ms. Agnew took the young people on a “trust walk” and Mr. Weiler led the children’s class in a variety of cooperative games.

Meanwhile, the general conference heard reports on various outreach programs in Southeast Asian communities including Hmong literacy projects in Fresno, a tutoring program in Linda Vista (San Diego) and a club for mothers and their daughters in Sacramento. All the programs boast large cores of consistent participants.

Presentations to the general conference were led by 12 community leaders—most of whom are Southeast Asians. Topics included family life, gender equality and empowerment of youth, and several presentations focused on teaching the Faith in Southeast Asian communities.

After each session, participants gathered in smaller groups to consult in four languages about its particular topic.

The Bahá’ís at the conference must have been doing more than merely talking about teaching, however, as eight attendees declared their faith in Bahá’u’lláh.

On the final morning, the participants sent a message of response to the letters from the National Spiritual Assembly: “Sharing together this weekend the rich love and experience of the over 150 diverse children, youth and adults, immigrants, students and refugees,” it read, “we have been energized to return to our local communities throughout the United States rededicated to teaching the Bahá’í Faith.”

A few of the youth were interviewed for a video tape of the conference. One was asked, “Is there anything you want to say to your friends from home who couldn’t come this weekend?”

He shrugged his shoulders. “You’re missing out,” he said.

Pictured are some of the adults who attended the eighth annual Southeast Asian Roundtable Conference May 30—June 1 at the Bosch Bahá’í School in Santa Cruz, California.

Louhelen School’s annual Children’s Institute focuses on Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh through variety of activities

Sixty-seven children, 22 youth counselors and a dedicated team of faculty gathered at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in June for six days of intensive study, fellowship and community life.

This year’s Children’s Institute was enriched by a new level of participation as the children focused on the Covenant and Bahá’u’lláh—a topic explored through classroom study, story-telling, arts and crafts, science, memorization and deepening.

The children also immersed themselves in the story of Bahá’u’lláh’s arrival in ‘Akká and His suffering in the Most Great Prison as they prepared to present a dramatic presentation on the final day of the program.

The program included music, props and costumes which the children developed themselves.

Counselor Fred Schechter of the International Teaching Center shared news and stories about the work on Mount Carmel.

The importance of story-telling became obvious when one 12-year-old was moved to tears by the story of Bahá’u’lláh’s suffering and sacrifices in the Síyyáh-Chál.

The primary goal of the Institute is to connect the hearts of the participants to Bahá’u’lláh. Participants visited a nearby swimming pool, explored nature, played cooperative games, challenged their bodies with an obstacle and ropes course, and challenged their minds by linking these and other activities to the theme of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant.

The week also included special classes on the Ridván messages, service, teaching the Cause, and prayer and meditation. These many experiences united every heart with a clear focus on service to the Cause.

The children left the Institute glowing and happy, their hearts lifted and joyful—eagerly looking forward to the next Children’s Institute.

Attend a session at one of the permanent schools or institutes:
Bosch Bahá’í School 500 Comstock Lane Santa Cruz, CA 95060-9677 408-423-3387
Louhelen Bahá’í School 3208 S. State Rd. Davison, MI 48423 313-653-5033
Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute Rt. 2, Box 71 Hemingway, SC 29554-9405 803-558-9131
NABI 830 Burntwater Road Box 3167 Houck, AZ 86506-3167 520-521-1064
Green Acre Bahá’í School 188 Main Street Eliot, ME 03903-1827 207-439-7200

1997 Regional School Summer Schedule

Four Corners (Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah corners)—August 4–8. Registrar: Bill Bright, Gallup, NM 87301, 505-722-0039.

Minnesota William Sears Great North Woods Bahá’í School—August 13–17. Registrar: Ali Mahabadi, Plymouth, MN 55441, 612-557-6039.

New York Solomon Hilton Bahá’í School—August 15–24. Contact Stephanie Jaczko, 914-566-7864, or sh-

Western Oregon (Badasht)—August 13–17. Registrar: c/o Lynn Nesbit, Portland, OR 97211, 503-335-0703; e-mail

Tennessee—August 29–Sept. 1. Registrar: Kaihan Strain, Hixson, TN 37343, 423-842-1750.

Virginia, Massanetta Springs School—contact the Education and Schools Office at 847/733-3492 for more information.

Wisconsin—July 14–18. Registrar: Lisa Reimer, West Bend, WI 53095, 414-338-3023.

Wisconsin, Green Lake Bahá’í Conference—September 12–14. Register for rooms directly with American Baptist Assembly, 800-555-8898. [Page 28]

تقویت کتابخانه ملی امری

SUPPORTING NATIONAL ARCHIVES

کتابخانه ملی امری و شعبه ویژه آن یعنی دارالآثار ملی حاوی کتابها و سندها و مدرک‌هائی است که در سالیان طولانی از منابع مختلف و معینی دریافت یا خریداری شده است. تعدادی از این منابع عبارتند از: مرکز جهانی بهائی، مؤسسه‌های ملی و محلی بهائی، خانواده‌ها و افراد بهائی و غیربهائی، مؤسسه‌های دولتی، مؤسسه‌های فرهنگی و امثال این‌ها.

یکی از این منابع که در بالا به آن اشاره گردید خانواده‌ها و افراد بهائی است. بسیار دیده شده که یک خانوادهٔ بهائی آثار امری خود را که اغلب در دوران زندگی چندین نسل گردآوری شده تقدیم محفل مقدس روحانی ملی می‌کنند. معمولاً این آثار شامل موادی است مانند الواح و توقیعاتی که به افتخار یکی از افراد خانواده نازل گردیده و عکس‌های تک‌نفره یا دسته‌جمعی از خانواده و آشنایان در سال‌های گذشته و نامه‌های خانوادگی که شرح‌دهندهٔ رویدادهای تاریخی است که خانواده یا یکی از اعضای آن در جریان آن‌ها بوده و بالاخره کتاب‌ها و مجموعه‌ها و دوره‌های مجله‌ها و آثار هنری مانند نقاشی و خوشنویسی و تذهیب. این‌ها محتوای میراث فرهنگی و تاریخی امری یک خانواده را تشکیل می‌دهد که به دلائلی در اختیار محفل روحانی ملی قرار می‌گیرد تا به این وسیله با نظارت مرجع امر در هر کشور در معرض استفاده محققان و مورخان قرار گیرد و از دستبرد حوادث در امان بماند.

بعضی دلائل که به موجب آن یک خانواده آثار امری خود را تقدیم تشکیلات امری می‌کند به قرار زیر است:

۱- سفر به منظور مهاجرت و اقامت در دیگر کشورها و یا تغییر روش زندگی به دلائل شغلی و بهداشتی یا تغییر در شکل خانواده.

