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

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[Page 1]

Bahá’í world mourns Hugh Chance

HEARTS HEAVY WITH SORROW AT PROFOUND LOSS TO BAHÁ’Í WORLD OF HUGH E. CHANCE, OUR DEARLY LOVED FORMER COLLEAGUE, STAUNCH, FAR-SIGHTED SUPPORTER CAUSE BAHÁ’U’LLÁH. 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 BAHÁ’Í INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HAVE LEFT IMPERISHABLE RECORD ACHIEVEMENTS, SUPPLICATING ARDENTLY HOLY THRESHOLD THAT HIS NOBLE SOUL MAY REAP RICH REWARDS ABHÁ 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 AND THROUGHOUT BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY.

-The Universal House of Justice, March 26, 1998

Hugh E. Chance, a member of the Universal House of Justice from its inception in 1963 until 1993, passed away March 25, 1998, at his home in Winfield, Kansas. He was 86.

A message from Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, read in part: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of such a heroic champion of Bahá’u’lláh who served as the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly..."

Councils gain momentum

INTERVIEW BY RAMZIA DUSZYNSKI

Teaching, deepening, collaboration with local and national Institutions of the Faith—the four Regional Bahá’í 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 "carry forward, with increased vigor, the propagation of the Cause of God."

They 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 the Continental Board of Counselors. This interview with the chairmen of the four Councils outlines what the Councils have done since this historic step was taken to decentralize administration of the Faith.

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

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

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. Photo by Ken Krapf

Counselors boost race unity drive

The Institution of the Learned is preparing to help local Bahá’í communities across North America become more consistent in working to unite the races, in the wake of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly's call for the friends to take "sustained action to eliminate prejudice and build race unity."

In a historic meeting Jan. 30-Feb. 1 in Dallas, Texas, facilitated as a North America consultative meeting to train all Auxiliary Board members 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...

Second round of broadcasts planned for this summer

The National Spiritual Assembly is planning a second series of national broadcasts of The Power of Race Unity for this summer. Exact times and dates will be announced in The American Bahá’í, and all local public relations coordinators will be notified, as soon as they are definite.

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," said Pamela 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 broadcasts..."

THE NATIONAL FUND

Between May 1, 1997 and February 28, 1998 $22,500,000 Goal/All Funds $18,009,439 Received/All Funds National Fund Deficit: $1,957,494

EXCERPTS

"The heaven of divine wisdom is illumined with the two luminaries of consultation and compassion." -Bahá’u’lláh [Page 2]

A living commemoration of the Conference of Badasht

One hundred fifty years ago a contentious cluster of 81 of God and faith in His Holy Messenger the Báb, 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 Bahá’u’lláh and tilled the ground for the seeds of a global civilization.

Today the Bahá’í 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 nevertheless 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 imprisoned far away, the Bábís at Badasht yearned to settle a fundamental question: Was this movement simply a new source of inspiration for Islam, or was it an independent religion with the potential—The answer came through a stunning series of events not to the liking of some in attendance.

This was a new age in which Táhirih 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 Bahá’u’lláh Himself subtly but unmistakably pointed out as he acted to unite those who sided with Táhirih, those who clung to her momentary rival, Quddús, and those who saw the episode clearly as a test that would define the path for the faithful.

When the 22-day Conference of Badasht 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 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 Bahá’u’lláh 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 Bábís 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 aid and support all the faith, the strength, and the courage that we shall need to meet our pressing obligations and discharge our trust.”—Shoghi Effendi

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

JOHNEA BROOKS DE VITA, a Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í who is an architect in Wilmington, Vermont, 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 Bahá’í 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 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í incorrectly identified singers. The Jeffrey Barnes Bahá’í Gospel Choir was the musical group pictured or referred to in those photos of a celebration of Kwanzaa in Manhattan Beach, California. [Page 3]

Spirit is essential in Bahá’í election process

As Ridván nears, Bahá’ís around the world are preparing for the election of Local Spiritual Assemblies.

Participation in the Bahá’í electoral process is not just a right, it is a "sacred duty," and every eligible voter should "take part conscientiously and diligently, 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 Bahá’í 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 on the qualities and requirements of the office, without prejudice, passion or partiality," and then vote "for none but those whom prayer and reflection have inspired him to uphold."

The Bahá’í 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. This is important to the success of the Cause given the promise that participation in Bahá’í elections, "when discharged in the proper Bahá’í spirit, contributes to the health and growth of the Bahá’í community."

Additional information about the Bahá’í electoral process can be found in the following publications and materials:

• Bahá’í Elections, compiled by the Universal House of Justice.
• The Local Spiritual Assembly, compiled by the Universal House of Justice.
• Electing Bahá’í Assemblies.
• Developing Distinctive Bahá’í Communities: Guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies (revised version now available).
• Elections: The Bahá’í model, a video by the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.
• The Bahá’í Electoral Process, part of the Comprehensive Deepening Program.

The video and workbook A Miracle of Governance: The Local Spiritual Assembly is also highly recommended for greater understanding of the station of the Local Spiritual Assembly and the interaction between it and the community.

5,000 letters back women’s rights measure

Friends rally behind U.N. convention

Bahá’ís have sent almost 5,000 letters to the National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of the Secretary for External Affairs in Washington, D.C., in support of the recent campaign to urge ratification of the U.N. Convention to Eliminate Discrimination against Women.

Those letters, from believers in the 29 designated states for the Campaign (plus Alaska), are about half the total number of letters received 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 have written letters to the editor in their local newspapers, requested meetings with senators in their state offices, and held events commemorating International Women’s Day.

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 Bahá’í.

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.

House of Worship gets new look: chair upholstery, carpets replaced

BY JAMES HUMPHREY

In the future, Bahá’ís 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 chairs that have served under the dome of the Temple since its dedication in 1953 are still there. But in a months-long project that began last summer, their rock-maple frames were refinished and all-new red velvet upholstery was applied.

It 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 Bahá’í-owned business that renewed the same chairs 23 years before.

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

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 product—and choose their locations for finishing work carefully.

In the 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, lacquering and upholstering, then returned them to the auditorium.

"It 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 materials, in keeping with the spirit of how the House of Worship was built.

"They knew what they were doing," she said. "Everything that has gone into this building was strong, it was the best."

Enrollments February ’98

100 Total since May 1, ’97: 1370

THE FUND

May 1, 1997-February 28, 1998 Contributions received by National Treasurer

Received since May 1: $18,009,439 67% of goal has been met 83% of fiscal year has passed February 28, 1998 Goal for entire year: $27,000,000 April 30, 1998

Allocations to other funds: Arc Projects Fund: $2,420,572 * 13% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 19%)

International Bahá’í Fund: $3,955,942 22% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 7%)

Continental Bahá’í Fund: $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 Bahá’í National Center May 1, 1997-Feb. 28, 1998

Revenues: $14,387,329 Expenses: $16,344,823 Resulting deficit: $1,957,494

Includes contributions plus revenues from Bahá’í Publishing Trust, Bahá’í Home, permanent schools, etc. Operating and capital expenses, not including depreciation.

Mail contributions to: National Bahá’í Fund 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091-2800 Please write Bahá’í ID # on check [Page 4]

ADMINISTERING the CAUSE

Going beyond the 'Fund barrier' BY THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER AND DEVELOPMENT

On the morning of Oct. 14, 1947, Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier. Almost every one told him it couldn't be done. There is an invisible wall of air, they said; you'll crash against it and die. But Yaeger went ahead and changed the world. What is the chance that we face our own invisible barrier, a "Fund barrier" that is keeping the Faith and its Institutions chained to the ground?

It is fact that contributions to any Fund have consistently lagged the need, at least as far back as the ministry of the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi. Here is what the Hand of the Cause of God Ugo Giachery writes in his Recollections: "In reviewing retrospectively the efforts, the aspirations, the hopes and predicaments with which the beloved Guardian had 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, single-handed, 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 Bahá’í World Center, particularly the construction of the Shrine of the Báb. 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?

Now, there are two possibilities here. One is that the Guardian was wrong—he was pushing the Bahá’ís beyond their means. We can cross off that possibility; there is scriptural guidance 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.

We need not look so far back for evidence that this same situation persists. It was in the early 1970s that the Universal House of Justice told us our Fund problems were spiritual, not material.

The deficit in the National Bahá’í Fund stands at more than $1.9 million. The National Spiritual 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 Arc Projects and every other Fund's 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's 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 Bahá’u’lláh 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

The 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 Huqúqu’lláh obligation. While the answer to this and many other similar questions is left to the conscience of the individual, it is helpful to consider some basic Bahá’í principles involved.

Bahá’u’lláh decrees that universal education is compulsory, and He assigns the primary responsibility for educating of children to their parents. But He also provides that the institutions of His Cause should 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 Huqúqu’lláh, to know that out of the 19% Right of God that we have paid Bahá’u’lláh 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 Huqúq funds, helps Bahá’í schools in communities that need it.

Frequently asked question: Can the payment of Huqúqu’lláh 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 your personal status, i.e., marriage or divorce, that you wish to be recorded in your Huqúqu’lláh payment file.

ANSWERING QUESTIONS ON HUQUQU’LLÁH

Payments to Huqúqu’lláh should be made to "The Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust" (please write your Bahá’í 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 612-484-9518)

• Dr. Daryush Haghighi, Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone 216-333-1506)

• Mrs. Thelma Khelghati, Lunenburg, MA 01462 (phone 508-582-9216)

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

Inquiries about Huqúqu’lláh should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust, Rocky River, OH 44116.

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 a means 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 Bahá’í 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 a Will," a pamphlet prepared by the Office of the Treasurer 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 Abhá 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 copy of the audit, including the management letter, should be forwarded to the National Spiritual Assembly as soon as possible following completion.

TIPS ON CONTRIBUTING TO THE NATIONAL FUND • Married couples no longer need to send separate checks to have 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 contribution.

• Request to treasurers: When making community contributions to the National Fund, please use the detachable portion of receipts from previous contributions by your Assembly. 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 Bahá’ís of all parts of North America, who constitute a reservoir of human and material resources unmatched elsewhere in the Bahá’í world." -Universal House of Justice, Ridván 153 letter to the Bahá’ís of North America [Page 5]

ADMINISTERING THE CAUSE

Information for visitors to this year's Convention

Information for registered visitors to the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 accessible from major highways. It is two miles from 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.usbnc.org (you will need your Bahá’í ID number to log in).

• E-mail: Send the name, Bahá’í ID number, address and phone number of each registering visitor to

• Fax: Send the required information to our fax at 847-869-0247.

• No phone registrations will be accepted.

89TH BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CONVENTION

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 Bahá’í National Center. Questions about details should be referred to the Conventions Office at the Bahá’í National Center (phone 847-733-3529, e-mail

Bahá’í ID# Full name Address City/State/Zip Home phone Work phone

Delegate Visitor Agency/Office/Other

Other notes:

RETURN FORM TO: Conventions Office, Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone: 847-733-3529 E-mail:

HOTEL RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE: Holiday Inn O'Hare 5440 N. River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018 Phone: 800-HOLIDAY Fax: 847-671-1378

SCHEDULE

The convention opens the evening of Thursday, May 28, and closes at noon Sunday, May 31. Sessions include two full 13-hour days, one half-day, and one late evening session in addition to a Holy Day commemoration (below).

A delegates-only session will be held Saturday, May 30, at the House of Worship in Wilmette. Visitors are invited to attend special non-delegate events at the hotel that morning.

The anniversary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh will be commemorated at 4 a.m. Friday, May 29.

No children's program or child care will be provided.

Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.

QUESTIONS?

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

House of Worship Choir seeks voices for Spring Concert

Sing with the Bahá’í House of Worship Choir in Wilmette for the 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 Bahá’í favorites. Individual singers and/or Bahá’í community choirs en masse will enjoy joining in this uplifting event.

Singers will need to be in the Wilmette 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 Bahá’u’lláh 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í House of Worship Music Department (phone 847-853-2328, e-mail

APPLICATION FOR VISITING SINGERS AT THE SPRING CONCERT OF THE BAHÁ’Í HOUSE OF WORSHIP CHOIR

2:30 PM SUNDAY MAY 31 1998

Please include with this form: • A $12 check or money order to cover materials • A cassette tape recording demonstrating your vocal range and ability (if you have not sung with the House of Worship Choir recently)

Please mail to: Music Director, Bahá’í House of Worship 100 Linden Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091

Name Voice part: (circle all that apply) Soprano I/II Alto I/II Tenor I/II Bass I/II

Mailing Address: Daytime phone Evening phone Fax E-mail

Choral Experience/Training: [Page 6]

Navajo community treasures Gibson family visit

It 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 Bahá’í community on the Reservation after moving from Florida 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 Willeto Vecenti. All gathered were especially touched by Mrs. Gibson's story of Mrs. Sadye Joe Vecenti's declaration of belief in Bahá’u’lláh on Jan. 31, 1957, in their home in Pinon, Arizona.

Although Mrs. Vecenti was unable to attend Jan. 31, other members of 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 Bahá’í Institute, a family at Dinnebito, the Nelsons and Kahns at Pine Springs, and especially 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-Bahá’í members of the Vecenti family who attended the gathering had not been with Bahá’ís since the 1960s. They expressed their delight to be with the Bahá’ís 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.

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

Amoz Gibson had helped establish Bahá’í Faith on reservation

Amoz 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 Bahá’í World Vol. XVIII, 1979-1983, pp. 665-669, the Gibsons pioneered in 1955 to the Navajo 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 visit.

"The Indian people were greatly attracted to Mrs. Munsiff and in a very marvelous way she set the stage for the first Bahá’í 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 Bahá’u’lláh.

"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-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum to the reservation in 1960. Her visit cemented relations among the Bahá’ís 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, Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís, and slept in clusters around campfires under a canopy of brilliant stars. The Hand of the Cause Dhikru’lláh Khadem, who with his dignified, loving spirit brought everyone closer to Bahá’u’lláh, 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 Spiritual 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 Bahá’í 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."

He finally signed his card at age 99

Proving it's never too late to embrace the Faith, W.K. McCandless of Walla Walla, Washington, declared his belief in Bahá’u’lláh at age 99.

"Before we sent in his declaration card, we called Membership and Records," explained Assembly Secretary Pam Bryan, "to let them know that 1898 really is the year of his birth, and not a mistake."

McCandless, familiar with the Faith for over 50 years, said he waited so long to declare because "I was always afraid of backsliding, but I figure at the age of 99 I don't have that far to slide."

His late wife, Emmalu Wever McCandless, was already a dedicated Bahá’í when they wed. Their son Michael, now living in Great Britain, spent several years in service at the Bahá’í World Center.

"I've been around Bahá’ís all my married life, but I credit my wonderful wife, Emmalu, for finally bringing me to the Faith," insists McCandless, who celebrated his 100th birthday in March. [Page 7]

Ambitious New Jersey project energizes friends

BY THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF LAWRENCEVILLE, NEW JERSEY

The plan seemed impossible: Host a series of three public talks on the spiritual 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 series with a brand-new Web site. And follow up with a six-week rotating schedule of firesides.

All this for the small community of 11 adult Bahá’ís in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, with a full calendar of Assembly meetings, devotions, institute deepenings, personal firesides and children's classes.

When the bold plan was first suggested, the Spiritual Assembly greeted it with enthusiasm tinged with skepticism. Could we really? Dare we?

Then, looking at its full plate, it delegated the project to Ardeshir Dean, the member who suggested it. For the first few months, the plan simmered while the speech, to be given by Camm Maguire, was written. Slowly, step by step, and with much tugging, the project gained momentum.

The speech—a thoughtful look at how past dispensations changed society and how Bahá’u’lláh will influence this millennium—was carefully crafted with the help of three other community members. It was tested at two local firesides to perfect the timing and delivery.

Another group put together an inspirational audio-visual presentation to follow the talk. Another member created the Web site—www.lawrence-bahai.org—modeled after the Atlanta site.

The formal invitations, folded and printed on heavy stock, were prepared. They were designed to look like wedding invitations and included a full-page excerpt of the talk with a picture of the House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, on the outside.

Two weeks before the first talk, the Bahá’ís hit the sidewalks. The town was broken into thirds (one-third for each of the three talks) and an invitation was tucked into over 2,000 doorways.

As the day drew nearer, media contacts were stepped up and the fireside schedule was created. The community gathered a final time to say special prayers at the weekly devotional meeting.

On the day of the talk, the site, at a local university, was decorated with plants and soft lighting. Refreshments, pamphlets were laid out. One member volunteered to watch all seven of the community's young children. When all 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-Bahá’í, 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 Bahá’u’lláh by reading the excerpt of the talk in the invitation. Neighbors, co-workers, casual acquaintances are popping up to ask, "What is this Faith?"

Even more important, the project has infused our community with a renewed sense of purpose and taught us an important lesson about the power of Bahá’u’lláh 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.

Event extends welcome to area Filipinos

A special fireside/proclamation event in 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 Bahá’ís from as far away as the Chicago area.

"The Wausau community did a wonderful job in providing the place, the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’u’lláh and the Bahá’í Faith.

"Most of the questions asked showed an initial spiritual interest to gain a better understanding of the various aspects of the Faith," Mr. Arciaga said.

