The American Bahá’í/Volume 29/Issue 3/Text

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[Page 1]

APRIL 9, 1998

eooeeooee

JALAL/ GLORY BAHAY ERA 155

VOLUME 29, NO. 3

AND THROUGHOUT BAHA'I COMMUNITY.

ARTS HEAVY WITH SORROW AT PROFOUND LOSS TO BAHA'I WORLD OF HUGH E. CHANCE, OUR DEARLY LOVED FORMER COLLEAGUE, STAUNCH, FAR-SIGHTED SUPPORTER CAUSE BAHA'U'LLAH. CONSTANT OPTIMISM, ADAMANTINE FAITH, INDOMITABLE WILL CHARACTERIZED HIS NOTABLE THREE-DECADE-LONG SERVICES AS MEMBER UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE SUBSEQUENT TO HIS MEMBERSHIP NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY UNITED STATES. HIS MANIFOLD CONTRIBUTIONS ORGANIZATION WORLD CENTRE FAITH, HIS UNTIRING EFFORTS PROMOTE INTERESTS CAUSE ESPECIALLY FAR EAST ASIAN AND PACIFIC REGIONS, HIS VIGOROUS ASSISTANCE DEVELOPMENT EXTERNAL AFFAIRS ACTIVITIES BAHA'I INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HAVE LEFT IMPERISHABLE RECORD ACHIEVEMENTS. SUPPLICATING ARDENTLY HOLY THRESHOLD THAT HIS NOBLE SOUL MAY REAP RICH REWARDS ABHA KINGDOM, THAT HE MAY BE JOYOUSLY REUNITED HIS BELOVED WIFE MARGARET, THAT HEARTS HIS DEAR DAUGHTER AND OTHER MEMBERS FAMILY MAY BE SOLACED. ADVISE HOLD MEMORIAL GATHERINGS IN HIS HONOUR ALL HOUSES WORSHIP

—The Universal House of Justice, March 26, 1998

Councils gain momentum

INTERVIEW BY RAMZIA DUSZYNSKI ching, deepening, collaboration

I with local and national Institutioi

of the Faith—the four Regional Ba Councils in the United States are focusing on the fundamentals in their early steps to fulfill the expressed desire of the Universal House of Justice to “c: forward, with increased vigor, the propion of the C

use of God.”

hey were given momentum by the December 1997 orientation meeting, in which the Councils were energized by a special message from the Universal House and ushered into full functioning by the National Spiritual Assembly and e Continental Board of Counselors.

iew with the chairmen of Souncils outlines what the ave done since this historic

taken to decentralize the ation of the Faith.

Q: What are your Regional Council’s primary goals?

Shannon Javid (Western States): The Regional Council is seeking to

SEE REGIONAL, PAGE 32

Hugh Chance

aheroic champion of Baha’ the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assem

r. Hugh E. Chance, a member of the

Universal House of Justice from. its

inception in 1963 until 1993, passed away

March 25, home in Kansas. He w:

A message from Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general’ of the Nationa Spiritual Assembly, read in part:

“We are deeply dened by the loss of

1998, at his Winfield, 86.

lah who served as

SEE HUGH CHANCE, PAGE 31

Family presence at Kellum Awards

James Kellum (center left) greets Farhang Alai of the Peoria, Illinois, Assembly at the ceremony for the Kellum Awards, named after Mr. Kellum’s father, David. Co-winner Juliette Whittaker is at center. See page 27. Photo by Ken Krapf

Counselors boost race unity drive

‘he Institution of the Learned is preparing to help local munities across North Americ

ent in working to v

com

become the ional to

more cons races, in the wake of the U itual Assembly’ call for the friend “sustained action to eliminate preju

take dice and build race unity.” In a historic meeting Jan. 30-Feb. 1 in

Dallas, ‘Texas, the Cou erving North America facilitated a consultative meeting to train all Ai bers serving the United States, Canada, Alaska and Greenland on “the most vital and challenging issue” and on how they * could help communities address issues of

lo)

SEE COUNSELORS, PAGE 23

Second round of broadcasts planned for this summer

he Nationa

Spiritual Assembly is planning a second series of 1

sts of The Power of Race Unity for ammer. Exact times and dates will be announced in The American Baha'i, d all local public relations coordinators be notified, as soon as they are defi

nite.

Black Entertainment ‘Television (BET), a national cable channel reaching tens of millions of people throughout the United States, has approved The Power of Race Unity for broadcast, pending. a contract with the National Spiritual Assembly.

“This means that another great door of opportunity has opened for the Faith,”

Zivari, director of the National Spiritual Assembly's Office of Public Information. “All television networks have to review programs in advance to ensure their suitability. Now we have the green light to arrange specific broad

SEE BROADCASTS, PAGE 39

Q *I-N-S'1-D-E

ARIZONA REUNION PAGE 6

SUMMER SCHOOLING PAGES 16-18

PAGES 19-22

THE NATIONAL FUND

Betwoen May 1, 1997 and February 28, 1998

—Baha’u’llah

[Page 2]

EDITORIAL

A living commemoration of the Conference of Badasht

ne hundred fifty years ago a contentious cluster of 81 believers, united only by love

of God and faith in His Holy Messenger the Bab, met in the Persian village of Badasht.

That conference forged the identity of their newborn Faith and propelled it into a period of legendary, glorious sacrifice that culminated in the Revelation of Baha’u’lléh and tilled the ground for the seeds of a global civilization.

‘Today the Baha’i faithful face what the Universal House of Justice calls “one of the most critical times in the life of the planet.” Nourished by decades of guidance as provided by the Covenant, fortified by a divinely ordained administration, the United States community ne ertheless is still finding its way through the process of entry by troops even as we approach the end of the traditional millennium—with its weighty implications for the destiny of the Faith.

In our efforts to advance that process, perhaps we can draw lessons from the fateful conference of the believers in the summer of 1848.

With the Point of Revelation impri:

oned far away, the Babis at Badasht 3

yearned to settle a fundamental question: Was this movement simply a new

JOHNEA BROOKS DE VITA, a Bah: student at the University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo, has won a substantial scholarship targeted toward a business student who minors in Italian. As well as her academic excellence, the scholarship award recognized the goal of her education: to work in support of businesses owned by women of African descent worldwide.

A building principally designed by JOSEPH CINCOTTA, a Baha’{ who is an architect in Wilmington,Vermont,

JOSEPH CINCOTTA

was recently praised by the governor as “the most energy-efficient building in the state.” The Sonnax Industries manufacturing/office complex in’ Rockingham, Vermont, was constructed to maximize use of natural lighting with minimal heat transfer through windows, and includes features such as_ gas-fired infrared heating and a system to switch off lights automatically when natural light is sufficient.

SERENA FULLER, a Baha'i who is a junior at Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, Illinois, placed first in the English division of the Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering Competition for her district. Serena was

source of inspiration for Islam, or was it an independent religion with the potential to revolutionize the world?

The answer came through a stunning series of events not to the liking of some in attendance.

‘This was a new age in which Thirih could walk openly with her face unveiled, still representing the essence of purity and devotion. It was a time, as the Guardian wrote, for “a sudden, startling, complete emancipation” from old superstitions and outmoded ways of worship.

It was the Judgment Day, as Baha’u’llah Himself subtly but unmistakably pointed out as he acted to unite those who sided with Tahirih, those who clung to her momentary eal Quddhtis, and tho: clearly as a test t path for the faithfu When the 22-day Conference of adasht. was ended, the followers of that path were those who resolved inwardly and outwardly to follow the Divine Will, break the fetters of the past and march toward a Kingdom of God on earth, no matter the dangers or hardships.

At the midpoint of the Four Year Plan, as we prepare to commemorate the

t would define the

150th anniversary of this “clarion call of

the new Order,” let us seek ways—individually and as communities—to apply that spirit to our lives and actions in pursuit of the goals before us for expansion and consolidation of the Faith.

May we reconsecrate our prayer and study and seek to be transformed, just as Baha’u’llah bestowed a new name on every person in those gardens at Badasht.

May we go forth from our meditations fortified to spread the teachings of God to ever greater numbers of people, just as our spiritual ancestors left that hamlet with the vision of a world already changed by the force of the Revelation.

May we build communities of service, strengthen our Assemblies, and develop our administration into an ever stronger framework for unifying humanity, even as the divided Babis found a single voice through the guiding hand of the Blessed Beauty.

“Surely now if ever is the time to turn our eager eyes inward, to bestir ourselves, to invoke the Most Great Name, and standing together, summon to our and support all the faith, the strength, and the courage that we shall need to meet our pressing obligations and discharge our trust.” ffendi

NCE IN ALL THINGS

competing along with her peers in the Junior Engineering Technology Society, and several other high schools in the Chicago North Shore area participated in this annual contest in February.

SIENNA MAE HEATH, an 8-year-old Baha’i from Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania, has won district, council and local-level prizes for third-graders in the PTA “Reflection Program” in photography, music, visual arts and literature. Her photography won the highest honors, with an honorable mention at the district level and first place at the council level.

Dr. PAUL HERRON, a Baha’i who is an assistant professor in the Anatomy and Neurobiology Department at the University of Tennessee Medical School in Memphis, received a $253,000 grant to study in an animal model the progressive deterioration in brain and behavior that occurs in Alzheimer’s disease.

• BEHNAM B. MALAKOOTI, a Baha’ from

Pepper Pike, Ohio, was selected as the Distinguished Technical Educator for 1997 by the Council of Technical Societies of Cleveland, which represents more than 50 technical societies throughout Cleveland and northern Ohio. The engineering professor at Case Western Reserve University was honored for his “extraordinary” contributions toward the advancement of engineering education and his work in research, development and engineering practice.

DANIEL Morris, a Baha’i student in La Crescenta, California, was honored with the Exemplar of Virtues award for Crescenta Valley High School students. ‘The award is sponsored by the local Baha’ community, and nominations are made by faculty and the dean of students at the school. Daniel also was the recipient of the Kathy Goffredo Memorial Scholarship for exemplary students involved in basketball.

A symphony written by JESSE VOOGT, an 18-year-old Baha’i_ from West Cobb County, Georgia, was recently performed by the Harrison High School orchestra at the Georgia Music Educators Association conference in Savannah, Georgia. “Jesse is incredibly talented,” the director of the award-winning school orchestra told a Marietta newspaper. “He based his music on the abilities and style capabilities of the other students. ... We have a wonderful cellist and there's a passage just for [her].” A violinist in the orchestra, Jesse has applied to music programs at two universities and hopes to major in composing and minor in classical guitar.

Correction

Photo captions on Pages 1 and 12 of the March 2 issue of The American Bahda’t incorrectly identified singers. The Jeffrey Barnes Baha’i Gospel Choir-was the musical group pictured or referred to in those photos of a celebration of Kwanzaa in Manhattan Beach, California.

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page 2

‘THE AMERICAN BAHA'I * EXCELLENCE — April 9, 1998 [Page 3]

THE:

nn

Spirit is essential in Baha’i election process

s Ridvan nears, Baha’is around the world are preparing for the election of Local Spiritual Assemblies.

Participation in the Baha’i electoral process is not just a right, it is a “sacred duty,” and every eligible vote: “take part conscientiously and di in the election, the consolidation and the efficient working of his own local Assembly.” The only exception is if the voter feels he or she cannot vote intelligently and with understanding. This situation usually can be addressed with advance preparation.

Voting in the Baha'i administrative order is, ideally, a year-long process in which the individual gets to know the qualifications of all those who are eligible to serve on the Assembly in order to choose the most qualified.

This allows the voter to concentrate

5,000 letters back women’s

rights measure

Friends rally behind U.N. convention

Be have sent almost 5,000 letters

to the National Spiritual Assembly’ $ Office of the Secretary for External Affairs in Washington, D.C., in support of the recent campaign to urge ratifica _ tion of the U.N. Convention to nate Dis tion against Women.

‘Those letters, from believers in the 29 designated states for the Campaign (plus Alaska), are about half the total number of letters rece from more than 40 national organizations involved with the campaign to urge at least 75 senators to vote for ratification of the U.N. convention.

‘The Washington office has also heard numerous reports from Local Assemblies and individuals across the country who to the editor in

apers, requested their state and held events commemorating International Women’s L

As of this writing, representatives of the National Assembly along with representatives from other national organizations are in the process of delivering the thousands of letters to Senate offices in Washington and requesting senators to support U.S. ratification of CEDAW.

For further details, see the next issue of The American Baba’.

‘limi

The National Spiritual Assembly is asking local communities to write letters urging that the

U.S. government pay its past due $1.5 billion obligation to

the United Nations. See story on Page 28

“on the qualities and requirements of office, without prejudice, passion or partiality,” and then vote “for none but those whom prayer and reflection have inspired him to uphold.”

The Baha’ electoral process does not permit campaigning or nominations, and requires that all votes be conducted by secret ballot and kept confidential.

The atmosphere of the election is a spiritual one, created by means of individual spiritual preparation, purity of motive and openness to divine guidance. important to the success of the given the prom tion in Bahai discharged in the proper Bahi contributes to the health and growth of the Baha’! y

Additional information about the Baha’{ electoral process can be found in

the following publications and materials:

• Babd’i Elections, compiled by the

Universal House of Justice.

° The Local Spiritual Assembly, compiled by the Universal House of Justice.

° Electing Baba’t Assemblies.

• Developing Distinctive Baba’ Communities: Guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies

(revised version now available).

• ° Elections: The Bahd’t model, a video by

the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

• The Baha’i Electoral Process, part

of the Comprehensive Deepening Program.

The video and workbook A Miracle of

” tual Assembly ly recommended for greater

“ understand ng of the station of the

Local Spiritual Assembly and the interaction between it and the community.

House of Worship gets new look:

chair upholstery,

BY JAMES HUMPHREY

ie future, Baha'is the world over will be obliged to renew the furnishings of their homes every 19 years, according to a law in the Most Holy Book.

Lately the House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, underwent such a renewal, but only after waiting a few years longer than that.

The 1,250 chai the dome of the ded tion in 1953 . But in a months-long project that began last summer, their rock-maple frames were refinished and all-new red velvet upholstery was applied.

Te was the first refurbishment of the seats since 1974, years filled with the wear and sun-weathering that can be expected in a building with large windows, with doors open to all humanity.

Downstairs in the Visitors Center and Foundation Hall, patterned carpet with forest-green accents was installed over three weekends in February to replace the beige carpeting that had served for more than 30 years.

‘The two projects anticipate the next thorough study of House of Worship renovation and maintenance.

Refinishing and reupholstering the chairs was the second such job for Baker Interior Decorating Service of Gulfport, Mississippi, a Ba owned business that renewed the same chairs 23 years before.

Changes in safety laws in between the jobs made the process more complicated this time around, said Lola Baker, owner of the business. For instance, they had to use 17 coats of water-soluble lacquer—harder to work with than the oil-based prod and choose their locations for finishing work carefully.

In then end, it all was carried out on the ‘Temple grounds. Workers took each connected set of two to four chairs to nearby service buildings for stripping, repairs, lac

served under

carpets replaced

Lola Baker and Fred Baker Jr. do some routine touching-up on a return January, after main work was finished on restoring the chairs in the House of Worship. Photo by James Humphrey

quering and upholstering, then returned them to the auditorium.

“Tt turned into a very laborious project,” said Fred Baker Jr., a supervisor for the project and Mrs. Baker’s son. “We had to do everything by hand ... but those chairs have a shine that can last another 20 years.”

He said his father, Fred Baker Sr., had provided “a lot of road maps” from the previous repair job. The senior Mr. Baker had passed away only months earlier in 1997.

Mrs. Baker added that the firm took care to use the sturdiest available upholstery materia keeping with the it of how the House of Worship was built.

“They knew what they were doing,” rything that has gone into was strong, it was the best

this building

SEE HOUSE OF WORSHIP, PAGE 31

Enrollments

February 798 ... 100 Total since May I, ‘97: 1370

THE FUND

May 1, 1997-February 28, 1998

Contributions received by National Treasurer Received Goal for since May 1: entire year: $18,009,439 +4 of goal has been met

83% of fiscal year has passed

February 28, 1998 A A

April 30, 1998

Allocations to other funds

Are Projects Fund

$2,420,572 *

13% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 19%)

International Baha’i Fund Ree De

22% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 7%)

Oe onel erie wm atte

$254,013

1.4% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 2%)

Other contributions: $736,124

• Arc allocations were reported inaccurately in the previous issue. The figure as

of Jan. 31 should have been $2,168,248.

Total revenues and expenses at Baha’i National Center

May 1, 1997-Feb. 28, 1998

Revenues @

$16,344,823

Expenses V Resulting deficit: $1,957,494

Includes contributions plus revenu

from Baha'i Publishing ‘Trust, Baha’ Home, permanent schools, etc.

Y Operating and capital expenses, not including depreciation.

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

April 9, 1998

THE AMERICAN BANA’ * THE SECOND FRONT

page 3 [Page 4]NISTERING the CAUSE

Going beyond the ‘Fund barrier’

Now, there are two possibilities here. One is that the Guardian was wrong—he was pushing the beyond their mez

BY THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER AND DEVELOPMENT

n the morning of Oct. 14, 1947, Chuck

Yeager broke the sound barrier. Almost everyone told him it couldn’t be done. There ble wall of a they s

a ¢ our own Fees i

a “Fi oa ipa keeping the Faith Insitutions chamed to the ground?

Fund have con

Lear eee the need, at at ministry of the Guardian, Shoghi what the Hand of the Cause of God Ugo Giachi ites in his Recollections: “In reviewing retros

predicaments with which the beloved Guardi to contend, and at times struggle, all alone ... plus the limitation of funds that was a constant restraint to his enthusiasm and desire to accomplish many other things, we cannot but marvel at what, singlehanded, he was able to achieve . ... establishing all the Institutions envisioned by the Founder of the Faith on a permanent and invulnerable foundation.” (pp. 82-83)

Dr. Giachery is referring to the development of the Baha’i World Center, particularly the construction of the Shrine of the Bab. These projects were costly, at least in terms of the size of the community. ‘The Guardian struggled on, though, and finished them at tremendous personal cost despite continuing Fund shortfalls. Dr. Giachery mentions, for example, that the contracts for the Shrine could not be let all at once, but instead were divided up by Shoghi Effendi and signed as he had the money available. How much did this uncertainty add to the beloved Guardian’s burden?

We can cross off that ance on the matter. The other is that he knew the believers’ capacity better than they did themselves, but they were slow to meet the need, perhaps because of self-doubt or a limited concept of their own strength and power.

ack for evidence that this in the early 1970s that istice told us our Fund

The deficit more than $1.9 million. The National Assembly spends much more time considering cuts and economies, and less than it would like on building a safe haven for all mankind—that being the tradeoff here, in its largest sense.

In 1995, we approached the Fund barrier: we gave $23 million for the Are Projects and every other Fund’ resources increased. The friends who participated felt a rare sense of joy and exhilaration. It seemed everything was possible then.

Now we are on the threshold of another kind of barrier: the proclamation barrier. None of us should be under any illusions. The national media initiative, just one of the National Assembly’ programs for entry by troops, will be expensive. Will we hold back, or will we break through the Fund barrier, and enable the Faith to grow as rapidly as Baha'u'llah designed it to? Will we, at long last, commit ourselves totally?

Giving at that level can be a frightening prospect for us. On the other hand, we might discover that our barriers, like the one Yeager punched through, are only air.

Weigh principles on education savings

‘he question often comes up whether the money we set aside for education of our children can be deducted as a “needful” expense in calculation of our Huqiqu’llah obligation. While the answer to this ey is left to the cor

education is compulsory, and H y responry for educating of children to their parent But He also provides that the institutions of F ould guarantee the right of education for children whose parents cannot afford it

How spiritually satisfying and socially exciting it is for those of us who save for the education of children out of the 81% of our wealth that has already been “purified” by payment of Huqiqu’llah, to know that out of the 19% Right of God that we have paid Baha'u'llah is educating countless other children in less affluent and privileged parts of the world. That is exactly what is happening when the Universal House of Justice, out of Huqtiq funds, helps Baha’{ schools in communities that need it.

Frequently asked question: Can the payment of Huqiqu’llih be made in the form of securities?

Answer: Yes. For the exact procedure for transferring securities, please contact one of the ‘Trustees.

Helpful Hint: Please indicate any changes in

ANSWERING QUESTIONS ON HUQUQU’LLAH

Payments to Huqiqu’llah should be made to “The Baha'i Huququ’llih Trust” (please write your Baha’{ identification number on your check) and sent to one of the Trustees: ¢ Dr. Amin Banani, Santa Monica, CA 90402 (phone 310-394-5449) ¢ Mr. Stephen Birkland,

Arden Hills, MN 55112 (phone 612484-9518)

• Dr. Daryush Haghighi,

Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone

216-333-1506) ¢ Mrs. Thelma Khelghati, Lunenburg, MA 01462 (phone 508-5829216)

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

Inquiries about Huqtqu’lléh should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Baha’i Huqdqu’llah Trust, Rocky River, OH 44116.

your personal status, i.e., marriage or divorce, that you wish to be recorded in your Huqiqu’llah payment file.

THE TREASURER’S CORNER

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

PLEDGES HELPFUL IN MEETING FUND GOALS

The Universal House of Justice tells us, “Pledges can be useful as am of encouraging contributions and of bringing the financial needs of the Cause to the attention of the friends.” Although many Spiritual Assemblies may have sought pledges from the friends as a way of achieving a major financial task, pledging may also be helpful in meeting yearly Fund goals. The practice of pledging helps the friends~ plan for and monitor their commitment to the Funds, while allowing the Assembly to meet its commitments in a timely manner. Additional guidance on pledges can be found in Developing Distinctive Babd’i Communities, pages 10.23-24.

WILL PREPARATION

‘Treasurers can help the friends comply with the law of the | Aqdas that requires each of us to have a will. One way to: help is by having on hand copies of “The Writing of : Will,” a pamphlet prepared by the Office of the Pa and Development. This pamphlet includes instructions for gathering and organizing information necessary for will preparation. Treasurers may order multiple copies for $3.50 per dozen. Any individual believer may request one free copy. Another service to the friends is the sponsorship by the | Local Spiritual Assembly of a Wills Workshop. Outlines for | these workshops are free and are also available from the Office of the Treasurer and Development. Call 847- 733+ 3472.

Shoghi Effendi assured. us, “The execution of | the. provisions of the will causes the spirit of the deceased to rejoice in the Abha Kingdom.” *

PREPARING FOR THE ANNUAL AUDIT

The annual audit report for Local Spiritual Assemblies is due to the National Spiritual Assembly by June 30. If your Spiritual Assembly uses the services of a professional firm, a cluding the management letter, should be forwarded to the National Spiritual Assembly as soon as possible following completion.

TIPS ON CONTRIBUTING TO THE NATIONAL FUND d couples no longer need to send separate checks contributions credited to each person. Using the detachable portion of the new receipt form, simply fill in the ID number and the amount of the contribution for each person, and enclose with one check for the total contributon.

Request to treasurers: When making community contributions to the National Fund, please use the detachable portion of receipts from previous contributions by your Assem~bly. Please do not use forms from your personal receipts, as this makes posting the contribution more difficult.

• Also, treasurers, you may send checks from individual

community members in the same envelope with community — contributions. (Make sure the ID number of the contributor is on each check, please!) However, please do not list checks from individuals on the form for community contributions. It is important that the check number and amount on the form agree with the check from your community’s Fund.

“At this critical hour in the fortunes of humanity, our eyes turn with eagerness and hope to the Baha’is of all parts of North America, who constitute a reservoir of human and material resources unmatched elsewhere in the Baha’i world.”

—Universal House of Justice, | Ridvan 153 letter to the Baha’is of Noreh America

page 4 THE AMERICAN BAHA’i ¢ ADMINISTERING THE CAUSE = April 9, 1998

[Page 5]

ADMINISTERING*THE* CAUSE

Information

Information for registered visitors to the Baha’{ National Convention, to be held May 28-31 at the Holiday Inn O'Hare International in Rosemont, Illinois: ROOM RATES ¢ Reservations must be made by May 10 to secure the contract rate of $83 (plus tax) per room for double occupancy.

• Room reservations must be made

directly with the hotel. Ask for the Baha’i National Convention rate. Please arrange your own roommates. GROUND TRANSPORTATION

¢ Airport: 24-hour shuttle service is complimentary. On arrival, use the information phones in the baggage claim areas on where to meet the shuttle. Ask for service to the Holiday Inn O'Hare. On departure, a shuttle will leave the hotel every 15 minutes.

• Car: The hotel is ac

major highways. It is two O'Hare International Airport and as little as 20 minutes from downtown Chicago. Hotel parking is free.

VISITOR REGISTRATION OPTIONS

• Accompanying form: You may complete, clip and mail this form to the Conventions Office (address is on the form).
• Web page: A complete electronic version of the registration form is posted

on the National Administrative Web site, www.usbne.org (you will need your Baha’i ID number to log in). © E-mail: Send the name, Baha’i ID number, address and phone number of each’ registering “visitor to,

• Fax: Send the required information to

our fax at 847-869-0247.

for visitors to this year’s Convention

89™ BAHA’I NATIONAL CONVENTION

Baha'i ID#

MAY 28-31, 1998, AT HOLIDAY INN O’HARE, ROSEMONT, IL Registration form

This will be an open convention. Believers wishing to attend the convention as observers may pre-register with the Baha’i National Center. Questions about details should be

nae

referred to the Conventions Office at the Baha’i National Center (phone 847-733-3529, e-mail

Full name

Address e

City/State/Zip

Delegate __ Visitor __ Agency/Office/Other Home phone

Other notes: Work phone

RETURN FORM TO: HOTEL RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE: Conventions Office, Baha’i National Center Holiday Inn O’Hare Wilmette, IL 60091 5440 N. River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018 Phone: 847-733-3529 Phone: 800-HOLIDAY E-mail: Fax: 847-671-1378

• No phone registrations will be Holy Day commemoration (below). at 4 a.m. Friday, May 29.

accepted. * A delegates-only session will be held * No children’s program or child care SCHEDULE Saturday, May 30, at the House of Wor- _ will be provided.

• The convention opens the evening of — ship in Wilmette. Visitors are invited to Your understanding and cooperation are

Thursday, May 28, and closes at noon _ attend special non-delegate events at the _ appreciated. Sunday, May 31 clude two hotel that morning. QUESTIONS?

full 13-hour days, one half-day, and one

on in addition to a

Please include with this form:

• A $12 check or money order to cover materials

• A cassette tape recording demonstrating your vocal range

• The anniversary of the Ascension of

Baha’w'llah_ will be commemorated

and ability (if you have not sung with the House of Worship

Please call the Conventions Office at 847-733-3529.

House of Worship Choir seeks voices for Spring Concert

APPLICATION FOR VISITING

Choir recently)

Please mail to: Music Director, Baha’i House of Worship

100 Linden Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091

Name Voice part: (circle all that apply)

SopranoI/I Alto I/II Tenor I/II

Choral Experience/ Training:

Bass I / II

Mailing Address:

Daytime phone. Evening phone

E-mail

ing with the Baha’i House Ss" Worship Choir in Wil mette, Illinois, in its Spring Concert at 2:30 p.m. May 31, a joyous musical act of worship to complete the 1998 National Convention experience.