۲- صعود یکی از اعضای خانواده که در وصیت‌نامه خود کتب و مدارک را به محفل ملی اهدا کرده است.

۳- صعود شخصی که وارثان یا بازماندگانش آثار امری آن شخص را تقدیم محفل ملی می‌کنند.

اما مطلبی که به آثار امری به فارسی و عربی بیشتر مربوط می‌شود اینست که خیلی از این کتاب‌ها بار دوم چاپ نشده و آنچه در دست یاران است چاپ اول آنست که در ایران یا کشورهای دیگر منتشر شده بود. در عین اینکه این کتاب‌ها از ارزش "چاپ اول" بودن برخوردارند لازم است که از حیث حروفچینی و تهیهٔ فهرست‌ها تکمیل گردند. کتابخانه محفل روحانی ملی بیشتر نیازمند کتاب‌هائی از این دست است تا هم مجموعه کتاب‌های چاپ اولش تکمیل گردد و هم بتواند برای چاپ‌های تکمیلی بعدی به آن‌ها مراجعه کند. معمولاً طبق درخواست پژوهشگران عزیزی که دسترسی به این کتاب‌ها ندارند، از بخش‌های مورد نیاز آنها فتوکپی گرفته می‌شود و برای آنان ارسال می‌گردد.

از دوستان و علاقه‌مندان به این موضوع تقاضا می‌شود برای دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر با دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی با تلفن زیر تماس بگیرند: (۸۴۷) ۷۳۳-۳۵۳۱

کتاب "حصن حصین شریعت الله"

CITADEL OF FAITH

مؤسسۀ مطبوعات امری آلمان به آگاهی دوستان عزیز می‌رساند که ترجمهٔ فارسی یکی از مجموعه‌های توقیعات حضرت ولی امرالله با عنوان حصن حصین شریعت‌الله The Citadel of Faith تهیه شده و آماده فروش است.

توقیعاتی که در این مجموعه گردآوری شده مراسلاتی است که حضرت ولی امرالله از سال ۱۹۴۷ تا ۱۹۵۷ خطاب به بهائیان ایالات متحده صادر فرموده اند و بدین ترتیب آگاهی از مفاد آن برای کسانی که در این دیار سکونت گزیده اند بسیار لازم است و آنان را با مراحل تحول امر الهی در آمریکا آشنا می‌سازد.

حروف چینی کتاب با کامپیوتر تهیه شده و کاغذ و صحافی آن با کیفیت مرغوب از بالاترین موازین انتشاراتی در آلمان برخوردار است. مجموعهٔ مذکور با جلد مقوایی ۲۶ دلار و با جلد شمیزی ۲۰ دلار است.

دوستان می‌توانند برای خرید این مجموعه با مؤسسهٔ توزیع انتشارات امری تماس حاصل نمایند.

نوار صوتی "گفتاری در روش تلاوت آیات"

LEARNING TO CHANT BAHÁ’Í PRAYERS IN PERSIAN

به آگاهی دوستان عزیز می‌رسانیم که به تازگی خانم شکوه رضائی نواری با عنوان گفتاری در روش تلاوت آیات" تهیه کرده اند.

در این نوار نکاتی درباره تلاوت مناجات‌های بهائی با لحن خوش بازگو شده است که علاقه مندان را به کار خواهد آمد. همچنین چند مناجات نیز برای نمونه با لحن خوش تلاوت شده است.

خانم شکوه رضائی در این نوار کوششی مشکور کرده و حاصل تجربیات طولانی خود را در مورد تلاوت آثار مبارکه در دسترس دوستان نهاده اند.

دوستان می‌توانند برای تهیه نوار مذکور با دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی تماس حاصل فرمایند. شماره تلفن: ۳۵۲۸-۷۳۳ (۸۴۷)

نشریه "شاخسار"

NEW PUBLICATIONS

یاران کاشانی تبار در سال‌های اخیر دست به تهیه نشریه ای به نام "شاخسار" زده‌اند که حاوی اخبار خانوادگی و برخی مطالب امری و عکس‌هائی از اجتماعات گذشته است.

در شماره اخیر (بهار ۱۹۹۷، شماره ۲۱) تاریخچه‌ای همراه با عکس‌هائی گرانبها دربارهٔ محافل و تشکیلات جوانان بهائی ایران درج شده و تحول کلاس‌ها و لجنه های جوانان مورد بررسی قرار گرفته است.

نویسندهٔ "شاخسار" دکتر سیروس توفیق آن را به فارسی ساده و خط نستعلیق می‌نویسد و عکس‌هائی را که دوستان برای انتشار در "شاخسار" امانت می‌دهند مورد شناسائی قرار می‌دهد و حتی الامکان حاضران در عکس ها را معرفی می کند.

دوستانى که مایل به دریافت این نشریه باشند می‌توانند با دکتر توفیق تماس حاصل نمایند. شماره تلفن: ۴۷۷۳-۴۳۳ (۷۶۰)

پیشنهاد مؤسسۀ مطالعات بهائی

INSTITUTE FOR BAHÁ’Í STUDIES

مؤسسۀ مطالعات بهائی برای کمک به تحقق اهداف نقشه چهارساله در صدد کمک به احیاء، برای ورود به حرفه‌هائی است که دوستان را برای ارتباط دادن تعالیم بهائی با مشکلات عالم بشری آماده سازد.

بسیاری از پزشکان و معماران و مهندسان بهائی با تخصص خود به بهبود وضع جامعه انسانی کمک می‌کنند اما تعداد اندکی از احباء در رشته‌های مطالعات دینی و فلسفه و اخلاق و زبان و علوم اجتماعی تخصص دارند. نمونه ای از کاربرد این رشته ها برای خدمت به امر مبارک در زیر درج می گردد.

علوم دینی

این رشته عبارت از مطالعهٔ روش دار جوامع دینی و تاریخ و معتقدات و کتب آسمانی آنهاست. دانشمندان این رشته اصطلاحات و روش‌های سودمندی برای مطالعهٔ علمی ادیان وضع کرده اند و این دستاوردها کمک زیادی به درک جامعهٔ بهائی و نصوص مبارکه می‌کند. با مطالعهٔ علوم دینی یاران خواهند توانست برداشت عمیق‌تری از اصول و تعالیم امری داشته باشند و امر بهائی را به روشنفکران و دانشمندان و استادان دانشگاه ها معرفی کنند.

