The American Bahá’í/Volume 29/Issue 10/Text

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A call to proclaim equality

From the National Spiritual Assembly to the American Baha’i Community: Launching a fresh effort to distribute the ‘Two Wings’ statement

D*” loved Friends,

Baha'u'llah, the Sun of Truth, has assured us that the only remedy for prejudice—an opinion held in disregard of the facts—is the true spirit of equality and unity. The American Baha’i Community has the ability to ser s a model to our nation in the promo know, the National Spiritual Assembly has adopted the equ of women and men together with racial harmony as our twin foci for the duration of the Four

Year Plan. We must seize the opportunifforded at this time to make a difference in the life of our nation. Our progress will help insure the achievement of human rights for all people and, ultimately, to the attainment of peace.

In the are is to empha n

a of gender equality our role ize the need for a true parthip between women and men. Most individuals are aware of the advances that are needed for equ:

ity in education and employment. But let us consider the sub tler challenges. We must question

Consolidation work for the Councils

Western Regional Baha’i Council members (from left) Charleen Maghzi, Fereshteh Bethel and Erica Toussaint chat with National Spiritual Assembly member Dorothy Nelson in between work sessions Dec. 11 at the Baha’i House of Worship. The four Councils gathered that weekend for training and consultation with the Assembly and several Counselors. Photo by Ken Duszynski

Nurturing Seekers With Love

Local action to carry forward the National Teaching Plan

BY THE NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE OFFICE

lowing up with interested seek ers means bringing to fruition the

success of our proclamation efforts and

giving the message of God for this day to every waiting soul.

‘The beloved Guardian had this advice on bringing seekers into the Baha’i Faith: “Let him remember the example set by ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, and His constant admonition to shower such kindness upon the seeker. ... Let him refrain, at

the outset, from insisting on such laws and observances as might impose too severe a strain on the seeker’s newly awakened faith, and endeavor to nurse him, patiently, tactfully, and yet determinedly, into full maturity, and aid him to proclaim his unqualified acceptance of whatever has been ordained by Baha’u'llah.”

The most effective way to nurture seekers to a full understanding of the

whether deep-rooted prejudi women are g our daily bel In Baha'i communities we mu: whether women occupy equally tant positions as men; whether their voices are truly heard in consultation; whether

election; and whether women and men are sharing in the t ry for community functioning, such as implementing children’s programs, providing food,

SEE EQUALITY, PAGE 8

U.S. scholars support Open University

Iranian actions decried in letters, resolutions

Recs from academic institutions across the United States show consistent opposition to the closure of the Baha’i Open University three months ago by officials of the Iranian government.

On the principle that students everywhere have ht to an edu administrators, professors and students (ly and willing to speak out in defense of the Baha’i Institute of Higher Education in Iran.

‘They are making that support known publicly at special lectures and events, collectively in formal resolutions, and individually in letters to the Iranian Ministry of Education and UNESCO

tion,

are r

(the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). Baha’is on and off campus are contin uing to contact college and university officials in their efforts to raise awareness of the situation in Iran, as requested in November by the National Spiritual Assembly.

‘The Institute, known informally as. the Open University, was the target of a crackdown in late September and early October. At least 36 of its administrators and educators across the country were arrested by agents of the

‘SEE NURTURING SEEKERS, PAGE 18

SEE OPEN UNIVERSITY, PAGE 4

DEcEMBER 31, 1998

SHARAF/HONOR BAHAY ERA 155

VOLUME 29, NO. 10

lLN°S*ID°E:

CYCLING TEACHERS. PEO

ee 8 i KiD’s CORNER - eu 2

THE NATIONAL FUND

Between May 1 and November 30, 1998

oo Funds,

[Page 2]ALMANAC

Some significant dates in Baha‘i history January and early February

January 16, 1845—The Bab arrived in Medina during His pilgrimage to sacred sites of Islam, only days after an edict was. issued in Baghdad condemning Him to death as an unbeliever. The Dawn-Breakers (pages 140-141) describes His knowledge that returning to Persia would mean certain martyrdom.

January 12, 1853—Baha’u'lléh and several members of His family, including ‘Abdu’l-Baha, began their journey out of Persia never to return, after Baha’u’ll4h was banished to Baghdad. The journey through snowy terrain was one of many hardships the Blessed Beauty endured in a series of exiles.

“My God, My Master, My Desire! ... Thou hast created this atom of dust through the consummate power of Thy might, and nurtured Him with Thine hands which none can chain up. ... Thou hast destined for Him trials and tribulations which no tongue can descr nor any of Thy Tablets adequately recount.” prayer revealed about this time, quoted

Ie, —Bahia’u'll4h, in a es By, p. 109

January 3, 1922—The first, private reading of the Will and ‘Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Baha revealed that the Master established the Institution of the Guardianship, and that His grandson Shoghi Effendi was appointed to that position. The will was read to a gathering of Baha’is of many countries on January 7, and the Greatest Holy Leaf cabled the news of the Guardianship to the Baha’is of the United States on January 16.

“After the passing away of this wronged one, it is incumbent upon the Aghsén (Branches), the Afndn (Fwigs) of the Sacred Lote

ree,

the Hands (pillars) of the Cause of God and the loved ones of the Abba Beauty to turn unto Shoghi Effendi—the youthful branch branched from the two hallowed and sacred Lote-Trees and the fruit

grown from the union of the two offshoots of the Tree of Holiness— as he is the sign of God, the chosen branch, the Guardian of the Cause of God. ...” —‘Abdu’l-Baha, Will and Testament, p. 11

February 1, 1959—The National Spiritual Assembly of the United States opened the first dependency of the Baha’f House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois: the Baha’i Home for the Aged.

“(Around] the central Edifice of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar [House of Worship] ... in the fulness of time shall cluster such institutions of social service as shall afford relief to the suffering, sustenance to the poor, shelter to the wayfarer, solace to the bereaved, and education to the ignorant. ...” —Shoghi Effendi, Baba’t Administration, p. 184

January-February 1983—The building that is the Seat of the Universal House of Justice was completed and formally occupied by the Supreme Body of the © of God. “Rejoice, for God hath in this Day established upon thee His throne, hath made thee the dawning-place of His signs and the dayspring of the evidences of His Revelation. Well is it with him that circleth around thee, that proclaimeth the revelation of thy glory, and recounteth that which the bounty of the Lord thy God hath s upon thee.” —Baha’w llah, from the Tablet of C: Baba’wllah Revealed After the Kitdb-i-Aqdas, p. 4 Facts compiled from A Basic Bahda’i Chronology

owered ‘mel, Tablets of

Significant upcoming dates

Ha (Intercala ry Days), Feb. 26-March 1 ng \ ow nar 2-20

ral of Ridvin (anniyensery of Declaration of Bahé’u'llah), April 21-May 2

ine and exercise and move Louts-Davip CALICDAN APOSTLE, a 13year-old Baha’f from Glassboro, New Jersey, received the President’s Award on his completion of sixth grade for earning all As for 12 consecutive marking periods in school. He has won a number of honors for his academic work as well as for service.

ELIZABETH DAHE, Bahai from Polacca and Phoenix, Arizona, received the Patrick Stenger Native American Elder Award, in recognition of her “role modeling” as a productive elder. This was the first such award given by the Phoenix Area Office of the Indian Health Service, which annually recognizes outstanding care givers and volunteers in an area covering parts of four states.

Paut Harris, an 18-year-old Baha’i from Mableton, Georgia, recently earned the Eagle Scout award. His service project involved leading local youth in building a nature trail and bird habitat for an elementary school.

KATHERINE HipPcuEN, 13; MICHAEL Hrercuen, 11; AND Kirstin Cook, 9, Baha’is in Richmond, Virginia, were each honored last spring for making all A’s for the year in their respective grades.

Paut Jacost, a Baha’i from Madison, Wisconsin, received the 1998

Hamilton Community Service Award of the NAACP at the annual Freedom Fund Banquet Nov. 6. He was honored for 16 years of “invisible and invaluable” volunteer work for the NAACP, and was also cited for his work as a hospice volunteer.

MIRANDA PFEIFFER, age 9 and the daughter of a Bahai from Charlotte, North Carolina, was grand prize winner in an essay contest focusing on acts of kindness. Cosponsored by the Charlotte Observer, the contest was entered by more than 3,000 students from two states in grades K-8.

SoHEYL PoURMEHDI, a Baha’i from Beachwood, Ohio, who is a neurological researcher associated with Case Western Reserve University and a private firm, has received a $100,000 grant co-sponsored by the National Institute of Health. He is principal investigator for a research project on rehabilitation for survivors of spinal cord injury, studying the use of high-level cervical neural activity for control of movement.

Maryam Raut, a Baha’i student at the University of Oregon in Eugene, received the Chemistry Department’s General Chemistry Achievement Award for the 1997-98 school year. Born in ‘Trinidad, she only came to the United States a year ago. Her major fields are

pre-med ment science.

Karen D. ScHwartz, a Baha’i from Albuquerque, New Mexico, won first place in the 1998 Southwest Writers Workshop competition, in the young adult short story category with a story titled “The Donation.” She has also written a play produced locally.

Kimserty N. SMITH, a 17-year-old Baha’i from Ontario, California, was honored as the best junior counselor for the United Peace Officers Against Crime program by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. She had served children ages 7 to 12 at a departmentsponsored summer camp.

NOOSHIN STURDIVANT, a Baha'i from Green- belt, Maryland, was one of 350 high school _ students nationwide chosen for the 1998 National Youth Leadership Forum on summer program at Georgetown University, leading to her acceptance into an advanced placement medical program for the current school year. She was also one of five students at her high school chosen to participate in Carl Rowan’s Project Excellence, receiving four scholarships for academic excellence. @

Medicine

THE AMERICAN

BAHAT

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

E-mail/ hetp://tab.usbne.org

PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’is OF ‘THE UNITED STATES

Baha’i National Center 847.869.9039 L_-- ere——__4

Managing Editor / Editorial Content James Humphrey

Managing Editor / Art Director Amethel Parel-Sewell

Associate Editor ‘Tom Mennillo

Associate Editor Ramzia Duszynski

Print Production Specialist Jemeul Johnson

Facilities Manager Artis Mebane

Contributors

Jo Ann Borovicka, Jim Cheek, Jerry Dick, Randolph Dobbs, Ken Duszynski, Caswell Ellis, Jane Everson, Mike Relph, Veronica Shoffstall, Pauline Steinbrink, John Thompson, Bob Weber

PUBLISHED ONCE EVERY 38 DAYS (plus one special issue) for a total of 10

issues per year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United

States, 1233 Central St., 60201-1611. Periodical postage I ston, [L and additional mailin

SEND ADDRESS CHA! to Office of Information Servic 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

ISSN Number: 1062-1113

SUBMITTING ARTICLES AND PHOTOS ‘Tae American Banit’{ welcomes news, letters or other items of interest from individbus institutions of the

should: be clear and concise. Stories may be edited for length. 1oToGRAPHS may be color or black-andwhite prints or slides. Please submit photos e well composed and in foc people in photos wh h photos returned, i addressed envelope.

• Deapuies for upcoming issues:

Jan. 4 for the issue dated Feb. 7, 1999 Jan. 28 for the issue dated March 2, 1999

PLrase apres ALL rrems for possible publication to Managing Editors, The American Babd'i, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (e-mail ).

|_—_—_—__—_.c S EE

©1998 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

page 2 THe AMERICAN BanA’i * ALMANAC/EXCELLENCE

December 31, 1998 [Page 3]

SETS OTN

THE*SE

KO

ao nn ere

S. California friends seize chance for service in wake of hate crime

BY RANDOLPH DOBBS

B greater Los Angeles their longstanding leadership in

unity efforts—were instrumental in helping an African-American family that had 1 fre

n hate crime: fter the Walker family moved new home near ‘Torrance, n October, someone threw a Molotov cocktail onto the property. The explosive failed to ignite but charred the front of the house, causing $1,000 worth

of damage.

It was assumed to be an isolated incident. But 2 1/2 wee ter, someone torched the family car parked in the driv ‘The car was burned beyond repair. The Walkers had moved from Inglewood to a two-bedroom home in a mostly Latino neighborhood because it seemed safe and peaceful. Although it wasn’t the first time a black family had been vic ized in the area, the neighborhood s after the Sheriff's Department pursued hard-core gang members following a violent period last year.

Police and observers have little doubt that the arson was racially motivated.

Questa Walker, who work: and a drug rehabi “Tes re

mmed

afer

for a home

less shelt

ion prom, told reportei lly like burning a cross in your yard. ... there were no words exchanged.

The

misfortune r with stc

ppearing on sion news and in the local ne .

“For a while we thought we we alone,” said Maria Walker. But a surge of goodwill soon grew f red.

om the ashes

Some of that goodwill came from a

concerned ‘Torrance resident. Bob

Questa (front right) and Maria Walker (front second from right) pose with Baha'is

and other friends in the Los Angeles area.

Owens, who is active with A Season for Non-Violence and the Community

Baha'i Center where he and | attend meetings of a race uni

task force.

representatives from the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission,

A. City Councilman Nate Holden's

ind other concerned citizens and

faith groups.

Although no formal agenda was prepa express their feelings. Some anticipated that some solution could be found to the dis their out

everyone had an opportunity to

e of

cism, while others vented

ge at the reprehensible act of vandalism committed against the

hopeful that the Walkers would stay in their new home and not give

ia Walker, pregnant with their second child, no longer feels safe there and is determined to move.

Unfortunately, the couple had spent all oving to the new home and sources were exhausted.

iary Board member Burrell Bullock, who also attended the meeting, suggested that perhaps the L.A. Assembly could set up a huma fund to r Walk The nother part of the center

e contributions for the

nily. ssembly—meeting that night in

agreed right away to establish such a fund. Enough mone d that night for the Walkers to stay, temporarily,

Since that night, a used donated for the Walkers’ use and more than $1,000 contributed to the fund, with disbursements administered by the L.A. Assembly.

was 1:

ina hotel. ar has been

SEE LOS ANGELES, PAGE 31

90" Baha’i National Convention

+ Foundation Hall + Baha’i House of Worship + Wilmette, IL +

April 22-25, 1998

al Spiritual Assembly looks forward towgreeting the elected ‘delegates at the 90th Ba

i’i National

Convention. The Convention will open Thursday evening, April 22, and ¢lose midday Sunday, April 25.

All elected delegates will have reserved seats'in Foundation Hall'throughout the Convention.

Visitors, including family members of delegates, may apply for pré-régistration with this form. Due to limited

space, only those who have Convention. Seating will be

Last name:

Baha’i ID number:

First name:

seating

pplied Awill be.admitted tovthe. Baha'i House of Worship Visitor Center during the ssigned on a first-applied, first-served ba:

Please complete this form and mail to: Conventions Office

Mailing address:

Baha'i National Center Wilmette IL 60091

Day phone:

No phone or e-mail registrations, please

a

Enrollments

November 1998 ......

Since May I, 1998 ....

THE FUND

May 1-November 30, 1998

Contributions received by National Treasurer

Received since May 1, 1998:

$10,031,151

aN

37% of year’s goal

was met

58% of fiscal year

has passed April 30, 1999

Allocations to other funds

Are Projects Fund $1,147,169

Intefnational Baha’i Fund

The two amounts above add up to 18% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 26%)

Continental Baha’i Fund

$237,496

2.4% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 2%)

Other contributions: $336,086

Total revenues and expenses at Baha’i National Center May 1-Oct. 31, 1998 (Latest available figures)

$11,194,162

Revenues

$9,331,964

FE nses

To avoid additional borrowing, some critical projects have been deferred, resulting in revenues temporarily exceeding expenses.

Mail contributions to: National Baha’i Fund 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091-2800 Please write Baha’i ID # on check

December 31, 1998

Tue AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ THe SeconD FRONT

page 3” [Page 4]

Te a Se

CHR TRRRERUM TENANTS

New York celebrates courage of Iranian believers

BY VERONICA SHOFFSTALL

pecial on-stage celebration of the courage of the Baha’fs in Iran drew a full-house crowd to the New York City Baha’i Center on Nov. 2, and parts of the event were aired a few days later on the PBS television program Religion and Ethics Newsweekly. The variety program included mus dance and recitations of the Holy Writings, as well as a brief recounting of the troubles threatening the Iranian Baha’ community in recent months. ‘The Baha’is of New York organized the event on five day

notice, responding to a special request from the National Spiritual Assembly to seize a media opportunity swiftly.

Producers of the TV program originally had wanted to announce the Anniversary of the Birth of Baha’u’llah a few days in advance. But in conversation with the National Assembly’s Office of Public Information, the _ producers became interested in doing an immediate news story on how American Baha’is reacted to the persecutions of their fellow believers in Iran. the National Spiritual ed the New York City Sparicuall Asseuibly, 00 organize an event that would have meaning for the Bal well as providing an interesting film clip for the TV program.

As local Baha’is swiftly arranged the hourlong program, e-mail and word of mouth helped spread notice through the community.

‘The weel

audience

end after the event, a news

Jones of the Office of Publi

report on the PBS program—aired on many public TV stations nationwide— included parts of the stage tribute as well as a few spot interviews.

In the interviews, a cousin of one of the Iranian Baha'is on death row shared her story with candor and eloquence, and

Board member Eugene spoke about the situation of the Baha'is in Iran.

“The news item w

ly what we'd hoped for,” s

accurate and exactVictoria

Information.

Producers of Religion and Ethics Ne tly indicated that parts of the stage program moved them deeply, suggesting that their impressions from the event might positively influence future PBS reports on the Baha’i Faith.

The Universal House of Ju: urged National Spiritual Assembli e such opportunities for publicity” on the recent persecutions in Iran. The U.S. Office of Public Information has long been. developing a relationship with the PBS show’s producers.

Opening with brief remarks by Gilbert Smith, chairman of the Local Assembly, on the troubles faced in recent months by

has

st

OPEN UNIVERSITY, continuen From pace 1

eoecccccccccccce

Iranian government's Ministry of Information. All the arrestees refused to sign documents acknowledging closure of the Open University and pledging to end their involvement with it. Most have since been released.

‘The Institute was created to provide a high-quality education to college-age students who are officially banned from Iranian universities because they are Baha'is. It operated discreetly, holding small-group cl and laboratory sessions in private homes and offic

Here is a sampling of the hundreds of responses reported from U.S. campuses as of early December:

Pustic Discussion © University of California at Berkeley: ‘The mayor of Berkeley issued a proclamation designating Dec. 3 as “A Day of Solidarity with Baha’is in Iran,” coinciding with a campus forum on human rights where speakers included a former Open University part

• Drew University, Madison, New

Jersey: A Hindu studies professor from Harvard University, recognized for her leading work on interfaith subjects, spoke at length about the plight of Baha’fs in Iran during the wer portion of a

public lecture,

¢ Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana: Faculty have invited presenta ns in several c about the Open University situation. Petitions on campus have collected numerous signatures.