Proclamation and teaching work by a number of area Bahá’ís, 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 Bahá’í 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

Sophia Delpak, a 6-year-old Bahá’í 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, I Do Have a Message," reads:

"I'm the message of God. I'm bringing good news and it is the unity of the world and oneness of humankind. It is the message 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 to 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...." by heart at the school's annual talent show.

St. Cloud Bahá’ís work up a storm

In Assembly deepening program

A powerful consensus propelled the Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’u’lláh 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 non-profit 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís 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 deepening on 'The Miracle of Governance' video," the Assembly reported. "The Assembly was deeply moved by the message that was conveyed... urging the American Bahá’í community toward transforming action." [Page 8]

Teaching Skills Exercise 3: Maintaining attention

The Advent of Divine Justice, Shoghi social interaction. It is not necessary, or ing: 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 keys 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 himself to ensure contact with the seeker is not lost (e.g. calling or meeting the seeker 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, perhaps even to Faith on every occasion. If the relationship is developing properly, then the subject of the Faith will arise 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 about the seeker's opinions, and answer his questions. The teacher also may share what he has recently learned through his own study of the Bahá’í Writings.

In trying to maintain the seeker's interest, it is also important to discover what aspects of the Faith interest him and to focus on these in the course of discussions. This can be asked directly (e.g. "What about the Bahá’í Faith interests you?") or it can be determined indirectly through observation and conversation.

In carrying out discussions, the teacher will need to, over time, explore deeper aspects of the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’u’lláh’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 Bahá’ís. 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 interest. 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's attention?

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

PIONEERING NEEDS OUTLINED BY THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

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

"As members of the North American Bahá’í community, you enter the Four Year Plan with a brilliant record of progress in fulfilling the mandate issued by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Tablets of the Divine Plan. In the eight decades since you received this mandate, your prodigious exertions have carried the Message of Bahá’u’lláh 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 Bahá’í 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."

....

"... the descendants of the early inhabitants of your continent should be ever mindful of the vital contribution 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... to the pressing need[s]... of the Cause in distant areas, including the continent of Africa for which they were assigned special responsibility by the Guardian...."
• "... the friends of Hispanic background have fertile fields before them throughout Latin America."
• 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 information below.
• If you made any other international trips for the purpose of promoting the interests of the Faith, please also return this form to the Office of Pioneering.

I.D. #(s): Name(s): Street: City, State, Zip:

[ ] American Indian [ ] African descent [ ] Hispanic background [ ] Other

COUNTRIES / FROM / TO / MAIN PURPOSE

Please attach any comments.

MULTI-FAITH FESTIVAL IN N.Y.

The Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís, Brahma Kumaris, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains, Jews, Muslims, Native American traditionalists, Sikhs, Unitarian Universalists and followers of Yoga.

UNITY WORK GETS NOTICE

The leadership of Detroit-area Bahá’ís in race unity efforts has resulted in two recent media features.

Azar Alizadeh, a Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í and her active work as a promoter of race unity. Alizadeh is a co-chair of the Birmingham-Bloomfield Task 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 Bahá’ís 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 ABC-TV affiliate.

Stokes had attended a Bahá’í-sponsored talk at which Patrick Pieh, great-great-great-grandson of Amistad freedom fighter Sengbe Pieh, spoke.

INTERVIEW IN ATLANTA

The ongoing efforts of the Atlanta Bahá’í Office of Communications and Media Relations paid off recently when two Atlanta-area Bahá’ís taped a segment of "Congregation of the Week" on the Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasting (AIB) channel.

Host John Allen interviewed Bahá’ís Carole Miller, a member of the Southern Regional Bahá’í Council, and Pat Steele, a member of the Atlanta Bahá’í Task Force, for the half-hour program, which aired several times in February.

Allen asked general questions relating to where Bahá’ís worship and the tenets of the Faith, then focused on the topics of good and evil, the state of the world, race unity, the equality of women and men, and the Bahá’í Administrative Order.

Several times during the broadcast, a phone number and Web site address for information on the Faith were shown on the screen. [Page 9]

Raising the Call

The Individual and Effective Teaching by Shabin Vafai $6.00 SC (RTC)

The follow-up book to The Path Toward Spirituality, this book is a practical training guide on the subject of individual teaching and what it takes to become truly effective in this essential work of the Cause. Includes exercises, quotations, questions for study. Excellent for use in training institutes and personal deepening.

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A Guide to Studying Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1963-1986

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4 1/4" x 6", 464 pp. George Ronald, Publisher

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Bahá’í Marriage and Family Life, SC (BMFL)	$11.95
Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, SC (WTAB)	$2.95
Kitáb-i-Aqdas, PS (KAP)	$3.95
Tablets of the Divine Plan, PS (TDPP)	$3.95

[Page 10]

The Bahá’ís CD-ROM

A Profile of the Bahá’í Faith and Its Worldwide Community CD-ROM (BCDR) 1 copy $19.95 2-4 copies $14.95 5-9 copies $12.50 10-24 copies $11.00 25+ copies $10.00

The Bahá’ís CD-ROM is a professional multimedia presentation of the Bahá’í Faith containing all the material printed in the original publication, The Bahá’ís, Spiritual Solution of THE BAHÁ’ÍS Economic Problems as well as a suggested reading list of Sacred Text and commentary based on the Writings which can be viewed on screen or printed out in its entirety. Features active links that expand on selected topics, including links to Web sites, and help screens. Incorporate the latest in Information Age technology into your teaching efforts and reach those seekers whose computer is their source of information. Includes 25 minutes of video. To be used on a computer with CD-ROM and speakers and cannot be played on an audio CD player.

Rights & Responsibilities

The Complementary Roles of the Individual and Institutions The Universal House of Justice $4.00 SC (RR)

This booklet contains three historic messages by the Universal House of Justice (Individual Rights and Freedoms, letters dated May 19, 1994, to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, and July 2, 1996, to an individual believer) regarding concern of "evidences of a confusion of attitudes among some of the friends when they encounter difficulties in applying Bahá’í principles to questions of the day," and problems stemming from misunderstanding the difference in the role of the individual and the role of the institutions. The booklet also includes 'A Brief Compilation on Criticism'.

5 1/2" x 8 3/8", 59 pp., table of contents, preface Bahá’í Canada Publications

Spiritual Solution of Economic Problems

Hooshmand Badi'i $10.95 SC (SSEP)

The author shares his understanding of the deeper sig-nificance of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings on economics gleaned from living in both developed and developing areas. He examines the role of religion in solving economic problems and explores the spiritual relationships which exist between the individual, his Creator, his society, religion and economics. This book will be of invaluable assistance to those searching for guidance to a permanent solution to the economic problems that afflict humanity.

5 1/4 x 8 1/4", 206 pp., table of contents, acknowledgments, introduction, references, glossary, appendix Hooshmand Badi'i

Fruitful Trees and Shining Stars

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This album displays an innovative use of rap in singing praises to the Messenger of God for this day and age. Musical selections offer commentary on today's social issues blended with a contemporary sound which stress the underlying spiritual principles guiding mankind. Justice Leeg and fellow artists at times use their voices as musical tones to enhance the interface with instrumental portions.

total playing time 64:57 Secret Service Communications Justice Leg

Andalib

Songs of Invocation LuAnne Hightower $16.00 CD (ASICD)

Andalib is an exquisite recording featuring 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

Historical Dictionary of the Bahá’í Faith

by Hugh C. Adamson and Philip Hainsworth $65.00 HC (HDBF)

This book was created in an attempt to offer to the non-Bahá’í and Bahá’í reader a comprehensive overview of the many people, tenets, principles, historical aspects and theological teachings that can assist a person's research or provide clarification on many of these themes and facts of the Bahá’í Faith. Over 500 pages of entries, timelines, genealogical charts, lists and statistical information.

Scarecrow Press

A Closer Look

Reading the Qur'an for Central Meanings by Arashmidos Monjazeb $6.95 SC (CLS)

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The Reincarnation Mystery Revealed

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A critical look at the religious belief of reincarnation and possible approaches to explaining this widely held belief in light of the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith.

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The Power of Race Unity

Satellite Initiative Development Corporation $9.95 VT (EPRUN)

The first of the videos developed specifically for use in the national media campaign. This is the same edition that will air in March and April on selected nationwide cable channels. Available now in VHS format suitable for home use. Also available in a broadcast version in VHS for $9.95 (EPRUBN), Betacam SP for $60.00 (EPRUB) and U-Matic SP, 3/4", for $35.00 (EPRUU) for local broadcasts. Check with your local affiliate to determine necessary format for broadcast.

running time 28 1/2 minutes [Page 11]

Windows to the Past, Volume I

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‎Occassionally Occasionally‎ it is difficult to find the time to attend a conference or to read each day, thereby limiting our options for deepening our knowledge of the Bahá’í Faith. With this new series of audiotapes you now have another option. Windows to the Past, Volume 1, contains a set of 12 audiotapes on various topics. These are perfect for traveling or home use and can be used by a wide variety of audiences, from seekers to longtime Bahá’ís. Some of the tapes in this set are: History of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Mystery of God; The Station of Bahá’u’lláh and the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh; The Covenant; The Mystery of Martyrdom; Basics of the Bahá’í Faith; and others. Images International

Bahá’í Marriage and Family Life

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An excellent resource for anyone concerned with creating and sustaining a healthy marriage and family life. Explains the Bahá’í viewpoint on subjects such as love, dating, marriage, parenting, family relationships, and divorce. 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", 85 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust, U.S.

Helping Joe Strong

by Morris Taylor $11.95 SC (HJS)

Helping Joe Strong is the story of a Bahá’í who is frustrated by the ineffectiveness of the Local Spiritual Assembly on which he serves. Joe’s frustration leads him to contact a neighboring Assembly that seems to function more effectively than his own. From the members of that Assembly Joe learns their secrets to success and introduces to his own Assembly techniques of effective time management, goal-setting, laying out well-defined agendas, and tracking everything from the minutiae of administration to large teaching projects. As you follow Joe’s quest, you will also learn techniques and tips that will help your Assembly to function more efficiently and effectively. Complete with sample forms, agendas, checklists and exercises, this book delivers a number of ideas to help bring your Assembly to new levels of effectiveness. 6"x9", 150 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust, United States

The Bahá’í Faith

The Emerging Global Religion by William S. Hatcher and J. Douglas Martin $18.95 SC (BFEGRS)

This revised edition includes a new chapter which covers the most recent developments of the Bahá’í Faith and updated statistical information in one of the most popular introductions to the Faith. Named by the ‎Brittanica Britannica‎ Encyclopedia as a book of the year in religion. 5 1/2" x 8", 252 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust, U.S.

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Extended until April 21st!

The most comprehensive book to explore extensively the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith on gender equality and the status and advancement of women, the Bahá’í Publishing Trust is pleased to offer for a special pre-publication price:

Advancement of Women: A Bahá’í Perspective by Janet A. Khan and Peter J. Khan (AWH)

The price for this hardcover edition is $29.95 with no shipping charges if ordered before April 21, 1998.* After April 21 the regular retail price of $34.95 will apply.

As advancing the status of women is one of the core external affairs goals for the present plan it is important that a fuller understanding be developed regarding the Faith’s teachings and their application in the world around us. This seminal work will help the reader understand the contribution the Faith has made and is yet to make in the area of gender equality and the part that the Central Figures, the institutions and the individuals have and will play in shaping the forces that will ultimately bring about positive change on a global scale.

*Offer only available to individuals, no re-sellers please. Limited quantities available. Other restrictions may apply.

The Station and Claims of Bahá’u’lláh

by Michael Sours $15.95 SC (SCBS)

Shoghi Effendi wrote, “To strive to obtain a more adequate understanding of the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s stupendous Revelation must, it is my unalterable conviction, remain the first obligation and the object of the constant endeavor of each one of its loyal adherents.” This book explores Bahá’u’lláh’s challenging claims about His Revelation and the day we are living in, and examines these claims in the context of His teachings concerning the oneness of the founders of the world’s great religions.

“Before the Bahá’í Faith can enter its long-promised era of rapid growth, we must learn to place Bahá’u’lláh Himself at the heart and center of our teaching work. In this ground-breaking book, Michael Sours shows how to do this without falling into the traps of arrogance, exclusivity or fanaticism. He demonstrates, in the process, how society and the individual both are transformed through the recognition of God’s newest Messenger. A ‘must read’ for serious Bahá’í teachers!” —Gary Matthews [author of He Cometh with Clouds and The Challenge of Bahá’u’lláh] Bahá’í Publishing Trust, US

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Bahá’í Months Word Search

Below is a list of the Bahá’í months in Arabic. Find and circle them in the puzzle.

I	Q	U	D	R	A	T	A	N
Z	A	M	A	S	A	I	L	S
Z	L	Q	Z	M	U	L	K	U
A	A	A	A	K	A	M	A	L
T	B	W	M	A	S	N	L	T
J	A	L	A	L	M	U	I	A
A	H	M	T	Y	A	R	M	N
M	A	S	H	I	Y	Y	A	T
A	L	R	A	H	M	A	T	I
L	S	H	A	R	A	F	A	L

Bahá	‘Ilm
Jalál	Qudrat
Jamál	Qawl
‘Azamat	Masá’il
Núr	Sharaf
Rahmat	Sultán
Kalimát	Mulk
Kamál	‘Alá’
Asmá’
‘Izzat
Mashíyyat

We are LOOKing for KIND-Hearted artists, ILLUSTRATORS, educators, WRITERS, and photographers to contribute their talents to Brilliant Star.

Our upcoming themes:

• The Individual
• Power of the Covenant
• Force of Transformation
• Dynamics of Prayer
• Study of the Holy Texts
• Inspired to Teach

Please contact: Amethel Parel-Sewell Managing Editor/Art Director BRILLIANT STAR c/o Bahá’í Media Services 1233 Central St. · Evanston, ‎Il. IL‎ 60201 tel/847.853.2355 · fax/847.256.1372

The NEW Mother Goose

By Susan Engle

Have you ever memorized any nursery rhymes? Do you sing them when you jump rope? Do you chant them when you play hopscotch? Sometimes nursery rhymes are cruel and mean. The spider frightens Miss Muffet. Humpty Dumpty gets scrambled.

As we prepare for entry by troops, many things in our lives are going to be changing. We will meet and worship with lots of kinds of people. We will welcome many new Bahá’ís. Under Bahá’u’lláh’s guidance, people will learn to be kind and gentle with each other. Maybe it’s time for some kinder, gentler nursery rhymes.

There was an old woman Who lived in a shoe. She had dozens of children And knew what to do. She sent them to school And she taught them to pray. And they all pioneered When they all moved away.

Answers to last issue’s crossword Back to the Basics

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Mail to: Bahá’í Subscriber Service 5397 Wilbanks Drive • Chattanooga, TN 37343 Fax: 423-843-0836 E-mail: __________________________________ [Page 13]YOUTH

YOUTH HIGHLIGHTS

• • CRUSADERS CONQUER**

"Faith is the magnet which draws the confirmation of the Merciful One. Service is the magnet which attracteth the heavenly strength." -Bahá’u’lláh

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 Mexi-Cali 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 Bahá’u’lláh 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, Táhirih 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’á’u’lláh Alá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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: The 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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!

CALLING ISOLATED YOUTH

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

ACTIVITIES & SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

THE LOUIS G. GREGORY BAHÁ’Í 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 Bahá’í 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 force! Their activities include working closely with the USC, UCLA and Pomona college clubs, designing the "youth page" of the L.A. Bahá’í Journal; hosting a coffee house complete with live music and comedy shows at the L.A. Bahá’í 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.

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 led by Brent Poirier. The Montana Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’u’lláh using the Ruhi Institute method. For information about future programs, contact Andrenea M. King.

TEACHING IDEAS

In response to our request to send in teaching ideas, Mozhdeh Hamraie of Grapevine, Texas, said: "... wear a lot of Bahá’í jewelry, t-shirts and pins! I do this at school, or when I go to the mall. I've taught a lot 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. I have a necklace that has a picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on it. I wear it to school a lot and people notice it after a while and start asking questions."

THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMITTEE

MAIL: 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201-1611 PHONE: (847) 733-3499 E-MAIL: [Page 14]

ENGLISH

Letter to the friends from the Latin-American Task Force

Dear and Esteemed Friends in the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh:

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, ethical-religious 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 Bahá’u’lláh 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 Bahá’í, 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í life.

"As long as the world does not see in the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í homes and the strengthening of the administrative institutions of the Faith.

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

"We must make Bahá’í 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 his house and to the other members of his family, or at least, strive to gain their sympathy toward the Faith. We want every Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís. If we make Bahá’í homes, we will never fail. If only one member of a family becomes a Bahá’í, and the rest do not, this one Bahá’í will receive no support from the others, and very likely will fall into inactivity." "The Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í home must be the center of spiritual life, must have a connection with Bahá’u’lláh. If the Bahá’í home is strong, then the Bahá’í 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-Bahá:

"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 ...? 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

On the air in Yakima

La Voz Del Campesino RADIO KDNA-E STEREO ASH

Bahá’ís in Yakima, Washington, on invitation from station officials, read children's short stories with Bahá’í-inspired moral themes over the Spanish public radio station KDNA. The host of the program, "Jardín de los Niños," identified the readers as Bahá’ís.