The theme of the program, set for Foundation Hall at the House of Worship, is “Songs from the Age of Prophecy and the Age of Fulfillment,” an inspiring blend of the classics and Baha’i favorites. Individual singers and/or Baha’i community choirs en masse will enjoy joining in this uplifting event.

Singers will need to be in the Wilmerte area not later than Tuesday, May 26. Rehearsals will be held every evening, with days generally free for sight-seeing or attending the National Convention.

Participants should plan on

singing both at the observance of the Ascension of Baha’w'llah beginning at 4 a.m. CDT Friday and at the concert Sunday afternoon.

Because rehearsal time will be limited, singers will be expected to know their parts before arriving so the choir can spend its rehearsal time on polishing and blending.

If you want to participate, please send the accompanying form by April 30. Include a $12 check or money order, payable to the Baha’f House of Worship, to cover the cost of music, folder, and postage.

Those who have not sung with the choir previously will need to send in an audition tape demonstrating vocal range and ability.

For more information, please contact the Bahé’i House of Worship Music Department (phone 847-853-2328, e-mail

April 9,1998 - THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i ¢ ADMINISTERING THE CAUSE page 5 [Page 6]

i was a poignant homecoming for Mary Gibson and sons Don and Bill as they were welcomed back to the Navajo Reservation in northeastern Arizona, where she and her husband, the late Universal House of Justice member Amoz Gibson, served as schoolteachers in the late 1950s.

Lots of stories of the early days of our beloved Faith in the region were shared during the gathering Jan. 31 at Diné Community College.

The stories wove a thread of continuity and unity through the hearts of those who had gathered to honor the memories and reflect on the present.

Some highlights of the gathering were:

• 100 percent participation and service of the community, which was

reflected in the beauty and power of the gathering.

¢ The children’s participation in decorating the luncheon and gathering rooms with posters, banners, flowers and pictures.

¢ The beautiful fliers announcing the event, which attracted a young woman who was attending a conference on campus. She had been searching for the Baha’i community on the Reservation after moving from Flori

Mary Gibson addresses a Jan. 31 gathering on the Navajo Reservation, where she and her husband, Amoz Gibson, had served in the 1950s.

Local photo

da and marrying a traditional Navajo. ¢ The loving greetings conveyed by Alberta Deas on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly. ¢ The bounty of stories shared by Mrs. Gibson, Don and Bill Gibson, Charlotte Kahn, Jeff Kiely and Wil leto Vecenti. All gathered were especially touched by Mrs. Gibson’s story of Mrs. Sadye Joe Vecenti’s declaration of belief in Baha’w’llah on Jan. 31, 1957, in their home in Pinon, Arizona.

Although Mrs. Vecenti was unable to attend Jan. 31, other members of

family visit

her family were able to share their memories.

Mrs. Gibson had spent the week of Jan. 18-25 on the reservation visiting many old friends, including Mrs. Vecenti and her family, the Manuelito family, the friends and staff at the Native American Baha’i Institute, a family at Dinnebito, the Nelsons and Kahns at Pine Springs, and e some former students of Mr. and Mrs. Gibson in Pinon.

One of the students is now principal of the school and one is superintendent. On behalf of all the students ever taught at Pinon, they thanked Mrs. Gibson and her family for their special care and teaching of the students back in the 1950s. They have not been forgotten in Pinon.

Some of the non-Baha’i members. of the Vecenti family who attended the gathering had not been with Baha’is since the 1960s. They expressed their delight to be with the Baha’is again and a desire for training in the Faith.

A weekly training institute for the ‘Tsaile/Lukachukai area is evolving from the Gibsons’ loving presence on the Reservation.

Amoz Gibson had helped establish Baha’i Faith on reservation

moz Gibson, whose ancestry includes Creek Indian, last visited Arizona in 1978 during a two-month traveling teaching trip to Iran and the United States. He died in 1982 at age 64 of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

According to The Baha’i World Vol. XVIII, 1979-1983, pp. 665-669, the Gibsons pioneered in 1955 to the jo Reservation.

“The first months were spent making friends and adjusting to teaching older children who had never enrolled in school before and who spoke very little English. Soon, firesides were begun; then, at the close of the first school year, Mrs. Meherangiz Munsiff and her daughter, Jyoti, came to vi

“The Indian people were greatly attracted to Mrs. Munsiff and in a very marvelous way she set the stage for the first Baha’i study class which was carried on by the Gibsons weekly. In 1957 Sadye Joe [Vecenti], who attended that

initial class, became the first of the Navajo tribe to accept the Faith of Baha’u’llah.

“Sparked by the American Indian Service Committee, of which Amoz was a member, other pioneers settled on the Navajo and Hopi Reservations and in the towns bordering them. Through distances were great, the roads poor, and driving conditions always hazardous, there was a strong sence of unity and cooperation among the pioneers.

“There were two outstanding events which Amoz worked very hard to support and bring to fruition. The first was the visit of Amatu’l-Baha Ruhfyyih Khénum to the reservation in 1960. Her visit cemented relations among the Baha’is and stimulated new activities. Also it aroused the interest of the citizens of that area, making them aware of the international character of the Faith and its worldwide importance.

“Meanwhile, other Navajos had entered the Faith, notably Chester and Franklin Kahn and their wives, whose desire to share the Message with their families and friends led to the second event—the large weekend gathering of a thousand or more souls at Pine Springs, Arizona, in 1962. They came from far and near, Bahd’is and nonnd slept in clusters around s under a canopy of brilliant The Hand of the Cause

stars.

Dhikru'llah Khadem, who with

dignified, loving one closer to Bah;

pirit brought every‘lah, provided the stimulus which resulted in the entry of a great number of new believers, more than 100 in just two days. Mr. Khadem said frequently during that weekend, ‘O God, increase my astonishment in Thee!’ What a joy and assurance this meeting brought to Amoz’s heart. At least the work was moving forward. “In 1959 Amoz was appointed to the Auxiliary Board for protection; in 1960

he was elected to the National Spiri tual Assembly of the United States. As a Board member he traveled extensively throughout the western states and also made a trip to Jamaica and Haiti. He served as a member of the National Assembly at the dedication of the Baha’i Temple in Uganda in 1961, taking this opportunity to teach in the villages near Kampala and making firm and lasting friendships among the African believers.

“Amoz moved from Pinon, Arizona, to teach English in the secondary school at Fort Wingate, New Mexico, and resided in Gallup about 14 miles distant. In 1960, after the birth of his daughter, Nancy, he was appointed principal of the Bread Spring Day School in New Mexico, and the family were living there when Amoz attended the first International Convention in Haifa, in 1963, and was elected to the Universal House of Justice.”

pageé6 THE AMERICAN BAHA’i ¢ SPREADING THE TEACHINGS = April 9, 1998 [Page 7]

Ambitious New Jersey project energizes friends

BY THE BAHA'IS OF LAWRENCEVILLE, NEW JERSEY

he plan seemed impossible: Host a series of three public talks on the itual perspective of the new millennium. Hand-deliver a personal invitation to every one of the 10,000 households (35,000 people) in town. Coordinate the

spi

series with a brand-new Web site. And follow up ule of firesides.

All this for the small community of 11

ith a six-week rotating sched

awrenceville,

ings, personal firesides and children’s classe:

When the bold plan wa ed, the Spiritual enthusiasm tinged with skepticism. Could we really? Dare we?

Then, loo!

first suggestembly greeted it with

ig at its full plate, it delegated the project to Ardeshir Dean, the member who su; few months, the plan simmered while the speech, to be given by C

sted it. For the first

mm Maguire,

Event extends

welcome to

area Filipinos special

fireside/proclamation Wausau, Wisconsin,

geared to the Filipino community drew about 50 guests at the downtown YMCA in late January.

Organized by Carol and Bill Sery of nearby Antigo, the event was supported by Bahd’is from as far away as the Chicago area.

“The Wausau community did a wonderful job in providing the place, the Baha’i literature, and beautiful handmade arts depicting the Faith, not to mention food,” reports Dennis Arciaga of Bensenville, Illinois, who with Mrs. Sery conducted the main spoken and video presentation on Baha’u’llah and the Baha’{ Faith.

“Most of the questions asked showed an initial spiritual interest to gain a better understanding of the various aspects

was written. Slow

excerpt of the talk

ly, step by step, and with a picture of mi much maging, We have the profound a noe Worthe project gaine« ees ship in Wilmette, momentum. conviction that no illinois, on the The speech—a . outside. thoughtful look at Project is too Two weeks ie daunting, no plan oi. panvich ety and how too ambitious the sidewalks. The Baha’wllah will town was broken

influence this millennium—was carefully crafted with the help of three other commu:

ty members. It was ides to perfect the

tested at two local fi timing and delivery.

Another group put together an inspirational audio-visual presentation to follow the t Web modeled after the Atlanta site.

The formal invitations, folded and printed on heavy stock, were prepared.

k. Another member created the

site—www.lawrence-bahai.org—

They were designed to look like wedding inv

ions and included a full-page

— if we are unified.

en

into thirds (onethird for each of the three talks) and an inv! tucked into over 2,000 doorw

As the d

ion was

y drew nearer, media contacts

were stepped up and the fireside schedule was created. The community gathfinal time to say special prayers at

ered

the weekly devotional meeting.

On the day of the talk, the site, at a decorated with ng. Refreshments, out. One member

local plants and soft ligh pamphlets were lai

universi

volunteered to watch all seven of the community's young children. When all

A we

A few of the dozens of people attending a special public fireside in Wausau, Wiscon

sin, gather inside the downtown YMCA. Local photo

of the Faith,” Mr. Arciaga said. Proclamation and teaching work by a number of area Baha’fs, including Kay Sorenson, Tom and Jackie Stocker, Dick and Jane LaRonge, Sue Moser,

Sariah Cohen, and Mary Bratz and

their families, helped lead up to the success of the meeting, Mr. Arciaga reported.

‘The Baha’i youth helped the children make “Unity” posters during the fireside.

6-year-old wins essay contest—and hearts of many at her school

SOPHIA DELPAK

Gertie Delpak, a 6-year-old Baha’i from Melbourne, Florida, has distinguished herself already as a kindergartener at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School.

She placed first in her school’s McGraw Essay Contest at the kindergarten-Grade 1 level. Her essay, titled “Yes, 1 Do Have a Message,” reads

“Tm the mes

ge of God. I’m bringing

and it is the unity of the

good news world and oneness of humankind. It is the me’

ge of truth and an end to prejudice. It is the message of only one God and that all

religions should be as one. People should be kind to each other, help the world to be a better place. for all God’s creatures.”

Sophia not only won a $50 prize, but also was asked tq read her essay to Our Lady of Lourdes’ students and parents. It appeared later in the church newsletter.

Sophia further impressed the teachers and students when she recited the excerpt

from Gleanings, “Be generous in prosperity and thankful in adversity.

school’s

..” by heart at the annual talent show.

was complete, every community member had contributed something—some talent, some time, some sacrifice, some energy, some shoes—to the project. ‘The plan was a success on many fronts. Over 40 people, about half non-Baha’i, attended the first talk. Even more surprising, about 2,500 people have visited the Web site, many of whom read the talk there. Hundreds of others were introduced to the message of Baha’u’llah ng the excerpt of the talk in the Neighbors, co-workers, casuare popping up to ask,

infused our community with a renewed s of purpose and taught us an important lesson about the power of Baha’u’llah and the power of unity.

As plans move forward for the second and third rounds of talks, we have the profound conviction that no project is too daunting, no plan too ambitious—if we are unified. “So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.”

And one small community.

St. Cloud Baha’is work up a storm

n Assembly deepening program Aihropelled the Baha’is of the greater St. Cloud, Minnesota, area to organize a two-pronged teaching project in honor of a late, well-loved local believer.

The Bill Brown Teaching Project, which reportedly “has grown at an astonishing rate,” is aimed at bringing the name of Baha’w'llah to every household in the St. Cloud area through mass mailing, radio announcements and programs, television, racial unity forums, and telephone voice messaging listing all weekly area informational meetings and deepenings.

In a second branch of the project, the St. Cloud community is forming a nonprofit agency to “bring cultural diversity through the arts into a reality” through a performing artists series based on the themes of gender equality, race unity and world peace.

“All of this has had a transforming effect with our Baha’{ community,” a report from the St. Cloud Assembly states:

© The area has seen a great increase in declarations in the last year.

• Feasts are better-attended.

• A variety of teaching activities have

blossomed, ranging from a greater number of monthly personal firesides to Baha’is becoming members of the city's Human Rights Commission.

‘The community has staged a pair of special events to raise funds for the projects.

“Our plans were born as the result of our Local Spiritual Assembly deeper on ‘The Miracle of Governance’ video,” the Assembly reported. “The Assembly was deeply moved by the message that was conveyed ... urging the American Baha’i community toward transforming action.”

April 9, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * SPREADING THE TEACHINGS

page 7 [Page 8]

, TPN SP READING THE* TEACHINGS iil

Teaching Skills Exercise 3: Maintaining attention

n The Advent of Divine Justice, Shoghi Effendi names three stages of teaching: The teacher should attempt to 1) capture the attention, 2) maintain the interest and 3) deepen the faith of those whom he seeks to bring into the Faith (page 51). How can we practically maintain the seeker’s interest?

A few possible approaches:

• Keeping in regular contact.

• Sharing literature with the seeker.

• Discovering what aspects of the

Faith interest the seeker.

• Introducing the seeker to select

believers.

• Joining in activities the seeker enjoys.

¢ Asking challenging questions.

¢ Praying for the seeker.

One of the s to maintaining the seeker’s interest is to keep in regular contact with him. The teacher often has to be the one who takes initiative to regularly keep in touch. He can set goals for hi self to ensure contact with the seel not lost (e.g. calling or meeting the se: er at least once per week). As this contact is maintained, a friendship can develop.

In the course of this regular contact, time has to be allowed for informal,

social interaction. It is not necessary, or perhaps to discuss the Faith on every occasion. If the relationship is developing properly, then the subject of the Faith e naturally.

Sharing literature with the seeker is another way of maintaining interest. After the seeker has read the literature, the teacher can discuss it with him, inquire and answer stions. The teacher also may share what he has recently learned through his own study of the Baha’i Writin;

In trying to maintain the 1 est, it is also important to disco aspects of the Faith interest him and to focus on these in the course of discussions. This can be asked directly ( “What about the Baha’f Faith interests ’) or it can be determined indirectly gh observation and conversation. gf out discussions, the teacher will need to, over time, explore deeper aspects of the Baha'i teachings related to the issues of interest to the seeker. In other words, the seeker should not just be shown one part of the ocean of Baha’u'llah’s Revelation, but should be invited to explore its depth and

breadth. As such, it is necessary for the teacher to be continually immersed in the ocean himself so that he can discover the deeper truths of the Faith. Thus the teacher must strive to increasingly expand the seeker’s vision of the majesty and greatness of the Cause of God.

Another way the seeker’s attention can be maintained is by introducing him to select Baha’is. These may be spiritually mature believers or those with whom the seeker would share common interests.

The teacher also may participate in activities of interest to the seeker. For example, if the seeker attends church, the teacher may want to join the seeker occasionally in this activity.

Questions challenging the seeker’s thinking or understanding also can serve to maintain his inter: It may be preferable to allow the seeker time to reflect on such questions before the teacher volunteers answers.

Of course, the practice of regularly praying for the seeker should not be ignored.

In what ways can you seek to maintain the seeker’ attention?

Excerpted from the book Ra Call. Used by permission of author.

g the

PIONEERING NEEDS OUTLINED BY

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

At Ridvan 153, the Universal House of Justice addressed the believers in North America stating:

“a A s members of the North American Bahé’i community, you enter the Four Year Plan with a brilliant

of progress in fulfilling the mandate issued by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in the Tablets of the Divine Plan. In the eight decades since you received this mandate, your prodigious exertions have carried the Message of Baha’u’llah to all parts of your continent, and throughout the entire length and breadth of the planet. You have played a critical role in the establishment of the framework of the Administrative Order and in the sustained proclamation of the Faith. These tablets launched you on a worldwide enterprise which you, and the generations to succeed you, are called upon to continue during the vast period of time stretching throughout the Formative Age and into the Golden Age of the Baha’i Dispensation. ...

“Let all believers consider the extent to which they can use familial and ethnic ties to other regions of the world for the fulfillment of the global mission conferred upon the recipients of the Tablets of the Divine Plan.”

seas

¢ “... the descendants of the early inhabitants of your continent tion they can make to the work of the Faith throughout the American continent, in the circumpolar areas and in the Asian region of the Russian Federation.”

• “We direct the attention of the believers of African descent ..

including the continent of Africa for which they were a: .. the friends of Hispanic background have fertile fields before them throughout Latin

. should be ever mindful of the vital contribu

- of the Cause in distant sibility by the Guardian. .

form to the Office of Pioneering.

• If you arose in response to the call of the Universal House of Justice to one of the above-mentioned ethnic groups,

please indicate your background and trip informa

• If you made any other international trips for the purpose of promoting the interests of the Faith, please also return this

n below.

Name(s): LD. #9): Name(s): LD. #5): Street: City, State, Zip: American Indian _____ African descent _____ Hispanic background ___ Other COUNTRIES FROM TO MAIN PURPOSE

Please attach any comments.

BRIEFLY

MULTI- FAITH FESTIVAL IN N.Y.

he Baha’is of Long Island in New

York were among 12 faiths participating in the Multi-Faith Festival of Long Island in November, which attracted about 500 people, many of whom expressed joy at the harmonious interaction among the diverse religions.

‘The festival at Suffolk Community College featured display tables by all 12 faith groups participating as well as a program with prayers and artistic presentations. The Long Island Baha'i Youth Workshop contributed a performance on racial unity.

Visitors were offered a booklet of introduction containing a page on each participating faith community with a prayer or reading.

The festival grew from a multifaith organization established in 1995 that includes Bah: Brahma Kumaris, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains, Jews, Muslims, Native American traditionalists, Sikhs, Unitarian Universalists and followers of Yoga.

UNITY WorK GETS NOTICE ARs leadership of Detroit-area Baha'is

race unity efforts has resulted in two recent media features.

Azar Alizadeh, a Baha’{ in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, was one of several people featured in a two-page article in the Detroit Free Press on Jan. 19. The article focused on her beliefs as a Baha’{ and her active work as a promoter of race unity.

Alizadeh is a co-chair of the Birmingham-Bleomfield Pask Force on Race Relations and Ethnic Diversity. She also has co-sponsored in her home a talk series on

race relations.

On Feb. 22, four Baha’is from Detroit and Grosse Pointe, Michigan, were featured in a 20-minute segment of “Spotlight on the News” hosted by Chuck Stokes, vice president of Detroit's ABCTV affiliate.

Stokes had attended a Baha’i talk at which Patrick Pich, great-g great-grandson of Amistad freedom fighter Sengbe Pieh, spoke.

INTERVIEW IN ATLANTA

he ongoing efforts of the Adanta

Baha'i Office of Communications and Media Relations paid off recently when two Atlan ‘ea Baha'is taped ment of “Congregation of the Week” on the Adanta Interfaith Broadcasting (AIB) channel.

Host John Allen interviewed Baha’is Carole Miller, a member of the Southern Regional Baha’i Council, and Pat Steele, a member of the Atlanta Baha’i 7 Force, for the pay hour program,

ing to wie Bal of the Faith, then focused on the topics of good and evil, the state of the world, race unity, the equality of and the Baha’i

men,

women and i e Order.

Several times during the broadcast, a phone number and Web site address for information on the Faith were shown on. the screen.

page 8 THE AMERICAN BANA’

SPREADING THE TEACHINGS

April 9, 1998 [Page 9]CALL 1-80

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April 9,1998 | THE AMERICAN BAHA’‘i * BAHA‘i DISTRIBUTION SERVICE page 9 [Page 10]

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Andalib is an exquisite recording fea- | turing traditional and contemporary devotional songs from the Abrahamic tradition. These heartfelt renderings are more a glimpse into an encounter with the sacred than a performance of sacred music. The soul stirring vocals and extraordinary instrumentals converge to weave a sound tapestry that is hypnotic and accessible. approximate time is 58 minutes Karim Sound Associates

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page 10 THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i ¢ BAHA’i DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

April 9, 1998

[Page 11]

Windows to the Past, Volume |

WINDOWS TO THE PAST

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THE AMERICAN BAHA’‘i ¢ BAHA’i DISTRIBUTION SERVICE _ page I!

[Page 12]

SEERA TR Ea

Brilliant Star KID’S corner

Haha i Moths Word Starch

ee

Below is a list of the rR WTS i OQ U D R A iy A N Bahai months in Arabic. | sS <a Find and circle them in VY Ta Z A M A Ss A I L Ss the puzzle. LOOK Z OL go MZi\M\. ty L K oU Baha ‘Tm Weare ing Jalal for KIND-Hearted A A“ @ AMR RPA OM OA OL Peer Qudrat ti Jamal Qawl ar ists, TOD eeWe ME A oi sc Sibn vo Ninedielaaabayel ae eG esi ILLUSTRATORS, DA Uy see Tank 1° Moa, so * eer TEs ire Nur Sharaf educators, Au Hiei Mpa IA! YH isco Ree ody Mane Renmah a gsuitan WRITERS, and Kalimat Mulk Mogilnapy: toqe gr od Hebasemban nile naiyrmaxeny via am Q My PhOtOgrapherso amal ‘Ala’ A if R H M A Tp iT Aer Da their Tay Stree AY Rema pt eer T: ae talents to Mashiyyat Brilliant Star. TOT GY GN SEC cay Yan ae ers | et aS Se Our upcoming themes: Tie NEW Mother Coos¢ The Individual oe Power of the Covenant By Susan Engle 5 ° 4 ena. atti &: 5 Force of Transformation Have you ever memorized any nursery rhymes? Do you sing , them when you jump rope? Do you chant them when you ; Dynamics of Erpy oo play hopscotch? Sometimes nursery rhymes are cruel and Study ofthe Holy Texts

mean. The spider frightens Miss Muffet. Humpty Dumpty Inspired to Teach

gets scrambled. Please contact:

As we prepare for entry by troops, many things in our waiting ehiorar Hees lives are going to be changing. We will meet and worship BRILLIANT STAR with lots of kinds of people. We will welcome many new Co Bahai Media Services

here was an old woman Bahdis. Under Bahdulllah’s guidance, people will learn to i eae as pes Who lived ina shoe be kind and gentle with each other. Maybe it’s time for ay some kinder, gentler nursery rhymes. She had dozens of children And knew what to do. SUBSCRI F A} She sent them to school (XSUBSCRIPTION FORM. Please endose payment. Canadian/International orders And she taught them to pray. ——- TR oy A And they all pioneered ona US. bank in U.S. dollars. To charge your credit card oo account, give number, expiration date and name. When they all moved away. pa Street VISA/MC#/AMEX Answers to last issue's crossword Back to the Basics City @ state Zip EXp. Date Phone E-mail Name on Account MARK YOUR SUBSCRIPTION Signature required for credit card orders

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‘THE AMERICAN BAHA’I ¢ BRILLIANT STAR KID‘S CORNER April 9, 1998 [Page 13]

cenaaanaeaadaadaaiaaaaaaateeiiaiataieutadieiatiiettdie dese se “YOUTH. CALLING ISOLATED YOUTH Q YOUTH HIGHLIGHTS = ) Frei nisticnalk Vouthi Conmmitae}leveager to hear

CRUSADERS CONQUER

“Faith is the magnet which draws the confirmation of the Merciful One. Service is the magnet which attracteth the heavenly strength.” —Baha’u'llah

The massive 50-passenger bus arrived to pick up some of the youths after the Grand Canyon Youth Conference. Slowly they got on board: youths from the Messengers of the Dawn Texas Youth Workshop, the MexiCali Mona Project, the Arizona Eternal Flame Workshop, and others from as far as Kansas, Kentucky, Indiana and California. Some had taken a four-day bus ride from across the country, driven for two days straight, or ridden a motorcycle in the freezing winter weather. Forty-one souls came together as a magnet for one purpose: to serve Baha'u'llah in Chandler, Arizona. The Canyon Crusaders Teaching Project had begun! The theme of the project was: “The Equality of Women and Men: A Prerequisite to Peace.” Each day was dedicated to a heroine in the Cause of God; for example, Tahirih on Tuesday. The youths were divided into groups to participate in day-long activities:

• Passing out surveys at a local supermarket asking questions such as “If you had a boy and a girl and

you could only send one to school, which would you send?” The results were later presented to a member of the Chandler City Council.

+ Visiting a nursing home.

• Running a clothing drive for a local women’s group.

• Baby-sitting at a battered women's shelter.

• Holding a carwash fund-raiser for a women’s job training organization.

• Cleaning the cemetery where Hand of the Cause Shu’a’u'llah Ala’i rests.

• Conducting firesides and performing in public proclamations.

• Offering flowers to sick people at the local hospital.

Others stayed at home to prepare for the firesides, select devotions for Feast, research the heroine of the day, and compile the survey data. While an abundance of Baha'i literature was given out, deeds more than words taught the Faith.

The mayor of Chandler signed a proclamation designating Dec. 29, 1997, through Jan. 3, 1998, as Equality of Women and Men Week at the initiation of the Baha'i community. A member of the Chandler City Council attended a large proclamation event at the end of the week and was presented the statement Two Wings of a Bird: Tae Equality of Women and Men along with the survey results. At the end of the presentation he asked for more copies of the document to give to the other Council members for discussion at their next meeting. Although it is too soon to see the fruits of this project, we are assured that hearts were conquered and spirits were uplifted. The success was due to the dedication of the Local Spiritual Assembly to spearhead the event and the efforts of individuals to carry out the work.

BUD BILLIKEN

While Chicagoans were still charged by the unity and spirit generated by the Bud Billiken parade last August, the Chicago Baha'i community inspired and enlightened local communities through the wisdom, insight and moving presentations of Joy DeGruy Leary. Ms. Leary graced Chicago with her presence for three days in September, presenting talks in various neighborhoods around the city. Focusing on the racial history of this country and its legacies as a basis for understanding how racism affects people today and prevents us from coming together, Leary expounded a theory of “Axiology and Post Traumatic Slavery Syndrome,” which she developed from her work as a clinical psychologist and cross-cultural trainer. While emphasizing the often-crippling psychological effects of slavery, her talks were primarily intended to begin the process of overcoming racism. She addressed about 25 University of Illinois-Chicago staff and students, and over 150 people at the Harold Washington Library in downtown Chicago. She ended her visit with a fireside at the Chicago Baha'i Center. After one of her inspiring presentations, one seeker remarked that after hearing her talks, he was more on a “search for truth than [he] had ever wanted to be.”

REGIONAL YOUTH TASK FORCE SEARCH

The National Youth Committee wishes to obtain information about regional and local youth committees around the country. Please contact the National Youth Committee with information about your group's work. We would love to touch base and find out what you are doing!