• St. Mary’s College, South Bend,

Indiana: The campus ministry requested that all Catholic Masses on campus during a recent weekend include prayers about the persecution of Baha’ in Iran. Facutty AND STUDENT RESPONSE

• University of North Alabama,

Florence: The president, vice president and several deans have written letters of protest. ¢ Fort Valley State University, Fort

Valley, Georgia: The university presi dent i gnatory on petitions circulated campuswide protesting the closure of the Open University. © University of Nebraska at Lincoln: ‘The Student Association passed a “very thorough resolution condemning the recent acts of the Iranian government.”

• Mount Holyoke College, South

Hadley, Massachusetts: The college president and student government have written letters of protest to UNESCO and the Iranian government.

• Oregon State University, Corvall

The Faculty Senate passed a resolution

The New York City Baha’i Choir performs at the Nov. 2 program celebrating the courage of the Baha’is in Iran. The event was videotaped fora PBS news segment. Photo by Mike Relph, New York, NY

the Baha'is in Iran, the Nov. 2 stage program drew deeply from talent within the local Baha’ community. For example:

• A choir of about a dozen sang a prayer

set to Pachebels Canon in D, then was joined by a singing, clapping audience in -style songs with Baha’i-themed lyrics.

Fight-year-old Michelle sefian recited from memory an y ‘Abdw’l-Bahé on what it means to be a Baha’i.

• Kamal Sinclair and Chitra Badii

anced a graceful pas de deux.

© Renowned jazz Longo played “Oling Gillespie composition.

Many viewers expressed pride in the community’ rich pool of artistic talent, and in their ability to produce a highquality show—and bring in an audience of hundreds—on such short not

While the program succeeded in its intent to achieve publicity for the plight of the Baha’is in Iran, some Baha’is afterward expressed disappointment.

No Persian chants were included in the program, and some Baha’is felt the atmosphere was not sufficiently reverent to honor the courage of our beleaguered co

pianis

condemning the action against the Open Unive! © University of California at Los Angeles: A number of faculty have written letters protesting the Iranian action. At an on-campus celebration of the 50th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, the keynote speech focused on the closure of the Open University. e University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse: The chancellor has written letters to U.N. and Iranian officials. ¢ Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland: The acting dean of the School of Public Health is a other prominent administrators the university to follow his lead in writing to protest the closure.

IN THE MEDIA ¢ The Nov. 13 Higher Education published an article on the action against the Open University, quoting an educator at Carleton College in Minnesota as saying the quality of the Open

“is above the norm of

University “i higher education in Ira © University of New Mexico at Albuquerque: The university newspa per published an article about the Open University situation. Signatures

sue of the Chronicle of

religionists in Iran. Others said too few Persian believers were asked for their input beforehand.

Some felt the program was too contrived, and worried that the courage of the Iranian Baha’is was being celebrated less than the chance to be on television.

“There was some confusion about what the event actually was,” said Jan Smith, a

yal Assembly mem New York City $ ber, speaking as an individual and not on behalf of the institution.

“Tt was never intended to be a memoit was a celebration,” she id. “The program we were asked to create was aimed at a particular audience: the viewers of Religion and Ethics. There was some concern that, given the opportunity, the PBS editors might excerpt just what seemed foreign and unusual, whereas the goal was to show our diversity as Americans.”

The Office of Public Information, in a Nov. 3 letter to the Local Spiritual Assembly, praised the response of the New York Baha’is who organized the program to fit the direction determined by that office in consultation with the Office of the Secretary for External Affairs.

“The friends from New York who worked on and participated in the program are to be commended for their understanding of the very exacting elements that were required for this PBS show,” the letter stated.

One local believer noted, “[Some] people may not have agreed with the direction, but there was a high degree of obedience and unity.” #

PO CCHO OOOO EEE EOE EEE EEOEOEEEEEEE EEE E OO OOEE EEE SOOO OOO OOO ESOL EOE OOOO EEOOOE®S

were collected on a petition to send to U.N. and Iranian official ¢ Kent State University, Kent, Ohio: The campus interfaith newsletter has published information on the action against the Open University. BanA’is TAKING STEPS

• University of Tulsa, Oklahoma:

Baha’is here met separately with the university president and chaplain. Both officials suggested a number of ideas for educating students about the issue. © Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, Idaho: At least five colleagues of a Baha’i professor have promised to write letters of protest, after he appealed to several via e-mail while on sabbatical in Switzerland.

• Illinois Institute of Technology,

Chicago: Baha’ al pledges by faculty to write letters on the issue, and a presentation by a Baha'i professor generated interest within the Faculty Senate. ¢ Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia: Meetings with the chancellor and provost were planned after the dean of education received a packet of information with “great enthusiasm and compassion.”

have received sever

page 4 THe American BanA’i * News/ContinueD

December 31, 1998 [Page 5]

Education group draws students into unity

EMPIRE in Yakima area claims list of successes

BY TOM MENNILLO

chool multicultural program in cen ral Washington state, administered by a Baha'i and counting two B: “omiti i is showing g students thrive in

together for EMPIRE (Exemplary Multicultural Practices in Rural Education), a group effort that h: spotlighted

National Initiative on Race.

Randie Gottlieb, a Yakima-area Bah; who administers the program, re reeled off a list of its “Academic achievement has improved, scipline referrals have declined, crossrace friendships have formed, members of rival groups are working and playing together for the first time, parent involvement has tripled and community relations have improved.”

The Baha’ communities of Yakima and Toppenish are co-sponsors of the project, whose leadership team is based at Heritage College on the Yakama Indian Reservation.

EMPIRE brings together educators, students, parents and community members to promote s and an appreciation for ethnic and cultural diffe Participating schools design and carry out their own projects in light of local needs.

‘The consortium has operated for seven years, as the mostly rural Yakima Valley

has grown in population and diversity— and in potential for cross-cultural friction.

The project began with four schools, Dr. Gottlieb said. Each submitted a proposal for a multicultural project and was granted $3,500 for its implementation. Initial money came from the Ford ‘oundation through a grant to the Rural Clearinghouse at Kansas State University.

Different schools had different motivations, Dr. Gottlieb said. Some wanted to “expose a homogeneous student body to greater diversity. ... For others, the need was to help language-minority students succeed in school and to promote harmo

nious relations.’

‘The Yakama Nation Tribal School got involved to increase parent involvement and educate the wider community on the school’s role.

“Indian ents felt no partnership with the school system because of the way government has handled Indian education,” school Superintendent Anita Swan explained. “We wanted them to take an active role and to feel welcome here.

‘The public outside the reservation also had a distorted view, she says. The fa ty started as an alternative school but ince 1980 has been a private institution. To achieve its goals, the school has drawn parents and the public through

various multicultural programs and speakers, Swan said.

One such program is the annual Thanksgiving dinner that honors tribal elders. It features artistic expression from many traditions, including Indian, Hawaiian, Filipino and Hispai

In keeping with Yakama tradition that

itor an item— chain, magnet—idenhool and EMPIRE

EMPIRE’s results speak for themselves, Dr. Gottlieb said.

‘The number of participating schools grew as changes surfaced in the way stu: dents related to each other. School offi y they have grown personally and ionally from the experience, and staff and faculty increasingly accept the need for multicultural reform.

The Local Assemblies of the Baha’is of and Yakima, as co-sponsors, give I annual financial contribution for multicultural activities at the various MPIRE schools Each Assembly also sent a representative to address the schools at the project’s annual fall planning retreat and its newly stituted spring multicultural conferen , a Yakama Indian who is appellate judge for the tribal court and a Ba resident of ‘Toppenish, was keynote speaker for the

Lorentha Warwicl

Friends encouraged to support convention of United Nations Association in March

he 1999 national convention of the

United Nations Association of the United States will be held March 6-9 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. Baha’is are encouraged to attend, regardless of whether they UNA-USA members.

The theme of the Convention is “The United Nations in the New Millenium: We're All in it Together. Building a Society for All Ages.”

The convention will bring major speakers to United Nations headquarters, highlighted by the second annual UNA Members Day at the U.N. A luncheon will commemorate March 8 as International Women’s Day and 1999 as

are

the International Year of Older Persons.

General sessions and workshops will focus on U.S.-U.N. relations and important issues on the U.N. agenda.

Business sessions will give participants the opportunity to help shape the future course of the association.

Any UNA member or representative of an affiliated organization may attend as a voting delgate. Non-voting observers are welcome.

Registration $150 (luncheons extra). Deadline for registration is Feb. 15. Day rates are available.

Rooms at the at the newly renovated Roosevelt Hotel are $155 single or double. This rate available the

night before the convention through the night after. tion, please call 1-888-NY-TEDDY by Feb. 20.

Any Baha’is planning to attend the convention—or who are already members of the UNA-USA—are asked to contact the U.S. Bahai U.N. Office (USUN), 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017-1822 (phone 212-803-2531, e-mail

).

The USUN creating a list of Baha’is, Assemblies and groups who are members of or affiliated with a United Nations Association chapter

Harrah Elementary School students (above) perform at the annual Pow Wow, established by the school’s EMPIRE team and supported by the community. Mary Looney (left), member of the Yakama Nation and the EMPIRE leadership team, makes a presentation on the benefits of mul cultural activities at the Yakama Tribal School.

Photos courtesy of Randie Gottlieb, Yakima County, WA

fall retreat Oct. 21.

Swan said the fall retreat helps school EMPIRE administrators plan programs for the year ahead and obtain valuable input from people of different backgrounds.

She said the school has interacted with the area Baha’i communities in other ways as a result of the program. For example, school representatives have spoken sevetal times at Dr. Gottlieb’s home on topics relating to diversity and culture.

Other sponsors of EMPIRE include the Yaki ley Farmworkers Clinic, Educational Service District 105, the Yakima Herald-Republic, the Yakima Sunrise Rotary Club and_ several dual donors. @

For more information on EMPIRE, contact Dr. Randie Gottlieb at Heritage College, 3240 Fort Road, Toppenish, WA 98948 (phone 509-454-3662, e-mail ) or see the Web site (www.heritage.edu/communit/empire).

December 31, 1998

Tue American BanA‘i ¢ PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES

page 5 [Page 6]

Diverse people, music foster warm fellowship

BY JO ANN BOROVICKA

Som Pressley, his wife and daughters planned to stay at Peace Fest "98 only briefly. But day’s end found them still on the grounds of the Louis G. Gregory Baha’ Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina.

“This is our first Peace Fest, and we are enjoying ourselves!” said Pressley.

Mike Harper, who had encouraged the family to attend, was not surprised. “Didn't I tell you? We're all family here,” he said.

It was the 14th annual Peace Fest dedicated to the Baha’i principles of peace and unity. Music filled the air Sept. 12-13 as friends old and new basked in fellowship and a spirit of racial harmony.

Joni Bishop, a folk singer from Nashville, Tennessee, said, “I see a joyful radiance in the Baha'is. ... And to be doing this all over the world— this is amazing.”

“l see a joyful radiance in the Baha’is. ... And

Members of the Baha’i Junior Youth Workshop of Conway, South Carolina, win the

hearts of Peace Fest-goers at the Louis G. Gregory Bah’i Institute in September.

Photo courtesy of Jo Ann Borovicka, Conway, SC

away as New York and Nevada to volunteer _ their talents, including:

ths unity in © Reggae musijiversity demon- 4 H cian Sarge Dwyer edetrateaieal to be doing this all see aes eee “over the world Carolina. reinforced by the eles . ” . Queen many stage perfor- —this is amazing. Ayacodobae * of mances. Maryland.

One highlight was —joni Bishop, Nashville, Tennbessee B Third

a series of dramatic dances on a powerful theme of unity. Te was performed by a youth group from the Institute area, sponsored by the Justine Roberts Performing Arts Academy.

Performing artists traveled from as far

a

Avenue, a New York City rhythm and blues group.

¢ Triple FX of North Carolina.

• Showstoppers, a barbershop quartet

from North, South Carolina.

¢ Marvin “Doc” Holladay, jazz saxophonist from Mt. Pleasant,

South Carolina.

• Carrie Gerstmann, a country singer

from Asheville, North Carolina.

Other performers from the immediate area included the Conway Baha’i Youth Workshop, Tahirih Moffit and Ruhiyyih Brown, the Louis, Gregory Children’s and Gospel choirs, and the Eternal Light Interdenominational Choir from Plantersville.

Lucy Shropshire, a gospel singer from Las Vegas, Nevada, said the three-day drive was well worth the effort.

The Charlotte, North Carolina, native—whose music is a popular fixture on WLGI Radio Baha’i in Hemingway— said she was thrilled to get acquainted with her “East Coast Baha’ family.”

Jo Ann Borovicka is from Comvay, South Carolina.

High school club creates powerful message at parade

he Baha’i Club of Florin High

School in South Sacramento, California, won first-place awards for its float and “spirit truck” in the school Homecoming Parade this yea after placing in the top three twi recent years.

With a rainbow-like structure overhead, the float carried students from various ethnic groups at the school. In a gesture of unity, the Baha’i Club had invited other clubs to help make sure many cultures were represented.

As the unit approached the judging stand, club co-chairman Robert Vang read a poem by Craig Worthington of Rosewell, California, that was the basis for the float’s theme:

“Full of glorious color, a rainbow of peace/Will connect our planet from the West to the East/And the world will be considered as just one place/And its people will be known as the human race/Oh! what a decade to behold/When

in

A Homecoming Parade float ca Baha’i Club. Photo courtesy of US. Bal

we find in our hearts the rainbow’s pot of gold.” —Reported to the Baha’i Refugee Office by

s some proud members of the Florin High School Refugee Office

a helper in South Sacramento. For further information on the work of the Refugee Office, please call 847-733-3525. @

lowa Baha’i helps lead fight against binge drinking

local coalition to fight binge drinking, that after two years she isn’t being allowed to step do

For now the B:

continues to juggle

these responsibilities and her job as

branch manager of a brokerage firm. Cavite represents the C|

Commerce on the and the president of the University of Iowa asked her to chair the group.

The university’s students are the focus of Stepping Up. Ul is proud to be known for a great education at a reasonable price, but not so proud of a study that i ified it as having a high rate of e alcohol consumption h a Robert Wood Johnson grant, a civic-campus partnership was formed to make a dent in the problem—binge drinking and its secondhand effects on society, including vandalism, harassment, sexual assault, unsafe sex, AIDS, and inappropriate public behavior. Some key actions include:

• Development of a widespread media

campaign.

¢ Examination of policy enforcement at the local, university and state levels.

• Creation of social activities that create a student culture focused away from

alcohol.

The six U.S. universities participating in Stepping Up will be used as a model for other institutions.

Riverside spotlights children’s role in unity

yoke titled “Raising the Rainbow zeneration: Children and the Power of Race Unity” was hosted Oct. 11 by the Ba of Riverside Judicial District, California.

A candidate for Riverside County school superintendent was one of six non-Bahi’is participating in the workshop along with Baha’is from several communities.

‘The video The Power of Race Unity was shown as part of the program, and special activities for children were provided using resources from Brilliant Star.

Walls in the library community room were decorated with poetry by Robert Hayden, Roger White and others. A display by Professor Richard Thomas of Michigan State University titled S. and Baha'i Activity to Eliminate Prejudic A Comparison — from 1900-1990s” was surrounded by materials referred to in the timeline and photos of individuals mentioned in it.

On tables were books and handout materials. One table was devoted entirely to children’s literature. Also available was information on the Los Angeles Baha’i Youth Workshop and Calling All Colors. @

Page 6

THe AMERICAN BAHA’i * PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES

December 31, 1998 [Page 7]

Assemblies share excitement over National Center visits

ional

aes N Spiritual Assembly

ties for Local Sp from around the c

i National Center { House of Worship. coincide val As ‘ings, the visits over the past two years have included talks with members of the National Assembly who share information on new national initiatives and listen to ne rns or quesiting Assemblies.

‘Through an extensive tour and meetings with departm Iso helps Ass

learn of all the resources available to them at their Baha’ Nat al Center.

from

visiting Assemblies and their members have been very positive. Among them:

• “The opportunity to directly

witness how the operation works gave depth, breadth and height to our awareness of how much i: accomplished by so few. You serve as a model for our own growth and development. Seeing how you operate has renewed our sense of direction, enlightened us on what can be accomplished with limited resources and bestowed on us the spirit of love which permeates every level of that building. We feel a new

f your Assembly is inter ested in a special two-day visit to the Baha’i National Center, please contact the Office of Assembly Development (phone 847-733-3490, e-mail

). Those

responding will be put ona waiting list and invited in order of response, as dates become available. Participating Assemblies should be able to bring at least a quorum of their membership. Assemblies and/or their members are expected to cover transportation and hotel costs. The National Spiritual Assembly covers meals and transportation to and from the events and the bata:

connection to the offices of, and individuals who serve at, the National Center. We are sure this strengthened bond will

enhance our own effectiveness.

• “It brought me so much closer to

ha’u’llah seeing the trative Order in proce: It truly is a beautiful sight.”

¢ “(T)remendous love [was] shown to us ... I feel like ’'ve been on a pilgrimage to a very special

place, a home.”

• “We have learned so much

that provides us a greater resource, of unity and family, a closer connection for enabling our own growth as a mbly.” runs Friday morning turday afternoon and ommodates three or four ies. Vis pate in. the monthly devotions and general staff meeting with the National ual Assembly, then tour the es at the Baha’f National Center on Friday while most staff are available. Saturday ac concentrate on the House of ip, including prayers, a tour of the Cornerstone Room and sitors’ Center, a presentation on House of Worship restoration efforts and a chance to visit the Archives and see relics of ‘Abdu’lBaha and Baha'u'llah.

Time is also allotted for the participating Assemblies to share issues, concerns, ideas, ete. with facilitation by the Office of Community Administration and Development.

This has proved to give special value to v that include a number of Assemblies from the same area; for example, most Minnesota Assemblies partici pated in one visit and another included most St. Louis-area Assemblies. @

Spiritual As

Kids work for months to benefit National Fund

or the third year in a row, the Baha’f Ki

Central New Jersey reached its fund-raising goal Fund at Unit Convention— which was $1,000, double the 1997 goal.

‘The effort was undertaken with the permission of the Spiritual Assembly of Piscataway Township, which sponsored the Convention on Oct. 4.