علوم اسلامی

این رشته عبارت از بررسی تاریخ و تعالیم و نصوص مقدسه اسلام است. حضرت ولی امرالله دربارهٔ اهمیت این رشته تأکید فرموده اند. مطالعهٔ علوم اسلامی وجوه اشتراک بین امر بهائی و اسلام و نیز تفاوت های آنها را معلوم می‌دارد. و ناگفته پیداست که فراگیری زبان فارسی و عربی چه سودی به احباء از لحاظ مطالعهٔ آثار مبارکه با زبان اصل می‌رساند.

فلسفه

این رشته در پی مطالعهٔ مسائل جاودانه و ژرفی چون شناسائی و هستی و معنا و غایت حیات و زبان است. مطالعهٔ این رشته یاران را کمک می‌کند که با دقت و ژرف‌نگری بیشتری تعالیم امر مبارک را مطالعه کنند و دریابند.

اخلاق

این رشته بحث منظم و روش‌داری دربارهٔ درست و نادرست اخلاقی است. امر مبارک بیش از هر چیز میزان درست و نادرست اخلاقی را به دست می‌دهد. مطالعهٔ علم اخلاق به احباء کمک می‌کند که مسائل اخلاقی بهائی را به نحو دقیق و عمیق و معقول به دیگران توضیح دهد.

تاریخ

موضوع این رشته تحلیل و مطالعهٔ رویدادها و بررسی مردم و فرهنگ‌های گذشته در ارتباط با زمان حاضر است. مطالعهٔ تاریخ به درک تحول و تکامل بشر می‌افزاید و بیان و توضیح مسأله ای چون توالی و استمرار ظهور ادیان را آسان می‌سازد.

علوم سیاسی

این رشته عبارت از بررسی چگونگی حکومت و ادارهٔ جوامع انسانی است. آثار بهائی حاوی مطالب ژرفی دربارهٔ سیاست به معنی اداره و تدبیر امور جوامع است. برداشت جامعهٔ بهائی از نظم اداری با استفاده از روش علوم سیاسی عمیق‌تر می‌شود. دوستان می‌توانند برای دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر با مؤسسه مطالعات بهائی تماس حاصل نمایند. شماره تلفن: ۳۴۲۵-۷۳۳ (۸۴۷) e-mail [Page 29]

اعلان امر بهائی در شهر آتلانتا با استفاده از رسانه‌های گروهی

ATLANTA MEDIA CAMPAIGN

چندی پیش به آگاهی خوانندگان عزیز رسید که یاران آتلانتا برای تبلیغ امر مبارک برنامه‌ای تلویزیونی طرح کرده‌اند.

گزارش‌های رسیده حاکی از این است که مردم آتلانتا پاسخ مثبتی به برنامه‌های مذکور که از جون سال جاری پخش آن آغاز شده است داده‌اند و احبای محل نیز عناصر لازم برای ادامه این فعالیت‌ها را فراهم آورده‌اند.

به گفته مسؤولان لجنة ملی نشر نفحات آنچه لازم است همین تداوم در اجرا و پخش برنامه‌های تلویزیونی است.

یکی از پی‌آیندهای این برنامه‌ها اجرای آن در دیگر نقاط و شهرهای بزرگ ایالات متحده است. محفل روحانی ملی برنامۀ تبلیغی آتلانتا را سرآغاز دیگر برنامه‌هائی تلقی می‌کند که از آتلانتا به لوس آنجلس و از پورتلند به دنور و از هیوستن به نیویورک و بوستن سرایت خواهد کرد.

در آغاز نقشۀ چهارساله یک برنامۀ ملی تبلیغی طرح شد که از جمله عناصر اصلی آن طرح نقشه‌های تبلیغی در نقاطی است که مردم استعداد بیشتری برای پذیرفتن تعالیم الهی دارند.

بدین ترتیب لجنة ملی نشر نفحات در سال گذشته شهرهای بزرگی را برای اجرای نقشه‌های تبلیغی معین کرد و آتلانتا نخستین شهری بود که بدین منظور انتخاب شد.

شهر آتلانتا و حومۀ آن حدود هزار نفر بهائی و ۳۰ محفل روحانی محلی دارد و احباء سال‌هاست که بذر امر مبارک را در آن افشانده‌اند.

نقشۀ تبلیغی برای اعلان عمومی امر مبارک بر محور طرح برنامه‌های ویژۀ تلویزیونی و روابط عمومی استوار شده است.

لجنة ملی نشر نفحات در سپتامبر سال گذشته با یکی از مشاوران قاره‌ای و دو تن از معاونان و مساعدان آنان در آتلانتا ملاقاتی صورت داد که حاصل آن برنامه‌ریزی برای اجرای طرح‌های تبلیغی بود. پس از تشکیل چندین جلسه در سه ماه بعد هیئتی برای فراهم آوردن عناصر لازم برای اجرای طرح‌های تبلیغی معین شد و تا ماه می برنامۀ لازم برای هدف مذکور تکمیل گردید.

عنصر اصلی برای جذب مبتدیان یک برنامۀ نیم‌ساعتۀ تلویزیونی با عنوان "قوۀ وحدت نژادی" The Power of Race Unity بود.

این برنامۀ ویدیوئی را شرکتی به نام Satellite Initiative Development Corp. با همکاری خدمات رسانه‌ای بهائی Baha’i Media Services تهیه کرد.

در سال ۱۹۹۶ ویدیوی مذکور در کانونشن ملی بهائی ایالات متحده به نمایش گذاشته شد و با استقبال شرکت کنندگان بهائی روبرو شد. اما وقتی که همین ویدیو برای آزمایش به افراد غیربهائی نشان داده شد نظر آنان این بود که برنامۀ مذکور برای کسانی که اطلاعی از امر مبارک ندارند وافی به مقصود نیست.

برنامۀ ویدیوئی پس از گذشت از ۵ مرحله تصحیح و تکمیل به صورت کنونی خود درآمد که حاوی پنج بخش است که هر یک از آن با مقدمه‌ای راجع به تعالیم بهائی و چگونگی دستیابی به اطلاعات بیشتر دربارۀ امر بهائی از طریق تلفن و کامپیوتر و نشریات آغاز می‌شود.

این برنامه از ۲ تا ۱۵ ماه جون سال جاری از طریق چندین کانال تلویزیونی پخش شد و آگهی پخش آن ۲۴۴ بار به اطلاع بینندگان رسید. در اثر پخش برنامۀ ویدیوئی مذکور حدود ۵۰۰ نفر علاقه مند از راه‌های گوناگون با احباء و تشکیلات بهائی تماس گرفتند.