Local photo

ESPAÑOL

Carta a los amigos de la Comisión de Trabajo Latinoamericana

Queridos y Estimados Amigos en la Causa de Bahá’u’lláh:

Es posible que nada sea más fuerte entre los hispanos, que los lazos familiares. Nuestra cultura da a la familia una importancia tal, que la coloca como el eje central alrededor de la cual giran casi todos los asuntos vitales que gobiernan nuestro desenvolvimiento social, etico-religioso y emocional.

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

Cuando se enseña la Fe a un hispano, indirectamente se le está enseñando a toda su familia. Esto tiene ciertas implicaciones importantes: sin el apoyo familiar, un hispano difícilmente progresará como Bahá’í debido generalmente a las fuertes presiones familiares que tratarán por todos los medios posibles de atraerlo de nuevo "a la familia," esto es, a la fe tradicional que (así cree su familia) ha abandonado.

El hispano que ha encontrado la Fe a su vez tratará activamente de llevarla a su familia, porque es en el seno familiar en donde todo recibe su validación. Entre esposos esto es aún más importante: aunque es la mujer hispana la que más se siente atraída a la Fe, y es quien quizás participa más activamente en la búsqueda espiritual, pocas mujeres se atreverían a ir en contra de la opinión de sus esposos, por temor a crear desavenencias y conflictos. Lo mismo puede decirse con respecto a los hijos, sobre todo los que aún habitan en casa o dependen en algún modo de sus padres.

¿Cómo afecta esta característica cultural hispana a la comunidad Bahá’í en general? El efecto es multifacético: De un lado, los planes de enseñanza 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 del otro, nos presentan el reto (o la oportunidad) de hacer de nuestros hogares y de nuestras comunidades verdaderos ejemplos de la vida Bahá’í.

"Mientras el mundo no vea en la comunidad Bahá’í un verdadero modelo en acción, o una alternativa mejor a lo que ahora posee, no responderá a la Fe en grandes números." (Shoghi Effendi) Los hispanos, para quienes una vida familiar armoniosa centrada en fuertes principios religiosos es de suma importancia, no son la excepción.

Existen diversas y complejas interrelaciones no sólo 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 Bahá’ís y el fortalecimiento de las Instituciones Administrativas de la Fe.

La Mano de la Causa, Rahmatullah Muhájir, habló así a los amigos en Cochabamba, Bolivia, en Enero de 1975:

"Debemos crear hogares Bahá’ís. Igual como antes, debemos ir a la búsqueda de las almas que están esperando. Pero cuando una persona acepta la Fe, también debemos llevar la Causa a su casa y a los demás miembros de su familia, o por lo menos, intentar ganar su simpatía hacia la Fe. Queremos que cada hogar Bahá’í sea una unidad, para que los miembros puedan reunirse, orar, estudiar juntos, para ayudarse y apoyarse. Entonces todos sabrán que son Bahá’ís. Si hacemos hogares Bahá’ís, no fallaremos nunca. Si solamente un miembro de la familia se hace Bahá’í y los demás no, este Bahá’í solitario no recibirá el apoyo de los demás, y muy probablemente caerá en la inactividad." "El hogar Bahá’í ha de tener un fundamento espiritual antes que todo, una conexión con Dios. Sin este fundamento, la administración (de la Fe) es inútil. Es como padecer de endurecimiento de las arterias: sin un fundamento espiritual, la administración se vuelve dura, rígida.... El hogar Bahá’í debe ser el centro de la vida espiritual, ha de tener una conexión con Bahá’u’lláh. Si el hogar Bahá’í es fuerte, entonces también serán fuertes las instituciones Bahá’ís."

De los hogares con sólidas bases espirituales puede surgir una civilización espiritual. Recordemos las palabras de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:

"Comparad a las naciones del mundo con los miembros de una familia. Una familia es una nación en miniatura. Simplemente agrandad el círculo familiar y tendréis una nación. Agrandad el círculo de naciones, y tendréis a toda la humanidad. Las condiciones que rodean a la familia rodean a la nación. Los eventos en la familia son los eventos en la vida de la nación. ¿Aumentaría al progreso y adelanto de una familia si surgieran disensiones entre sus miembros...? No, esto sería la causa de la desaparición del progreso y prosperidad. Lo mismo sucede en la gran familia de naciones, puesto que las naciones no son sino una suma de familias."

-La Promulgación de la Paz Universal [Page 15]

Fairhope centennial to celebrate roots of Faith in South

One hundred and D.C., as well as Fairhope. events and proclamations which will Robert H. Stockman, in his book The Bahá’í tells Kingston Dealy moved to from "The original Fairhope community provide medi attention to each of these label Faith in America, til of Mr. Dealy's taught the Faith and raised a racially diverse community of 31 Bahá’ís.

This was the origin of the Bahá’í 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 Committee, under the sponsorship of the Spiritual Assembly of Mobile, Alabama, is organizing the celebration as a teaching and deepening event, inviting Bahá’ís from all around to take part.

The committee plans proclamation of the Faith in person and in the media throughout southwestern Alabama. A permanent plaque will be dedicated with civic leaders in attendance. Training and deepening classes for Bahá’ís will be arranged by the Royal Falcon Bahá’í School Committee.

In 1898, the Southern States saw the Faith's appearance in Baltimore, Maryland diverse at its inception in the Southern this time when the National Spiritual there. He learned of the Faith in Chicago and States. This is a key aspect of the teaching effort, and preparatory 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 required by such a massive proclamation effort.

For visitors, special Centennial rates have been negotiated with several local motels in this community of about 10,000 people.

"An expected attendance of 500 to 1,000 Bahá’ís will increase the population of Fairhope by 5 to 10 percent.. This aspect alone will create significant media attention," says a report from the Centennial Committee.

The event "offers every Bahá’í community within the Southern States the opportunity to participate in this observance and follow it up locally with "(Bahá’ís in the) Southern States are blessed with a 100-year history of racial harmony and integration to serve as a foundation for our teaching efforts." -Report from Fairhope Centennial Committee events and proclamations which will provide media attention to each of these this time when the National Spiritual Assembly has asked each of us to make special efforts to address the issue of race relations, the Southern States are blessed with a 100-year history of racial harmony and integration to serve as a foundation for our teaching efforts."

Robert H. Stockman, in his book The Bahá’í Faith in America, tells of Mr. Dealy's move from Chicago to Fairhope in 1898. He learned of the Faith in Chicago and taught seekers in Kenosha, Wisconsin, before moving to Alabama.

Some of Mr. Dealy's family are living in Fairhope today, and his descendants are in possession of a ring that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá removed from his own hand while in ‘Akká. He gave the ring to Mrs. Isabelle D. Brittingham and asked that she personally deliver it to Mr. Dealy in 1901.

Copies of a letter written by the Master to Paul K. Dealy's son, then age 10, will be on display at the observance.

Registration forms are available from each Local Spiritual Assembly in the Southern States and on a World Wide Web site. (http://bahai.home.mindspring.com).

For additional information, contact the Fairhope Centennial Committee, PO Box 618, Fairhope, Alabama 36533 (e-mail visit the Web site.

Marriage/family training attracts Counselors

Alejandra Miller and Jacqueline Left Hand Bull, members of the Continental 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 Training Center.

The two said their enrollment in the session at Louhelen Bahá’í 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 shared stories of a recent Latin American Bahá’í Youth Congress in Chile in which more than 50 percent of the participants were indigenous believers.

Counselors Jacqueline Left Hand Bull (left) and Alejandra Miller take notes during a recent Core Curriculum session on Marriage and Family Life Training at the National Teacher Training Center at Louhelen Bahá’í School. Photo courtesy of Louhelen

This Core Curriculum-based training program fosters unified and loving 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 Bahá’í Writings on marriage and family life and then to apply these teachings to their own lives. Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í School, 3208 South State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 810-653-5033, e-mail

Persian Culture event focuses on women

"Women 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 Bahá’í Faith, Táhirih, the women's movement in Iran and the role of women in the future Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í heroines, recent women martyrs of Iran, and American Bahá’í women who served in Iran.

Evening programs will consist of artistic/dramatic performances, music, poetry reading and the like.

Hotel reservations should be made by phoning the Holiday Inn O'Hare at 847-671-6350 or 800-HOLIDAY (465-4329). You should say you are making reservations for Bahá’í Arts Festival to get the 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 Bahá’ís of Iranian origin maintain contact with contemporary arts and literature of Iran, encourage Bahá’í youth to learn Persian to study the Writings in the original language, and to familiarize the Bahá’í community with the culture of Iran. [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 community; includes service project.

• "Maiden 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 Bahá’í Faith in action through grassroots social and economic development projects.

June 12-14

• "Conflict Resolution, Consultation, Justice and Bahá’í Community Life: Developing Unifying Responses to Conflict" (weekend) with the Bahá’í Justice Society, an agency of the National Spiritual Assembly. Creating healthy, community-building responses to conflict in and out of the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’u’lláh, 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, Susan 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 Bahá’í 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.

July 3-8

• Persian American Bahá’í Studies (five-day): "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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í World Center, Dr. Irene Taafaki (invited), Duncan Hanks and Cindy Hanks of Núr 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 features 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 II: "Epistle to the Son of the Wolf" (five-day) with Habib Riazati; music by Bob Simms. Examines the last book of Bahá’u’lláh. With full children's program, service and recreation for all.

August 7-12

• Family & Friends III: "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 Bahá’í 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’l-Missagh Ghadirian, Dr. Elizabeth Bowen and Dr. Holly Hanson; music by Joe Crone. Expertise is shared on prevention of substance abuse, especially among children; also explores how the laws of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas create justice. Active Bahá’í community life and a full children's program.

August 21-26

• "Music: A Ladder for the Soul" (five-day) with Tom Price, Barbara Baumgartner 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 Bahá’í 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-Bahá 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 Bahá’í School from her youth. The Drs. Thomas explore methods for teaching the Bahá’í Faith to all strata of African-Americans and creating welcoming Bahá’í 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. o wameibn.

Meals (each) Si to bot 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 Bahá’í 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, e-mail). 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's-degree training in string instruments, brass/woodwinds, percussion, keyboards, voice and music theory. In addition to improving your musicianship alongside Bahá’í youths from around the world, you can explore the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Kitáb-i-Aqdas; Dr. Amin Banani, a Trustee for Huqúqu’lláh, discussing this Institution; and Sheila Banani presenting ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’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 Bahá’í life and encouraged to see themselves as catalysts 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 17]

Green Acre offers variety of summer sessions

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; music by Northeast Regional Bahá’í Gospel Choir. Explores the role of individual initiative and teaching. Includes a session with the Regional Bahá’í Council for the Northeastern States.

June 26-July 1 • Summer Session 1A (five days): Local Spiritual Assembly Development Forum (Friday-Sunday) with Office of Assembly Development staff members Theresa Mullen and David Rouleau and "The Art of Effective Communication" (Sunday-Wednesday) with Fafar and Jack Guillebeaux. • Session 1B (five days): Camp Green Acre for grades 3-6, coordinated by educator Barbara Nelson. • Session 1C (weekend only): Local Spiritual Assembly Development Forum as described in Session 1A.

July 3-8 • Session 2A (five days): "In That Great Gettin’ Up Mornin’": Images of Bahá’u’lláh in African-American Spiritual Music Tradition, with Eric Dozier; "Reaching the Hearts Through the Arts: 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 Bahá’í Gospel Choir, Ladjamaya.

July 10-15 • Session 3A (five days): "Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh" with Ahang Rabbani; "Our Individual Response in the Unfoldment of God's Plan" with Jane Faily. • Session 3B (five days): Youth Institute for grades 9-12, coordinated by Carmine and Anna Consalvo. • Session 3C (five days): Core Curriculum Teacher Training, facilitated by Nancy Modern, Jeannine Sacco and Eric 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. Sunday, Aug. 2, celebrating the release of the Green Acre music CD. Artist-in-residence Chris Ruhe and others.

August 7-12 • Session 6A (five days): "The Destiny of the Soul" with Mary K. Radpour; "Servant Leadership: Realizing and Releasing Human Potential through Service" with Ray Johnson. • Session 6B (five days): Youth Institute for grades 9-12, coordinated by Sofia Berhane of the Louis Gregory Institute.

August 14-19 • Session 7 (five days): "The Secret of Divine Civilization: A Charter for the New World Civilization" with Habib Riazati; "Creating Patterns of Bahá’í Social and Economic Development" with Susie Clay and Deborah Deas-Nesmith 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 Bahá’í 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.

Bosch Bahá’í School

Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Students are supervised at all times. Scholarships are available 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 entire session from start to finish—no exceptions. Scholarships are available upon request.

August 15-20 • General session: "Unlocking the Power of the Individual" with Gene Andrews, focusing on individual initiative; "The Spiritual Transformation Process of the Individual" with Kathy Penn, member of the National Education Task Force; "Building Community: Pastoral Care" with Derek Cockshut, looking at the roles of individuals and institutions. With visiting artist and children's and youth programs.

August 22-27 • General session: "The Destiny of the Soul" with Mary K. Radpour, family therapist; "‘Abdu’l-Bahá: His Life and Writings" with Muin Afnani; "A 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. Bahá’í Refugee Office and spearheaded by individuals and Assemblies. This session last year attracted many Hmong youths, both Bahá’í and friends. Can we bring even more this year? Develop leadership, plan teaching and consolidation activities, and develop the spirit of unity between cultures. Programs for youth and children will be interactive and intergenerational. Bring the whole family for a very special session.

September 4-7 Bay Area Bahá’í Social Group Retreat Close the summer with a weekend of fun. No classes, no structure, just time for the family to relax in a special, loving environment. This is a fund-raiser for Bosch. Space is limited, so reserve early! For fee information, please contact Bosch (phone and address above). 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 (3-5) $130

Five-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, Child $250

Labor Day Weekend session: Adult (18-up) $165, Youth (12-17) $110, Child (3-11) $95

PERMANENT SCHOOLS AND INSTITUTES

Bosch Bahá’í School 408-423-3387 500 Comstock Lane Santa Cruz, CA 95060

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

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

Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute 803-558-9131 1313 Williams Hill Road Hemingway, SC 29554

Native American Bahá’í Institute 520-587-7594 Box 3167 Houck, AZ 86506

Part III of course on Verities released

The Education and Schools Office and the Education Task Force announce release of the long-anticipated course Fundamental Verities Part III, "A New Civilization."

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 World's Problems, A New Model of Universal Community Life, Bahá’í 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 Bahá’u’lláh.

The workbook can be ordered from the Bahá’í Distribution Service at 800-999-9019. [Page 18]

Intercalary Days unifying at NABI

The Ayyám-i-Há celebration at the on Feb. 28 attracted more than 50 visitors, 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 Ayyám-i-Há party. Photo courtesy of NABI

The program started with a children's Bahá’í virtues and principles through games and small-group learning activities. The fair took place in children's classroom where several booths stood. The classroom was filled with parents, often participating with their children. At the conclusion of the fair, all participants received small gifts from the NABI staff that contained Bahá’í prayers and Writings especially for children.

Afterward, parents, grandparents, and the children gathered in the NABI Big Hogan for evening celebrations. Guests were informed about the special significance of the days of Ayyám-i-Há. The community program allowed everyone to take part in Bahá’í activities that were in harmony with the cultural and social elements of the region.

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's Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization program this summer. Assemblies and local training institutes also may consider this.

The programs 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 Bahá’í community will require more deepened Bahá’ís 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: Registration has begun for the Institute's correspondence course on the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, 1868–92 (the ‘Akki period), to be conducted July 3–Dec. 27. It will examine all the major works of Bahá’u’lláh revealed during the period: the Kitáb-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 536 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

"How 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 Bahá’í 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 year.

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, 909-735-1509). Pre-register by June 5.

COLORADO EAST, JUNE 24-28

Program: "Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops: the Individual." 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 1-5

Program: "The Role of Individuals" with Counselor Tod Ewing, National Spiritual Assembly member Jack McCants, Gary Matthews. Location: Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL. Facilities: Dorm housing, meals at cafeteria. Wide variety of other lodging nearby. Contact: Toni Mayer (phone 954-742-8116, e-mail).

IOWA, JULY 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 319-323-8242). Pre-register by June 24.

KANSAS, JULY 3-5

Program: "Express Yourself: Using the Arts to Teach the Bahá’í 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's program. Location: Kentucky Leadership Center, Faubush, KY. Facilities: Cabins with multiple bunks or hotel-style 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-mail). Free Saturday breakfast if you register by Aug. 20.

MARYLAND "DAYSPRING," JULY 30-AUG. 2

Program: "The Individual's Role in the Advancement of Civilization." Location: Frostburg State University, Frostburg, MD. Facilities: Dorm housing, meals at cafeteria. Pool, gym, tennis court. Contact: Ingrid Olson, Herndon, VA 20170 (phone 703-481-8393, e-mail). Pre-register by July 1.

MISSISSIPPI, JUNE 5-7

Program: "Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops: the Individual" with Farah Guchani-Rosenberg, Auxiliary Board member. Children's 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 L. Smith, Vicksburg, MS 39180.

MONTANA (JOHN H. WILCOTT), JULY 26-31

Program: "Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops The Role of the Individual" with Shannon Javid and Erica Toussaint. Full youth and children'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. Outdoor recration; fee for swinning or riding. Fees: Adult $140, Youth/Child (7-17) $120, (4-6) $85, (0-3) $25. Contact: Sandi Marisdotter, Helena, MT 59601 (phone 406-442-526, e-mail Kay or). Pre-register by July 13.