CONTACT THE NATIONAL YOUTH

from or about youths who are isolated in the Baha’i community—separated by distance from other Baha'is, or perhaps the only youths in their community. We would like to help them find ways to connect with other Baha'i youths around the country. Please contact the National Youth Committee.

THE LOUIS G. GREGORY BAHA'I INSTITUTE is looking for volunteers age 22 and older to assist youth with general program support, agriculture, education programs and the radio station, among many other things. Please contact the National Youth Committee for more information and a Baha'i Youth Service Corps application.

SEND IN YOUR PICS! The National Youth Committee wishes to obtain pictures of youth activities for upcoming projects. A brief description accompanying the picture is desirable. Slides are also welcome!

© YOUTH DOING GOOD

THE LOS ANGELES YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT COMMITTEE continues to be a dynamic unifying forcel Their activities include working closely with the USC, UCLA and Pomona college clubs, designing the “youth page” of the L.A. Baha'i Journal; hosting a coffee.house complete with live music and comedy shows at the L.A. Baha'i Center; and sponsoring “Midnight Sunshine,” a bi-monthly fireside that integrates music, poetry, performances and dance for youth at the Unity Center. For more information, contact Mona Kashani at 213-933-8291 or

THE 12TH ANNUAL YOUTH RENDEZVOUS, which took place Dec. 26-29 in Montana, attracted 19 youths from five states to participate in a detailed study of the Covenant lead by Brent Poirier. The Montana Baha'is have their own Web site. Please visit them at http://www.nvdi.com/ mtbahai/mbs to learn more about their inspiring community!

THE BLACK ROSE PROGRAM of study in Kingwood, Texas, has been enormously successful in bringing together individuals age 15 and over to help foster an understanding of the role and station of African-Americans in the World Order of Baha'u'llah using the Ruhi Institute method. For information about future programs, contact Andrenea M. King at

© TEACHING IDEAS

In response to our request to send in teaching ideas, Mozhdeh Hamraie of Grapevine, Texas, said:

“... wear a /ot of Baha'i jewelry, t-shirts and pins! | do this at school, or when | go to the mall. I've taught a Jot of people this way, and they remember it too, so next time they see the ringstone symbol or a shirt that says “Color me Human,” they know what it’s all about or that they have seen it before. | have a necklace that has a picture of Abdu'l-Baha on it. | wear it to school a lot and people notice it after a while and start asking questions.”

COMMITTEE

MAIL: 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201-1611 PHONE: (847) 733-3499 E-MAIL: xy

April 9, 1998

- THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i* YOUTH _ page 13 [Page 14]

ENGLISH

Letter to the friends Carta a los amigos de

from the Latin-American Task Force

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

It is possible that nothing is stronger among Hispanics than family ties. Our culture gives to the family an importance that places it as the central axis around which revolve almost all the vital matters that govern our social, ethicalreligious and emotional development.

The family is naturally of great importance in all cultures. Nevertheless, its unique and extraordinarily preponderant role among Hispanics must be taken fully into account when one takes the Message of Baha’u’llah to them.

When Faith is taught to a Hispanic, it is being indirectly taught to the entire family. This has certain important implications: without family support, a Hispanic will have difficulty progressing as a Baha’{, due generally to the strong family pressures that try by every possible means to attract him again “to the family,” that is, to the traditional faith which (the family believes) he has abandoned.

The Hispanic who has found the Faith will in turn try actively to take it to his family, because it is in the bosom of the family where everything is validated. Between spouses this is even more important; even though a Hispanic woman might feel more attracted to the Faith and participate more actively in the spiritual search, few women would dare to go against their husbands’ opinions, fearing to create discord and conflicts. The same may be said with respect to the children, above all those who still live at home or depend in some way on their parents.

How does this Hispanic cultural characteristic affect the Baha'i community in general? ‘The effect is multifaceted:

One one hand, teaching plans must be so structured as to cover not only the individual but also the family (nuclear or extended as the case may be). And on the other, it presents us with the challenge (or the opportunity) of making of our homes and of our communities true examples of Baha’s life.

“As long as the world does not see in the Baha’i Community a true model in action, or an alternative better than what it now possesses, it will not respond to the Faith in large numbers.” (Shoghi Effendi) Hispanics, for whom a harmonious family life centered on strong religious principles is of primary importance, are no exception. ~

@ There are diverse and complex interrelations, not only between the importance of attracting the entire family to the Faith and maintaining firm unity between the family and the community, but also between the flourishing of true Baha’i homes and the strengthening of the administrative institutions of the Faith.

The Hand of the Cause Rahmatullah Muhijir spoke these words to the friends in Cochabamba, Bolivia, in January 1975:

“We must make Bahd’i homes. As before, we must go in search of the waiting souls. But when one person accepts the Faith, we must also take the Cause to house and to the other members of family, or at least, strive to gain their sympathy toward the Faith. We want every Baha’i home to be a unit, so that the members may meet, pray, study, together to help and support each other. Everybody will then know that they are Baha'is. If we make Baha’i homes, we will never fail. If only one member of a family becomes a Baha’, and the rest do

not, this one Baha’{ will receive no support from the others, and very likely will fall into inactivity.” “The Baha'i home

must have a spiritual foundation before anything else, a connection with God. Without this foundation, the administration (of the Faith) is useless. It is like having hardening of the arteries; without a spiritual foundation, the administration becomes hard, rigid. ... The Baha’f home must be the center of spiritual life, must have a connection with Baha’u’lléh. If the Baha'i home is strong, then the Baha’ institutions will also be strong.”

From homes with solid spiritual foundations, there can arise a spiritual civilization. Let us remember the words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha:

- “Compare the nations of the world to the members of a family. A family is a nation in miniature. Simply enlarge the circle of the household and you have the nation. Enlarge the circle of nations, and you have all humanity. The happenings in the family are the happenings in the life of the nation. Would it add to the progress and advancement of a family if dissensions should arise among its members ...2 No, this would be the cause of the effacement of progress and advancement. So it is in the great family of nations, for nations are but an aggregate of families.”

‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace

la Comision de Trabajo Latinoamericana

© Queridos y Estimados Amigos

en la Causa de Baba’wlab:

posible que nada sea més fuerte entre los hispanos, que los lazos familares. Nuestra cultura da a la familia una importancia tal, que la coloca como el eje central alrededor de la cual giran ca: todos los asuntos vitales que gobiernan nuestro desenvolvimiento social, eticoreligioso y emocional.

La familia es desde luego de gran importancia en todas las culturas. Sin embargo, entre los hispanos su papel tinico y de extraordinaria preponderancia ha de tenerse muy en cuenta cuando se trate de llevarles el Mensaje de Baha’u’llah.

Cuando se ensefia la Fe a un hispano, indirectamente se le esta ensefiando a toda 1u familia. Esto tiene ciertas implicaciones importantes: sin el apoyo familiar, un hi: pano dificilmente progresara como Baha’i Jebido generalmente a las fuertes preiones familiares que tratarén por todos los medios posibles de atraerlo de nuevo “a la familia,” esto es, a la fe tradicional que (asi cree su familia) ha abandonado.

EI hispano que ha encontrado la Fe a su vez trataré activamente de Ilevarla a su familia, porque es en el seno familiar en donde todo recibe su validacién. Entre

sposos esto es atin mas importante: aunque es la mujer hispana la que mas se siente atraida a la Fe, y es quien quizas participa mas activamente en la busqueJa espiritual, pocas mujeres se atreverian a ir en contra de la opinion de sus esposos, por temor a crear desavenencias y conflictos. Lo mismo puede decirse con respecto a los hijos, sobre todo los que aun habitan en casa 0 dependen en algtin modo de sus padres.

¢Cémo afecta esta caracteristica cultural hispana a la comunidad Baha’i en general? El efecto es multifacético: De un lado, los planes de ensefianza han de estructurarse de tal modo que cobijen no solamente al individuo sino también a su ¢ familia (nuclear y extensa si es el caso). Y e del otro, nos presentan el reto (o la $ oportunidad) de hacer de nuestros hogaeres y de nuestras comunidades verJaderos ejemplos de la vida Baha’i.

On the air in Yakima

vey are

Baha’is in Yakima, Washington, on invitation from station officials, read children’s short stories with Baha’i-inspired moral themes over the Spanish public radio station KDNA. The host of the program, “Jardin de los Nifios, identified the readers as Baha’is. Local photo

"Mientras el mundo no vea en la comunidad Baha’i un verdadero modelo en acci6n, 0 una alternativa mejor a lo que ahora posee, no respondera a la Fe en grandes nimeros.” (Shoghi Effendi) Los hispanos, para quienes una vida familiar armoniosa centrada en fuertes principios religiosos es de suma importancia, no son la excepci6n.

Existen diversas y complejas interrelaciones no s6lo entre la importancia de atraer a la Fe a la familia entera y de mantener una fuerte unidad entre esta y la comunidad, sino también entre el florecimiento de verdaderos hogares Bahd@’is y el fortalecimiento de las Instituciones Administrativas de la Fe.

La Mano de la Causa, Rahmatullah Muhijir, hablé asi a los amigos en Cochabamba, Bolivia, en Enero de 1975:

“Debemos crear hogares Baha’is. Igual como antes, debemos ir a la busqueda de las almas que estén esperando. Pero cuando una persona acepta la Fe, también debemos llevar la Causa a su casa y a los demas miembros de su familia, o por lo menos, intentar ganar su simpatia hacia la Fe. Queremos que cada hogar Baha’f sea una unidad, para que los miembros puedan reunirse, orar, estudiar juntos, para ayudarse y apoyarse. Entonges todos sabran que son Bahi’is. Silhacemos hogares Baha’is, no fallaremos nunca. Si solamente un miembro de la ‘familia se hace Baha’i y los demas no, este Baha’ solitario no recibira el apoyo de los demas, y muy probablemente caera en la inactividad.” “El hogar Baha’i ha de tener un fundamento espiritual antes que todo, una conexién con Dios. Sin este fundamento, la administracién (de la Fe) es imitil. Es como padecer de endurecimiento de las arterias: sin un fundamento espiritual, la administracién se vuelve dura, rigida. ... El hogar Baha’s debe ser el centro de la vida espiritual, ha de tener una conexi6n con Baha’w'llah. Si el hogar Baha’i es fuerte, entonces también seran fuertes las instituciones Baha'is.”

De los hogares con sélidas bases espirituasles puede surgir una civilizacion espiritual. Recordemos las palabras de ‘Abdu’l-Baha:

“Comparad a las naciones del mundo con los miembros de una familia. Una familia es una nacién en miniatura. Simplemente agrandad el circulo familiar y tendréis una nacién. Agrandad el circulo de naciones, y tendréis a toda la humanidad. Las condiciones que rodean a la familia rodean a la nacién. Los eventos en la familia son los eventos en la vida de la nacién. ;Aumentaria al progreso y adelanto de una familia si surgieran disensiones entre sus miembros ...? No, esto seria la causa de la desaparicion del progreso y prosperidad. Lo mismo sucede en Ja gran familia de naciones, puesto que las naciones no son sino una suma de familias.”

—La Promulgacién de

la Paz Univers

page 14. THE AMERICAN BANA’

¢ LATIN AMERICAN TEACHING

April 9, 1998 [Page 15]CONSOLIDATING the VICTORIES

Fairhope centennial to celebrate roots of Faith in South

ne hundred years ago, Paul Kingston Dealy moved to from Chicago to Fairhope, Alabama,

taught the Faith and diverse community of 31 Bah

‘This was the origin of the Baha’i community of the Deep South, and on May 8-10 Fairhope will be the focus of the 100th anniversary of the Faith in the Southern States.

The Fairhope Centennial Comm

tee, under the sponsorship of the S tual Assembly of Mobile, Alat organizing the celebration as a teaching

and deepening event, inviting Bal from all around to take part.

The committee plans proclamation of the throughout southw

aith in person and in the media

with civic leaders in attenda

ig and deepening classes for Bah ill be arranged by the Royal Falcon chool Committee.

In 1898, the Southern States saw the Faith’ appearance in Baltimore, Maryland

and Washington, D. The original F established the

ss well as Fairhope. rhope community Faith as racially n State aspect of the teaching effort, and prepa

ha its inception in the South

atory events have been staged to occur in conjunction with the airing of the national television broadcast of The Vision of Race Unity.

A series of weekly public meetings and firesides has begun to provide the consolidation support 1 procla

quired by such a massive

been negotiated with several local motels in y of about 10,000 people.

d attendance of 500 to s will increase the populairhope by 5 to 10 percent. This aspect alone will create significant media attention,” says a report from the Centennial Committee.

The event “offers every Baha’i community within the Southern States the opportunity to participate in this observance and follow it up locally with

this communi

“An exp 1,000 Bahé tion of

events and proclamations which will

attention to each of these ” the report adds. “During this time when the National Spiritual

provide me communitie:

“(Baha’is in the) Southern States are blessed with a 100-year history of racial harmony and integration to serve asa

foundation for our

teaching efforts.” —Report from Fairhope Centennial Committee

sked each of us to make s to address the issue of

Assembly h: special ef race relations, the Southern State: blessed with a 100-year history of r: harmony and integration to serve foundation for our teaching efforts.

Marriage/family training attracts Counselors.

lejandra Miller and »-» Jacqueline Left Hand Bull,

tal Board of Counselors for

“the Americas, are bolstering their ‘strength in service to the friends through their recent participation in

the Core Curriculum Marriage and _ Family Life Training Program, Feb. 20-23 at the National Teacher Train» ing Center. The two said their enrollment in the session at Louhelen Baha’f School was also intended to show support for the National Spiritual Assembly’s

_ training program.

They also wanted to demonstrate that the Four Year Plan calls for every member of the community—new and veteran believers together—to participate in formal, systematic training programs designed to raise up large numbers of believers who can carry out the many tasks of expansion and consolidation necessary to advance the process of entry by troops.

This active participation of the Counselors in the programs of the National Teacher Training Center served, in a very special way, “to edify the souls of men” and “promote learning,” as the Counselors engaged in the varied learning experiences designed to foster deep study and .practical application of the sacred Writings of our Faith.

In addition to participating fully in the Marriage and Family Life ‘Training program, the Counselors

members of the Continen- :

Counselors Jacqueline Left Hand Bull (left) and Alejandra Miller take notes dur ing a recent Core im session on

ad Family Life Training atthe Louhelen

jarriage National Teacher Training Center at Louhelen Baha’i School. Photo courtesy of

shared stories of a recent Latin American Baha’ Youth Congress in Chile in which more than 50 percent of the participants were indigenous believers.

This Core Curriculum-based training program fosters unified and loying marriages by preparing friends to offer workshops both for married couples and for youth and adults preparing for marriage. These workshops provide a forum for the friends to study the Baha’i Writings on marriage and family life and then to apply these teachings to their own

lives. Baha’{ Institutions or Regional Training Institutes select individuals to participate in the program at the National Teacher Training Center and then to offer the courses locally or regionally.

For more information about this or other Core Curriculum training programs for parents and teachers, or to foster race unity throughout the community, contact the National Teacher Training Center at Louhelen Baha'i School, 3208 South State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 810-653-5033, e-mail

Robert H. Stockman, in his book The Babd’t Faith in America, tells of Mr. Dealy’s move from to Fairhope and his teaching there. He learned of the Faith in Chicago and taught s s in Kenosha, Wisconsin, before moving to Alabama.

Some of Mr. Dealy’ fi Fairhope today, and his descendants are in possession of a ring that ‘Abdu’l-Baha removed from his own hand while in ‘Akl He gave the ring to Mrs. Isabelle D. Bri tingham and asked that she personally deliver it to Mr. Dealy in 1901.

Copies of a letter written by the Master to Paul K. L son, then will be on display at the obs:

Registration forms are

from each Local Spiritual Assembly in the Southern States and on a Wide Web

World (http://bahai.home.mindspring.com). For additional information, contact

the Fairhope Centennial Committee, P.O Box 618, Fairhope, Alabama 36533 (e-mail or

visit the Web site.

Persian Culture

event focuses on women

oe ‘omen in Persian Culture” is

the theme of the eighth annual conference of the Friends of Persian Culture Association, to be held Sept. 3-7 at the Holiday Inn O’Hare, Rosemont, Illinois, near Chicago.

The life and services of the Greatest Holy Leaf will be the major topic of the conference. Other presentations will discuss women in ancient Persia, the station of women in the Baha’ Faith, Tahirih, the women’s movement in Iran and the role of women in the future Baha’ society.

Some topics of afternoon concurrent sessions will be the equality of women and men, Persian poetry and music, teaching Persian to children of Iranian descent, little-known Baha’i heroines, recent women martyrs of Iran, and American Baha’i women who served in Iran.

Evening programs will co tic/dramatic performance: ry reading and the like.

Hotel reservations should be made by phoning the Holiday Inn O’Hare at 847671-6350 or 800-HOLIDAY (465-4329). You should say you are making reservations for Baha’i Arts Festival to special rate of $79 per room per night. Up to four people can stay in one room.

The association was established in 1991 by the Persian/American Affairs Office with the approval of the National Spiritual Assembly, to help Baha'is of Iranian origin maintain contact with contemporary arts and literature of Iran, encourage Baha’ youth to learn Persian to study the Writings in the original language, and to familiarize the Bahd’i community with the culture of Iran.

sist of artismusic, poet

April 9, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i © CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES page 15 [Page 16]

Louhelen sets full spectrum of courses for summer ‘98

May 29-31

• “Paying Special Regard to Gardening

and Agriculture” (weekend rate) with John Bradley and Winnie Merritt. For those interested in gardening at home or in the includes service project.

of Heaven:” Young Woman’s Institute (weekend) with Hana Kneisler. For young women ages 14-17; focuses on promoting the equality of women and men.

¢ “Fostering the Advancement of Women” (weekend) with Rebequa Murphy and Robin Murphy. Study of Writings, small group consultation. Both women and men are welcome!

June 5-7

• “Social and Economic Development”

(weekend) with Mottahedeh Development Services and Dr. Elizabeth Bowen. Learn ways to demonstrate the Baha’i Faith in action through grassroots social and economic development projects.

June 12-14

• “Conflict Resolution, Consultation, Justice and Baha’i Community Life: Developing Unifying Responses to Conflict”

(weekend) with the Baha’ Justice Society, an agency of the National Spiritual Assembly. Creating healthy, communitybuilding responses to conflict in and out of the Baha'i community.

• Institute for Local Spiritual Assembly

Development (weekend) with Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi, Bill Wieties and Lynn Wieties. For members of Assemblies and organized groups. On fulfilling Assemblies’ destiny in the World Order of Baha’u'llah, and practical steps to develop talents and advance the process of entry by troops.

June 21-26

• Camp Louhelen Children’s Institute

with Joannie Yuille, Rona Schecter, Angie Blacksheer, Cam Herth, Si Modarai and Ladjamaya. For children ages 8-12; to build daily habits of spiritual living. Classroom learning, science and art activities, music, games, swimming and sports.

Louhelen Baha’i School, Davison, Michigan.

June 27-July 1

• “The Arts and Teaching” (five-day) with

Dan Seals, Kevin Locke (invited), Jack Lenz. and Dr. Michael Naylor. Explores creative ways to present the Faith using the arts. A Sunday afternoon concert will feature Dan Seals, Kevin Locke and others. uly 3-8

Persian American Baha’i Studies (fiveday): “The Life and Writings of the Beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi,” with Habib Riazati, focusing on how the Guardian fostered the unity of East and West; “The Hidden Words” with Dr. Tahereh Ahdieh. With musical programs and a full children’s program.

July 10-15

• Youth Eagle Institute: “The Role of

‘Youth in America” with Habib Riazati and Ruhiyyih Yuille. For youth ages 15 and up, focusing on the critical role of Baha’f youth in every aspect of the Faith. Interactive learning, devotional programs, service, music, recreation, fellowship and fun!

• “International Dialogue for Education” (five-day) with Counselor Eloy

Anello, Paul Lample from the Baha’i World Center, Dr. Irene Taafaki (invited), Duncan Hanks and Cindy Hanks of Nir University, Dr. Iraj Ayman of the National Education and Schools Office, and others. A professional development conference with presentations representing Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas. This exciting session benefits professional, well-established educators, and fea

tures a special forum for young educators. July 17-22

• Spiritual Empowerment Institute for

Junior Youth (five-day) with Vytas Reid (invited), Mahta Reid (invited), Larry Gholar, Traci Gholar and Ruhiyyih Yuille. For youth ages 12-15, this session fosters devotion, study, consultation, skill development, recreation, music and fellowship. July 24-29 ¢ Family & Friends I: “Spiritual Parenting” (five-day) with Dr. David and Mrs. Margaret Ruhe, Joannie Yuille and James Yuille; music by Susan Engle. Prayerful reflection on the Sacred Writings relevant to parenthood, as well as learning experiences. With a full children’s program. July 31-August 5

¢ Family & Friends I: “Epistle to the Son of the Wolf” (five-day) with Habib Riazati; music by Bob Simms. Examines the last book of Baha’u’lléh. With full children’s program, service and recreation for all.

August 7-12 Family & Friends II: “Journeying into Oneness: The Individual, The Institutions, and the Four Year Plan” (five-day) with David Freeman and Lorelei McClure; music by Rick Snyder and Brenda Snyder. Inquires into the implications of entry by troops for Baha’{ communities; explores the spiritual process of transforming thoughts into actions. With a full children’s program, service and recreation for all.

August 14-19

• Family & Friends IV: “Creating a Just

and Substance-Free Society” (five-day) with Counselor ‘Abdu’ I-Missagh Ghadirian, Dr. Elizabeth Bowen a Holly Hanson; music by Joe Crone. Expertise is shared on prevention of substance abuse, especially among children; also explores how the laws of the Kitab-iAqdas create justice. Active Baha’i community life and a full children’s program.

August 21-26

• “Music: A Ladder for the Soul” (fiveday) with Tom Price, Barbara Baumgart

ner and the Detroit Gospel Choir. Harmonizes the role of music with individual and group teaching; provides an opportunity to study and sing Mr. Price’s newly composed oratorio.

August 28-30

• “Charters of the Baha'i Administrative

Order” (weekend) with Dr. Dwight Allen and Dr. Carole Allen. Laughter, games and study of the Tablets of the Divine Plan, the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahé and the. ‘Tablet of Carmel. With slide presentation on pioneering in Africa, full children’s program.

September 4-7

• Homecoming Weekend with Marguerite Sears (invited), Dr. June Thomas

and Dr. Richard Thomas; music by El Viento Canta. Mrs. Sears shares stories of the beloved Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, and of Louhelen Baha’f School from her youth. The Drs. Thomas explore methods for teaching the Baha’ Faith to all strata of African-Americans and creating welcoming Baha’ communities. With full children’s program.

BASIC FEES Weekend sessions:

Adult $110, Child $50 Homecoming weekend:

Adult $165, Child $75 Five-day sessions:

Adult $275, Child $100 Children’s Institute: $295

Surcharges may be applied for those who request a first-floor room (except the physically limited and those over 65), a single room or a full suite.

Meals (each)

Adult & Youth $8, Child $5 Day/Commuting Students

(Not staying at Louhelen)

Adult, Youth or Child $9 per day, or portion thereof ($5 per day for infants using nursery services)

Ask about discounts for families attending together, Eagle Institute participants, those attending for the first time since 1990, or Local Assembly sponsorees.

Bosch plans study, fellowship, relaxation over the summer

June 12-15

• Wilmette Institute short course:

Islam, with Muin Afnani and Brian Miller. In partnership with the Wilmette Institute, Bosch offers classes throughout the year that focus on world religions. This session will provide a historical and theological perspective on Islam, and explore points of similarity with the Baha’f Faith. May be taken for credit or audited. Pre-registration is

required. June 21-28

• Choral School/Children’s Music

Camp, with Tom Price and Jamie Findlay. Bosch is holding these two sessions for the fourth year. They offer participants the fun of intergenerational classes and activities as well as individualized classes for children and adults. PLEASE NOTE: All participants must exhibit some degree of musical talent

and interest. Children must be at least 8 years old to attend—no exceptions. July 2-5

• Ocean of Light Teaching Conference,

with Counselors Ben Ayala and Violette Haake and Princess Tosi Malietoa of Samoa (invited). This third annual Pacific Islanders’ teaching conference provides the opportunity to share the culture, music and dance, but especially the wonderful love and spirituality of the Pacific Islanders. Contact Lolohea ‘Taufa Martin, (phone 805-987-0146, email ). A program for youth and children will be provided. July 7-14

• Youth Music Academy, for high school

or college-level music students. We will have instructors with at least master’sdegree training in string instruments, brass/woodwinds, percussion, keyboards, voice and music theory. In addi tion to improving your musicianship alongside Baha’i youths from around the world, you can explore the Baha’i Writings on music. A highlight will be learning and performing a new oratorio/libretto especially written for this session.

This is the first music camp of its kind offered for Baha’i youth, so please apply early, as we feel this will fill up quickly.

July 15-17

• Personal/Family Retreat. Come to

Bosch and enjoy a few days in the relaxing environment of the redwoods. Swim; play pingpong, horseshoes, or basketball; walk the tranquil trails; read in the library and visit in the Bookshop/Café; enjoy wonderful food and the special Baha’f spirit. No program, no stress, just physical and spiritual rejuvenation and time for the family to be together.

July 18-23

• Persian Session, with Habib Riazati,

continuing the study of the Kitab-iAqdas; Dr. Amin Banani, a Trustee for Huqiqu’llah, discussing this Institution; and Sheila Banani presenting ‘Abdu’lBaha’s Tablets of the Divine Plan. Classes will be conducted in Persian, except for Mrs. Banani’s. With special visiting artist and children’s and youth programs. July 25-29

• Summer Children’s Academy. Emphasis of this year’s course work is on race

unity. Children are given training in various disciplines of Baha’{ life and encouraged to see themselves as cata~ lysts for change in their family, school and community. Study, exercise, service, prayer, and moral training, based on the Sacred Writings, is taught using Core Curriculum methods and teachers. Stu

page 16 THE AMERICAN BAHA'I * CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES April 9, 1998 [Page 17]

Green Acre offers variety of summer

May 22-24

• “Pioneer for Race Unity” (weekend

rate) with James Sturdivant, celebrating the life of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory.

June 12-14

• “A Million Minutes and Me: Changing

The World” (weekend) with Mary K. Makoski and Barbara Markert; mu Northeast Regional f

sion rit the Re for the Northeastern States. June 26-July 1

sa Mullen

Art of Effective Commur day-Wednesday) with F G

ion 1C (weekend only): Local

Assembly Development Forum as described in Session 1A.

July 3-8 ion 2A (five days): “In That Great Gettin’ Up Mornin’: Images of Baha’u’llah in African-Ameri al Music Tradition, with Eric Do: “Reaching the Hearts Through the Ar Discovering the Artist Within” with

Ladjamaya Green Mahoney and Jaine

‘Toth of the National Arts Task Force.

• Session 2B (five days): Junior Youth

Institute for grades 6-8, coordinated by Peter and Danielle Oldziey.