بررسی‌های بعدی حاکی از این بود که ۸۰ درصد از این افراد از سیاهان و اکثرشان زن بودند. اکثریت ۲۰ درصد باقی را نیز زنان سفیدپوست تشکیل می‌دادند. بیشتر این ۵۰۰ نفر در حومۀ آتلانتا زندگی می‌کنند، تحصیل کرده و وضع مالی‌شان ‎نسبۀً نسبتاً‎ خوب است و از لحاظ سنی ۵۰ تا ۵۵ ساله‌اند.

علاقه‌ای که این افراد به امر بهائی نشان دادند روشنگر این واقعیت بود که در میان افراد این دیار بسیاری طالب و پذیرای پیام حضرت بهاءالله هستند.

به رغم توفیقی که حاصل شده ناگفته نباید گذاشت که این برنامه‌ها کامل نیست و نیاز به تصحیح و بهبود دارد. بعنوان مثال باید راه هائی برای رفع نیازهای افرادی که مشخصات اصلی این گروه ۵۰۰ نفری را ندارند، یافته شود. همچنین می‌باید تعداد بیشتری از افراد احباء در برنامه‌های تبلیغی شرکت داشته باشند.

یک نقشۀ تبلیغی ۱۹ روزه از ۶ جولای سال جاری به اجراء رسیده و قرار است تعداد احبائی که از ابتدا، هر یک به گونه‌ای در این نقشۀ اعلان عمومی امر مبارک سهم داشته‌اند افزایش یابد و تا آخر تابستان ۹۰۰ بیت تبلیغی تشکیل شود و احباء بکوشند هر کدام یک مبتدی با خود به این بیوت تبلیغی ببرند و نیز ۱۰۰ مُبلّغ سیار به خدمت قائم شوند.

آنچه تجربه از خدمات احبای آتلانتا اندوخته شود به کار تبلیغی در دیگر شهرهای بزرگ خواهد خورد. در حال حاضر لجنة ملی نشر نفحات با یاران لس آنجلس همکاری دارد و قرار است برنامه‌ای مناسب با اوضاع و شرایط ویژۀ آن شهر طرح و اجرا شود.

لجنه‌های ناحیه‌ای در دیگر نقاط نیز دست اندر کار طرح برنامه‌های تبلیغی هستند، از جمله دالاس در تکزاس و رالی در کرولاینای شمالی و راچستر در نیویورک و بوستن در ماساچوست و دنور در کلورادو و پورتلند در اورگان و میلواکی در ویسکانسین.

به زودی دفتر لجنة نشر نفحات تحلیل دقیقی از برنامۀ تبلیغی آتلانتا در دسترس یاران قرار خواهد داد. به امید توفیق بیشتر یاران در سراسر ایالات متحده.

دستور کار مطبوعات امری

PUBLISHING AGENDA

در روزهای ۱۴ و ۱۵ ماه جون سال جاری یک کنفرانس انتشاراتی در دفتر محفل ملی تشکیل شد و در نتیجه دستور کاری برای انتشارات در دو سال آینده به تناسب نیازهای مربوط به تبلیغ و اعلان عمومی امر و تحکیم اساس جامعه پیشنهاد و تهیه شد.

در این کنفرانس تمامی ۱۶ عضو سه هیئت تحریریه (هیئت نصوص مبارکه، هیئت جوانان و کودکان، هیئت تبلیغ و تزیید معلومات) و نیز نمایندگان دوائر دفتر محفل ملی شرکت داشتند.

جلسات کنفرانس با یادآوری عنوان کنفرانس "طرح‌ریزی آیندۀ انتشارات بهائی در ایالات متحده" آغاز شد و سپس در طی هر یک از جلسات نمایندگان دوائر و هیئت‌های گوناگون اهداف ویژۀ خود را به آگاهی شرکت کنندگان رساندند.

نمایندۀ لجنة نشر نفحات پیشنهاد کرد که موادی تهیه شود که پاسخگوی نیازهای مبتدیان و عامل رفع حوائج احباء برای کسب روش‌های لازم جهت پرورش تازه‌تصدیقان باشد.

در یکی دیگر از جلسات اعضای هیئت‌های تحریریه دربارۀ نیازهای ۴ گروه به پرس و جو پرداختند. این چهار گروه عبارتند از: سرخپوستان، افراد اسپانیائی زبان، ایرانیان و سیاهپوستان.

در یکی از جلسات غروب ویدیوی "قوۀ وحدت نژادی" به نمایش گذاشته شد. سپس نمایندۀ لجنة نشر نفحات سه مطلب زیر را به حاضران گوشزد کرد:

• تألیفات باید در مردم شوقی برای بررسی بیشتر امر مبارک از طریق تماس با افراد احباء ایجاد کند.
• با اشتهار هر چه بیشتر امر مبارک باید بر حذر بود که امر بهائی با تأکید در مورد یک موضوع خاص شناسانده شود.
• باید دانست که چه مقدار از نصوص الهی را در انتشارات می‌باید نقل کرد و چگونه نام و مقام حضرت بهاءالله را به بهترین وجه گوشزد مردم کرد.

نمایندۀ خدمات توزیع مطبوعات امری مطالبی دربارۀ متولدان سال‌های ۱۹۴۹ تا ۱۹۵۰ و نیازهای آنان اظهار داشت و نیازهای آنان را بررسی کرد.

در پایان این کنفرانس دستور کاری برای انتشارات آینده تهیه شد. پیشنهادهای مذکور را لجنة انتشارات بررسی خواهد کرد و نتیجه را برای تصویب تقدیم محفل روحانی ملی خواهد نمود.

از آن پس هر چه به تصویب محفل روحانی ملی برسد دستور کار رسمی برای انتشارات بهائی در ایالات متحده خواهد شد.

اطلاعات زیر را فراهم سازند: ۱- نام و شماره کارت بهائی تبرع کننده ۲- نام فردی که به افتخار او تبرع شده ۳- نام و نشانی کامل فردی که باید از تقدیم تبرع آگاهی حاصل نماید.

بعنوان مثال اگر کسی بخواهد به نام نوزادی تبرع کند باید نام و شماره کارت بهائی خود و نام نوزاد و نام و نشانی کامل پدر و مادر نوزاد را ذکر کند.

افراد احباء باید برای دریافت رسید شخصی، چک شخصی یا حواله بانکی money order ارسال نمایند. جوامع بهائی باید برای دریافت رسید، چک آن جامعه امری یا حواله بانکی ارسال دارند. رسید تبرعات به نام صاحب حساب (فرد یا جامعه‌ای که حساب بانکی به نام آنهاست) صادر خواهد شد.