NEW MEXICO/ FOUR CORNERS, JULY 22-26

Program: "The Role of the Individual in Advancing 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). Pre-register by June 13.

NEW YORK, AUG. 14-23

Program: Speakers to include Joy Leary, John Hatcher, Laurie Early, Peter Murphy. Location: Oakwood School, Poughkeepsie, NY. 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 Transformation" with Joseph Sheppherd. Children's and youth programs. Location: United Methodist Church Camp, west of Sisters, OR. Facilities: Family cabins or semiprivate dorms; elderly and handicapped accommodated. Meals at dining hall. 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

Program: 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, e-mail). Pre-register by Aug. 1.

OREGON YOUTH RETREAT, JUNE 19-22

Program: TBA. Location: Cave Junction, OR Contact: Bobette Heem (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 Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, SC. Facilities: Dorm housing (please bring linens), meals at dining hall. Other lodging available in Georgetown. Fees: Registration fee per person: Early $15, on-site $20. Discount for large families. Lodging/meals per day: Adult/Youth (12-up) $25, Child (under 12) $20. Contact: Ernie Hilton (phone 803-558-9881).

VIRGINIA "HEMLOCK HAVEN," JUNE 19-21

Program: "Spirit to Heart: Sharing Bahá’u’lláh’s Message." Speaker/workshop 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: Camp Wooten Environmental Learning 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, 509-943-1236). 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 nursery. Location: Byron Center, Brownsville, WI. Facilities: Semi-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 19]

Art

the National Arts Task Force (a task force of the National Teaching Committee). Its goals are to stage a national arts conference ulating thought and discussion within the American Bahá’í community about the spiritual nature of art and its role in transforming souls, about issues challenging Bahá’í artists and about ways to use the arts in teaching the Faith. We will introduce you to Bahá’í artists in the United States, pose questions to you, and give you the opportunity to respond to articles on various aspects of the arts.

From the Writings

"The purpose of learning should be the promotion of the welfare of the people, and this can be achieved through crafts. It bath been revealed and is now repeated that the true worth of artists and craftsmen should be appreciated, for they advance the affairs of mankind. Just as the foundations of religion are made firm through the Law of God, the means of livelihood depend upon those who are engaged in arts and crafts. True learning is that which is conducive to the well-being of the world, not to pride and self-conceit, or to tyranny, violence and pillage." - Bahá’u’lláh from the compilation Art by the Universal House of Justice, Sect. 1, Para. 5

"...when the studying of art is with the intention of obeying the command of God this study will certainly be done easily and great progress will soon be made therein; and when others discover this fragrance of spirituality in the action itself, this same will cause their awakening. Likewise, managing art with propriety will become the means of sociability and affinity, and sociability and affinity themselves tend to guide others to the Truth." - ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Bahá’í World Faith, p. 377

Sacred

To learn how Bahá’í artists approach their work, the National Arts Task Force sent out two questions to a wide selection of artists in the community. Following is a continuation of samples we received.

1. As an artist, what is your experience with work as worship?

Every time I work (I am an art quilter and try to have every piece I do relate to the Faith in either a general or specific manner) I become connected to the Divine. Sooner or later I am flooded with a strong spiritual feeling of one kind or another; sometimes gratitude at how God has directed me in this path or in that specific artwork, sometimes love for others, other Bahá’ís, other artists, etc., sometimes I see how I can lecture using that quilt in a fireside, slide show, exhibit, etc. - Lisa Bradley

Since becoming a Bahá’í 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. - 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. I then conclude that what I do that is important is to continue to strive to understand the relationship between the arts and the forward progress of mankind. I will look to other artists for that example. It is my strong belief that the arts are an absolutely necessary component of the advancement of civilization. Until this is more widely recognized 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. 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 Bahá’u’lláh. I am very fond of the following quotation and even if I do not read it often the words ring in my ears all the time.

"By Thy glory! Every time I 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, I 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, I 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 personal opinions of their respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the National Arts Task Force or the National Teaching Committee. [Page 20]

A woman, and her words

BY DIANA LOMONT

"In 66 Tam the word! With this declaration, I change forever the life of an entire society. Those words certainly change my life. Perhaps they'll change your life, too. Words are my destiny, and my fate. History tells that I am a heroine, a unique and fearless woman. As a girl I was a scholar who became a child-wife; I was a mother who became a mystic; I was a spiritual leader who, at times, was forced to live as a fugitive. Some say that my beauty surpassed my brilliance, and that my intellect was exceeded only by my bravery. This is correct. I have no choice. I must live my life in the light of truth. My name is Táhirih."

So begins the unique theatrical presentation, A Woman And Her Words: The Story Of Tábirih, created and performed by Muhtadia Rice of the Los Angeles Bahá’í community. In the past year Rice has taken her one-woman show blending history, poetry and music to three universities and six Bahá’í communities in Scottsdale, Honolulu, Maui, Atlanta, 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 Táhirih. In the process, audiences learn about the history of the Bahá’í Faith, its dedication to human rights and the equality of men and women. Rice has received many requests for her show. She asks communities hosting the show to provide complimentary copies of the National Spiritual Assembly statement, Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men. In addition, she ensures that the host communities have the resources to generate publicity and media coverage to ensure that the show will be both a success and solvent. All of the communities in which Rice has performed have followed up the program with firesides.

The community of Maui reported several declarations as a result of broadcasting the show on their local cable access station. After viewing the Maui show, the local newspaper's theater reviewer described Rice's presentation as an "artfully staged one-woman show mixing the poetry of a nineteenth century Persian trailblazer with music running from new age to gospel and blues, and a socio-religious exposition... The audiences most receptive will probably be those interested in the ongoing struggle of women, those curious about the underpinnings of the Bahá’í religion and those who enjoy listening to well-sung 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, Táhirih 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 Táhirih's life written by Rice, along with the actual poems of Táhirih 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 Táhirih's life into the world history of her era, which includes other significant men and women known for helping change their societies. The production is enhanced by Parke McAlister, a Bahá’í 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 Táhirih with great impact.

Táhirih's poems are the heart of the program. Some of the poems Rice sings are defiant, such as "Desire for You," in which Táhirih rejects the Shah's marriage proposal. Another poem, "Dot By Dot," is sung soulfully to Celtic harp and describes Táhirih's relationship to the Báb. This is a favorite of most audiences. In "Petals Of Snow And Fire," Rice sings a poem that Táhirih wrote shortly after the Báb had been executed. This poignant and powerful rendition has moved audiences to tears.

Rice sings 12 of Táhirih'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 Bahá’í Center's 700-seat theater. The occasion also provided the opportunity to present three outstanding individuals with the first annual Táhirih Award For Service, designed by noted California Bahá’í 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

"It's been wonderful and fascinating to discover who Táhirih really was," says Rice. "Performing her works is like prayer. The 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 Táhirih's words to myself. I had to share them with any and all who would listen."

Rice's immersion into the life of Táhirih is a journey that began 28 years ago when she first began studying Bahá’í history. "When I became a Bahá’í in 1969, there was very little information about Táhirih. 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 Táhirih's poetry at a Táhirih Tribute in Los Angeles. "It was a life-changing experience which I don't ever want to end," recalls Rice. "Táhirih is now a part of my life." Rice spent five years researching her life history, working with Dr. Banani as well as with the Research Department of the Bahá’í World Center.

While the show is designed for everyone, Bahá’ís, too, will probably learn something new about the little-told story of Táhirih. "Táhirih was not only a brilliant legal scholar, theologian, writer and poetess. She was also appointed by the Báb as the 'Point' of His new religious dispensation," says Rice. "Only one other person besides the Báb, who was the "Primal Point," occupied a similar station in the Bábí dispensation; that was Quddús, who was appointed the 'Last Point.' Táhirih's spiritual station is such that we, as Bahá’ís, 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 audience members have told me that they consider Táhirih 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 war-torn 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 Táhirih show to an audience of civic, university 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 Bahá’í community to expand its external affairs.

Eventually, Rice would like to record a CD of Táhirih'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 is encouraging me and for that I am grateful." [Page 21]

Sacred CROSSINGS

Fahimeh 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.

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, mequidistant 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 Bahá’u’lláh and the Cause He brought.

The exhibit revolves around two themes-humanity 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 Bahá’í women who were hanged in Shiraz. One was my cousin Tahireh.

"This work is a dedication to the memory of 215 Iranian Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís, 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 Bahá’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 Bahá’u’lláh resides.' He raised his hands to his chest the moment they fired, but they deliberately aimed for his heart, killing him at once."

ARTISTS' GATHERINGS

Spiritual gatherings for artists are being held in each region this year. Participants join in a quest to discover what it means to be a Bahá’í and an artist, and the inseparable relationship between these two expressions of our reality. These retreats are more process-oriented than agenda-driven.

From the Southern region, one participant quoted Shoghi Effendi, "Art can better awaken such noble sentiments than cold rationalizing, especially among the mass of the people." He went on to say, "For me the artists retreat in Atlanta was a proving ground for that pursuit. I community where art was an integr grew to understand that all of our a porated into our worship experienc the Writings. We knew that the p very different yet effective form answer to prayers and the yearnin heard and grasped within, but was worship experience into a vessel fo 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: [Page 22]

Making a Start in BOSTON

HOT TIPS BY LAUREEN EVANS

In Gleanings, Bahá’u’lláh reveals, "Exalted, immeasurably exalted art Thou above the strivings of mortal man to unravel Thy mystery, to describe Thy glory, or even to bint 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 Bahá’í 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.

It 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í, 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 Bahá’í 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 these events so far are seekers! Many local artists are now aware that the Boston Bahá’í Center is a place where they might be able to perform, if their work is deemed appropriate and if they are interested in examining the spiritual aspects of their artistic process.

As far as I can discern, based on interviews with various non-Bahá’ís who attended these events, the one shortcoming of this series so far is that the introductions did not always include specific information about the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í, Bahá’u’lláh, or Alláh-u-Abhá, and who have no idea what Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í ritual. Although I set him straight and sent him home with some Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís if it weren't for our assurance that the Arts have a crucial role to play in spreading the Cause of God "like wildfire."

The following is a list of sources that are sure to jump start your art!

The United States of Poetry This groundbreaking five-part series, broadcast on public television, captures the spirit of contemporary poetry on video. Produced by Washington Square Films. To order the two video set call 1-800-647-3600.

Arts Dialogue Produced by the non-profit Bahá’í Association for Arts with the aim of encouraging networking, education and promotion of the arts across all disciplines and all cultural backgrounds. Contact: Anneke Schouten, Arts Dialogue, Dintel 20, 7333 MC, The Netherlands. <www.geocities.com/SoHo/7324>

Mirror of the Divine Art in the Bahá’í World Community Roger White writes: "... a timely, audacious and challenging work The author explores the increasing impact of the Bahá’í principles on the arts in a spiritually-based emerging world community, and outlines some of the global implications. Artists working in all disciplines and thoughtful people in general will applaud this seminal contribution to Bahá’í literature." Written by Ludwig Tuman and published by George Ronald, Oxford.

New Day A Bahá’í journal dedicated to deepening and teaching through the written arts. Published by the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Augusta County, VA. Contact: Augusta County Bahá’ís, RR 1, Box 248, Staunton VA 24401-9617.

The Creative Circle A collection of essays by Bahá’ís from around the world including artists, musicians, dancers, poets and writers. Each, drawing on personal experiences, offers a unique view of art in relation to the Bahá’í teachings. Published by Kalimát Press.

Orison Produced annually and artistically hand assembled. The latest issue contains editorial, articles, poetry, artwork, and a section describing various Bahá’í arts organizations, highlighting Bahá’í artists, and announcing various conferences. Published by the Bahá’í Institute for the Arts, Association for Bahá’í Studies-North America. Contact: Anne Gordon Perry, Dallas TX 75243 [Page 23]

Bahá’í community thriving in Tanzanian refugee camp

Several Bahá’ís, including three Auxiliary Board members, braved difficulties and delays to visit the Bahá’í 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 Ridván and maintained teaching and education activity.

"Earlier 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 "Alláh-u-Abhá" upon learning that we were Bahá’ís they were not themselves Bahá’ís, 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 Bahá’í to the meeting place where an estimated 500 friends were waiting for them with songs by choirs 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 Masumboko 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 Continental Board of Counselors of Africa, and encouraged them to persevere through the difficulties they were facing and reassured them of the bounty of Bahá’u’lláh."

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 Bahá’í 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 camp."

The Bahá’í communities in the region are also aware, through correspondence, of more than 500 active Bahá’ís at the Rugufu refugee camp.

COUNSELORS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE I

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 Bahá’í teachings on the subject, then likewise train their assistants and help individuals and local institutions create "vibrant models of unity in diversity" as mentioned in the Ridván 1996 message from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís 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 issue would apply to the dynamics in relations among different cultural groups as well.

It was important that as a result of the Dallas meeting, the report states, the board members "model the ability to learn about and discuss this issue with dignity."

Bahá’ís from all over Rwanda gather for a celebration in October on the country's national Temple land. Bahá’í International News Service

TEACHING

• Vanuatu: Opposition to the Bahá’í Faith had grown in the island of Ambae, in the northern part of this Pacific Ocean nation, since a successful teaching trip in late 1996 led to formation of a Local Spiritual Assembly.

Religious leaders were making verbal attacks in church services. Threats were being made to deny Bahá’ís access to fresh water supplies and markets.

The Bahá’ís responded with love. Jethro Moli, the first enrolled Bahá’í 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 representative Payman Rowhani-Farid speaking strongly of the unity of religion and correcting several local misconceptions about the Bahá’í teachings.

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

DEVELOPMENT

•Pakistan: Hundreds of people from all strata of society were invited by the National Spiritual Assembly to a series of ceremonies in several cities to celebrate the publication of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas in Urdu. In response, leaders of thought were asking to be allowed to praise the Aqdas in public, and the media covered the meetings extensively.

"feeling like we are confessing," the report for all involved. to the National Assembly states.

As the training proceeded, not only texts but music and skits were used to address the role of Auxiliary Board members in helping Bahá’ís at the grass roots work on the issues.

"[W]e can share learning and have such a consultation in an honorable interchange and without confession of sins, or even feeling like we are confessing." -Report from Continental Board of Counselors

The training began even before the meeting. In the letter inviting the board members, the Counselors asked a series of questions that formed the basis for the first discussions of the Dallas meeting. Topics included the Bahá’í 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 sins, or even members were asked to base their approaches with local institutions and individuals on at least these six principles:

• Text-based—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 use of questions helps create a learning environment

• Nobility—Acknowledge and maintain our own nobility and 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 expansion and consolidation and are directly linked to advancing the process of entry by troops.

• Teaching—Attention to race unity is a part of teaching, and we must be personally involved in teaching efforts to be assured of divine confirmation in our work. This is 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 requirement of the elimination of racial prejudice and the establishment of race unity.

"Overall, this consultative meeting was quite a success," the report to the National Assembly states. "It assisted Auxiliary 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." [Page 24]

LANDSCAPING THE TERRACES OF THE SHRINE OF THE BÁB

The terraces of the Shrine of the Báb are designed as a majestic approach to the Shrine, to prepare pilgrims for a spiritual dens 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 sacred 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 the combined skills of the landscaping staff due to the spread and steepness of the areas.

DIGNITARIES VISIT THE PROJECTS

s the Projects on Mount Carmel become more and more evident, the Bahá’í World Center is being called on to play host to visits the World is called on

In the past few months, visitors included the minister of telecommunications fropm Nepal accompanied by a business delegation, ambassadors from Chile, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Ireland and Latvia, and two members of the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament.

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

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

CHANGING CONFIGURATION OF HATZIONUT AVENUE

With the blessings of Bahá’u’lláh, 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 with a base coat and final asphalt will be laid after the bridge has been built.

Construction of the bridge is in full swing and, if weather permits, the main concrete slab of the bridge will be in place before Ridván. As work advances, the bridge will limit the height of vehicles that can cross under it. In addition to soft and hard barriers, signs have been placed at strategic points on roads leading to Hatzionut Avenue warning drivers of the new height limit.

Stone cladding on the retaining walls along the street is being pursued energetically, and precast units along the south side of the street are 80 percent in place. Massive construction work is in progress 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 is under way on Terrace 12. Above it, the completion of structure of Terrace 13 has enabled 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. [Page 25]

MOUNT CARMEL PROJECTS PART 25

The basic structure of the International Teaching Center (left) takes its place alongside the seat of the Universal House of Justice.

PROGRESS IN RESTORATION OF THE GERMAN TEMPLAR COLONY

Work on the main axis through the German Templar Colony on Ben Gurion 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 closest to the junction of Hagefen Street and Ben Gurion Avenue have been paved with stone, and several building facades are under renovation. Substantial progress is expected by the time of the International Bahá’í Convention.

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, long-range planning and intended purpose and use of the Templar colony, review of planned projects along the route, and integration of the project with the Bahá’í 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 restaurants and other businesses along the axis. As a member of the steering committee for development of the Templar Colony, Fariburz Sahba, projects manager, made a detailed presentation on the Bahá’í projects.

Marble work over the entrance to the Center for the Study of the Texts.

CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF THE TEXTS CATCHES THE EYE

The classic elegance of the Center for the Study of the Texts catches the eye every time one the Universal House of Justice, the building appears as a delicate pavilion, 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, arterial corridors are freshly painted and the workers are ready to do the rooms. Bathroom fittings, vanity tops, bronze entranceways for the elevators, and other items are being 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 computers, phones and photocopiers is being discussed.

INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTER STRUCTURE PROGRESSES

The 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 Báb. 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 BAHÁ’Í INTERNATIONAL NEWS SERVICE

Concrete work progresses on the steps leading to the International Teaching Center entrance. [Page 26]

Human rights case propels lawyer into spotlight

BY TOM MENNILLO

Someday life might slow down a little for Layli Miller Bashir. But first there are speeches to deliver, books to sign, interviews to give, a legal clinic to run. Oh, and a very busy international law practice. Bashir didn't set out to become a lawyer, she told students at her alma mater, Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia, in a speech March 10, where she was introduced as the college's young alumna of the year.

She said she pursued dual graduate degrees in law and international studies at American University in Washington, D.C., only so she could more effectively work for human rights.

But something happened along the way: She began to enjoy and be stimulated by her law courses.

Another thing happened: While still a student she led the effort to obtain asylum in the United States for Fauziya Kassindja, a young woman who faced the horrors of female genital mutilation if returned to her native Togo. (See "Justice project springs from African woman's case," The American Bahá’í, Oct. 17, 1997, p. 11.)

MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE

All of a sudden Bashir was front and center in a 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.

The clinic's mission is to "bring justice to the lives 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's life story, Do They Hear You When You Cry.

Fauziya Kassindja (left) and Layli Miller Bashir sign copies of their book at a recent appearance in Atlanta, Georgia. The Tahirih Justice Center benefited from book sales at this appearance. Photo by Tom Mennillo

Prominent in the book, released March 10, is the tale of how Bashir befriended Kassindja and took her case to court.

Also explained are the key roles other Bahá’ís 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 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 Bahá’í 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'

It's 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 Bahá’í 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 has to do with the role of society and the obligations that society has, particularly to implement justice."

THE LONG-TERM SIGNIFICANCE

Immigration law is a crucial area in human rights, she said, because the traditional definition of a refugee does little to protect women. Abuses of them don't often fit the criteria of race, nationality, religion, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

Kassindja's case helped to change that by setting national legal precedent. Bashir said the case recently was cited when a woman escaping another traditional practice slavery 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 question-and-answer session gave her an opportunity to tackle such thorny issues as how to support a culture but oppose a particular element of it. The students seemed receptive to the Bahá’í perspective on humanity's challenges.

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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 [Page 27]

Kellum Awards honor two for their work with youth

Two 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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, Illinois.

The National Spiritual Assembly has 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 Bahá’í who founded Chicago's celebrated Bud Billiken parade and youth activities.

"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.

Each award presentation was prefaced by a brief overview, illuminating the distinguished service of the recipients of this year's award.

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 ordinary 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 Skokie, 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."

Farhang Alai, chairman of the Peoria Assembly, said that in the decades he has seen Ms. Whittaker guiding young people toward direction in their lives, she has demonstrated that "these principles [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, theater arts and music, has earned induction into the African-American 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 person of your word. Character counts."

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

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

The Bahá’í communities of Milwaukee and Waukesha, Wisconsin, were acknowledged for their gracious hospitality. 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 Bahá’í House of Worship in July to receive a copy of the nominating form.

Los Angeles Bahá’í community officially opens its Unity Center

The Unity Center in Los Angeles, the largest social and economic development project ever attempted by that city's Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í Center offers five classrooms, two offices, a reception and meeting area and the Dizzy Gillespie Theater.

Named after the late Bahá’í jazz musician, the 250-seat theater will offer space for dance recitals, plays and concerts, as well as meeting space for the young people of the neighborhood.

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

Though the Unity Center already is occupied and full of activity, the Los Angeles Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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.

Both organizations lease space from the Los Angeles Spiritual Assembly, providing the means to operate the center without drawing on the local Bahá’í 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 use by the Department of Children's Services (DCS) in meeting with families in crisis.

This is an expansion of the department's use of space at the L.A. Bahá’í Center, where it has occupied classroom space once a week for the past four years for family counseling.

In a letter to the Bahá’í Center from the Central L.A. Sexual Abuse Unit for DCS, Kenneth Prescott wrote that the Bahá’ís have "... graciously included [the department's] counseling services in its community outreach" and that the "Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í Center and is L.A.'s oldest Bahá’í social and economic development program.

The Assembly recently announced plans to house a third development program at the Unity Center, a Conflict Resolution Center in partnership with the Bahá’í Justice Society.

Like the Corinne True Justice 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. [Page 28]

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

Bahá’ís in the U.S. are joining a letter-writing campaign to urge Congress to pay its overdue financial obligations to the United Nations this spring.

The National Spiritual Assembly is part of a coalition of grassroots organizations that launched the campaign in early March. The coalition includes religious and other organizations with combined membership of millions of Americans.

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 believers so that they can write their congressmen. The announcement was also posted on the National Assembly’s Administrative Web Site (www.usbnc.org) and put on listserver, Bahá’í Announce. Individual Bahá’ís are encouraged to obtain the information and write letters to their representatives and senators by April 25.

For further information on the campaign, contact your community secretary, consult the above sources or contact the National Spiritual Assembly, Office of the Secretary for External Affairs, 1320 19th Street N.W. Suite 701, Washington, D.C. 20036 (phone 202-833-8990, fax 202-833-8988).

A SPIRITUAL OASIS

You are invited to participate in the 1998 Special Visit Program at the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. These visits are created to offer the friends who live farther from the Mother Temple a spiritual oasis in which to relish a memorable experience.

Highlights of the visit

• Guided visits to the Bahá’í Home, Publishing Trust, Media Services, Archives, House of Worship, National Center
• Enrichment sessions from the National Teaching Office, Pioneering Office, Wilmette Institute and House of Worship
• Audio-visual and film programs
• Bahá’í Bookstore shopping
• Garden teaching, guiding opportunities
• Option to read in daily devotional programs in the Auditorium
• Classes and activities for youth and children age 4 and up

Also: group photo, Lakeshore park with beach, and other free time

Bahá’ís may bring friends and family, but should understand that some activities may require supplementary explanation for visitors who are not enrolled Bahá’ís.

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

Choose one of these schedules (all Thursday through Sunday): June 25-28 Register by May 10. July 23-26 Register by June 1. Aug. 13-16 Register by July 5.

Family name of your travel group: Address: City: State: ZIP Code: Country: Telephone: Home / Work: Number in your party: List name(s) and Bahá’í 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.

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

Registration fees: Adult $25 Youth (11-20) $20 Child (4-10) $10 Please make check payable to Bahá’í Services Fund and send with this form. Canadian or Mexican monies must be sent by cashier's check in U.S. dollars.

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.

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.

Two lunches and occasional snacks are included with registration fees. Other meals and free-time transportation will be on your own.

WHY DO BAHÁ’ÍS SUPPORT THE U.N.?

The oneness of humankind and universal peace are paramount principles of the Bahá’í Faith. Bahá’ís have always supported efforts aimed at fostering international cooperation. Early this century, for instance, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 Bahá’í community has consistently supported the United Nations:

• Shoghi Effendi sent Bahá’í representatives to the organizing conference for the U.N. in 1945.
• The U.S. National Spiritual Assembly first represented the Bahá’í world community at the U.N. and was accredited to the U.N. Department of Public Information in 1947.
• Since 1948, the Bahá’í 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 Ridván messages since 1964, the Universal House of Justice has emphasized the growing relationship between the Bahá’í community and the U.N.

The United Nations is not yet the organization that the Faith envisages. 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.

Chapter, division members of UNA-USA to gather

The United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) is holding the biennial meeting of its Council of Chapters and Divisions in Washington, D.C., June 2-6. All chapter and division members are welcome.

Many Bahá’ís are active members of UNA-USA. If you are among those planning to come to Washington, please let the National Spiritual 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 Bahá’ís while you are there.

Contact the National Spiritual Assembly, 1320 19th St. N.W., Suite 701, Washington, DC 20036 (phone 202-833-8990, fax 202-833-8988).

For further information on the UNA-USA meeting, contact your chapter leadership or Riley McMahon, Assistant for National Programs, at UNA-USA, 212-907-1327. [Page 29]

PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES

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

For the past few years, Bahá’ís across the country have been encouraged to support Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January and contribute to activities in bonor 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 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís, 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.
• Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís. Along with the other sponsors the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís had a mobile unit, a float carrying children and a walking unit that handed out Bahá’í literature to the people on the three-mile parade route. Several television stations taped the parade for broadcast.

Marchers gather at the Bahá’í banner for the MLK Parade in Savannah, Georgia.

BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS

Kathryn (Katie) Jalal Smith, a 17-year-old Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í youth workshop, Candles of the Covenant. Last year, workshop members volunteered their time to teach their routine to children attending a Bahá’í-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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 beliefs in racial unity originate from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh. She then quoted from the Sacred Writings as well as the words of Martin Luther King Jr.

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

OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN

A Bahá’í 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 University 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í resident of Sheridan, made closing remarks on the theme that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.

MESA, ARIZONA

Youth were the focus of Bahá’í involvement in the MLK Day Breakfast Jan. 19, which drew an audience of 750 in this suburb of Phoenix.

Jon Gandomi, age 17, spoke "passionately" about brotherhood, tolerance and taking steps toward a world community, according to a neighborhood edition of the Arizona Republic. He received a standing ovation, and a letter from Mayor Wayne J. Brown congratulated him for the inspiring message.

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

SUPPORT IN VOA EDITORIAL

Voice of America, a U.S. government-funded news organization that broadcasts outside the United States via short-wave radio, recently issued an editorial on religious persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran.

It noted that while Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís 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 Ayyam-i-Há, 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-Há and the Bahá’í Faith, and asked for a donation of non-perishable 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-year-old. I'm so proud of him!

TWO WINGS IN DALLAS

The Dallas Bahá’í community, through its Teaching Prominent People Committee, has been presenting the statement Two 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 Bahá’ís 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 destiny.

A talk titled "Women Attaining their Birthright" by Auxiliary Board member Karen Kazemzadeh emphasized the spiritual equality of men and women and introduced listeners to the statement Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men. [Page 30]

CLASSIFIED

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES AT THE BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER

On-site meeting and travel specialist experienced in hospitality supervision with strong organizational skills, good understanding of hotel business, site 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 meetings 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 847-733-3427, 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 management, facilitation and coordination of personnel issues, and travel coordination. Need minimum 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 of Bahá’í administration and principles. College degree preferred.

NGO Liaison/Assistant to the National Committee for the Advancement of Women: Represents the National Spiritual Assembly on a broad range of women's issues with other national non-governmental organizations (NGOs), federal government agencies and offices, and leaders of thought. As necessary, communicates National Assembly policies on the equality of women and men to the U.S. Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í community and in U.S. society. Must show knowledge and experience in applying Bahá’í 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, providing deepenings, and coordinating events. The person should arrive at least a week 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 847-733-3425, e-mail).

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.

• Horticulturist/professional 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, BAHÁ’Í 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, BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTER

• Research assistant. Needs high-level skills in Persian and Arabic, sound knowledge of Bahá’í Writings in those languages, as well as computer skills. Will do analytical study of the Writings and historical material, classification, cataloging, retrieval, etc.

• Translator. Will translate from Persian and Arabic to English; needs excellent skills in all three languages as well as familiarity of Bahá’í Writings. Will prepare provisional translations from the Writings of the Central Figures, as well as reviewing, proofreading and editing.

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

AT BOSCH BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL

Assistant facilities manager sought for Bosch Bahá’í School. Responsible for maintenance of buildings, grounds, equipment and vehicles for Bosch; helps 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, light industrial plant, etc.), with at least three years supervising 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 experience very desirable. Vehicle maintenance skills desirable. Contact Mark J. Bedford, Co-Administrator, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, e-mail).

AT LOUIS G. GREGORY BAHÁ’Í INSTITUTE

Teaching-Education coordinator needed at Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í 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 of Human Resources, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

AT GREEN ACRE BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL

College students, high school graduates, retired singles or couples, or other willing people sought for the summer staff 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 207-438-9940, e-mail).

INTERNATIONAL

Friends interested in participating in professional and academic exchanges with colleagues from China, here at home or abroad, can be of great service to this rapidly developing country. The following fields are especially desired: Health and Western medicine, psychology/counseling, women and family, education and moral development, agriculture, computer science, advanced technologies of all kinds, electronics/telecommunications, bio-engineering, new materials and energy sources, environmental protection, marine science, aerospace, architectural engineering, marketing/advertising, public relations, business 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 847-733-3506, e-mail).

PIONEERING/OVERSEAS

Although the Office of Pioneering tries to help by providing information on employment opportunities that come to its attention, it does not have the resources for actual job placement.

AFRICA: Angola Project coordinator (agricultural development), agricultural coordinator, IMC site manager, water construction manager, immunization (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 Republic-Population development (UNFPA). Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Information systems specialist, finance manager. Eritrea-Advisors for international health management firm. Ethiopia Self-supporting volunteer to help 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 CI. Kenya-Research scientist (ILRI), 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 Africa Tertiary educational specialist, Donald Gordon Fellowship in Research Methodology. Swaziland Environmental economist. Tanzania-Project adviser. Zambia Teachers, basic education adviser. Zimbabwe-Project development coordinator, disaster mitigation and preparedness coordinator, Africa monetization technical adviser.

AMERICAS: Argentina-Management services contractors. Bolivia-Senior program officer WWF Canada Health economist. Chile-Program officer. Colombia-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 program: communications coordinator, National Ambulance Service development manager, information systems/technology project director, national community care development project manager. Turks & Caicos Government 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, program manager. Japan-ESL teachers. Kazakhstan Country representative for ACDI/VOCA, engineering manager, R & D mechanical engineer. Korea-Program manager (computer/telecommunications). 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- [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. Mariana Islands-Physician at a health center on Rota. New Zealand-Lecturer in eco- nomics. Papua New Guinea-Senior pro- gram manager (UN). Solomon Islands- Custodians at the Bahá’í center. Western Caroline Islands Self-supporting assis- tant to the National Assembly secretary.

EUROPE: Austria-Legal officer (IAEA), personnel officer, head-Office of Internal Audit and Evaluation support, senior audi- tor. Czech Republic-Primary and sec- ondary teachers in mathematics, science, humanities, Spanish, English as a secondary language, Montessori teacher. France- Marketing manager, head of media rela- tions. Germany Social workers, registered nurses for advocacy programs on bases, clerk. Hungary-University lecturers and professors for CEP, head of office (IOM). Italy Agricultural officer, information offi- cer for TV, legal officer, personnel officers (legal matters and other), statistician, food security officer, cerestronic editor, statisti- cian (FAO), project leader (CGIAR), weath- er and climate specialists. Kosovo Project directors, nurses, nurse midwives, obstetri- cians, child psychologists, pediatric neurolo- gists, child welfare specialists, epidemiolo- gists (DOW). Luxembourg Lending/credit specialist (EIB). Nether- lands Water enterprise development pro- fessional, director general. Poland-Junior lecturer in public policy. Portugal Con- sultants in agricultural and rural develop- ment. Romania Junior lecturer in political science. Russia-Facility protection officers, agricultural lending/credit specialist, inter- national finance, women's issues legal spe- cialist. Slovakia English teacher. Switzer- land Senior training officer, director, divi- sion of international trade (UN), special coordinator (UN). Ukraine Program director (economics education). United Kingdom-Dean and director of business school, economics readership, deputy direc- tor Center for Study of African Economies, lectureship in economic theory and mathe- matical 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 market- ing. Entrepreneurial agricultural market- ing specialist for Latin America. Director of operations and Regional communica- tions coordinator for WWF in Latin America and Caribbean. Educational Ser- vices Institute (ESI) is currently recruiting instructors. Multi-disciplinary team for WRI (World Resources Institute). Coun- try representatives for Africare. CEO for Central Asian-American Enterprise Fund. Managers and specialists for SAC Interna- tional. Economists for Latin America and Asia (EIU). Clinical legal specialists for Albania, Romania, Bulgaria and Ukraine, Central and Eastern Europe, NIS. Associ- ate Liaisons for Belarus, Bosnia-Herze- govina, Kazakhstan, Ukraine. Civic educa- tors and Organizers for Eastern Europe

(NDI). Peace Corps Foresters, parks and wildlife, environmental education and awareness. Water and sanitation engi- neers, 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 self- help, HIV/AIDS education.

Global Classroom Inc. offers free place- ment assistance to English as a second/foreign language (ESL/EFL) professionals seeking overseas employ- ment. 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, qualified vice-principal for the New Era High School.

Macau The School of Nations needs qualified kindergarten, primary and sec- ondary teachers.

Solomon Islands-Self-supporting cou- ple to serve as custodians of the Bahá’í center in Honiara. Volunteer to train National Center office staff.

For additional information, please con- tact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail

For the past eight years, Bahá’ís from all over the United States have traveled throughout Russia to spread the message of Bahá’u’lláh. 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 Pio- neering (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847- 733-3509, e-mail ).

For an application, contact Arghavan Rahimpour at

PIONEERING/HOMEFRONT

To form a Spiritual Assembly in Wat- sonville, California, which currently has only three active Baha’is, before Ridván 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, Utah, 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 Win- ter Olympics. Its jeopardized Assembly needs at least one person to continue after Ridván. Utah has one of the best economies in the U.S. with employment available at all levels. Large university and numerous colleges within commut- ing distance, and five national parks within the state. Please contact Paul or Karen Webb (phone 801-298-4507, e- mail or Rachelle Tordiff (phone 801-294-7754).