Concert Picnic! 1-4 p.m. Sunday, July 5. Eric Dozier/Northeast Regional Baha’s Gospel Choir, Ladjamaya.

July 10-15

• Session 3A (five days): “Tablets of

Baha'u'llah” with Ahang Rabbani; “Our Individual Response in the Unfoldment

tute for grad Carmine a

Nancy Modern, Jeannine S Nelson. (Materials fee $60) July 25-29

• Session 4 (five days): “I Will Be a

Happy and Joyful Being” with Bob Harris; “Make a Statement: Using The Vision of Race Unity, Two Wings of a Bird and The Promise of World Peace” with Janet and Rodney Richards and Barbara Harris.

July 31-August 5

• Session 5 (five days): “Creating Equality: The Role of Men and Women in the

Process” with Cynthia Thomas and Mahyar Mofidi, members of the National Committee for the Advancement of Women; “The Investigation of Reality: A ‘How-To’ Course” with Ron Tomanio and Diane Iverson.

Concert Picnic! 1-4 p.m. Si Aug. 2, celebrating the relea: Green Acre music CD. Artist-in-residence Chris Ruhe and others. August 7-12

• Session 6A (five days): “The Destiny of

tute for grades 9-12, coordinated by Berhane of the Louis Gregory

with Susie Clay and Deborah DeasNesmith of Mottahedeh Development Services.

August 21-26

• Session 8 (five days): “My Powerlessness and Thy Might: The Gift of the

Obligatory Prayers” with John Woodall; “The Transforming Power of Love” with Linda Meccouri. August 28-30 Session 9 (weekend): “Applying Baha’i Principles to Business” with Larry

Miller

September 4-7 Session 10 (Labor Day Weekend): “Heroic Deeds of Service: The Role of the Individual” with Jack McCants.

sessions

Concert Picnic! 1-4 p.m. Sunday,

Sept. 6. Performers to be announced. __ FEES Weekend sessions:

Adult/Youth $110, Child (3-14) $65 Five-day sessions, regular accommodations:

Adult (18-up) $275, Youth (12-17) $180, Child (6-11) $155, Pre-schooler G-5) $130 e-day sessions, Ole Bull Cottage accommodations (private bath, air conditioning):

Adult (18-up) $375, Youth (12-17) $240 Camp Green Acre Junior Youth and Youth Institutes:

Youth $275, Chil

Adult (18-up) $165, Youth (12-17)

$110, Child G-11) $95

PERMANENT SCHOOLS AND INSTITUTES:

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

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

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

Louis

Baha’i Institute 803-558-9131 1313 Williams Hill Road Hemingway, SC 29554

Native American Baha'i Institute 520-587-7594 Box 3167 Houck, AZ 86506

Bosch Baha’i School, Santa Cruz, California.

Scholailable upon request. August 1-6

• Youth Institute (for students entering

10th, 11th or 12th grade in the fall) August 8-13

¢ Junior Youth Institute (for students entering seventh, eighth or ninth grade in the fall) These disciplined educational programs focus on intellectual, physical and spiritual transformation of the individual. Methods of training include lecture, study and discussion as well as physical

exercise, prayer and service projects. Students must be able to attend the on from start to finish—no

exceptions

Scholarships are available upon request. August 15-20

• General session: “Unlocking the

Power of the Individual” with Gene focusing on individual initia The Spiritual Transformation ss of the Individual” with Kathy Penn, member of the National Educa“Building Community:

looking at the roles of indi instituti With visiting arti children’s and youth programs. August 22-27

• General se “The Destiny of the

Soul” with Mary K. Radpour, family therapist; “Abdu’l-Baha: His Li Writings” with Muin Afnani Rewarding Approach to Teaching Bible Based Christians” with Dr. David Young. With visiting artist and children’s and youth programs.

August 28-31

• Southeast Asian Leadership Roundtable Conference, sponsored by the

U.S. Baha'i Refugee Office and spearheaded by individuals and Assemb! ssion last year attracted many Hmong youths, both Baha'i and

s. Can we bring even more this n teach

? Develop leadership, p! solidation a

tures. Programs for youth and children will be interactive and intergen tional. Bring the whole family for a very special session. September 4-7

• Bay Area Baha'i Social Group

Retreat Close the fun. No

ing environment. “ for Bosch. Space is ed, sO reserve early! For fee information, please contact Bosch (phone and address above).

Part Ill of course on Verities released

The Education and Schools Office and the Education Task Force announce release of the long-an pated cou Part III, “A’New C

‘The workbook covers nine areas: God's New Creation, Creative Power for Expanding Circles of Unity, The ‘Teaching of God Bearing Fruit, The Government Shall Be Upon His Shoulders, The True Solution to the Worlds Problems, A New Model of Universal Community Life, Baha’i Community Life: A Haven in a Falling Order, Nucleus of a Rising Order, The Rising Center of World Civilization, The Legacy and Destiny of America in the World Order of Baha'u'llah.

The workbook can be ordered from the Baha'i Distribution Service at 800-999-9019.

April 9, 1998

THE AMERICAN BANA‘ * CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES page 17 [Page 18]

Intercalary Days unifying at NABI

he Ayydm-i-Ha celebration at the

Native American Baha’i Institute on Feb. 28 attracted more fae 50 vis tors, most of Diné/Navajo background.

It was the first time many of the guests were in direct contact with the Faith.

Jerry Spencer and his son Bounce enjoy the children’s activities at the NABI Ayy4m-i-Ha party. Photo courtesy of NABI

‘The program started with a children’s fair, which allowed 20 children to learn Baha'i virtues and principles through games and small-group learning activities. The fair took place in children’s room where several booths stood.

The classroom was filled with parents, often participating with their childr At the conclusion of the fair, all partici

pants received small gifts from the NABI staff that contained Baha’ prayers and Writings especially for children.

Afterward, parents, grandparents, and athered in the NABI Big ©

for evening celebrations. were informed about the spe cance of the days of Ayyam-i-Ha. The community program allowed everyone to take part in Baha’ activities that were in harmony with the cultural and social elements of the regic

Wilmette Institute updates

• Deputization: The National Spiritual Assembly is asking all regional training institutes in the

United States to consider deputizing one student each to attend the Wilmette Institute’ Spiritual _ Foundations fora Global Civilization program this summer. Assemblies and local training institutes

also may consider this.

“The program’ purpose—to raise effective, well-trained teachers and administrators of the Cause— is vitally important to the process of entry by troops, because widespread expansion of the Baha'i com‘munity will require more deepened Babss able to answer difficult questions and assist new Assemblies.

Pre-study begins in May, then three weeks’ residential study will be conducted July 18-Aug. 8 in Wilmette, Illinois. Tuition is $825, dormitory lodging will be $440 and a fee for three common

meals a week is $55.

• New course:

has begun for the Institute’ correspondence course on the Revela tion of Baha’u'llth, 1868-92 (the ‘Akl period), to be conducted July 3-Dec. 27. Twill examine all the major works of Baha'u'llah revealed during the period: the Kitib-i-Aqdas, tablets revealed after

the Aqdas, and the Epistle to the Son of the Wolf.

Registration is $200 for an individual and $160 per person for local study groups of

three or more.

• For more information on the Wilmette Institute, write it at 36 Sheridan Rd., Wilmette,

IL 60091;

call its 24-hour information line, 847-733-3595; visit its Web. site

(www.usbnc.org/wilmette); call the registrar, Heather Gorman, at 847-733-3415; or fax the

Institute at 847-733-3563.

Regional schools across the country invite friends to summer sessions

‘ow wonderful it would be if all the

friends could arrange to spend at least a few days in one of these summer schools and take an active part in their development.” (From a letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi) This was a cherished wish of the beloved Guardian in his lifetime and it remains a desire of the National Spiritual Assembly, which lovingly invites you, your family and friends to attend one of the regional summer schools in the country.

This year the Regional Baha’i Summer

• Schools are offering an exciting curriculum

based on the role of the individual in advancing the process of entry by troops, the theme designated by the National Spiritual Assembly for 1998.

As you register for the session you wish to attend, please help make sure the new believers in your community know about the summer schools. Consider inviting friends and seekers to go with you this ye

For space purposes, spring sessions in Oklahoma, Wisconsin (youth retreat) and Utah are listed in the Index, page 40.

SUMMER SESSIONS

CALIFORNIA SOUTHERN, JUNE 26-28 Program: “Entry by troops: the Individual” with Joel and Esther Orona. Core Curriculum-trained teachers for children. Location: Pilgrim Pines near Yucaipa, CA. Facilities: Cabins with showers, special needs housing. Sports, outdoor recreation. Fees: Adult/Youth $100, Pre-youth (10-14) $85, Child 3-9) $55, Infant free, Family discount. Contact: Edye York, Ontario, CA 91764 (phone 909-983-1022, 909735-1509). Pre-register by June 5. CoLonano East, JUNE 24-28

“Advancing the Process of Entry by ‘Troops: the Indvidal” Location: Red Rock Campground and Woodland Park Middle School, Woodland Park, CO. Facilities: Classes held at middle school. Accommodations at primitive campground, or list of nearby lodging is available from registrar. Fees: Adult $50, Youth (11-20) $40, Child 3-10) $30. Contact: Don Brayton, Woodland Park, CO 80863 (phone 719-687

3351, e-mail Pre-register by June 14. FLORIDA, JuLy |-5

“The Role of Individuals” with Coun

selor ‘Tod Ewing, National Spiritual Assembly member Jack McCants, Gary Matthews. Location: Florida Institute of ‘Technology, Melbourme, FL.

Facilities: Dorm housing, meals at cafeteria. Wide variety of other lodging nearby. Contact: ‘Toni Mayer (phone 954-742-8116, email lowa, Juty 17-21 Program: “Copper to Gold” with Lisa Smits and Lynn Wieties. Location: Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA. Facilities: Dorm housing, meals at cafeteria. Pool, gym, lots of greenspace, planned recreation. Fees: Adult $170, Family of 4 $575. Contact: Rita Landers, Davenport, IA 52802-2603 (phone 319-3238242). Pre-register by June 24. KANSAS, JULY 3-5

e ES Yourself: Using the Arts to ‘Teach the Baha’{ Faith.” Location: Tall Oaks Conference Center near Lawrence, KS. Facilities: Cabins, special needs housing, RV/tent spaces. Outdoor recreation, swimming. Fees: Adult $85-100, Youth $75-90, Pre-youth $65-80; Infant free. Contact: Gray Bishop, Derby, KS 67037 (phone 316-788-5378). Pre-register by June 20. KENTUCKY, SEPT. 4-7 Program: “The Role of the Individual in Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops” with James Sturdivant.Full children’ program. Location: Kentucky Leadership Faubush, Facilities: Cabins with multiple bunks or hotelstyle rooms for 1-4 people. Pool, gym, outdoor recreation. Fees: Course fee $15 ($35 for families). Meals/lodging per day: Adult $23.75-47.75 depending on accommodations; Youth/Pre-youth $23.75-36.75; Child (6-11) $14.88-27.88. Contact: Floyd Donley, Gilbertsville, KY 42044 (phone 502-362-4228, e Center,

mail Free Saturday breakfast if you register by Aug, 20. MARYLAND “ DAYSPRING,” JULY 30—AUG. 2

Program: “The Individual’ Role in the Advancement of Civilization.” Location: Frostburg Sta MD.

Facilities: Dorm housing, meals at cafeteria. Pool, gym, tennis court.

Contact: Ingri

te University, Frostburg,

id Olson, Hemdon,

VA 20170 (phone 703-481-8393, e-mail Pre-register by July 1.

MissisiPrt, JUNE 5-7

“Advancing the Process of Enuy by ‘Trepnerhes Individual”) wit Farah Guckant Rosenberg, Auxiliary Board member. Children’ and youth classes available, Location: Duncan M. Gray Episcopal Conference Center, Canton, MS. Fees: Registration fee $5 by May 15. Conference fee $111.50; includes lodging/meals.

Contact: Alma I. Smith,

Vicksburg, MS 39180.

MONTANA | (JouN H. WiLcorTT), JuLY 26-31 “Advancing the Process of Entry by

“Troops—The Role of the Individual” with Shan non Javid and “Toussaint. Full youth and chil dren's programs.

Location: Luccock Park Camp in. Absaroke

Mountains south of Livingston, MT.

Facilities: Bunks in rustic cabins with fireplaces;

showers available. Meals at central building. Out door recration; fee for swinning or riding.

Fees: Adult $140, Youth/Child (7-17) $120, (4-6)

$85, (0-3) $25.

Contact; Sandi Marisdotter, Hele; na, MT 59601 (phone 406-442-526, e-mail Kayor

Pre-register by July 13. NEW MEXICO/ FOUR CORNERS, JULY 22-26

“The Role of the Individual in Advaneing the Process of Entry by Troops.”

Location: Kamp Kiwanis, Vanderwagen, NM. Facilities: Dorm housing, tent/RV sites; dining hall and picnic tables. Sports, outdoor recreation. Contact: Bill Bright, Gallup, NM_ 87301 (phone 502-22-0039). Preregister by June 13. NEW YorK, AUG. 14-23 Program: Speakers to include Joy Leary, John Hatcher, Laurie Early, Peter Murphy. Location: Oakwood School, Poughkeepsie, Facilities: Dorm rooms; gym, tennis courts. Fees: Depend on length of stay. Contact: Tom Cody, PO Box 355, Lincolndale, NY 10540 (phone 914-248-5963). OREGON EAST, AUG. 8-11 Program: “The Individual and Spiritual Tansformation” with Joseph Sheppherd. Children’ and youth programs. Location: United Methodist Church Camp, west

Facilities: Family cabins or semiprivate dorms, elderly and handicapped accommodated. Meals at dining ball. Fees: Adult, Youth and Pre-youth $110-125 (depending ‘on accommodation), Child (2-8) $65-75, family $350-400. Contact: Jan Wilson-Sheppherd,

Bend, OR 97702 (phone 541-389 9776, e-mail Pre-register by July 27. OREGON WEST “BADASHT,” AUG. 12-16

3: TBA.

Location: Camp Myrtlewood, 50 miles west of Roseburg, OR.

Facilities: Dorm housing, meals at dining hall. Outdoor recreation.

Fees: Adult $80, Youth/Pre-youth (9-20) $68, Child (2-8) $53, Family $250.

Contact: Jim Smith,

Lebanon, OR 97355 (phone 541-259-1417, email Pre-register by

Aug. 1.

OREGON YOUTH RETREAT, JUNE 19-22 Program: TBA.

Location: Cave Junction, OR.

Contact: Bobette Heer (phone 541-592-4697, e-mail Pre-registration required.

SOUTH CAROLINA, JUNE 12~14

Program: “Advancing the Process of Entry by ‘Troops—Focus on teh Individual.” Please bring a copy of The Advent of Divine Justice.

Location: Louis G. Gregory Bah’t Institute,

Hemingway, SC.

Facilities: Dorm: housing (please bring: linens), meals at dining: hall. Orber edging avaiable in Georgetown.

Fees: Registration fee per person: ‘ay $15, onsite $20. Discount for large — families.

Lodging/meals per day: Adult/Youth (12-up) $25, Child (under 12) $20.

Contact: Emie Hilton (phone 803-558-9881)... VIRGINIA “ HEMLOCK HAVEN,” JUNE 19-21 Program: “Spirit to Heart: Sharing Bahd’u'llihs Message.” Speaker/Aworkshop format; music by El Viento Canta.

Location: Hungry Mother State Park, Marion, VA.

Facilities: Cabins; kitchen units, camping or trailer hookups available. Outdoor recreation.

Fees: Adult $79, Child $52/36. Camping extra. Contact: Sarah Jane Lee (phone 540-889-0445) or Clint Dye (phone 540-873-6754, e-mail

WASHINGTON EAST/IDAHO NORTH “SHELTERING BRANCH,” JUNE 27—JULY 3 Program: Speakers include Celia Johnson and “Todd Kutches, Auxiliary Board members. Special guest: miniaturist ‘Tooraj Djahangirloo. Children’s and youth programs. Location: CampWoéten Environmental Leaming Center southwest of Pomeroy, WA. Facilities: Large cabins; tent or RV camping available. Pool, gym, outdoor recreation. Fees: Adult (19-59) $160, Senior (60-up)/Youth, (15-18) $105, Pre-youth (11-14) $95, Child (6-10) $80, Infant (2-5) $50, (0-1) $30, Family $500. Contact: Shannon McConnell,

Richland, WA 99352 (phone , 509-9431236). Pre-register by June 14. WISCONSIN “MARION STEFFES,” JULY 13-17, Program: “Advancing the Process of Entry by ‘Troops—Focus on the Individual.” Children’s classes and m r Location: Byron Center, Brownsville, WL. Facilities: Semi- i-private rooms; camping: available. Outdoor recreation. Fees: Adult $170, Youth/Child (6-18) $85, Infant (0-5) $15, Family $475. Contact: Lisa Riemer, West Bend, WI 53090 (phone 414-338-3023). Pre-register by July 6. Space limited.

page 18 THE AMERICAN BAHA’i ¢ CONSILIDATING THE VICTORIES — April 9, 1998 [Page 19]

'y the National Arts Task Force (a task force of the National Teaching Committee). Its goals are to stage a national arts conference

‘and encourage Bah4’{ communities to develop the arts. ART, which will appear quarterly in The American Babé’t, is dedicated to stimulating thought and discussion within the American Bah4’{ community about the spiritual nature of art and its role in transforming souls, about issues challenging Bahd'{ artists and about ways to use the arts in teaching the Faith. We will introduce you to Bah4’{ artists in the United States, pose questions to you, and give you the opportunity to respond to articles on various aspects of the arts.

he ART AS / put2

To learn how Baha’i artists approach their work, the National Arts Task Force sent out two questions to a wide selection of arti

munity. Followitigsis ntinuation re ceived. g ie

From the

TALL AS @

piritaa kind or another; sor

how God has directed mein this path or in that specific. love for others,” 6

lecture lng that quilt in a fireside, slide show, exhibit, etc. — Lisa Bradley

Since becoming a Baha’i 25 years ago, I have been fascinated with this concept. It seems I immediately began bringing a consciousness of the sacred into the things I was drawn to do— write poetry, play the flute, paint, perform. The Faith seemed to inspire the artist within me. I began wanting to articulate a sense of the wonder and joy of the Revelation, whether it was through my work as a student, writer, teacher, and so forth. Even mundane work, such as reorganizing a kitchen cupboard, can be approached as worship and as art; the intent, the act of ordering or making something more efficient, practical, or beautiful, and the result can all reflect a spiritual attitude. Work as worship does not mean that things will go easily, although a reliance ‘on the Divine can be helpful and can lead to breakthroughs. Art requires so much of us that is hard and time consuming. Considering it worship helps us to value it more, to cultivate it for a purpose.

& grance __ action itself, this same will ’ cause their awakening. Likewise, managing art with propriety will the means of sociability and affinity, and sociability and affinity themselves tend to guide others to the Truth.” — ‘Abdu'l-Baha hit World Faith, p. 377

— Anne Gordon Perry

This is a very difficult question to answer. In fact it is impossible for me to answer for the following reason: the very idea of me describing what I do for a living as worship seems to border on

arrogance. I can think of many others I know about whom I can feel comfortable using this description of their work. But I find a danger in applying it to myself. Whenever I find myself thinking I have something important to give I am usually slapped in the face with a new reality.

then conclude that what I do that is

© important is to continue to strive to eo the relationship between the

and the forward progress of

_tiankind. I will look to other artists for

ahexample. It is my strong belief that

€ the arts are an absolutely necessary

omponent of the advancement of civi lization. Until this is more widely recog. nized and appreciated we will not see the

necessary spiritual advances. — Bill Munoz

2. What aspects of your process are sacred and transformative?

If I am not interrupted, I become plugged into the Creative Forces in the Universe, and I become, as I call it, A Needle in the Hand of God. I have learned, when I have a design problem I cannot figure out, to go someplace quiet, say a short prayer, and then ponder the. problem. In my case, a kind of a slide show starts in my head, and invariably the first or second “slide” is the answer to my problem. I have found that, the more I work on my art, the more spiritual, the more in tune with the Divine, the more of a hollow reed I become. There have been so many, many instances where a feeling or thought has come to me and the result has been unexpectedly perfect even though the feeling or thought made no intellectual sense at the time. (This has led me to become very interested in developing intuition and getting better at distinguishing it from vain imaginings.)

— Lisa Bradley

Certainly the use of prayer and the assurance that answers/ideas will come. Also, meditating upon the writings concerning the purpose of the arts and reading these writings aloud at gatherings. I also find that beseeching assistance from creative souls in the next world has helped. P frequently call upon Lua Getsinger, Roger White, May Maxwell, Juliet Thompson, Mark Tobey, and others to assist me when I am in the creative

process or when I going to perform. Performance itself can be very transformative, particularly if the subject matter deal with aspects of the Faith. But even becoming a character—any character— is transformative. It helps us connect with something outside/beyond ourselves. All art calls upon us to stretch and grow in ways we cannot foresee when we begin a project or take on a character. Creative insight seems quite connected to “the sacred” even when we are working on a “secular” piece or project. It is as if the will becomes aligned to the creative process of the universe. I feel sometimes that I stumble into an inevitable “choice” when I can put aside part of myself and allow the part open to transformation to act, to create, to bestow life. It is perpetually a profound, surprising, and awesome process.

— Anne Gordon Perry

The only example I can find in my work for this is that when I go out to photograph I will often take a picture that I “know” is going to be great and get the film back and find something else on some other slide that I never recognized in the field but on seeing the slide find something wonderful. A gift from Baha’u’lléh. I am very fond of the following quotation and even if Ido not read it often the words ring in my ears all the time.

“By Thy glory! Every time L lift up mine eyes unto Thy heaven, I call to mind Thy highness and Thy loftiness, and Thine incomparable glory and greatness; and every time I turn my gaze to Thine earth, | am made to recognize the evidences of Thy power and the tokens of Thy bounty. And when I behold the sea, I find that it speaketh to me of Thy majesty, and of the potency of Thy might, and of Thy sovereignty and Thy grandeur. And at whatever time I contemplate the mountains, | am led to discover the ensigns of Thy victory and the standards of Thine omnipotence.”

— Bill Munoz

The materials submitted and contained herein are the inions of their respective authors and do a ee)

a ans Arts Task Force or the National Teaching Committee

April 9, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * ARTS

page 19 [Page 20]

ly f ‘ _ So begins the unique theatrical presentation, A Woman And Her Words: The Story Of Tibirib, created and performed by Muhtadia Rice of the Los Angeles Baha’ community. In the past year Rice

Photo by Tony Creamer

has taken her one-woman show blending history, poetry and music to three universities and six Baha’i communities in Scottsdale, Honolulu, Maui, Adanta, Howard County, Maryland and Los Angeles. Responses to the show have been nothing less than amazing with words like “mesmerizing,” “captivating” and “inspiring” echoed from audiences time and time again.

‘Through music, poetry and narration, the show tells the incredible story of Tahirih. In the process, audiences learn about the history of the Baha’i Faith, its dedication to human rights and the equality of men and women.

Rice has received many r her show. She asks communi the show to provide complimentary copies of the National Spiritual Assembly statement, Tivo Wings of a Bird: The. Equality of Women and Men. In addition, she ensures that the host communities

ning from new age to gc

and a socio-religious exposi . The audiences most receptive will probably be those interested in the ongoing struggle of women, those curious about the underpinnings of the Baha’f religion and those who enjoy listening to wellsung poetry.”

“The narrative story conveys the experience of the life of a creative and unique woman who was misunderstood and suffered for it. It is not an angry presentation, nor does it insult Islam in any way,” explains Rice. “Ultimately, Tahirih died an early and willing death, leaving a legacy whose power was so great that she is praised and recognized around the world even today.”

The overriding message is one of social justice and of our common humanness that exceeds gender limitations.

‘The 100-minute program combines a narrative script of Tahirih’s life written by Rice, along with the actual poems of ‘Tahirih that Rice performs as songs.

‘These songs are set to a rich blend of ethnic music from around the world. ‘The script weaves the story of Téhirih’s life into the world history of her era, which includes other significant men and women known for helping change their societies. The production enhanced by Parke McAlister, a Bahé and professional actor from West Hollywood, reported by Rice as having a “magnificent voice and spirit to match.” McAlister plays the storyteller, which allows Rice to portray the character of ‘Tahirih with great impact.

‘Tahirih’s poems are the heart of the program. Some of the poems Rice sings are defiant, such as “Desire for You,” in which Téhirih rejects the

Shah’s marriage proposal. Another poem, “Dot By Dot,” is sung soulfully to Celtic harp and describes Tahirih’s relationship to the Bab. This is a favorite of most audiences. In “Petals Of Snow And Fire,” Rice sings a poem that Téhirih wrote shortly after the Bab had been executed. This poignant and powerful rendition has moved audiences to tears.

Rice sings 12 of Tahirih’s poems. She recently presented the program in Los Angeles during a March 28 fund-raiser that honored National Women’s Month and benefited three area women’s shelters and the Theater Of Hope For Battered Women. The show, whose goal was to raise at least $10,000 for the four organizations, was staged in the Los Angeles Baha’{ Center's 700-seat theater. The occasion also provided the opportunity to present three outstanding individuals with the first annual ‘Tahirih Award For Service, designed by noted California Baha’{ designer-artist Ron Taybi. The honorees were California state Senator Diane Watson, actress Joan Van Ark and Dr. Neal Baer, producer/writer of the hit television series ER.

PERFORMANCE LIKE PRAYER

“Iv’s been wonderful and fascinating to discover who Tihirih really was,” “Performing her works is like he presentation has taken on a life of its own, and I feel like I’m being carried on the wave of its power. My sole motivation for creating the program was because I could not keep the beauty and power of Tahirih’s words to myself. I had to share them with any and all who would listen.”

Rice’s immersion into the life of ‘Tahirih is a journey that began 28 years ago when she first began studying story. “When I became a 1969, ther very little information about Thirih. There is still little known, which is a cause of great frustration to those of us who study her life,” Rice relates.

In 1993, Rice was invited to perform Dr. Amin Banani’s translations of ‘Tahirih’s poetry at a Tahirih Tribute in Los Angeles. “It was a life-changing experience which I don’t ever want to end,” recalls Rice. “Tahirih is now a part of my life.” Rice spent five years arching her life history, working with Dr. Banani as well as with the Research Department of the Baha’f World Center.

While the show is designed for everyone, Baha’is, too, will probably learn something new about the little-told story of Téhirih. “Téhirih was not only a brilliant legal scholar, theologian, writer and poetess. She was also appointed by the Bab as the ‘Point’ of His new religious dispensation,” says Rice. “Only one other person besides the Bab, who was the “Primal Point,” occupied a similar station in the Babi dispensation; that was Quddtis, who was appointed the ‘Last Point.’ Téhirih’s spiritual station is such that we, as Baha'is, don’t yet fully appreciate it. But the public understands immediately that she was a powerful person who helped establish a new religious movement. They learn she is as great, or greater, than many of the other historical figures mentioned in the show. Some audienc members have told me that they consider Téhirih a holy person, and that their experience of seeing the show was a holy experience for them.”