محفل روحانی ملی و دفتر امین صندوق از همکاری یاران برای بهبود رسیدگی به تبرعات و سرعت بخشیدن به اجرای نوایای احباء، ابراز سپاسگزاری می‌کنند. [Page 30]

شوراهای منطقه‌ای بهائی

REGIONAL BAHA’I COUNCILS

چنانکه یاران عزیز آگاهی دارند سال گذشته محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده ۴ لجنه ناحیه‌ای تبلیغی تأسیس نمود. این اقدام یکی از مراحل رفع تمرکز مفرط در امور تشکیلاتی بود.

اقدام مذکور مورد توجه بیت العدل اعظم قرار گرفت و سبب شد که معهد اعلی دربارهٔ نتایج حاصل از تصمیم محفل روحانی ملی و نیز امکان تغییراتی در آن و احتمال اجرای آن در برخی دیگر از جوامع بهائی به مشورت پردازند و تصمیمی اتخاذ کرده آن را با جوامع بهائی در میان نهند.

بدین ترتیب آن هیئت نورا در دستخط مورخ ۳۰ می ۱۹۹۷ خطاب به کلیه محافل روحانی ملی فرمودند که گسترش و پیچیدگی روزافزون بعضی از جوامع بهائی، آئین مبارک را به مرحله جدیدی از توسعه و پیشرفت وارد نموده و موجب گردیده است که مطالعات عمیقی دربارهٔ جوانب گوناگون موضوع موازنه بین تمرکز و عدم تمرکز در امور اداری بهائی صورت گیرد. در نتیجه مقرر شد که مؤسسه جدیدی به نام "شورای منطقه‌ای بهائی" تأسیس شود.

بیت العدل اعظم در دستخطی که خطاب به محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده صادر فرموده‌اند خاطرنشان ساختند که برنامه رفع تمرکز مفرط که محفل ملی طرح کرده است با شوراهای منطقه‌ای بهائی شباهت زیادی دارد.

شوراهای منطقه‌ای بهائی از بعضی از خصوصیات و اختیارات محافل روحانی محلی برخوردار خواهند بود. این مؤسسۀ جدید در مورد تصمیم‌گیری در امور تبلیغی و اداری اختیاراتی خواهد داشت و در ظلّ محفل ملّی و مافوق محفل روحانی محلی خواهد بود.

بیت العدل اعظم الهی در دستخط مبارک خطاب به محفل ملی ایالات متحده اشاره فرموده‌اند که نقشۀ محفل ملی را برای رفع تمرکز مفرط در امور اداری دقیقاً بررسی و مطالعه فرمودند. در همان دستخط از بررسی گسترده و مطالعۀ عمیقی که محفل مذکور دربارهٔ طرح خود پیش از به موقع اجرا گذاردن آن انجام داده است اظهار رضایت فرمودند و بیان داشتند که طرح جدید می‌تواند کمک بزرگی به هدف نقشۀ محفل ملی کند. همچنین معهد اعلی اظهار داشتند که لجنه‌های ناحیه‌ای را می‌توان با برخی اصلاحات به شوراهای منطقه‌ای بهائی تبدیل نمود.

بیت العدل اعظم همچنین اظهار داشته‌اند که تصمیم محفل ملی مبنی بر اینکه مناطق ایالات متحده بر اساس مناطق ذکر شده در الواح فرامین تبلیغی حضرت عبدالبهاء، تعیین شود، بسیار حکیمانه و حائز اهمیتی روحانی است.

محفل روحانی ملّی پس از مطالعۀ دقیق اصولی که بیت العدل اعظم الهی مقررّ فرموده اند و پس از تبادل نظر با مشاورین قاره‌ای وظائف اصلی و حدود اختیارات شوراهای منطقه‌ای بهائی را مشخص خواهد نمود.

تبدیل چهار لجنۀ ناحیه‌ای کنونی به شوراهای منطقه‌ای بهائی در سالروز تولّد حضرت بهاءالله، چهارشنبه ۱۲ نوامبر ۱۹۹۷، صورت خواهد پذیرفت. در آن روز ۹ نفر برای عضویت در شورای بهائی هر منطقه توسط اعضای محافل روحانی محلی آن مناطق انتخاب خواهند شد. دورۀ خدمت اولین شوراهای منطقه‌ای بهائی در ۲۳ می سال ۱۹۹۹ به پایان خواهد رسید. به این ترتیب تجدید انتخاب شوراهای منطقه‌ای در ماه می ۱۹۹۸ که زمان انتخابات ملّی در آن سال است ضرورت نخواهد داشت.

این تصمیم تاریخی بیت العدل اعظم الهی باعث تسریع پیشرفت مراحل "دخول افواج مقبلین" و تحکیم اساس نظم اداری خواهد بود که لازمه گسترش عظیم امر الهی است.

فعالیت‌های محفل روحانی ملی در رابطه با مسائل سازمان ملل متحد

NSA ACTIVITIES ON UN ISSUES

بیت العدل اعظم الهی در پیام رضوان سال ۱۹۹۶ اشاره فرمودند که عالم بهائی کوشش‌های خود را در زمینه امور خارجی افزایش خواهد بخشید و به همکاری با نیروهائی که به تأسیس نظم بدیع بیانجامد ادامه خواهد داد.

بدین ترتیب محافل روحانی محلی در سراسر کشور با راهنمائی محفل روحانی ملی در میدان امور خارجی برای تحقق دو هدف فعالیت می‌کنند که یکی عبارت از تشویق نمایندگان کنگره ایالات متحده برای پرداخت تعهدات مالی در قبال سازمان ملل و دیگری ‎تحریش تحریض‎ سناتورها برای تصویب پیمان رفع کلیۀ تبعیضات علیه زنان است.

در حال حاضر جوامع محلی می‌کوشند که فعالیت‌هایشان با مساعی دیگر سازمان‌ها هماهنگی یابد. برخی از این سازمان‌ها عبارتند از: بنیاد ملل متحد United Nations Association و سازمان عفو بین‌المللی (شعبة امریکا) و انجمن زنان رأی‌دهنده League of Women Voters و چند سازمان دیگر که با دفاتر محفل روحانی ملی در واشنگتن دی‌سی و نیویورک همکاری دارند.

سال‌هاست که محفل روحانی ملی برای دسترسی به اهداف گوناگون با سازمان‌های مختلف همکاری داشته و کوشش‌های آن محفل مقدس در مورد تصویب چند پیمان سازمان ملل توسط ایالات متحده در زمینه حقوق بشر و منع شکنجه و کشتار دسته جمعی و رفع تبعیضات نژادی با توفیق همراه بوده است.

ایالات متحده از لحاظ مالی در قبال سازمان ملل تعهداتی بر عهده دارد اما چند سال است که کنگره امریکا از پرداخت آن تعهدات جلوگیری کرده است. مبلغی که تعهد شده بیش از یک میلیارد دلار است.