The Garner, North Carolina, commu- nity 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 world- famous Research Triangle Park. We enjoy easy access to beaches and moun- tains, plus a very low unemployment rate. The area is blessed with two Bahá’í Centers. The Triangle area is preparing for entry by troops and we offer a variety of teaching opportuni- ties. Please contact Mojdeh Williams (phone 919-773-0667, e-mail

The Jersey City Bahá’í community is desperately seeking pioneers to strength- en our community, whose Local Assem- bly is the key Assembly in Hudson County, New Jersey, and to aid us in our teaching efforts 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 bor- ough" 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 Mulli- gan, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (phone 201-434-6463, e-mail

WANTED

The Bahá’í community of Pierce County No. 3 in Washington is looking for articles from Bahá’í youth relating a special expe- rience 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 Assembly? Have you ever been part of the Santa Monica Bahá’í community? We will be celebrating the 50th anniver- sary of the formation of the Santa Moni- ca 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, Bahá’í communi- ty 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 Bahá’í Center, 2240 N. Angus on April 25 and a luncheon celebration 1-4 p.m. April 26 at the Ramada Inn, 324 E. Shaw Ave., with lunch at $15 per per- son. For further informationplease contact the Assembly secretary (phone 209-447- 1633, e-mail

HOUSE OF WORSHIP

of materials." But as they did in the 1970s, Mrs. Baker said, the company was careful to keep the price "within the Bahá’ís' 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 Bahá’u’lláh.

"It was our blessing to be able to serve Bahá’u’lláh in this way," Mrs. Baker said.

We're surrounded at work, in our neigh- borhoods, and in the mass media with gossip and backbiting. Have you found ways to avoid backbiting? How 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 backbit- ing. J. Ruhl, Denver, Colorado 80209.

ARCHIVES

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Jus- tice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following people: Mary S. Burland, Lyle E. Burnett, Leroy Burns, Vincent G. Burns, William Brown Burr, Garreta Busey, Harriett Bush, Hattie Bush, Jessie Bush, Lilyan Bush, Wallace A. Bussell, Carrie Butler and Susetta E. Butler. Anyone knowing family members or rela- tives who might have these Guardian's let- ters is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-869-9039).

Historical photographs of Bahá’ís, Bahá’í communities and institutions and nation- al Bahá’í events are being sought for the photograph collection of the National Bahá’í Archives. Please identify the pho- tographs if possible with names of peo- ple, event, locality and date or year. Any- one having photographs they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201.

HUGH CHANCE

bly of the Bahá’ís 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 lov- ing 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 Iowa Law School in 1934. He practiced law in Muscatine, Iowa, until 1943, serv- ing 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 Chiro- practors' 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. [Page 32]

REGIONAL BAHÁ’Í COUNCILS

"closely collaborate" with the Local Spiritual Assemblies and believers to 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 the goal of achieving 'marked progress in the activity and development' of each individual Bahá’í, Institution, and community."

The Council also stated in the same letter its goals, among which are the goal for each Bahá’í in the region to initiate a dramatic upsurge in effective teaching activities, participate in systematic training, and strive for personal transformation.

The goal for each Local Spiritual Assembly is to continue development and enthusiastic 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 that we "spare no effort to bring the message of interracial love and unity to our fellow Americans."

Caswell Ellis (right), member of the Regional Bahá’í Council of the Central States, greets a Bahá’í National Center staffer at December's orientation meeting of the Regional Bahá’í Councils.

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 abilities of all of the Bahá’ís in the South. We want the friends to develop a love, joy and enthusiasm for the Faith, Bahá’u’lláh, 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 region.

Caswell Ellis (Central States): To create and effectively execute a regional expansion and consolidation strategy that will strengthen existing and create new bonds of unity and collaboration within our regional Bahá’í family and institutions.

As Bahá’ís teaching our religion, we must come to understand the relationship between consolidation and 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.

Q: How frequently does your Regional Council meet?

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-a-month 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.

SOUTHERN COUNCIL MEETS THE FRIENDS

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 officers so 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 Bahá’í Council of the Southern States, gathers with members of all Councils in December.

More than 150 Atlanta-area believers made history Feb. 21 when the Southern Regional Bahá’í Council met for the first time with a local community. Counselor Tod Ewing and Auxiliary Board members Josie Reynolds and Riaz Khadem also participated in the session at the Bahá’í Unity Center in South DeKalb County, underscoring its importance for the friends.

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. Bahá’ís are watching the South, challenged: "Let us show the country and the world what we can accomplish."

Q: What is your most memorable event of the Regional Council weekend meeting in December?

Shannon Javid (West): Rather than focus on a single event of the weekend, because the entire experience was so soul-stirring, I'd 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-Bahá were shining upon all present. In all my Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í System and thereby the efficacy of His Cause. To witness the National Spiritual Assembly and the Counselors launch the newly born Councils—historic 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 James 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 Bahá’ís of the Northeastern States during the Council's consultation.

Caswell Ellis (Central): When it suddenly became clear that the National Spiritual Assembly was making each Council a gift of their respective regional Tablet authored by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. 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 sensing the reality of the collaborative spirit of 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. [Page 33]

Q: Has your Regional Council formed any committees?

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 Bahá’ís 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.
• The Publishing Committee, which is to advise the Council in 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 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 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.

Q: What particular challenges have you seen in communication with your Local Assemblies?

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 part of 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 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.

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 administrative structure to serve the Assemblies, no doubt a wonderful interaction will develop. It's 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 Bahá’í 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.

Q: How do you see your Regional Council interacting with Local Spiritual Assemblies?

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 visit as many communities as time and circumstances will allow. They will be interested in potential and possibilities in every community and will encourage community devotional programs, race unity, gender equality and youth activities, as well as strong support of local and/or regional training institutes.

William Roberts: Our prayer is to collaborate with the Spiritual Assemblies with a sense of intimacy, mutual 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 Bahá’ís and we invited the friends to collaborate with us.

Our letter states: "In considering these matters, your Assembly might explore questions such as:

"Does our Bahá’í 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.

Q: What is the most pressing issue for your region?

Robert James (South): Our Council has identified five challenges in our region:

• Feeling a personal spiritual connection to Bahá’u’lláh.
• 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 Bahá’í Administrative Order.

We feel if these issues are addressed effectively, the process of entry by troops 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 Bahá’í family.

William Roberts (Northeast): We must assist the believers to recognize the possibilities which are available and to 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 Bahá’ís. 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 represents to the future.

As spiritual descendants of the Dawn-breakers 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. [Page 34]

Artemus Lamb answered call in Latin America

The following e-mail was received by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of El Salvador Jan. 19:

"Deeply deplore loss outstanding long-time servant Bahá’u’lláh. Dearly-loved Artemus Lamb. Well-nigh six decades his noble-hearted, self-effacing devotion to needs Faith unforgettable. Recall with keen admiration sterling achievements pioneering and administrative fields Latin America, culminating seventeen years as Continental Counselor. Confident his life of service will garner immense reward Abhá Kingdom. Urge hold befitting memorial gatherings in Houses of Worship Wilmette and Panama and other countries where he labored so long. Praying fervently progress his luminous spirit. Kindly extend our condolences his many friends and admirers.

"With loving Bahá’í greetings,

"Universal House of Justice"

Artemus Lamb passed away quietly on Jan. 17, 1998, three days short of his 93rd birthday. A joint memorial service for Mr. Lamb and Cora Oliver, a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh, was held at the Bahá’í 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 consecrated his life to the advancement of the 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, "I am still in this world. Evidently the Almighty thinks I need an unusual

Artemus Lamb 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. At age 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 world. So he began writing booklets and pamphlets in Spanish to help teaching 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 IOWA

Artemus was born in 1905 into a prosperous and influential family in Clinton, Iowa. 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 Zlmarian Walker Sister to lowing communication from the Bahá’í 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 and Africa as well as at home in the U.S., passed away Sept. 2, 1997. She was 73.

She had been guided to the acceptance of Bahá’u’lláh 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 Sister 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" to be "a source of encouragement and inspiration" to the peoples there.

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 finally crisis. It was as if a mysterious hand 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 Bahá’ís, and he began a serious and careful investigation of the Faith. In 1939 he enrolled in Los Angeles—"I felt with all my heart and 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 to help form the first Spiritual Assembly there.

SAW DESTINY AHEAD

Sensing that he had a destiny in Latin America, Artemus began 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 Bahá’ís in that region.

About that time the Guardian asked the U.S. 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 everything 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 book passage to Chile. He later received a letter from the Guardian, through his secretary, 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.

Joan Hanlon served the Cause in field, at World Center

"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 Bahá’í 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 services as a pioneer. While awaiting a position in 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 Abhá Kingdom Feb. 12, 1998, a month short of her 73rd birthday. [Page 35]

Maude Barnes helped establish Bahá’í Faith in Nashville

Maude Barnes, born in a family of former slaves who inherited the property where they once worked in legalized servitude, was a cornerstone of the Bahá’í community in Nashville, Tennessee, for more than 50 years.

Mrs. Barnes passed away Aug. 15, 1997, at age 95.

She always understood that we are all one family. A grandmother had in fact been 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.

She encountered the Bahá’í Faith during the Depression, when a letter from her sister informed her that Louis Gregory would be coming to Nashville to talk about a new religion, and that she should invite him to her home. He was traveling to Nashville, where he had received a degree at Fisk University, to bring the Bahá’í message to colleagues 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 husband and her young children. The meetings with her friends continued, and the Bahá’í community of Nashville was essentially born.

When in 1935 Mrs. Barnes was elected to the first Spiritual Assembly of Nashville it was the first freely elected integrated religious institution in Nashville.

For years to come, for many Bahá’í teachers traveling through Nashville, including Mr. Gregory—Mrs. Barnes became the "official" hostess of the community. Many of the friends today still fondly remember Mrs. Barnes’ gracious hospitality. Her home was always open to the Bahá’ís, and her feast table was always full of delicious foods.

Mrs. Barnes was a devoted wife and mother and her family always graciously supported the religious work she was so devoted to. Because of her husband’s respected position in the black community, Mrs. Barnes was well known and loved by many.

Maude Barnes passed away in the same house on Hawkins Street where those firesides with Mr. Gregory began more than 60 years earlier. Her funeral service was attended by many prominent black citizens of Nashville who fondly remembered both her and her husband and their impact on the community.

LaVerne Enoanyi ran magazine in Africa

Mrs. LaVerne Cazenave Enoanyi died Aug. 28, 1997.

Declaring her belief in Bahá’u’lláh 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 Bahá’í community there.

She married a Cameroon Bahá’í 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 Bahá’u’lláh’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 Bahá’u’lláh, who pioneered to the Azores from 1953-1962 with her husband Richard and their two young children, ascended to the Abhá Kingdom Dec. 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.

IN MEMORIAM

• Betty L. Abel, Port Townsend, WA, December 24, 1997
• Kamran Akhtarkhavari, Mountain View, CA, February 18, 1998
• Eleanor C. Allen, Tucson, AZ, December 31, 1997
• Nicholas Amato, New Orleans, LA, January 29, 1998
• Virginia L. Archibald, Indianapolis, IN, April 1997
• Hoda Bakhshandagi, Hauppauge, NY, January 28, 1998
• Enayatullah Behjati, Sylvania, Ohio, January 1, 1998
• Tahirih Brown Bell, Santa Rosa, CA, December 17, 1997
• Bahram Bolouri, Los Angeles, CA, November 30, 1997
• Eleanor S. Brimberry, Bainbridge Island, WA, January 27, 1998
• Laura Carter, Placerville, CA, August 21, 1997
• Hugh Chance, Winfield, KS, March 25, 1998
• Alva Christensen, Temple City, CA, March 20, 1997
• Russell E. Coover, Salt Lake City, UT, January 26, 1998
• H. Ray Crawford, Altadena, CA, December 31, 1997
• Eileen Cunningham, Wellington, KS, January 7, 1998
• Hormozdiar Darabi, Gainesville, FL, September 15, 1997
• Lila Doyle, Antioch, CA, September 2, 1997
• Marvin W. Durland, Plymouth, PA, January 10, 1998
• Mary Love Erickson, Rochester, MN, February 17, 1998
• Natalie Fiske, Show Low, AZ, October 17, 1997
• Charles Fleischhacker, Altamonte Springs, FL, February 6, 1998
• Thelma M. Grandison, Gretna, LA, February 19, 1998
• Nancy Greengard, Bergenfield, NJ, December 1997
• Georgia Hall, Marietta, GA, June 3, 1997
• Joan Hanlon, Poughkeepsie, NY, February 12, 1998
• Johnsie Ardella Horne, High Point, NC, November 29, 1997
• Nasser Javdan, Salt Lake City, UT, January 21, 1998
• Audrey Jeans, Rowlett, TX, November 24, 1997
• Drew Johnson, Hot Springs, AR, February 28, 1998
• Sandra Kedalo, Goldendale, WA, December 24, 1997
• Ernie P. King, Memphis, TN, June 27, 1997
• Artemus Lamb, El Salvador, January 17, 1988
• Heshmatullah Lame, Arcadia, CA, August 26, 1997
• Frederick S. Lee, Owings Mills, MD, January 2, 1998
• Shamsikhanom Vossoughi K. Mahjour, Oakland, CA, July 8, 1997
• Nosrat Rastegarnami Mavaddat, Albany, OR, February 9, 1998
• Mildred McClean, Altadena, CA, February 22, 1998
• Charles McDonald, Florence, AL, February 11, 1998
• June M. Meese, Santa Cruz, Bolivia, August 19, 1997
• Maudie Miller, Brentwood, TN, October 14, 1997
• John C. Myers, Memphis, TN, December 27, 1997
• Payam Nadimi, Evanston, IL, March 3, 1998
• Lou Nicholson, Altadena, CA, December 29, 1997
• Mabel S. Olson, El Centro, CA, January 1998
• Leola Riley, Cincinnati, OH, November 20, 1997
• Ross Riley, Tavernier, FL, June 1997
• John W. Rinehart, Omaha, NE, December 11, 1997
• Carl Samuel Rowe, South Bend, IN, March 1, 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
• Jessie M. Stallings, Albuquerque, NM, November 9, 1997
• Sylvia C. Strong, Setauket, NY, December 13, 1997
• Bernice Tail, Porcupine, SD, December 26, 1997
• Maria Veiksans, Milwaukee, WI, November 16, 1997
• Bennie Witherow, Kennesaw, GA, August 22, 1997
• William Jason Wright, Kansas City, MO, December 3, 1997
• Roy Wroten, Cambridge, MD, August 22, 1997

[Page 36]

از نامه های یاران LETTERS

نکته ای که احباء به ویژه احبای فارسی زبان باید به خاطر داشته باشند این است که آزادی هائی که در ایالات متحده برای گفتگو درباره امر مبارک وجود دارد مسؤولیتهائی را نیز به همراه دارد.

در چند شهر از شهرهای ایالات متحده تعداد ایرانیان مهاجر به حدی است که روزانه چندین ساعت برنامه های مخصوصی به زبان فارسی از رادیو و تلویزیون پخش میشود و حتی برخی از این برنامه ها شبانه روزی است. در این برنامه ها گاه اتفاق می افتد که به مناسبتی از جمله گزارش اخبار بین المللی و ملی و خبر فعالیتهای تشکیلات بهائی یا تبریک اعیاد امری نامی از امر مبارک به میان می آید. اکثر تهیه کنندگان و مجریان برنامه های فارسی زبان آشنائی گسترده‌ای با امر بهائی ندارند بدین ترتیب گاهی در نقل مطالبی که گزارش میدهند یا اظهار میدارند ممکن است دقت لازم از آنگونه که احباء انتظار میبرند رعایت نشود. مثلاً ممکن است رویدادی متفاوت با آنچه دوستان بهائی سراغ دارند گزارش شود یا از رهبران "بهائیت" یا "رؤسای بهائی" ذکری به میان آید.

احباء نیز ممکن است بی دقتی در گزارش یا استفاده از این اصطلاحات غیر مانوس بر خاطرشان سنگینی کند و غیرتشان تحریک شود و در صدد رفع سوء تعبیر برآیند و با رسانه مربوطه تماس بگیرند. آنچه باید همواره در نظر داشت این است که خواه دوستان این نکته را بپذیرند یا نه تماس یک فرد بهائی بعنوان عضوی از اعضای جامعه بهائی با گردانندگان یک رسانه همگانی و اظهارات او بدانان ممکن است از جانب دست اندرکاران رسانه مذکور تماس جامعه بهائی و اظهارات جامعه بهائی تلقی شود. بدین ترتیب روش و رفتار و لحنی که احباء برای رفع سوء تفاهم و تذکر اشتباهات احتمالی اتخاذ میکنند باید نمایانگر رویه و شیوه بهائی باشد.

باید همواره به یاد داشت که هدف امر بهائی در وهله اول ایجاد دوستی و یگانگی در میان همه مردم جهان است تعالیم بهائی همگی بر پایه محبت و شفقت استوار گردیده است مبادا که برای تذکر اشتباهی یا تصحیح خطائی احباء نقض غرض کنند و از این بیان حضرت بهاءالله که در وصیت نامه مبارک نازل شده است غفلت ورزند: "مذهب الهی از برای محبت و اتحاد است او را سبب عداوت و اختلاف منمائید."