Giving a voice to equal rights is not a new direction for Rice. She has stretched the boundaries for women in her own life as one of America’s early female corporate executives, going on to work in mediation, conflict resolution and consultation for several African parliaments. In 1994, she served as an official international observer during the historic democratic election in South Africa. She was appointed by Nelson Mandela to serve as North American representative for a community-driven economic development program in wartorn Kwa Zulu Natal. In 1993, she received the City of Los Angeles Commendation from Mayor ‘Tom Bradley for human rights work with women’s organizations around the world. She is also a contributing author to the 1987 book Equal Circles.

Most recently, she was honored by Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell for presenting the Téhirih show to an audience of civic, uni ry and business leaders during the city’s Tribute To Women. The performance not only exerted a positive impact on the city but served as a vehicle for the Atlanta Baha’i community to expand its external affairs.

Eventually, Rice would like to record a CD of Tahirih’s poetry and possibly write a book about her experience. “These things take time [and financing], so I’m taking one step at a time. The good thing is that everyone encouraging me and for that I am grateful.”

page 20 THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * ARTS

April 9, 1998 [Page 21]

Sacred

CRESS Nes

ahimeh Vahdat’s exhibit was first shown in Dallas in late summer 1995, and had its Wisconsin premiere at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in 1997. It is a powerful and moving tribute to the friends in Iran who have laid down their lives for the Cause of God. The National Arts Task Force would like to suggest that your community consider hosting the exhibit in your area. This work is a wonderful way to teach through the arts. It reaches the spirit and the emotions of people. It helps them understand what is so precious about our Faith. Sy You enter a large, quiet, open room. The walls are white, the ceilings are high. Both enhance the feeling of space. People are present, but there is virtually no sound. There is a sense of reverence in the room. You are struck at once by two feelings — one, emptiness, almost a void, the other, freedom and limitless space. In the center of a room is a tent-like structure that is open on both ends. Then you notice the small wooden plaques on the walls. They are all hung at eye level, equidistant from each other, each one reminding you of a small tombstone. You realize that in a sense they are—memorials to those who have sacrificed their lives for the love of Baha’u’lléh and the Cause He brought. The exhibit revolves around two themes—humanity

worship experience ‘into i vessel fe experience to other waiting souls.” The schedule for the remaining April 17-19; Northeast region: May June 19-21. To find out more ple small form on the bottom of page :

and spirituality: humanity, by showing you real, very human, people, and spirituality, by showing you how these mere mortals were able to rise above their human existence and give their very lives to God.

Ms. Vahdat explains the vision behind this work. “The installation is a multi-sensory experience that

conveys the solemnity of contemplation. The central element—an edifice called Holy Shrine—is entered after having removed one’s shoes. Inside I have hung 215 white roses, laid a Persian carpet on the floor, and provided a bench for meditation. Here too there are plaques, including 10 Baha’i women who were hanged in Shiraz. One was my cousin Tahireh.

“This work is a dedication to the memory of 215 Tranian Baha’i martyrs, four of whom were my relatives. By exploring the parallel of Eastern and Western culture, I have attempted to create a sacred cultural setting that can still be found in holy places in Iran. The goal of this exhibition is to make people aware of the outlawed existence of the Baha’is whose rights as citizens and as human beings have been denied for over 16 years.”

Here is an example of the text of a plaque:

On April 30, 1981, at six in the evening, Mr. Yadullah Vahdat, who was in his mid-70s, was led to the execution ground with two other Baha'is, Mr. Khoshkhou and Mr. Mehdizadeh. “They were only a few steps away from death when the guards tried for the last time to get them to recant their faith. They were told that if they denied being Baha’is they would be allowed to go back to their families at once. Their reaction was extraordinary. Mr. Vahdat asked the guards to remove his blindfold so that he could watch the bullets as they flew towards him. ‘My only request,’ he said, ‘is that you aim at any part of my body but my heart, because my heart is where the love of Baha’u’llah resides.’ He raised his hands to his chest the moment they fired, but they deliberately aimed for his heart, killing him at once.”

ekuay ‘woly pieojsog [Page 22]

BY LAUREEN EVANS

“Exalted, immeasurably exalted art hou above the strivings of mortal man to unravel Thy mystery, to describe Thy glory, or even to hint at the nature of Thine Essence.” Yet He also addresses us with these words: “O ye lovers of the One true God! Strive that ye may truly recognize and know Him.” This seeming contradiction, that we cannot know God, but that it is also our job to know Him, is found throughout the Baha’ writings, as well as in the sacred texts of many other religions. It is a paradox, but one we are expected to be able to comprehend.

Tt seems evident to me that understanding the messages of the Manifestations of God is akin to understanding great art. The Word of God has been revealed progressively, each new Prophet illuminating and building upon what has been said by previous Manifestations. But one need not necessarily be familiar with the scripture of the past in order to appreciate the newest revelation.

Likewise, much art of today draws upon or responds to the art of ages past, but one can be moved by a piece of artwork even without a degree in art history. Although there’s no denying the fact that one’s ability to understand either the Word of God or a great painting, poem, or symphony can be heightened through intellectual knowledge, both religion and art appeal more to our intuitive than to our rational powers of comprehension.

Although some art has been created merely to satisfy an individual's ego, most of what we call art has been a striving to express what is otherwise inexpressible. And what we call spirituality is our striving to know that which is by nature unknowable.

I think many people recognize that there is a connection between creating and the Creator. And of course, in our

[ Gleanings, Baha’u'llah reveals,

Making a Start in

OSTON

Baha’i Writings, we are told to honor and utilize the arts. In a letter quoted in Lights of Guidance, Shoghi Effendi tells an individual believer, “That day will the Cause spread like wildfire when its spirit and teachings will be presented on the stage or in art and literature as a whole. Art can better awaken such noble sentiments than cold rationalizing especially among the mass of the people.”

The Boston area sub task force on the arts believes the connection between art and soul is indeed evident to many people, especially those who consider themselves artists. So they created a forum for artists of all religions and belief systems to come together at the Boston Baha’ Center one Saturday evening every month to share each other's artwork and to discuss the vital link between creative process and spirituality. The atmosphere is casual and intimate, like a “coffeehouse” where artists can share their work speak openly about how their faith informs their art. The audience is encouraged to discuss inspiration, creativity, religion and spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation.

Although it is not a requirement, attendees often end up praying together. Over refreshements phone numbers are exchanged and heartfelt connections are fostered.

‘The Boston Area Art and Spirituality Series has been up and running since October, and has featured Baha’i, Christian, Jewish and agnostic; actors, dancers, musicians, and poets — all of whom have been able to appreciate and learn from each other, discovering much unity within their diversity. The flyers announcing each event make it clear that the individual opinions expressed in the artwork are not necessarily opinions held by any Baha’ institution. Therefore, the planning committee is free to invite a wide range of artists to attend the series.

Although these are not teaching

events in the same way that, for example, firesides are teaching events, they do make some essential tenets of the Faith—such as the oneness of religions—more widely known. Most of those who have attended the: far are seekers! Many local artists are now aware that the Boston Baha’i Center is a place where they might be able to perform, if their work is deemed appropriate and if they are interested in examing the spiritual aspects of their artistic process.

As far as I can discern, based on interviews with various non-Baha’is who attended these events, the one shortcoming of this series so far is that the introductions did not always include specific information about the Baha’i Faith and about the widely inclusive nature of the series itself in addition to information about the featured artist(s).

When we have events with a focus other than the Faith itself, we still need to be mindful that there are many Americans who have never before heard the words Baha’{, Baha’u’llah, or Allah-uAbhé, and who have no idea what Baha’{ worship is like. One man who witnessed people praying together in a circle after the featured performance was under the mistaken impression that it was some sort of Baha’i ritual. Although I set him straight and sent him home with some Baha'i books, I'll never know whether there was someone else in’ that room with a similar impression. However, even the most confused of the attendees at the Boston Art and Spirituality series was very clear about the fact that they were amongst people who have a profound respect for art, diversity, and each other.

And let’s remember that these are people who may never have expressed any interest in the Baha’is if it weren't for our assurance that the Arts have a crucial role to play in spreading the Cause of God “like wildfire.”

events so

[Page 23]

Baha’i community thriving in Tanzanian refugee camp

everal Bahia’is, including three

Auxiliary Board members, braved

difficulties and delays to visit the

Baha'i community in the Nyarugusu refugee camp in Tanzania, a haven for tens of thousands of people who fled the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Finally arriving, they found a heartfelt welcome and a vital community of 950 that had elected a Spiritual Assembly last Ridvan and maintained teaching and education activity.

“Farlier we went through some heartbreaking experiences and almost lost hope of getting a means of transport to the camp from Kasulu District headquarters,” wrote Philip Oloo, an Auxiliary Board member. “Little did we know, however, about the plentiful excitement awaiting us as we drove through the long rudimentary roads to the camp.

“At the camp's gate, we were ushered in by soldiers who jovially shouted “Allah-uAbha” upon learning that we were Baha’is—they were not themselves Baha'is, but were very much aware of the Faith. This we never expected, nor did we expect the cooperation of the camp commander, who allowed.us full entry into-the camp,” Mr. Oloo wrote.

The delegation was guided by a Baha’i to

the meeting place where an estimated 500

the camp.”

jends were waiting fonthem—with songs by chojirs.made up of the youth and elderly singers, accompanied. by homemade instruments.

“One could not stop tears of joy,” Mr.

Oloo wrote. “This was a rare sight, a marvelous spiritual encounter, a much-desired relief and a great satisfaction.”

The four visitors, including Ma: Kilale of Tanzania as well as Auxiliary Board members Aggrey Munibi and Festus Sunguti, each were asked to address the gathering. “We all conveyed the love of the Universal House of Justice and the Con nental Board of Counselors of Africa, and encouraged them to pe! re through the difficulties they were facing and reassured them of the bounty of Baha'u'llah.”

The Local Assembly of Nyarugusu was running a “vibrant” community with active committees for teaching, youth, women, deepening, children’s education and adult literacy.

Dawn prayers were conducted every day at the open-air Baha’ center. Sunday children's classes were regularly followed by teaching projects organized in alternate weeks by youth and women. Weekly deepenings were held, and quarterly seminars fostered the organization of service projects.

“The community relates well with the camp administration and other refugee communities,” Mr. Oloo wrote. “Recently their select team visited the camp hospital and. presented the patients with foodstuffs. The hospital superintendent was very much impressed by this gesture, bearing in mind the limited food ration at

‘The Baha’i communities in the region are also aware, through correspondence, of more than 500 active Baha'is at the Rugufu refugee camp.

COUNSELORS, continuen From PAE |

racial prejudice and unity.

“The feeling of the Counselors in deciding to call this conference was that too often the communities we serve are addressing this issue in an episodic and sporadic manner and that most communities do not have strategies to address it in a developmental manner,” a report to the National Assembly states.

The Auxiliary Board members were called on to “develop some mastery” of the Baha'i teachings on the subject, then likewise train their assistants and help individuals and local institutions create “vibrant models of w diversity” as mentioned in the Ridyan 1996 message from the Universal House of Justice to the Baha’is of North America.

The Dallas conference agenda stressed the House of Justice’s stated aim to accomplish the Four Year Plan through a ‘marked progress in the activity and development of the individual believers, the institutions and of the local community’; and an advance in the process depends on those ‘intimately connected participants,” the report states. Shoghi Effendi has diagnosed race relations as the “most vital and challenging issue” facing North America. The Counselors’ view was that the teachings, principles and action strategies applicable to this

Bah:

‘is from all over Rwanda gather for a celebration in October on the country’s

national Temple land. Baha'i International News Service

TEACHING

¢ Vanuatu: Opposition to the Baha'i Faith had grown in the island of Ambae, in the northern part of this Pacific Ocean nation, since a su ful teaching trip in late 1996 led to formation of a Local al Assembly. S were m: in church services. Thr ¢ made to deny Baha'is a fresh water supplies and markets.

The Baha’is responded with love.

Jethro Moli, the first enrolled Baha'i in western Ambae and a community leader, arranged a special celebration of the 96th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in that part of the island. He invited leaders of all Christian denominations to take part.

The celebration Nov. 6 was attended by 500, with National Spiritual Assembly

representa ayman Rowhani speaking strongly of the unity of religi and correcting several local misconc tions about the Baha’i teachings.

All speeches were recorded and later broadcast on Radio Vanuatu. Several pastors who opposed the Baha'is their sermons later publicly acknowledged the Baha’i Faith plays a positive role in the community.

DEVELOPMENT

¢ Pakistan: Hundreds of people from

of ceremonies in to celebrate the publication of the Kitab. Aqdas in Urdu. In response, leaders of thought were asking to be allowed to se the Aqdas in public, and the

issue would apply to the dynamics in relations among different cultural groups as well.

Tt was important that as a result of the Dallas meeting, the report states, the board

feeling like we are confessing,” the report to the National Assembly states.

As the training proceeded, not only texts but music and skits were used to address

members “model the ability to learn about the role of Auxiliary Board members in and discuss _ this helping Baha'is at e with dignity. the grass roots work The training “[W]e can share learning on the issues. The began even before and have such aconsulta- '™embers were the meeting. In the x A sked to base their letter inviting the tion in an honorable approaches with board members, interchange and without local postition and the Counselors individuals on at asked a series of confession of sins, or even _ least these six princiquestions that feel like ples: formed the basis for eeling like we are ¢ Text-based—

the first discussions of the Dallas meeting. ‘Topics included the Baha’i teachings’ definition of race and culture, and the ways individuals address the challenge of racial prejudice within themselves.

“The goal of this exercise was to underscore the importance of every individual giving attention to removing his or her own prejudices and also to: demonstrate that we can share learning and have such a consultation in an honorable interchange and without confession of s or even

confessing.”

—Report from Continental Board of Counselors

eee

All the guidance needed to understand what race unity is and how to work to eliminate race prejudice can be found in the sacred and authoritative texts of our Faith. All actions, discussions and responses must reflect that guidance.

• Questions—Ask appreciative questions of each other to clarify meaning or

intent, help us understand one another, and identify concerns that can be answered by further study of the texts. The u: tions helps create a learning environment

of ques for all involved.

• Nobility—Acknowledge and ma

nd that of others; there is no place for demeaning ourselves or others.

• An integral part—Race unity and

elimination of prejudice are not separate from work in this or any Plan, but form an integral part of expai tion and are directly linked to advancing the process of entry by troops.

© Teaching—Attention to race unity is part of teaching, and we must be personally involved in teaching efforts to be assured of divine confirmation in our work. Thi true of those addressing racial issues within themselves as well as of those helping their communities to address them.

¢ Spiritual transformation—On a personal level, this is an essential requi of the elimination of racial prejudice and the establishment of race unity.

“Overall, this consultative meeting w: quite a success,” the report to the National Assembly states. “It assisted Auxi Board members in developing a clear vision, and a greater understanding of this issue and its relationship to the teaching work and to advancing the process of entry by troops.”

tain our own nobility

on and consolid:

a

is

nent

S

THE AMERICAN BANA’ + INTERNATIONAL NEWS

page 23 [Page 24]OF THE LO

LANDSCAPING THE TERRACES OF THE SHRINE OF THE BAB

he terraces of the Shrine of the Bab are designed as a majestic approach to the Shrine, to prepare pilgrims for a spiritual encounter. For this reason they must not only be beautiful gardens set in an exquisite landscape, but should create an atmosphere of reverence and peace conducive to meditation.

Designed as concentric circles emanating from the Shrine, the terraces direct the eyes toward that central edifice. Light, water and ornamentation all have been used to enhance the feeling of awe and reverence for that holy Spot. Interwoven with these design concepts is the landscape of the terraces.

Color and fragrance are carefully considered in planting of the gardens. Many spring-flowering bulbs have been planted this year, and fragrant flowers and foliage are already among the existing plants.

Nestled into the contours and along the stone paths of the outer terraces are groupings of plants and-shrubs:that create a peaceful and enjoyable environment in which to inhale the fragrance of the garden and medidate in this saeted Spot. ;

A nursery and’greenhouse have been prepared to house all the special plants and shrubs being grown for the terraces and the roofs of the new buildings on the*Arc.

Landscape work has,extended to the Upper Terraces and will move into high gear by spring. The Upper Terraces present challenging and exciting opportunities to test thé’combined skills of the landscaping staff due to the spread and steepness of the areas.

DIGNITARIES VISIT THE PROJECTS

A s the Projects on Mount Carmel become more and more evident,

-, the Baha’i World Center is being called on to,play host to visits

by dignitaries and officials from around the worldand Israel. In the past few, months ‘ors included the minister, 6f télecommunications fropm Nepal accompanied by a business delegation, ambassadors from Chile, Colombia;the Czech Republic, Denmark, Ireland and Latvia,

and two members of the Knésset, the-Jsraeli Parliament.

A worker prepares a 1,500-pound stone bracket for placement below the upper balcony of Terrace 19.

The terraces being landscaped on the side of Mount Carmel are seen from the vantage point of the Shrine of the Bab.

CHANGING CONFIGURATION OF HATZIONUT AVENUE

DHT ith the blessings of Baha’u’llah, the most difficult part of the operation ~ on Hatzionut Avenue—relocation of all the services and lowering of the street—has been successfully completed. The street has been sealed witha base coat and final asphalt will be laid after the bridge has been built. Constructiomof the bridge is in full swing and, if weather permits, the main concrete slab of the bridge will be in place before Ridvan. As work advances, the bridge it the height of vehicles that can cross under it. In addition to soft and hard ns have been placed at strategic points on roads leading to Hatzionut arning drivers of thé new height limit. Stone cladding on the retaining walls along the street is being pursued energetically, and precast units along the southside of the street are 80 percent in place. Massive construction work is in progréss behind this wall. More than 13,000 cubic yards of earth was excavated during the bulk excavations for Terraces 11 and 12. Construction of drainage and concrete stairs istunder way on Terrace 12. Above it, the completion of structure of Terrace 13 has enabléd work on inner landscaping to begin. The structure of Terrace 14 will sit on the roof of,the Crusader Road tunnel. A yard-thick slab has been completed over the roof of this tunnel, on which contour walls, pools and other structural elements will be built.,The geometric curves and gutters on this terrace are 70 percent complete.

Avenue v

page 24 THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * MOUNT CARMEL PROJECTS — April 9, 1998 [Page 25]omnes

L*PROJECTS*PART*25 |

PROGRESS IN RESTORATION OF THE GERMAN TEMPLAR COLONY

t ork on the main.aXis through the German Templar Colony on Ben ion Avenue is picking up momentum to keep up with the Terraces project at the foot of Mount Carmel. The roundabout and sections of the promenade closesvito the junction of Hagefen Street and Ben Gurion Avenue have been paved withistone, and several building facades are under renoyation. Substantial progress is expected by the time of the International Baha’i Gonvention, To highlight the significance of this project, the Municipality of Haifa arranged a seminar in November. Introduced by the mayor, the program had an array of subjects including assessment of the project situation, timetable for completion, longrange planning and intended purpose and use of the ‘Templar colony, review of planned projects along the route, and integration of the project with the Baha’i development. Among participants were the Association of Architects and Engineers of Haifa, the Land Development Authority of Israel, the Historical Restoration Committee, restoration project steering committee members, City Council members and owners of réstaurants and other businesses along the axis. As a member of

The basic structure of the International Teaching Center (left) takes its the steering committee, for development of the Templar Colony, Fariburz/Sahba, place alongside the seat of the Universal House of Justice. projects manager, made adetailed presentation on the Baha’i projects.

CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF THE TEXTS CATCHES THE EYE

he classic elegance of the Center for the S!

of the Texts catches the eye every time one of

moves along the Arc path. West of the se: | House of Justice, the building appea' avilion, but in reality it sits atop a solid nine-story underground structure. While the building appears virtually complete from the outside, the interior is buzzing with finishing work. In the foyer of the Center for the Study of the Texts, the walls behind the main staircase are covered with French stone, and installation of red granite on the main staircase is progressing rapidly. One level already has received a final coat of paint and has doors, windows and light fixtures in place. On another level, 2 rial corridors are freshly painted and the worker: ready to do the rooms. Bathroom fittings, vanity tops, Ei s for the elevators, and other items ing installed as each floor is completed in sequence. An additional team of millwork installers has arrived and begun work on assembling the built-in wood cabinets and furniture in the scholars’ rooms. A major part of this work will be completed in the next few months. Meanwhile, installation of other furniture and computMarble work over the entrance to the Center for the Study of the Texts. ers, phones and photocopiers is being discussed.

INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTER STRUCTURE PROGRESSES

he structure of the International Teaching Center is complete up to the roof, and although the structure is yet to be clad with marble, one can catch a glimpse of the majestic image of the building that will emerge in the months ahead. Meanwhile, the building is fully connected to the service tunnel that connects all the buildings on the Arc and ‘Terraces of the Shrine of the Bab. The main voice and data center for the buildings is to be housed at a newly built mezzanine level at the ground-level entrance to the Arc service tunnel. The first consignment of marble for exterior walls and columns has arrived on site, along with metal doors. Unloading and storage of the marble had to be carefully planned and coordinated because of difficult access. A 230-by-26-foot platform was built just north of the building as storage space for precast portico slab panels, as well as a base for a 48-ton mobile crane for unloading and installation of the marble. The platform was backfilled so vehicles could reach it from Golomb Street. In addition to the platform, large areas of the garden slabs at levels 6 and 7 were put into service as storage space. All interior marble and granite and kitchen equipment has been ordered, while wood doors and frames are being built.

PHOTOS BY RUHI VARGHA VIA BAHA’I INTERNATIONAL NEWS SERVICE Concrete work progresses on the steps leading to the International Teaching Center entrance. i

3 April 9,1998 | THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * MOUNT CARMEL PROJECTS page '25

[Page 26]

PROMOTING the PRINCIPLES

Human rights case propels lawyer into spotlight

BY TOM MENNILLO

omeday life might slow down a litle for Layli Miller Ba ches to deliver, books to sign; i peal clinic to run. Oh,

law practice. et out to become she told students at her alma mater, / Scott College in Decatur, Georg speech March 10, where she

od as the college’s young alumi

year. She said she pursued dual gr:

degrees in law and international studies 2 American University in Washington,

D.C, only so she could more effectively work for hum

But something happened along the w in to enjoy and be stimulated by

Another thing happened: While still a student she led the effort to ob in the United States for Fauziya Kassindj: a young woman who faced the horrors of

native Togo. (See “Ju from African woman’ case, Bahd’é, Oct. 17, 1997, p. 11.)

MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE

All ofa sudden Bashir was front and center ina highly publicized case that changed the course of American immigration law. It was a powerful demonstration of how lawyers could make a difference.

After graduation, she went to work for the U.S. Department of Justice at the Board of Immigration Appeals. A year later she joined the Arnold & Porter law firm.

Simultaneously, with resources that became available because of the case, she founded the Tahirih Justice Center s to “bring justice to of women facing international human rights abuses, with a particular emphasis on immigrant women.” Women’s legal, health care, and social needs alike are served.

Bashir also took on co-authorship with

Kassindja of the ‘Togoan’ life story, Do

The American

Fauziya Kassindja (left) and Layli Miller Bashir sign copies of their book at a recent

appearance in Atlanta, Georgia. The Tahirih Just

at this appearance. Photo by Tom Mennillo

They Hear You When You Cry.

Prominent in the book, released March 10, is the tale of how Bashir befriended <assindja and took hi to court.

Also explained are the key roles other Baha'is played: Bashir’s husband, Roshon Bashir, a gastroenterologist; Bijan Etemad, a psychiatrist; Bashir’s in-laws, who took in Kassindja after her release; and their Local Spiritual Assembly and the National Spiritual Assembly, whose pledges of support were instrumental in Kassindja’s release.

An audiobook, for which Bashir recorded an afterword, also was released.

‘TWO-NATION TOUR

Atlanta was Bashir and Kassindja’s first stop in a flurry of appearances in the United States and the United Kingdom over a month’s time.

The marathon began March 9 when Bashir gave the keynote speech, “Equality of Women and Men: A Prerequisite for the Progress of Humanity,” at an International Women’s Day dinner in the Buckhead section of Atlanta.

The human race is in the throes of adolescence, with “capacities we didn’t have

e Center benefited from book sales

before and don’t know what to do with,” she told the more than 100 attendees. But as we mature, we will no longer be dependent or independent but interdependent.

As part of this process, decision-making is becoming more collective, more feminine, said Bashir, a member of the B: National Committee for the Advancement of Women.

It’s not a “woman paradigm,” she said. Women and men both have feminine and masculine qualities. But the feminine qualities are gaining ascendancy.

She cautioned her listeners, though.

“While I think we are beginning to accept feminine qualities and we are beginning to accept women in more positions of decision-making, I don’t think that we're there,” she said.

REACHING THE ‘NEXT STAGE’

Ics not “a matter of women getting rights. It’s a matter of all of us collectively helping each other get to a state where we can all advance to the next stage of our development,” she said.

What can we do? Citing the Baha’i Writings, she described a dual process.

“Part of the process involves our individual transformation, and that’s a job that requires each of us to be committed to,” she said. “The other part of the process hi to do with the role of society and the obligations that society has, particularly to mplement justice.”

THE LONG-TERM SIGNIFICANCE

Immigration law is a crucial area in

of them don’t e, nationalit religion, political opinion, or membership r social group.

case helped to change that by setting national legal precedent. Bashir said the case recently was cited when a woman escaping another traditional praci as reparation for a wrong her family had committed—was granted asylum.

“But we have so far to go with regard to recognizing a system of justice that promotes the equality of women and men,” Bashir lamented, pointing to opposition in the United States to ratification of the U.N. Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.

“America really has a choice to make,” she said. “We have to take a deep look inside ourself, at our character, at our spirit, at our institutions. We have a spiritual choice to make, a choice to be either just and compassionate or to allow political hysteria, irrational fears, and prejudices cause us to behave in ways unfitting with our noble capacities.”

She added hopefully: “There are rays of light. ... We have come so far, we’re at the edge of adulthood.”

The next day, after her speech on a similar theme at Agnes Scott College, a ques: tion-and-answer session gave her an opportunity to tackle such thorny issues how to support a culture but oppose a particular element of it. The students seemed receptive to the Baha'i perspective on humanity's challenges.

often fit the crite!

The Age in Which We Live: Leadership development takes training

STATISTICS:

• Women account for only 5 to 10

percent of the world's formal political leadership.

• A 1996 survey of women in top management posts in U.S. Fortune 500 companies revealed that women held only 2

per cent of the highest-paid positions and 10 per cent of corporate officer posts.

(from the United Nations report on the status of women; for more information visit the Web site for the Commission on the Status of Women, www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/csw) AN NCAW OBJECTIVE: Foster development of leadership qualities in women.

The National Committee for the Advancement of Women sponsored a

‘Training Seminar in December 1997 that focused on the development of public speaking and workshop facilitation skills for people engaged in the work of advancing the equality of women and men. RESPONSE: This note was received from a participant.