‘The Kids Club, with members ranging in

for the National Baha'i

7 to 12, had met frequently since J

and projects and to create craft items

• International dolls.

° Wreaths.

HUQUQU’LLAH

e to ph

Club of

The Bal and eagerly sta

n its goals

© Wall hangin; and the ringstone symbol.

• Potpourri pots with quota

Words attached to them as little flags.

The idea was to make quality goods that convention attendants would like to buy, preferably with a Baha’i theme, that could be displayed in their homes. In addi tion, they made baked goods wrapped for qui Ki ffed their table before cor

ncorporating a nine-pointed star

ions from the Hidden

s Club set up

during lunch. Buyers paid for the items what they

wanted to ps

rather than a fixed price.

THE RIGHT OF GOD

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

• Dr. Amin Banani,
• Mr. Stephen Birkland,

¢ Dr. Daryush Haghighi,

Secretariat, Baha’i Huqtiqu’llah Trust,

Santa Monica, CA 90402 (phone 310-394-5449) Arden Hills, MN 55112 (phone 612-484-9518) Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone 216-333-1506) Inquiries about Hugtiqu’ll4h should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the

Rocky River, OH 44116.

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

Goop SumMMER News La summer, giving to the National Fund did not show its usual “s ee ina long-observed pattern of lower contributions during the summer months. has prevented the customary bank borrowing necessary during this period previous years. Although meeting the annual goal rem: challenge, it is particularly encouraging to note that the habit of the summer slump may have been broken and that a new and healthier pattern of giving has begun. Congratulations to all of

Receirrina Non-Casn Girts

‘Treasurers often have questions about the proper receipt gifts other than c contributions. As more communiti ters and receive furnishings and other necessary items as contributions to the local Fund, it becomes critical that recording and receipting of these items be done properly. The actual receipt should not list a dollar figure, but simply a detailed description of the item contributed. Maintaining an inventory of contributed items is important and may be done differently for items intended for use, as opposed to items that are contributed for the purpose of being sold to generate additional income for the Fund. For more details on receipting, refer to Stewardship and Development, Chapter 5. (Available through Baha’i Distribution Service, phone 800-999-9019.)

FUND RAISING FOR CHARITIES Raising funds for worthy causes, in cooperation with likeminded organizations, may be a way for Baha’fs to connect with the greater community, helping them to become acquainted with us and with our beliefs. We must, however, be judicious in choosing with whom and how we participate. The Universal House of Justice cautions:

“There would be no objection to the Baha’{ community’s joining with others to give a concert or undertake some other similar activity to raise funds for a deserving charity. Such activities or even the making of donations to humanitarian work should be, and should be seen to be, acts of sincere assistance and co-operation.

“In choosing to engage in such fundraising, a Baha’i community would need to ensure that assisting the charity would not have partisan political implications or support purposes contrary to the interests of the Faith. It would need to watch carefully that its involvement in such activities does not divert its energies from the vital work of teaching the Faith and consolidating its Institutions.”

—Written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, Aug. 20, 1987, Babd’i Canada Supplement, January 1988

“Every Baha'i no matter how poor, must realize what a grave responsibility he has to shoulder in this connection, and should have confidence that his spiritual progress as a believer in the World Order of Baha'u'llah will largely depend upon the measure in which he proves, in deeds, his readiness to support materially the divine institutions of His Fait ff

—Shoghi Efendi, quoted in Dawn of a New Day, p68. +i.

December 31, 1998

Tue American BanA‘i ¢ ADMINISTERING THE CAUSE page 7

[Page 8]

eee

administering meetings, speaking at events, and executing teaching plans.

The role of Baha’i men, as partners in this process, is critical. Bahé’y men must make a concerted effort to assist, encourage, and support women to realize and fulfill the high aspirations that are held for them in the Baha’f Writings. We call upon Baha’i men to confront the attitudes, assumptions, and behaviors that promote the world’s currently deplorable moral climate that denigrates women. Baha’{ men can and must explore ways in which to support the often unspoken aspirations of the women in their midst and encourage them to step forward in action.

Just over one year ago, the statement

Too Wings of a Bird: The Equality of

Women and Men was issued. At that time, we appointed the National Committee for the Advancement of Women in order to bring this issue to the forefront of the American Baha’i Community. Since then, over 100,000 copies of the state

EQUALITY, continuep From PAGE 1

“... a nationwide effort is being i

itiated in which each

Local Spiritual Assembly is asked to present the statement Two Wings of a Bird ... to the Mayor and City Council in their respective communities by April 1999. ...”

ment have been distributed nationwide, and numerous deepenings, conferences, training sessions, public meetings, and consultations have taken place regarding the equality of women and men. A new momentum is being witnessed in the Baha’i community around this vital issue. As a means of reinforcing this momentum, the National Committee for the Advancement of Women has been renamed the National Committee for the Equ: of Women and Men.

In add n, the National Spiritual Assembly is launching a national campaign

focused on gender equality designed .to complement the race unity campaign, “The Power of Race Unity.” A video focusing on the equality of women and men will be released in March 1999. At this moment a nationwide effort is being initiated in which each Local Spiritual Assembly is asked to present the statement Tivo Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men to the Mayor and City Council in their respective commu by April 1999 and to report their results to the National Committee for ‘quality of Women and Men.

We invite you to consider the following

questions in your families, communities and Spiritual Assembly meetings:

1. What should our community do to become a true model of equality?

2. ‘Abdu’l-Baha stated, “When men own. the equality of women there will be no need for them to struggle for their rights!” (‘Abdu’l-Baha: Paris Talks, p. 163) How can men “own” equality?

3. How are we raising our children to practice equality in their lives?

4. How can we reach out to the community at large to share the Baha’i view on equality?

5. How can we use the Tivo Wings of a Bird statement more effectively?

We look forward to receiving reports of the results of your consultations.

Be assured of our ongoing prayers for your success in the closing months of this Century of Light.

With loving Baha’ greetings,

National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the Unit

‘A sharpened sense of the privilege and importance of giving’

BY THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER

elf in a warm, inviting Piscine has ih aga floral arrangement, candlelight, soft music. You’re surrounded by your Bahai brothers and _ sisters and immersed in the Sacred Writings of our Faith. About the room are colorful posters, slide presentations—maybe even some balloons—all designed to give you a hands-on experience that you'll never forget. By the end of the day, you'll have been inspired and moved by the power of the Holy Word, and by the depth of new understanding you'll come away with.

The topic? The stewardship and development of the Baha’i Funds—the “life-blood of the Cause.” he Four Year Plan speaks to our collective responsibility as individuals, as institutions and as communities to devel‘op in ways that will advance the process of entry by troops. One of the easiest, most inspiring and transforming ways of developing spiritually is to attend a Stewardship and Development Seminar.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS Take a look at what participants at recent Stewardship and Development seminars had to say about their experienc

• “The spiritua

| atmosphere set by music and the Writings transported me to that ‘spiritual place.’ The picture of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, the Writings beautifully printed, and the loving and sacrificial spirit of the presenters particularly moved me.”

• “Most helpful to me was the focus on

the responsibility of the whole Local Spiritual Assembly, not just the treasurer.”

• “Learning about more aspects of the

‘aith and about how funds are collected, ispersed, and what they are used for was

JOIN OR HOST A

STEWARDSHIP SEMINAR NEAR YOU

ARIZONA: Glendale, January, Francisco, Jan. 24, 415-431-9990

FLORIDA: Jacksonville, Jan. 24, INDIANA: Bloomington, February, KANSAS: Wichita, February, MICHIGAN: Grand Rapids, Jan. 3,

NEBRASKA: Lincoln, January, NEW MEXICO: Albuquerque, January,

OHIO: Dayton, TENNESSEE: Memphis, Jan. 17,

‘in your fellow community members at a scheduled Stewardship and Development seminar near you. Or consider hosting a seminar.

Together, we'll learn more about how we can change the world through our systematic

efforts to support our Faith materially. Together, we'll learn to put spiritual develop ment into action in preparation for entry by troops.

Here is a partial list of scheduled Stewardship and Development seminars as of early December, with phone numbers/e-mail addresses for information. Many more are in the planning stages. For an updated list and more information, vi Assembly's Administrative Web Site (www.usbnc.org).

CALIFORNIA: Modesto, Jan. 3, 209-529-1936; San Clemente,

COLORADO: Englewood, Feb. 13, 303-770-1190

MINNESOTA: Minneapolis, Jan. 9, 612-789-5718; Roseville, Jan. 30, 612-789-5718 MONTANA: Missoula, Jan. 9, 406-543-0898 NORTH CAROLINA: Asheville, Jan. 30, 828-258-3854; Boone, April 24, 828-264-2297

NEW YORK: Rochester, Jan. 16, 716-436-2184

To find out more about the Stewardship and Development seminars, materials, or program, please contact Jennifer Torrence in the Office of the Treasurer, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3421, fax 847-733-347 I, e-mail

the National Spiritual

Yuma, Jan. 16, 520-783-0052

3; San

3 Orlando,

Kalamazoo, Jan. 30, 616-382-3707

very helpful to me since I am a new Bahd’i. Sometimes these technical things are overlooked when we're just starting out.”

• “My whole understanding (about the

Funds) was changed. I am very grateful for this information.”

• “The quotes and Writings on the

importance of universal participation were most helpful to me.”

• ¢ (The Stewardship and Development

seminar was) “... comprehensive and very well-prepared—very well-done!”

• “The education about the fact that the

concept of the Fund is a spiritual matter, not a material one (was most helpful to me).”

• “I have a deeper understanding of the

purpose of giving to the Faith and sacrificing. I am now better able to explain

this to new believers.”

° “There is ity for the use of our resources. (I

the) re-framing of the ion/purpose for supporting our . I have a sharpened e of the lege and importance of giving—the spiritual import and bounty of giving.”

¢ “The spiritual aspect of the Fund escapes most Western believers with Christian backgrounds, I didn’t realize how important the spiritual connection was (even though I attended the seminar last year).”

renewed sense of pos:

ACROSS THE COUNTRY About 300 people have participated in a Stewardship and Development seminar this *{ year, many of them as members of Local Spiritual

Assemblies. From September through early November, 23 seminars were held in Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, North

Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas. Another 46 seminars have been scheduled; more than 200 are expected to be offered by May 1999.

The manual Stewardship Development, available through the Baha’i Distribution Service at 800999-9019 for $10.95 new 1998 Additior ion to the semin

and

h (including compan

S. is comprehensive resource includes selections from the Holy Writings and practical instruction in the spiritual principles and their applications.

The Universal House of Justice encow 1 to play a part in the process of entry by troops by developing ourselves materially and spiritually. Get ready to be inspired and moved—attend a Stewardship and Development Seminar!

page 8

‘Te AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ News/ContinueD

December 31, 1998 [Page 9]

saree aaa

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December 31, 1998

[Page 11]

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fy with. ships and triumphs, and, most importantly, his example the full-color illustrations in the book. Sharing this with your child will leave an impression they won't soon forget.

9 1/4” x7 1/4”, 45 pp., illustrations Baha’i Publishing Trust, U.S.

by William S. Hatcher

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5 1/2” x 8 1/2”, 155 pp.

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December 31, 1998 Tue American BanA’i ¢ BAnA’l DisTRIBUTION SERVICE page II [Page 12]

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page 12. THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ Kin’s CoRnNeR December 31, 1998

TAB/12.31.98 [Page 13]

BEHIND-THE~ CAMERA PROFESSIONALS SAY THEY FOCUS ON PUTTING DEEDS, NOT WORDS, IN FOREFRONT

wr role did your profession play in your decision to become a Baha’i and how has becom ing a Bah4’i influenced steps you have taken within the field?

Joseph Galata: I first discovered the Baha’i Faith as an adolescent, dancing with a troupe performing in Israel. An Israeli government agency put me on a kibbutz up the road from ‘Akké. A group of Israeli soldiers took me there every Saturday when the kibbutz closed down. Ld sit in Bahji gardens and bring all these dancers I knew from around the world.

I left Israel and ended up dancing in the Broadway musical Jesus Christ Superstar. Every night we'd end the show lying on stage, and I’d hear people from the audience as they left, talking about spirituality, God, religion, going back to church, etc. By this time I was reading everything I could get my hands on about Baha’f and communicating with Baha’i institutions. It was difficult trying to figure out how to blend old i cultural traditi mandates, laws with thi

What made me d

new religion. re was: I met a and man who were introduced me ist and asked me to come to a private fireside. After a few prayers and readings they told me the story of the Purest Branch and I said I wanted to do a Gypsy dance in honor of the Purest Branch. So they tossed aside the furniture in the living room and I danced Gypsy and then the old couple started dancing with me, with other, and ntually I think we forgot about each other and just danced like a bunch of whirling dervishes for God alone. That was it for me!

‘Then every night during Jesus Christ Superstar V'd lie there on the stage while the audience exited and I’d whisper over and over “Ya ‘l-Abha” for each

member of the audience.

Phil Lucas: When I declared my faith in Baha’w'llsh in 1964, T was a newly sober entertainer playing guitar and

singing in nightclubs. I soon decided that promoting alcohol was probably not the Baha’i thing to do, so went back to college and got a degree in visual commu I simply wanted to influence people in a positive way and felt that film would provide a powerful vehicle to do that.

Andrew Newell: Although I wouldn’t have said it at the time, art was my religion of choice before I became a

ations.

COMPILED BY TOM MENNILLO

aha’is who develop films and television programming recognize the great

potential that these media hold for uniting humanity. But they caution that wisdom must govern our efforts to use the big and small screens in advancing the Cause of God. Focus on deeds, not words, they say, and let the beauty of the Faith speak for itself. Four behind-the-camera professionals responded to the survey, sent out via e-mail and personal letters. We present their answers, edited for length.

ABOUT OUR RESPONDENTS

“California Bob” Dix Brimmer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is an actor, writer and producer whose Hollywood credits go back to the 1950s. Today he focuses on Baha’is of Milwaukee Productions, which makes programs to air on the Milwaukee Access Television Authority. Topics include race unity and helping America fulfill its destiny to lead the world spiritually. “The pay is not much, but you can’t buy peace,” he says.

Joseph Andrejchak Galata of Reno, Nevada, is founder and artistic director of Lanakila Consulting, which produces television, video, stage productions and multicultural festivals. He recently produced a TV documentary in the People’s Republic of China on the art of Chinese storytelling and hosted a series of programs on the Holocaust that won numerous national and international television awards. Galata also facilitates workshops and seminars on creativity, spirituality and psychology and is a university faculty member.

Phil Lucas of Issaquah, Washington, is a writer, director, producer and actor. The Choctaw Indian owns Phil Lucas Productions Inc., which develops documentary films and television programs on topics relating to America’s indigenous peoples. A TBS series of which he directed an episode won an Emmy, and several of his films have earned awards at festivals.

Andrew Newell of Atlanta, Georgia, is network operations coordinator for TNT, an entertainment-oriented cable channel that is part of the Turner Broadcasting Systems division of Time-Warner Inc. He also is an independent film director and writer.

God!

s loved art, particularly of self) Thank you, ¢

k you,

nd music, and through them I Since then, I judge eve

artistic work rd and feel so din my efforts.

Bob Dix Brimmer: I had been a contract actor before 1956, the I became a freelance actor and h about the Bah aith from my draseemed dangerous and I always felt very matic coach. ‘The Faith was new to uncomfortable about it. I bounced all both of us, and after about -1 months of both Bal

movies felt I could see what it meant to “touch

God.

Before I became a B: Jost as an artis!

, | was very Tt seemed I was always being encouraged to follow my ions, whatever they might be. This

six

over the map trying to find guidance study became

‘is. It was my turning point.

we

often made certain producers, directors,

actors, etc. into demi-gods. I'd be dead today if it wasn’t for the

My first independent feature film was guiding light of the Blessed Beauty. I about a man who was obsessed with was the son of Richard Dix, a movie telling the truth—I’m convinced the — star, and

to make it

that imp ‘ tion, two homes staffed with servants, beautiful people all around and their kids were my pla es. . Thanks to my mother, I

dec

ion accelerated my search process. sh many ups and downs, I came to see that the truth I thought was art was actually God.

I was elated! Through the principles of the Faith, I finally could know with certainty the pi function it had in soci to get clear of the br

I have learned that one mez

“0” not in my life, guess who moved!

pose of art and the

ty. | was allowed is “ease God out.” And if God is

rs and brambles

“We need to create professional projects which will spiritually move audiences, not use the arts as a means of preaching.”

—Joseph Galata, Reno, Nevada

Ww" particular daily challenges do you face in your work because of your beliefs?

Phil Lucas: Over the past 23 years I have made over 75 films and video programs, all dealing with Native American subjects. As a Baha'i I was, and still am, compelled to correct the abuses of history and to promote and foster a better understanding between the dominant society and the indigenous peoples we call Native Americans.

The daily challenges, in my work, to my beliefs are few, as [ own my own company and choose the projects carefully.

Bob Dix Brimmer: In the movie industry, daily there are challenges to the standards set by ‘Abdu’l-Baha for living the life. But I think it’s the same in every profession. Western culture is “out there”: ‘The fast lane, fancy cars, pretty people, false gods, position, power and fast-buck al are in all our lives. And very few people are interested in God’s Plan for m:

Joseph Galata: None. When you grow up a minority in a very prejudicial society you either compromise your beliefs to survive or you hold onto your beliefs and take the lumps—and there are plenty of lumps. For some reason, I was born with this abso

I —————————= “[I] am compelled to correct the abuses of history and to promote ... better

understanding between the dominant society and the

indigenous peoples. ...” —Phil Lucas, Issaquah, Washington

lute inability to compromise my principles. lenges in my work

be ) ‘or maybe T do; ’'m just oblivious to such. My old Gypsy grandmother who just died at the age of 101 used

iod gave us two choices:

to always tell m laugh or cry. You bett

laugh in my house, because in my home the only place you're gonna find sympathy is in the dictionary!” Andrew Newell: I sense that the many Christians here at work who are fervently praying for me because of my “strange” faith. Other challenges relate to backbiting, gossip, and the incessant want of people to relate everything to sex. I ty to steer people away from these practices

and often get teased.

s company to be ripe 1 continue to

through unconscious deeds—I see people drawn to them. People apolog ing, or for talking about topic. They and often mal

ppropriate nce On race unity supportive comments.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

December 31, 1998

THe AMERICAN BanA‘i * STATE OF THE PROFESSION

page 13 [Page 14]

SIO

“[T]HERE MUST BE REVIVED AMONG THE INDIVIDUAL BELIEVERS A SENSE OF MISSION, A FEELING OF EMPOWERMENT TO MINISTER TO THE URGENT NEED OF HUMANITY FOR GUIDANCE AND THUS TO WIN VICTORIES FOR THE FAITH IN THEIR OWN SPHERE OF LIFE.”