محرومیتی که احبای ایرانی در وطن خویش کشیده و ستمی که دیده و مهر سکوتی که بر لب داشته اند ممکن است نیازشان را در این سرزمین آزادی برای دفاع از تهمت و ناسزا دو چندان کرده باشد با این حال اگر برای دفاع از امر مبارک شیوه ای نامبارک به کار گرفته شود به زیان جامعه امری و حیثیت امر بهائی خواهد بود.

باید توجه داشت که بسیاری از گردانندگان رسانه های فارسی زبان اعم از رادیو و تلویزیون و مجله و روزنامه نسبت به امر بهائی سوء نیتی ندارند و اگر اشتباهی در گزارش و اظهار مطالب مرتکب شوند باید در اکثر موارد مسامحه کرد و آسان گرفت و گذشت و اگر اشتباه به زیان آوازه امر الهی باشد میتوان از طریق تشکیلات با آنان روبرو شد و با آرامش و بردباری و خلاصه آنگونه که حضرت عبدالبهاء عمل میفرمود خطا را بر ملا کرد و سوء تفاهم را بر طرف نمائیم و حساب اعمال روحانی خود را مورد مطالعه قرار دهیم.

و گفتنی است که در مواردی که احباء شاهد آن باشند که عمداً حمله یا لطمه ای به حرمت امر الهی یا پیروان آن وارد شده است باید با دفتر روابط خارجی محفل روحانی ملی یا دفتر امور احبای ایرانی امریکائی تماس گیرند و از آن پس مسؤولیت را بر دوش تشکیلات نهند و خود با خاطری آسوده به گسترش مهر و وداد و یگانگی بپردازند و از خاطر نبرند که گسترش مهر و یگانگی مستلزم چشم پوشی و گذشت نیز هست.

مقاله جناب پرویز دادرسان

دوست دانشمند و گرامی جناب پرویز دادرسان مقاله ای با عنوان "لازال هدایت به اقوال بوده و این زمان به افعال گشته" ارسال داشته اند که با تشکر از توجه ایشان در اینجا درج میشود.

در این اندیشه بودم که با آنکه این ظهور اعظم به مثابه شمس تابان از افق عالم انسان مشرق و اثراتش در انفس و آفاق مانند بحر بی پایان در جریان و تعالیم آسمانیش چون دریاق اعظم وسیله نجات کاروان گمگشته بشریت است چگونه است که بشر پریشان و سرگردان در مصائب بیکران از این شاهراه نجاح و فلاح دور و مهجور گشته و تشنگان باده ضلالت از این سرچشمه فیض و عنایت محروم و ممنوع گردیده اند؟ آیا علت جزای اعمال سیئه بشر و غفلت بنی آدم از منظر اکبر است؟ آیا به دلیل سیر تکاملی تدریجی امر الهی است که از جمله نوامیس و سنن الهیه در ظهورات مظاهر مقدسه رحمانیه است؟ آیا به جهت عدم توجه دقیق و عمیق و تمسک ما پیروان اسم اعظم به تعالیم و احکام منزله در این ظهور افخم است؟

آری متأسفانه باید پاسخ به جمیع علل مذکور را مثبت دانیم زیرا اکثری از ناس به واسطه غفلت از خداوند و پیروی از حدودات نفس و هوی از نعمت هدایت در یوم الله محروم مانده‌اند و عالم بشری نیز که در اجراء مواعظ و نصایح الهیه فتور و قصور ورزیده و از توجه به خداوند و طلب عون و عنایت از حضرت کبریائی روی برتافته اکنون به عذابی شدید که از جهت حدت و شدت و کیفیت در تاریخ بشریت بی مثیل و عدیل بوده دچار و در بند متاعب بیشمار و مشقات بسیار گرفتار گردیده است.

قلم اعلی میفرماید در باب گرفتاری خلق و عدم شعورشان ذکر نمودید حق لا ریب فیه. آنچه بر اهل ارض وارد شده و میشود از جزای اعمال است. همچنین شریعت رحمانی نیز مطابق نوامیس طبیعت و قانون الهی باید سیر تکاملی خود را به تدریجی بپیماید تا به مرحله بلوغ و کمال نائل آید و به رتبه فتبارک الله احسن الخالقین فائز شود.

حضرت عبدالبهاء میفرمایند در بدایت درجات خلقت است عنقریب آثار باهرة فیض روح القدس را در این هیکل نورانی به قسمی مشاهده نمائید که عقول و ابصار خیره و حیران گردد. در این مقام به علت دیگری که قبلاً اشاره گردید یعنی نحوه اعمال و اخلاق و تمسک و تشبت ما بهائیان به احکام و حدودات الهیه که در سهم خود تأثیری شدید در اقبال ناس و توجه بریه به شریعه عز احدیه داشته و دارد قدری تأمل باید داشت و در کلمات مکنونه میفرمایند: یابن الوجود، حاسب نفسك فی کل يوم من قبل ان تحاسب.

و از سونی آیا مصداق این بیان که میفرماید لازال هدایت به اقوال بوده و این زمان به افعال گشته، یعنی باید جمیع افعال قدسی از هیکل انسانی ظاهر شود چه که در اقوال کل شریکند ولیکن افعال پاک و مقدس مخصوص دوستان هاست در وجود ما ظاهر گردیده؟ آیا اتحاد و اتفاق و مودت و محبت حقیقی را که منظور و مقصود و هدف از بعث مظاهر مقدسۀ الهیه است در جمع خویش معمول می داریم؟ آیا خضوع و خشوع و محویت و فنا و رقیت و عبودیت که در کلمات الهیه مسطور است در وجود هر یک از ما مشهود میگردد؟ چه نیکوست که پاسخ به جمیع سؤالات مذکوره را به دقت نظر و حدت بصر در الواح مقدسة الهیه جستجو نمائیم و به این آیه شریفه نازله از قلم اعلی بیندیشیم قسم به خدا اگر این معدود قلیل به سجیه الهیه در بین بریه حرکت می کرد نفوذ و حال جميع من على الارض طائف امر الله و مقبل حرم الله بودند.

از این آیه مبارکه چنین استنباط می شود که ما اهل بهاء نیز به نوبه خود در احتجاب نفوس از مشاهده شمس حقیقت و درک فیوضات این شریعه رحمانیه سهمی داشته ایم. لذا باید تأمل و تفکر نمود و طریق چاره ای جست و در رفع این مشکل اقدامی عاجل نمود و هر لحظه حیات را مغتنم دانست زیرا به حکم آیه مبارکه "لان الموت یاتیک بغتة وتقوم علی الحساب فی نفسک تدارک مافات" تدارک مافات بسیار مشکل و جبران آنچه از عمر گذشته سخت دشوار است.

و نیز بکوشیم تا زندگانی فردی و اجتماعی خود را با میزان اکمل و قسطاس اعظم که تعالیم روحبخش جمال اقدس ابهی است تطبیق نموده و به مصداق بیان قلم اعلی که می فرماید کونوا قدوة حسنه بین الناس وصحیفة يتذکر به الاناس ذروه کمال و رتبه جلال را که قدوه حسنه میباشد نهایت مرام و آرزو و هدف فردی خود تعیین کنیم تا شاهد اقبال رخ بنماید و ارض جنة المأوی گردد و عالم بشریت در ظل لواء مقصود فوج فوج داخل گردند و مصداق آیه کریمه قرآن مجید یوم یدخلون فی دین الله افواجا تحقق پذیرد و هر یک از محبان جمال رحمن بمثابه مصباح هدایت کاروان خسته و گمگشته بشریت را به صوب مدینه طیبه الهیه دلیل و رهنمون گردند.

بعنوان مسک الختام به دو بیان از حضرت عبدالبهاء و حضرت ولی امر الله اشاره می گردد. حضرت عبدالبهاء می‌فرمایند: همچنین در میان یاران الفت و یگانگی سبب آشنائی بیگانگان گردد و در عموم سرایت نماید زیرا یاران بمثابه قلب بشرند و آنچه در دل تجلی نماید و تجلیات کند در جمیع اعضاء سرایت نماید.

حضرت ولی امر الله می‌فرمایند: هر چند میدان وسیع است ولی جولان مشکل چه که اعمال طيبة طاهره مرضیه شرط است و من دون آن خسران مبین. [Page 37]و تنها نگران چگونگی تولید و پخش برنامه به تعداد زیادی تماشاگر نبود زیرا واکنش بینندگان در واقع معیار توجه آنان است.

گروههای بازارشناسی

در دو سال گذشته بیش از ده گروه برای مطالعه تأثیر برنامه‌های رسانه‌ای Bahá’í بر مردم تشکیل شده است. هر گروه متشکل از حدود ۱۲ نفر است. واکنش این افراد ملاکی برای برآورد تأثیر برنامه‌های تبلیغی از طریق رسانه‌هاست.

نتایجی که تا کنون از این گروه‌ها به دست آمده حاکی از این است که بعنوان مثال، چه طبقه و بخشی از جامعه احتمال دارد به امر مبارک اقبال کند. اکثریت کسانی را که به امر Bahá’í و دیگر جوامع دینی اقبال می‌کنند زنان تشکیل می‌دهند. تغییر وضع شخصی از جمله نقل مکان به محلی جدید از جمله عوامل اقبال است.

تنها ۱۵ درصد افرادی که در گروه‌های مذکور شرکت کرده بودند اطلاعاتی قبلی از امر مبارک داشتند. این رقم کمتر از آن است که از پیش برآورد شده بود. در پایان این جلسات گروهی ۳۰ تا ۴۰ درصد اظهار خشنودی نسبت به امر Bahá’í و تعالیم آن کردند.

نتایج کلی که از این گروه‌ها به دست آمد به قرار زیر است:

• مردم نسبت به انگیزه‌های سازمان‌های دینی بدگمانند و این بدگمانی نسبت به ادیانی که درباره آن آگاهی ندارند بیشتر است.
• بیشتر مردم امر Bahá’í را یک فرقه مذهبی به حساب می‌آورند یکی از وظائف جامعه Bahá’í رفع این سوء تفاهم از ذهن مردم است.
• برخی از خصوصیات موجب می‌شود که مردم نسبت به جوامع دینی احترام قائل شوند از جمله اعتقاد به خدا، خدمت به نوع بشر، رفتار اخلاقی، تأکید بر روحانیت، دوری از اختلافات فرقه‌ای، تأکید بر روابط خانوادگی، شادمانی و محبوبیت و ملایمت در شخصیت.
• احتمال اظهار علاقه به امر Bahá’í در میان زنان بسیار بیشتر از مردان است.
• نظر بیشتر مردم درباره خودشان این است که در تلاشند که مستقلاً به ارزش‌هایی دست یابند و اظهار می‌دارند که اعتقاداتشان در زمان حاضر با آنچه در زمان شکل‌گیری شخصیتشان بدانان ارائه شده بود، فرق دارد.
• اعتقاد به مسؤولیت شخصی حائز اهمیت خاصی برای بیشتر مردم است.
• اعتقاد به یگانگی نوع بشر جذابیت خاصی به ویژه در میان زنان و خردسالان دارد.
• بسیاری بر این موضوع اتفاق نظر داشتند که حل اختلافات نژادی طبعاً از سوی دین ارائه خواهد شد.
• بسیاری اظهار داشتند که جداً در جستجوی یک تجربه دینی هستند که نیازهای روحانیشان را ارضاء کند.
• اکثریت به تفاوتی بنیادی در میان رفتار اخلاقی و رفتار مذهبی قائل بودند و رفتار اخلاقی را می‌پسندیدند و رفتار مذهبی مورد پسندشان نبود.
• هر گاه احساس می‌شد که Bahá’íیان به هر علتی خود را از دیگران جدا می‌بینند و یا به نحوی از دیگران انتقاد می‌کنند واکنش تندی نشان داده می‌شد و این نظر را که امر Bahá’í یک فرقه است تحکیم می‌کرد.
• اکثریت بین آگاه کردن و ابلاغ کلمه از یک طرف و کوشش برای تغییر دین از طرف دیگر فاصله ای می‌دیدند و این نوع کوشش را نمی پسندیدند. در واقع بیشتر کسانی که نسبت به تعالیم Bahá’í اظهار علاقه کردند از تبلیغات مصرانه برخی از پیروان ادیان ناراضی بودند.

حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله در توقیعی بتاریخ ۱۵ جمادی‌الاولای ۱۳۴۱ هجری قمری مطابق ۳ جنیوری ۱۹۲۳ می‌فرمایند:

....چون وقت تجدید انتخابات اعضای محفل روحانی بمیان آید باید هر یک از افراد احباء تصویت یعنی ابدای رأی را از وظایف مقدسه وجدانی خویش شمرد و بقدر امکان اهمال در این امر ننماید.

کانونشن ملی Bahá’í

کانونشن ملی Bahá’í از ۲۸ تا ۳۱ می سال جاری در Holiday Inn O'Hare International در روزمانت Rosemont در ایالت ایلینوی تشکیل خواهد شد.

علاقه‌مندان باید برای استفاده از نرخ مخصوص که شبی ۸۳ دلار به اضافه مالیات است قبل از ۱۰ می سال جاری برای رزرو جا اقدام نمایند. دوستان باید برای رزرو اتاق مستقیماً با هتل مذکور تماس حاصل نمایند و اظهار دارند که برای شرکت در کانونشن ملی Bahá’í اتاق لازم دارند در ضمن ترتیب تعیین هم اتاقی با خود دوستان است.

برای خردسالان Bahá’í برنامه یا ترتیباتی برای نگهداری از آنان در نظر گرفته نشده و مسؤولیت آنان با پدر و مادر آنان است.

علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند برای نام‌نویسی در کانونشن ملی از چند راه اقدام نمایند. دوستان می‌توانند فرمی را که در صفحات انگلیسی این نشریه درج شده تکمیل نمایند و ارسال دارند. کسانی که مایل باشند از طریق فکس نام‌نویسی نمایند باید اطلاعات لازم را ارسال دارند. شماره فکس: ۰۲۴۷-۸۶۹ (۸۴۷). کسانی که مایل باشند از طریق پست الکترونیکی نام‌نویسی کنند باید نام و نام خانوادگی و شماره کارت Bahá’í و نشانی و شماره تلفن هر یک از شرکت‌کنندگان را ارسال دارند. E-mail: [ارسال اطلاعات به آدرس الکترونیکی مربوطه].

لازم به تذکر است که دوستان نخواهند توانست برای شرکت در کانونشن ملی تلفنی ثبت نام نمایند. دوستان می‌توانند برای دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر با دفتر کانونشن تماس حاصل نمایند. شماره تلفن: ۳۵۲۹-۷۳۳ (۸۴۷).

Huqúqu’lláh

یکی از پرسش‌هایی که درباره Huqúqu’lláh مطرح می‌شود این است که آیا پولی که افراد برای تحصیل فرزندانشان پس‌انداز می‌کنند از Huqúqu’lláh معاف است یا نه؟ هر چند پاسخ دادن به این پرسش و پرسش‌هایی مانند آن به وجدان احباء واگذار شده است. لازم است برخی از اصول اساسی امر Bahá’í در این مورد مورد توجه قرار گیرد.

حضرت Bahá’u’lláh مقرر داشته‌اند که آموزش و پرورش امری عمومی و اجباری است و مسؤولیت آن بر عهده پدر و مادر است در عین حال هیکل مبارک فرموده‌اند که در صورتی که والدین استطاعت نداشته باشند تشکیلات امری باید ضامن تحصیل کودکان باشد. بنابراین باید دانست که مبالغی که احباء بعنوان Huqúqu’lláh تقدیم می‌دارند صرف تحصیل کودکانی می‌شود که والدینشان استطاعت تحصیل آنان را ندارند.

یکی دیگر از سؤالاتی که مطرح می‌شود این است که آیا احبا می‌توانند برای تقدیم Huqúqu’lláh از اوراق بهادار استفاده کنند؟ پاسخ به این سؤال مثبت است برای کسب اطلاعات دقیق در این مورد توصیه می‌شود یاران با یکی از امنای حقوق تماس بگیرند.

اطلاعیه مجمع عرفان

نوزدهمین دوره مجمع عرفان از غروب روز جمعه ۹ اکتبر تا ظهر روز دوشنبه ۱۲ اکتبر ۱۹۹۸ در مدرسه Bahá’í لوهلن تشکیل می‌گردد این دوره به آثار قلم اعلی در دوران اسلامبول و ادرنه اختصاص دارد. در این دوران اعلام عمومی امر حضرت Bahá’u’lláh آغاز گردید و آثار مهمی از جمله سوره ملوک و سوره‌های حج و بعضی از ادعیه صیام و کتاب بدیع و لوح سلطان و لوح سلمان و لوح احمد (عربی) و نیز لوح احمد (فارسی) و لوح رئیس از قلم اعلی عز نزول یافت.

شرکت‌کنندگان در مجمع عرفان همراه با آشنا شدن با آثار مزبور راهنمای مطالعه این آثار را نیز برای ادامه مطالعات شخصی دریافت خواهند کرد. در ضمن به مناسبت یکصد و پنجاهمین سال سالگرد کنفرانس بدشت مراسمی برگزار می‌گردد. برای نام‌نویسی و شرکت در مجمع عرفان مستقیماً به مدرسه Bahá’í مراجعه فرمائید ۵۰۳۳-۶۵۳-۸۱۰.