I wanted to let you know about the speech I gave at the recent Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in Everett, Washington. I was to give a short speech about the topic of the day: “A New Day—the Same Old Song; A Change Must Come.” It is largely because of the December training in Chicago that I felt up to do this task. I have given many workshops and classes before, but really have no experience with speeches. The speech went very well (luckily, I was

standing behind a podium and the audience couldn't see my leg shaking—people commented how “poised” I was). I was able to quote a Baha’i writing and give the Faith credit and also quoted Martin Luther King and the following quote: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. ... We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It’s not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are

liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

—Marianne Williamson,

A Return To Love, p. 188-9

Many people, of a variety of races, commented on how moved they were. One Baha’i woman said she has a new realization of the power she has within herself.

‘Thank you for helping prepare me for this service,

Ann Torrie

What ideas can your community come up with to promote the equality of women and men? Please let the National Committee for the Advancement of Women know of your efforts. NCAW, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (e-mail

page 26

‘THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES April 9, 1998 [Page 27]

“PROMOTING*>THE*PRINCIPLES

WATE

Kellum Awards honor two for their work with youth

wo women who have dedicated 20 years or more to helping youth were honored with the 1998 David Kellum Awards in a ceremony Feb. 7 at the Baha’f House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

The presentations in Foundation Hall were witnessed by a gathering of 250, who heard the honorees praised as “paladins” of their causes who “helped countless young people to lay foundations for a lifetime of service to their communities” by Caswell Ellis, representative of the National Spiritual Assembly at the event.

Recipients of this year’s awards, drawn from nominations by Baha’i individuals and Local Spiritual Assemblies, were:

© Mary Adams ‘Trujillo, an educator and peace/conflict resolution advocate from Evanston, Illinois.

• Juliette Whittaker, an educator, theater director and diversity appreciation

worker from Peoria, Illinoi:

‘The National Spiritual Assembly h sponsored the Kellum Awards annually for the past 14 years to honor people who are outstanding in carrying out service to youth, as exemplified by Mr. Kellum, a Baha’i who founded Chicago’s celebrated Bud Billiken parade and youth activitie:

“In these times, the gift of nonviolent, creative problem-solving is one of the

greatest gifts anyone can give,” said Mr. Ellis, director of the House of Worship, who spoke.on the significance of the awards and made the presentations on behalf of the National Assembly.

ich award presentation was prefaced by a brief overview, illuminating the dis

yi Stanley Hall, a member of the Committee for the Celebration of Humanity and friend of Ms. Trujillo, praised her lifelong work to teach young people ways of resolving conflicts peacefully. “She embodies the tradition of ordi nary people doing extraordinary things,” he said, pointing to her national leadership in various youth peacemaking conferences as well as her work for interracial amity at schools in nearby Skok: Illinois.

Ms. ‘Trujillo credited her family with reinforcing in her the value of service to others, and accepted the award “not only for myself, but on behalf of the many people who have had the idea of community building.” hang Alai, chairman of the Peoria Assembly, said that in the decades he has seen Ms. Whittaker guiding young people toward direction in th she has demonstrated that “th ciples [of service] must extend from the realm of conscience and faith to

the realm of action,” He noted that Ms. Whittaker, as longtime director of Peoria’s Carver

Community Center director of youth, ha

theater arts and music earned induction into the Afri Hall of Fame as an outstanding educator, as well as local awards for human service and contributions to the performing arts.

In one well-publicized episode a few years back, he said, she played a key role in resolving a hostage crisis without bloodshed at a school in Peoria. “She was a child saver,” he said.

Ms. Whittaker thanked the many friends she has made for helping her in her mission, and accepted her accolade as proof that “you don’t need a lot of money to get things done. ... What you do need is for people to believe you're a

Mary Adams Trujillo (left) and Juliette Whittaker carry the plaques they were presented at the annual Kellum Awards Ceremony Feb. 7 at the House of Worship. The National Spiritual Assembly presents the awards for service to youth.

Photos by Ken Krapf, James Humphrey

person word. Character counts.”

The Haven Middle School Choir from Evanston, directed by Ina Allen and accompanied by Rosamond Brenner, provided a warmly received m program, including a show-stopping performance of “Seasons of Love” from the musical play Rent.

‘The Baha’i communities of Milwaukee and Waukesha, Wisconsin, were acknowledged for their gracious hospi tality. The House of Worship Children’s Committee prepared and presented a children’s program.

Anyone wishing to submit the name of a nominee for the 1999 David Kellum Award may contact the activities office of the Baha’i House of Worship

in July to receive a copy of the nominating form.

of your

Los Angeles Baha'i community officially opens its Unity Center

he Unity Center in Los Ange, the largest social and eco nomic development project ever attempted by that city’s Baha’i community, is open for service after seven months and around $300,000 in construction costs.

The 7,500-square-foot facility on Rodeo Road next to the Baha’i Center offers five classrooms, two offices, a reception and meeting area and the Dizzy Gillespie Theater.

Named after the late Baha'i jazz musician, the 250-seat theater will offer space for dance recitals, plays and concerts, as well as meeting space

The Unity Center on Rodeo Drive is the largest social and economic development project ever attempted by the Los Angeles Baha’is, and itself provides space for several human service initiatives. Local photo

for the young people of the neighborhood.

Though the Unity Center already is occupied and full of activity, the Los Angeles Baha'i community will hold a grand opening celebration at 3 p.m. May 3, with local and state officials invited to join in the celebration.

The new facility is rapidly filling out its own dance card as community organizations and service groups queue up to seek space for their events and programs.

Even before general construction was completed in late November 1997, more than a hundred Baha'i

youth seized the opportunity to host an open forum in the new center, consulting on community issues and ending with an evening of dancing and socializing in the Gillespie Theater.

‘The Unity Center was intended to accommodate the needs of MONA (the Multi-Cultural Organization for Neighborhood Arts), a non-profit service organization under the auspices of the Los Angeles Spiritual Assembly, as well as the private New Roads School.

Botlf organizations lease space from the Los Angeles Spiritual Assembly, providing the means to operate the center without drawing on the local Baha'i Fund.

New Roads began transferring: its classroom operations to the new site beginning the first week in December.

In addition, the Local Spiritual Assembly has agreed to offer free space to Los Angeles County one night a week for by the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) in meeting with families in crisi:

‘This is an expansion of the department’s use of space at the L.A. Baha Center, where it has occupied cl room space once a week for the past four years for family counseling.

In a letter to the Baha'i Center from the Central L.A. Sexual Abuse Unit

for DCS, Kenneth Prescott wrote that the Baha'is have “... graciously included [the department’s] counsel: ing services in its community outreach” and that the “Baha'i Center’s

enduring support is particularly meaningful.” Another social and economic

development program, the Children’s Enrichment Program, has also moved a portion of its after-school tutorial service to the Unity Center, although it will continue to maintain its office in the Baha'i Center.

Now in its fifth year, the Children’s Enrichment Program offers tutorial service and virtues training to the students of the Baldwin Hills Elementary School located just down the street from the Baha'i Center and is L.A.’s social and economic development program.

The Assembly recently announced plans to house a third development program at the Unity Center, a Conflict Resolution ship with the Baha'i Justice So

Like the Corinne True Just Center established last year in Denver, the center will offer mediation and conflict resolution services to businesses and organizations, as well as training in consultation and mediation for interested people.

Jenter in partnerty.

April 9, 1998 THE AMERICAN BAHA

• PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES page 27

[Page 28]

RE ERE MOORE?

RR OU err PEE RRO ese eneern

"PROMOTING THE’ PRINCI

LES

New letter-writing campaign urges payment of U.N. dues

B in the U.S. are joining a letterwriting campign to urge Congress. to pay ii i to the Uni

gious and other organizations bined membership of millions of Amer

. The U.S. debt to the U.N. exceeds $1.5 billion, and slow payment of U.S.

dues along with the accumulated arrears threatens to cripple the U.N. at a time when events illustrate how sorely the international body is needed.

In a March 10 letter to all Local Spiritual Assemblies and registered groups, the National Assembly asked that a sample letter to Congress be distributed to

individual beli so that they can write their congressmen. The announcement was also posted on the National rative

Web Site (www.usbne.org) and put on

Bahai_Announce. Indie encouraged to obtain and write letters to their nd senators by April 25. For further information on the cam fact your community secre:

paign, ¢

tary, consult the above sources or contact the National Assembly, Office of the :

Affai 701,

1320 19th Washington, D.C

20036 (ire 202-833-8990, fax 202-833-8988, e-mail

WHY DO BAHA’iS SUPPORT THE U.N.?

y | ‘he oneness of humankind and

universal peace are paramount principles of the Baha’s Faith. Baha’is have always supported efforts aimed at fostering international cooperation. Early this century, for instance, ‘Abdu’l-Baha welcomed the formation of the League of Nations and saw in it a hopeful sign of movement

toward world peace.

For more than 50 years the Baha’i community has consistently supported the United Nations:

• Shoghi Effendi sent Baha’i representatives to the organizing conference for the U.N. in 1945.

¢ The U.S. National Spiritual Assembly first represented the Baha’t world community at the U.N. and was accredited to the U.N. Department of Public Information in 1947.

• Since 1948, the Baha’f International Community has been registered at the U.N. as an international

non-governmental organization, and in 1970 it was granted consultative status with the U.N. Economic and Social Council.

• In numerous Ridvin messages

since 1964, the Universal House of

Highlights of the visit

• Guided visits to the Baha'i Home, Publishing ‘Trust, Media Services, Archives,

sé of Worship, National Center ° Enrichment ions from the National Teaching Office, Pioneering Office, Wilmette Institute and House of Worship sual and film programs Bookstore shopping

• Garden teaching, guiding opportunities
• Option to read in daily devotional programs in the Auditorium

es and activities for youth and children age 4 and up group photo, Lakeshore park with beach, and other free time may bring friends and family, but should understand that some activities may require supplementary explanation for visitors who are not enrolled Baha'is.

A SPIRITUAL

OAS

Mew

hae are invited to participate in the 1998 Special Visit Program at the Mashriqu’l-Adhkér. These visits are created to offer the friends who live farther from

Please return this form to: Special Visit Program, Activities Office, Baha’i House of Worship, Wilmette, IL 60091 Inquiries: phone 847-853-2326, e-mail

the Mother Temple a spiri- Justice has emphasized the growing es : A relationship between the Baha’i

tual oasis in which torelisha Choose one of these schedules (all Thursday through Sunday): edit dl the UN:

memorable experience. ___ June 25-28 Register by May 10. __ Aug. 13-16 Register by July 5. "The Uniced Nauions'ig hot yet tle

——July 23-26 Register by June 1. organization that the Faith envis ages. However, it represents another extremely important step in the direction of international cooperation. Therefore, the Universal House of Justice continues to urge the friends to cooperate with the U.N. and its agencies and to support the international organization,

Family name of your travel group Number in your party

Telephone: Home

Address

City State ZIP Code Country

List name(s) and Baha’s ID numbers of all registrants. Attach an additional sheet if needed. Indicate Children/Youth ages and ID numbers (ages 4 and up may register). Some youth-specific activities will be included. A complete program for children is planned. Infant care and child care will not be provided.

Chapter, division members of UNA-USA to gather

‘The United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) is holding the biennial meeting of

All registrants will receive transportation information and an itinerary of program activities by mail with their confirmation from the House of Worship Activities Office.

is are active members of SA. If you are among those planning to come to hington, please let the National tual Assembly's Office of the Secretary for External Affairs in Washington know in advance, and it will try to organize a brief gathering for the Baha’fs while you are there. Contact the National Spiritual Assembly, 1320 19th St. N.W., Suite 701, Washington, DC 20036 (phone 202833-8990, fax 202-833-8988, e-mai'

Registration fees: Adult $25 Youth (11-20) $20 Child (4-10) $10

Hotel/Transportation/Meals

Do you want us to register you at our group rates at the Skokie Howard Johnson?

• If so, number of rooms needed Number of people in each room,

• Room rates (buffet breakfast included): Queen bed $80, 2 Double beds $85, King bed $93

• You will handle all financial arrangements with hotel. Bus transportation to/from airport is provided.
• Please plan to lodge with family or roommate(s) of same gender. This office cannot match roommates,
• Please state any special needs associated with your accommodation.

Please make check

payable to Baha'i Service: send with t

Do you wish us to send you a list of other hotels in the area?

• ‘Transportation to or from other hotels will be on your own throughout the visit weekend.

For further information on the UNA ‘Two lunches and occasional snacks are included with registration fees. Other meals and free-time

ansportation will be on your own. dollars.

212-907-1327.

page 28 THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES April 9,1998 [Page 29]

Communities across U.S. aspire to make Dr. King’s dream real

‘or the past few years, Babd’ts across the country have been encouraged to support Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January and contribute to activities in honor of the late civil rights leader and the vision of race unity. Here are some activities in addition to those reported on in the last issue. ‘SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

One of the country’s biggest celebrations of Martin Luther King Jr. Day is staged in this coastal city, and the Baha'is are in the thick of things both visibly and behind the scenes.

As co-sponsors of the MLK Day events, the Savannah community, along with the Chatham County Baha’is, provided services on several planning committees and were valuable contributors to several programs:

• About 10 community members were

among the 600 attending the Women's Unity Luncheon on Jan. 10.

• Baha'is were recognized as co-sponsors at an Interfaith Service held Jan. 11

at St. John Baptist Church.

• A Business Community Breakfast

Jan. 17 was attended by several local Baha’is. Along with the other sponsors the Bahai community was presented with a service award by the president of the MLK Association.

¢ The Memorial Service at the Civic Center Jan. 18 was supported by local friends.

¢ The Savannah Baha’s Youth Workshop performed at the first annual Youth, Extravaganza on Jan. 18, in which youth of all ages and religous background entertained an audience of over 100 with dance routines and beautiful spirituals.

• In the 19th annual MLK Parade on

Jan. 19, the Bahd’is had a mobile unit, 4 float carrying children and a walking unit that handed out Baha’s literature to the people on the three-mile parade route. Several television stations taped the parade for broadcast.

BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS

Kathryn (Katie) Jalal Smith, a 17year-old Baha’i from Bloomington, Illinois, was one of two youth award recipients at the 22nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. luncheon Jan. 17 sponsored by

the Human Relations Commissions of Bloomington and Normal.

More than 500 people attended this year’s luncheon, regarded as the premier Martin Luther King Day event in the community.

Nominated by the Local Spiritual Assembly of Bloomington, Katie was selected for the award based on an impressive record of helping to foster interracial understanding in the community.

Katie and her mother, Susan, have become familiar faces at the annual Martin Luther King Gospel Festival. Katie also has become recognized for her role in a drama about the need for race unity performed by the local Baha’ youth workshop, Candles of the Covenant. Last year, workshop members volunteered their time to teach routine to children attending a Baha’i-sponsored “Calling all Colors” conference.

Chosen by a local organization for a highly publicized youth panel on local race relations, Katie spoke eloquently about the importance of Baha’i principles on race unity.

At the luncheon, Mayor Judy Markowitz—who had become aquainted with the teen earlier—put her arm around Katie and moved the audience to a standing ovation with a story of how Katie defended the Baha’i Faith to her classmates when some had ‘started a rumor that she belonged to a cult.

In her acceptance speech, Katie forthrightly proclaimed that her be racial unity originate from the writings of Baha’u’llah. She then quoted from the Sacred Writings as well as the words of Martin Luther King Jr.

OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN

A Baha’i couple here were honored for their local role in building bridges across cultures.

The Promotion of Diversity award was presented to Joan and Steve Suhm at the Martin Luther King Jr. Banquet Jan. 18 sponsored by the Oshkosh Human Relations Council and the Uni

Marchers gather at the Baha’i banner for the MLK Parade in Savannah, Georgia. Local photo

Bloomington, Illinois, Mayor Judy Markowitz speaks in praise of Baha’i youth Katie Smith at the local Martin Luther King Jr. luncheon.

Local photo

versity of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

‘The two are “particularly recognized throughout Oshkosh as being the chief visionaries and sculptors of the annual Race Unity Social, a family-oriented event designed to promote harmony and understanding among all residents of the Fox River Valley,” a report from the Assembly of Oshkosh says. The fifth annual event is scheduled for June.

The citation of the Suhms by the UW-O Division of Academic Support also noted the couple has actively supported the campus’s six multicultural student organizations and participated in diversity activities statewide, representing the city in a statewide town meeting on diversity in Madison.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING

The lone Baha’i living in Sheridan is a co-organizer of a group that brought Martin Luther King III and the mobile Anne Frank Center-USA to the town’s local observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 17.

‘An estimated 700 people heard Mr. King, son of the late civil rights leader, speak of the need to teach values to young people. He was followed by Wyoming Gov. Jim Geringer, who asserted, “We are each at fault when we are silent” about abuses of human rights.

Representing several area faiths, the group People for Human Rights also drew together for the event a blessing ceremony by representatives of several American Indian cultures, music by a church choir from Denver, and an array of speakers on international and American human rights issues. Matha Inman, the Baha’f resident of Sheridan, made closing remarks on the theme that a small group of thoughtful, committed itizens can change the world.

MESA, ARIZONA

Youth were the focus involvement in the MLK Day Breakfas: Jan. 19, which drew an audience of 750 in this suburb of Phoenix.

Jon Gandomi, age 17, spoke “passionately” about brotherhood, tolerance and

of Bah:

according to a neighborhood e the Arizona Republic. He received a standing ovation, and a letter from Mayor Wayne J. Brown congratulated him for the inspiring message.

The local Baha’ Youth Workshop also used drama and step-dancing in a program on the theme of unity through diversity.

BRIEFLY

SUPPORT IN VOA EDITORIAL Wie of America, a U.S. govern ment-funded news organization that broadcasts outside the United States via short-wave radio, recently ued an editorial on religious persecution of the Baha’is in Iran.

Tenoted that while Baha'is are the largest religious minority in that country, they still experience discrimination in education, employment and access to government services among other matters.

‘The VOA requested that President Khatami’s recently televised praise of religious liberty be extended to his own country by establishing freedom of religion for the Baha’is of Iran.

AND A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM Here is a letter from Shu Shu Costa of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, that speaks for itself:

For Ayydm-i-Hé, my 3-year-old, Keith Costa, did a small service project. He wrote a letter to 20 of our Lawrenceville, New Jersey, neighbors explaining Ayyam-i-Ha and the Baha’ Faith, and asked for a donation of nonperishable foods for needy people in our area. The neighbors were so impressed! A few wrote notes back to him.

He delivered the letters himself, picked up the food in his little red wagon, and left a little bag of cookies with a thank-you note. His pre-school teacher was so taken with the project she offered to xerox the note for the parents of the 100 or so students at his school.

All from the efforts of one 3-yearold. I’m so proud of him!

Two WINGS IN DALLAS

‘The Dallas Baha’{ community, through its Teaching Prominent People Committee, has been presenting the statement Tivo Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men to several significant people in the area, among them:

¢ The office of Mayor Ron Kirk.

• The offices of U.S. Reps. Pete

Sessions and Martin Frost.

• State Rep. Fred Hill.

• Stuart Wilk, managing editor of

the Dallas Morning News.

In addition to this effort, the community is sponsoring a bi-monthly forum on the Two Wings statement.

INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION More than 60 people representing 13 nationalities attended a women’s conference hosted by the Baha’is of Sugar Land, Texas, on Nov. 29.

Marsha Henderson encouraged participants to be courageous in facing the challenges of the next century, to be committed to God, family and others and to realize that each woman is in control of her own di y A talk titled “Women Attaining their Birthright” by Auxiliary Board mber Karen Kazemzadeh emphaed the spiritual equality of men and women and introduced listeners to the statement Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men.

April 9, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES _ page 29 [Page 30]

i in The American fare published free of charge community. Because of ices are limited to items relat aith; no personal or com‘ed. 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’{ NATIONAL CENTER On. meeting and travel specialist experienced in hospitality supe: with strong organizational understanding of hotel busine: research, contract negotiation, meeting room arrangements, food functions and accommodations. Should know travel industry; Appollo or other travel system experience helpful. Will reconcile bills and claims. Must be able to work under pressure and to handle several meetin; at the same time. Work schedule flexible, considerable weekend work required. If interested, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-7333427, fax 847-733-3430).

AT THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY FOR

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, WASHINGTON, D.C. Office administrator: Performs administrative duties to support operations of the Office of the Secretary for External Affairs, including supervision of the office secretary, bookkeeping, property managmeent, facilitation and coordination of personne issues, and travel coordination. Need mii mum of three to five years’ relevant administrative/supervisory experience, working experience with basic accounting and budgeting procedures, experience with business software including high proficiency in Word 6.0, and sound understanding oe Baha’{ administration and principles. Col lee Ae preferred. GO Liaison/Assistant to the National Committee for the Advancement oj Women: Represents the National Spiritual Assembly on a broad range of women’s issues with other national non-governmental organizations (NGOs), federal ernment agencies and offices, and festers of thought. As necessary, communicates National Assembly policies on the equality of women and men to the U.S. Baha’{ community. Provides administrative support for the Committee for Advancement of Women, coordinates dissemination of the statement Two Wings of a Bird: the Equality of Women and Men, represents the committee at meetings and conferences, and conducts research on the status of women within the Baha'i community and in U.S. society. Must show knowledge and experience in applying Baha’{ principles to the problems of society, especially concerning the advancement of women. Must have a bachelor’s degree; an advanced degree is desired in women’s studies, social sciences, political science, international relations or related field. Two to five years’ work experience is essential; must have word processing skills, preferably Word. If interested in either position, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

AT THE WILMETTE INSTITUTE The Wilmette Institute needs someone to serve as coordinator for its summer session, July 18—Aug. 8. Must be mature, deepened, and responsible; have excellent communications skills; be able to reside in the dormitory all three weeks; and be experienced at advising students, pro ing deepenings, and coordinating ev The person should arrive at least a week

© Horticulturist/professional

cataloging, retrieval, etc.

CRITICAL NEEDS FOR THE MOUNT CARMEL PROJECTS, constructing the buildings and terraces of the Arc in Haifa, Israel:

© Executive secretary. For the Office of the Project Manager. Candidates are required to work in a culturally diverse environment, be fully computer literate, and possess excellent English skills. © Industrial/commercial plumber. Needs experience in all aspects of the trade, including drainage, fittings, etc. ional gardener. Needs experience in maintenance and general aspects of formal and informal gardens.

‘To apply, please mail or fax your résumé to Mount Carmel Projects, Project Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 155, 31 001 Haifa, Israel (phone 972 (4) 835-8358, fax 972 (4) 835-8437, e-mail

ARCHIVES OFFICE, BAHA’i WORLD CENTER

• Professional archivists. Should have recognized qualification in archival science, work experience in archival agency, fluency and writing skills in English.
• Proofreaders and others with strong skills in Persian and Arabic, for work with

original Tablets. Must be familiar with literature and be able to read manuscripts in Persian and Arabic. Should be able to communicate in English within the office.

© Microfilming workers. Should have archive/library experience in: document preparation, camera operation (experience with planetary equipment is essential), quality control and film inspection, or project documentation. RESEARCH OFFICE, BAHA’i WORLD CENTER

© Research assistant. Needs high-level skills in Persian and Arabic, sound knowledge of Baha’i Writings in those languages, as well as computer skills. Will do analytical study of the Writings and historical material, classification,

• ° Translator. Will translate from Persian and Arabic to English; needs excellent skills in all three languages as well as familiarity of Baha’i Writings. Will

prepare provisional translations from the Writings of the Central Figures, as well as reviewing, proofreading and editing.

To apply, please contact Baha’i World Center, Office of Personnel, P.O. Box 155, 31 001 Haifa, Israel (e-mail

early to help with registration and setting up the dormitory. Compensation includes transportation to and from Wilmette, housing, meals and a modest honorarium. The coordinator will be able to attend some classes. A mature couple would be ideal. For more information contact Robert Stockman (phone 847733-3425, e-mail

AT BoscH BAHA’i SCHOOL is ies manager sought for

Bosch Baha’{ School. Responsible for maintenance of buildings, grounds, equipment and vehicles for Bosch; hel ps direct the work of volunteers. Responsible for creating and maintaining operating procedures and system documentation. Works on all renovation, repair, restoration and new construction. Must have knowledge and skills in building and equipment maintenance, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, roofing, painting, masonry, etc. Strongly prefer applicant with five years’ experience in facility management (hotel, motel, school, condominium, lig! trial plant, etc.), with at least three ye: sien three or more workers. Basic computer literacy (database, spreadsheet, word processing) is necessary; CAD experience desirable. Organization and consultation skills, flexibility and enthusiasm are essential. Building contractor experi very desirable. Vehicle maintenance s desirable. Contact Mark J. Bedford, CoAdministrator, Bosch Baha’i School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564,

e-mail

AT Louis G. GREGORY BAHA’{ INSTITUTE Teaching-Education coordinator needed at Louis G. Gregory Baha’ Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina. Responsible for planning, implementation and evaluation of all teaching and education programs at the Institute. Four years’

administrative/management experience and a graduate degree in education, management or a comparable field desired. Maintenance worker also needed. Should have knowledge of building construction and repair. For information or applications, please contact the Office aan Resources, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL_ 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

AT GREEN ACRE BAHA’/ SCHOOL College students, high school graduates, retired singles or couples, or other willing people sought for the summer staf at Green Acre: recreation leading, children’s teaching, maintenance, bookstore-cafe, library and office assistance. Preference will be given to those who can serve the entire summer. Full-time volunteer service is usually compensated by room and board only, but a stipend is available in exceptional cases. Please contact the school (phone 207-439-7200, fax 207438-9940, e-mail

INTERNATIONAL

Friends interested in participating in pro ional and ic exchanges with colleagues from China, here at home or abroad, can be of great service to this rapidly developing country. The following fields are casey desired: Health and Western medicine, psychology/counseling, women and family, education and moral development, agriculture, computer sci: ence, advanced technologies of all kinds, electronics/telecommunications, bio-engineering, new materials and energy sources, environmental protection, marin aerospace, architectural engineering, keting/advertising, public relations, busi ness management, many other fields. If within the next few years you are willing to make a trip to China to advise and consult with Chinese professionals in your field, please contact Susan Senchuk (phone 847733-3506, e-mail

PIONEERING / OVERSEAS

Although the of Pioneering ties to help by providing information on employment opperganttes that come to its attention, it does not have the resources for actual job placement. AFRICA: Angola—Project coordinator (agricultural development), agricultural coordinator, IMC site manager, water construction manage! munization (EPI) trainer, maternal child health trainer, primary health care nurse. Botswana—Senior research officer and principal research officers (bank). Burkina Faso—Economist and epidemiologist. Burundi—Population development (UNFIPA), shelter manager. Central African Ree ee ulation development (UNFPA). Céte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)—Information systems spe‘alist, finance manager. Eritrea—Advisors ernational health management firm. oe Self-supporting volunteer to elp the National Assembly secretary and to train a replacement, agricultural economist, assistant director of sustainable production systems. The Gambia—Manager for permanent institute. Ghana—Director, regional enterprise manager for Cl. Kenya—Research sci (ILRD, director of finance and administration (ICRAF). Liberia—Field project manager. Mauritius—Chief executive for stock exchange. Namibia—Project coordinator (HR. development). Nigeria—Program office for arts, culture and media grant-making program in Western Africa, concession contract for water supplies. Rwanda— Health program manager, PHC trainer, technical assistant for district health facilities, income generating program coordinator. South Afric rtiary educational specialist, Donald Gordon Fellowship in Research Methodology. Swaziland— Environmental economist. Tanzania— Project adviser. Zambia—Teachers, basic education adviser. Zimbabwe—Project developnient coordinator, disaster mitigation and preparedness coordinator, Africa monetization technical adviser.