—Universal House of Justice, from the May 19, 1994, letter to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baba’ts of the United States

ie there a fine line you have to tread a

bringing a Baha’i perspective to your work?

Joseph Galata: I just constantly think of Shoghi Effendi, my hero, who wrote so much about using wis dom in teaching. When _ people watch a televison show, or attend a theater production or a dance concert, they want to be entertained and inspired, but not _ necessarily informed and most definitely not preached to. Recently, I was filming a television show in New York City. I took my daughters to a Gypsy dance

program down in the Village— nging, dancing, hollering and shouting until the dancers and

singers and m ans were hoarse. The audience didn’t understand one word, but I saw the audience sobbing and sobbing and sobbing. If I passed out cards asking people to give up their race or ethnic heritage and convert to be a Gypsy, the cards would have been signed with tear stains, because the audience members were moved to the depth of their souls. That’s what we want in life: to feel! To have our souls moved! I try to create Baha’i beauty in my work, but I don’t turn my work into Baha’i firesides.

Phil Lucas: There is indeed a fine

line to be trod in bringing a Baha’i perspective to my work. I have to let the works themselve ak tot have yet to do an overt “Bahé but my work is permeated sensibility of the teachings.

Bob Dix Brimmer: In my work today as a producer, I share the Faith at many levels. With my coworkers, people I meet everywhere and, most importantly, in relationships both personal and professional, I try to live by the code, “Let deeds, not words, be your adorning.” Believe me, easier said than done. Road rage comes to mind!

Andrew Newell: No, because I think teaching by deeds works the best in a job setting. It’s when I cross into the realm of utterance that I have to be more careful and remember Baha’u’llih’s words: “Not everything that a man knoweth can be disclosed, nor can everything that he can disclose be regarded as timely, nor can every timely utterance be considered as suited to the capacity of those who hear it.” This often means I have to subtly direct people to reach conclusions on their own, or encourage them when they exhibit virtuous behavior. I spend a good deal of my time listening to people, building friendships and trying to encourage unity.

film, h the

what extent is your profession

cen by its practitioners and the

public as a catalyst for unifying the forces of society?

Andrew Newell: I don’t think people in this profession realize the wei they have in regard to promo

anything, they might see entertainment as having the opposite poten the potential to corrupt. where people consider the possibility of positive, virtue-based programming, they overwhelmingly say it can’t

nterviewed for a position as a veteran news producNN. The impression I got was he and other “hardened” news onals were just ideal had been beaten into submission over the course of their careers. It might just take the slightest shift to reengage their idealism.

Phil Lucas: It’s very hard to judge how your work is a catalyst for unifying the forces of society. However, The Honour of All has had an enormous impact on the Native American sobriety movement and has transcended cultural bounds to impact the

_dominant society. The same is true of

Healing The Hurts, which is being

used by Healing Racism chapters all across the country.

Joseph Galata: When people’s souls are touched to the depths and people discover spiritual feelings, then an audience is united. Recently I saw the Broadway production of the musical Ragtime about dealing with prejudice at the turn of the century— upper-class Caucasians, povertystricken African-Americans and starving immigrant Jews. The best Broadway musical I’ve ever seen! It moved the audience to jump out of their seats and cheer and cheer and cheer. That audience was filled with Jews, African-Americans, Caucasians and we were united because we saw Phat’s what this Faith is all about. Beauty. Baha’u’lléh isn’t called the Blessed Beauty for any other reason than what? Beauty from God!

Bob Dix Brimmer: Movies have the power to unify hearts all over the planet. Unfortunately, they are not being used for that purpose. My fellow writers have nicknamed me “Preacher High Pockets” because I fight to bring to the screen hope for the human family. We would go round and round about sex and violence. A quick glance at your local video store and you will see what a great influence I have had regarding the finished product!

“A little schooling and a very nominal fee and you can broadcast your ideas, your stories, your programs to your community [on public access TV]. The process of entry by troops will be greatly

enhanced by your efforts, I’m sure.”

—Bob Dix Brimmer, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

ww can Baha sion’s evolution, encourage young people to enter the field)?

Bob Dix Brimmer: What can we do to effect change? We must get the Word of God as a foundation to storie: Every deepened Baha’i has somethir to offer. Become producers. Go to your local cable ac 'V broadcast center and tell them you want to become a “producer/member.” It’s already set up by the FCC and their deal with the cable companies. A little schooling and a very nominal fee and you can broadcast your ideas, your stories, your programs to your community. The process of entry by troops be greatly enhanced by your efforts, I’m sure. All aspects of putting ideas on videotape, live programming and TV broadcast

ing, including work both in front of and behind the

Joseph Galat: professional dancer, musician, writer, actor, singer, ete. speak the s sentence difference between professional produc tions and community proclamations! Community proclamations tend to be produced very ely with no salaries paid to the artists. Professionals will say you get what you pay for. We need to create professional projects which will spiritually move audiences, not use the arts as a means of preaching.

Recently I was teaching courses on creativity and spirituality at Maxwell

who

Baha’i School [in British Columbia]. ‘The kids showed me a theatrical program they had produced with a fabulous Baha’i dancer and choreographer from Nevada. The program is professional in quality, and non-Baha’is are flocking to see these kids perform this pi

Andrew Newell: When I focus on. Baha'i principles, I have the most success. For instance, I am developing a friendship with the Equal Opportunity Employment human resources representative, trying to be informative and to encourage her to assert her ideas and plans. At a company picnic, I encouraged the bosses to give the leftover food

is in your profession do individually or collectively to foster a catalytic role (assist the exploration of these issues, influence the profes to a group of nearby homeless people. s of actions can affect the acters of those working in entertainment, which therefore affects the ions they make relating to enternment. Outside of the company, I can network with other media professionals and consult on ways to exert influence in areas where we have open doors. Phil Lucas: I personally don’t think we need to organize media groups, entertainers and artists. But as professionals we need to always serve the people first. Through service comes the opportunity to demonstrate the veracity of the Baha’s Faith. @

page 14 THe AMERICAN BanA’i © STATE OF THE PROFESSION

December 31, 1998 [Page 15]

Baha’ Institutions Are Gifts from Baha’u’ll4h to the World

Why is it important that only Baha’is give to the Baha’ Funds?

Shoghi Effendi explained that it is because Baha’f_ Institutions are Baha’u’llih’s gifts to the world and that it is for the protection of the Faith:

“He wishes me to stress again that under no circumstances the believers should accept any financial help from non-Baha’is for use in connection with specific administrative activities of the Faith such as the Temple construction ft ier local or national Baha’

Institutions which the Baha’is are gradually building are in the nature of gifts from Baha’u’llah to the world; and secondly the acceptance of funds from

non-believers for, specific. Baha'i use i\would, sooner or later, involve the Baha'is into unforeseen complications and difficulties with others, and thus c ncalcdlable harm to the body of the C;

(From) | letter written on the Guardia n’s behalf dated April 14, 1934, quot "in the C Jompilation of

Compilations, Vol. 1, p. 548)

© What might be considered as “unforeseen complications and difficulties?”

¢ In what ways does the principle that only Bal give to the Funds help to foster unity?

Firesides: Who, When, Where

BY JERRY DICK

Second of two parts

les issue, we learned what a fireside

is and how often we should have one. Now the task of implementing them begins.

For the youth, this process can really simplify our teaching. We can invite our non-Baha’i friends over to our home, serve them some refreshments and introduce them to a few of our Baha’s friends. A relaxed atmosphere would make everyone more comfortable when they meet.

If the home of a Baha’f youth is unavailable, we can invite our friends to a popular eatery that is conducive to an atmosphere of discussion—someplace where people can hear themselves talk.

Just as important is the choice of Baha'i youth that you invite to meet your friends. Obviously we want to give a good impression of the Faith to our friends and to answer any questions, so we would need to balance the attributes of deepened knowledge of the Faith, a goodly character and, hopefully, the ability to be cool.

A goodly character is perhaps the most important of those three, since much of the teaching is done in simple interaction.

Ideally, we should speak to our friends

The National Youth Committee would appreciate receiving copies of

ALL BAHA'I YOUTH (a0): 8Ce7 WHO) hl ital Oi NE SPRY YW EA)

at our national office. Please forward a copy to the NEU Cte cCM LUT Wd National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL, 60201.

¢ United Nations Association, of

the United St: (UNA-USA)

recently launched its 1999 national high

school essay contest with the topic:

Who Needs Whom: Why the a Needs the United Nations.

If you are in grade 9-12 and interested in why the U.N. is important to people across the United States—not only the country as a whole—then consider, entering an essay on these questions: “As we approach the next milleniu the U.N. faces its greatest challenge, Every aspect of the U.S./U.N. relationship is in question, from financial obligations to the role of the U.N. .in peacekeeping, to the continued U.S. commitment to economic and social development. America’s leadership folé

‘information, please contact John R.

“of America,

who questi yn the ee) of the organization to the United States as we move into the next millenium. Is there really a need for.so ~ many U.N. agencies? Is it worth the cost? And maybe the most fundamental question: Why should the U.S. bea! Header i in the U.N. community?” Entry deadline is May 3. For more

Gagain Jr., assistant coordinator, Model wi. and Education Programs, United tions Association of the United States New ork, NY 10017-4706 (phone’212-907. 6, fax 212- ne 9185," e-mail or, see the Web site finausa, ai ree

i How Many Firesides? gm

“The power of action in the believers is unlocked at the level of individual initiative and

surges at the level of collective volition.”

—Universal House of Justice, letter dated May 19, 1994, to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States

At the encouragement of the National Youth Committee, college clubs across the country rallied around an intense fireside campaign with the goal of 500 FIRESIDES NATIONWIDE BY THE END OF THE FALL SEMESTER. With the semester at a close, please report all your individual or group firesides by Jan. 10 to the National Youth Committee (phone 847-733-3499, e-mail ) so we can compare our action with our goal.

about the Faith, and if they show a favorable response we can invite them to meet a couple of other Baha’{ youth in a fireside setting—as described above. For this we need to acquire teaching skills.

We should practice introducing the Baha’i Faith in our conversations. In the course of casual interaction we can find ways of mentioning the teachings of Baha’u'llah. It is not as difficult as it at first appears—we can relate the Baha’{ teachings to just about anything.

But some things this requii

¢ A certain amount of deepening.

• Memorizing key phrases for use in

simply say “the Baha’? Writings say

r “Baha'u'llah says ...” If t parks interest, some people will eventually ask us to tell them about Baha’u’lléh.

Youth have a special responsibility to host a personal fireside every Baha’i month and to understand some of the skills and requirements for these firesides. Throughout the history of the Faith, youth have arisen and been in the vanguard of the teaching efforts. Undoubtedly, the future be filled with even more glorious successes.

This piece was based on a collection of Baha’i Writings about the nature of fire

different situations. That will allow us to _ sides compiled by Darren Hiebert. @

Dancing in tribute

The Regeneration Bahai Youth Workshop performs for the commemoration of the Birth of Baha'u'llah in Somerset, New Jersey. The workshop is made up of young Baha'is from the Mercer County, New Jersey, area. Photo by Bob Weber, Allentown, NJ

Pledges are coming in from all ages, from all over the country! Seize the opportunity to contribute to the pledges of Heroic Deeds of Service to the Cause that the National Youth Committee will send to the Universal House of Justice.

To learn more about the campaign, check out the National Youth Committee Web page at the Administrative Web Site (www.usbnc.org).

To participate in this campaign, please contact the National Youth Committee, c/o Baha’i National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201

(e-mail )

“We look to the members of the Baha’i community

in the United States to perform, during the Four

Year Plan, heroic deeds of service to the Cause, which will astonish and inspire their fellow-believers throughout the world.”

—Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 153 B.E. message to the Baha’is of North America

December 31, 1998 Tue AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ Yourn page 15 [Page 16]

Two-wheeled touring and teaching

Arizona couple embark on a rolling proclamation through the end of the Four Year Plan

BY TOM MENNILLO

hey’ve been run off the road and

had motorists run off the road rubbernecking them. Been bitten by dogs, endured hailstorms, and survived interminable hi But the

freewheelin’ Knudsons,

Jerome and Lucia, keep pedaling their dream of traveling by bicycle to teach through the end of the F izon:

ur Year Plan.

The Kingman, A their tre the De: Conference November 1997. Since then, they have covered 27 states and a Canadian province, accepting rides at times to stay on schedule but mostly churning away on their recumbent bik jometimes they stay in motels, sometimes with Baha’i families.

Along the way, Jerome and Lucia have brought the Baha’i message to thousands.

Whether it be in a coffeehouse or bike shop, they find a way to bring up the Faith in just about every encounter. Then there are the 8- by 12-inch BAHAI FAITH banners on their bikes and the “I’m a Baha’i, Ask Me Why” Tshirts on their backs.

Of course, the unusually shaped bicycles are an instant conversation starter themselves.

Perhaps most important, the Knudsons have assisted dozens of Baha’i communities—mostly _isolated—with teaching. They’ve spoken at firesides and socials, taught children’s classes, met with Baha’ youth, and given numerous newspaper and radio/television interviews arranged by the friends.

Peace park blossoms in Michigan

eed Baha'i property in Muskegon,

higan, is serving residents of an inner-city

They've also had the bounty of helping out at the Louis G. Gregory and Native Ame: Baha’i_ Institutes, Green Acre Baha’{ School, and the Baha’i House of Worship.

“The quotation ‘be not content with the ease of a passing day’ [from the Hidden Words] motivates me to get out and teach even on a day off,” Jerome said.

Evidence of how that work pays off comes in stories of how the cyclists’ journey has touched people.

In Savannah, Georgia, Jerome Knudson was the key sp cessful Baha’ social in a park interviewed by a local telev tion, local Baha’i Michael O’Ne: He also taped a program for the Baha’i community’s ongoing public access TV series.

His visit also caused the community to step up its consultations on making the be: of traveling teachers, O’Neal said, and that will pay dividends for years to come.

Jerome Knudson’s ground-level tour of North America is a continuation of efforts that go back to 1976, when he got out of the Navy.

“I went to see the House of Worship,” Jerome recalled. “When I flew back to Southern California I had less than one dollar in my pocket, and I liked how that felt.”

Later, he rode and drove to the 1977 National Youth Conference and in the next two years pedaled the length of California and to Colorado.

In 1982, he adopted a pattern of traving teaching advised by the National ‘Teaching Committee. “I send out a letter of introduction and schedule to com

to electricity.

‘The Baha’i Peace Park was dedicated Aug. 8 as

\ EG “S|

Jerome and Lucia Knudson pause before the gardens at the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette on the Illinois leg of their year-round journey across the country on

bicycle. Photo by Caswell Ellis

munities and ask how I can be of service,” he explained.

To fund this lifestyle, many years he worked in the winter and traveled the rest of the year. For this trip, the Knudsons saved up enough to stay on the road through the end of the Plan.

Lucia came into the picture in 1994. She had always enjoyed bicycling, but when she met Jerome he coached her on how to pedal for fitness.

Rides of up to 30 miles a day soon became 60 miles a day, and she knew she could sustain a cross-country trip.

“Youth have the Baha’f Youth»Service Corps,” she said. “Adults who. become Baha’is—I declared seven years ago— don’t have that same flexibility.”

So think of this as her year, or two, of service. She has participated in nearly all of the trip since at last year’s Grand Canyon Baha’i Conference, with a brief

neighborhood anew with the construction of a meditation garden.

Deborah Pless, a Baha’ in nearby Spring Lake, designed the garden. It features a meandering concrete trail leading from the public sidewalk to a nine-sided cement pad 19 feet in diameter. On the pad are stone benches surrounding the focal point, an inlaid granite nine-pointed star.

Nancy Watters, who now serves at the Maxwell Baha’s School, was project coordinator and spry 82-year-old Goldman Bradshaw, a new Baha'i in Muskegon, provided much of the sweat equity.

Area Baha'is volunteered their energy and their financial gifts—the total cost was $7,000, inchuding a $5,000 sidewalk assessment—to make the park a reality. The $1,000 granite star was created and donated by a Grand Haven design center.

A few residents were hired to help clear the property. Other neighbors kept watch and offered the workers water and access

part of a unity festival on the site.

“We want it to be a place of peace for the neighborhood and a place of unity,” Watters was quoted as saying by the Muskegon Chronicle, which published an extensive feature article on the eve of the dedication.

‘The property on Marquette Avenue was purchased by the Baha’fs in 1911 so a non-Baha’i woman and her three orphaned grandchildren would have a place to liv

At the time, the friends were struggling to raise money for construction of the Baha’{ House of Worship in Wilmette. But they diverted their attention to helping the family in need, and their sacrificial efforts were confirmed when fund raising for the Temple suddenly picked up momentum.

Though a fire destroyed the house later, the Baha’fs maintained ownership of the land and later purchased adjoining lots. Now a meditation garden blooms there. #

A meandering path leads to the meditation garden at the Bah: Peace Park dedeicated recently in Muskegon, Michigan,

break while Jerome rode from Florida to Pennsylvania.

“T've been to some of these citie: before, but it’s a more intimate expe! ence on bicycle,” Lucia said. “I get more of a feel for people and the country. We let people approach us, and they do.”

‘To her surprise, many of these people know about the Faith or know Baha’i “Past proclamation efforts clearly have touched people,” she said.

Where will the freewheelin’ Knudsons go now?

After a breather at home in Kingman, where they’ve had to replace lots of Lucia’s clothing ruined in storage while they were away, the Knudsons have their sights set on the West Coast and beyond.

‘The schedule is still fluid, but their determination is not. Look for them on a back road near you.

page 16

Tne AMERICAN BaAnA’i ¢ SPREADING THE TEACHINGS

December 31, 1998 [Page 17]SPREADING*THE*TEACHINGS

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Tom Price leads the One World Choir in a Canton, Ohio, concert that featured Erin Reel (right, seated) as one of the pastas Photo by Pauline K. Seinbin, Tulaboma, ™

Music is heartbeat of Ohio effort

Concert energizes integrated teaching project in goal city of Canton

extended s to build an all-around teaching plan for the goal city of Janton, as they staged twin choir concerts Nov. 14-15 designed to open hearts to the Faith.

An excerpt from the Writings of Baha’u'llah greeted the audiences— totaling 275—when they opened their programs at the two concerts, presented by the Bal of Canton and the Baha’i One World Choir under the direction of ‘Tom Price.