تماس با رسانه‌ها

چنانکه خوانندگان عزیز در ده سال گذشته شاهد بوده‌اند در زمینه ارتباطات تحولات عظیمی صورت گرفته است به حدی که در زبان انگلیسی استعاره‌ای که برای آن استفاده می‌شود کلمه "انفجار" است: انفجار در ارتباطات.

تحول مذکور هم در زمینه رادیو و تلویزیون با تعداد روزافزون شبکه‌ها و دسترسی بیشتر مردم به آن به چشم می‌خورد و هم در شبکه های کامپیوتری مانند اینترنت. اهل بهاء به ویژه احبای ساکن آمریکای شمالی از این تحولات آگاهند و در حال حاضر از رسانه‌ها برای نشر تعالیم Bahá’í استفاده کنند و تا کنون نتایج مطلوبی نیز به دست آورده‌اند. [Page 38]

THE PASSING OF MR. HUGH CHANCE

ترجمه پیام بیت العدل اعظم الهی به عموم محافل روحانی ملی که در تاریخ ٢٦ مارچ ۱۹۹۸ با وسائط الكتريك مخابره شده است

قلوب از صعود جناب هیو چانس همکار محبوب سابق ما و حامی ثابت قدم و دوراندیش امر جمال قدم آکنده از حزن و انده است و برای جامعه بهائی عالم فقدانی عظیم محسوب خدمات مستمره اش در عضویت محفل ملی آمریکا و متعاقباً بمدت سی سال در بیت العدل اعظم با ایمانی راسخ و ارادهای استوار و خوش بینی وافر نمایان و ممتاز بود خدمات متنوعه اش در انتظام تشکیلات مرکز جهانی امر و مساعی خستگی ناپذیرش در ترویج مصالح امریه مخصوصاً در خاور دور و اقیانوسیه و کمکهای موثرش در توسعه روابط خارجی جامعه بین المللی بهائی سوابقی جاودانی از مجهوداتش باقی گذاشته است. از آستان قدس الهی صمیمانه ملتمسیم که آن جان پاک در ملکوت ابهی به پاداشی جزیل نائل و با فرح و سرور قرین روح همسر محبوبش مارگرت گردد و قلوب دختر عزیز و سایر اعضای خاندان جلیلش تسلی یابد.

توصیه میشود در جمیع مشارق اذکار و در سراسر عالم بهائی محافل تذکر شایسته بنامش منعقد گردد.

بیت العدل اعظم

وحدت نژادی

RACE UNITY GROUNDWORK

مؤسسة علماء فى البهاء که متشکل از مشاوران قاره ای و هیئتهای معاونت و مساعدان است در صدد است به جوامع بهائی در سراسر آمریکای شمالی در مورد مسألۀ وحدت نژادی و اشاعه آن به ویژه در رابطه با بیانیه محفل روحانی ملی کمک کند تا افراد بتوانند در رفع تعصبات بکوشند.

از ۳۰ جنیوری تا اول فبروری سال جاری جلساتی در دالاس در ایالت تکزاس تشکیل شد. در این جلسات مشاوران قاره ای مسؤول امریکای شمالی ایالات متحده و کانادا و آلاسکا و گرینلند با طرق مواجهه با تعصبات نژادی ارائه دادند و مطالبی برای آشناسازی اعضای هیئت معاونت در گزارشی از رویدادهای این جلسات به محفل روحانی ملی تقدیم شد. در بخشی از این گزارش آمده است که یکی از دلائل تشکیل این جلسات این بود که بسیاری از موارد دیده شده است که کوششهای گسسته و نامنظمی در جوامع امری برای حل مشکلات نژادی صورت میگیرد و جوامع مذکور خط مشی واحد و معینی را دنبال نمی کنند.

از اعضای هیئتهای معاونت خواسته شده است که با نصوص امری درباره مسأله نژادی آشنائی کامل حاصل کنند و سپس معلومات خود را به مساعدانشان بیاموزند و در نتیجه افراد و تشکیلات محلی را برای ساختن نمونههای وحدت در کثرت مدد رسانند. حضرت ولی امر الله فرموده اند که رابطه میان فرد سیاهپوستان و سفیدپوستان ایالات متحده مهم ترین و خطیرترین مشکلی است که ساکنان این سرزمین با آن روبرو هستند. نظر مشاوران این بود که اعضای هیئت معاونت میتوانند با استفاده از اصول و تعالیم امری این مشکل را در رابطه با دیگر نژادها و گروه ها نیز تشخیص دهند و در برطرف سازی آن بکوشند.

در دعوت نامه ای که مشاوران به اعضای هیئت معاونت جهت شرکت در این جلسات فرستاده بودند پرسش هانی مطرح شده بود که خود اساس موضوع مذاکرات در جلسات دالاس بود. برخی از این موضوع های عبارت است از تعریف نژاد و فرهنگ در تعالیم بهائی؛ افراد بهائی چگونه با مشکل تعصب نژادی روبرو می شوند؟

در گزارش مشاوران خطاب به محفل روحانی ملی آمده است که غرض از طرح پرسشهای مذکور این بود که یادآوری شود که همه افراد باید در رفع تعصباتی که در ضمیر خود دارند بکوشند تلاشی را که افراد برای رویارونی با تعصبات خود صورت می دهند و نیز آنچه از این رهگذر می آموزند می توان در فضائی به دور از اعترافات آنچنانی با دیگران در میان نهاد و از آموخته های یکدیگر آموخت.

در این جلسات از روشهای گوناگونی از جمله موسیقی و نمایش فکاهی برای عنوان کردن سهمی که اعضای هیئت معاونت در کمک به احباء برای مطرح کردن مشکلات مربوط به تعصبات دارند استفاده شد. به اعضاء هیئت توصیه شد که در ارتباطاتشان با تشکیلات محلی و افراد احباء دست کم شش اصل زیر را در نظر داشته باشند:

۱. هر آنچه که برای درک مسأله وحدت نژادی و کشف راههای ترک تعصبات لازم باشد در نصوص اصلی امر مبارک یافت میشود؛ بنابراین اقدامات و مذاکرات و مشاورات باید بر اساس آن نصوص مبارکه پایه ریزی شود.

۲. باید در گفتگوهائی که یاران با هم دارند از طرح سؤالات ابا نداشت در هر موردی که احباء منظور یکدیگر را نفهمند باید برای روشن شدن موضوع و لزوم کمک کردن به یکدیگر برای حصول تفاهم بیشتر از هم سؤال کنند طرح سؤآل همچنین فضای مناسبی برای فراگیری ایجاد می کند.

۳. در رفتار و گفتگو با دیگر باید همواره شرافت و اصالت انسانی را حفظ کرد و از حقیر شمردن خود و دیگران جداً اجتناب کرد.

۴. باید در نظر داشت که ترک تعصبات وحدت نژادی جدا از اجرای نقشههای امری از جمله نقشه چهارساله نیست و در واقع بخش لازمی از توسعه نطاق امر الهی و تحکیم اساس جوامع امر الله است و ارتباط مستقیم با پیشرفت امر مبارک در جهان دارد.

۵. همچنین توجه به ایجاد وحدت نژادی خود بخشی از تبلیغ امر مبارک است. تبلیغ امر الله جالب تأییدات الهی است و بدون این تأییدات تحقق وحدت نژادی امکان نمی یابد.

۶. تقليب روحانی افراد ارتباط مستقیم با ترک تعصبات دارد و غافل از این نکته نباید بود که شرط لازم برای رویاروئی با تعصباتی که تحت تأثیر بد آموزیهای جامعه و فرهنگ و گاه خانواده در ضمیر ریشه می دواند همانا حصول تقلیب روحانی در خویشتن خویش است آشکار است که بدون این تقلیب هیچ تغییر امکان نمی یابد.

در پایان گزارش مشاوران آمده است که جلساتی که برگزار شد با توفیق کامل همراه بود و برای اعضای هیئت معاونت درک عمیق تری از مسأله وحدت نژادی و رابطه آن با تبلیغ امر مبارک و پیشرفت و بالمآل اقبال دسته جمعی مردم به آن حاصل نمود.

نقشه تبلیغی محفل روحانی ملی

NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

محفل روحانی ملی در صدد است که یک بار دیگر ویدیوی The Power of Race Unity را در تابستان امسال از طریق شبکه های تلویزیونی پخش کند زمان پخش در شماره های آینده نشریه امریکن بهائی درج خواهد شد. شبکه تلویزیونی BET که ده ها میلیون نفر بیننده در سراسر ایالات متحده دارد پخش ویدیوی مذکور را تصویب کرده است. پخش ویدیوی مذکور از طریق این شبکه به گفته یکی از مسؤولان دفتر روابط عمومی محفل روحانی ملی، فرصت مغتنمی برای اعلان امر مبارک است و تصویب این ویدیو راه را برای پخش آن در دیگر شبکه ها هموارتر می سازد.

اهمیت تکرار پخش ویدیو پخش ویدیوی The Power of Race Unity از شبکه Odyssey تنها آغازی برای اعلان عمومی امر بهائی در ایالات متحده بود. به گفته یکی از کارکنان دفتر محفل که متخصص امور رسانه هاست تحقیقات در رشته ارتباطات نشان داده است که افراد باید یک پیغام را از ۸ تا ۱۵ بار بشنوند و ببینند تا آن را بفهمند. از آنجا که برخی فقط با یک بار دیدن برنامه ویدیوئی در صدد پرس و جو میافتند و برخی باید چندین بار آن را ببینند لازم است برنامه مذکور هر چند بار که امکان داشته باشد پخش شود.

فعالیتها محلی همچنین باید از روشهای دیگر ابلاغ کلمه نیز استفاده کرد. دوستان باید در هر جائی که ساکن باشند ترتیبی دهند که ویدیوی مذکور هر چند بار که ممکن باشد نشان داده شود لازم نیست که جوامع محلی منتظر اشاره تشکیلات ملی باشند و باید خود برای نشان دادن این ویدیو ابتکار به کار برند. وقتی بیننده ای پس از دیدن ویدیو جهت ایجاد دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر با تشکیلات محلی تماس گرفت کار تبلیغ آغاز می شود. باید با مبتدیان در اسرع وقت تماس گرفت و آنان را به جلسات و فعالیت های امری دعوت کرد. دوستان میتوانند برای دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر با دفتر لجنة ملى نشر نفحات تماس حاصل نمایند. شماره تلفن: ۳۴۹۳-۷۳۳ (۸۴۷) E-mail:

واکنش بینندگان به گفته منشی لجنة ملى نشر نفحات تأکیدی که در مرحله فعلی نقشه چهار ساله بر رسانه های گروهی می شود با آنچه از پیش صورت گرفته است تفاوت دارد. در حال حاضر باید به واکنشی که بینندگان برنامه ویدیونی نشان میدهند توجه خاصی مبذول داشت. [Page 39]

Communication key: judging responses

The 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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.

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 Atlanta 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 Bahá’í 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

More than a dozen focus group studies have been conducted in the past two years to test Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í Faith. This provided a unique opportunity to gauge the first impressions of a relatively large number of people.

Each group spent several hours carefully viewing segments of various Bahá’í productions and discussing their impressions and opinions with a moderator who was not a Bahá’í.

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 Bahá’í population.

By the end of each cycle of interviewing, 30-40 percent of participants expressed a favorable view of the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í exceptionalism or anything they saw as even a slight criticism of other faith traditions.

When people in the programs innocently talked about "the Bahá’í community" or referred to their religion as "the Faith," it suggested to many aloofness and a desire for separateness.

• Certain characteristics 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 Bahá’í 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 accountability is 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 Bahá’í principles demonstrated in real-life settings. Detached explanations of Bahá’í theology often proved unconvincing.

Most perceived a boundary between legitimate information and unacceptable evangelism. Those most interested in the Bahá’í teachings were more likely to be critical of what they considered evangelical excesses in American religion.

Broadcasts

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.

"It 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 not act 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 Bahá’í 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 800-22-UNITE number are all designed to proclaim the Faith and to elicit response from viewers. Once seekers contact local Bahá’í 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 847-733-3493, fax 847-733-3502, e-mail). [Page 40]

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly or its agencies at the Bahá’í National Center, please phone 847-869-9039 and ask for the relevant department. The numbers for the permanent Bahá’í schools and institutes are as follows: Bosch Bahá’í School, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564; e-mail Green Acre Bahá’í School, phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail Louhelen Bahá’í School, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, phone 803-558-5093; fax 803-558-9136; e-mail Native American Bahá’í Institute, phone 520-587-7599; fax 520-521-1063; e-mail

APRIL

13–18: Junior Youth Garden/Study Project at Bosch Bahá’í School. Enrollment limited.

17–19: “One Human Family” multicultural Gospel singing workshop and concert at Metro Denver Bahá’í center, directed by Eric Dozier. Must attend all-day workshop Saturday to sing in the concert Sunday afternoon. Contact Global Visions Arts Alliance (303-404-3193, e-mail

17–19: Oklahoma Bahá’í School: “Building a Strong and Vibrant Community” with William Roberts. Children’s and youth programs. Music by Dr. Bashir Badiei. Saints Grove Campground east of Stillwater, OK. Contact: David Gainey, 104 Fairway, Sulphur, OK 73086 (phone 580-622-2655, e-mail Space limited.

17–19: Wisconsin Youth Retreat: “Bahá’í Faith and the Environment” with Don Quinten. For ages 13–21. At YMCA Camp Anokijig, Plymouth, WI. Contact: Lisa Riemer, 1545 S. Main St. Apt. 306, West Bend, WI 53090 (phone 414-338-3023). Pre-register by April 15. Space limited.

24–26: Two programs at Green Acre Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í School, facilitated by Robert Phillips.

24–26: Wilmette Institute course on Old and New Testaments of the Bible, Bosch Bahá’í School. With Robert Stockman.

26: Milwaukee Bahá’í community 75th anniversary gala 2–5 p.m. at the Italian Community Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Speakers to include Marguerite Sears; also music, entertainment and historical displays. Reservations can be made at $25 per seat. For more information, contact Pat Miller at (414) 444-8995.

MAY

1–3: Fund-raiser weekend at Bosch Bahá’í School.

1–3: Institute for Junior Youth, for ages 12–16, Louhelen Bahá’í School.

8–10: Centennial of the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í School.

8–10: Parent/Child Weekend at Louhelen Bahá’í School.

15–17: Seekers/New Believers Weekend at Green Acre Bahá’í School.

22–24: “Pioneer for Race Unity” at Green Acre Bahá’í School.

22–24: Two sessions at Louhelen Bahá’í School: “Who are the New Bahá’ís?”; “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, 3820 Laraby Dr., Harrisburg, PA 17110 (phone 717-599-5939).

22–25: Utah Bahá’í School, Clear Creek Family Ranch near Zion National Park. Register by May 15; contact Shokouh Imani, 1157 N. 1450 West, Layton, Utah 84040 (phone 801-771-0586).

22–25: Marriage enrichment weekend at Bosch Bahá’í School.

23–24: Gold Fever Conference at Indian Creek School in Placerville, California. Call 530-626-0341.

28–31: Bahá’í National Convention, Holiday Inn O’Hare, Rosemont, Illinois. See form on page 5.

29–31: Three sessions at Louhelen Bahá’í School: “Paying Special Regard to Gardening and Agriculture”; “Maiden of Heaven” young women’s institute for ages 14–17; “Fostering the Advancement of Women.”

JUNE

5–7: “Social and Economic Development” at Louhelen Bahá’í ‎School.. School.‎

12–14: “A Million Minutes and Me: Changing the World” at Green Acre Bahá’í School.

12–14: Two sessions at Louhelen Bahá’í School: “Conflict Resolution, Consultation and Bahá’í Community Life” and Institute for Local Spiritual Assembly Development.

12–15: Wilmette Institute short course on Islam at Bosch Bahá’í School.

21–26: Camp Louhelen Children’s Institute at Louhelen Bahá’í School.

21–28: Choral School and Children’s Music Camp at Bosch Bahá’í 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 I at Green Acre Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í School.

27–July 1: Camp Louhelen Children’s Institute at Louhelen Bahá’í School.

SUMMER SCHOOLS

A list of regional summer Bahá’í schools across the country (June through August) is on page 18.

Margo Miller (fourth from right) declared her faith at Bosch Bahá’í School during the February meeting of the Regional Bahá’í Council of the Western States. Here she poses with members of the Council.

Photo from Regional Bahá’í Council of the Western States

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving The American Bahá’í, send all family members’ names, new address and mailing label to: Management Information Services, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. If acquiring a Post Office box, your residence address (B) must be filled in. Please allow three weeks for processing. (This also updates the National Center’s database.)

A. NAME(S)	ID#
1.
2.
3.
4.

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	Moving Date	E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER
Name of new Bahá’í Community		Area Code / Phone Number / Name

F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S)
Area Code / Phone Number / Name

G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE:	H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY
[ ] 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.	[ ] Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, ID number and address above.
[ ] the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match. We have listed above the full names of family members as they should appear on the national records, their ID numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER 112 LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

APRIL 9, 1998 JALÁL/GLORY·B.E. 155

THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í