پائیز سال گذشته محفل روحانی ملی در تهیۀ یک نامۀ سرگشاده به کنگره و دولت فعلی همکاری داشت. در این نامه درخواست شده بود که ایالات متحده تعهدات مذکور را فوراً پرداخت نماید. نامۀ مذکور که به امضای ۱۳۸ سازمان گوناگون رسیده است در ماه فبروری به دست فرد فرد اعضای کنگره رسید.

بیش از ۱۰۰ محفل روحانی محلی از محفل روحانی ملی نامه‌ای دریافت داشتند که در آن خواسته شده بود جوامع تحت اشراف آن محافل از طریق نمایندگان ویژه یا شعبه‌های سازمان‌هائی که در امضای نامۀ سرگشاده دست داشتند، تماس بگیرند و با نمایندگان کنگره دیدار کنند و مطالبی را که در نامۀ مذکور ذکر شده مورد بررسی قرار دهند.

در اوایل ماه جون سال جاری نیز محفل روحانی ملی با همکاری چند سازمان دینی نامه‌ای دربارهٔ پرداخت تعهدات مالی آمریکا به سازمان ملل متحد، به هر یک از اعضای کنگرهٔ ایالات متحده فرستاد.

محفل روحانی ملی در آن نامه اظهار داشت که سازمان ملل نیز مانند هر سازمان دیگری کاستی‌هائی دارد و باید چنان با آن رفتار شود که کاستی‌‌هایش برطرف گردد و روش‌هائی که مانع حصول مقاصد و اهداف آن است، تغییر یابد، نه اینکه با سد پرداخت مبالغی که از پیش تعهد شده مانع هر گونه تغییر و بهبود در آن شد.

به جوامع بهائی توصیه شده است که برای بالا بردن آگاهی مردم نسبت به اهمیت سازمان ملل با دیگر سازمان‌ها همکاری کنند.

جوامع بهائی می‌توانند برای دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر در این مورد با دفتر امور خارجی محفل روحانی ملی تماس حاصل نمایند.

شماره تلفن: ۸۹۹۰-۸۳۳ (۲۰۲) شماره فکس: ۸۹۸۸-۸۳۳ (۲۰۲) e-mail

زیارت اماکن متبرکه در زمان تشکیل کانونشن بین‌المللی

PILGRIMAGE SUSPENDED DURING INTERNATIONAL BAHA’I CONVENTION

هشتمین کانونشن بین‌المللی بهائی در رضوان سال ۱۹۹۸ در ارض اقدس برگزار خواهد شد. بدین ترتیب از ۲۵ مارس تا ۲۴ می سال ۱۹۹۸ زائران ارض اقدس و دیگر احباء نخواهند توانست در کشور اسرائیل حضور داشته باشند.

تغییر رسید تبرعات امری

NEW LOOK TO CONTRIBUTION RECEIPTS

دفتر امین صندوق برنامۀ جدیدی برای بهبود خدمت به احباء، به مرحلۀ اجرا گذاشته است که تغییرات حاصل در آن در رسید تبرعات منعکس خواهد شد.

برای هر چک رسیدی جداگانه صادر خواهد شد. یاران باید در نظر داشته باشند که هزینۀ پُست برای هر رسید مجزا خواهد بود و بدین جهت دفتر امین صندوق توصیه کرده است که برای صرفه‌جوئی در مخارج دفتر مذکور یاران همۀ تبرعات خود را با یک چک ارسال دارند.

وارد کردن اطلاعات لازم در کامپیوتر برای صدور رسید بر مبنای برگۀ اطلاعاتی خواهد بود که احباء با هر چک ارسال می‌دارند. به همین جهت برگۀ مذکور باید با دقت تکمیل شود زیرا کیفیت صدور رسید بر اساس مندرجات آن برگه خواهد بود. اگر برگۀ مذکور در جوف پاکت حاوی چک نباشد، یک کپی چک مبنای وارد کردن اطلاعات در کامپیوتر خواهد شد و بدین ترتیب در خط پائین چک memo line باید صندوق مخصوص تبرعات (ملی، قاره‌ای، بین‌المللی، ساختمان‌های قوس) و شمارۀ کارت بهائی تبرع کننده ذکر شود.

در صورتی که احباء بخواهند به یاد و نام فرد دیگری تقدیم تبرع کنند باید در ورقۀ جداگانه‌ای... [Page 31]

Institute

Continued from page 12

mittee and the Regional Committee for the Southern States produced a whirlwind of consultation, with thoughts and ideas seeming to literally fly through the air.

Each board member felt overwhelmed by the lack of capacity, yet confident that reliance on and obedience to the institutions of the Faith would produce fruitful results.

Two factors slowly emerged from study of the materials. First, the institute should begin to offer courses as soon as possible and second, the development of a “well-designed, systematic curriculum” would be the result of an evolutionary process through which preliminary programs would be tried, evaluated and improved.

The gradual gathering of a core group of believers dedicated to providing training for the friends is, and will be, a critical aspect of this evolution. As this occurs, the factors of successful programs identified by the International Teaching Center serve as benchmarks for evaluation.

The most significant of these seem to be focus on the Word of God, memorization of the Word as an assistance to individual transformation, the use of participatory study methods whereby each is responsible for his own learning, and fostering an atmosphere for learning characterized by spiritual discipline, yet permeated with love.

For initial programs, the board then considered what it knew of three existing programs: the Wilmette Institute, the Core Curriculum, and the Ruhi Institute, each of which has an excellent reputation. After prayers and consultation, the board decided that using either the Wilmette Institute approach or the Core Curriculum approach would necessitate a relatively long training period before persons were qualified to offer courses in those programs.

Because the Ruhi approach did not require a lengthy training period and because there were already trained “facilitators” in the area, the board decided to initiate several courses that involved the Ruhi model.

In addition, after consultation with members of the Auxiliary Board, the board identified several “needs” in the area. For example, some Assemblies were not engaging in systematic planning efforts for expansion and consolidation within their areas. Thus, the board decided to ask for volunteers from among the friends in the area to design and offer courses that would address those needs.

These courses will be considered “experimental” until refined and proven effective. The first of these experimental courses was offered during June. Other “experimental” courses are being undertaken in conjunction with youth teaching projects during the summer.

In the Ridván 153 message to the Bahá’ís of North America, the Universal House of Justice described training institutes as “an indispensable element of a sustained endeavor to advance [the process of entry by troops].” The Mathew Kaszab Bahá’í Institute serves as a prime example of the “energetic response to the call for such institutes” in our country.