[CAS: Argentina—Management services contractors. Bolivia—Senior program officer WWE. Canada—Health economist. Chile—Program officer. —Business development officer, economist (CIAT). Haiti—Field director (NDI). Honduras—teachers, language arts teacher. Mexico—Social sector development specialist, community service program (AFSC). Suriname—Clinical specialists. Trinidad and Tobago—Health pro im: communications coordinator, Rational Ambulance Service development manager, information systems/technology project director, national community care development project manager. Turks &

ic 3overnment doctor. Venezuela— Computer outlet store for sale. Virgin Islands—Caretakers for National Center. ASIA: Armenia—Small business lending specialist, finance delegate, technical construction delegate, contracting specialist, environmental law liaison. Azerbaijan— Community health education manager, field coordinator, administrative officer, country director for IRC, manager. Cambodia—Disaster preparedness delegate, HIV/AIDS program adviser (WB), prosthetist, orthotist lecturer, reproductive health adviser. Georgia—Community development volunteer. India—Vice-principal for the New Era High School, pro 1m manager. Japan—ESL teachers. eae Hap 2c ace representative for ACDI/VOCA, engineering manager, R & D mechanical engineer. Korea—Program manager (computer/telecommuni: tions). Kyrgyzstan—Finance and administrative manager. Macau— Teachers. Sakhalin (Russia)—Teachers. Nepal— Microfinance officer. Philippines—IRRI director general. South Asia—Development managers. Thailand—Volunteer physician. Taiwan—Teachers. Ukraine—

8

page 30

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * CLASSIFIED

April 9, 1998 [Page 31]

Environmental law liaison. Uzbekistan— Country director(OSI). Vietnam—Field

project manager. AUSTRALASIA: Australia—Professor of economics, secretary general (CIVICUS), postdoctoral fellowship/research fellowship in international relations. i Islands—Physician at a health center on Rota. New i—Lecturer in economics. Papua New Guinea—Senior promanager (UN). Solomon Islands— Gara at the Baha'i center. Western Caroline Islands—Self-supporting assistant to the National Assembly secretary. EUROPE: Austria—Legal officer (IAEA), personnel officer, head-Office of Internal Audit and Evaluation support, senior auditor. Czech Republic—Primary and secondary teachers in mathematics, science, humanities, Spanish, English as a secondary language, Montessori teacher. France— Marketing manager, head of media relations. Germany—Social workers, registered

nurses for ads rograms on bases, clerk. Hun; SU AneETy lecturers and

fessors for CEP, head of office (OM).

icultural officer, information offi cer for TV, legal officer, personnel officers (legal matters and other), statistician, food security officer, cerestronic editor, statistician (FAO), project leader (CGIAR), weather and climate specialists. Kosovo—Project directors, nurses, nurse midwives, obstetricians, child psychologists, pediatric neurologists, child welfare specialists, epidemioloES (DOW).

nding/credi B). Netherlands— development professional, director general. Poland—Junior lecturer in public policy. Portus sultants in agricultural and rural devel ment. Romania—Junior lecturer in political science. Russia—Facility protection officers, agricultural lending/credit specialist, international finance, women's issues legal specialist. Slovakia—English teacher. SwitzerJand—Senior training officer, director, division of international trade (UN), special coordinator (UN). Ukraine—] director (economics education). United Kingdom—Dean and director of business school, economics readership, deputy director Center for Study of African ies, lectureship in economic theory and mathematical economics. MULTI-REGIONAL: Teachers for African Program of IFESH. University faculty to teach on military bases in Russia (Irkutsk and Vladivodstok), Europe and Asia. American Refugee Committee. Breast Cancer Treatment/Prevention Central Europe; Consultants in Eastern and Central Europe. English Teaching. Fellows (ETF). Teachers in International ‘Training in Women’s and Development Projects, International sales and marketing. Entrepreneurial agricultural marketing specialist for Latin America. Director of operations and Regional communications coordinator for WWF in Latin America and Caribbean. Educational Services Institute (ESI) is currently recruiting instructors. Multi-disciplinary team for WRI (World Resources Institute). Country representatives for Africare. CEO for Central Asian-American Enterprise Fund. Managers and specialists for SAC International. Economists for Latin America and Asia (EIU). Clinical legal specialists for Albania, Romania, Bulgaria and Ukraine, Central and Eastern Europe, NIS. Associate Liaisons for Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Ukraine. Civic educators and Organizers for Eastern Europe (NDP). Peace Corps—Foresters, parks and wildlife, environmental education and awareness. Water and sanitation engineers, Agronomists for Action Against Hunger. American Refugee Committee, Breast Cancer Treatment/Prevention Central Europe, consultants in Eastern and Central Europe, English teaching fellows (ETF), teachers in international training in women’s and development projects, international sales and market

ing, internships (some paid positions), reproductive health program, rural selfhelp, HIV/AIDS education. Global Classroom Ine. offers free placement assistance to English as a second/foreign language (ESL/EFL) professionals seeking overseas employment. All positions require a minimum of an. ESL/EFL certificate or one year ESL/EFL teaching experience. URGENT NEEDS: Honduras—Elementary and secondary school teachers. India—Urgent need for an experienced, wualified vice-principal for the New Era igh School. Macau—The School of Nations needs qualified kindergarten, primary and secondary teachers.

—Self-supporting couple to serve as custodians of the Baha'f

center in Honiara. Volunteer to train National Center office staff.

For additional i1 ion, please contact the Office of HOncerang Baha'i National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (hone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail

For the past eight years, Baha’is from all over the United States have traveled throughout Russia to spread the message of Baha’u’llih. The Marion Jack Project has been responsible for the creation of more than 35 Assemblies and has been a testimony to the power of the Faith to unite the hearts of peoples of different cultures and nations. This summer, we are going again and would love your assistance and/or participation. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to serve our beloved Cause. For more information, please contact Lois Willows (phone 310-274-5674, e-mail

or the Office of Pioneering (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847733-3509, e-mail ). For an application, contact Arghavan Rahimpour at

PIONEERING / HOMEFRONT

To form a Spiritual Assembly in Watsonville, California, which currently has only three active Baha'is, before Ridvan we need six more. If you're considering a pioneer post, please consider Watsonville. On Monterey Bay, this city has beautiful weather and reasonable rent, and it’s close to everything! For relocation information please call 408-763-9688.

Loved the Winter Olympics but couldn't afford the plane fare to Nagano? The Spiritual Assembly of Bountiful, Utab, needs you! Bountiful is a quiet bedroom community at the foot of the spectacular Wasatch Mountains, 10 minutes from Salt Lake City—home of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Its jeopardized Assembly needs at least one person to continue after Ridvan. Utah has one of the best economies in the U.S. with employment available at all levels. Large university and numerous colleges within commuting distance, and five national parks within the state. Please contact Paul or Karen Webb (phone 801-298-4507, email or Rachelle Tordiff (phone 801-294-7754).

The Garner, North Carolina, community needs homefront pioneers to help save its Assembly! In the heart of North Carolina, with several universities and colleges nearby, we are within quick commuting distance of the worldfamous Research Triangle Park. We enjoy easy access to beaches and mountains, plus a very low unemployment rate. The area is blessed with two.

Baha’{ Centers. The Triangle area is preparing for entry by troops and we offer a variety of teaching opportunities. Please contact Mojdeh Williams (phone 919-773-0667, e-mail

The eae City Baha'i community is fae ly peng pioneers to Bae en our community, whose Local Assembly is the key Assembly in Hudson County, New Jersey, and to aid us in our aching cfforts to expand membership within the community. Situated just behind the Statue of Liberty, and only 10 minutes by train from Manhattan, Jersey City is often regarded as the “sixth borough” of New York City. Jersey City has been called the “most diverse little town in the world,” and is a super teaching challenge. Please contact Analita Mullign, Jersey City, J 07306 (phone 201-434-6463, e-mail

WANTED

The Baha'i community of Pierce County No. 3 in Washington is looking for articles from Babé’i youth relating a special experience or achievement connected with teaching the Faith. We will be publishing these essays in our local community newsletter in the hopes of inspiring both adults and youth in the area of teaching. We ask for the essays to be 200-300 words or shorter. Please send a copy, as we are not able to guarantee the return of your work. Send articles to Brighton Creek, P.O. Box 67, McKenna, WA 98558.

Have you ever served on the Santa Monica, California, Local Spiritual Assemb! fave you ever been part of the Santa Monica Baha’i community? We will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Santa Monica Assembly (1948-1998) at a special event to be held Sunday, May 17, 2-4 p.m. in the Santa Monica Main Public Library. If you cannot attend, please send us a letter of your memories of Santa Monica for display at our program. Send to P.O. Box 1066, Santa Monica, CA 90406 or e-mail Sheila Banani

The Fresno, California, Baha’i community would like to invite anyone who has ever lived in the Fresno community to participate in its celebration of the 50th Anniversary of its Spiritual Assembly. There will be an open house April 25 at the Fresno Baha’i Center, 2240 N. Angus on April 25 and a luncheon celebration 14 p.m. April 26 at the Ramada Inn, 324 E Shaw Ave,, with lunch at $15 per person. For further informationplease contact the Assembly secretary (phone 209-4471633, ell

HOUSE OF WORSHIP, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

of materials.”

But as they did in the 1970s, Mrs. Baker said, the company was careful to keep the price “within the Baha’is’ budget” while maintaining a crew of up to seven workers.

A number of those workers had what

amounted to a continual fireside in the shadow of the House of Worship, and from June to December five of them declared their faith in Baha’u’llah.

“It was our blessing to be able to serve Baha’u’llah in this way,” Mrs. Baker said.

We're surrounded at work, in our neighRorkicods and tie rae media ae

ip and backbiting. Have you foun Ss avoid backbstin 2 es do you stop yourself from backbiting? Send me your ideas, tips and tricks and I may use them in a book I'm writing on backbiting. J. Ruhl, Denver, Colorado 80209.

The National Baha’{ Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on bebalf of the Guardian to the following people: Mary S. Burland, Lyle E. Burnett, Leroy Burns, Vincent G. Burns, William Brown Burr, Garreta B Harriett Bush, Hattie Bush, Jessie Bush, Lilyan Bush, Wallace A. Bussell, Carrie Butler and Susetta F. Butler. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these Guardian’ letters is asked to contact the National Baha'i Archives, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-869-9039).

rapbs of Baha'is, Baha’i communities and institutions and national Baha’{ events are being sought for the photograph collection of the National Baha’i Archives. Please identify the photographs if possible with names of people, event, locality and date or year. Anyone having photographs they could donate is asked to send them to the National Baha’i Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201.

HUGH CHANCE,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

bly of the Baha'is of the United States and later as a member of the Universal House of Justice with great distinction. Mr. Chance will be well remembered for embodying the qualities of true service— a well trained mind and a sweet and loving spirit. We have lost a dear friend.”

Born in Winfield in 1911, Mr. Chance moved with his family to Iowa in 1922 and graduated from the University of Towa Law School in 1934. He practiced law in Muscatine, Iowa, until 1943, serving as a justice of the peace for seven of those years. After wartime service in the Navy, he served as chief executive officer and counsel for the International Chiropractors’ Association in Davenport, Iowa.

Elected to the National Spiritual Assembly in 1961, he served as secretary until 1963, when he was elected to the first Universal House of Justice. He was. subsequently re-elected to five more terms.

During Mr. Chance’s tenure in the Holy Land, the House of Justice oversaw an expansion of the Faith in which the number of National Spiritual Assemblies grew from 56 to 165.

Mr. Chance retired in 1993, returning to Winfield, Kansas, the town of his birth.

His interest in the history and sites associated with the Faith in Israel led him to co-write with Eunice Braun a book titled A Crown of Beauty.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Chance. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Ann Chance; a brother, Levern Chance; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his stepmother, Ann Chance, and his stepsister, Patricia Johnson.

April 9, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA’‘i * CLASSIFIED / CONTINUED

page 31 [Page 32]

REGIONAL, continuen From pace |

Local to

“closely collaborate” with the ritual Assemblies and_believ

both “devise and execute” the regional plan. In a letter dated February 17, 1998,

the Council stated, “The regional plan is the pursuing of the national plan with achieving ‘marked progress ivy and development’ of each Institution, and

The

Council also stated in the same letter its goals, among which are the goal for each Baha’i in the region to initiate a dramatic upsurge in effe teaching activities, participate atic training, and strive for personal transformation.

The goal for each Local Spiritual Assembly is to continue development and enthu: implementation of its own expansion and consolidation plans in collaboration and consultation with the Institution of the Learned, pursue an ongoing program of its own development and strengthening.

The Regional Council of the Western States also calls out to all individuals and Assemblies in the region to respond to the National Spiritual Assembly’s appeal

tive

n system

Caswell Ellis (right), member of the Regional Baha’i Council of the Central States, greets a Baha’i National Center staffer at December’s orientation meeting of the Regional Baha’i Councils.

William Roberts (Northeast): We meet in person on a monthly basis along with two meetings by conference calls about every 10 days. Further, we are in close contact through multiple e-mail messages daily.

Caswell Ellis (Central): As frequently as the members’ professional and work schedules allow. The minimum once-amonth schedule now in place calls for more frequent meetings as circumstances will allow. We are looking forward to combining our meetings with Local Spiritual Assemblies in their areas. We are also looking at the feasibility of telephone conferences.

Right now we feel that with the amount of work ahead of all of us, we cannot meet often enough.

that we “spare no effort to bring the message of interracial love and unity to our fellow Americans.”

Robert James (Southern States): Our primary goal is to advance the process of entry by troops in our region and try to utilize the talents and abilitie: of all of the Baha’fs in the South. We want the friends to develop a love, joy and enthusiasm for the Faith, Baha’u’llah, the institutions, and for one another that can become so contagious that large numbers of people will flock to the Faith.

William Roberts (Northeastern States): Our primary goals are to provide a clear focus to the region to make substantial progress in advancing the process of entry by troops, creation and development of training institutes to empower the believers across the region in the teaching work.

Another goal is identification and effective utilization of the skills believers have to assist the regional growth. We want to become an unfettered source of inspiration and guidance to the Spiritual Assemblies, groups and_ individuals throughout the regio

Caswell Ellis (Central States): To create and effectively execute a regional

Robert James (South): Our Council meets once a month for a three-day session. In addition, the Council has given authority to four individuals to have telephone conference calls as frequently as necessary to expedite the work of the Council between the sessions.

The offic > far have calls at least once a week. We share our decisions with the entire Council and allow three or four days for responses. If there are any objections to our decisions, we postpone taking action on that decision and take the matter before the entire Council at its next meeting. If there are no objections, we immediately implement the decision.

Shannon Javid (West): Once a month for consultation.

Robert James, chairman of the Regional Baha’i Council of the Southern States, gathers with members of all Councils in December.

expansion and consolidation strategy that will strengthen existing and create new bonds of unity and collaboration within our regional Baha'i family and institutions.

As Baha’is teaching our religion, we must come to understand the relationship between consolidation and

qe Javid (West): Rather than focus on a single event of the weekend, because the entire experience was so soul-stirring, Td rather, touch on what remains as two enduring qualities of the gathering.

I was transported to a higher place by the penetrating love, sweet fellowship, a unifying spirit of the weekend. The calling “Be as one soul in many bodies” seemed manifest in all present to such a degree that it felt as though the happy glances of ‘Abdu’l-Baha were shining upon all present. In all my Baha’ experience I’ve never before seen anything quite like it.

The second unforgettable quality was to both witness the history and be empowered by beholding the organic unfoldment of the Baha’ System and thereby the efficacy of His Cause. To witness the National Spiritual Assembly and the Counselors launch the newly born Council oric and momentous was that event! Empowering, uplifting and inspiring was the experience!

William Roberts (Northeast): Tender greetings from the members of the National Assembly, a statement from mes Nelson: each of us like a leaf which the Wind of Providence has chosen to blow at this moment, others will have opportunities as well. The privilege of having in our midst the original Tablet of the Beloved Master directed to the Baha’is of the Northeastern States during the Council’s consultation.

Caswell Ellis (Central): When it suddenly became clear that the National Spir

expansion if the process of entry by troops is to be advanced in a meaningful way.

An immediate primary concern of the Regional Council is that we begin to increase teaching activity by fully utilizing the media initiative and all opportunities that will result from it.

What is your most memorable event of the

Council weekend meeting in December?

itual Assembly was making each Council a gift of their respective regional Tablet authored by ‘Abdu’l-Baha. The significance of that awe-inspiring charter document humbles and inspires the Central States Council.

Another aspect of that orientation weekend that impressed me greatly was my ing the reality of the collaborative itof unity and love that was growing by the hour and through each presentation between the institutions. There was also the love and wisdom of seven Continental Counselors in attendance, and for some of us this presented the first opportunity to meet certain of them.

Robert James (South): It is hard to say what the most memorable event was. I was very impressed with the tremendous outpouring of love, support and encouragement we received from the National Spiritual Assembly, the Continental Board of Counselors and the staff of the National Center and the number of gifts we received—roses, prayer books, Messages from the Universal House of Justice, and a framed copy of the Tablets of the Divine Plan.

I was moved by the tears and words of the Counselors and the National Assembly members, particularly as they focused attention on the significance of the Southern Region in advancing the process of entry by troops. I was already awed by the immense responsibilities placed on the Councils.

SOUTHERN COUNCIL MEETS THE FRIENDS

Baha’ Council met for the first time with a local community. Counselor Tod Ewing and Auxiliary Board members Josie Reynolds and

More than 150 Atlanta-area believers made history Feb. 21 when the Southem The gathering was treated to music, remembrances of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and praise for the Atlanta-area teaching progress. Council member Karen Pritchard, asserting that U.S. Baha'is are Riaz Khadem also participated in the session at the Baha’{ Unity Center _ watching the South, challenged: “Let us show the country and the world in South DeKalb County, underscoring its importance for the friends. :

what we can accomplish.”

page 32

THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * REGIONAL BAHA’I COUNCILS — April 9, 1998 [Page 33]Robert James (South): The Regional Council has appointed 34 committees. They include:

• 16 state teaching committees (one

for each state).

• Six committees for large-scale

growth campaigns—we refer to them as Coordinating Teams.

• The Race Unity Committee, which

has already developed and distributed an exploration packet to help Baha’is dialogue and develop a better understanding of the most vital issue.

• The External Affairs Committee,

which will interface with state officials on behalf of the Regional Council.

• The Unit Convention Committee.

Caswell Ellis (Central): Communications between the Local Spiritual Assemblies and the Council will be critical. Information and reportage must be as timely, accurate, clear and complete as possible. There is always potential for problems in the area of communication.

Fortunately, the Council has, so far, experienced loving attention to this activity on the partof the Friends, even an eagerness to communicate, which is greatly encouraged and much appreciated by the Council.

Robert James (South): The Assemblies have been very loving and supporting toward us. So far 20-25 percent of the Southern Assemblies have responded to our

Jan. 15 letter and indicated that‘the five challenges we identified are the challenges

Caswell Ellis (Central): The Council anticipates the establishment of warm and loving relationships with all of our Local Spiritual Assemblies based on our sincere desire to be a consistent, sustaining source of strength and support.

‘To begin this process, there will be some focus on key Local Spiritual Assemblies based on their Current teaching activity. The Council also intends to it as many communi as time and circumstances will allow. They will be interested in potential and possibil in every community and will encourage community devotional programs, ra‘ unity, gender equality and youth acti ties, as well as strong support of local

Robert James (South): Our Council has identified five challenges in our region:

¢ Feeling a personal spiritual connection to Baha’u'llah.

• Having a clear sense of mission.

• Teaching with confidence and courage

and acquiring effective teaching skills.

¢ Nurturing an environment that is loving and accepting and embraces diversity of all kinds.

¢ Ensuring effective and sustained collaboration between the twin arms of the Baha’i Administrative Order.

¢ The Publishing Committee, which is to advise the Coun: assessing the need for materials to assist the friends in their teaching efforts, recommend systems that will ensure excellence, suggest means for distribution within the region, and develop guidelines for quality controls and management. » A financial advisory board to serve the needs and advise the Council on the development of the regional branch of the National Fund, facilitate the move toward self-sufficiency, and seek new ways to educate and engage all believers concerning the Fund.

Our Council was recently given permission by the National Spiritual

they also face.

Many Assemblies who responded to our letter also mentioned the challenge they have with time. They reported that in this hectic world, they cannot find the adequate time to devote to planning and implementing. Our Council plans to assist the Assemblies with time management skills. ‘They also mentioned a difficulty in teaching Christians and expressed a desire to have special training for this. The Council has taken steps to assist the friends in this endeavor.

Shannon Javid (West): We have seen no challenges. The Councils are new and there is great interest and excitement in the community to nurture their development and to work with them.

William Roberts (right), Northeastern States and/or regional training institutes. William Roberts: Our prayer is to collaborate with the Spiritual Ass blies with a sense of intimacy, mutual

a:

pressing issue for your region?

We feel if thes effectively, the proces will rapidly accelerate.

Caswell Ellis (Central): Just one pressing issue—teaching; but several aspects to it. Understanding and teaching the Covenant of God for today with its transforming power that will cause universal participation in teaching and the recognition of all capacities latent in our Baha’ family.

William Roberts (Northeast): We the believers to recognize the

which are available and to

ues are addressed of entry by troops

Assembly to assume primary responsibility for managment and supervision of the regional training institutes in the Southern Region (now six in number). With the assistance of the Continental Board of Counselors, we plan to appoint a regional training institute executive and advisory board.

Our regional electronic communications coordinator is developing and maintaining a list of e-mail addresses of all Assemblies in our region.

Other committees and coordinating positions are being developed including a travel teacher coordinator.

Shannon Javid (West): The Council formed various ‘working groups’ of an

A y Shannon Javid, Western States

‘There are some 477 Local Spiritual Assemblies in the 11 states of the Western Region. As Spiritual Assemblies open communications with the Council and share their plans, needs and activities, and as the Council consults and develops the adminis incil interacting with Local Spiritual Assemblies?

love and admiration, and above all respect for the station of this essential Institution of the Cause of God.

Robert James (South): We want to take the Assemblies into our confidence and allow them to assist us in shaping the direction of the Faith-in the Southern Region. We wrote two letters to the Assemblies during the first two months of our existence. One was a love letter introducing ourselves. In the second letter we shared the five items we had identified as challenges for Southern Baha’is and we invited the friends to collaborate

Our letter states: “In considering these matters, your Assembly might explore questions such as:

acknowledge their capacity to take advantage of these gifts to achieve the goals of the Four Year Plan.

‘Shannon Javid (West): I can only offer individual thoughts in response to this question.

‘The most pressing issue is how we think and act as Baha'is. There is great importance to the time in which we live. We are challenged to realize that this is a critical time and that there is an “acute urgency of advancing the process of entry by troops” during the Four Year Plan. We are presently unable to see what this crucial time repre

advisory nature. Appointment of additional agencies of the Regional Council (such as committees) are in process. The Council has been assessing the regional needs and resources, receiving advice from the Counselors and information from National Spiritual Assembly agencies.

William Roberts (Northeast): We have created a travel teacher work group, a resource group for children and youth, and are in the process of forming agencies focused on the advancement of women, the arts, race unity, and we are developing a strategy for teaching.

Caswell Ellis: Not as yet. The Council has this matter under consideration.

s have you seen in communication with your Local Assemblies?

trative structure to serve the Assemblies, no doubt a wonderful interaction will develop. Tes just the beginning.

‘The Council has already heard from some Local Assemblies. During the Fast the Council was in Oregon to meet Institutions and the Baha'i friends. Also, a letter inviting collaboration will soon be received by the Local Assemblies. The Council is soon to start working with 55 Spiritual Assemblies which will sponsor the Unit Conventions this year.

William Roberts (Northeast): We have not experienced any challenges to date. However, our hope is to become a valuable link across the region allowing resources to be discovered and shared as well as providing hard data which will shore up and strengthen efforts made locally.

“Does our Bahé’i community face these or related challenges?

“What other issues might be identified as obstacles to the realization of a more rapid advance in the process of entry by troops?

“What steps do we feel can be taken to address these challenges?

“How can our community best achieve unity of thought?”

Shannon Javid (West): In close collaboration. This will develop over time. We are all witnesses to the beginning of a process that the Universal House of Justice has been nurturing to provide a balance between centralization and decentralization.

sents to the future.

As spiritual descendants of the Dawnbreakers we have a mission—one that calls for heroic action. A mission that calls for attaining a “new state of mind” with regard to the role and nature of the Local Spiritual Assembly. A sense of mission to give birth to and participate in a network of training institutes to both accelerate and sustain the growth and development of the community. A heightened sense of purpose to apply. the Teachings to social issues plaguing American society and renew hope.

April 9, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA’i ¢ REGIONAL BAHA’i COUNCILS

Page 33 [Page 34]

eee following e-mail was received by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of El Salvador Jan. 19: “Deeply deplore loss outstanding longtime servant Baha'u'llah. Dearly-loved Artemus Lamb. Well-nigh six decades his noble-hearted, self-effacing devotion to needs Faith unforgettable. Recall with keen admiration sterling achievements ive fields Latin

Continental Counselor. Confident his life of service will garner immense reward

Kingdom. Urge hold befitting memorial gatherings in Houses of Worship Wilmette and Panama and other countries where he labored so long. Praying fervently progr Kindly extend our condolences his mai friends and admirers.

“With loving Ba greetings,

i | House of Justice”

Lamb passed away quietly on Jan. 17, 1998, three days short of his 93rd joint memorial service for Mr. Lamb and Cora Oliver, a Knight of Baha'u'llah, was held at the Baha’{ House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, on March 28.

MANY CONTRIBUTIONS

‘Tireless, purposeful and selfless are some of the attributes that come to mind in remembering him. Artemus consec! ed his life to the advancement of Faith in so many areas—in personal teaching and deepening, proclamation and public talks, in representing the Cause before personages and government officials, in administration of the Cause at all levels, in his conduct and dealings with others and in the love he had for the indigenous believers.

Four years before his death, he had written to the U.S. Office of Pioneering, “T am still in this world. Evidently the Almighty thinks I need an unusual

the

Artemus ane moved from Los Angeles in the mid-1940s.

amount of preparation for the next life.”