Seventy members of the One World Choir from 17 states were joined by Price, Dash Crofts, Red Gra Erin Byrne to support a teachii developed by a team of the further guidance of the Spiritual Assembly of Kent.

the pront step g, and

ject showed itself as “a signifi in the use of the arts in teacl showed the capaci

organize an event of thi putting together the technical and spiritual components,” said Curtis Russell, a member of the Regional Baha’f Council for the Central States.

Coordinated teaching _ initiatives included a one-day youth service project that included a deepening and teaching workshop and culminated in distribution of 7,000 fliers.

Youth acted as ushers at both performances. As people came through the doors, they were given a program and a copy of The Babd’is magazi

Red Grammer brings his flair as a solo performer to the One World Choir concerts. Photo by John D. Thompson, Canton, OH

Information about the choir and its international history and about the diversity of the Faith was displayed in the foyers of both venues.

The audience greeted the musical program resoundingly. Asked aft ward what they thought of the performances, audience members used words such

incredible, surprised, delighted, wonderful and amaz

Opening with the African rhythms of

“Siyahamba,” the program moved through songs that often inspired hand

clapping or tears. The rousing finale ” brought the cheering to its feet.

soloists Dash Crofts and Red

audienc

Specia Grammer entertained superbly as always, but special mention must go to hometown teen-age soloist Erin Byrne.

With a magnificent soprano voice, she delighted the audience with the difficult “Whither Can A Lover Go” and the aria “Visi D’Arte” from the opera Tosca by Puccini.

Besides | the hundreds of radio and i lvertisements, other parts y added up toa

Four half-hour TV show interviews with loc:

ran two-page er four weekends highlighting the three soloists and director Price.

• The performances were taped for

television at the suggestion of Ron Ponder, a friend of the Faith and independent producer who was invited to help plan publicity.

Television personnel were impressed by the patience and friendliness of the

choir during taping When Ponder was asked what experience he would most take away with him, he ans‘ ed without hesitation that “the B: were the most friendly and loving people” he had worked with in his career. @ —Submitted by Jane Everson

Planning the

(OP Tatcoys mm Over seo ur)

• The Local Spiritual Assembly of Kent.

adopted a grassroots proposal for a musical event. Goals were to proclaim the Faith and provide a springboard for “heart to heart” teaching in Canton, where the Baha’i group is working toward Assembly strength.

• An organizing committee was

appointed for the two Canton concerts as well as coordinated teaching activities. It continues to work on a strategic teaching plan for the area.

• The Canton Cultural Center for the

Arts and the Canton Palace Theatre were chosen as sites for the concerts, for accessibility and status as the city’s cultural centers.

• A friend of the Faith, independent TV

producer Ron Ponder, was enlisted to help develop a publicity plan, which included TV, radio and print ads.

• Fifty community leaders and their

spouses from local organizations were invited to the concerts as guests.

• As the scope of the project widened,

the Regional Baha’i Council for the Central States and the National Teaching Committee were contacted.

• Advance planning helped smooth

such arrangements as hotels, food and transportation for performers, fostering the flow of love and unity.

• Choir director Tom Price of the

Nashville, Tennessee, area and codirector Barbara Baumgartner of the Cleveland area brought the performance together in a prayerful and lighthearted one-day rehearsal.

• A mailing list has been compiled

from ticket sales to help publicize any future Baha’i-organized public events. @

December 31, 1998

THe AMERICAN BAHA’i ¢ SPREADING THE TEACHINGS

page 17 [Page 18]

NURTURING SEEKERS, continuen From pace 1

Faith is to build strong friendships. Many Baha’i communities are holding activities for seekers centered around fellowship. This is a vital way for Baha’is to share a loving spirit with seekers and help them ease into Baha’i community life. Fellowship also creates a hospitable environment where seekers can be met with unconditional love and acceptance. It is under these conditions that seekers hearts will open with receptivity to the Message of Baha’w'llih.

‘Abdu’l-Baha offers the following method for teaching the Faith to seekers through love:

“The friends of God should weave bonds of fellowship with others and show absolute love and affection towards them. These links have a deep influence on people and they will listen. When the friends sense receptivity to the Word of God, they should deliver the Message with wisdom. They must first try and remove any apprehensions in the people they teach. In fact, every one of the believers should choose one person every year and try to establish ties of friendship with him, so that all his fear would disappear. Only then, and gradually, must he teach that person. This is the best method.”

In addition to creating a loving environment of fellowship, it is important that communities organize a system of activities to enrich both believers and seekers. These would include regularly held devotional gatherings to enliven the iritual life of the community; training institutes to develop capacity by drawing the hearts closer to Baha’u’llah through acts of service; activities that address the

HANDLING A SEEKER’S RESPONSE BY PHONE

eoccce

H What’s appening

airing nationally on Odyssey and BET cable channels.

principles of the equality of women and men, racial unity, and the education of children and youth.

The relationship between Baha’i and seeker should be one of mentoring through love. Shoghi Effendi stated, “Let him not be content until he has infused into as to impel him to arise independently, in his turn, and devote his energies to the quickening of other souls, and the upholding of the laws and principles laid down by his newly adopted

Seeker calls 800-22-UNITE

Seeker’s request for literature and/or call-back goes to NTC voice-mail box

Baha’i National Center staff download the calls, then’ log the information into a database

4

message is forwarded to

Seeker’s original voice-mail

community’s voice-mail box

Literature is mailed from the Baha’i National Center to

each seeker:

How Communities are Serving Their Seekers

° Springfield, Massachusetts: The Local Spiritual Assembly saw the need for creative approaches to meet the needs of seekers—particularly the several who inquired about the Faith after viewing The Power of Race Unity. The Assembly created a Welcoming Committee to be in charge of keeping track of interested seekers, inviting them to community events or dinners and creating a public class about the Baha’i Faith. So far, 10 of those seekers have attended at least one of two ongoing firesides, devotional gatherings or a weekly Sunday school. When the upcoming videos on prayer and on the equality of women and men are released the Welcoming Committee will send out announcements to their seekers encouraging them to view those programs.

¢ Jacksonville, Florida: The Baha’i community has been keeping track of seekers in databases and sending them monthly newsletters. ¢ Indianapolis, Indiana: In addition to monthly newsletters, this community has been sending seekers on its database a packet that includes a copy of The Baha’is magazine, the statement The Vision of Race Unity, an introductory book on the Baha’i Faith and a Baha’i prayer book. ¢ Des Moines, lowa: The Baha’is send seekers literature and a list of ongoing events in the community. ¢ Encinitas, California: In response to several recent seeker calls from the 800-22-UNITE phone line, the Assembly has prepared a list of community activities to distribute to inquirers.

—Submitted by the National Teaching Committee Office

800-22-UNITE:

Frequently asked questions about changing procedures

After many months of confusion and misunderstanding we are now nearly finished with canceling our AT&T service for our toll-free number. In November AT&T told us that individual communities needed to cancel their AT&T service individually. This is no longer the case. AT&T should be handling all of the cancellations for us. We apologize for the difficulties this old system has caused.

?'m still getting AT&T bills. What should | do?

Do not pay any bill for calls after the end ( ). of September. If you have paid for October

its own application. Please request an appli

cation form by e-mailing us

e-mail us We haven’t been part of 800-22UNITE yet. What do we do to get started?

E-mail us at

or beyond please

( ).

We're already hooked up to the new and system. Do | still need to cancel with AT&T?

No. AT&T should cancel every commu request an application form.

Once we return the application via e-mail what happens? The National Teaching Committee

nity by the middle of December. If you are still receiving bills by the end of December ples

contact us at the e-mail above. Office will provide you with your own

voice-mail box and password.

Our community signed up with sev Community contacts seeker* and follows up with newsletter, invitations, information about firesides etc.

• The Baha’is magazine

• The Vision of Race Unity

statement

• The Light of Unity booklet

• Phone calls should not be made to seekers unless they specifically request

one, even if they provide a phone number.

eral other communities, but now we want our own voice-mail box. What do we do?

First, contact the communities with whom yours signed up. Consult about who wants to take which areas.

We are now routing calls by ZIP code

instead of by area code and prefix. Choose the ZIP codes for your area and make sure you don’t overlap with other h community needs to complete

areas.

How do we retreive seeker phone calls from our voice-mail box?

With permission from your Assembly, anyone with a touch-tone phone may call 1-800-22-UNITE (800-228-6483), press 7 (to bypi number and password. The system will

s the options), enter the box

then announce your community’s name and 3

you to press 1 to receive new me

ges. Be prepared to write down seekers’ information.

page 18

THe AMERICAN BAHnA’i * SPREADING THE TEACHINGS

December 31, 1998 [Page 19]CA REET,

SATE ETT,

SPR

pepe EE

B in Fort Collins, Colorado, nd southern Wyoming are teaming up to invigorate the if presence Wyoming, a state that has several Baha’{ groups and a wide scattering of beli —but no active Local Spiritual Assemblies.

Together with host families, the One World musical/teaching group based in Fort Collins is dedicating the first Saturday of each month to visiting various parts of the state. Their goal is to spark t ing fires and refresh connections with isolated friends.

“The One World Baha’i group is made up of people of many diverse backgrounds and ages,” reported Je: Morse of Fort Col

For more information on the One World teaching group’s plans in upcoming months, contact Jessica Morse (e-mail

“Our purpose is to develop our own personal transformation, teach the Faith and help in unifying the community.”

The inaugural trip for the group was. Nov. 7 to the home of Janice and Al Ayala in Cheyenne. Featured were an

“incredible spaghetti and salad dinner,” ingalong of Baha tunes, and a fireside on the theme “Personal Transformation and the Human Heart.”

“Feelings of love and happiness filled the room and the group’s laughter warmed my heart,” Morse wrote. She added that the group was grateful “to all of those who said prayers and are supporting the ). group’s travel teaching

efforts.” @

Unprecedented international goals

i response to the critical and urgent needs of the Faith in these last four years of the century, the National Spiritual Assembly adopted these international goals for the Four Year Plan:

• 4,500 traveling teachers.

• 1,200 pioneers.

With confidence born out of the successful response of the friends to the international needs of the Faith to the Three Year Plan, the National Spiritual Assembly set forth these extraordinary goals before our community in direct response to the call of the Ridvan Messages of 153 B.E.

As of Dec. 1, 1998, 470 pioneers and 2864 traveling teachers have served internationally in this plan for a total of 3334.

The Universal House of Justice reminded us in one of these messages that the believers of North America, in response to the mandate of the Tablets of the Divine Plan, “have carried the Message of Baha’u’llah to all parts of your continent and throughout the breadth of the planet. ... These Tablets launched you on a worldwide enterprise which you, and the generations to succeed you, are called upon to con ue during the vast period of time stretching throughout the Formative Age and into the Golden Age of the

The Universal House of Justice calls on “the indigenous believers ... to make

their own distinctive contribution to the pursuit of the goals of the Four Year Plan, both beyond the confines of North America and at home ... in the circumpolar areas and in the Asian region of the Russian Federation.”

And, “We direct the attention of the believers of African descent, so beloved by the Master, to the pressing need for pioneers, who will contribute to the further development of the Cause in distant areas, including the continent of Africa for which they were assigned a special responsibility by the Guardian. ...”

Further, “... the friends of Hispanic background have fertile fields before them throughout Latin America.”

‘The Universal House of Justice states, “We look to the members of the Baha’i community in the United States to perform, during the Four Year Plan, heroic deeds of service to the Cause, which will astonish and inspire their fellow-believers throughout the world.”

‘The National Assembly turns to each and every believer in our community to take to heart the call for 5,700 traveling teachers and pioneers in the Four Year Plan.

Follow the footsteps of those who have gone before you. Plan to offer a few days, a week, a few months or a lifetime in service to the Cause of God internationally. Contact the Office of Pioneering for additional information or to begin making your plans. #

NORTHEAST AND CENTRAL REGIONS: Alex Blakeson (phone 847-733-3511, e-mail

SOUTHERN REGION: Sherdeana Jordan (phone 847-733-3507, e-mail

WESTERN REGION: Aurore Ragston (phone 847-733-3512, e-mail

OR YOU MAY CONTACT THE OFFICE OF ene AT: 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 602!

phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail

Mike Moxcey on banjo leads the music as Karl Calkins (center), Kaye Williams and others sing “We are Soldiers” at the One World teaching team’s Nov. 7 visit in

Cheyenne, Wyoming.

hoghi Effendi stated through his

secretary, “Those responsible for accepting new believers should consider that the most important and fundamental qualification for acceptance is the recognition of the station of Bahd’u’lléh in this day on the part of the applicant. ... The early believers in both the east and the west, we must always remember, knew practically nothing compared to what the average Baha’i knows about his Faith nowadays, yet they were the ones who shed their blood, the ones who arose and said: ‘I believe,’ requiring no proof, and often never having read a single word of the ‘Teachings. Therefore, those responsible for accepting new enrollments must just be sure of one thing—that the heart of the applicant has been touched with the spirit of the Faith. Everything else can be built on this foundation gradually.” (4 Special Measure of Love, pp. 20-21)

‘This statement clearly indicates that many people can recognize the truth of the Baha’i Faith very soon after hearing about it. In that light, a teacher should not unne: rily prolong the seeker’s search, if the seeker is ready to accept Baha'u'llah.

Some Baha’fs are hesitant to invite seekers to join the Faith, feeling that this would constitute proselytizing. It is true that the teacher should not coerce or bring “undue pre: upon the seeker to join. the Faith, but obviously one can extend an invitation without being coer

The teacher is performing vice to the seeker (and to the he fails to extend an invitation when ‘ker has the capacity to become

‘There have been many cases

a Baha of believers who, when asked why they did not declare, have responded

INVITING SEEKERS TO JOIN THE FAITH

that they would have, but no one had invited them to become Baha'is.

Thus, it is very important to develop the skill of inviting seekers to embrace the Faith.

Of course, extending the invitation requires tact and wisdom. The teacher ,can—through prayer, inquiry and observation—try to determine when to invite a seeker to join the Faith.

The teacher can ask the seeker to share his feelings about the Faith and inquire if he has any unanswered questions about the ‘Teachings. If the teacher then feels the seeker is close to the Faith, the invitation can be extended.

How does one tactfully invite someone to join the th? The teacher should adopt an approach suitable for each seeker. Here are a few examples of how one might invite a seeker to enroll in the Faith:

• “We lovingly welcome you to

join the Baha’i community and to use your God-given talents in creating a better world.”

° “If you believe the Teac! of Baha’u’lléh are the teachings the world needs, then embrace them as your own and join us in promoting them.”

• “We invite you to join us in

building the peeiorn of God on

or

unified world’ ).

• “Do you believe in Baha’u'llah? If

so, then you are a Baha’i.”

You will discover your own way of appropriately inviting seekers to join the Faith.

Adapted from Raising the Call: The Individual and Effective Teaching (Palabra Publications, 1998). Used by permission of the author. #

December 31, 1998

Tue AMERICAN BAHA’l * SPREADING THE TEACHINGS

page 19

[Page 20]

Letter to the friends

from the Latin-American Task Force

Dear and Esteemed Friends in the Cause of Baha’u’llah:

In The Advent of Divine Justice (p. 19), in stressing to the American Baha’is the imperative need for rectitude of conduct in our lives, the beloved Guardian quoted these words of Baha’u’llah:

“The companions of God are, in this day, the lump that must leaven the peoples of the world. They must show forth such trustworthiness, such truthfulness and perseverance, such deeds and character that all mankind may profit by their example.”

Now, let us stop and consider: Baha’u’llah referred to us, His followers, as “the companions of God ... in this day.” Surely this is an exalted station to which He calls us, a blessed mantle that he places upon our unworthy shoulders! But what does it mean to “leaven” the peoples of the world, and how are we to achieve this?

The dictionary indicates that our word “leaven” comes from the Latin levare, to make light or raise. It can mean a small piece of fermenting dough put aside to be used for producing fermentation in a fresh batch of dough. The process of leavening is defined as any influence spreading through something and working on it to bring about gradual change; causing a ferment; or having a power of transformation.

The quantity of leaven is very small in relation to the total amount of dough or batter, yet its influence or transforming power spreads throughout all of the mass, working a gradual and uniform change on the whole.

Leaven is also frequently used in a figurative sense, having to do with the influence of the Word of God. In the

Bible (Matthew 13:33) we read:

“The Kingdom of God is like unto leaven, which a woman hid in three measures of meal until the whole was leavened.”

We see that the leaven was put in different places, so that the entire mass would be raised.

That leaven is the Word of God, revealed in this day by Baha’u’llah. Now that the Cause of God has spread throughout the world, this spiritual leaven exists in every part of the human race and is therefore ready to raise all of humanity to great spiritual heights. But contrary to ordinary leaven, whose transforming effect takes place without any conscious decision on its part, we followers of Baha’u’llah must choose to act in order to become this transforming influence in the life of humanity. In referring further to this (quoted in The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 19), Baha’wlléh stated:

“T swear by Him Who is the Most Great Ocean! Within the very breath of such souls as are pure and sanctified far-reaching potentialities are hidden. So great are these potentialities that they exercise their influence upon all created things.”

Beloved friends! The entire human race has now been prepared with God’s leaven. If we become aflame with the fire of the Love of God, the heat it generates will cause the transforming power given to us by Baha’u'llah to be released, exercising its influence and gradually transforming the whole of mankind. of you is part of that leaven: where in the mass of humanity has Baha’w’llah chosen to place you to help “/eaven the peoples of the world”?

With loving greetings,

‘The Latin-American Task Force #

e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e . e e e e e e e . ° ° e .

Carta a los amigos de la Comision de Trabajo Latinoamericana

Queridos y Estimados Amigos en la Causa de Baha’u’llah:

En El Advenimiento de la Justicia Divina (pagina 37), el amado Guardian, al enfatizar la imperativa necesidad de rectitud de conducta en nuestras vidas, cita estas palabras de Baha’u’llah:

“Los companeros de Dios son en este dia, Ja masa que debe levantar a los pueblos del mundo. Ellos deben manifestar tal sentido de integridad, de veracidad y de perseverancia, tales bechos y testimonio de conducta que todo el género humano pueda beneficia-~ rse de su ejemplo.”

Ahora, consideremos: Baha'u'llah dice que nosotros, Sus seguidores, somos “las comparieres de Dios ... en este dia.” {Ciertamente es una exaltada posici6n a la cual El nos llama, un manto bendito que coloca sobre nuestros hombros desmerecedores! Pero <que significa “leudar” o “levantar” a los pueblos del mundo, y como podremos lograrlo?