Knight of Bahá’u’lláh Margaret Bates dies at 100

Margaret Kelly Bates, a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh to the Nicobar Islands, died in Costa Rica on June 21, exactly three months after her 100th birthday. The following information was provided by her daughter, also a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh, Jeanne Bates Frankel de Corrales.

Margaret actually became a pioneer before she declared her faith in Bahá’u’lláh, when she sold her home in California and went to Nice, France, to pioneer. It was Marzieh Gail who asked her, “Margaret, when are you going to declare yourself?” “What do you mean?” she replied. “What do I have to do?” That night in 1965, she became a Bahá’í.

At Ridván of that year, Margaret Bates became a member of the first Spiritual Assembly of Nice. In May, the Beloved Guardian asked the pioneers of Nice to disperse since there had been so many declarations. In response, Margaret and her daughter, Jeanne, went to Orleans in the Loire Valley. Later that year they received a cable from the Guardian suggesting that they should go to the Nicobar Islands, one of the last goals of the Ten Year Crusade.

Since the situation in Europe and the Middle East was uncertain at the time and the Suez Canal was closed, Margaret and Jeanne sailed from Genoa for Bombay, India, sailing around Africa, teaching all the way.

Margaret was in New Delhi, Bombay and Calcutta from January to late June, 1957, when the permits to go to the Nicobar Islands finally arrived. It was for their work in opening the Nicobar Islands that both Margaret and Jeanne were named Knights of Bahá’u’lláh by the beloved Guardian.

In September 1957, forced to leave India by the government, Margaret and her daughter went to Penang, Malaysia. The following Ridván, the first Assemblies of Penang and Jasin were formed. Margaret also taught at the large winter school of Malacca and Singapore.

In 1959, the Malaysian government asked the Bates to leave. They journeyed to Hong Kong, Japan and Korea. There, they represented the National Spiritual Assembly of Japan at the first Bahá’í wedding in that country.

But their travels weren’t over. Later that year, the Hands of the Cause asked Margaret and Jeanne to reopen the Cocos-Keeling Islands in the South Indian Ocean. They arrived there in October 1959. In December, the Hands asked Margaret to leave Cocos (Jeanne remained there) and go to the Sultanate of Brunei on the large island of Borneo. Later that year she was asked to go to British North Borneo (north of Brunei) to open that country.

While in British North Borneo, Margaret was instrumental in stopping the “kitchen wars” at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, an effort that was honored by Queen Elizabeth II, who also cited her for helping to save the life of the son of the Prime Minister of Ceylon. Margaret received the keys to that country and, most important, witnessed the first fruits of the Faith in British North Borneo.

In 1962, she helped form the Mother Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands, and at the request of the U.S. National Assembly, traveled with Jeanne across the states lecturing everywhere and witnessing more than 100 declarations.

In 1970 she came to Costa Rica where she became a resident of Escazú. In 1976 she went to Orlando, Florida, with her daughter to open the first Costa Rican consulate in Central Florida. They returned to Escazú in 1980.

In 1989 Margaret suffered a stroke while in Orlando Florida. The doctors gave her two weeks to live. “I’ll take my bones ‎to back to back to‎ Costa Rica,” she said, following the instructions of Shoghi Effendi who had told one pioneer that if she could do nothing else at least take her bones to the teaching field and pray.

At her insistence, she was taken back to Costa Rica and it was there that she ascended to the Abhá Kingdom after almost 50 years dedicated to serving the Cause.

Bertha Stirneman, former Pioneer to Switzerland, dies in Paradise, California

The Paradise, California, community is blessed as the final resting place of beloved Bertha Stirneman, who died May 25.

In 1975, when Bertha was 63 years old, she and her husband Paul arose to fulfill important pioneering goals of the Five Year Plan in Switzerland. It was Paul’s Swiss citizenship that allowed them to settle there.

The Stirneman’s arrived in January 1975 and dedicated their efforts to serving the Swiss community in the best way that they could. In October 1979, circumstances required them to return to the States.

On hearing of Mrs. Stirneman’s passing, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Switzerland wrote: “Their outstanding and dedicated services are vividly remembered in the Swiss Bahá’í community. Bertha’s devotion to the Faith is an example for us all. Please assure Paul Stirneman of our prayers for the progress of Bertha’s soul in the Abhá Kingdom and transmit to him the loving greetings of the Bahá’ís in his land of birth.”

Marion McDonald, who pioneered to Chad

Marion Olive McDonald, a beloved handmaid and stalwart teacher of the Cause, died June 27.

Mrs. McDonald found the Faith in July 1969 when she was 55 years old, and proceeded to serve it in every way possible for the rest of her life. By November of that year she was applying to pioneer to Chad, a Saharan country in central northern Africa, where she would be required to use her French language skills.

As a legal secretary, she was able to secure employment with an American company in Chad and arrived in the capital city, Ndjamena, on February 12, 1970.

She assisted with the teaching work, being instrumental in establishing the first National Spiritual Assembly of Chad in 1971 and serving as its secretary during the time that she was in that community. Mrs. McDonald also established the Journal de l’Unité, the national Bahá’í newspaper, which grew to a circulation of almost 1,000 in the 1990s.

Mrs. McDonald returned to the States in 1977 for health reasons, but in July 1978 investigated the possibility of serving internationally again, a goal she would not be able to fulfill. The McDonalds settled in a homefront goal, Trenton New Jersey, and Olive continued her pioneering services there.

When she first applied to go pioneering, Mrs. McDonald wrote on her application: “I have a feeling of deep inadequacy to convey the teachings; but [I have] utter faith that I shall be guided in whatever work I am given to do to serve the Cause.”

This was the spirit with which she taught everyone, including the medical personnel in the hospital during her last days.

In Memoriam

Louise I. Allen Brooklyn, NY February 22, 1997	Maxine Giffen Alexandria, VA May 21, 1997	Albert Killham Overland Park, KS September 26, 1996	Irene Rutledge Heath Spring, SC May 21, 1997
Fred Baker Sr. Diamondhead, MS February 18, 1997	John Gloeckner Columbus, OH May 18, 1997	Adeline Kurzweg Lancaster, NY March 15, 1997	Nelson Iron Shell Sr. Rosebud, SD May 1997
Patsy Burroughs Lenoir City, TN May 3, 1997	Angelita Guerrero Tucson, AZ June 11, 1997	Sigren Lenci Des Moines, IA March 1997	Bertha Stirneman Paradise, CA May 25, 1997
Fulton Caldwell Derwood, MD June 11, 1997	Earline Ham Swansea, SC April 1997	Frank Martin Denver, CO June 10, 1997	Claudia Tanigawa Pueblo, CO April 5, 1997
Edward Carlson Cove, AR May 23, 1997	Eulalia Hernandez Hollywood, FL June 1997	Ezzatullah Nour Houston, TX February 3, 1997	Robert W. Toth Phoenix, AZ January 2, 1997
Alyce Collier Fairfax, VA March 12, 1997	Russell Ingersoll Afton, VA June 7, 1997	Myrle Reynolds Lincoln, NH May 24, 1997	Rebecca Wideman Davison, MI June 22, 1997
Talia C. Ewing Columbia, SC May 17, 1997	Rajab Jaberizadeh Louisville, KY April 9, 1997	Bill Rowe Seattle, WA April 1, 1997	James Woodside Sr. Derby, KS May 15, 1997
Robert Gabiera St. Petersburg, FL May 2, 1997