By that time, Artemus was quite deaf and, even with a hearing aid, had difficulty in communicating. This limited his services, so he decided to do what he had not previously found time to do—write a book on the journey of the soul. Atage 87 he learned a word-processing system in Costa Rica and began writing The Odyssey of the Soul, which he finished in El Salvador.

After completing this goal, he appeared surprised to still have time in this So he began writing booklets phlets in Spanish to help t ig efforts in Latin America and completed the work that was his lifelong hope, a history of the development of the Faith in Latin America.

ROOTS IN lOWA

Artemus was born in 1905 into a prosperous and influential family in Clinton, Towa. His father died when he was 3 months old, and he suffered food poisoning at age 1 that damaged his nervous system and left him with a lifelong stammer. Artemus was not self-conscious about

Bettijane Walker was pioneer, teacher on three continents

he Zilmarian Walker Sister to Sister Project received the following communication from the Baha'i World Center Sept. 23, 1997: “The passing of Miss Bettijane Walker ... was very saddening to the Universal House of Justice. Her years of devoted service to the Faith, at times under dire circumstances, will be a source of encouragement and inspiration for generations to come. We are to assure you of the ardent prayers of the House of Justice in the Sacred Shrines for the progress of her soul throughout all the worlds of God, and for the loving support of her family and friends in their time of grief. “Department of the Secretariat” Bettijane Walker, who served the Cause in the Caribbean, Europe

1997. She was 73.

She had been guided to the acceptance of Baha’u’llah by the late Sarah Pereira. Through Mrs. Pereira’s encouragement, she left her teaching position and pioneered to Haiti from 1959 to 1961.

She returned to the States, serving in her community until she retired and then offering to serve where needed.

She was able to spend several months in Portugal in 1992 and again in 1993. In January 1997, she postponed her health needs so that she could participate in the Sister to Si ter project to Kenya. It was her fervent desire to fulfill the request from the Universal House of Justice for “people of African descent to travel to Africa” toybe “a source of encourage

call in Latin America

this, he just focused on getting his message out.

As a young man he at first prospered, but during the Depression of the 1930s his whole life went into what he described as “a stage of confusion, difficulties and

took hold of my life and turned it completely upside down, including separation from my wife and son.”

In the meanwhile his mother and sister had become Baha'is, and he began a serious and careful investigation of the Faith. In 1939 he enrolled in Los Angeles—“I felt with all my he: nd mind that this was what I had been born for and entered into complete service.” Shortly thereafter, the three of them moved to Beverly Hills tual Assembly

to help form the first Spi there.

Saw DESTINY AHEAD

ing that he had a destiny in Latin n to learn Spanish and study the Latin culture. He offered to pioneer anywhere in Latin America, but the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States asked him to stay in the Western States until the end of the First Seven Year Plan, as there were so few Baha'is in that region.

About that time the Guardian asked the . National Assembly to send a male pioneer to establish the Faith in Punta Arenas, Chile, the southernmost city of the world. At the National Convention of 1944, Artemus offered to fill this goal and this time his offer was accepted.

As he prepared to leave, he was asked in another letter from the National Assembly to help with urgent problems in Ecuador, then perhaps move to Punta Arenas. Because he had promised to go to Punta Arenas to fulfill a special request of the Guardian, for several days he prayed for guidance. He finally decided to obey the National Assembly and leave every

thing in the hands of God.

His prayers were answered through a series of events. He lost all his possessions when his ship sank while in port in Mexico; all passengers were ashore. The steamship company got them to Mexico City, where the Embassy replaced his passport and documents and offered him travel to any point in South America.

He consulted with the InterAmerica Committee of the U.S. National Assembly and decided with their approval to age to Chile. He later received a letter from the Guardian, through b c= retary, with a postscript: “I am delighted that you have reached your goal and are wholeheartedly engaged in your noble pioneer work in that far distant land.”

After helping to form the first Spiritual Assembly of Punta Arenas and performing other services in Chile, Artemus returned to the U.S. in 1949. In 1951, he again put all his affairs in the hands of God and went to Costa Rica.

ACROSS CENTRAL AMERICA

Since that time he has remained in Central America. From 1951 to 1961 he served on the National Spiritual Assembly for Panama, Central America, Mexico and the Greater Antilles and from 1963 to 1968 as Executive Auxiliary Board member for the same area; then from 1968 to 1985 as member of the Continental Board of Counselors for the Americas.

In 1958, Artemus married Dora (Dee) Worth, then pioneering in the Dominican Republic, and they settled together in El Salvador. They served in Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras (where Dee died in 1988) and Costa Rica.

‘The last few months of his life were difficult and uncomfortable. The National Spiritual Assembly of El Salvador said prayers at his bedside on what turned out to be Artemus’ last day, at the Farrand home where he lived.

“The Universal House of Justice was saddened to learn from your email of 12 February 1998 of the death of Mrs. Joan Hanlon, who is remembered for her diligent services at the Baha’i Centre, and we are to assure of its loving prayers at the Sacred Threshold for the progress of her soul.

“Department of the Secretariat” (Feb. 24, 1998)

In 1972, at age 47, Joan Hanlon applied to travel and “spend whatever time would be needed” to serve the Faith in Kenya. This began a long span of service to our beloved Cause, here and abroad.

After more than two months’ stay in Africa, Joan returned and wrote the International Goals Committee immediately, offering her a pioneer. While awaiting a position in

Joan Hanlon served the Cause in field, at World Center

Lagos, Nigeria, she served at the New Era School in India, then settled in ‘Thailand in 1974.

Joan returned to the United States in July 1981, and by that September was on her way to Guatemala to serve as a guidance counselor and teacher. In 1983, her services were needed in The Gambia, where she served through the Peace Corps. By 1985 she returned to the States, and in 1986 proceeded to the Holy Land to serve at the World Center. After several years, at age 69, Joan pioneered, once again, in Ukraine.

Joan’s. life was dedicated to serving our beloved Cause as she sought to go wherever the Faith needed her to be at the time. She ascended to the Abha Kingdom Feb. 12, 1998, a month short of her 73rd birthday.

and Africa as well as at home in ment and inspiration” to the peoples the U.S., passed away Sept. 2, there. page 34 THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * IN MEMORIAM — April 9, 1998

[Page 35]

2S RETSTENT

N°MEMORTAM>

oo ESE ETE TEE ETT TTT PE

Maude Barnes helped establish Baha’i Faith in Nashville

aude Barnes, born in a family of former slaves who inherited the property where they

once worked in legalized servitude, was

a corne f the Baha’i community in Nashville, Tennessee, for more than 50 years.

Mrs. Barnes passed away Aug. 15,

ge 95. She always understood that we are all ly. A grandmother had in fact married to one of the sons of the white slave-holding family where her family worked, and with the end of slavery none in her family remembered being treated “differently” from any others.

Mrs. Barnes would later recall that as a child in the early part of this century, everyone played and worked together, black and white, with no problems.

LaVerne Enoanyi ran magazine in Africa

Mrs. LaVerne Cazenave Enoanyi died Aug. 28, 1997.

Declaring her belief in Baha'u'lléh in November 1980, LaVerne volunteered the following year to pioneer to Africa. In 1982, at age 52, she arrived in Liberia and within a few months was totally involved in the activities of the Baha’i community there.

She married a Cameroon Baha'i who was also pioneering in Liberia, and together they published the first magazine to create greater awareness of the status of women in Liberia. In 1987 the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Liberia recognized her for outstanding achievement in the field of communications.

During the Liberian civil war, LaVerne and her husband spent six months in a refugee camp. In a report to the Continental Board of Counselors in Africa, she wrote, “\.. up till the moment of our being evacuated from Monrovia, we continued to be amazed by the evidences of Baha’u’llah’s protection. The power of His name, as He has assured us in the following words, was a daily reality: ‘Armed with the power of Thy name, nothing can ever hurt me, and with ‘Thy love in my heart, all the world’s afflictions can in no wise alarm me.”

In 1993 she returned to Liberia, then moved to Ghana and lived there until 1995.

Lois Nolen served in Azores

Lois Nolen, a Knight of Baha’u’llah, who pioneered to the Azores from 1953-1962 with her husband Richard and their two young children, ascended to the Abha Kingdom Dee. 2, 1997. She was 80.

In 1970, after the passing of her husband, Mrs. Nolen sought a pioneer post for her and her two youngest children. She considered Honduras, as her daughter Cynthia and her husband, Phil Lucas, lived there.

When she learned the goals for Honduras had been achieved, she set her sights on Belize, where she served as secretary of the National Assembly from 1971 until 1973.

She encountered the Baha’ Faith during the Depression, wh: letter from her sister informed her that Louis Gregory would be coming to Nashville to talk about a new religion, and that she E—_—_—

For years to come, for many Baha’i teachers traveling through Nashville— including Louis Gregory —Mrs. Barnes became the “official” hostess of the community.

should invite him to her home. He was traveling to Nashville, where he had received a degree at Fisk University, to

bring the Baha’s at his alma mater.

Not wanting to disappoint her sister, Mrs. Barnes invited Mr. Gregory to dinner and invited eight of her friends to join them. For the next month, Mr. Gregory was a regular guest in the home of Mrs. Barnes, her hu: and her young children. The meetings with her friends continued, and the Baha’f community of Nashville was essentially born.

When in 1935 Mrs. Barnes ed to the first Nashville it integrated Nashville.

For years to come, for many Bahé’i teachers traveling through Nashville— including Mr. Gregory—Mrs. Barnes became the “official” hostess of the

message to colleagues

freely elected

religious institution in

community. Many of the friends today still fondly remember Mrs. Barnes’ gracious hospitality. Her home wa: open.to the Baha was always full of delicious foods.

Mrs. Barnes devoted wife and mother and her always graciously supported the religious work she was so devoted to. Because of her husband’s ©

espected position in the black community, Mrs. Barnes was well known and loved by many.

Maude Barnes d away in the same house on Hawkins Street where those firesides with Mr. Gregory began more than 60 years earlier. Her funeral service w: prominent blac! who fondly reuieabered both her and her husband and their impact on the community.

Betty L. Abel

Port Townsend, WA December 24, 1997 March 20, 1997 Kamran Akhtarkhavari Mountain View, CA February 18, 1998

Eleanor C. Allen Tucson, AZ December 31, 1997

Altadena, CA December 31, 1

Nicholas Amato New Orleans, LA January 29, 1998

Wellington, KS January 7, 1998

Virginia L. Archibald Indianapolis, IN April 1997

Gainesville, FL

Hoda Bakhshandagi Hauppauge, NY January 28, 1998

Lila Doyle Antioch, CA

Marvin W. Durl Plymouth, PA

Enayatullah Behjati Sylvania, Ohio January 1, 1998

Alva Christensen ‘Temple City, CA

Russell F. Coover Salt Lake City, UT January 26, 1998

H. Ray Crawford

Eileen Cunningham

Hormozdiar Darabi

September 15, 1997

September 2, 1997

January 10, 1998

IN MEMORIAM

Georgia Hall Nosrat Rastegarnami — Carl Samuel Rowe Marietta, GA Mavaddat South Bend, IN June 3, 1997 Albany, OR March 1, 1998

February 9, 1998

Joan Hanlon Poughkeepsie, NY February 12, 1998

Johnsie Ardella Horne High Point, NC

997 November 29, 1997 Nasser Javdan

Salt Lake City, UT January 21, 1998

Audrey Jeans Jessie M. Stallings Rowlett, TX Maudie Miller Albuquerque, NM November 24, 1997 Brentwood, TN November 9, 1997

October 14, 1997

Drew Johnson Hot Springs, AR February 28, 1998

Sandra Kedalo Goldendale, WA December 24, 1997

land

‘Tahirih Brown Bell Mary Love Erickson Ernie P. King Maria Veiksans Santa Rosa, CA Rochester, MN Memphis, TN Lou Nicholson Milwaukee, WI December 17, 1997 February 17, 1998 June 27, 1997 Altadena, CA November 16, 1997

December 29, 1997

Bahram Bolouri Natalie Fiske Artemus Lamb Bennie Witherow

Los Angeles; CA | — Show Low, AZ EI Salvador Mabel S. Olson Kennesaw, GA.

November 30, 1997 October 17, 1997 January 17, 1988 El Centro, CA August 22, 1997 January 1998

Eleanor $. Brimberry Charles Fleischhacker Heshmatullah Lame William Jason Wright

Bainbridge Island, WA Altamonte Springs, FL Arcadia, CA Leola Riley Kansas City, MO

January 27, 1998 February 6, 1998 August 26, 1997 Cincinnati, OH December 3, 1997

November 20, 1997

Laura Carter Thelma M. Grandison Frederick S. Lee Roy Wroten

Placerville, CA Gretna, LA Owings Mills, MD Ross Riley Cambridge, MD. _ August 21, 1997 February 19, 1998 January 2, 1998 ‘Tavernier, FL August 22, 1997

June 1997

Hugh Chance Nancy Greengard Shamsikhanom Vos Winfield, KS Bergenfield, NJ soughi K. Mahjour John W. Rinehart

March 25, 1998 December 1997 Oakland, CA. Omaha, NE FL

July 8, 1997 December 11, 1997

Mildred McClean Altadena, CA February 22, 1998

Charles McDonald Florence, AL February 11, 1998

June M. Meese Santa Cruz, Bolivia August 19, 1997

John C, Myers Memphis, TN December 27, 1997

Payam Nadimi Evanston, [L March 3, 1998

Ali Mohammad Rowshan Glenview, IL January 14, 1998

Ehsanullah Samimi La Jolla, CA January 13, 1998

Safa Solhjoo Pembroke Pines, FL February 26, 1998

Sylvia C. Strong Setauket, NY December 13, 1997

Bernice Tail Porcupine, SD December 26, 1997

April 9, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i + IN MEMORIAM

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THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i* PERSIAN = April 9, 1998 [Page 37]as

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page 38 THE AMERICAN BAHA’‘i ¢ PERSIAN

April 9, 1998 [Page 39]

Communication key: judging responses

‘he emphasis on media during this

phase of the Four Year Plan is fundamentally different from what has been stressed in the past, said Ken Bowers, secretary of the National Teaching Committee.

Now, attention is being paid to how television viewers will respond, he said, and not merely on presenting Baha’i information to large, general audiences without a clear sense of impact.

“Response is actually the gauge and measure of communication,” Bowers said. “If people don’t respond they probably aren’t paying attention.”

But when a carefully crafted program inspires more people to find out about the Faith, he said, the production and air-time money is being spent that much more efficiently.

“We have become too familiar with the pattern of significant expenditures for what we call proclamation without any measurable effect whatever,” Bowers said, adding that this has been known to fuel conflict within communities.

Emerging plans to dramatically enhance our outreach to the community with the media are critical for at least two important reasons, he said:

• Word-of-mouth has natural limitations in extending the Baha’ Faith to

humanity. An estimated 30 million are predicted to be active seekers by the end of the century Friendship and family networks cannot reach all of them.

• More than a dozen focus group sessions have shown that awareness of the

Faith in the United States is very low, perhaps 15 percent, Bowers explained.

“Response is the gauge and measure of communication. If people don’t respond they’re probably

not paying attention.”

—Ken Bowers, secretary, National Teaching Committee

Any systematic increase in general awareness might well translate into increased membership, he said. If the current ratios hold, each percentage increase in awareness would yield at least 5,000 new members. For instance, a 20 percent increase in awareness—probably well within our ability—might yield 100,000 new members.

In order to generate greater response from media efforts, Bowers said, the National Teaching Committee has followed a disciplined process of testing and revision to better ensure programs are suited to the intended audience.

This process takes advantage of lessons and successes from media campaigns in Atlanta, Houston, Phoenix and, most recently, southern Florida.

“Our objective at this moment is to proceed deliberately with this campaign throughout the remainder of this [Four Year] Plan, and to systematically use our research and our field efforts to improve the way we handle responses,” Bowers

said.

More work is needed before we can set precise expectations for a realistic and adequate rate of response, he added.

In Atlanta, up to 5 percent of those who responded *to the broadcasts have enrolled. More continue to attend weekly worship services, firesides and other events. As communities refine their follow-up, that rate can grow.

This is similar to results for the Army and other institutions that use television for recruitment. It is also consistent with the response estimated by the Rev. Billy Graham for his television Crusades in his recently published autobiography.

The teaching mobilization for the Atlanta campaign also generated enrollments that are indirectly linked to the broadcast efforts. The enrollment rate increased by 50 percent from June to August 1997.

Among the national objectives are to make each response less expensive— from a low of $15 per response in Adanta to about $10—and to increase the rate of enrollments to 10 percent per response.

That 10 percent rate “is our current estimate of the conversion rate of a good fireside,” he added.

‘The NTC will continue to experiment with various television strategies:

• Testing various networks as they

accept Baha’i programs for broadcast.

• Testing different times of day, such

as late night, where costs are lower.

• Testing opportunities in public cable

access, in part by providing suitable programming to meet its requirements.

Focus groups give producers sharper picture of TV needs

IMGs than a dozen focus group

studies have been conducted in the past two years to test Baha’i programming ideas. The results reveal patterns of audience reaction and responses that will help make television broadcasts more effective.

Focus groups are panels of people methodically recruited to provide feedback on a research topic, allowing interviewers explore a subject in greater depth.

About a dozen people were recruited for each group assembled to review Baha’i projects. They were chosen at random by telephone in Atlanta and San Diego.

Only about 15 percent of them had any prior knowledge of the Baha’i Faith. This provided a unique opportunity to gauge the first impressions of a relatively large number of people.

Each group spent several hours care fully viewing segments of various Baha’t productions and discussing th pressions and opinions with a moderator who was not a Baha’. _

Participants were chosen to meet certain important characteristics. They were 30-50 years old, most were married, all had at least some college training, and lived in a high-growth metro county. More than half were women and most had arrived in the area from out of

state within the past three years.

These characteristics _ generally describe that segment of the population considered the most likely to embrace a new religion. It also describes most of the active Baha’ population.

By the end of each cycle of interviewing, 30-40 percent of participants expressed a favorable view of the Baha’i Faith and its central teaching of oneness.

Among the principal findings:

• People are suspicious about the

motives of religious organizations, especially religions they do not know about.

• Most people are inclined to think

of the Baha’i Faith as a cult. The crucial task upon a first encounter is to disarm this natural impulse.

In line with this finding, many people reacted harshly to any expression of Bahd’i exceptionalism or anything they ight criticism of other

When people in the programs innocently talked about “the Baha’i community” or referred to their religion as “the Faith,” it suggested to many aloofness and a desire for separaten

• Certain characteri make faith

communities respectable and worth considering: belief in one God, service to humanity, moral behavior, emphasis

on spirituality, non-sectarian outlook, emphasis on family relationships, joyfulness, likeable people, gentleness.

• Women are more likely than men

to express interest in the Baha’{ Faith.

• Most people see themselves as

struggling to define their values independently and say their convictions are different from what they grew up with.

• The idea of individual accountabilis a strong shared conviction.

• The principle of the oneness of

mankind is attractive, particularly to women with children.

• Many felt solutions to racial division would naturally come from religion.

• Many said they were actively seeking a fulfilling faith experience.

• Most liked spiritual behavior, but

disliked “religious behavior.”

Respondents preferred to see Baha’i principles demonstrated in real-life settings. Detached explanations of Baha’i theology often proved unconvincing.

Most perceived a boundary between legitimate information and unacceptable evangelism. Those most interested in the Baha’ teachings were more likely to be critical of what they considered evangelical excesses in American religion.

BROADCASTS,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

cast dates with BET. Also, the fact that BET has approved the program will make it easier for us to get on other major networks,” she said.

IMPORTANCE OF REPETITION

The national broadcast of The Power of Race Unity on the Odyssey Channel is only the beginning of a multi-year effort to proclaim the Faith to the people of the United States. It is important not only to repeat our message, but to deliver it in as many ways as possible.

“Tt takes continuity to make an impression on the public,” explains Bill Geissler, a professional media researcher and member of the National Teaching Committee. “Research shows that an individual requires anywhere from eight to 15 ‘impressions’ in order to understand and remember a particular message.”

Since some people will act immediately when they see the broadcast, and others may notact until they have seen it two or more times, we should be prepared to show the video as often and via as many venues as possible. Other methods of proclamation should also be pursued. Be creative!

In a nation of nearly 300 million people, it will take quite a lot of effort to create a national consciousness of what the Baha’{ Faith is and what it stands for. This is why we have to be prepared to continue to give the Message of the Faith with a great deal of energy and enthusiasm, and in every possible way.

ONGOING LOCAL ACTIVITY IS ESSENTIAL

‘The friends everywhere should arrange to show The Power of Race Unity as often as possible, remembering that new people will tune into, or come to screenings of, the video each time. These showings may be arranged for any occasion.

While special events should be held to coincide with the national broadcasts, there is no reason to wait for them to carry on with local plans. Local communities are encouraged to continue with local proclamation and teaching efforts throughout the year.

‘The national broadcasts, the public Web site and the toll-free 800-22UNITE number are all designed to proclaim the Faith and to elicit response from viewers. Once seekers contact local Baha’i communities—the _ teaching begins.

After a seeker has made contact with your community, followup is essential. ‘The seeker must be reached immediately and offered more information about the Faith, then must be invited to any of a variety of activities such as firesides, devotional gatherings, musical events, and social gatherings.

Nearly 1,100 communities have contacted the National Teaching Office to receive information that will help them be a part of the national teaching initiative using the media. Any communities who are not involved but would like to be may contact the National Teaching Office (media information phone 847733-3493, fax 847-733-3502, e-mail

April 9, 1998

‘THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * CONTINUED

page 39 [Page 40]

13-18: Junior Youth Gardef/Study Project at Bosch Bal hool. Enrollment limited. 17-19: “One Human Family” multicultural Gospel

singing workshop and concert at Metro Denver Baha’i

center, directed by Eric Dozier. Must attend all-day workshop Saturday to sing in the concert Sunday afternoon. Contact Global Visions Arts Alliance (303404-3193, e-mail

17-19: Oklahoma Baha’{ School: “Building a Song and Vibrant Community” with William Roberts. Children’ and youth programs. Music by Dr. Bashir Badiei. Saints Grove Campground east of Stillwater, OK. Contact: David Gainey, Sulphur, OK 73086 (phone 580-622-2655, e-mail Space limited.

17-19:Wisconsin Youth Retreat: “Baha’{ Faith and the Environment” with Don Quinten. For ages 13-21. At YMCA Camp Anokijig, Plymouth, WL Contact: Lisa Riemer, West Bend, WI 53090 (phone 414-338-3023), Pre-register by April 15. Space limited.

24-26: Two programs at Green Acre Baha’i School: “The Fortress and the Family,” marriage and family, facilitated by Mary Lou and Michael McLaughlin; “The Spirit of Children,” conference on children’s literature and art.

24-26: Social and Economic Development Conference at Bosch Baha’{ School, facilitated by Robert Phillips.

24-26: Wilmette Institute course on Old and New ‘Testaments of the Bible, Bosch Baha’i School. With Robert Stockman.

26: Milwaukee Baha'i community 75th anniversary gala 2-5 p.m. at the Italian Community Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Speakers to include Marguerite Sears; also music, éntertainment and historical displays. Reservations can be made at $25 per seat. For more information, contact Pat Miller at (414) 444-8995.

1-3: Fund-raiser 4. Baha'i School.

1-3: Institute for Junior Youth, for ages 12-16, Louhelen Baha’{ School.

8-10: Centennial of the Baha’ Faith in the Southern States, Fairhope, Alabama. Registrar: Penny Sebastiani, P.O. Box 2110, Robertsdale, AL 36567-2110 (e-mail

8: Concert/fund-raiser at Green Acre, 7 p.m.

8-10: “The Seven Valleys” at Bosch Baha’{ School.

8-10: Parent/Child Weekend at Louhelen Baha’i School.

15-17: Seekers/New Believers Weekend at Green Acre Baha’i School.

22-24: “Pioneer for Race Unity” at Green Acre Baha’ School.

22-24: Two sessions at Louhelen Baha’i School: “Who are the New Baha’is?”; “Two Wings of a Bird.”

22-24: Conference of Nur, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: “Attaining Spiritual Maturity” with Javidukht Khadem, Bob Harris and Dr. Michael Penn. Register by May 1; contact Bob and Judy Basso, Harrisburg, PA 17110 (phone 717-599-5939).

22-25: Utah Baha'i School, Clear Creek Family Ranch near Zion National Park. Register by May 15; contact Shokouh Imani, Layton, Utah 84040 (phone 801-771-0586).

22-25: Marriage enrichment weekend at Bosch Baha’ School.

23-24: Gold Fever Conference at Indian Creek School in Placerville, California. Call 530-626-0341.

28-31: Baha’i National Convention, Holiday Inn O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois. See form on page 5.

29-31: Three sessions at Louhelen Baha’f School: “Paying Special Regard to Gardening and Agriculture”; “Maiden of Heaven” young women’ institute for ages 14-17; “Fostering the Advancement of Women.”

5~7: “Social and Econc Baha'i School..

12-14: “A Million Minutes and Me: Changing the World” at Green Acre Baha’{ School.

12-14: Two sessions at Louhelen Baha’i School: “Conflict Resolution, Consultation and Baha’ Community Life” and Institute for Local Spiritual Assembly Development.

12-15: Wilmette Institute short course on Islam at Bosch Baha’ School. mp Louhelen Children’s Institute at Louhe evelopment” at Louhelen

21-28: Choral School and Children’s Music Camp at School.

26-28: Badasht Memorial Conference and Teaching Project, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Three days of workshops and sessions on transformation, teaching and consolidation, to be followed by a 19-day teaching project. Sponsored by Badasht Institute, Spiritual Assembly of Cumberland County. Contact the Institute at 3771 Ramsey St. #109-384, Fayetteville, NC 28311 (phone 910-488-2552 or 910-867-2155, e-mail

26-July 1: Summer Session 1 at Green Acre Baha’ School: Local Spiritual Assembly Development Forum. (may be attended separately June 26-28) and “The Art of Effective Communication.”

26-July 1: Camp Green Acre for children in grades 3-6, Green Acre Baha'i School.

27-July 1: Camp Louhelen Children’s Institute at Loubelen Baha’f Sch vol.

SUMMER SCHOOLS A list of regional summer Baha’i schools

across the country (June through August) is on page 18.

new address Evanston, TL

Margo Miller (fourth from right) declared her faith at Bosch " .

0 ; 60201-1611. Ifacquiring a Post Office box, your eran enone for processing, Chis *” updates the National C ing of the Regional A. NAME(S)

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Photo from Regional Baha'i Ibé

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

B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS,

C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS

Street Address Street Address

Apartment # (if applicable) Apartment # (if applicable)

City City

State Zip code State Zip code

D. NEW COMMUNITY

E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER

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.

Name of new Baha’{ Community Moving Date Area Code Phone Number Name FE WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S) ‘Area Code Phone Number Name ‘Area Code Phone Number Name "RA COPIES BECAUSE: H. 1 WOULD LIKE A COPY

Our household rec

‘one copy of The Babs’. I wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, ID number and address above,

oO 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

er, corrections so that we will receive only one copy.

‘THE AMERICAN BAHA’L