El diccionario nos dice que nuestra palabra “levadura” viene de la palabra en latin /evare, hacer liviano o levantar, que puede ser un pedazo pequefio de masa fermentante guardado para producir la fermentaci6n en amasijo fresco. El proceso de leudar o fermentar se define como cualquier influencia difundiéndose a través de algo y efectuando sobre ello un cambio gradual. Y también algo que causa un fermento, 0 que tiene poder de transformacién.

Comparada con la mezcla total, la cantidad de levadura es muy pequefia, y sin embargo su influencia o poder transformador se distribuye a través de la masa total, efectuando un cambio gradual y uniforme en el conjunto.

La palabra “levadura” también se usa a menudo en sentido figurado, teniena de la

3), leem reino de Dios es como la levadura que

una mujer mezela con tres medidas de barina para hacer fermentar toda la masa.”

Vemos que la levadura qued6 puesta en diferentes sitios, para hacer levantar al conjunto entero.

Aquella levadura es la Palabra de Dios, revelada en este dia por Baha'u'llah. Ahora que la Causa de Dios se ha extendido a través del mundo, esta levadura espiritual existe en todas partes de la raza humana y por Jo tanto esta lista para levantar a toda la humanidad a grandes alturas espirituales. Pero a diferencia de la levadura normal, cuya efecto transformador se realiza sin ninguna decisién consciente de parte de la levadura, nosotros, los seguidores de Baha’u’llah, tenemos que tomar la decisién de actuar para poder convertirnos en esta influencia transformadora sobre la vida de la humanidad. Al referirse nuevamente a este tema (El Advenimiento de la Justicia Divina, pagina 38), Baha’u’llah declara:

"Juro por El, Quien es el Supremo Océano! Dentro del mismo aliento de las almas puras y santificadas, se encuentran ocultas potencialidades de gran alcance. Tan grandes son estas potencialidades que ellas ejercen su influencia sobre todas las cosas creadas.”

jAmados amigos! La raza humana entera ya ha sido preparada con la levadura de Dios. Si nosotros ardemos con la Hama del Amor de Dios, el calor que genera hard liberar el poder transformador dado a nosotros por Bahd’u'lléh, cuyo poder ejercerd su influencia para transformar_gradualmente a la humanidad entera. Cada uno de ustedes forma parte de la levadura: edonde en la masa de la humanidad Baha’u'lléh les ha colocado para ayudar a “levantar a los pueblos del mundo”? Con udos,

VU ene keg) NG HISPANOS EN LOS ESTAI aa (FOR THE CENSUS OF HISPANIC BAHA'IS IN at Ae

Srta. / Sra. / Sr.

Miss / Mrs. /Ms. / Mr. Direcci6n/

Address

Ciudad/

City

Nuimero telefnico/ ‘Telephone ( )

Direccién de correo electrénico/

E-mail address

Estado/

State

Cédigo postal/ ZIP code

ero de fax/

Fax ( )

Pais de origen/

Country of origin

2En donde Ud. se hizo Baha’?/ Where did you become a Baha'i?

¢Ud. es o ha sido miembro de ... ?/Are you or have you been a member of ... ?

Cuerpo de Gonsejeros

Cuerpo Auyiliar/Auxiliary Board —__

Asamblea Espiritual Local/Local Spiri

Asistente a un miembro del Cuerpo Auxiliar/Assistant to Auxiliary Board member

cA quién?/To whom?_

Comité nacional/National comn

ee

Comité local/Local committee

zCuantos miembros de su comunidad

¢Cuintos en su Asamblea Espiritual?/How many on your Spi

Enviar a la Comision de Trabajo Latinoamericana/Send to Latin-American ‘Task Force por fax a/by fax to:

por correo a/by mail to:

Vera Breton Larry Kramer

(773) 509-0466

Vienna, Virginia 22181

Sontinentales/Continental Board of Counselors __

nbly

son latinos?/ How many members of your Baha’i community are Latinos?

ual Assembly?

por I a/by e-mail to: LATFORCE

page 20

Tue AMERICAN BAHA‘i ¢ LATIN AMERICAN TEACHING

December 31, 1998 [Page 21]

Henry Wigfall (left) and John McLaughlin greet each other at the Austin, Texas, airport for the first time since fall became a Baha’i decades ago.

Mighty oak sprouts from a seed of ’60s

Navy shipmates reunited as Baha’is

ye never know what will happen

when you hand out Baha’ mat Is. Just ask John McLaughlin. Thirty-six years ago the young white

U.S. Merchant Marine sailor gave two Baha'i pamphlets to a black shipmate. aN ago the recipient of those pamphlets , Henry Wi: » got in touch and filled him in on what happened next. ‘Turns out Wigfall eventually declared his belief in Baha'u'llah, pioneered, and member of the National mbly of the Bahamas. His s aw and grandchilHe now lives in

wife, child: dren all

are Baha’is.

igfall tried without success to contact McLaughlin. He struck gold when he ca nother former pioneer, Knight of Baha’u’llah Elana Marsella. She contacted McLaughlin through his stepdaughter Linda, a member of her Baha’i community—who is secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Hawaii. Marsella, coincidentally, has another connection to the story. Wigfall was instrumental in securing for the Faith the boyhood home of the late Hand of the Louis G. Gregory in Charleston. As a girl, Ila met Louis Gregory at Sunday ¢ home in Maine aud rememb having the bearic African king.” spring, McLaughlin and Wigfall reunited in Texas, where Wigfall spoke at a Baha’i youth conference sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of San Marcos. McLaughlin lives in Bastrop, Texas. Then, in October, McLaughlin and his wife, Al visited Wigfall while they were in South Carolina to attend the graduation of their daughter Tahirih from basic training at Fort Jackson. The old shipmates lunched together and Wigfall took them to the Louis Gregory home, which being lovingly turned into a museum. #

Baha’i scholarship brought to attention of U.S. academia

Baha’i scholars are making more and more of their colleagues aware of the Message of Baha’u’llah by making presentations and forming contacts within national associations. Here are efforts made through the national conferences of two of these organizations.

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF RELIGION

ix talks by Baha'i scholars were presented at the 1998 annual J conference of the American Academy of Religion, held Nov. 21-24 at the Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, Florida.

‘The conference was attended by 12 Baha'is. They were among about 7,500 faculty and students of religious studies, clergy, and persons interested in studying religion who gathered to hear approximately 1,000 talks on religion and Biblical subjects.

‘The Baha’i Publishing Trust had a booth in the exhibit hall where over 100 publishers displayed their latest works. The new edition of William Hatcher and Douglas Martin’s The Babd’i Faith: The Emerging Global Religion was featured and many copies were given away to faculty seeking texts for courses that include the Baha’ Faith. Many people took copies of The Babd’is magazine and information about the closure of the Baha’{ Institute for Higher Education in Iran.

Contacts were made and renewed with dozens of professors of religious studies. One result was an invitation for presentations on the Faith at a conference on new religious movements.

The six talks were at the center of two panel discussions. Presenters and talks at the first, on Nov. 21, wei

• Christopher Buck, “Problems with Truth Claims and Proof

‘Texts: The Case of Baha’u’llih as Zoroastrian Savior.”

• Susan Maneck, “The Pharisaic Phenomenon and the

Dynamics of Denial.”

• Jeff Huffines, “Religious Behavior and Personality Traits of

the Baha’{ Community.”

Presentations at the second panel, Nov. 23, were:

• Robert Stockman, “The Baha’i Concept of Unity as an

Ethical Principle.”

• Christopher Jones, “The Purpose of Evolution and the

Universe as the Body of God: A New View of Bahai Environmental Ethics.”

• Paul Dodenhoff, “We Are Not Ducks: Some Thoughts on

Baha’i Self-Presentation.”

Both panels generated good questions and discussion and were a great success.

The American Academy of Religion’s 1999 conference will be Noy. 20-23 in Boston, Massachusetts.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

pens put forward ata workshop by Baha’i educators were so. inspiring at the 1998 Conference of the Religious Education Association that some other workshop presenters referred to them later in their own presentations.

‘The theme of this year’s conference, held in Orlando, Florida, Nov. 21-24, was “Teaching for Spiritual Meaning and Religious Commitment.” ‘The program committee for the Religious Education Association (REA) had invited Baha’is to conduct a workshop.

In response, Dr. Iraj Ayman, a member of the REA board of directors, and two members of the Baha’{ National Education Task Force—Dr. Barbara Johnson, director of the National Teacher Education Center at Louhelen Baha’f School, and Dr. Saba Nolley, Chair of the Department of Psychology, Northeastern Illinois State University—conducted a workshop on “Baha'i Guiding Principles of Education” and “The Role and Function of Art in Spiritual Education: A Baha’i Perspective.”

Not only did some attendees refer to the workshop in their own presentations, but Baha’s participants provided perspectives from the Faith at other sessions.

They also were able to provide information on the Baha’{ Faith to interested participants both at the REA Conference and at the concurrent Annual Conference of Association of Professors and Researchers of Religious Education.

Interested Bahd’is are encouraged to join these two associations, contribute articles to their journals and participate in their conferences. For more information, contact Dr. Iraj Ayman at the Education and Schools Office, Baha’i National Center (phone 847-733-3501, e-mail .¢

‘99 Persian Culture Association conference, May 27-31, to focus on home and family life

‘he Ninth Annual Conference of

the Friends of Persian Culture Association will be held May 27-31 at the Holiday Inn O’Hare in the Chicago area.

“Home and Family Life in Persian Culture” is this year’s theme. A number of presentations will be devoted to topics such as:

• Marriage in Iranian Culture.

¢ Bi-Cultural Challenges and their Effect on Raising Children.

• The Role of Women in Iranian

Families.

¢ Iranian Houses in Urban and

Rural Settings.

There will also be a variety of musical, dramatic and dance performances. Presenters and participants will consist of both Baha’is and non-Bah:

Concurrent sessions will be held in Persian and English, as well as special classes for children ages 3-12.

‘The latest conference in September attracted some 1,200 people, Persians and others, from around the United States, North America, Europe and Asia. About the same number are expected this year.

Fees and registration information

will be announced in later issues of The American Baha'i. For hotel reservation the friends may call 847-671-6350. The special conference rate is $81 per room (1 to 4 people) plus tax. When reserving a room you must mention you are participating in the “Baha’ Arts Festival” to obtain this rate. Parking will be $5 per day for conference participants. Shuttle service is free from O'Hare International Airport to the hotel. For more information please contact the Persian-American Affairs Office (phone 847-733-3528).

December 31, 1998

Tue AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES

page, 21 [Page 22]

Youth session serves as ‘Rite of Passage’ at Louhelen

“If the sunshine of our Iranian brothers and sisters is dampened, fear not. The North American youth have increased their luminosity, we will be free to work together for our Cause.”

—youth attending Youth Eagle Institute at Louhelen

he sacrifice of the Iranian believers deeply touched youth gathered at Louhelen Baha’i School recently for the Youth Eagle Institute, Nov. 6-8, and strengthened their determination to arise in greater service to the Cause of Baha’u’llah.

With the loving assistance of Ted Jefferson Jefferson, faculty for th sion, 40 youth ru ed ion and consultation acti s that inspired them to make serious and systematic plans that affect their lives in the coming months.

Launching from the theme “Rite of Passage” as a point of departure, the youth defined stirring plans and lines of action at the local, regional, national and interI levels. Youth pledged thems toa wide varictions that, when completed, will provide tangible evidence that the Baha'i youth in North America have wrul “come of age” as servants willing to arise in sac

- akin to their Iranian brothers and sisters.

Consultation focused on the idea that noble words must be matched by consistent deeds of service. With a burning desire to be recogni the participants identified a dive every person could commit to achieve something— for example:

• Actions a

fastn

nd Anita

s personal as daily prayer and stead

Wilkmettelustituite

egistration is still open for the ovo 8! Wilmette Institute distance-education courses that start Jan. 1: The Revelation of

Bahé'v'llah 1853-63 and Hinduism for ine the

n outpouring of support from Local Spiritual

eted the announce of tuition-free at Bosch Bah develop effective, inspired t

¢ Personal teaching activities and group proj

• Offering volunteer service, and traveling teaching.

• Pursuing education and internation

On closure of the session the youths sent a ewer to the Universal House of Justice, which read in part:

“Upon our arrival we were bestowed with the humbling, historic responsibility of creating opportunities for strengthening the faith of Baha’{ youth. We feel the problem is that youth don’t have enough ways in which to serve, not that youth do not wish to serve. We have drafted a proposal of incremental steps which compose a process named, Rite of Passage. ... We feel that by fulfilling the conditions of this rite, youth can feel a sense of accomplishment and belonging to our Divine Faith.

Louhelen Baha’i School

3208 S. State Road Davison, MI 48423

810-653-5033

Ted Jefferson leads a session of the Youth Eagle Institute in November at Louhelen Baha’i School, where 40 young people participated. Photo by Jim Cheek

“We hope t

sor

will be a motivating program in a ety where the young people can be so easily led ay. We are trying to create an identity for ourselves so that youth can internationally relate. ... For we are young eagles and we are here to make our mark.”

Future youth sessions at Louhelen are: Feb. 26-28: Institute for College Age Women. April 2-4: Youth Eagle Institute for ages 18 and up. April 30-May 2: Junior Youth Institute for ages 12-15. c the Calendar on page 32 for more upcoming sessions at Louhelen. @

Verities course draws enthusiastic support

emblies and individuals

eachers of

SEARCHING FOR RARE BOOKS

Bosch Baha’i School is making an appeal to any Baha’is who may have old and rare books from the Geyserville Baha'i School. When the school was moved to

Dialogue and Deepening. Registration for both courses will continue until midJanuary unless the courses fill.

(6225, April 1-Sept. 30),

• Buddhism for Dialogue and

Deepening ($100, May I-June 30).

- Registration for the Cee

Neu non at 1, 1999-April

30, 2000) has opened and will continue

ston

| of summer classes and 10 months of home | study. It covers the entire Baha’ Faith com

Financial aid is available for all pro+ Local Spiritual Assemblies and registered groups have been mailed inforwenon en an ieee eens

use through a systematic, ongoing program. Recommendations from Local Spiritual Assemblies and Auxiliary Board members for people of capacity interested in the program quickly filled the first three-weekend series of classes in November and December.

Registration is being accepted for the second series Jan. 8-10, 29-31 and Feb. 19-21. A third series will be held March 26-28, April 16-18 and May 7-9. es are limited to 20. Participants 1 be recommended by a Local Spiritual Assembly — or Auxiliary Board member, and must commit to attending all three sessions.

The gram by Local Ass who responded with onetime contributions, ongoing monthly pledges from $1 to $60, and prayers for the success of the program clearly demonstrates the maturation of that institution and their recognition of the need to develop human resources.

Other upcoming events: is long weekend conference will bring people of diverse backgrounds together to explore “Racism/Race Unity: Two Sides of the Same Coin.” Outstanding presenters,

Bosch Baha’i School

visit the Bosch library each year.

Santa Cruz, many of the books in the library were given away. Now, for its reference library, Bosch is rebuilding the Geyserville collection of both Baha’i and non-Baha’i books signed by John or Louise Bosch, or other early believers such as Thornton Chase, Ella Bailey or Clara Weir. If you have some of these “rare gems” and are willing to part with them, the Bosch library would be mast appreciative. Just mail them to Jeremy Milbank, Librarian, Bosch Baha’i School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or call 831-423-3387. Your generosity will make these precious works available to the many guests who

joyful music, stimulating discussions and loving fellowship always make this con ference one not to missed! unselor Wilma LeNise Jackson-Gaertner, Fernando and Angelica Huerta and others will provide insights on dealing with this “most vital and challenging in both our Bahé’i and secular communities. There are always wonderful surprises from the friends sharing their special talents.

March 5-7: In a special retreat for the Fast, “Rendezvous of the Soul,” Derek Cockshut will lead a study of Baha’u’llah’s Seven Valleys. There will

500 Comstock Lane Santa Cruz, CA 95060

831-423-3387

issue”

be dawn prayers and early breakfast, time for personal study and meditation, and the opportunity to share this special time with other Baha’is immersed in a spiritual environment.

March 30-April 3: Children’s Academy for fourththrough sixth-graders is a popular program and fills quickly, so make your plans early. Directed by Linda Bedford, the study will focus on ‘Abdu’l-Baha, our example in teaching. Children can learn about their Faith, enjoy service and recreation, make lasting ndships and have fun together—always under the watchful eyes of their teachers or cabin counselors!

Bosch offers many other programs, so check the Calendar on the back page of The American Baba’ or the Bosch brochure and come spend a weekend with your Baha’{ family at Bosch! #

The Spring

page 22

Tne AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES December 31, 1998 [Page 23]

Winter/spring focus: teaching, community

process of joyful learning, building

loving communities and teaching with enkindled hearts are among Green Acre Baha’i School's Winter-Spring 1999 program topics. All programming, for those young and old, bel new and veteran, is designed to inspi the Baha community a greater manifestation of faith in action.

Jan. 22-24: A Retreat for Seekers and New Believers offers a cozy winter weekend by the fireside, with discussion of Bah hings, ne ith’s history and

pective on spiritual life. Mary facilitates this weekend of stories, prayer, m ind fun.

Jan. 22-24: Peter Oldziey offers “Building a Better Magnet,” exploring the “patterns of behavior” that the Universal House of Justice has indicated will transform our communities into spiritual mag

nets that attract waiting hearts. Jan. 29-31: The National Youth Committee holds its next Campus Clubs

Symposium at Green Acre. All students

and those involved in teaching students

ited. The program aims to help fosin campus settings and develop a tudent network.

Feb. 5-7: Get ready to celebrate “Special Days” in a Parent/Child Weekend for ages 8 and up, led by former Brilliant Star editor Pepper Oldziey. Deepen your spiritual connection to Ayyam-i-Ha, the Fast, Naw-Ri id Ridvan as you prepare for them together with special projects. Materials fee. Special classes offered for younger children.

Feb. 12-14: Find out how spiritual study can be a source of joy when educator Dwight Allen conducts “Finding Joy in Baha’i Learning: A Seminar for Adults and Youth.” Methods include group al study and games

g and learning. Ideas for campus clubs will be included.

March 5-7: Green Acre’ annual Spiritual Retreat for the for those age 15 and older, will offer time for prayer, reflection

s sessions led by Tahereh of the Soul.”

and retreat as wel Ahdieh on “The Li

March 26-28: Farah Rosenberg leads the second in a series of Magdalene

Carney Bahai Institute courses, “Establishing ‘Training _ Institutes:

Cause.” Delve into the ficance of teaching, clarify often-misunderstood ideas about it, define the attributes of a teacher, and develop approaches to teaching efforts. Required: attendance at all sessions (Friday evening through Sunday afternoon) and purchase of course booklet. No children’s program.