[Page 32]

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Ye are the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch Bahá’u’lláh

MANKIND IS ONE

EN MENNE SLEKT      DE WERELD IS EIN כּוּלָנוּ מִשְׁפָּחָה אַחַת      NHÂN LOẠI LÀ MỘT ЕДИНСТВО НАРОДОВ      وحدت عالم انسانی TSE XWILNGEX      LA HUMANIDAD ES UNA

SO POWERFUL IS THE LIGHT OF UNITY THAT IT CAN ILLUMINATE THE WHOLE EARTH Bahá’u’lláh

Bahá’í Faith

For the second year in a row the Bahá’ís of Bellingham, Washington, entered a colorful float in the city’s annual Memorial Day ‘Ski to Sea’ parade, part of an international sporting event. The float, built of plastic over a pipe framework by members of the community, proclaims the unity of mankind by translating the phrase ‘mankind is one’ into many languages including the local American Indian dialect, Salish. It was preceded in the parade by a banner bearing the words ‘Bahá’í Faith’ in bright yellow lettering. A description of the float and its message was broadcast live on local radio and seen on local television newscasts as part of the parade highlights.

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 new address, 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. ________________________________________________________________ I.D. # ___________ 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

KAMÁL B.E. 154 • AUGUST 1, 1997

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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; Native American Bahá’í Institute, phone/fax 520-521-1063; e-mail

AUGUST

8–10: Ethlyn Lindstrom Family Retreat, Camp Kiwanilong, Astoria, Oregon, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Astoria. For information, write to Sali Diamond, P.O. Box 887, Astoria, OR 97103, or phone 503-325-1121.

8–10: Texas Bahá’í Summer School, Bridgeport. Theme: “The Four Year Plan.” Registrar: Randy Black, Friendswood, TX 77546 (phone 817-451-1819).

8–13: “Two Wings: Advancement of Women in Partnership with Men,” with presenters to include Mary K. Radpour and Mona and Richard Grieser, Green Acre Bahá’í School.

8–13: Youth Eagle Institute for ages 15 and up, “Every Believer Is a Teacher,” Louhelen Bahá’í School.

9–14: Junior Youth Institute No. 2 (for those entering grades 7, 8, 9), Bosch Bahá’í School.

15–17: Multicultural Family Camp with Dr. Joel Orona and Esther Orona of the Native American Bahá’í Institute, Louhelen Bahá’í School.

15–17: United Spiritual Gathering Council Fire, Neah Bay, Washington, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Makah. For information, phone Gianna Tyler, 360-645-2774, Roxanna Jensen, 360-645-2153, or e-mail.

15–22: Special 85th anniversary session to celebrate ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit, Green Acre Bahá’í School. Study the Tablets of the Divine Plan with Habib Riazati and explore The Promulgation of Universal Peace with Ann Schoonmaker. Three-day session (August 20–22) with Robert Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, to include commemorative Unity Feast.

16–21: General Session with Michael Penn, Derek Cockshut, Jennifer Wilson, Bosch Bahá’í School.

21–24: “Seize Thy Chance,” Regional conference, Kansas City, Missouri, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Kansas City and planned by the Metro Area Bahá’í Youth Committee for youth and adults ages 15–up. For information, phone 816-765-5673, write to Louis Anderson, P.O. Box 920280, Kansas City, MO 64137, or e-mail.

22–27: “Refresh and Gladden Your Spirit,” with Dorothy and James Nelson, and “The Rapid Growth of Bahá’í Development,” with Hassan Sabri, Green Acre Bahá’í School.

23–28: General Session with Joel and Esther Orona, Habib Riazati, Bosch Bahá’í School.

24–28: Helen S. Goodall Bahá’í School (northern California/southern Oregon), Camp Tehama, Red Bluff, California. For information, phone 916-528-0125 or 916-529-5856.

28–Sept. 1: Inaugural conflict resolution training program, Corinne True Justice Center, Denver, Colorado. Sponsored by the Bahá’í Justice Society. For information, write to the registrar, Phoenix, AZ 85044, or phone 602-940-7594.

29–Sept. 1: Homecoming Weekend with special guests David and Margaret Ruhe, Louhelen Bahá’í School. Full children’s program.

29–Sept. 1: Art and Teaching Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School.

29–Sept. 1: Pioneering/BYSC Institute, Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute.

29–Sept. 1: Pre-Youth Conference, ages 10–15, Camp Tabarsi at Onas, north of Philadelphia. Theme: “Achieving Four Year Plan Goals.” Physical activities, workshops. For information, phone Suzan or David Gould, 610-847-0984.

29–Sept. 2: “Advancing the Process: The Role of the Individual, the Institutions and the Community,” with Auxiliary Board member Eugene Andrews, Green Acre Bahá’í School.

31: First Desert Rose Golf Tournament to benefit the Desert Rose Bahá’í School, Francisco Grande Resort and Golf Club, Casa Grande, Arizona. Fun for golfers at all levels. $95 entry fee includes green fees, carts, prizes and luncheon. Limited number of openings. For information, phone the Spiritual Assembly of Pinal County, 520-466-7961, fax 520-466-7984, or e-mail.

SEPTEMBER

5–8: Core Curriculum sessions for Race Unity trainers and Marriage and Family Life trainers, Louhelen Bahá’í School. Also, National Teacher Training Center.

12–14: Decentralization project of the National Spiritual Assembly, facilitated by Farzad Mogharabi, director of the National Center’s Management Information Systems, Bosch Bahá’í School. (Involving the Spiritual Assemblies of Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and Salt Lake City).

12–14: “Prerequisites to Peace,” annual commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Classes for youth, pre-youth and children; nursery for infants. For information, phone Nancy at 970-464-5196.

19–21: Assembly Team Development weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. Also, Persian Women’s Conference on Bahá’í Family Life, facilitated by Dr. Kayvan Geula.

19–22: Core Curriculum sessions for Teacher Trainers and Parent Facilitators, Louhelen Bahá’í School. Also, National Teacher Training Center.