March 26-28: At Green Acre’s next Junior Youth Institute for those ages 12-15, Joycelyn Jolly and Clyde He plan an exciting weekend of learning, activity and fun to empower junior youth to be noble nts of humanity. Enrollment is limited and the campus will be closed.

Other upcoming events:

April 9-11: “Citadel of Faith” with Habib Riazati, examining the Guardian’s vision for our nation.

April 9-11 and 16-18: Core Curriculum Teacher Training for the spiritual education of children.

Green Acre Baha’i School 188 Main Street Eliot, ME 03903

“Work as Worship:

Baha'i Principles at Work” with Chet Makoski (no children’s program).

April 30-May 2: “Spiritual Values and Development,” a Study Intensive with Mona Greiser (certain readings required; contact re;

May 28-30: “Th Confer

Art, with representatives from the Ba Publishing Trust and Brilliant Star. May 28-30: Assembly Development Forum with members of the Office of Community Administration. June 46: “The Nature Dynamics of Love,” Landegg Academy course with Dr. Hossein Danesh. @

and

‘Dar’ means ‘to give’ in

The Baha’i community of Chino Valley, Arizona, displays some of the Bah: erature in Spanish that it recently donated to the local library. Left to right Marcia Brehmer, Jessica Brehmer, Allen Rothlisberg, Carl Brehmer, Nancy Coker and Josh Coker. Photo courtesy of Carl Brehmer, Chino Valley, AZ

Spanish

Midwest youth fit workshop idea to their region

aha’i youth in Nebraska and Iowa are finding new ways to use their energy and talents.

Because these youth live up to five hours apart, their dreams of becoming a Baha’i Youth Workshop could never quite gel until about a year ago at a youth retreat in Aurora, Nebraska.

‘They deepened on the Four Year Plan and consulted on contributing to the advancement of entry by troops. Over the next few months they solidified a new kind of youth workshop: Youth On Unity (¥.0.U)).

‘They created T-shirts to help raise money and unify the group.

‘They also decided to use the arts ina way that doesn’t require extensive rehearsal time: ‘They paint murals as a service project to

help cover graffiti.

‘Their first mural was done in conjunction with other youth groups at the Prairie Peace Park just outside Lincoln, Nebraska.

Don Tilley, park director, approached the Lincoln Baha'is about the idea, and they referred him to the Y.O.U. crew, which had just completed a mural idea.

In turn, the youth invited Tilley to the next retreat and the joint project began. Y.O.U. was assigned the west side of the Peace Park’s two-story building and painted the mural during one of the hottest weeks of July.

Tilley commented on the unity of the group and was impressed that Y.O.U. members began each day at the mural site with prayers. #

This arti

BY THE EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS OFFICE

L arning is always the purpose of discipline. The Baha’i communities that grow most dynamically are usually centered on child development—they focus on the development of children as teachers and servants of the Cause. An essential element in the development of

children is proper use of discipline by authority figures: parents, teachers and the community at large.

Our American culture has strong and often negative reactions to authority. The Universal House of Justice commented on this tendency in its letter to us titled “Individual Rights and Freedoms in the World Order of Baha’u'llah,” pointing out that these reactions influence our thinking and feeling about this important concept.

Parents have authority in the family, but exercise of it requires wisdom and guidance. The Universal House of Justice notes in the May 19, 1994 letter, “... authority ... is an irrevocable necessity for the progress of humanity; its exercise is an art to be mastered.”

Parents will want to reflect on the ways they give direction and the spiritual qualities that characterize their speech. The Supreme Institution explains, “The atmosphere within a Baha'i family as within the community as a whole should express ‘the keynote of the Cause of God,’ which, the

Core Curriculum: Parenting and Discipline

introduces a series on an important issue for parents: disciplining. Many of the ideas here are drawn from the Core Curriculum Parenting program.

beloved Guardian has stated, ‘is not dictate authority but humble fellowship, not arbitrary power, but the spirit of frank and loving consultation.”

It may be as helpful to know what i s to know what i ishment” and

The words “pu pline” often are used interchange: but punishment alone is A child cannot learn without knowing what to begin or stop doing.

Still, punishment is necessary because teaching that choices have consequences is at the heart of d pline. Discipline requires that the parent teach the child what he or she did to merit the punishment and what he or she must do to avoid it in the future.

A letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi states, “Severe punishment paralyses the faculty of the child. Discipline, though, is necessary. Society cannot function without the principles of punishment and reward given by Baha'u'llah in His Tablets. Discipline always implies punishment and reward. Encouragement is not sufficient. Encouragement without punishment spoils the child, and punishment without encouragement kills initiative. Keep the balance between the two.”

If you would like more information on the Core Curriculum Parenting Program, or to find Parent Facilitators in your area, please contact Loubelen Babd’t School (phone 810-653-5033.)

December 31, 1998

THe AMERICAN BanA‘i * CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES _ page 23 [Page 24]

in The American published free of charge to the Baha’i community. Because o} this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial ads are accepted. Some of the opportunities have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should. exercise judgment and care in responding.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

AT THE BAHA'I NATIONAL CENTER Education & Schools Coordinator. Provides input to and output of information which advances the understanding of issues pertinent to the function of the schools and institutes. Develops procedures, in conjunction with the Office of Human Resources, to advance the function of the permanent schools/institutes and their operations. Supervises development of curriculum and materials to support individual and community development. Background in educational administration and advanced education degree preferable.

Administrative Assistant, Education and Schools Office. \ key position in the administrative functioning of the Education and Schools Organiza (ESO), this person is the contact point both internally and external

Responsible for administrative support of the office, the Education and Khools Coordinator, the Education Task Force, permanent schools and Administrators and Institute for Baha’i Studies. Must be able to produce error-free documents; word processing 55-60 wpm. Must be able to organize the workload and establish priorities; strong organizational skills, strong database managemer.t and desktop publishing skills. Needs excellent verbal and written communicati skills; we prefer familiarity with profe: sional education vocabulary and proc dures, and familiarity with Baha’ Writings on education. Program Assistant, Persian/American Affairs Office. Assists the manager of the Persian/American Affairs Office or the Program Coordinator in following up on the execution of programs and projects. Performs general office functions and related work. Monitors various related projects; handles incoming and outgoing correspondence in Persian and English; translates documents and letters as needed into and from Persian; handles records management. Needs written and oral communication skills in Persian and English; knowledge of Baha'i administrative practices; familiarity with Iranian culture; English and Persian typing of at least 30 wpm; good knowledge of general office practices; ability to perform detailed work with frequent interruptions.

Accountant, Office of the Treasurer.

Applicant should have strong interper

accounting . Experience in implementing internal control procedures is highly desirable. Must have degree or equivalent accounting experience. Some travel required. Must be able to maintain a sense of humor while working in a fast-paced, flexible environment. tion for the importance of confiy essential. Administrative Assistants. ings possible. Will i

veral opennitiate and coordinate ical and secre’ functions required plement administrative needs effectively. Must be deepened Baha’ well grounded in the spiritual principles and administration of the Baha’f Faith. Must perform administrative dui mature, efficient and professional manner; must be familiar with computer word

fication.

Service opportunities at the Baha’i World Center ‘Tue Mount CarMeL PROJECTS, constructing the buildings and terraces of the Arc in Haifa, Israel, have the following opportunities for service: © Industrial/commercial electrician. Needs experience in outdoor power and lighting distribution systems, general lighting control and maintenance. Experience in high tension and large cable installation will be an added quali © Industrial/commercial plumber. Needs experience in all aspects of the trade, including drainage, fittings, etc. _

© Gardeners/borticulturists. Needed at all levels of practical knowledge, from basic maintenance skills to advanced professional experience, including graduates in horticulture or related disciplines.

isor. For round-the-clock security on the Terraces of the Shrine of the Bab. Will supervise security team, prepare duty schedules and act as liaison with the public. Training will be provided.

To apply, please mail or fax résumé to Mount Carmel Projects, Project Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 155, 31 001 Haifa, Israel (phone 972 (4) 835-8237, fax 972 (4) 835-8437, e-mail ).

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SKILLED WORKERS AT THE BanA’i WorLD CENTER in Haifa, Israel:

Horticulturists © Archivists * Lawyers © Executive officers © Senior-level managers * Painters © Plumbers ¢ Electricians ¢ Book conservators © Accountants ¢ Finance professionals * Translators * Librarians ¢ Secretaries

© Telecommunications engineers * Computer professionals ‘To send your résumé or CV to inquire about a position, contact: Office of Personnel, Baha’i World Center, P.O. Box 155, 31 001 Haifa, ISRAEL (fax 972 (4) 835 8325, e-mail )

processing applications (Windows 95, Word, e-mail and various databases extremely helpful); good communicator, highly organized, confident and capable ote working steadily, often on many things at once. Must be able to speak, read and write English.

The Baha'i Encyclopedia Project is secking an administrative assistant to support its editorial team. Maintains a variety of files and records, inputs editorial corrections from hard copy, assists with various research tasks. Must type a minimum of 60 wpm, have excellent computer skills, sound paces strong writing and editing skills, and the ability to produce professional-quality work.

If interested in of these posta contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

At BAHA'I MEDIA SERVICES, WILMETTE Associate Editor, Brilliant Star, parttime. Works with Managing Editor to coordinate and execute all phases of magazine development. Will compile, evaluate and edit assigned or submitted content; help contributors develop their work; help edit and proofread manuscript, proofs and layout; network with authors and artists to encourage and acquire content; conduct research for manuscript and art; respond to correspondence; vith marketing and promotion. Needs excellent edi skills/judgment in children’s publishing (age range 6-12) plus strong command of writing and content development; minimum 1-2 years’ ex; in wri ing, publishing and/or in children’s or educational publi excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to work with minimum of supervision under deadline pressure. Should be located within 100 miles of Evanston/Wilmette.

Administrative Assistant, Media Services. Supports day-to-day operations in the office; combines office work with unorthodox and unexpected requests to provide support for Media Services projects and personnel; responsible for procurement of and Benen for goods and services; maintains budget; directs all

s including d mail to the

hives library. in ition, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-7333427, fax 847-733-3430).

At WLGI Rapio BAHA’t Radio Coordinator to manage operation of the Baha’ radio station in enpay, South Carolina. Will help formulate and implement plans for development of station operations, facilities and services; evaluate the station's performance, especially in relation to its audience; supervise, recruit and evaluate personnel; formulate a budget; oversee communications within and outside the Baha’f community; ensure compliance with laws and regulations; promote Baha’i standards among station staff, volunteers and members of the community; and assume on-air shifts and other tasks. Required: 3 years radio management experience or 5 years related management experience, including financial; Baha’ administrative experience; record of human. relations and communications skills. Desired: Master's degree in radio broadcasting or equivalent experience; wi ranging knowledge/experience aspects of radio station operations; training in principles of Baha’{ Radio. If interested, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

AT THE BAHA'I DisTRIBUTION SERVICE Fulton County, Georgia

Shipping/Receiving Clerk. Responsibilities include pulling, picking and packing orders, inventory receipts and returns, warehouse organization and inventory disposition. Should have warehouse experience and knowledge of ous shipping methods and regulations Gamanly domestic). Should be detail-oriented and in good health. Customer Service Representative. Wil| process phone, fax and el i respond to customer queries, maintain customer records, and handle correspondence. Should have strong communication skills, strong data entry skills, experience

in telephone customer service or related work, pleasant voice and patient demeanor. Knowledge of Baha’ literature is a plus. Accounts Receivable/Payable Clerk, per time. Will process accounts receivable and

able, maintain financial records, and eS other accounting duties. Should have experience in accounting or bookkeeping. If interested in any oj thee itions, pee contact the Office of Human

‘esources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-7333430) or Ford Bowers (phone 800-9999019 ext. 111).

AT GREEN ACRE BAHA'I SCHOOL Maintenance worker. Enthusiastic, industrious, spiritually motivated. General Lowen of custodial duties, building maintenance and repair, grounds work and mechanical systems helpful. High skill in interior/exterior painting a plus. environment requires a resourceful person dedicated to courtesy, meticulous attention to detail. Minorities, women encouraged to apply. Professional training available. Consens M. Sacco, CoAdministrator, Green Acre Baha’{ School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903-1800. (phone 207-439-7200, fax 207-438-9940, e-mail ).

AROUND THE COUNTRY Brighton Creek Conference Center, a rustic B: owned facility about 30 miles from Tacoma, Washington, is looking for a facilities manager immediately.

ill manage food service, budgeting, recordkeeping, maintenance/housekeeping, events coordination; will direct voland a small staff. A hotel/motel ent background and a pioneering spirit would be ideal. An apartment onsite and a small stipend are available; outside employment is available in nearby communities. The facilities, owned by the Local Spiritual Assembly of Pierce County #3, include a dining room, meeting spaces and 16 cabins on 25 acres of land. The facilities are in nearly continu‘ous use during spring, summer and fall. For more information, contact Dan Locke (phone 360-456-2865, e-mail

).

INTERNATIONAL

China: Numerous openings for English teachers and professionals willing to travel for service in this rapidly developing country. For more information contact Susan Senchuk (phone 847-733-3506, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail

).

PIONEERING / OVERSEAS

SOMETHING NEW! The Office of Pioneering has consulted on the best way to assist the friends considering international service, given our limited resources. After evaluating the current situation and estimating the future needs of the friends, we are changing the jobs listings. We are outlining the ‘pes of positions available in the international arena, rather than pub g every job | received from Baha’ i in future

, a compilation of mail addresses for job

Health care workers, Nurses, Specialists in reproductive health and maternity and child health, Agricultural positions ment, Finance and micro-credit officers, Country representatives and directors, restock restocking project, Construction/rehab management, Educational managers/directors, Program managers, Technical advisers including water and sanitation, Marketing advisers.

page 24. Tne AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ CLASSIFIED

December 31, 1998 [Page 25]

AMERICAS Advisers, Legal consultants, Project manaes Economists, Country directors, leachers, ‘Tutors, Traveling teachers for coordinators, Nurse trainers, Social scientists, Procurement specialist, Environmental planner, Marine policy and resource planner, nt doctors, Health educators.

ASIA

Program officer, Small enterprise development and mi it specialist, Senior pro , Technical adviser for training, fees director, offers, ‘Tax attorney, Program manager, teachers, Engineering manager, R&D mechanical engineer, Au-Pair/teacher, Information communications specialist, Economic adviser, Financial investigator and treasury auditor, Information technology manager, English teachers, Medical coordinator, Country director, Teachers.

SED projects, Regional

AUSTRALASIA Network administrator, Senior analyst, Assistant attorney general, Professor: Department ofa Studies.

Commercial law lao Project manager, Waste information specialist, Country directors, Primary and secondary teachers, Montessori teacher, Economics teachers, Manager and director/manufacturing operations, peered officer, Lecturer, Senior lecturers, Finance officer, Senior forestry

officer, Fishery resources officer, Economists, Information sj ns administrators,

alyst, Marketing research analyst, Chief of water, sanitation and health, Urban environmental health, International corporate editor, Legal specialists.

Alaska: Baha'i Camp director needs an assistant (female), Located in Palmer.

Babamas: Need self-supporting couple to serve as caretakers for the National Center; Pioneers needed especially for Abaco, Andros, and Eluthera.

Belize: Couple or single individual to serve caretaker for Baha’i Center in Belmopan, national capital.

Costa Rica: Full-time service for 6-12 months. for Spanish-speaking, self-supporting (preferred) youth to work with Baha’f Yout Workshop.

Eastern > Custodian/Caretakers (independent means). Gambia: Permanent Institute manager. Honduras: Elementary and conte school teachers.

Macau: The School of Nations needs qualified kindergarten, primary and secondary teachers.

Mariana Islands: Chamorro pioneers needed to assist the teaching work.

Samoa: Full-time caretakers for House of Worship with extensive practical skills (e.g. building maintenance, gardening, etc.); prefer those with independent means.

Solomon Islands: Self-supporting couple to serve as custodians of the Baha'i Center in Honiara. Volunteer to train National Center office staff.

Swaziland: High school principal/hes for new school to open in January. Thailand: Santitham Vidhayakhom School needs youth volunteers.

Turks and Caicos Islands: Great need for ical personnel, in ig family ph with a variety of specialties, internis obstetrician, health care service 1 ical officer, biomedical technician and eel records offic

f-supporting couple (preferable) caretakers of the E Baha'i National

Assembly secret Western Caroline Islands: Custodian/caretakers (independent means).

For inj Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-7333509, e-mail ).

PIONEERING / HOMEFRONT

a

The Baha'is of Greeley, Colorado invite homefront pioneers to help strengthen our Assembly, as we will soon have only nine adult Baha’fs. Greeley is a university town with many parks, a wonderful library system and the main hospital for Eastern Colorado plains rural communities. Only 60 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park, recreational opportunities abound. We support Baha’f

ildren’s classes in nearby Fort Collins. Denver is close enough for enthusiastic commuters, both for Baha’{ activities and employment. Please contact David Dunn, secretary, Spiritual Assembly of Greeley, Greeley, CO 80631 (phone 970-346-9159, e-mail

)s

Historic, scenic Calaveras County is a homefront goal area in Northern Cavers, convenient to Columbia College (2-year), highly regarded school systems, close to Stockton and Modesto for shopping, and near Yosemite National Park and several ski areas. Mostly a rural area with a handful of ident Baha’is but not currently registered group. Special opportunity for companion/caretaker for an older believer. Please contact Verna Mauldin, P.O. Box 1202, Murphys, CA 95247 (phone 209-728-2490).

WANTED

Do you know a Baha’s who has continued

to host firesides for more than a year?

Some of the friends pave had firesides for We hope to

for lasting and

cheers

tion that can help us, please contact

Carol Butler, Fort Wayne, IN 46835 (phone 219-4866002, e-mail CButler9aol.com).

ARCHIVES

‘The National Baha’{ Archives is seeking original letters written on bebalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Gladys M. Clark, Harry Clark, Jean Clark, Jeanette A. Clark, Josephine Clark, Marion Clark, Helen and Charles K. Clarke, Gordon McKay Clary and Russell Clevenger. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these Guardian's lette1 asked to contact the National Baha’ Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-869-9039).

Several free information sheets on local archives and records are lable from.

the N; Any local

Baha’f community send a request with a mai the National Bah: Central St., (phone 847-869 YOUTH

ston, IL 60201-1611 9039).

‘The National Youth Committee needs your help in compiling contact information er local Bahai youth committees. A local youth committee—not a college club or a Youth Workshop—may be an informal, regular gathering of youth or a formal group appointed by an Assembly or other Institution to spark, plan and guide youth activities. If you are part of a committee, or know of on e send a

ption of current activiti al Youth Committee

.¢

SUV ESU setae

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Your window to () (i teaching, deepening, and external affairs Summer 1998 issue: ‘The equality of women and men: Practical applications of the National Spiritual Assembly's statement Tivo Wings of a Bird

• The editorial “The Equality of Women and Men: 150 Years and Still

Counting” examines gains and challenges on the sesquicentennial anniversaries of the Conference of Badasht in Persia and the Seneca Falls Convention in New York state, calling for a deeper examination of the “lying tales” that still prevent the true equality of the sexes for which Baha’u'llah calls.

• Dr. Rhea Harmsen’s “Science in the Hands of Women: Present Barriers,

Future Promise”—a call for profound changes that would allow women’s voices to inform science’s agenda.

• “Affirming the Power of Poetry,” World Order’ fifth anthology of poetry.

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4703 Fulton Industrial Blyd., Adanta, GA 30336 ‘TAB 12/31/98

December 31, 1998 Tue American BanA’i ¢ CLAssiriepD

page 25 [Page 26]

BY TOM MENNILLO H diatollah Moani was born at a pioneering post and died at on

In between, the sixth-gene Baha’i was, in the words of the Spiritual Assembly of New Z: mystic voyager. He sailed hi: the seas of life, moved by winds of the spirit.”

Moani, a former member of that National Assembly, was beaten to death sometime between Oct. 15-17 at his residence in Devonport, New Zealand. He 54. Survivors include | wife, Rosemary zer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; his son, Darwin Stetzer, 18, of Milwaukee; and six of his seven brothers.

Moani loved the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand so much, he changed the spelling of his name from Ma’ani to resemble theirs. He taught the Faith to Maori in their villages and in prisons, and he recently wrote a book about how the Baha’i Faith fulfills prophe of their Ratana movement.

Magicallys a Maori teaching efforts ying. Moani is eved to have opened his home to an, as he had to anyone needing a place to stay.

ex

id to be dis

accused bel

PIONEERING HERITAGE

Hedi Moani was born in 1944 in Mahmoudabad, Iran, a Caspian Sea town to which the Ma’ani family had moved to fulfill a homefront pioneering goal set by the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi.

The homefront plan was a foreshadowing of the Ten Year Crusade. Indeed, the eight Ma’ani boys eventually dis

ners of the globe.

ii Moani (right), on a recent visit to the Baha’i House of Worshi,

in Wilmette,

Illinois, meets with a couple from New Zealand (left) and Baha’i National Center

staffers. Photo courtesy of Houshang Maani, Columbus,

One died at his post in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1963. Another eventually broke the Covenant. The rest are tered from Saudi Arabia to Austria and the United States.

Hedi, | the youngest, went briefly to Indon He then spent 18 years in Australia as an architect. A brief period in the United States was followed by 17 years in New Zealand, where he most recently operated a shop selling Persian carpets and crafts.

Just before his death, Moani was arranging finan he could pione to the Cook Islands and devote his time to studying the history of the Faith. Earlier this year he traveled to the Holy Land and visited family on three continents.

His killing was reported in extensive articles, with photos and the tributes of friends, in two Aucklandarea newspapers.

In his will, Moani gave everything to the Baha’i Faith. He earmarked a

Ohio

farm as an institute of Maori learning, a home overlooking the bay as a guest house for traveling teachers. Another home will revert to the Faith after his son passes.

A TRIBUTE IN ACTION

At a recent conference, New Zealand Baha'is of all backgrounds united in courage and determination to continue Moani’s work among the Maoris.

Seven hundred people, including media representatives and members of the accused killer’s family, attended Moani’s Maori-style Baha’i funeral. Two of Moani’s brothers accompanied his son, Darwin.

Messages

poured in from the Universal House of Justice and several National Spiritual Assemblies.

A moving presentation on behalf of the National Assembly of New Zealand read in part:

“Hedi ... had a well-trained mind, an

Lucile Allen Tualatin, OR September 4, 1998

Helen Arric ‘Tulsa, OK June 26, 1998

Aaron Elmore Bowen Florence, OR September 21, 1998

Ada Follett

Fish Creek, WI April 10, 1998

October 8, 1998

Ow

Henry H. Hall Jr. Fort Wayne, IN September 26, 1998

Emily Harper Prosser, WA September 21, 1998

Grace A. Hauf Brookfield, WI October 25, 1998

Claude Hawk Il

Speedway, IN October 15, 1998

October 12, 1998

IN MEMORIAM

Victor Kaseska San Antonio, TX August 17, 1998

Margaret Lane Falmouth, MA June 22, 1998

Pinehurst, ID October 28, 1998 Patricia Moses

Mesa, AZ October 17, 1998

July 12, 1998

ce)

James D. Schempp

Bahieh Parsianie Sohrab

Harry Wayne Lenhard Mark Anthony Taylor Cape Girardeau, MO

Port Orchard, WA October 9, 1998

San Jose, CA November 5, 1998

Ha:

October 16, 1998

Gwendolyn Terry New Britain, CT. September 1998

Baha’is in I

November 25, 1998

Mr. Mansu -Chal, the famous Black Pit in

A movie about Badi’, directed, is believed to have been the first Baha’iproduced feature film about a prominent historical figure of the Faith. #

Message from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of New Zealand, Oct. 19, 1998

We are deeply distressed at the — news of the passing of Hedi Moani. He will be remembered for his devoted services to the Faith over — several decades, and his dedication to the promotion of the teaching — work. His commitment to the upliftment of the Maori people of New Zealand through the propagation of the Cause of Baha’u’llah will long serve as an encouragement to others. Kindly convey to his family and friends our condolences, and the assurance of our prayers in the Holy Shrines for the progress of his soul in the worlds of God. May their hearts be comforted by the words of Baha'u'llah Himself that: “They — that have forsaken their country in the path of God and subsequently ascended unto His presence, such souls shall be blessed by the Concourse on High and their names — recorded by the Pen of Glory among such as have laid down their lives as martyrs in the path of God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsistent.”

—The Universal House of Justice

eloquent tongue and a quick wit. These were underpinned with warmth, a love for people, an instant recognition for their disposition and an accepting humanity. ...

“How true to Hedi’s desires that in death, as it was in his life, he should have such a blaze of tragedy and publicity that brings both glory and recognition and spreads the Word of his Best-Beloved.”

Ebrahim Mansuri was ground-breaker in film

a ground-breaking worker for th in the field of audio-visual ser York Ci Ye He had suffered a long illness.

Born in 19, active in audio-visual remembered by

He produced the f the events of Shaykh ratu’l-Quds (Bah destruction by the military of the same center in 1953, and 30 years later that film was s 20/20 news program in a report on the pei

s a devoted Baha’i and »m his y youth, as of Gir:

in Tehran’s newly built 4’f center). He filmed the

hown by ABC-TV’s

also documented on film the ruins of

ran where ned, before it was leveled for

the Helen Gagnon. Johnnie Lee Johnson Marie Rimbach Russell M. Williams Bi 4’w'llah was imp’ Orlando, FL Chicago, IL Phoenix, AZ Owasso, OK new construction:

which he produced and

Page 26

Tue AMERICAN BanA‘i ¢ IN MEMORIAM

December 31, 1998 [Page 27]

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December 31, 1998

Tue AMERICAN BAnA’i * PERSIAN page 27 [Page 28]

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SOME CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT THE FRIENDS OF PERSIAN CULTURE CONFERENCES

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December 31, 1998

THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ PERSIAN page 29 [Page 30]

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page 30 THe AMERICAN BAnA‘i ¢ PERSIAN

December 31, 1998 [Page 31]

Kitab-i-Aqdas translation

presented

‘he Hall at the Dom Druzhby

(House of Friendship) was overflowing as Ru: Baha’is celebrated publication of a Russian translation of the Kitab-i-Aqdas on Nov. 6.

‘The Most Holy Book was presented at the event to the director of the Library of the Russian Parliament, Irina Andreyeva. Many friends of the Baha'is in government, academic life and the med ttended this unveiling of the book that contains the of Baha’u’llah’

Following words of welcome from Sergei Poselski, secretary of the Nationa Assembly of the Russian Federation, 2 was delivered on “The Place of the Ki Agqdas among the Writings of Baha’wlih’ by Vadim Nomokonoy, a university professor and member of the committee that accomplished the translation of the Kitib-i-Aqdas.

Two non-Baha’i scholars, Irina Kolesnikova and Abdul Nurullaey, del ered short comments relating the Kitibi-Aqdas to the needs of society at large. The evening culminted with a talk on “The Significance of the Kitéb-i-Aqdas for the Individual and Humanity” by

zemzadeh, professor emeritus

essence

Teaching.

in Russia

of history at Yale University and secretary for external affairs of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United Stat

The program concluded with music

by Skriabin, Chopin, Bach and Barr performed by young pianist Olga distinguished Baha’i cellist Lev

Yevgrafov and a choral quintet, and ‘s from Baha’w’llah as well by Maria Skrebtsova a play by Izabella

a and

ny guests expressed their delight with warmth of the evening, as well as the speeches and performances. Every copy of the Kitib-i-Aqdas was sold out by the end of the evening.

The Kitib-i-Aqdas was first translated into Russian by a prominent Russian Orientalist, Aleksandr Tumanskii, in the late 19th century.

“Sts publication in a new and more accurate translation is an important event in the history of the growing Russian Baha’i community, and its presentation to the public in a dignified and joyous atmosphere was in itself a milestone in the development of that community,” Dr. Kazemzadeh stated after the ceremony.

Faith has had a second-stage effect in the northern province of Mara: Scores of people taught by these enrollees have themselves accepted Baha’u’llah, ing more than 120 in one village. ‘Teaching efforts have been assisted by members of the Auxiliary Board and the National Spiritual Assembly. Responding to the wave of enrollments, the National Institute plans to establish a branch in that province.

• Cook Islands: About 80 friends

helped carry out Nan Greenwood’s wish that her 90th birthday celebration be a teaching event at the National Bah: Center. A public gathering featured original music and dance plus a photographic exhibit showing Mrs. Greenwood’s Baha’i activities in the

Cook Islands and Canada. Baha'is also spread the Message by carrying out a public sing-along, concerts at two schools, television and radio interviews and other teaching efforts.

a emcee

• Panama: Seventy-five Bahé’is from all

over the country shared “A Day with the National Spiritual Assembly” in August, as the country’s senior Baha’i institution exchanged ideas and information with participants at the House of Worship near Panama City. Dis on unfoldment of the Divine Plan, especially the Four Year Plan, and how systematic teaching, the Fund, training institutes and efficient communication can contribute.

¢ India: Book 1 from the Ruhi Institute has been accepted into the moral curriculum of a secondary school in Padaria vil

ion centered

LOS ANGELES, continuep From pace 3

eeorscvecscoocoe

One member of the task force, Sheila Guttman, appeared on a local public radio station to publicize the plight of the Walker family.

Other members of the task force also have been busy putting faith into action. Bob and Dee Owens joined Sharon Sanchez of the Torrance Baha’i community at a Community Watch meeting in the neighborhood where the Walkers live.

The residents there have

eecececsecccecece

achieved a measure of solidarity in standing up to the local gang element. They regularly patrol the neighborhood in cooperation with the local sheriff's office.

Sensitive to the plight of the Walker family, Community Watch members offered advice and shared information. They are also organizing a Saturday barbecue at the Walker residence.

Pradesh state, for all students in grades 9 through 12. The “constant efforts of Auxiliary Board member Sadhana Mitra,” according to a report, led to the permission from the state minister of education. The classe: conducted twice a week.

¢ Uruguay: The National Teaching Conference in October at the Baha'i National Center drew about 80 participants from 15 localities. Along with the guidance of Counselor Isabel de Sanchez, the conference reviewed _ teaching achievements and emphasized the roles of institutes and study circles in advancing the process of entry by troops.

¢ Mauritius: The station of women w emphasized in a pair of conferences attended by is from all over the island in mid-October. A national conference, which also dealt with training institutes and individual initiative, drew the participation of about 200 friends including several members of the Continental Board of Counselors. A dozen women and two men stayed on for a second gathering, a “word for word study” of Bah: writings on women. “The friends were so filled with joy as they developed a greater awareness of the station of women in this Holy Dispensation,” the _ National Spiritual Assembly reported, adding that several volunteered to pass the inspiration along by organizing similar conferences.

ye, Madhy

The outpouring of love and support has helped to address the immediate needs of the Walker family. But in a larger sense, the work of the friends in addressing the profound issues that manifest themselves from time to time in acts of hatred is the only work that will have a truly lasting effect.

Shoghi Effendi wrote, as quoted in Directives From the Guardian:

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

¢ Solomon Islands: Prime Minister Bartholomew Ulufa’alu was guest speaker and presenter at the the sixth annual Blums Award ceremony, honoring individuals and groups for services to the community and held at the National Baha’i Center in Honiara. More than 300 people, including government officials and community leaders, witnessed the awarding of prizes to individuals who have helped people in remote areas with medical needs and emergency services. The National Spiritual Assembly received the group award for its Virtues project, which has conducted seminars and village-level workshops on. virtues and advancement of women. Acting Governor-General Paul Tovua remarked that he needs to display one of the posters printed by the Virtues Project in hi as Parliament speaker, because “it is the politicians who need these virtues.”

¢ Sri Lanka: The Baha'i Faith was acknowledged as an up-and-coming religion ata regional interfaith gathering last summer titled United Lanka, organized by the Inter-Religious Peace Foundation. ‘The statement was made by the secretary of the Dharmavedi Social Service Organization at a welcoming speech to students of Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Muslim backgrounds. @

eecceccese

ecccescse

“The believers should, therefore, seize this opportunity to make a supreme effort, to present, in convincing and eloquent language, those social and humanitarian teachings of the Faith which we believe to constitute the sole panacea for the innumerable ills afflicting our present-day world.”

Randolph Dobbs is a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles. @

December 31, 1998

Tne American BanA’i ¢ InreRNATIONAL News/ConninueD

page 31 [Page 32]

423-7564; e-mail

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS sponsored by the or its agencies at the Baha’f National Center, please ask for the relevant department. The numbers for the | and institutes are as follows: Bosch Baha’{ School, phone 831 Green Acre Baha’i

ea

e-mail,

52121063; €

5 x 810-653-7181; e-mail Institute, phone 803-558-5093; fax 803-558-9136; e-mail Native American Baha’i Institute, phone 520-587-7599; fax 520 + Louhelen Baha’i Schos - Louis

JANUARY

8-10: “Fundan Verities of the Baha’i Faith,” three-weekend training course at Bosch. Participants must be referred by an insti

Bosch. Contact Office of Pioneering (phone 847-7333508).

15-18: “Facilitating Social and con one peer at

ond pact to be held April 23-25, 22-24: Assembly Team Development at Bosch. Call Bosch if your Assembly is interested in participating.

22-24: Two programs at Green Acre: “Building a Better Magnet” on community building; Fireside Retreat for seekers and new believers.

24: Social and E Development Louhelen. Tr

onomic tor Training at will return for a

hosted be Nationa} Youth Committee at Green Acre. 29-31: Iowa Winter School, Valley

Registrar: Al Pros: West Des Moines, IA 50265 (phone 515-224-4966).

BAHA’i NATIONAL CENTER 112 LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

“Special Days: A Parent/Child nd” at Green Acre.

n Development at if your ne Assembly is

5-7:

2oin” at Bose! 15: Inter! Brotherhood/S Breakfast, 10 ured sp formation and hotel accommodations, contact Spiritual Assembly of ‘Teaneck, ‘Teaneck, NJ 07666 (phone 201-837-3638). 19-21: “Turning On the Light: Creating and Sustaining a Conscious Marriage,” a two-weekend course at Bosch. Part 2 is March 26-28. 26-28: Family Session at Louhelen.

A WALL BECOMES A BRIDGE

5-7: “Rendezv tual retre

s of Soul,” for the Fast, at Bo itual retreat for the Fast for ages nd older at Green Acre.

19-20: Naw-Riiz Session for families at Louhelen.

ies of the nd training Participants must be referred by a tution; must also attend sessions April 16-18 and May 7-9.

26-28: Two programs at Green Acre: ablishing ‘Training Institutes: hing the Cause” (attendance at all s ons required); Junior Youth Institute for ages 12-15 (enrollment limited).

30-April 3: Spring Children’s Academy for grades 4 through 6 at Bosch. Focus on ‘Abdu’l-Baha.

Robert James and Karen Pritchard of the Regional Baha’i Council for the Southern States share a light moment at a gathering of all four Councils Dec. 10-12 at the Baha’i House of Worship. Photo by Ken Duszynski

DECEMBER 31, 1998 SHARAF/HONOR + B.E. 155

void unn inal abel. Isoemstoa acquiring a Post Office box, ing. (This also updates the National Center's database.)

2-S: Institute fof You ages 12-17, at Louhelen. 9-11: Youth Eagle Institute, for ages 15 and older, at Louhelen.

itadel of Faith” at Green

Women, for

acher

should attend

irtues Project at Bosch.

“The Spiritual Purpose of

Women: Women’s Role in Advancing the Most Great Peace” at Bosch. 16-18: “Work as Worship: Baha’i Principles at Work” at Green Acre. 30—May 2: “Spiritual Values and Development” ining Intensive at Green Acre. Contact registrar for overview and required read:

30—May 2: Junior Youth Institute, for ages 12-15, at Louhelen.

A mural captioned “This is the color of my race: The Human Race!” adorns the African Art Gallery in Tampa, Florida. Unveiled Oct. 24, the project was carried out for the Baha’i community by Mariangela and Abeo and Haleh Abdolhosseini.

» new address and L 60201-1611. If secks for process

A. NAME(S)

‘De

Street Address

Apartment #(ifapplicabley

C. NEW MAILING ADDRES

Street Address

Apartment # (if applicable)

State Zip code

City

State Zip code

D. NEW COMMUNITY

FE. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER,

Name of new Baha'i Community

Moving Date Area Code Phone Number Name FE WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S) ‘Area Code Phone Number Name ‘Area Code Phone Number Name

we do not have the same last

name. We do not want extra Copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and ID number(s) listed above.

only one copy.

G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE:

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 ID numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive

H. 1 WOULD LIKE A COPY

Our household receives only one copy of The American Babd’i. 1 wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, ID number and address above.

Tue American BanA’t